The Empath's Mate

Nikola POV

I didn’t expect to see her here with her family. Peter stopped me when I tried to follow Roni out of the office earlier. I understand he thinks he is doing what is best, damage control was how he put it. I hate feeling like I can’t help her.

On our way out I saw Jeremy, he was heading back into the building with his phone in his hand. He mentioned Roni said she was moving this weekend and he would be helping her. I convinced him to let me go along without telling her. He seemed to be on board with me pursuing her, clearly not knowing about our eventful lunch.

Before I knew what I was doing, I had walked up behind her and spoke, thankfully Peter took over and saved me. I could tell she wasn’t exactly happy to see me, so I tried to remain quiet. This bond was causing me to do things that I knew I shouldn’t.

“The shipment will be in tomorrow. I figure you and Roni will want to have the weekend off per usual, however I have a second suggestion.” Peter said as we ate our food.

We both ordered the fish fry that Roni had recommended, she was right. It was going to end up being a favorite of mine too.

“I am all ears.” I replied before taking another bite.

“If for some reason you cannot wait to see her until Monday, maybe call her and have her come into the office. I don’t need you doing anything rash.” Peter gave me a glare.

“Speaking of that…” I looked at him, “according to Roni’s friend that works security, she is moving tomorrow morning. I may have convinced him to let me tag along to help.” I kept my tone calm.

“Do you really think that is a good idea after your lunch?” His face portraying his deep thought. “It may not be a good situation, her leaving, you don’t know how her husband is reacting to all this.” He elaborated.

“I panicked, she said she wasn’t going to meet the group tomorrow night. I won’t make it to Monday, I don’t know if I can make it until the morning.” I admitted. “I have never heard of a bond doing this, it is literally driving me crazy. If I am with her, I have more control. I need to be there for her.”

“It’s probably better that you go. I have heard some whispers of the vampires being interested in one of the employees, there’s a small chance it could be her. Better keep an eye on her if we can. Just because they can’t walk around during daylight, doesn’t mean humans can’t work for them.”

My worry shot through the roof; vampires are bad news. We cross paths with them quite a bit. Most are just trying to live out their immortal lives under the radar, some want world domination. In England there were rumors of day-walkers. A legend of special blood. The blood when ingested under a full moon from the source will allow the vampires to withstand sunlight.

“You know I won’t let anything happen to her. Vampire, human, or any other species.” I said as he handed his card to the waitress. “Thank you for letting me pay for their dinner. It stays between us right?” I asked.

Peter nodded in response. It was natural for wolves to want to take care of their mates. I started to think of her son and how defensive he became when Peter and I approached. I was glad she was such a good mother, I started to think about having our own pups together. Peter quickly pulled me back.

“Why don’t you just do what the kids do now days?” Peter said with a smile, I just stared at him confused. “Text her.” He laughed and stood from his chair.

I mumbled under my breath standing to follow him out the door. I reached my truck and sat down in the driver seat. I pulled out my cell phone and pulled up her contact information. I wasn’t even sure if she would know it was me. ’Hey’ was all I typed; I just stared at the screen. I wasn’t sure what else to say.

It had only been an hour or so since we saw her leave, I knew she would likely be busy. I looked back at the clock and another 10 minutes had passed. ’Roni, it’s Nikola. I just wanted to see how you are doing. If you need any help or a truck, please let me know.’ I hit send and started my truck.

My phone buzzed from the seat next to me and I grabbed it quicker than a 15-year-old girl. ’I am better than expected. Do you really mean that?’ she had sent back. Of course, I meant it! What kind of men is my mate used to being around? I knew she had mixed emotions, but it always seemed like she was expecting people to take something from her. I wanted to give something to her, anything, everything. I want to give her the world.

’I don’t say things I don’t mean.’ was my response. I was trying to be smooth, I felt like I was in foreign waters. Wanting to sleep with a woman and wanting to run away with one need different approaches. ‘Can you meet me at my house in an hour? I have a truck in the morning, but I have a good amount ready to go tonight. I understand if you can’t, it’s so short notice.’

I didn’t try to hold back my excitement. I was beyond thrilled I would see her again so soon. Maybe I can recover from lunch, and it can be forgotten. She didn’t seem like she trusted people easily. ’Send me the address and I will be there.’ I replied before pulling from the parking lot heading to change.

Veronica POV

After dinner I felt a burst of energy come over me. The kids met me back at the house and we began to pack things away. I texted Travis to let him know I was packing some things and staying elsewhere. I knew he didn’t want to see me, this made it easier for both of us.

When I received Nikola’s text message my heart jumped. Something about him just kept pulling me in. He offered to help, and I had to think of something quick. Taking a load over to the house tonight would be great, I could come back in the morning for the rest. Travis usually slept until noon on Saturday’s. I cleared my things from the bedroom into the garage before moving onto the rest of the house.

Jessie and Tovi had already packed everything they wanted to bring and went over the rest of the rooms in the house. I was in my office, about halfway done when I heard a knock on the door. I looked at the clock and only 30 minutes had passed since Nikola’s message.

“Mom, there is a man at the door. He says his name is Jackson.”