Page 141 of Vameer

I dart my gaze to Nix.

She bites down on a grin when we make eye contact. Confirming that yes, this man, like our mates, is wildly attractive.

Chapter 82

Vameer

Istare at the newcomer.

He looks like a normal druid.

Just a man with tattoos and dried mud on one side of his body, whose eyes glow when he’s using magic.

But he does not feel like a normal druid.

He feels… strong.

Volik breaks the silence. “Where did you come here from?”

“The jungle.” His voice is deep, but I can tell he’s young.

A young, powerful druid with a penchant for weapons of old.

I might actually like this one.

The druid known as Dread walks directly to me, stopping an arm’s length away.

Had we met before my change, before my mate bond, we’d be closer to the same size. But as it is, he’s shorter and not as broad. But he’s holding my gaze. Not backing down.

Not intimidated.

The druid holds his hand out between us. “The name is Dread.”

“Vameer.” I smirk as I dip my chin, but I do not take his hand.

One does not shake hands with an unknown druid. It is ill advised.

The druid turns so his hand is extended toward Rune, and my smirk drops.

My mate smiles and starts to lift her hand. “Hi, I’m⁠—”

My gravito wraps around Rune and pulls her backward, out of Dread’s reach.

This time the druid smirks as he lowers his hand. “You’ve been gone a long time, Interfector Mali.”

I nod. “Too long. But I will stay this time.”

“Done fighting?” He makes a point to look at the sword tucked into my chain.

I shift my gaze to the double-headed ax slung across his back. “There are fights at home.”

He hums. “That there are.”

Rune purposefully bumps against my arm as she steps back up beside me. “Hi, Dread. I’m Rune. Sorry about that, I must’ve tripped.” She shoots me a narrow-eyed look, but there’s no real censure in it.

“A protective mate is not a bad thing.”

I drape my arm over her shoulders. “We would like a portal to Chicago, then to California, then back here, if you’re willing.”