Page 57 of My Summer Girl

She’s perfect.

“He keeps and restores balance in Solera. He’s the keeper of this realm.”

“What does that mean?”

“If things don’t go according to the way the Fates intended, he fixes it before it completely changes destiny.”

“That’s so cool.” Her voice is still rough, like she took sandpaper to her vocals. I lift her as I go for my satchel, knowing there’s a waterskin in there. It’s brown, able to hold water for long periods.

Pulling it out, I bring it to her lips. Watching them part is both adorable and sad. She’s struggling. I pour the water, watching as she struggles to drink it down.

After she takes several gulps, I sit down with her on my lap. She stares up at me as if I hung the cosmos and gave them to her.

“This should be so awkward,” she jokes, her expression one of amusement. “We’re not only mostly naked, but you’re once again taking care of someone you’ve only just met.”

“I don’t mind,” I rumble, wanting to hold her to my chest forever and soak up the warmth she offers. She’s like sunshine and wildflowers wrapped into one.

“Thank you, Raev,” she says gently, snuggling against my chest.

“Don’t thank me, sweetness,” I coo. Leaning forward, I can’t resist to lay a kiss on her forehead.

She lets out the lightest purring sound, almost like a cat or something equally as cute. Peering backward, I note Dormir still over there, unmoving, watching in silence.

My chest warms, knowing that there’s something big in the cards for my little sweet. I’m unsure of what it is, but for a keeper to save her life means she’s meant for more.

Maybe my fate isn’t finding her and making her mine. Maybe I’m simply meant to bring her to my queen and bring back pollination.

It’s been so long, and I know Vera hasn’t stopped obsessing over fixing it.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Dulce

Beautiful Things – Benson Boone

I think the dragon has adopted me. After Raev brought life back to me—literally—I passed out. I don’t remember much but by the time I woke up, I was dressed once more and in a different field. This wasn’t like the one I dropped from the sky to but instead one where green was the only color that welcomed me.

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