Page 208 of Inside the Sun

"Yeah, well. A real miracle. And some teamwork," I say dryly.

Hunter glances at Summer, who doesn’t react to him at all. Still staring at the ground.

Ragnar jumps in and gives him a quick summary of what’s happened.

Hunter listens, nodding slowly. His eyes stay distant. His face is oddly stiff, unreadable. Then he waves a hand.

"It’s a lot, guys. I’m relieved you made it. But get in the car. We can’t stay this close to the fortress. The FBI might still be sweeping the area."

"Totally agree," Ragnar says, helping Summer to his feet.

Hunter opens the passenger door.

"You got a plan? Somewhere you’re heading?" He taps the roof lightly. "This car belonged to my husband. You can borrow it. Just drop me off near the highway, and I’ll call an Uber."

Ragnar raises his eyebrows, clearly surprised, but nods. He folds himself into the car, helps Summer in, and I slide into the seat beside the driver.

"By the way, your bike’s ready to go. If you want it, just text me and I’ll bring it to you."

"Thanks, man. You’re a lifesaver!"

"Don’t mention it. You should focus on getting better now, after the madhouse you’ve been through. And… Your folks at home are going to be pretty shocked when they hear what happened."

Ragnar, still looking a little thrown, says,

"That’s where we're heading. You sure you don’t want to come with us?"

"I’d just be the third wheel," Hunter cuts in flatly. "With everything going on in your family, the last thing you need is me and my depressing energy." His tone is bitter, but his face stays rigid.

"You sure? I’m pretty positive my parents would be glad to see you," I offer, more out of politeness than conviction.

Hunter nods. "I’ve got a two-day work trip. Military consulting. And this weekend, your brother Storm begged me toshow up at one of those marriage contract fairs." His tone shifts, half sarcastic, borderline mocking.

I raise an eyebrow. "Wait, rewind, a marriage contract fair?"

Hunter starts the car.

We drive off slowly, passing the side street that leads to The Sun fortress. Just seeing it sends a shiver down my spine.

I quickly turn my head and focus on Hunter.

"Yeah. That agency that’s gotten all that attention lately because of the assassination attempt on Blue Lowen… Storm’s working there again. And he’s convinced my True Mate is going to show up at the fair."

I can’t help it. I burst out laughing. My own laugh sounds strange in my ears, like it doesn’t quite belong to me. It’s been so long since something just felt funny. Even if it’s dark humor.

"You’re serious? Come on, you know Storm. He loves messing with people. He’s probably just trying to get you out of the house. That’s totally his style," I say, smirking.

Hunter shrugs. "Maybe. But he made me promise. Says he’s got hard data or whatever. So once I’m back from my trip, I’ll go. I’ve got time anyway. Why not? Never been to one of those things."

Wow. Did not expect that. I stare for a second at his chiseled, stone-like profile.

"Yeah, me neither. Sounds awful. Marriage contracts? People stuck in little glass booths while others gawk at them like cattle and make their pick…"

"No argument there. Doesn’t sound great. But still, I’ve got nothing else going on, so I’ll give it a shot."

"I’m pretty curious if he’s right. He’s a big rascal and he’s known for setting people up in weird pranks. Let us know what happens."

Hunter doesn’t respond. He just eases off the gas as we near the main state road.

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