Page 147 of Volik

“I think it was the bond.”

“What do you mean?”

“I think the bond stopped you from unpacking. That apartment is not your home.” Volik’s eyes are narrowed in thought. “Were you in Jenny’s office on Monday, around…”

“Around the time you stomped through the hall, shaking the building?”

His nod is slow. “Da.”

“I was.” So much has happened since then that I almost forgot how intense that moment was. “I remember feeling this pull to go to the door. And I remember feeling insane for wanting to do that.”

“I tried to open the door.”

My brows lift. “What?”

“I had never been in that office before. But that day, I had this overwhelming urge to open the door. But it was just how you described. I could not make my hand grab the handle. Something stopped me. That is why I opened her door that afternoon when I was leaving. I wanted to see if I could.”

My mouth hangs open as I stare at Volik.

What the fuck?

“I believe the bond was preventing us from meeting before it was time.”

“Holy shit.”

“Da.”

“What would’ve happened if we did meet?”

Volik curls his tongue around his fang. “I would have wanted you. There is no force that could have stopped that.”

Heat pulses down my spine.

His nostrils flare.

And someone knocks on the door.

Volik grunts but still glances toward the door and lifts his chin, indicating for them to enter.

“Morning!” Jenny’s voice is cheerful as she steps into the room. “The dean told me to see if you changed your mind about needing help with classes today or if—” Volik shifts to the side, and her gaze meets mine. “Fuck me!” Jenny squeaks.

I snicker at her reaction, making sure to keep my lips mostly closed.

She slaps a hand to her chest. “Sorry. Sorry.” Her eyes are wide, startled, but not scared. “I wasn’t expecting…” Her laugh is a bit manic as she glances at Volik, then back to me. “Talk about a surprise.”

“You’re telling me.”

Jenny shakes her head, then stops when her eyes land on my hands.

I hold them out so she can see my black nails as she continues to walk closer. “My new permanent mani-pedi. Pretty cool, huh?”

When she’s close enough, Jenny reaches out and touches one of my black nails, checking that it’s real.

Jenny’s eyes are still wide when she looks back up at me, brows raised. “Gee, anything else new with you?”

Her tone is full of sarcasm. But it’s the perfect opening…

I lift a shoulder.