Page 8 of Claim My Soul

Nonia barked, but it was one of excitement.Next thing Alexia knew, her wolf-dog leapt off the bed and raced to their uninvited visitor, or rather, intruder, in her eyes.Herleif knelt and greeted the beast no one else should have been able to see, much less touch.But he ran his hands over her head then back and forth across her sides, delighting Nonia.

Alexia softly harrumphed, only to hear the chuckle of the troll.Or man.And why was he in human form?

She used her magic to light several candles on her side tables before extinguishing her fireballs.

“Why are you here?And how did you get into my room?”

She heard the soft command of “Return” before he stood, his eyes locking on hers.Nonia returned to the bed, nestling against Alexia’s side.Herleif’s gaze roamed across her form, and she noticed his fists clenching at his sides.When his eyes met hers again, she felt her nipples tighten at the intensity, and only then did she remember she was naked.

She yanked the covers over her upper body and watched as Herleif flexed his hands again while keeping their gazes locked.

“Why are you here, Herleif, and why are you in human form?”

“I think you know why I’m here.Alexia.”

She sucked in her breath as her pulse accelerated.“How did you learn my name?”

He took a step closer causing Nonia’s tail-wagging to increase.“Stay,” Alexia commanded.

“Did you dream tonight, Alexia?”

She pinched her lips, knowing what he hinted at but hated his roundabout way of answering her.“What does that have to do with why you are here?”

More steps brought him to the edge of her bed.“Do not play dumb with me, woman.”

Now Nonia let out a soft whine, and Alexia sank her fingers into her fur, soothing her.“It’s okay,” she whispered to her companion before facing Herleif again.“Fine,” she bit out.“No, I did not dream, but I was pulled into a dreamlike consciousness.”

“And?”he prompted.

Alexia sighed.“And,” she drew out, “it seems we are tasked to work together to save souls.”

Chapter Five

Herleif tried to calmhimself.

He was unsuccessful.

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