To be Claimed by Her

Chapter 9

Eveleen's POV

I appeared on my front porch dripping wet. Well, that wasn't what I had planned for today. Oh, screw it. I stripped there on the front porch and walked into the house. I need a damn hot bath.

After an hour, I sprawled out on the antique bed with my laptop and sent an update to the Council.

                                   Confirmed shade activity. Five coven members are missing; two are confirmed dead. Civilian attack witnessed today. The intervention was required to protect innocent life, but no need for clean-up. I'm planning to follow up with the coven and see if the civilian attack is related.

                                   Additional information: the civilian attack was anticipated due to ongoing premonitions - will advise when I know more.

I hit the send button and looked for something to wear. I'd just finished getting dressed when I heard a knock on my door. Who would be coming to see me?

When I opened the door, I was greeted by a large muscle-bound man. He had dark eyes and short dark hair. He looked intimidating, but his aura was soothing - a natural protector, fiercely loyal. However, I also sensed a recent heartbreak, trepidation, and uncertainty. "Hello, can I help you?" I asked.

"Hi, um, I'm North. I live next door and just thought I'd introduce myself." Despite his size, he seemed a bit uncomfortable.

I opened the door wider, motioning for him to come in. "Pleasure to meet you North, I'm Eveleen. So you live next door with Luke?" He followed me into the waiting area and took a seat. I had to suppress a giggle. The furniture was so tiny compared to him. He looked like he was afraid he would break the chair.

"Yeah, he's my brother. Sorry if I'm intruding." He gave me a sly grin, "Do you realize you have a pile of wet clothes on your porch?"

Oh drat! I totally forgot about that. I'm sure my blush was head to toe. "Um, yeah, I should hang those to dry," I stammered. "So North, would you like something to drink? I can put on a kettle for tea."

Looking at his phone, he stood, "No, I don't want to put you out, just thought I'd stop in. You really should come by and meet everyone else." He glanced at the phone again, and I could sense his agitation and concern. "Sorry, I have to go. Don't forget those clothes, wouldn't want any wildlife running off with your undergarments," he chuckled as he headed to the door.

I gave him an embarrassed giggle in reply, "Thank you for visiting, cosantóir (protector)." I reached out to shake his hand and was greeted with the same jolt that I had experienced with Luke and the blue-eyed man. North jumped a bit at the contact, then smiled again.

"My pleasure, Eveleen."