Evelyn

"I'm glad Clay finally brought you here." Said Lala, " I wish he would have done so sooner, but we all know how stubborn he can be, keeping you all to himself." She sighed dramatically, shaking her head at her son.

I think I'm gonna like this woman, I thought with a smile.

"Alo explained everything to me. If it's alright with you, I would like you to stay here for a while, just until you complete your shift. Lala said, "I talked with the Chief, and he thinks it would be better for you to be here where you would feel relaxed around Clay. I think it will be good for us to get to know each other too.

"Oh wow, really?"

I turned to look at Clay, who was trying not to look excited…. But failed when his face lit up with a smile.

"That sounds good to me. I don't feel comfortable around Shelby and my stepmother. Asher and my father can just come here if they want to see me. I'm always alone at Mamaw's anyways, and it's getting harder to stay away from Clay because of the bond." My face warmed saying that, but it was the truth.

Clay's arms tightened in a hug, nuzzling his face into the crook of my shoulder.

"We will allow you to stay in Clay's room since I know he will sneak into any room I put you in. Just don't do anything stupid." Said Clay's father, who had been quiet until now.

" Eve, relax and let your body go through the change. I know you're scared, but trying to hold back makes it more painful." Explained Alo. "Call me if you need help; this old man is ready for bed." He said before heading for the door.

After his grandfather left, Clay carried to to his room where I saw football posters were on the walls, and pictures of me were scattered around the room. Piles of clothes were in a corner, and his bed was unmade. He has been sleeping at my house most nights, which told me it's been this messy for a while.

I felt curious when I saw a desk covered in carving tools, stones, wood, and little carved trinkets that he enjoys making.

Clay switched on the TV, then we snuggled in his bed while watching Cinderella on Disney plus.

I don't know how long I was asleep; I was having a nightmare about being laughed at by the tribe when the pain returned.

I gasped awake, finding myself in Clay's arms.

He sat with me in his lap, with my forehead pressed against his chest. I sucked in deep breaths as I focused on his heartbeat.

His hands rubbed my back in a soothing motion. "Just relax, Little Bird, and let the change happen."