42. Claire: House in the Woods
*CLAIRE*
As we pull up to Nik’s place, I’m struck by how different it is from what I imagined. It’s a cozy house nestled on the edge of the forest, more surrounded by trees than by the city. The exterior is made of natural woods, blending seamlessly with the environment. There are large windows everywhere, giving a panoramic view of the surrounding trees. It’s beautiful and enchanting, like something out of a fairy tale.
Nik leads me inside, and I’m immediately charmed by the warm, homey atmosphere. The natural wood continues inside, with wooden beams across the ceilings and hardwood floors. The large windows let in streams of sunlight, casting a golden glow over everything. Despite the house’s beauty, there aren’t many personal touches, as if Nik doesn’t spend a lot of time here. Even still, it feels like it’s in its own little world—safe and quiet. In this calm bubble, I can almost pretend the last few hours never happened.
“This is... incredible,” I say, looking around in awe.
Nik smiles, a hint of relief in his eyes. “I’m glad you like it. Let me show you around.”
We walk through the living room, which has a large, comfortable-looking couch facing a stone fireplace. The kitchen is spacious, with modern appliances and a rustic dining table. Everything is simple yet elegant, a perfect blend of functionality and charm.
Nik leads me down a hallway to the bedrooms. “You can take your pick of any of the rooms, but I thought you might like this room the best,” he says, opening a door at the end of the hall.
I step inside and gasp. The room is amazing, with large windows looking into the forest. The bed is covered with a plush comforter, and there’s an adjoining bathroom with a clawfoot tub and a walk-in shower.
Even with the room’s beautiful design, my eyes are continuously drawn to the massive windows. Nik’s house was built on the edge of one of the hillier portions of the town and the way it’s situated, the back part of the house gives an unhindered view of the base of the surrounding valley. It’s unbelievably gorgeous.
“This is perfect,” I say, turning to Nik. “This view is unbelievable.”
He sets my bag gently onto the bed, and joins me at the window, “It’s the reason I bought this place. Being surrounded by nature like this, it helps settle my Shifter instincts. Sometimes it’s harder to pacify the more…restless nature of my other Shifter forms.”
I’d never thought much about how Shifter forms affected other aspects of every day life…never had much of a reason to consider it until recently. Shifters in general value strength and are usually too prideful to want to share any physical struggles they might have. But, so far, I haven’t had any noticeable changes in my human form since my Shift. That doesn’t necessarily mean that I won’t though.
I steal a glance at Nik, “And having as many Shifting forms as you do…it makes it difficult for you to be in town?”
“More or less. My senses are more heightened than others. It can be somewhat…draining being constantly surrounded by so many sights and sounds and smells. And of course, being out here makes it easier to Shift into some of my larger forms.”
I bet it does get overwhelming for him. I wonder how he manages being surrounded by all of that as often has he does.
I wander around the room, smoothing my fingers against the soft bedding, the smooth wooden furniture. I can feel Nik’s gaze on me like a pressured heated touch. It’s confusing and overwhelming, but I push those feelings aside, clearing my throat.
“Did you decorate this yourself?”
He chuckles, shaking his head. “No, I hired someone to furnish it. I don’t have much of an eye for interior design.”
I grin, feeling a bit of the tension ease from my shoulders. “Thank you, Nik. For letting me stay here.”
“You’re welcome,” he says, his voice softening. “I want you to feel safe.”
“I already do,” I admit, looking around the room again. It’s true; being here, surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of the forest, I feel a sense of peace I haven’t felt for a while.
“The team I have going over your apartment will keep an eye on things…and make sure nothing like that happens again.” He says and the tension suddenly radiating off of him palpable. The shift in his tone has me stealing another glance his way. His jaw set in a determined line. His unmistakeable desire to keep me safe-- his protectiveness-- stirs something deep within me. My throat suddenly feels tight and warmth prickles behind my eyes. Having someone on my side like this, it’s overwhelming in the best possible way. It makes my chest clench and my core to heat in a way that’s much too dangerous.
I take a deep breath and try to shove down that feeling. *Down, down, down*.
“It’s getting late,” Nik says suddenly, interrupting my chaotic thoughts, “I’ll let you get some rest. If you need anything, I’m just down the hall.”
I nod, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach at the thought of being so close to him, “Thank you.”
He closes the door behind him, and I collapse onto the edge of the bed, my heart pounding an unsteady rhythm against my ribcage. I can’t shake the feeling that staying here is a dangerous idea. Not because of Felix, but because of Nik. Being around him so often, in such close quarters, I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep my wild emotions in check.
Unzipping the duffle bag that Nik had packed for me, I stare out the window at the trees swaying gently in the breeze. Despite my reckless emotions, this place feels like a sanctuary, a haven where I can escape from the chaos of the outside world. But my heart is a different story. I just hope that I can navigate these new, complicated emotions without getting hurt. Living with Nik, feeling the intense connection between us, is like walking a tightrope. One wrong move, and I could fall. But for now, I push those thoughts aside and let the tranquility of the forest wash over me.
I’m safe here. And for now, that’s more than enough.