My Summer Girl

Chapter Twenty-Six

Vex

Easy to Love – Bryce Savage

She’s avoiding me.

And quite well, might I add.

Settled into a room that’s very warm with browns and greens surprises me. Usually, going for cool tones or monochromatic is where my comfort levels are, but here it feels right.

Yesterday, I pretty much was forced to wait in here. Meals were offered, and while eating regular food is a comfort, it’s not necessary. Blood fulfills most of my needs, and anything else is a luxury.

After taking a quick bath, I dress in the clothes that are provided to me. They’re similar to my normal attire, the trousers linen instead of chiffon and the blouse tweed rather than silk. They fit well, almost like Verano knew my sizing.

A knock sounds at the door, and when I twist the knob, I’m surprised to see someone new and not the guards.

“I’m Mira, I don’t like small talk, and something tells me you’re a good distraction.”

My mind clouds with confusion as Mira’s words fill my head. “I’m—”

“Vex, a demisexual genderqueer Saephyn who is really hot and looking for their mate.”

“That’s a lot of labels I never intended to add to my repertoire.” I want to laugh at how they summed me up into a single sentence so specifically. “That pretty much sums it up,” I jest, not wanting to really add anything further. It’s not exactly easy for me to give info out at the drop of a hat but they seem to have done a lot of stalking.

“I’m a tracker, by the way,” she clarifies, her nose scrunching as she sniffs the air. “Smoky, patchouli, and notes of bergamot. Nice.”

I inhale the air, not knowing if she’s naming off random things, or if like blood, she can scent specific things tied to each person.

“Yes, those are your identifying markers,” she muses with another twitch of her nose. “It’s warm and smooth. Nothing too irritating to the nose.”

“Not to be a git or anything, but what are you doing here?”

“I have some questions for you, and some ground rules. But most importantly, I needed your scent just in case you try something funny. Vera trusts too many, too quickly, and unlike her, I’m jaded and unwilling to let randos roam freely.”

I ardently nod, crossing my arms over my chest. “That’s valid, and it’s good that you look after her. Dulce is much the same in that respect.”

She sidesteps me, her eyes pondering over my attire and almost approving with little nods of her head and nose twitches to follow.

“Is this Dulce really your mate or do you have ulterior motives?”

A derisive chuckle escapes my lips before I can hold it back. “You think I’d rather be here, in a realm far from my home, for anything other than the woman who means more to me than living?”

She narrows her eyes but they still wander across my face as if she’s trying to decipher my words, taste them, and see if she can sense the lies.

“I notice the way you watch Vera,” she points out, and my mind trails back to every little time I’ve seen her.

“And how’s that?”

“Like she’s yours.”

I scoff, wondering where this stems from. Verano intrigues me, grabs at this intrinsic part of me, but I don’t think I look at her in any specific way.

“She’s not,” Mira continues, glowering at me like a feline would a mouse. “She’s Raev’s, even if she doesn’t know it yet.”

Interesting.

“Raev is Raevar, I’m assuming?” A sharp nod is the only confirmation she offers. “And does she know this? Does he know this?”

“No,” she grumbles, actually seemingly peeved by that. “They’re oblivious to what they share, even to each other. When you see them in the room together, you’ll understand.”

She gnaws on her bottom lip, and it reminds me so much of Dulce when she’s anxious that I want to reassure this person.

“I think Raevar stole my mate in hopes that she’d be perfect for Verano.” The admission no longer bothers me. My anger has come and went, and I just want Dulce safe and in my arms. I don’t care even slightly that she’s enjoying herself with someone else, which I can feel. Her arousal brings a constant tightness in my trousers.

It’s been too long since I’ve held her, scented her, and licked her throat. My incisors literally throb with the craving, salivating with the need to do just that.

“She won’t fit, right?” Mira asks, as if she’s speaking to herself rather than to me.

“While I’d usually say no, because Dulce is my whole existence, I would be wrong. There’s something here. I’m not sure what it is or how to describe it. I believe the Fates wanted all four of us to meet.”

She clenches her jaw, running a hand through her hair. It’s an agitated type of action, almost like she can’t avoid doing it or she’ll scream.

“Do you want Verano?”

I think of her, of how she brings a type of intrigue to me. It takes a long time and a lot of getting to know someone before true attraction rises within me.

“I’m not sure how to answer that,” I admit, wanting to be truthful. She feels right, and if she wanted Dulce, I wouldn’t stop them from having whatever it is they’d have.

Dulce and I agreed to add a third if it felt right. While I don’t really know the queen well, she feels right.

“At least you’re not diving in with an immediate yes,” she hums her approval. “While Vera thinks everyone in this kingdom is inherently good, I’m skeptical. There are tons of her court who would give up anything to marry her, to be with her and have children with her.”

I nod, thinking of how people take advantage of good things often, knowing full well they’ll succeed in the end.

“I want Dulce’s happiness,” I confess. “If her happiness is me, Raevar, and Verano, it’s as simple as that.”

Her mouth moves into an ‘O’ expression, her jaw slowly widening in shock. “That’s pretty selfless.”

Immediately, I shake my head, grabbing my shoes and putting them on. “It’s not.” I lace up the boots and begin to pace. “It’s selfish because I’ll sacrifice everyone around us if that means she’ll smile another day.”

“That’s a bit dark.” Her face goes from one of awe to concern in seconds. “I would prefer you not sacrifice my friend, who is also the queen of this kingdom.”

Unable to help it, I chuckle. It’s hearty and full, and it dawns on me that it has been a while since I’ve laughed this freely.

“It’s hypothetical,” I correct her. “Basically, her happiness comes before anyone else’s.” She starts to interrupt me but I put a finger up. “I’m not saying their happiness isn’t also important. I’m just saying Dulce means a lot to me and it’s no feat for people to fall for her. She’s light, sunshine, almost an aura of pure joy. When you meet her, you’ll understand.”

She doesn’t look convinced but heads toward the door. “I’ll take your word for it, but I guess, for now, we should do something useful. I’m sure you’re itching to leave this room.”

She doesn’t even wait for my nod before she’s walking out the door and waving for me to follow.

Can’t tell if I’ve made a friend or a future enemy.

Either way, I’m willing to earn her trust just like I earned my little dove’s.