Page 15 of My Summer Girl

My body hums as I soak in the lake later that night. I’ve been here since I watched Dulce leave with her clothes intact. Part of me wanted to follow her, see how she lives her life, but I reminded myself of my promise to Vera.

My purpose is simple: find her love. A mate. Someone worthy. Dulce is worthy. I shake that thought away. I couldn’t possibly bring Vera someone I’m this attracted to. It’s hard enough to be around my queen without my own desires creeping in. But to be around them both and long for their touches... It would end me.

A burning sensation tingles up my chest and when I grab my necklace, I realize it’s coming from the link to Dulce. She has traveled off-realm. Which means she has either gone to Vex or somewhere else. Either way, something tugs inside me to make sure she’s okay, regardless of where that place might be.

I chant the little words to follow her port, knowing it’ll either put me on the spot and in danger or where it last pinged.

As my body phases out into the void, I appear inside a room. The walls are dark and purple, as if all sunlight has been sucked free. I’m immediately hiding as quickly as I can.

Noting there are no noises, it’s safe to say she’s not in here. My feet dance across the floor as I tiptoe, trying to be as quiet as possible. Being as large as I am, it’s not abnormal for me to make a lot of noise.

When there’s no movement at all, I sneak around, trying to see where I am. Going to the door, my palm tingles as I twist the handle. I immediately know it’s because I’m unwelcome.

Hopefully whoever’s room this is, they don’t have a tracking ward or anything blood-tying in creation. If so, I’ll be in deep shit.

Blood is much like magic—leaving traces of who you are, where you’re from, and many other ties to your existence.

Leaving the room, a dark hallway greets me. There are tons of doors, easily making this the biggest building I’ve ever encountered. As I blink away my shock, it’s as if my view has morphed before my eyes. The hallway turns into a staircase, and I trail down it, acting as if I belong here.

Wherever here is.

“You’re new,” a voice states matter-of-factly. I turn to the person, and see what could only be described as a siren with legs instead of a tail.

“I am,” I rasp, unable to stop the worry creeping into my tone. I wasn’t lying when I said how terrible I am at doing just that.

Being an outsider in this place makes me more than uncomfortable. I shouldn’t be here.

“Need guidance, big guy?” Their eyes bat softly, like they’re trying to distract me.

“Y-yes,” I stammer, knowing that coming here was a mistake, invading a space unwelcome to me.

“The name is Myr. Nice to meet you.” I don’t offer my hand or a hug, not knowing the customs of whatever place this is. They stare at me and narrow their eyes.

“Nyxie,” the other coos to the open air before a poof turns into a person.

“You aren’t one of ours,” this one says—Nyxie, apparently. “We have discretion and rules for a reason.”

“I apologize for barging in. I’m under orders to be here,” I answer truthfully, not wanting to build up a bigger ball of anxiety.

“Do you like to fuck?” Myr asks, bold intentions mirrored in their gaze. My jaw tightens as my body recoils. Interesting.

“I do.” Just two words, but that lights up the creature’s face.

“I’ll vouch for him,” Myr adds, lifting up the lace sleeve of her dress. Nyxie, as they called them, elongates their teeth, drawing the wrist forward.

It takes me a moment to realize that this Nyxie is a Saephyn. Cin said they’re basically vampires.

“Very well, but it’s on you to explain the house rules. If anything is to happen, you’ll pay the price.”

Myr nods enthusiastically and places their arm through mine.

“This is Vex.” When I don’t prod or interrupt with a question, they continue. “It’s a club for monsters. One where your desires aren’t too large, and your tastes will be satisfied.”

They drag me as they walk and my eyes catch on moving figures. There’s a couple pressed against the wall. One is on their knees sucking down the other while they both peer at me and Myr with lust. I don’t stare, and Myr flexes their arm around me like that’s exactly what I should’ve done. The farther we wander, the louder the noises get.

Moans.

Fuck, so many moans.

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