Malachy

Authority. 

It was oozing from him. As the men meandered into the room, the air electrified, stealing Claire’s breath from her chest. The man beside her father entered the room with confidence and poise. His size alone was intimidating, throwing in his dark features and serious manner, and Claire understood why the Council sent him. He was obviously a superior warrior who commanded attention. 

But Jeeeeeeezzz.

Claire couldn’t look away. He had to be around 6’4, easily one of the tallest men she had ever seen. His dark chestnut hair was tied back into a low bun, it only made his strong jawline more prominent with his perfectly shaved face. Intense, deep brown eyes rested on her bright green ones. His tailored black suit didn’t even have a wrinkle in it; the complete opposite of the disheveled looks of her family after the rogue encounter.

Breathe, girl. Don’t freak out. A god just walked into your house. Be cool. Breathe.

She cautiously walked around the couch, while wiping her sweaty hands on her jeans, to greet the men. Claire placed a kiss on Jack’s cheek and turned to Malachy, smiling, stretching out her hand to him. “Hi. I’m Claire. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Williams.”

Malachy was shocked, to say the least. He wasn’t expecting the girl the Council sent him to investigate would be so petite, delicate, precious, and... absolutely radiant. His eyes roamed over her features: her shoulder length auburn hair framed around her fair-skinned face. The freckles just seemed to pop out everywhere. Her mesmerizing green eyes and the bright smile she greeted him with seemed to snap him back to reality. 

He reached out and shook her small hand in his massive one. Her grip was steady and sure, which brought a slight smile to his face. 

She’s so warm. 

That brief contact sent shivers up his arm, which he didn't think was possible. It had been years since he felt anything around a human. The stark contrast of her warmth to his coldness; it felt…pleasant. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Claire. And please, call me Malachy. ‘Mr’ makes me sound old.” This brought a slight grin to Claire’s face, also causing her to blush slightly, which he thought was adorable.

“I heated some drinks for you guys. Thought you might need it after a fight.” Claire motioned towards the kitchen with her free hand. Malachy realized he was still holding her right hand in his.  

Let her go. You’ll scare her and Jack will notice. 

He slowly lowered his hand, letting his fingertips graze her hand on the way down.

“You really know how to take care of us, kiddo. Thanks. We can get washed up and sit down for a bit.” Jack started towards the kitchen. Claire looked at Malachy as he motioned for her to go in front of him.

“Lead the way... Little One.” She blushed again, and he could hear her heart hammering. Letting her lead, he could observe her without other eyes watching him. As she walked past him, he picked up the subtle scent of lavender and vanilla.  

Interesting, he thought to himself.

Walking into the brightly lit kitchen, Claire rushed up to the counter and poured the blood into glasses for them. She slowly handed the glasses to the gentlemen and turned towards the fridge to grab a bottle of water for herself. While turning back, her necklace swung out, and the reflection caught Malachy’s eye. He could only stare at the silver as it reflected in the kitchen light.

“That’s a very interesting necklace. I’m surprised someone your age would wear such jewelry.” He complimented, then calmly took a sip of the crimson liquid, gauging her reaction.

Her fingers instinctively reached for the pendant, handling it softly. “I've always had it. Pops said it was with me when he found me. It’s always been with me. I honestly don’t know what it’s like to not be wearing it.”

Claire giggled while looking at it fondly. “Pops won’t tell me too much about that night. No matter how much I pester him,” she raised an eyebrow questioningly at her father.

“Claire. Don’t.” Jack warned with a sigh while pinching the bridge of his nose. 

Claire placed her hands up to surrender. “Fine. Fine. Another time then, Pops.” She thought they could use a turn in the discussion.

“How are you guys feeling?” She could tell they weren’t exhausted, but fighting, no matter the species, always took a toll. Even though vampires could naturally heal themselves quickly, there was always the possibility that something could happen. They weren’t invincible, just incredibly strong and quick.

“We’ll be fine. Nothing some rest and blood won’t fix. I’ll go take Steph a glass.” Jack stated. He slowly grabbed a glass and headed towards the stairs. “I'll be back in a bit, Malachy, to catch up for old time’s sake.” 

As soon as Malachy heard Jack's footsteps on the landing of the second floor, he turned his attention to the small human. However, she wasn’t paying any attention to him. Her brow furrowed as she bit her bottom lip, lost in her thoughts.

“You have a question, little Claire?” Malachy asked, taking a small sip of the warm glass. His eyes never left her face. She enamored and intrigued him. He could hear her heartbeat and her breathing; noticing that neither changed once Jack left them alone. 

“Are you afraid of me?”

“Should I be?” she asked as she folded her arms over her chest. Looking him straight in the eye, he noticed her eyes were a more vibrant green when they were directly aimed at him. Even from across the kitchen island, he could tell she had a feisty demeanor. He calmly leaned backwards, crossing his arms across his own chest, “yes.” 

Squinting her eyes defiantly at him, she chuckled. “You’d be an idiot to try anything while everyone is home. Besides, if scaring a teenage girl gives you your jollies, then I’m sorry. You came to the wrong house.”

She walked over to him, leaned in close, and whispered in his ear, “nice try, Mal.” She patted him on his shoulder as she walked towards the stairs. “Better luck next time!” she said over her shoulder.

Malachy watched her walk away, mouth agape.

One thought alone popped into his head: What in the hell just happened?