Page 139 of Vameer

“You two stay to the side to start.” Volik speaks over the weird sound coming out of the computer. “I have a plan.”

Rune leans against me. The beeping stops. The image of Volik shrinks. Replaced by the face of my uncle.

“My boy!” His smile is wide. “How are you and my favorite niece?”

“I am good.” Volik smiles. “But I do not know if you should say that anymore.”

Uncle Frio scrunches up his face. “Say what? That Nix is my favorite?”

Volik dips his chin. “Da.”

Uncle drops his voice. “Are you two fighting?” He glances over his shoulder. All I can see behind him is a stone wall, but Aunt Bridget is probably nearby. “Whatever you did, apologize.”

“We are not fighting.” Volik laughs, like it’s the most absurd thought.

The tension leaves Uncle’s shoulders. “Good. Then what are you going on about?”

“I want you to meet someone.” Volik slides his chair back. “This is Rune.”

Rune glances up at me, blows out a breath, then steps in front of Volik.

She grins at the monitor. “Hello.”

My girl. Taking every damned thing in stride.

Like meeting our dramatic uncle.

On cue, Uncle Frio slaps his hands to his chest. “Holy heartbeats. Who are you?” He leans closer to the screen.

“What are you doing in there?” my aunt shouts from the background, probably feeling Uncle’s shock.

Uncle doesn’t pull his attention away from Rune. “Another human mate?”

Rune starts to bite her lower lip, a habit she hasn’t broken yet.

With my body still out of view, I reach over and use my thumb to gently pull Rune’s lower lip free.

“Who is that?” Uncle’s voice drops to a whisper. “Who are you mated to?”

The hope and desperation in his voice tear at my composure. But I fight it into place.

I am a warrior.

I have discipline.

Rune shuffles to the side, still on screen but making room for me.

I take a step forward.

But standing, all he can see is my robe. And chain.

I pull my sword free.

Getting it out of the way.

Then I drop down onto Volik’s lap, putting my head in view.

I dip my chin. “Hello, Uncle.”