Chapter 209: A Temporary Home

Words : 1024 Updated : Sep 29th, 2025

Evaline: Once Kieran exited the room, I turned. I was about to ask Draven about the ’friends’ statement, but I froze when he suddenly pulled me into his arms and kissed me. A surge of surprise overwhelmed me for a heartbeat... then desire took over. I wrapped my arms around him, returned the kiss just as passionately, feeling the warmth of his lips, the familiar scent of him, wrapping around me like a blanket. Our lips moved together in sync and our breaths deepened. My head started spinning as our bond’s feelings overwhelmed me. After a few moments, I tried to pull back, whispering, "The door’s not locked... what if Kieran-" My words trailed off as he pressed into me deeper. But then he paused mid-kiss and his eyes flicked to the door. He released me, stepped away and walked over to lock it with careful fingers. I watched him, shaking my head with an amused smile. He returned to me, sliding his arms around me again, and our lips met once more... softly at first, then turning hungry. We only broke apart when we were both out of breath. I leaned into him, my chest heaving as I looked up. The firelight was casting soft shadows across his face. My pulse was throbbing in my ears. I finally found air and spoke, my voice trembling with a mixture of emotion and nerves. "What was all that... about being friends?" His lips curved into a sly smile. "That was part of the plan," he said, and then almost made me shriek when he spun me gently in his arms before settling again. "By saying ’friends,’ I get to be near you, enter your room... touch you - like friends do - without raising suspicion from Kieran or River." Pride was shining in his eyes as he continued, "As long as I’m your friend, I can be with you... around you, without needing to sneak. That way they will think it’s all innocent." I laughed softly, shaking my head... but warmth flooded me. I leaned up and kissed him lightly on the cheek. At seven inches shorter than him, I bobbed up to do so. His grin let me know I had delighted him. "Oh!" He suddenly clicked his fingers and the shine in his eyes became brighter if even possible. "I just realized that this plan of mine might make someone jealous." I didn’t need to ask him who he was talking about. "You are such a mean brother." He immediately pulled me closer and stared down in my eyes. "Why? Feeling bad for your other mate?" There was a hint of possessiveness in his voice, but not the bad kind. He wasn’t mad about me caring for Oscar. I ran a finger down his temple and stopped at his chin, tilting his face up as I inched closer to whisper against his collarbone. "Not as long as I get to enjoy both your companies during my stay here." The smile he gave me made it clear just how happy he was with my response. We shared another quick kiss before we finally turned our attention to the task at hand - unpacking. He led me over to the long wall along the headboard side of the bed. Beside it, he pointed out a nearly invisible sliding panel, cleverly camouflaged with woodgrain. "That’s your walk‑in closet and dressing room," he said, sliding it open to reveal racks, shelves, mirrors, and soft lighting built in. I stared at it, once again speechless. I had never had space like this. Scratch that, I hadn’t seen a bedroom like this even on internet. The place felt like a modern fantasy. I sent a look to him, half-amazed, half... well, overwhelmed. He shrugged but with affection. "You needed the space. Oscar and Kieran helped design it... and so did I." Over the next ten or so minutes, we unpacked together. I placed a few sweaters and shirts onto shelves, folded scarves in drawers, set down my small selection of skincare and medicines. I lined up my shoes and hung up dresses and coats. Even then, my things occupied less than a quarter of the space. Draven stepped back and asked, "Do you... like it?" I paused at the final drawer, turned to him slowly, nodded... and blinked back tears of gratitude. "It’s... it’s unbelievable." My voice was shaking slightly. "Did you... did you really set it all up for me?" He pushed a single silver strand from my face, brushing his thumb across my cheek. "Oscar, Kieran, and I... we discussed how to make this special for you. Kieran personally arranged the library upstairs, and I’m sure more than half of those books are on herbs and potions." I chuckled while he smiled, then continued. "Oscar and I worked on the rest. Oscar took care of the furniture, decorations, and plants, while I picked the color palette and designs. We pooled ideas and... this is the final result." I let the disbelief melt into awe. "You all made this... for me." My words were breathless. He nodded. "You deserve it." He guided me into a gentle hug, and I inhaled his warmth once more. We returned to finishing tiny details - placing my laptop, tablet, and chargers on the table, put academic books on a small bedside shelf, and lit up a scented candles. Once we were done, I walked up to the floor-to-ceiling windows, taking in the snow that was falling heavily now. I felt Draven stepping behind me before he slipped his arms around my waist from behind. I stiffened, mu eyes searching the garden down below. "Don’t worry. It’s one-way glass." He whispered in my ear as if he knew exactly what caused my worry. I relaxed immediately, even feeling good about the piece of information. "How about we go downstairs now?" he murmured. "Dinner’s waiting." I nodded, resting my head against his chest. My own heart was pounding, mind awhirl. As we prepared to leave, I paused for a second. "Thank you," I whispered. He kissed my temple. "It’s my pleasure, Love."

Chapter 209: A Temporary Home

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