Page 18 of Claim My Soul

“My phone.It’s my uncle.”

Herleif pulled her even closer.“Ignore him.”He tried resuming the kiss, but she averted her face.

“I cannot.He’ll persist until I answer, or he’ll be at my door in less than thirty minutes.”

“Plenty of time for me to fuck you.”He grinned.

She gave him a playful glare even as she punched his shoulder.“Enough.”After a quick peck on the lips, she moved away and rose out of the tub.Wrapping herself in a towel, she stared down at his glorious body.“Might as well dry and dress.No doubt he’s called to tell me he’s on his way over.”

Alexia turned away to go to her bedroom, grinning at Herleif’s startled look.She heard him splashing about before stomping toward her.She quickly dried herself and began to pull clothes out when he arrived in her room.

“Do you wish me to leave?”

“No.Why would I want that?”Watching his face screw up in confusion, she marched to him.“Herleif, if I have to tell you one more time that I want you here, and that I am not ashamed of wanting you, you’re going to feel your ass zapped again.Is that clear?”

A slow grin spread across his handsome face as he palmed a cheek.“That is clear.”He leaned down to give her a gentle kiss.When he pulled back, she smiled at him before spinning to get dressed.She received a swat on her rear, causing her to yelp and look back at him.

“I like you feisty.”He winked.

She scoffed and rolled her eyes as she resumed her task.“Then dry my floor.”

“Gladly,” he said and chuckled.

Moments later, dressed and the floor cleaned, they were back in the living room.She noticed the tray of food and mugs of tea were nowhere to be seen.She turned to Herleif.“Thank you for tidying up.”He merely smiled and dipped his head.Picking up her phone, they listened to her uncle’s message.

“I have news and am on my way over.”

Simple and direct.

Alexia put down her phone and headed to the kitchen.“Time for more food and tea.”She grinned.

Fifteen minutes later, she was opening the door to her Uncle Nic, welcoming him in, and taking his coat.He stopped short when Herleif stood, apparently ready to greet him.“You’re...”

“Herleif Aganarsson,” Herleif said, offering his hand.Uncle Nic hesitated a second before grasping it to shake.He then looked at Alexia in question.

“Sit, please,” she said, indicating to the chair flanking the couch.She then went to Herleif’s side, looping her arm with his and pulling him down on the couch beside her.“Seems we both have news to share.Help yourself.”She nodded to the food and drink while getting a mug and offering it to Herleif before grabbing one for herself.

“It would seem so,” her uncle said.He then lifted a cup and took a drink, never taking his eyes off Herleif.

“Uncle Nic, no need to be wary or awkward.You can speak freely, and you can trust Herleif.”She looked at her ...lover?While she wasn’t going to divulge details, she also wasn’t going to hide the fact that they were more than ...friends?Gah, it was all so new, and Alexia wasn’t sure how to navigate this budding relationship.“He came to me this morning regarding a mutual visitor we both had.”

“Visitor?”

“A dream walker on behalf of Fate,” Alexia began then detailed her experience and conversation.Herleif added his as well with Uncle Nic interjecting at times with questions for clarification.

“And this messenger deemed you two would work together,” he stated.

“Yes,” Alexia answered.“He said there is more to Herleif than even he realizes.”She faced her troll.“And that he would not forsake me.”

“Never,” Herleif whispered to her.“As for some hidden power or talent, he must be mistaken.”

“I suppose we’ll see.”

Alexia turned back to her uncle who was watching their interaction with curiosity but remained quiet about it.“A fucking soul collector,” he mumbled with disgust.

“Were you aware of this happening or has it happened before?”Herleif asked.

“No, I was not aware of it happening now or ever, but it could explain recent concerns with the fights.”

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