99. Vameer
Vameer
Iplace two muffins in each of my hands, then nod to the coffee and paper bag filled with pastries for Volik to grab.
My gravito could carry everything, but I don’t need to draw more attention our way. Especially since the pressure in my chest has finally lessened. Meaning Rune’s nerves are settling.
The front door opens, and several people step inside the bakery, already staring at me and my brother.
Keeping it invisible, my gravito expands around us.
Humans will only notice the shimmer if they’re looking very closely, but it will blur any photo they try to take of us.
Every night while Rune rests, I read. And while reading about digital photography, I wondered. Then practiced.
Since my gravito is out more often than not, it was hard for Rune to capture any photos of me. But if I put intention into my power, the entire photo was nothing but a blur.
Volik twitches beside me, like he’s going to shove me again. So I step away from him.
And my fucking horns snag on another one of the damned lights.
Volik laughs. But he has the good sense to keep walking.
Hands full of muffin, I bend my knees until my horns are free of the weird wood-looking light fixture.
Keeping an eye on the ceiling, I make it the rest of the way to the table without incident.
Rune is doing a good job at pretending not to smile, and I appreciate it.
“I don’t like this place,” I grumble as I lower myself into the chair beside Rune, careful to keep most of my weight wrapped up in gravito, same as Volik, so we don’t crush the furniture.
Volik nods. “Indoor electricity. Such an inconvenience.”
I set the blueberry muffin in front of Rune and the apple cinnamon one in front of me, then grab the cup from Volik and put it beside Rune’s muffin.
“Thanks, Honey.” She squeezes my forearm.
I reach down and pull her chair closer to mine.
Noticing more people entering the bakery, I double-check that my protective bubble of gravito is surrounding everyone.
“Someone must’ve posted online that we’re all here.” Nix sighs. “They’re not even being subtle, just staring.”
Volik shakes his head. “You would think that living in this town for a decade would make people care less about seeing a vampire.”
I drape my arm over the back of Rune’s chair. “It’s probably because I’m with you now. People want to see the better-looking brother.”