Sonnet laughed. “Summer, no! You should quitnow. Go rent a cabin for a year, write a whole bunch, and then come back home and take over the publishing world. Everyone will be impressed, National Geographic will want to partner with you, and I’ll never have to hear this rant again.”
There was a long silence, and this time it was the wheels in Summer’s head turning. She took another heavy sigh and mumbled something under her breath. “How’s your vacation?”
“Perfect. I never want to leave.”
“And the boys? Are they behaving? How are they treating you? Have you been responding to Mom’s texts?”
“Summer,” Sonnet laughed, “you don’t have to worry about me.”
“Well, I do, and so is Mom, and she’s bugging me about it all the time. We’re all still reeling from you having fated mates who just so happen to be a famous boy band.”
“Yeah.” Sonnet flopped backwards, letting the sun wash itself across her face. “It feels weird. I guess I thought things were going to be awkward for a while. I mean, I was a huge fan of theirs, and now I’m their fated mate? It’s crazy! I wasn’t sure if I’d feel like I belonged or would be good enough for them, but I think I’m starting to realize I am.”
Being at the beach, Sonnet had seen a different side of them all. A wholesome, loving, silly, fun side that made being comfortable around them much easier. She was glad they weren’t back in Chicago at their house. Everything felt tense inside those dark, boring walls, but here, it was all so open. They could all be themselves, and it was really, really nice.
“I’m happy for you, Sonnet. I was worried I was going to have to fly down and kick some alpha ass.”
“Haha, well, if it helps, they’re all afraid of you.”
“Really?” She chuckled. “I like that.”
“I knew you would. How are Mom and Dad? I should probably give them a call.”
“Yes, please! Get them off my back. They’re both doing well. Dad hates talking about you having mates. He gets all awkward, which is funny because it’s all mom can talk about. She’s really happy for you, too. But just remember, you have a choice, Sonnet, and if you ever want to come home and say no to all of this, let me know. I’m always going to choose you.”
“I’m always going to choose you, too, sissy.”
“Not always,” she mumbled. “Not anymore. And that’s okay.”
“Sissy—”
“I got to run,” Summer rushed, someone shouting at her from the other end. “Duty calls. Hey, don’t forget to wear sunscreen and drink water! Love you, Sonnet.”
“Love—” she clicked off before Sonnet could finish.
Sonnethated itwhen she did that. What was her problem that she didn’t mind saying the L word, but the moment someone said it back, she freaked out? Summer never talked about her love life, or lack of,oranything that had to do with deep problems. For someone who had deep thoughts, she talked like she was shallow.
Ouch.
Sonnet pressed the palm of her hand into her lower stomach and whined. All morning she’s had cramps come and go, and each hour they got worse and longer.
Mmm. Something smells good, though. Something sweet.
“SONNET!”
She sat up and grinned, Jude waving at her from the front porch of the house and Zayden standing behind him. They were far apart, and yet, she could smell them both from down on the edge of the beach. Funfetti and molten lava chocolate sat right on the tip of her tongue, but she needed more. God, she was so hungry.
Jude came running towards her, but all she could think about was running her tongue up and down his body.
She squealed and covered her mouth. What was wrong with her?
Ouch!
Oh, that onereallyhurts.
She kept one hand over her mouth and the other pressed into her lower stomach. The pain went on and on, and then a heat trickled into her core.
Don’t tell me … Not now!
