The Empath's Mate

Chapter 13

Nikola POV

               As I drove to Roni’s new house, I argued with myself. I felt how stiff she was when I rushed over to her. Peter didn’t want me to do anything drastic, I was trying to hold back. When she wrapped her arms around my back and pulled me closer, I almost marked her. She does want me; she just doesn’t know it yet.

               Jessie had taken me by surprise. When he sent Roni inside, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew he was protective, but I easily had 5 inches on him. Him asking me if I was interested in her romantically left me shocked. After I decided to be honest with him and say yes he just nodded his head. We only had 7 boxes left when he finally spoke again.

               “My Dad has been a horrible husband for as long as I can remember. I won’t let that happen to her again.” He said flatly.

               “You will never have to worry about that with me, Roni deserves much more.” Was all I could think to say to him. When she came back out and Jessie said he and his sister would be gone for a party, I was excited to be alone with her again. The possibilities started running through my head.

               We arrived at the townhouse and I was shocked. I had been looking into many properties lately, this was not listed. I pulled to the front of the house and she parked in the driveway. I watched her approach my car and I felt my stomach begin to flip. She was so beautiful, the energy around her was addicting.

               “I will go grab Tovi and Jessie to help. We can just put everything in the garage for now. I want them to be able to go have fun after today.”

               She opened the garage and went inside the house. I unlocked the trailer opening it before taking the first box into the garage. Most of them had labels, Jessie and I made sure to stack them together. On my third trip into the garage Tovi and Jessie came through the door. I looked around and didn’t see Roni, the ping in my chest had me slightly worried.

               “Does Roni need any help inside?” I asked them both.

               “She will be right out. This trailer is perfect!” Tovi said changing the subject. “Let’s get this done so I can go to one high school party before I graduate.” She sounded less than thrilled.

               “You don’t like parties?” I asked.

               “I don’t like high school, or parties.” She said with a giggle. “Jessie convinced me I have to try it once. I am graduating early in December; I will be on campus with you all after winter break.”  

               “Roni has to be excited about that.” I replied.

               “It keeps her from thinking about Jessie going to Alabama in the spring.” She glared at her brother.

               “Come on sis, who doesn’t want to play football for bama? Roll tide!” Jessie said teasing.

               “You’re not going to even consider changing schools?” Tovi asked Jessie.

               “You know Mom doesn’t want me to do that. It’s only a few hours away, we can make it work.” Jessie answered hurt by Tovi.

               “I don’t know Roni that well yet, but I think Jessie is right. She is a strong woman.” I said causing them both to stare at me.

               “What do you want with my mom?” Tovi asked glaring.

               “Nothing, I am just a friendly co-worker helping out.” I smiled at her.

               “He likes her.” Jessie said to Tovi. “Sorry man, but we don’t like to be left in the dark.”

               “No need to apologize Jessie. You’re right, I do like her, she is amazing. I do understand now is not the time.” I said to them both.

               “I don’t think this is a normal situation. My dad and mom haven’t been connected on that level for a while. She seems to have something else bothering her.” Tovi shrugged.

               I felt the sting of guilt creep to the surface. If she wasn’t upset about her situation with her husband than she was upset about lunch. I knew it was dangerous to get so close and the longer we went without explaining the mate bond to her, the more difficult her life would be.

               “I guess I am lucky you are both going to a party tonight then. Any suggestions before you ditch us?” I chuckled.

               “She loves fires. We don’t have a fire pit here and the rules are the rules.” Tovi was thinking out loud.

               “How did she find this place?” I asked changing the subject.

               “Our uncle owns a few rental properties. She isn’t close with him, but he is willing to take anyone’s money.” Jessie answered.

               “Oh! I have a great idea, can you boys handle unpacking and cover for me?” Tovi said excited.

               Jessie and I nodded our heads and she headed inside with a box. A few moments later Tovi jumped into her car and left. Roni came into the garage; I could see her face was red. Her eyes betrayed her, a tear was still forming, she was fighting to hold it back.

               “I thought you ran out on us.” I joked trying to lighten her mood.

               “Sorry… I… Uh…” Roni was stammering, I felt horrible. 

               “Just kidding, we are almost finished. Is there anything you want me to carry inside for you?” I said quickly.

               “The boxes that say office on them… can you please bring them into the house? I need them in my room.” She rubbed her eye looking around.

               “Not a problem. Jessie, you have the rest from the trailer?” I asked him.

               “Copy, Tovi and I will come find you before we leave Mom.” Jessie said before lifting another box.

               I picked up two boxes together that both said office. Roni’s eyes almost fell out of her head. I forgot she didn’t know about the wolf strength yet and both these boxes were filled with books. She may have added cement to the bottom as well.

               “Lead the way beautiful.” I said walking towards the door. She blushed while Jessie chuckled.

Veronica POV

               I sweat this man is going to cause me to have whiplash. My emotions seem to be getting the best of me. I feel so confused and hurt but not by Travis, by Nikola. He has been so great and helpful. I feel like I am setting myself up for failure. There is no way someone like Nikola would want to waste his time with me.

               He followed me into the master bedroom setting the boxes down. He cut open the first box before leaving the room. I walked over to the open box and began to organize the desk that was in the corner. The room was bigger than I remembered. There was a full-size bed to the left of the room with a nightstand on each side. To the right there was a desk and a recliner, the dresser sat opposite from the bed.

               “Can I say something quick?” Nikola said walking back into the room with 2 more boxes.

               “Of course, I think we are beyond that. Less than a week and you know more about me than my family.” I laughed.

               “I like you. I don’t want to beat around the bush. I like you; I want you, but I will wait until your ready.” He said in a strong tone before walking back out the door.

               I stood there for a moment confused. With everything I had been feeling over the last week mixed with the extreme events of today, I didn’t know what to feel anymore. I waited in the same spot for a few minutes and he didn’t return. I finally went to search for him bumping into Tovi.

               “Sorry sweety.” I said trying to get past her.

               “Mom wait.” She said grabbing my shoulders. “I just want to talk to you if that is okay.” She said softly causing me to switch gears in my brain.

               “Always.” I said taking her hand.

               “I am just nervous about tonight, Jessie said he will be there for me, but who knows when his buddies are around”

               “Well you know I will come get you in a heartbeat. This is a great idea; in a few months you will be at college parties. Who knows maybe sooner!” I laughed hugging her.

               “Can we make a deal?” She asked.

               “Depends on the deal.” I said raising a brow.

               “I will stay open to new things if you do too.” She said simply.

               “That, is a deal.” I kissed her cheek.

               “Ready Tovi? Brandon is there already.” Jessie said walking over.

               “Yup, all good.” She replied.

               “Stay safe and call me if you need anything.” I told them both.

               I followed them to the garage looking for Nikola. I walked to the cab of the truck and he wasn’t there either. Jessie had backed out of the driveway before Tovi rolled her passenger window down.

               “Niko is out back, sorry forgot to tell you.” She said with a giggle and they drove away.

               Niko? My mind was confused at the nickname my kids have given the stranger. The mention of him had my head spinning again. Why would he say something like that and just walk away?