69. Rune
Rune
Wiping at my cheeks, I wince at the loud cracking sound when the brothers knock their skulls together.
Then I catch sight of the woman approaching, and I brush away another tear as I smile at Nix freaking Novak. “Hello.” My voice is full of emotion.
She gives me a little wave, and I see the same happiness shimmering in her eyes. “Hi.”
Vameer’s low voice vibrates the air, and his brother, the world-famous Volik, chuckles.
And it’s all just too much.
“Can I hug you?”
The woman, whom I only know from the media, smiles at me as she nods.
I don’t give her time to change her mind. I hurry across the few feet separating us and throw my arms around her.
And then my tears start all over again.
She lets out a watery laugh. “I know. I’m happy for them too.”
Nix is a few inches taller than me, so I nod against her shoulder. “They waited so long.” I sniff. “It’s really nice to meet you, by the way. I’m Rune.”
“It’s nice to meet you too. I’m Nix.”
“I know.” Then I realize how weird that sounds. “I just mean—”
Her body shakes with humor. “No need to explain.”
Blowing out a breath, I release Volik’s mate and step back.
“Thanks.” I wipe at my cheeks again. Then I notice the tear stains on her nice white shirt.
“Oh, shit. Sorry.” I reach out and brush my fingers across the crisp fabric.
“I think it’s just damp, but I probably have some leftover mascara from a few days ago stuck on a lash or two,” I ramble.
“It’s okay.” She smiles, and gods, she’s pretty. Honey brown hair. Vampire eyes. Fangs. Horns that gleam in the sun.
I want her to like me.
We’re basically sisters now, and I want her to like me so badly.
I should’ve brought her something.
Not that I have anything to give. My tiny vases were left behind. And there’s nothing—
I snag one of my bracelets at random and pull it off my arm. “Please take this as, um, an apology.” I hold out the bracelet as I finally look down to see it’s one of my plainer ones. Just a strand of green beads. “If you don’t like it.” I hold up my wrist, showing off the others.
Nix takes the green bracelet with a smile. “I love it.” She slips the stretchy band onto her wrist. “Reminds me of mint.”
My shoulders sag as I force myself to relax. “Sorry, I’m normally not this awkward.”
Nix grins.
“Rune.” Vameer’s voice pulls our attention. “Come meet my brother.”
The males have separated, and Vameer is holding his arm out to me.
I go to him, pressing into his side as Nix stands next to her mate.
Vameer drapes his heavy arm over my shoulders and holds me against his body. “Rune, this is my brother, Volik. Volik, this is my mate.”
Volik, who seemed so intimidating in videos and interviews, is smiling down at me, exuding nothing but happiness.
“Nice to meet you.” I hold my hand out between us before I can think better of it.
Do vampires shake hands?
He doesn’t hesitate or make me feel weird about it.
Volik Vadas shakes my hand. “You must be very strong. Or the fates would not have joined you to my brother.”
Vameer huffs as we release hands. “Of will and stubbornness.”
I poke him in the side.
Volik smiles even wider. “I am happy to see you so happy.” I glance up to see a matching smile on Vameer’s face, making me melt into his side. “Though,” Volik sighs. “I was really looking forward to being bigger than you for once.”
Vameer’s smile turns into a smirk. “Just be glad you found your other half first. Imagine if you were still as tiny as you used to be.”
Volik rolls his eyes. “Still cocky.” Then he places his hand on Nix’s back. “This is my mate, Nix. Fleur, this is Vameer.”
“It’s—” Nix starts. But then the door behind them opens.
And Vameer’s gravito bursts into existence. Forming a dome of dark smoke over the four of us.