Page 25 of Claimed

“Now,” she says, wiping her hands down her blouse as if to smooth out any wrinkles as she stands up straighter and rolls her shoulders back. “How can I help you?”

“We just arrived yesterday and we’re interested in seeing what homes are available in the area,” Gage tells her, stepping forward to take the lead.

“Are you looking for a rental?” she asks as she takes a seat at her desk and starts clicking on her computer.

“No, we’re looking to purchase. The more turnkey, the better.”

“Do you need furniture and furnishings?” she asks as she continues clicking.

“We have a home in Nebraska that we plan to sell. We can have our furniture shipped from there.”

“Oh, I actually have a contact for a supernatural run moving company you can use, since humans can’t get into Starfall Haven,” she says as she pulls a business card from her top desk drawer and slides in across toward Gage before she goes back to typing.

“Did you drive all the way here?” she asks.

“No, we flew and got a rental at the airport,” Gage tells her as Hunter continues to stroke me gently.

“There is a fantastic car dealership in town. They can probably even arrange to get your vehicles for you. They’ll even arrange to take back your rental for you.”

“Oh, that’s handy,” Chase says.

“They are located one block east. It’s called Starfall Motors.” She taps something on her keyboard with exaggeration, then turns to us, making eye contact with everyone, including me, which I appreciate, as she asks, “Now, what are you looking for in a home?”

“Open concept, at least five bedrooms, three bathrooms. Needs to back onto a forest,” Gage says, listing things off like he already knows exactly what he wants.

I would have no idea what to ask for. Would it be weird to request a house painted the same color as Chase’s pink hair? Every time I look at it, I like it even more.

And maybe a large couch where we can all watch TV together? Oh! And a big bed. There’s not much else I need. As long as I have them, I’ll be happy.

“I want a three-car garage so Hunt and I can store our bikes,” Chase adds to the list.

They ride bicycles?

“And it needs a pool or lake nearby that we can swim in,” Hunter says, still squatting at my side and comforting me. Somehow, he always seems to know when I’m feeling antsy. Peggy doesn’t exactly give me bad vibes, but I don’t like unbonded women around my men. Hopefully, I won’t be so antsy once we’ve actually bonded.

I really need to figure out how to shift on my own. I take a moment to feel for the magic inside to help me shift, and I can feel it there, slightly stronger than yesterday, which is extremely promising. I’d try right now if we weren’t in the middle of a realtor's office.

“Okay, and what’s your budget?” Peggy asks.

“We’re flexible. Do you have many properties that actually meet all of our criteria?” Gage asks in surprise.

“Yes, I have three. Two are occupied, so I can probably arrange viewings for this afternoon. The third one is empty, so we can go now if you’re eager?”

“Why don’t we see all three at once, so we don’t waste your time,” Gage suggests, and she nods. He proceeds to give her his phone number, and Hunter has to hold me a little tighter when he hears my chest start to rumble in agitation.

“I’ll call or text you with a time and location for the first one, and I’ll arrange to line them up one after another.”

“We appreciate that, thank you,” Maddox says, gripping Gage’s shoulder and pulling him away from her desk as his eyes flick to me.

“See you later,” she says as Hunter stands and ushers me out the door behind Maddox and Gage.

As soon as the door closes behind Bain and we’re all on the sidewalk, Gage asks, “Why were you pushing me out of there? Is something wrong?”

“Didn’t you notice how agitated Cherry was in there?” Hunter asks as he runs his fingers along my head.

Gage stops walking to turn and look at me. “What? No. What’s wrong?”

Nobody answers right away, then Chase starts to grin. “She was jealous.”