Page 76 of Hot in Witch City
Chapter 16
Sebastian
Gianna’s car wasn’t at her townhouse. I was five minutes early, so I stayed in my car to wait. I listened to music and scrolled through social media to kill time.
Eight o’clock came. Eight went. Fifteen more minutes went by. Maybe she was running late. I didn’t want to bother her, but at twenty past, I texted her.
With no answer by eight-thirty, my worries rose. I called, and she didn’t answer. My wolf was antsy inside. The promise of seeing our mate again foiled by her not being there.
Look for her, he urged.
In agreement, I started by calling Nova. Once she answered, I burst right into my concerns. “Gianna was supposed to meet me at her townhouse a half-an-hour ago. Maybe I’m being too antsy, but I’m worried.”
“Oh,” Nova said, her voice sinking.
“What?”
“She was at the beach house with her mother. She might have gotten held up.”
Despite her words, I sensed a twinge of concern in her voice. “What’s up, Nova?”
“What do you mean?”
“I hear the worry in your tone.”
“It’s just—I don’t know, Sebastian. Something about this whole thing with her mother doesn’t sit right with me. Gianna said it was weird there, and she was ready to leave.”
I stood straighter. “Do you think she’s in trouble?”
“No, I didn’t say that—”
“What’s the address?”
“Sebastian, what are you planning on doing?”
“Going to make sure she’s safe.”
Nova sighed. “She might be pissed if you show up, but I’m a little worried myself. I’ll go with you. At least, she won’t just lash out at you—”
“What’s the address?” I cut Nova off.
Once she gave it to me, she asked, “Do you want to pick me up so we can go together?”
“No time, Nova. I’m going now.” I ended the call.
I sped down to the location near the harbor. Only while driving did Nova’s words sink in. Gianna might be pissed at me interfering in her life this way. Damn it, I couldn’t sit back knowing something might be off. She was supposed to meet me, and she didn’t. Maybe she’d lost track of time with her mother.
Or maybe…
I couldn’t think it. The idea of Gianna in danger ripped a hole inside.
Nova called back as I parked on the side of the road in front of the address of the weathered beach house. Gianna’s red coupe was parked in the driveway.
“I just pulled up to the beach house,” I told her. “Gianna’s car is here.”
“Sebastian, please don’t go in alone,” Nova warned. “I talked to Zoe. We’re coming down to investigate. She said there’s some evidence to link those staying there to the attempt at infiltrating the Network.”
“And Gianna’s in there alone with them.” I climbed out of the car and hurried up the walkway. “I’m going to check on her now.”
