EWAN

My first thought when I wake? Shit, what did I do? Not because I regret what happened, but because I'm hers now. Here I am the guy who told her we needed to avoid this situation, and I'm the first she shares herself with. Vee invites me to touch that awesome body, pour our frustration into pleasure, and blow both our minds. Like I'm gonna say no. As if any one of us would, including the constantly in denial Xander.

I grab my jeans from my bedroom floor and pull them on, gazing at the empty bed, sheet still creased with Vee's shape. How the fuck did I sleep with her naked body in my arms and not unleash what she asked from me? Man, I deserve a fucking medal. But I’m trying to respect her—and the others. It’s early days, and we need less conflict not more.

But we’ve spoken when Vee isn’t around, acknowledging she’s more than just some chick who’s joined our group. Even Heath agrees none of us could claim her as theirs, and that she told him and Xander as much.

Now we’ve discovered her real power, that she already holds a part of each Horseman, this makes more sense. Where do we go from here as a group? I guess we’ll find out soon.

I believed that the moment Vee walked into our lives everything changed, but now I understand. The chaos her arrival caused doesn't come close to what she's capable of doing to us all.

Vee's in the kitchen when I walk downstairs. A black and grey shirt from my bedroom floor covers her body, stopping just beneath her ass, stirring more than just the memories inside me. She leans against the kitchen counter, chipped blue mug in hand.

"I think you guys need a proper coffee machine. I can't stand drinking this instant stuff." Vee pulls a face. I blink at her; she focuses on weird shit sometimes. "I understand—you don't have time for frivolity when you're saving the world, but decent coffee? Everybody needs decent coffee."

Vee smiles into the mug, amused by her own joke. "I'll get Joss onto it," I reply.

She steps towards me and places her soft hand on my cheek, lips briefly touching mine. I wrap an arm around her waist and she trips, almost spilling her drink.

"How are you feeling?" I ask.

"Better now I've dealt with a couple of things over the last twenty-four hours."

"Like me, you mean?" I arch a brow.

She slaps my bare chest. "And the demon. I feel more able to be this... whatever I am."

"I think you're amazing," I kiss her forehead. "In a lot of ways."

"But you think last night was wrong?" she asks. "You're hesitant."

"I’m worried about the other guys."

Her expression surprises me. I'd expected some doubt, maybe even her avoiding me this morning, but she's genuinely confused. "This whole situation is different to usual."

"That's one word to describe it." I let her go and search for my own mug. When I turn back around, Vee's watching as she drinks, eyes dark the way they were last night as she rakes her gaze over my naked chest. "Need me to put my shirt on so you can control yourself?" I ask her.

"You want me to take your shirt off? Okay." Vee's fingers go to the buttons and I freeze, convinced she'll get naked in the kitchen for a second time, but she laughs again.

I'm three steps away from heading over to kiss her, absorb some of her happiness the way Joss can from people, because with her that’s something I haven't felt for a long time. But Xander walks into the kitchen from outside, red cheeked from his usual morning walk. He flicks a look between us, then spends a good few seconds studying the point my shirt stops and Vee’s smooth tanned legs start. The partially unbuttoned shirt also attracts his attention. Yeah, she's naked under there, Xander.

I'm unsurprised by the way they look at each other—his attempt at impassiveness marred by the effect she has that he denies. I've spotted something I don't think Xander has; she's up to his challenge, and he has no hope of winning.

"Aren't you cold, Vee?" he asks. "You're not wearing much."

"A little, but I needed a drink."

He unzips his jacket and gestures at Vee. "Nice shirt, hey, Ewan? Yours, isn't it?"

We glance at each other, and Xander's mouth tugs into a knowing smile. "Ha, Ewan! Now I didn't expect this."

What do I say? Vee's nonplussed; she drains her mug and sets it in the sink.

"I heard Joss slept in his own bed last night," Xander continues. "Alone. Where were you, Vee?"

I blow air into my cheeks. "I expect Joss and Heath'll be up soon. Maybe get dressed, Vee?"

"That was next on my list." She smiles at me, and hell I want her to kiss me.

Xander crosses his arms and watches Vee's ass as she leaves the room. He turns to me. "Dude, you are in so much trouble."