Rune
Nix and I stand in the same spot from the night before. Shoulder to shoulder, looking through the glass wall at the front of her house.
Aunt Bridget and Barth have the boy, Richie, in the kitchen, in human form, wearing a Stalden University sweatshirt and a pair of Nix’s sweatpants rolled at the ankles.
With a few calls, done by Nix, we were able to get a hold of his parents. And we all cried when he talked to them on the phone.
They’re going to the meeting point now. And when our men get back, because we agreed not to leave until they returned, Barth will take Aunt Bridget and the kid to his parents.
I’m pretty sure the relatives will come back here and stay awhile.
I hope they do.
Nix nudges me. “They’re here.”
I blink and see the golden glow.
We’re alive. So we know they are too. But the waiting…
We rush through the door.
Dread steps through first. Then Uncle Frio. And a mostly naked Orion.
Volik is next.
And my heart starts beating wildly. And he doesn’t stop it.
I need to see him.
I need—
Then he’s here.
My vampire.
Tall and thick. Soot and dirt streaked across skin. Hair loose. Sword on his hip.
And he reaches for me.
My next step turns into a jump. And as my feet leave the ground, his power pulls me in.
“Mate.” Vameer wraps his arms around me as mine go around his neck.
“Mine.”
And I breathe in storm clouds as our mouths press together.
His heat warms every inch of me. And I try to hold him even closer.
Because every time I see Vameer, I’m home.
His tongue brushes mine, and I let out a quiet purr.
He groans.
And someone clears their throat, loudly.
My lips pull into a smile against Vameer’s.
Our eyes open. And my smile pulls into a grin.
“There are other people here,” I whisper to my mate.
“I am aware.”
I shrug. “I sort of forgot.”
He releases a little growl. “Good.”
I lean back in his hold and glance around to see that everyone is out here. And Dread’s flat expression tells me it was probably him who cleared his throat.
My cheeks heat. But not too much, because Volik is holding Nix in a similar fashion.
Vameer sets me down, and we all say our goodbyes to Richie.
I was a little worried he might be intimidated meeting the Vadas brothers, but his excitement is clear.
Vameer gives him a fist bump.
Volik lifts a brow at his brother. “I’m impressed you know that.”
Vameer ignores him and keeps his attention on the kid. “You need help, you let me know. You let any of us know.”
The boy nods. “Thanks. And thanks for…” He lifts a shoulder. “Killing all those guys.”
Vameer dips his chin. “Anytime.”
I shake my head.
Barth opens a portal, and just like that, they leave with Richie.
Once the portal closes, Nix looks up at Volik. “Who was that guy with the fur?”
Volik drapes his arm over her shoulders. “Orion.”
The wolf shifter rolls his eyes, and I try not to laugh, because I’m also curious who that big dude we saw was.
“On that note.” Orion steps backward toward the woods. “I need to go address my pack.” He slaps a hand to his hip. “I’ll leave these on a branch for you, Vampire.”
Vameer shakes his head. “I do not want those back.”
Orion smirks, then turns and jogs into the woods.
“Seriously, though.” Nix nudges Volik. “Who was that guy?”
He turns her toward the house. “We do not know. He disappeared before he could tell us.”
I start to follow them, then realize that Vameer and Dread aren’t following.
Turning back to face my vampire, I cross my arms.
He smirks and steps to me. “No, Prinsessa. You do not get to be upset.” He pulls my arms apart and puts my hands at his waist.
I roll my eyes. “I can be upset if I want to be.”
He shakes his head as he lowers his face to mine. “You disobeyed me today regarding your safety.”
“You were clearly expecting us.”
He brings his face even closer. “Do not test me.”
Gods. His stern tone is doing it for me.
His nostrils flare. “When I get back, I want you in our bed, with your shield.”
A laugh that sounds a little like a groan pops out of me. “My shield?”
“Sí. Only the shield.”
“You bringing your sword?” My eyes drop to the front of his pants.
Vameer grins, and Dread, who is still only two feet away, heaves out a breath.
I press my lips together, then sigh. “Where are you going?”
“To kill a guy.”
“Will it be dangerous?”
He shakes his head. “Not at all.”
I don’t know what the appropriate reaction is supposed to be when your mate tells you they’re leaving to kill someone. But I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to be upset.
I’m not.
That’s probably an issue. But the truth is, I trust Vameer.
I know Vameer.
It doesn’t matter that we just met. I know him. Inside and out. Because our hearts beat as one. Because he keeps the other half of my soul.
So I trust him to do what’s right. And the people who have been trying to kill him, us, who would hurt random strangers just to get to him, those sorts of people have no place in this world. Those sorts of people can never be trusted.
“Come back quickly.” I squeeze Vameer’s sides. And his fingertips trail down my arms as I step back.
Then Dread creates a portal, and they leave.