Page 228 of Volik

“Did you lock yourself out again?” Jenny asks, drawing his attention back to her.

The guy grimaces. “Yeah.”

“Fine.” She sighs. “We’ll go to my office after I walk Nix back.”

I wave her off. “We’re literally here.”

“You’re sure?”

I nod. “You can watch me walk in.”

“Fine, but if that man of yours gets upset over it, I’m blaming you.”

“Totally fair.” I take a step away, toward the front of Bates Hall. “Once my class starts, I’ll send him over with your dessert.”

The guy silently watches us and turns a little paler at each mention of Volik.

I’m smiling to myself as I enter my building.

It really has been the most insane three weeks of my life, but also probably the best.

As I unlock my classroom door, I appreciate the new art display hanging in the hallway. They’ve popped up all over campus. Some sort of competition between art classes. I think we can vote online, but I’ve been happy to just enjoy the pops of color.

Turning the lights on, I look up at the clock.

Henry must’ve been chatty at lunch if Volik’s not back yet.

I’m thinking about my mate, and the reminder of blondies, when I register the sound of heels clicking down the hallway.

I make a face to myself as I cross to my desk, thinking about uncomfortable shoes.

After my old scars disappeared, it was clear that I had expedited healing. But when I accidentally cut myself on a glass I broke yesterday, it’s equally clear that I still have the easily injured skin of a human. Not Volik’s nearly impenetrable hide.

The heel clicking gets louder.

Setting my bag on the desk, I turn, expecting to watch someone pass by my open doorway.

But no one passes by.

Nope.

They stop at my door. And then my heart thuds rapidly as I watch my mother step into my classroom.

Chapter 98

Volik

My heartbeat jumps.

I stop inside the bakery, halfway between the door and the counter.

My heartbeat does not slow.

Another half second.

It’s still racing.

I spin and reach the door in two strides.