13. Bittersweet Reunion

[Xavier]

"We meet again", his mate said in a brittle tone. She seemed far from being happy but that did not stop Xavier's heart from beating rapidly. His brain shuttered, was he seeing things? Was she really...here?

He was on his feet and so was his aunt. However. his feet stayed rooted on the same spot. He heard Jade gasp. He wasn't seeing an apparition then? She really was here?

These past few weeks he had thought how he would confront her, what he would say to her and how he would pursue her if need be but in this moment, words eluded him. A breathless moment later he said in a dazed tone, "Yes".

"Where have you been?" Jade demanded, making her presence known. However, Erica did not answer her, merely spared her a glance. She looked pale and tired. Her eyes conveyed an array of emotions. Xavier stared back, unable to believe that after a number of fruitless searches, his mate would appear unannounced.

"I wish to talk to Mr. Ravenwood. Alone", she said in a clipped tone. Xavier's h