Page 156 of Vameer

His clothing is tailored, the material a dark maroon. But he looks… ancient.

Maybe it’s the robe that flows around him like a cape.

Maybe it’s the sword visible at his hip.

Maybe it’s his size and the long hair that make him look like he belongs on a battlefield.

Whatever it is, I have to force myself not to move because the urge to step back is real.

Voices whisper as the pair walks past. Phones are held up. Cameras flash. And the bigness of this moment settles over my shoulders.

I don’t recognize this vampire.

My eyes drop back to his sword as they near the stage. And I remind myself that Volik told me I was under his protection now. So if this turns out to be a huge mistake, maybe he’ll avenge me.

The woman catches my attention when she lifts her free hand to give me a tiny wave. That’s when I realize her eyes are black, like his. But the action is enough to somewhat smooth my frayed nerves.

Then the pair blurs. Going from the floor, four feet down, to standing on the stage, a few feet away from me.

My nerves fray all over again at the suddenness, and I take that involuntary step back.

Sounds of surprise and fear come from the audience.

This vampire is big. Built. Intimidating.

But this is my room. My hour.

I am not afraid.

The woman is between the vampire and the back of the stage. And his sword is between him and the crowd.

I reclaim the step I took. “If you’d like to talk, right now, how about you start by telling me your names?”

The vampire’s lips twitch, and I think he might be fighting a smile.

“Hello, May Branock.” He uses my full name. And it sounds more formal than threatening, but it still has the hairs on my arm reacting. “This is my mate, Rune.”

“I know this is a lot. But it’s really nice to meet you.” The woman smiles at me, showing a hint of fangs. “Nix says hi.”

I should get an award just for keeping a straight face through all this. “Can I assume your experience is similar to hers? That you were born a human?”

Rune nods, her smile softer but still in place.

“How long have you been mated?” It feels so weird to ask, since I don’t know if sex is a part of the mating process. But it’s an important question.

“Well, from the first moment, it’s been… less than a week.”

I want to ask what she means by the first moment comment, but that can wait.

I lift my gaze to the vampire’s. “And your name?”

“I have gone by many.”

“Give me one.”

“Interfector Mali. The Melas Oneiros.” He pauses. “Vameer Vadas.”

The room’s inhale is collective.