The Spirit Walker (BOOK ONE): The Ripple

Chapter Forty-Two: Euna

Clan Cameron's Laird stands before us, his family spread into a line organized by rank. His grandmother, Elder Vanora, stands directly beside him, her lips as lemon-pursed as they were the last time I saw her, her gaze unwelcoming whenever it darts in my direction. The Laird is surprisingly young, and surprisingly attractive. His mate is slim and soft, his only son a quiet reflection of Lady Cameron. But his sister...

Euna is the sort of woman who draws attention simply by existing. The type who could stop traffic even if she were covered in dirt and wearing a potato sack. Even from where she stands, placed farthest from the Laird, she shines.

I understand at once why Calum did not find the thought of her touch objectionable.

"Calum," she greets when it is her turn, her voice breathy, her full lips curved into a sweet smile, impossibly thick lashes fluttering over glittering dark eyes. "It's so good to see you. It's been too long." Calum's smile is soft when he greets her, his eyes fond.

I strive to keep my jealousy off my face, but Ness' elbow in my ribs lets me know I have failed.

"My mate," Calum says, gesturing in my direction, but careful not to touch me. Euna's eyes dart between us, something calculated in those dark depths. She blinks, and it is gone. She reaches out to me, and takes my hand in both of hers.

"Of course! We have all heard so much about you," she gushes, her smile wide and seemingly genuine. Her teeth are perfect- stark white and beautifully shaped, set into the sort of smile that Colgate would covet for its commercials. "Welcome to Clan Cameron. We're so honored to have our future Bhanrigh here with us!"

She draws me to her side and links our arms together, as though we have known each other for years. "I do hope we will be able to become good friends!" She lightly squeezes my hand, and her cheeks dimple.

"Wouldn't that be lovely?" I hear myself reply, and repress the urge to cringe at how formal and awkward I sound.

Ness snorts.

"Oh, Calum, she's a doll!"

Wonderful. She's one of those. As fake as Vanora but with the kind of sweet, bubbly persona that men seem incapable of seeing past. A glance toward Calum reveals he is as taken in by her act as I would expect. There is true fondness in his gaze, and some attraction too.

I raise my brows at him.

"The Spirits have truly blessed me," Calum agrees, before quickly glancing away from me again. I see his chest rising and falling with forced breaths, and recognize exactly what he is doing. In spite of myself, I wonder what mental images seeing Euna and I together have conjured up for him.

The forced smile I toss his way isn't exactly kind.

"I'll be your tour guide, if you'll let me?" Euna volunteers, and as she passes Calum she lightly pats his forearm in a way that is entirely too familiar. "I'll show your mate around and get her all settled in. Don't worry about little old us- just focus on taking care of business with the men."

"Thank you," Calum replies, his eyes lingering on her for just a split second too long. He catches himself and returns his gaze to me, trying to be a gentleman. 

A surge of heat rises in my chest, but I paste on a smile.

"I'd love that," I reply, and allow Euna to draw me into the main hall. Ness and Maise trail behind us, and I don't think I've ever been so grateful for their presence.

"This all must be such a shock to you- coming from a whole other Ripple, having to learn our customs and our language and our culture... I heard there aren't even skin walkers where you come from. It must be so challenging- having to navigate all of that, and a mate bond, and not even be able to shift yet...." Euna prattles, and I force the smile to remain on my face. "Oh- I'm sorry! know that's supposed to be a secret! Grama will kill me for letting on that I know!"