Summer of Frost (Forever Fae #3)(14)

“I sure hope so. I know what it’s like to be the odd one out.”

It didn’t bother me to be the odd one out. I kind of liked being my own person and not blending in with the norm. No one has ever had green eyes in the Winter Court, and most of the time my people just overlooked it. They all knew it had to be because of the Prophecy and me being one of the Four.

“I’m sure when you have kids one of them will have your beautiful green eyes,” Meliantha added, looking thoughtful.

Shrugging noncommittally, I turned to my brother. “Yeah, kids are nowhere near in my future. I just wanted to come by and say farewell, and to say thank you for letting me visit.”

Kalen came up to me and kissed me on the cheek. “Anytime. It was great seeing you. I’ve missed giving you hell,” he teased.

I laughed. “I’ve missed you, too. Things just aren’t the same with you and Ryder gone. Brayden is about as fun as an ice shard stuck up the ass.”

Kalen doubled over laughing. “I am definitely going to tell him that! What’s bad is that you’re right. Hopefully, one of these days he’ll open up and have some fun. Goodness knows Ryder and I’ve tried to get him to loosen up.” He paused and wiped the tears from under his eyes. “I do hope you come back to see us soon. Mel and I would both love to have you. It would definitely keep things interesting around here.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I smiled at them both, and kissed the little ones, before leaving their room. Now it was time to suck it up and find Drake.

After searching through the palace, and knocking on the door to the room he stayed in, I was met with silence. Where was everyone? I wondered. When I walked out of the palace, our Winter warriors were on their horses ready to go, except Sarette. She and Ariella were on the steps, talking.

“Hey,” I said, catching their attention while descending the steps.

“It’s about time,” Sarette teased. “I was starting to think you wanted to stay here.”

“No,” I expressed quickly, shaking my head. “I just wanted to say bye to my brother and Meliantha.”

Someone whistling caught my attention from behind me, and I turned to see that it was Brayden riding up on his horse. “Sorcha, are you ready to go? We need to get going!” he called out. He gave me an impatient glare, but then his gaze lingered on Ariella just a tad bit longer than normal.

Out of the corner of my eye I could see Ariella pretending not to notice. When I faced her, she cleared her throat and bowed her head, averting her eyes. “Be safe going back home, Sorcha.”

When she lifted her head, I narrowed my eyes at her, but all she did was smile innocently. She wasn’t fooling me. “I’ll be safe. I always am,” I drawled out. “When are you going back to Summer?” I really wanted to know where Drake was, but I didn’t want to ask outright.

Ariella grinned excitedly. “I’m actually staying here for a few more days. I’ll be travelling back with my parents once they come and leave. Not only do I get to spend more time with the babies, but there are a lot of handsome warriors here that I’d like to get to know.”

I loved her flippant attitude, and found myself smiling at her flirtatiousness. Ariella was not a bashful female by any means, and if she ever came to the Winter Court again I was sure she’d give my warriors something to talk about, maybe even my brother, Brayden.

Changing the subject, I casually asked, “What about Drake? When is he leaving?”

“Oh, he already left not too long ago. I don’t know why he was in such a hurry,” she admitted curiously. “He just said he had to leave and didn’t want to be here anymore.”

My heart felt like it sunk in my chest, and was about to explode. He didn’t want me in his dreams, and now he was gone. How was I going to talk to him?

“I’m sure he had his reasons,” I replied smoothly. “Take care, Ariella. Hopefully, we’ll see each other again soon.”

She nodded her head and smiled. Oren and Alston were both waiting by my horse when I approached. Once I settled onto my horse, Alston winked and patted my leg, but I just couldn’t bring myself to smile. Too many emotions were warring in my body, and I had no clue how to feel. Mainly I was angry, but mostly at myself if I was being honest.

“Are you going to be okay?” Oren asked silently.

Taking a deep breath, I sat up straighter on my horse. “Of course, Oren,” I replied, keeping my face devoid of the turmoil going on inside my body. When I glanced his way, his raised eyebrows and pursed lips informed me he didn’t believe my lie for a second. Hell, I would’ve done anything to believe it.





“I can’t wait to get home,” Sarette sighed, riding beside me.

“Me too,” I mumbled. “But it was great seeing my brother and his family.”

Sarette was on my left side while Alston was on my right, riding close to me. Oren trailed behind me, keeping his ever watchful eye on the forest surrounding us. He looked preoccupied with something, but before I could ask, Alston began to speak.

“Do you mind if we talk tonight?” Alston asked, sneaking a glance back at Oren before whispering, “Alone.”

Immediately, I glanced at Sarette, who of course had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. I silently groaned and bit my cheek before turning back to Alston.