Page 48 of My Summer Girl

Chapter Eighteen

Vex

Heat Waves – Glass Animals

Violent shakes rack my hands as I open the letter that was sent within fifteen minutes of sending hers. She’s quick, I’ll give her that. Doesn’t stop the nervous restlessness that comes with not knowing if Dulce is okay.

Unease is my only bedmate now. I can’t imagine what she must be feeling knowing that one of her members of court is possibly a bad person.

Dear Vex,

I understand missing your mate must come at a woeful cost, and for that, I apologize. I’ve been seeking my hand, Raevar, who’s been gone for a while.

Yes, Raevar is the hand to the queen, my most trusted confidant. While this information must come at some shock to you, it’s with my protection that I must say he couldn’t have been aware of your connection to whomever he took.

There must be a misunderstanding at foot. I sent him to find me my mate, and if he’s somehow taken yours, that is on both him and I to remedy.

I’d like to extend an invitation to you to come to Solera so we can discuss this sensitive issue further and not have any ill will. I do hope you can forgive him—if he did in fact kidnap your mate—and that you can celebrate solstice here. It’s a huge family tradition, and it’s something we strive to do well.

Raevar has been gone for some time, and I worry he’s maybe hurt and, therefore, your mate could be as well.

Please let me know and I can send a port-path your way.

With regards,

Verano

Two things hit me at once. Relief and dread. She has to be right. We only sealed the bond a day prior and there hadn’t been an announcement, let alone a ceremony. Under all magical rites, she’s only my mate by Saephyn law, not across realms.

Under any other circumstances, she’d just look like any pretty person—and she is, my precious, precious dove.

I send a letter to Pyro, Val, and even to Dionysius and Xó. Wanting everyone to be on the same page. Di and Dulce didn’t part on the best of terms before she left, and knowing that might just put more strain on their bond.

A snap brings me face to face with a very angry and very pregnant Xóchitl. I’ve only met her twice, and both times were at weddings. Her husband stands behind her, an exhausted scowl on his face.

He seems so tired, and with the child sleeping in his arms, it makes perfect sense why.

“¿Qué hiciste?” She holds the letter in her clutched palm—fear, concern, and absolute anger written across her face. Her lip is pulled back in a near snarl along with the most scrunched expression she’s ever directed at me.

“Nothing, I didn’t do anything. Someone took her a week ago,” I answer woefully, knowing I should’ve told her immediately. Holding her stomach, she lets out the meanest sounding hiss known to man.

“My sister has been gone a week and you didn’t think to reach out sooner?” Arson approaches her, kissing her cheek and rubbing a soothing palm across her back.

“Don’t stress, Joyful. You know it’s hard on the babe.”

She turns to him and scowls, but her eyebrows are drawn in and a tear slips down her cheek. Before he can wipe it away, three more pops sound.

Dionysius arrives first, a fuming Val behind her. Pyro clenches his teeth as he walks behind his husband.

“Una juntada? Claro que sí,” Val grumbles, rolling his eyes long and hard. Yet, behind his sarcasm, his face reflects one of fury with a sprinkle of nervousness. “Pyro mentioned there was something that happened a week ago, and yet I’m now just learning the ‘what.’”

“¿Neta?” Di turns to her brother. “She’s my twin!” she roars, her face one of murderous intent.

“I’m sorry I didn’t notify you all sooner,” I breathe out, rubbing my chest. The wound from Dulce’s bite healed within the day, but I reach for it, soothing it as much as I can.

Being off-realm before we did the bonding ceremony and strengthened it made it basically useless in seeking her out.

---