The Empath's Mate

Chapter 15

I browsed around the woods more before turning around to head back. At that moment, I realized I wasn’t sure which way back was. Feeling slightly lost I decided to center myself. If I reach out, I can try to sense the closest emotions and head in that direction. Maybe I will even find Tovi.

               I closed my eyes before taking a few deep breaths. I could feel someone was distressed but it was faint. It could easily be someone who over-indulged. I felt a chill in the air around me and decided just to start walking. When I opened my eyes, I heard something behind me move, by the time I turned around it was gone.

               After a few hundred yards I came across a couple making out by a tree and knew I was heading in the right direction. My presence went unnoticed as I internally laughed. I whispered Tovi’s name a few times to see if anyone answered at all.

               “There you are!” Niko said clearly worried. “Where did you disappear to? I know I was out of line, but you can’t just take off like that!”

               “I didn’t mean to disappear; I was looking for Tovi remember? Did anyone find her?” I started to get defensive again.

               “Jessie found her, she was in a tree, taking a break.” Niko was laughing and shaking his head.

               Relief washed over me. I followed Nikola in silence until we reached the fire where Tovi and Jessie stood. She was laughing at her brother and smacking Brandon on the back of his head. To my left I noticed the man from the woods talking with a smaller version of himself.

               “I am glad you found yours too!” I yelled playfully across the open area.

               The man winked at me with a full smile before turning and walking away. I heard Nikola cover something with a cough. I hugged Tovi like she had been lost at sea laughing.

               “I am glad you are okay; I can’t get mad your brother worries. In any case, I am going to take my old-ass back home and to bed if that is okay with everyone.” I eyed around for objections before pecking both their cheeks and heading back to the truck.

               I heard Nikola stay behind before I heard him jogging up to me. I put my arms around my chest beginning to stew over the way he spoke to me. I could sense he was angry; I just didn’t know why.

               “Who was that man?” He finally said forcing his tone.

               “I am not sure. I met him in the woods. He was looking for his brother.” I was short with my answer.

               “Why was his scent on you?”

               “His scent? What are you talking about? He barley touched me when he caught me.” I replied back clearly irritated and now confused.

               “He caught you. Were you jumping out of a tree?” Niko replied ignoring my questions.

               “Yes, I tripped on another log, he caught my elbow.” My face was turning a new shade of red as Niko opened the door of the truck for me. “Are you going to stop avoiding my questions now? What do you mean his scent?!” I practically yelled.

               “He has on strong cologne, you couldn’t smell it? It reeked.” He said back before he closed the door.

               “I smelt nothing.” I said as he slid into the driver’s seat.

               “Strange. I am sorry you were worried for Tovi. I am sorrier that I made a fool of myself. I am not so possessive, it’s just…” He stopped and I did my best to be patient.

               “I can’t stand the thought of loosing anyone else. I don’t mean to sound to forward. I won’t allow anything to happen to you.” He said barley making sense.

               I reached over and took his hand into mine closing my eyes before breathing in. Our connection was unlike anything before. It was like we were one person, my skin danced as we touched. I opened my eyes to see his staring back at me.

               All of my anger had washed away. In the moment, I was upset. Knowing his emotions now has changed my desired reaction. I pressed my forehead to his mimicking his earlier actions. He raised his hand up and cupped my cheek as he kissed the other and pulled back.

               “We will continue this later.” He said before kissing my hand and placing it on his lap as he began to drive.

               I leaned my head against the seat as we hit the main road. I must have fallen asleep because I was startled when Niko closed the driver’s side door. I removed my seat belt just before he opened the door. I began to stand when he shook his head and scooped me up bridal style carrying me inside.

               I kicked off my shoes giggling as he walked thru the house. I could feel his chest bounce as he shook his head laughing at my childish actions. I felt a sense of ease I had never experienced. It was as if he melted away all that was bad in the world.

               He placed me on the bed, shifting the blankets to cover me. As he bent down, placing a kiss on my forehead, I had a sense of sadness wash over me. He was going to leave. I worried that he would never come back, tonight was some fun adventure for him.

               I wrapped my arms around his broad shoulders as tight as I could. “Please stay.” I said desperately in a whisper. The moment the words left my lips I regrated them. What kind of neglected passed-over wife did I sound like?

               “I mean, it’s already so late. You could stay in one of the other rooms if you’d like.” I offered as my cheeks turned deep red.

               “I would love to stay.” He said softly nuzzling his face into my neck. “Would you like me to get you anything?”

               “Just you in here too.” I whispered shyly.

               “Let me go grab my gym bag from the truck. I should have some shorts in there.” I said stepping back.

               “You don’t need to.” I said removing my clothes leaving just my shirt and panties. “I doubt you sleep in shorts at home, you have boxers or something on, right?” I clarified due to his concerned expression.

               “Yes…” He said carefully.

               “Then just strip down and get in here. Stop worrying, nothing is going to happen.” I joked.

               He was unsure at first, then he removed his shirt. I was able to see the tattoos that covered his chest and arms to his elbows. My eyes followed the sea of muscles that covered his chest down to his stomach. I licked my lips as I saw the definition around his hips.

               He grinned as he unbuckled his pants and slid them down. I closed my mouth afraid that drool would begin to seep down the sides. He was better looking than any model I have ever seen. I expected him to walk to the other side of the bed to enter. To my surprise, he slid in next to me, lifting gently as he slid my body over to allow enough space.

               His arms wrapped around me as I felt the flames dance across my skin. Everywhere I could feel his skin was on fire. It was as if my skin was alive. I shifted my body a few times trying to get even closer to him. He chuckled a few times as I fidgeted.

               “If you don’t stop moving around like that, something is going to happen.” I could hear the smile in his voice.

               “Oops… Sorry…” I said before giggling myself to sleep.