The Empath's Mate

Chapter 19

Nikola POV

               The last few days with Roni have been a dream come true. I thought it would be difficult to hold myself back. The truth was, I didn’t need to. She was more accepting than I had thought possible. I was sure it would’ve taken the entire day, if not longer, for her to come around.

               We focused on the journal that arrived in the shipment along with a small chest that was locked. The last item was what looked like a ritualistic plate. The language on it predated anything either of us have previously seen before.

               Roni spent over 2 hours on the web trying to find any clues. I focused my time on the chest with no key. I began to believe it was concealed by some type of magic. We were a third of the way through the journal when Tovi arrived.

               “You’re still here?” She said teasing.

               “I am not easy to shake.” I replied with a smile. I noticed a smile quickly appear on Roni’s face as I felt her happiness through the bond. I knew if I could just be patient and give her the time she needs; we could complete the mating process.

               “Well school was insane; I can’t wait to be done. Jessie went out with some guys from the football team. He said he would send you a text.” She said looking to Roni.

               “Thanks for letting me know, I haven’t checked my phone in hours.” She replied back as Tovi placed the phone in front of her.

               “You may want to, there are 13 missed calls and 20 text messages.” Tovi said worried.

               I watched as Roni looked over her phone. I saw concern and anger flash on her face. Wanting to give her privacy, I stepped into the other room and called for takeout. Tovi peaked around the corner eavesdropping before nodding her head with a smile. As I was about to step back into the kitchen, I stopped. I know snooping is wrong, but I froze not sure if I should be listening.

               “Mama, just ignore it. He is just upset his hussy left him.” Tovi said.

               “It is not that simple sweety. There is a long process to divorce, who knows what he will try to do. I care to much about Nikola already to let him get involved. If I am lucky, he will still want me when its over.” Roni said back.

               “Or… Hear me out…” Tovi began carefully. “What if we tell him, then he is aware of the risk, and if he decides that he already loves you… Maybe he will want to stand by you.” She said carefully.

               “Sorry about that you two, I just figured I would order some dinner. The clock ran away from us…” I said stepping back into the room.

               “Niko, sorry. I am going to need to cut tonight short.” Roni’s voice was filled with pain.

               “No can-do Angel. I’m here for 24 hours remember?” I wasn’t sure how-to sooth her, but I was not leaving.

               “Don’t worry about that. I won’t be going anywhere. I am sure you have other things that need to be done. I have a bit of family drama to deal with.” Roni replied as she held her composure.

               I walked over to her side taking her by the hand. The only way I knew to help was by touching her. If she could just breath for a second, maybe she wouldn’t be so on edge. As I pulled her up into my chest, I heard Tovi creep out of the room. Roni pressed her face into my chest breathing in deeply.

               “You always smell so good.” She whispered.

               “It is because I am yours.” I said into her hair. “Talk to me, if you won’t let your reservations go, at least be honest with me.”

               She took a step backwards, looking up at me. I could tell she was trying to read me; I did my best to be an open book. I wanted her to search for any sense of doubt. I knew she would never find any.

               “Travis has had a change of heart.” She began as angry crept to the surface. “He says he wants us to come back to the house. He is willing to ‘forgive my weekend romance’ if we come back tomorrow.”

               I took a deep breath to keep in my anger. After all this time, I found my mate. I was heartbroken when I learned she was married. I was lucky enough to have a chance to make her mine. Now this i***t thinks he can walk back in. Over. My. Dead. Body.

               “Don’t worry, I am not stupid.” She said feeling my anger. “I would never go back, even if you weren’t…”

               “Anyways, I just don’t want him doing anything crazy. Stalking, threatening, you know, the things you see on the news. He is barley one shot of whiskey away. There is a darkness inside him, your better off keeping your distance.”

               She finally broke eye contact and looked down at the floor. I cupped my hand around her face to force her to look back into my eyes.

               “Is that what you want? Me to keep my distance?” I asked.

               “That is the furthest thing from what I want.” She replied honestly.

               “What do YOU want?”

               “I want you. I am crazy, a slut, moving from one man to the next. I have barley anything to offer you and two children I adore. I keep trying to turn it off. I can’t. I want you; I want adventure; I want to LIVE.” She said tears running down her cheeks.

               “I am yours.” I said, kissing her tears.

               “I want to be yours.” She said as her red cheeks turned purple.

               “That is all I needed to know.” I replied scooping her up bridal style carrying her into her bedroom.

               I closed and locked the door behind us. I set her down gently on the bed while I pulled out my cell phone from my pocked. Sending Tovi a quick message that the food was paid for to eat without us. I would have preferred for us to be alone; I am not sure how painful being marked can be for a human.

Veronica POV

               My heart was racing as Nikola sent a message on his phone. I was slightly confused with his timing; my head was spinning. When I told him, I didn’t realize it meant now. He slowly removed my clothing leaving just my panties. I watched as he stripped down to his boxers.

               Trying to remember the process he explained earlier I came up empty. My body was running on instinct, to many things were happening. I only knew I wanted to be with him before anything else could happen. He kissed me softly as his hands explored my body.

               For the first time in my life, I felt what making love was. He was so attentive, making sure that his emotions were in every touch. My body felt almost numb but there was a good pleasure lingering. As he hovered over my body, he slowly kissed the base of my neck.

               Enjoying the sensation when he sucked on my neck, I lifted myself towards him. He nipped me slightly and I released a moan. As if that was his approval, I felt his teeth pierce my skin. A small yelp came from my throat before it deepened. I felt him release me before sealing the mark with his tongue.

               “Now, Angel, you are mine.” He said in a deep husky voice.

               I could feel the power in his words, it gave me a sense of completion. I could feel my body slipping off to sleep. He pulled my back close to him as his breath caressed my new mark. He kissed it sending a shiver down my spine.