Page 27 of The Bride Auction

Arik winked. “If I’m being totally honest, I’m going to miss that belt.”

“Ugh,” I groaned. “Of course you’d say something like that.”

Arik grinned. “A little levity never hurts.”

Renick clapped his friend on the back. “I’m sure I can replace the belt,” he said, his head bobbing.

Ivex fiddled with the box in his hands. He tucked it back into his pocket. “Now the whole planet knows who killed Father, and who tried to assassinate our new diplomat’s mate.”

“You caught his confession?” I asked.

“Sure did,” Ivex said sheepishly. His wrist comm buzzed. He pressed a button on the top of the screen. Imoa’s voice blasted through the tiny speaker.

“I’m glad Summer is safe. My boys, you’re included too, Arik, were amazing. Now, get Summer home to her family, where she belongs. Summer, Sabulk was wrong. You are a member of this family, and you do belong. We love you.”

“Yes, Mother,” all three males replied.

The flyer landed in the field by our house. I rubbed my eyes, unable to believe the people anxiously awaiting my descent from the conveyance. Faces I never thought I’d see again, rushed to the door almost blocking me in. “Mom! Dad!” I cried, falling into my parents’ arms. “What are you doing on Tenap? How? When?”

Imoa stood back, surrounded by her sons and Arik, a soft smile on her face. “Surprise?” she said softly. “Today was supposed to be a joyous day, and it still is because we’re together. I’m glad we are all together as it should be.”

My father extended his hand to Renick. “It’s nice to meet you, son,” he said.

“Summer, did you know there’s a party tonight?” my youngest sister, Hannah, asked.

Before I could respond, Ivex knelt to get eye to eye with her. “I’m your uncle, Ivex. There is a party, are you going to it?”

Hannah nodded. “We all are!” She paused. “I saw you on the screen. Thank you for helping Summer.”

Imoa leaned to talk to Hannah. “The party might be a little boring at times because a lot of grown-ups like to talk about their jobs, but don’t worry. I have a plan.”

Renick groaned. “Of course you do.”

“Want to know my plan?” Imoa asked.

Everyone nodded. “I’m interested,” I said.

“See over there?” she pointed to a canopied area at the edge of the patio. “We’re setting up a special area where we can paint, or do puzzles and crafts, so if you get bored you can do that instead.”

My mother’s eyes filled with tears at Imoa’s generosity. “What a lovely idea, Imoa. Thank you.”

“Thank you for the gift of your daughter. I have never seen my son as happy as he is with her.”

Warin, standing toward the back, cleared his throat. “Mother…”

“I didn’t forget. Renick, step forward,” Imoa commanded.

Ivex wrapped the ceremonial robes over running shoulders.

“Mother,” my mate protested.

She waved her hand. “It’s not like this family’s ever done anything the traditional way. In a first for the Abrane people, we’re having your installation ceremony here.”

“When?” Renick’s shoulders sagged under the weight of the crimson and black robe.

“Now.”

A look of terror flashed over Renick’s face.

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