The Empath's Mate

Chapter 17

Veronica POV

               I panicked as I drove the usual route into the office. Nikola’s truck hummed ahead of my own vehicle. I thought about how he offered to drive me. I was being ridiculous and childish unable to accept that people would find out. We went to a group activity with other employees, everyone likely already knows.

               I jerked the car into the next lane before making a right-hand turn. A great coffee house was around the corner and I decided to avoid the office altogether. I could see his break lights flick on when I made the unexpected turn. After making a left into the parking lot and finding the first available spot I threw the car into park.

               My phone vibrated once as I placed my head on the steering wheel. I knew it was Nikola, probably wondering why he has a thing for a crazy person. Everything okay? The message read. I felt a slight sting in my chest. I knew I had to reply. Yes, all good. Coffee. I may be a few hours. I can let you know when I head in.

               I saw the bubbles appear on the phone before they disappeared. I wasn’t trying to be vague. Was I? All this man has done is be a supportive friend and open book, yet I can’t seem to be honest. I saw the bubbles appear again and my heart leapt. I clicked the phone off pushing my forehead back to the wheel.

               A knock on my window caused me to jump. I could feel my emotions all over my face as I looked at Niko. He stood outside the window with a concerned look on his face. My chest fluttered I was so happy to see him. My body seemed to know what I needed; my brain was just on delay. I hit the button to roll down the window.

               “You can’t get coffee from the parking lot. Do you want to go in or am I getting in?” His tone was soft and sweet, understanding. I nodded my head to the passenger seat and unlocked the doors. He was in the vehicle before I unbuckled my seat belt. “My coffee is still full…” I lifted the cup in the console.

               “I figured as much. Luckily, there was only one place to get coffee where you turned.” He smiled at me.

               “I honestly don’t know if I can explain any of it. I feel… different… strange? You are amazing, gorgeous, smart, funny, I can go on. Why me? Why after all these years, find some plain-Jane and sweep her off her feet? Maybe if I can understand, I can get over myself.” I said blushing as my eyes began to water from frustration.

               “I can tell you. But we need to do something first.” He said before pulling out his cell phone.

               I released the breath that I was holding. He was willing to give me answers, all I needed to do was ask. I couldn’t be more relieved in that moment. He had entered a contact on his phone, I could hear the other end ringing.

               “You’re late.” Peter’s voice rang on the other end. I gasped a little to loud, his voice reduced as Niko hit the volume button on his phone. “I am with Roni. Can you have everything covered for the day? Tell the staff we are working on something confidential offsite.” Nikola’s tone seemed to say more than his words.

               He disconnected the phone and set it down. “Why don’t you leave this here. I will bring you back after.” He said removing my keys from the ignition without my response. “Why would I do that?” I asked grabbing for my keys as he smiled. “I am taking you to my place. I will explain everything there.” He said exiting the car.

               I huffed before reaching into the back for my bag. I didn’t trust leaving it in a parking lot. He opened the driver’s side door as I turned around. “Either you are a consistent gentleman, or you are impatient as hell.” I said pushing myself from the seat.

               “Chivalry is not dead.” He smiled taking my bag before opening the door to the truck. “It would seem not.” I replied.

               We drove for about an hour. I couldn’t believe he would commute so far. He told a few stories about Peter and explained they have a close relationship. I was in awe at the scenery around the river. We pulled up to a two-story house on a corner. He stopped the truck and I looked around. “Is this it?” I wondered out loud.

               He beeped the horn twice and continued to drive down the road. “Let me guess, you’ll explain?” I said not hiding my attitude. His chest gave away his laugh he was holding back, fueling my anger more. We passed 2 ranch homes on opposite sides of the road. Another mile down, there was a two-story home, the wrap around porch was so detailed I caught myself turning my head back to see it.

               He turned off the road to the left heading down a long driveway surrounded by large oak trees. They were beautiful the way they arched over the driveway. I felt like I was in a beautiful tunnel. A house appeared; my eyes were amazed.

               The beautiful farm-style house was painted eggshell white with navy blue trim. The porch covered the front of the house with a swing and some chairs. The garage was detached 50 yards to the right. He parked the car as I looked around with my jaw practically on the floor.

               “I hope you like it.” He said reading my expression. “It’s amazing.” I said reaching for my seatbelt. After I heard the click, I felt his hand cover mine. “Before we go in… Remember how you and Tovi are keeping an open mind?” He seemed nervous.

               “I am open.” I said confidently, slowly loosing myself in his eyes.

               We walked onto the porch and I admired the unique design on the wood. It reminded me of something that I would see in a museum. I followed him inside the door, he led me to the living room. A large couch covered one wall, an oversized recliner on the other. It was simple with the television on the opposite wall. The flowers in the vase were fresh. I walked over to smell the sunflowers, looking at the pictures on the wall.

               Nikola’s arms wrapped around me pulling my back to his chest. I felt as if a spell was placed on me. I leaned my head into his shoulder smiling. He pulled me backwards until we fell onto the couch together. He kept my body close to his.

               “I need to know.” I said softly.

               “You do.” He agreed. “I’ll be honest, I have never had to do this before. Just know I am not crazy okay?” He said causing me to worry. “Our work, we study the supernatural right? Searching to find proof that the stories are more than stories?” I nodded for him to continue. “They are.”

               “I am going to need you to just come out with it.” I said impatient as ever.

               “Okay… I am a shapeshifter. Specifically, a werewolf.” He said before locking eyes with mine.

               “Well, that explains the scent accusations.” I smiled at my joke.

               “I am not joking.” He replied as I sensed his irritation rising. “I know you’re not. Neither am I.” I smiled at him pushing my body close to him. “If you are crazy, then I am for believing you. My gut has never been wrong before. I don’t feel you are lying to me now.” I explained.

               As I allowed the information to sink in and put my best foot forward for my pact with Tovi, I enjoyed the feeling of being in his arms. My mind began to grow with worry as I revied the information I had studied. I had heard of the mate bonds between wolves. I never read of humans being bonded to them.

The information dawned on me, the only reason he was attracted to me, or cared at all, was some supernatural bond. All my life all I wanted was to feel the way I had the past few days. Everything with Nikola was seamless. I felt as if we were made for each other, and we were. I could not help but to feel like I was cheated. His lack of choice to fall in love with me reminded me of settling for Travis.

“I am grateful for the last weekend. I understand now. Is there something official you need to do to get rid of me?” I asked beginning to stand and gain my composure. I could feel my emotions locking down one by one. This man already had some weird hold over me, I didn’t need to add to it.

“Get rid of you? What do you mean?” He said reaching for my hand.

“I’ve never read about a wolf-human mate-ship or whatever you call it. I appreciate you bringing me here to tell me, but I would’ve rather been dumped in a coffee house parking lot.” I finished heading for the door. I wasn’t sure where I was going, my body was on autopilot and I was willing to walk until I reached someone to get me. I did not want his pity.

“Just because you haven’t read it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Please come back and sit down.” He said following me. “Roni!” He yelled as I began to pick up my pace.

His arms wrapped around me pulling me in. My body immediately reacted, my hands gripping his arms around me, my head finding its spot on his shoulder. I shook my head snapping myself out of my trance.

“Roni, stop please.” He pleaded turning my body before pulling me back. “I never want to ‘get rid of you’ I brought you here because I built this for you.”

I stopped struggling against his hold. “What do you mean?” I didn’t think he would hear my muffled voice.

“I know it’s hard to understand at first, but I have been waiting for my mate my entire life. You are here. It doesn’t matter to me if you are human, mermaid, or yeti.” He laughed at the end.

“Mermaids are real?” I responded with a smile.