Page 25 of The Bride Auction

“She’s not there.”

“What do you mean? She’s got to be there.” I threw the robe at Ivex, not caring if he caught it or not.

I raced to our quarters. “Summer!” I called.

Arik left the bathroom door wide open, the emptiness mocking me. I touched the wall of the shower. “Bone dry. Damn. She wanted to take a shower when she returned.”

I stopped in our bedroom next, the bed in the center of the room, mocking me. Not a wrinkle creased the covers. “Summer?” I called again.

“Do you think she fell? Yesterday she complained a bit about her leg hurting,” Arik asked.

“I don’t know.” I ran to my mothers wing. “Have you seen Summer?”

“Not recently.”

“When did you last see her?”

“Renick, don’t take that tone with me.” Mother’s eyes flashed.

“No one can find her. I think you’re the last person to see her. When?” I tried to keep hope in my voice, but I was quickly becoming desperate to find her.

My mother’s face paled. “We walked from the field by the flyer to the patio together. She said she wanted to sit outside a moment to calm her thoughts before she changed. She’s here, I know it.”

Ivex and Arik shared a glance. They raced out toward the common areas. After what seemed like an eternity, they returned. “She’s not in the house, Renick,” Ivex said. He tapped furiously into his communicator. “Let me see if I can call in a favor.”

“We searched everywhere.” Arik snarled in frustration. “Where the hell is she?”

“She’s not going to miss your ceremony. Summer is so proud of you and excited on your behalf. She has to be here, somewhere,” Mother said.

“I don’t care about the ceremony,” I said. “Summer is my priority.” A pit of dread formed in my stomach. “Where is Summer?” Both my hearts thudded. Nothing else mattered. I needed to find Summer.

Chapter 17

Summer

“What the hell?” I ground out, holding my head in a vain attempt to stop my temple throbbing. Light hurt my face, and I struggled to open my eyes.

“She awakens,” a gravelly voice said.

“Sabulk? Is that you?” Please help.”

“Help me,” the voice mocked. “Not so perfect now, are you?”

“Sabulk, please take me back to Renick. He’s probably wondering where I am.”

“You stupid female. I’m not taking you anywhere near Renick.” His voice dripped with disdain.

“Help me, please. I’m not sure what happened. All I know is my head is killing me and I need your help to get back home.”

“That will never be your home. You are not wanted among the Abane people. Nor are you welcome in the Ulawan family.”

His feet kicked dirt and pebbles in my face. I tried to narrow down my potential location, to no avail. “You’re his family! Please take me back to your nephew.” My voice came out strained.

“I’m not his uncle. Not by blood, anyway.”

“What?”

Sabulk chortled. “Oh, this is precious. Renick didn’t tell you. I was only close to the family to put myself in a position of power. You know the Ulawan’s have everything. I came from nothing. I worked hard, finally working my way up.”

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