The Empath's Mate

Chapter 18

Nikola took my hand and lead me inside. I stayed quiet trying to keep my mind clear. Negative thoughts were attempting to surface. I took a few deep breaths to calm myself as we sat back down on the couch.

               “I didn’t build the house. I purchased it a few years ago, when my alpha said we would be taking over the territory. I did most of the work here and there over the years. I was hoping to have more time before bringing you. I wanted to change some of the décor, who knew you were so impatient.” He smiled.

               “I am glad you didn’t. This is beautiful, a little masculine, but beautiful. The sun flowers are my favorite.” I said with ease.

               “Peter is the Alpha. His house is a quarter mile past the driveway at the end of the road. I signaled the house on the corner letting them know it was me. We try to stay under the radar. Occasionally, there are teens that come out here to try to party, we keep an eye on them from the shadows, staying on alert.” He explained.

               “That makes sense. Peter being a werewolf is a little shocking. Don’t laugh but I expected there to be more hair. Not like wolf-man or whatever but more caveman-ish.” I said shrugging my shoulders.

               Niko laughed out loud at my ridiculous assumption. Part of me was nervous, not wanting to ask a ton of questions. I just wanted to allow him to provide me with the information I needed right now. Everything seemed so strange, I could only trust my feelings for him. The thought of being ‘made for each other’ slowly became more appealing.

               “He is going to bring a whole new world to light.” Niko said with conviction. “Want me to give you a tour?”

               “That sounds perfect. Can I ask questions along the way?” I responded.

               “I would love that. I really don’t know where to begin. The only thing on my mind right now is completing the mating process.” He said helping me up from the couch.

               “Ummm… Can we hold off on that information for now?” I asked turning red, beginning to chew my cheek.

               “Of course. I’ll take you to the kitchen first. You ask I will answer.” He finished as we walked down a short hallway into the kitchen. It had hardwood floors; a sage color painted on the walls. The appliances all stainless steel, looking brand-new. The white tile counters added an oddly enjoyable accent to the room.

               The island in the middle housed the stove on one side, four barstools on the other. On the opposite side of the room was a large table with 6 chairs. The shelves built into the wall were only partially filled with china. A few photographs were framed, I walked over to get a closer look.

               “Family?” I asked looking at the photo. He nodded, “My mother and sister. They live in one of the ranch houses on the way in. My sister, Janice, is 2 years older than Tovi. She was born after my mother remarried.” He answered.

               “She is beautiful, they both are. Now I know where you get your good looks.” I smiled at him.

               “My father passed a few years ago, he was injured badly during a fight and died a few days later. I took over as Beta when it happened. Peter has always been like an uncle to me, and my alpha.” He continued.

               “That’s tragically beautiful.” I said wrapping my arms around him. I pushed myself up on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “What room is next?”

               “I’ll take you upstairs. There are 4 bedrooms, to warn you, two of them are empty. I wasn’t sure what to do.” He admitted.

               The staircase railing was original to the house and beautiful. I awed it as we climbed the stairs. I was expecting creeks or some type of noise considering the age of the house. As we quietly walked down the hallway, he opened the first door.

               “Here is the first empty room, if you wanted to turn it into your own office, I can arrange it.” He said before pressing his lips closed.

               I looked at him and raised my brow. Trying to understand why he thinks it is okay to speak like I am moving in today was causing my head to hurt. He cleared his throat and closed the door. Next, he motioned to the bathroom, the farmhouse theme caused me to grin.

               “Can I just be blunt?” I asked. He nodded so I continued, “Do you expect me to just say okay to all of this and move right on in?” His eyes widened in response.

               “Of course not! I am sorry. Did I give you that impression? Honestly, I brought you here so you couldn’t run away. Good thing I did.” He added causing me to clear my throat.

               “I still stand by what I said before. I am yours. I just want a chance for you to be mine.” He said causing my heart to flutter. I leaned against the wall and closed my eyes. I felt him turn around and approach me before leaning, my shoulder barley touching his arm.

               “If you want to leave, I can take you back to your car, or home.” He offered softly.

               My first thought was to scream no. Thankfully I pressed my lips together to stop myself from saying something I would regret. I was fighting myself, every thought along the way being dissected. I took his hand in mine and allowed myself to feel our bond. The sparks dancing on my skin causing a gentle calm.

               “I want to stay. Where is your room?” I asked pushing myself from the wall but keeping his hand.

               “This way.” He offered as he squeezed tightly.  

               The rest of the tour was quick. I was focusing more on the questions than the house. We sat in the kitchen as he explained the mating process. I had some of an idea because of the research but I was glad to hear marking wasn’t as dangerous as what the stories told.

               On the way back to my vehicle, Nikola called Peter to request the package be delivered to my townhouse. After running out of questions I was eager to get some work done. A late arrival, together, would cause to much gossip. I pulled into the driveway a few minutes before Nikola. He went into the coffee house when I came straight home.

               The assistant was waiting in the driveway still inside his vehicle. After closing my door I walked over to take the box from him that was sealed.

               “Peter instructed me to have you sign this stating the seal is unbroken.” He said shyly handing me a paper and pen. “Not a problem.” I said looking over the box before signing. “Thank you. Drive safe.” I said before heading inside.

               The box was heavy and packed well. I leaned it next to the door as I fumbled with the keys. Hearing Nikola’s truck park caused me to drop them. He jumped out of the truck and came over to take the box. I picked up the keys and opened the door.

               “I may need you around all the time if you keep saving me like that.” I said with a giggle.

               He set the box down before heading outside and returning with our coffee. A large bag was on his back with his work bag on his shoulder.

               “Moving in?” I joked.

               “Just for the night. I didn’t think you would mind, and Peter says with your newfound information comes the first 24 hours of supervision. We need to make sure you don’t go crying wolf.” He smiled poking my side.

               “I realize I am all over the place. Thank you for being understanding. Just so you know, I like when you stay.” I admitted pulling some cookies out of the cupboard. After placing them on the table, I took my pocketknife and gently slid it around the edges of the tape. Lifting the lid, I could only see packing peanuts.

               “Do you know what this is?” I said pulling out the packing material, placing it in the lid.

               “A journal, it dates back to the 1600’s. A man who thinks he is a wolf.” He raised a brow.

               “Awesome!” I said to loud.