A Witch As A Mate

Chapter 3

Nicolas’s POV

            His father had told him to go home immediately after school and meet him in his office. So, that was exactly what he did. Driving his black Jeep Wrangler, he headed home quickly wondering what it is his father needed him for. It took about twenty minutes to get home as the lived closer to the edge of town. Pulling into the long drive way he pulled close to the entrance of the garage and moved towards the two-story house which had a stone siding for the bottom six inches while the rest of the house was regular gray siding. Walking to the front door he entered the house and placed his keys in the small bowl that sat on an end table next to the door. The living room had the open concept which was to the right of the main entrance. His father’s office was to the other end of the living area, which is the direction he moved towards. Walking into his dad’s office he saw his dad behind the large oak desk facing his computer but looked up to smile at his son. “How was school?”

                Nick smiled as he moved to take a seat in the chair before his dad’s desk. “It was your normal day. The only thing that was different was that there was a new girl in school.” Now that he was thinking about it, he had trouble exactly recalling how she looked which was odd. He was usually good at remembering that. “Though what did you need from me?”              

                The smile his dad had on his face made him wonder exactly what he was getting into. “Well, I would rather show you then explain so let’s head over there. They should be home by now.” His father got up off the chair and moved out of the room while Nick followed him. Something was a foot, yet he knew his father would wait until he was ready to tell him. His dad grabbed his car keys from the bowl and moved out of the house with Nick following. Moving to the garage he clicked a button on his key rig to make the garage door open revealing the black SUV that was inside. Without any word his dad unlocked the doors, so they could enter the car.

                “Now Nick, this will be a difficult task in some ways. This family needs our protection from someone, especially one individual.” His father pulled out of the garage and then pulled forward, using the round about drive way. He continued to move towards town and continued to explain some things to him. “The one objective I have for you is to watch over this individual. You’re the only one I trust enough and someone that wouldn’t stand out to be with them since they are your age.” Now he was understanding where this was leading. He had an inkling feeling this was about the new girl he couldn’t seem to recall well enough. “Now this is a friend’s family of mine. One thing that must remain a secret is they’re witches. No one can learn about them being here. Everyone will see them as human, nothing more. It needs to stay that way.” Before Nick realized they were in front of a small one-story house with a small garage attached. It was in a location where it was close to the forest and trees on one side while the other had a house next door.

                His dad opened his door to exit and waved to the woman at the front porch. “Hello Bethany. Would you allow us in?” With a small smile and nod his father moved towards the house and Nick followed. He didn’t realize he passed through an enhancement barrier until he was inside the property. That was also the first moment Nick smelled a scent that made his wolf press against his skin. Mate. The word drifted through his mind. He looked at the woman noticing she looked completely different now, but the scent wasn’t coming from her. How was this all possible? This couldn’t be the new girl could it? Maybe she had a sister that wasn’t allowed to leave the house? “It’s lovely to see you Bethany and this is my son Nicholas.” Nick smiled and nodded his head but, was still trying to understand where his mate was.

                “Thank you so much Isaac for doing all of this for us.” Opening the front door, she moved to let them enter. “Please come in. Lylah is inside. She just got home from the library.” They walked up the stairs onto the white porch and Nick realized the smell was getting stronger as he moved into the house with his father. Though it was still too faint for her to be in the house, but the scent hadn’t leaked out. That’s when he focused on the house which had an open concept in the entry way. The living room was to the left while the kitchen was to the right and sitting at the kitchen table was the new girl who looked over to them entering. From her scent he knew it couldn’t be her, but where could his mate be. “Lylah, this is Isaac and his son Nicolas. Isaac and Nicolas this is Lylah.” Nick watched as she moved to get up but stopped to take off her bracelet first.

                That’s when the scent washed over him completely, one mixed of fresh rain and crisp apples. There was no denying that Lylah was his mate now. That’s when he looked at her and saw who she was for the first time. She had the loveliest sapphire eyes and the most kissable soft rosy pink lips that it was hard for him to remain in place instead of moving forward to claim them. Slightly curled dark brown locks framed her soft and kind face. She had a slight frame though curvy in some places and stood to be five foot four. She was beyond perfect as she stood there giving him a strange look. Oh, probably because he hadn’t said a word to her, but instead had been staring at her. “Sorry, its nice to meet you Lylah.” He moved his hand out and she took it awkwardly but shook it.

                Letting her hand go was difficult, but he managed while he continued to watch her. “We met earlier today, but then again it wasn’t exactly me. It’s nice to meet you again without the enchantment.” She looked over at his father then tilting her head slightly. “Nice to meet you as well Isaac. So, you are the Alpha of the pack here and my father’s old friend?”

                “Yes, that would be right. I know Joshua won’t be coming here until later, but we will ensure that you remain safe in this territory. Only my son and I will know about your circumstances and do what we can to protect you since we control this territory. I’m going to task my son with watching over you, Lylah, while I continue to watch over the area. It seems that the bracelet is working and as well as the protection around the house. If those two remain in affect we should be fine. However, to be on the safe side I would like my son to be with you whenever you wish to leave the house. The bracelet is working now, but it could get weaker as your magic grows stronger. Since you both go to the same school it might be a smart idea for him to pick you up and drop you off too. The final item is that you shouldn’t go out alone to places and instead one of us three needs to be there.” While his father talked his wolf became excited. What a perfect opportunity to be able to see her all the time and he wouldn’t have to hid anything from her with his wolf.

                However, Lylah didn’t appear as happy as he was about the situation. Her eyebrows furrowed, and her lips thinned out some, but then she closed them and let out a sigh as if accepting the situation was out of her control. “I understand.” Opening her eyes, she continued to watch his father. “Thank you for everything. Now if you would excuse me I’m just going to lay down while I wait for supper.” With a slight smile she moved towards the hall and disappeared behind the second door to the left.

                Nick didn’t know what to do as he stood watching her leave. He could tell she was upset with the situation and his wolf wanted him to follow her. That’s when the link with his father opened. Follow her son. She needs you and I can tell what she is to you. Go be with your mate while I stay with Bethany. The link closed, and he no longer allowed himself to hesitate. He moved to follow the direction Lylah went and had no trouble finding her in the room she had moved into. She laid on her bed with her legs dangling off the side and her arm covering her eyes. It was only a few seconds before she popped up to see him standing there in her room.

                Looking at him she gave a small smile, but he could sense anger radiating off from her. “Sorry about leaving. That was rude of me. I’m just a bit upset about being in this situation. It’s just exasperating, but it’s not anyone’s fault but my own.” Her voice was soft, yet there was the definite anger that lined it. “It’s not your fault and I hope you know I’m not upset with you. I’m also sorry you have become my caretaker. I promise to not be more of a burden for you than I have already become. No point in dragging you into the more than you need to be.”

                Once she was finished talking he moved over to sit on the bed next to her. It surprised her some which in turn made him smile. “You’re not being rude, I’m not your caretaker and you’re not a burden to me. I hope if anything we could become good friends.” And more he thought. “Also, why do you believe this is your fault?” That had confused him wondering what she had done to believe such.

                He watched as Lylah stopped talking and looked away. He could tell that she’d rather not tell him about it. Him and his wolf wanted to know, as he smelled fear coming slightly off of her, but knew at the same time he couldn’t push her to tell him right now. “You don’t have to tell me, but I know it couldn’t have been your fault.” When he said that she looked over at him with doubt in her eyes, but he moved on hoping to make her feel better, though what came to mind probably wouldn’t do it. “So, you’re a witch.”  

                It was more of a statement and she tilted her head slightly to the left. “Yes, an you’re a wolf.”

                He should have expected that statement and with how she said it he couldn’t stop a smile that came to his face. “Yes, that would be me. I guess that wasn’t the best way of going about a conversation.”

                “No, but that’s okay.” The soft smile she gave made him fell maybe his choice of words were the right ones. “Have you ever met another witch?”

                Shaking his head, he smiled, glad she was trying to have a conversation with him. “No, you are the first one. There really hasn’t been any witches or warlocks that live here, probably because our pack is here. I do know that each witch and warlock have a special gift of their own though. What’s yours?”

                “You know that’s like asking a woman what her age is.” At first, he felt like he had offended her, however, she smiled again with a small laugh that made his heart warm even more to her. Such a wonderful sound and he couldn’t wait to hear her actual laugh with an even more dazzling smile he knew lurked underneath. “The look you had was priceless, sorry about that. In most cases you would figure it out by being around them for a bit. My special gift though is being an elemental witch.”

                “Which element is yours?” That’s when he sensed worry coming from her.

                “Well, the four main elements.” For some reason se seemed to be waiting for him to say something specific, but for the life of him he wasn’t sure what that was.

                “That’s pretty amazing.” At his words the air got lighter and he could tell she had released the breath she had held in. What was it that she had thought he would say? Or was she worried that he might hate her for her power? Not likely. If anything, he found her more incredible and beyond proud that she was his mate.

                Before he could comment more Bethany stood at the door smiling softly to them. “Sorry to interrupt you two, but dinner is ready, and I believe your mom just contacted your father wondering when the both of you are coming home for your dinner.” Getting up he looked over to Lylah wanting to stay with her but knew his mom would be angry if he missed supper with everyone. Thankfully, Lylah seemed to get up to follow him out.

                Moving back down the hall he saw his dad waiting by the door smiling while he opened the door for them to leave. Turning around he looked at Lylah. “I’ll be here at 7:45 in the morning to pick you up for school. I’ll see you then.” Nick wanted to kiss her goodbye but knew that would be way too soon for any of that. Instead he smiled and headed outside with his dad. One thing he was thankful for was that his dad didn’t remark on anything, though he did keep smiling back at him like an i***t. Once in the passenger seat he looked out the window watching the house, wanting to catch one more glimpse of Lylah, but new with the barrier that wouldn’t happen.

                “You definitely have it bad son and it has only begun.” Not sure what his dad meant and was about to ask before his dad just laughed shaking his head. “I’m not going to tell you anything. You’ll just have to figure this out yourself.” Great, so the one person that could give him more information about her was going to keep their lips sealed. “Oh, and I do believe Bethany knows as well. She’s always been good at figuring that stuff out.” His dad started to chuckle, and Nick just shook his head knowing that it would only get worse with his mother.