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.
It was the right thing. Staying away. Because I never would’ve been able to teach class with him staring at me. But still, I… I think I miss him.
Feeling ridiculous over that thought, I pull the sliding door open a foot, letting the cool evening air float into my apartment.
How can I miss a man I don’t even know? Who I saw this morning?
I chew on my lip as I head down the hall to my room.
Better yet, how can the mere presence of that man make me feel… better, calm, peaceful?
When Volik appeared in my classroom this morning, I felt relief at his nearness. And didn’t even think twice about going to him. Touching him. Kissing him.
I groan as I reach my room.
For someone who has gotten physically ill over any hint of intimacy, Volik sure has the opposite effect on me.
I’ll think more clearly after a shower.
I stop just inside my bedroom.
The bed frame is gone.
I spin in a slow circle.
It’s completely gone.
Volik, obviously, is the culprit.
After he left this morning, I piled up some of the broken bits next to the dresser. I had no idea how I’d dispose of the ruined bed frame. But now…
I shake my head and find a pair of pajamas.
Steam billows out of the bathroom as I open the door.
With my wet hair pulled back in a thick braid, I step into the hall wearing a pair of loose gray sleep shorts and a matching tank.
I feel clean. But not relaxed.
Every minute that ticks by without my vampire makes my skin feel tighter.
Where is Volik?
Is he okay?
Did he change his mind?
Is he done with me?
Angry with myself for feeling this way, I clench my jaw and head toward the kitchen.
I’m going to shut and lock the balcony door.
It’s not until I’m turning the corner into the main room that I smell it.
Him.
Volik is standing just inside the still-open balcony door, his minty scent floating in the breeze.
I halt.
Then I reach up and rub at my temples.
He’s wearing sweatpants.
Just sweatpants.
No shirt.
No socks or shoes or anything except for the sweatpants.
Not even boxer briefs.
And I can tell. Because the sweatpants are so incredibly tight on him, I can see every bulge of muscle in his legs. And every inch of his absurd dick where it’s plastered against the inside of his thigh.
The gray material is so perfectly molded to his body that my eyes can trace the ridge around the head of his dick from across the room.
“What is wrong?” Volik presses his hand against his naked chest, telling me my pulse is increasing.
I keep my fingertips against my temples. “You cannot walk around like that.”
“My shirts do not fit.”
“It’s not—” I drop my hands. “I can see your dick, Volik.”
He looks down.
So do I.
He shifts his weight, turning his hips, like the pants will suddenly grow three sizes.
They don’t.
His dick is still right there.
“I am sorry. I will get the robe.” Volik’s tone is… Gods, it makes my heart hurt.
Tears prick my eyes.
Why am I about to cry?
Volik takes a step back, his eyes widening and his nostrils flaring. “I am sorry, my Nix.” He turns, putting his back to me, and ducks out the door onto the balcony.
He’s leaving?
Panic flares inside me, and I rush to follow him.
Volik puts his hand on the railing, like he’s going to vault over it.
Trusting he’ll find a way to save me if our combined weight collapses the shitty balcony, I step outside.
“I will fix it,” he says without looking back at me.
He starts to shift, and I lunge, grabbing at his waistband.
Volik stills. “No one will see me.”
I curl my fingers into the too-tight fabric. “D-don’t go.”
Panic continues to claw at my throat.
Of course I don’t want anyone to see him like this. But more than that, I don’t want him to leave.
Slowly, Volik turns back to face me, and my fingers slip free from the back of his pants.
“Fleur.” His voice is a whisper as he reaches up and brushes the tears off my cheeks. “Please stop crying. I am sorry.” He brushes away more as they continue to fall. “I will never wear these pants again. I promise.”
I sniff, trying to find room in my throat for words. But the tears just keep coming.
“I will burn them.” He wipes away more tears. “Please stop.”
I reach up and grip his forearms. My hands look so small against his body. “It-it’s not that.” My choppy inhales jolt the words as I try to say them.
“Tell me.” Large hands tip my head back, forcing me to look up into Volik’s anguished face. “Tell me how to make it better.”