Page 233 of Volik

This chair is stupid comfortable.

I don’t want to get up.

Staring at my phone, I drag my tongue over the point of my fang.

Then I lift my hand.

Chapter 104

Volik

“Lunch was fun.” Nix bumps her shoulder into me.

“Da,” I agree as we reach Bates Hall.

“And did you hear Henry say that his, uh, wife”—Nix substitutes the word for mate since we are on campus—“wants us over this weekend?”

“Da. I will get you her number.”

“Thanks.” Nix smiles at me as I pull the door open.

She is so pretty.

I trail my fingers through her hair as she steps past me into the building.

“Oh, hi there.” Nix greets someone.

I duck my head and recognize the professor walking this way.

Holding the door open, I wait for them to exit.

“Thank you.” She dips her chin at me as she passes.

“You are welcome.” I am making an effort to be more friendly to the staff, since I want to reflect well on Nix.

“I think the paintings this week are my favorite.” Nix lifts her voice to me as I duck through the doorway. “I’m gonna be a little sad when they change them out again.”

She is nearly halfway down the hall. Near her classroom door, standing with her nose almost to the wall, admiring one of the framed paintings.

“We can get more art for the house,” I offer as I walk toward her.

Nix hums and steps to the side, admiring the next.

She tilts her head. “I don’t remember this one.”

Something buzzes over my skin.

I stop walking. And I listen.

What is…

“I think it’s painted on glass.” Nix lifts her hand.

Magic.

“Nyet!”

I am throwing my gravito forward as hands reach out of the painting and grip Nix by the shoulders.