Page 225 of Volik

“I did not know that,” I admit quietly. “I only heard about the story from Morell after Vameer… disappeared.”

My aunt reaches across the distance between us and places her hand on my shoulder. “He kept his darker moments from you because he loved you and wanted to protect you.”

My huff holds no resentment. “That has worked out well.”

“Yes, well…” Aunt Bridget gives me a squeeze, then drops her hand. “Men are fools.”

Nix snorts.

“Too true,” Uncle agrees. Then he turns his attention back to Dread. “Thank you for telling us about the killings. I’ll start looking into it immediately.”

Dread nods. “Vampires.” Then he inclines his head. “Barth.”

Barth’s eyes widen at the direct address. Then Dread turns and walks back toward the portal.

Nix pulls away to give everyone a final hug, then we follow Dread.

The druid steps through first.

“You next.” I press a kiss to Nix’s hair.

As she steps through the blackness, I glance back at my family.

Uncle points at the portal, where Nix just disappeared, and gives me a thumbs-up.

Smirking, I follow her home.

Chapter 97

Nix

“You are sure?”

“Yes.” I press my hands against Volik’s chest. “Go have lunch with Henry. Jenny and I will eat here in her office.”

He stares down at me, then lifts his gaze over my head to where Jenny is standing near her desk. “You will walk with her to Bates Hall.”

“I super swear.”

Volik narrows his eyes down at me, then heaves out a breath. “Fine.” He grips my face, kisses my forehead, then turns and ducks out the door.

I’m turning from the door when I hear a startled yelp in the hall.

Poking my head out, I see the delivery guy visibly shaking as Volik points to the paper bag of takeout in his hands.

“That’s for us,” I call out to the poor man. “You can give it to Volik.”

The delivery guy does just that, then books it back down the hall.

Volik turns back, lifting the bag up and down like he’s weighing it.

“This is not enough,” he tells me as he holds it out.

I laugh. “They’re big salads.”

He makes a face. “Salad is not lunch.”

“It’s literally a meal.” I try to argue, but my gaze drops to Volik’s neck. That’s a meal.