To be Claimed by Her

Chapter 26

Eveleen's POV

 Sunlight streamed through the windows as I woke. Memories of Gabriel and Odin's claim came rushing back. My mind whirled at the implications. A smile crept across my face - I loved him. I've never felt anything like it before. It felt like a piece of my soul had been missing before.

No, pieces.

I felt a pull towards all of them, some stronger than others, but the pull was still there towards each and every one of them. I know it's not uncommon for Fae to have multiple lovers. Monogamy was not a norm in that realm, but most mundanes were the complete opposite Oh Gods, what would they think of me? I knew how Gabriel felt but did the others feel anything? Would he even want me if he knew?

I pushed my worries aside. I need to get back on this case. There were still five missing coven members who were depending on me to bring them home alive. I quickly dressed and packed a satchel filled with herbs and weapons, then walked towards the manor.

When I reached their front porch, I stood silently observing. I noticed an orb weaver claiming part of the porch rafters and several lizards gathered near the shade of the porch. If Gabriel had magic, was it possible they all did? Had I been so distracted that I'd missed the signs? The door swung open, bringing my thoughts to an abrupt end.

Victor gave me a confused look, "How long have you been standing there? Is everything okay, Eveleen?" He placed his hand on my arm as he spoke. The jolt was instant and so strong I couldn't stop the small moan that passed my lips. "Oh fuck," Victor groaned, "What is that?"

His eyes were burning when I looked up at him. He hadn't moved his hand away, but instead was making small circles with his thumb on my skin. My entire body felt heated. " I, um, I don't know," I laughed softly. "I've been saying that a lot haven't I?" Almost reluctantly, he released my arm and led me into the house.

When we entered the family room, I noticed everyone was already there. Gabriel stood and quickly gave me a hug, pulling me to the seat next to him. He gave me a questioning look, what's wrong, you're tense.

Um, something odd just happened - I glanced towards Victor. Can we talk about it later?

He squeezed my hand and just nodded.

I cleared my throat and turned my attention to the group, " I know last night was exciting and confusing, but I'm hoping we can get focused on the missing coven members. I worry that time is running out for some of them. There seems to be a roughly two-month time frame between disappearance and death"

"If the attacks are from shades as you call them, why would they keep them? Why not just kill them immediately?" Owen asked.

"Not to sound like a broken record, but I don't know. Nothing about this makes sense. Shades don't feed off human souls, so they don't take prisoners. The only thing I can think is that whoever summoned the shade is using them for some type of ritual or sacrifice." I could hear several of them gasp at my revelation. " Lydia was the third victim. She was taken on June 9th. If the pattern holds, then I suspect she has only a week, maybe two left before she's killed." I turned to Victor, "Has your car been recovered?"

"Yeah, it's at North and Brandon's garage. How will that help you?" He replied.

"The shade came into contact with the car. I might be able to do a locator spell and track it to wherever it's hiding," I avoided making eye contact, hoping they wouldn't overreact.

"You're not fuckin doing it alone, little wolf," Gabriel's hand clasped mine.

"He's right," Victor added, "We all need to work together on this. Tell us how to help." His expression was fierce and protective. I noticed Gabriel studying him, then looking back at me. Slowly a satisfied grin spread across his face and he kissed the back of my hand.

You've claimed another one of us, little wolf. He just doesn't realize it yet.

Claimed, me - what? I hadn't claimed anyone, had I?

It's okay love. Before long every fucking man in this room will be completely in love with you. He gave me a devilish look. We belong to you, and you belong to us.

"Damn, so this is how other people feel when we do that silent communication thing?" Nathan grumbled. "Are you two going to share with the rest of us or what?"

Giving a loud laugh, Gabriel replied, "Exactly." My cheeks burned as I began to understand what he was trying to tell me.

Well, I guess that answers my questions from earlier.

Author's Notes:  Let me know what you think so far my lovelies!  Please vote and comment.