THE CLAIMING (The Chosen Series #1)

CRANN FUINSEOIGE

I sit with Isla at breakfast, deliberately avoiding the main table, mainly to steer clear of Liam. There's a noticeable tension in the air at the ranch this morning, and Erin's phone is still going straight to voicemail.

I'm not one to get jealous about them talking, but something about Erin's behavior has been off, and I can't shake the feeling that something isn't right.

Erin has always been fiercely independent, but her deep knowledge of supernatural communities keeps nagging at the back of my mind. Coupled with my dream about Isla, it's left me on edge.

I glance out the window; it's mid-morning. The sunlight streams in, and I try to relax my tense muscles, thinking over my relationship with Erin and how things have changed over the past few years.

Her absences have become more frequent, almost every other week, even during my recent cabin getaway. At first, I thought it was because of her casual flings, but now I'm not so sure.

I try calling her again, but it goes straight to voicemail. Frustrated, I sigh and notice Isla watching me. Her sharp grey eyes flicker, her lips moving slightly, and her fingers fidgeting. I take her hands in mine, leaning in closer, and barely catch a faint whisper: "Sister" followed by "where?"

"Erin?" I ask, watching her lips.

"Yes," she whispers back, squeezing my hands. It's clear that most people at the Ranch haven't noticed the subtle changes in Isla. The men ignore her, and some of the women, if they're not avoiding her, treat her as if she isn't there. It's shit.

I offer her a comforting smile. "I'm sorry, Erin had to leave." Her eyes dull, and her head droops slightly.

I pull her into a hug and whisper, making sure no one else can hear, "She'll be back. And even if she doesn't come back, I promise I'll take you with me when I leave this place."

As I try to release her, Isla tightens her grip, burying her face in my shoulder. What happened to you? Why are you hiding from everyone?

"I'm glad to see you two getting along so well," Siobhan comments as she approaches us. Feeling Isla loosen her hold, I release her and look up.

I offer Siobhan a forced smile, uncertain of her intentions. Patting Isla's hand, I clear my throat with resolve. "Isla, could you give us a moment? Siobhan and I need to talk." Rising to my feet, I gently squeeze her shoulder and place a kiss on her forehead. "I'll bring lunch when I return, okay?" Isla blinks in acknowledgment.

I turn away and firmly take Siobhan's arm, guiding her toward the study. Opening the double wooden doors, I usher her inside and close them behind us, ensuring our privacy.

Taking a seat, I gesture for her to join me. Facing her directly, I wait for Siobhan to settle in.

"Ava, I assume there's a reason you brought me here?" Siobhan asks, her hands resting on her lap.

"There is," I sit up straighter, narrowing my eyes. "I want to know about Isla's and why this so-called family treats her like she's an outcast."

Siobhan flinches, caught off guard, a mix of despair and her usual composure crossing her face. "Not the question you were expecting?" I ask, folding my arms.

She blinks, offering a small smile. "No, love. It's not what I anticipated, but it doesn't surprise me." She rubs her hands together, glancing out the window before returning her gaze to me. "I thought you wanted to talk about this afternoon, but this is just as important."

"Isla," she begins, sighing and shaking her head. "Where to start?"

"The beginning?" I suggest, patient but insistent.