Page 230 of Volik

I twine my fingers with Volik’s, and he finally lowers his arm.

Side-by-side, we face my mom together. United.

“Nix.” She tries for a placating tone and turns her attention just to me. “You must understand this is… a lot to take in.”

“You’re right, I do understand.” I don’t say more. I’m not responsible for making this conversation comfortable.

Volik’s exhale has a hint of a growl.

Volik, on the other hand, is making it his responsibility to make this moment as uncomfortable as possible. For her.

Chapter 100

Volik

Nix’s mother crosses her arms. “I had to call your father, see if he’d heard from you. Do you know how humiliating that was?”

Fury climbs up my throat.

How dare a mother talk to her child this way.

Nix shrugs at my side. “You didn’t have to call him. It’s not like we talk.”

“I know that now. Apparently you don’t reply to anyone in the family.”

My mate scoffs. “Why would I?”

“Excuse me?” The unpleasant woman has the audacity to look affronted.

“Why would I?” Nix repeats, slower.

“This…” She gestures at us. “This is important.”

“Every moment of Nix’s life is important.” My voice booms through the room.

“I know that,” she snaps and glances at me. But she cannot hold my gaze.

“When was the last time we talked?” Nix asks.

Her mom huffs. “I don’t⁠—”

“It’s been almost a year,” Nix tells her.

“Lives are busy,” she tries to wave off her daughter’s point, like it is not a pattern. “And the phone goes both ways, Nix.”

“No.” Nix squeezes my fingers. “You won’t put any part of our shitty relationship on me. You’re the parent. It’s your job to care first.”

I squeeze her fingers back, hoping she can feel how proud I am.

Her mom is breathing heavy. “It’s not my fault. After Lu⁠—”

Nix hisses.

Her mom’s mouth snaps shut. And I slowly turn my head to look down at my mate.

“I-I…” her mom stutters.

“Don’t you dare blame your shitty parenting on him.” Another hiss leaves my mate’s throat.