Page 89 of Volik

Then, I start class.

For lunch, I eat a chocolate cherry cupcake.

Chapter 43

Nix

Snapping the lid shut on my leftover noodles, I slide the container into my mostly empty fridge and shut the door.

Rumors must’ve spread of Volik’s warning from this morning, because—as far as I could tell—there were no trespassers in my afternoon class.

That didn’t stop students from trying to ask questions, though.

A few hands were raised during class. A few brave souls approached me after, to ask if it was true. Was I really mated to Volik? What does that mean?

Each time, I just smiled and told them to have a nice rest of their day.

Even without the email from the dean, I wouldn’t have answered them. Because I don’t have answers.

Between classes, I did more digging online, putting my journalism skills to use.

I also stayed late doing more research because I was too chicken to walk to my car alone, nervous people might try to approach me, and I didn’t want to deal with it.

Obviously, the videos Jenny showed me were already circulating online this morning, but by lunchtime, they had gone viral.

Like… incredibly viral. Every platform, including every major news network around the globe, was airing them on repeat.

I watched them a few more times. For research.

Then I skimmed news articles but found they were mostly conjecture.

I don’t know if someone from the school leaked the word mate or if someone in the press made the connection, but the word made it into the stories. Which led to more speculation, references to that instance a few decades ago, but no new information.

Well, nothing new about vampires, but plenty of new information about me.

My name. Position at Stalden University. All my previous employers. Links to articles I’ve written.

Thank the gods I’ve only ever reported facts about Alts and always made a point to refute any ignorant statements made by an interviewee. Even without knowing that my future would lead me to Volik, I’ve always prided myself on my integrity above engagement.

It was still unnerving. Seeing all my information out there.

The things I read about myself stayed focused on me. My schooling. Where I’ve lived. But I know it’s only a matter of time before the reporters start to reach out to my family.

I almost smile, thinking about my parents and their families finding out about all this through the news.

Serves them right.

Tapping my fingers on the kitchen counter, I weigh my options.

Sit in the living room and wait for Volik.

Get ready for bed, even though it’s barely dark out.

Volik said we would talk tonight. That he would find me later.

I’m actually a little surprised that he listened to me and didn’t come back to my classroom.

And secretly, I’m a little disappointed.