Room Mate

MIA’S POV

Nixon called me mate. Additionally, Davon mentioned that word. It was a thing about werewolves like partners or lovers, and I am confused why Nixon calls me that.

“You called me mate. What do you mean by that?” I pretended to be curious upon hearing the word. I wanted to know if he knew what it meant and why he said that.

"Well, a mate is someone that you adore.”

“Adore? Are you telling me that….”

“Yes, Mia. I adore you,” Nixon interrupted.

I don’t know what to answer, but I don’t believe him. Adore? Me? He bullied me all the time, and suddenly he’s being nice and calling me his mate. Did he ever forget that he dropped me off a few meters away from school because he was so afraid to be seen by his friends?

“Are you kidding me? Do you think that word is a joke?” I shook my head and walked away.

“Mia! Hey,” Nixon blocked my way, “I am not making fun of you. I mean it. I adore you.”

Why should I believe a guy who doesn't want his friends to see him hanging out with me? I glared at him. Nixon went speechless.

“That’s right. Thanks for the ride, and please do me a favor and don’t bother me again.”

I rushed inside our home. I hope I made myself clear. It’s not just Nixon’s friends I am worried about but also Irish. Aside from being a bully in school, she’s a psycho and obsessed with Nixon. My life was already a living hell; I don’t need another complication.

“Mia? Is that you?” Mom heard the door chime clanking. She got home early, while Jaret was still on the night shift.

“Yup!” I went to the kitchen and found her preparing dinner.

“You’re early. Don’t you have work?”

“No, mom. It’s a slow month at the hotel, but Theo asks his friend to get me a job at the public library. Hopefully, I get the slot.”

“Oh, well, that happened. Just go to your room and rest. I’ll call you when the dinner is ready.”

“Uhm, I’m not really hungry, mom. Thanks anyway,” I went to my room.

My mind is stuck with Nixon’s thoughts. Did he really meant what he said? Nah, I’m not going to fall for his scheme. Who knows if it was one of his friends' bets? I’d rather save myself.

“Davon!” I blurted it out and remembered that Mom was downstairs. I covered my mouth and listened. Thank goodness, Mom didn’t hear me ask, “How did you get in here?” I sais whispering.

“I climb on the roof. Luckily, your window is open.”

Davon waited for me for hours. Gladly, my mom didn’t come in, or she would freak out seeing a guy inside my room. His expression was very solemn.

“What’s wrong?” I glanced out the window. The sun is still up. We have plenty of time to talk.

“Nothing. I’m just tired. Is that Nixon?”

“Yeah. He saw me and Theo at Cheska’s house and offered to drive us home. You have to be careful when sneaking into my room. Don’t let them see you, especially Jaret.” I went to the bathroom and changed my clothes.

Davon was asking a lot of questions about Nixon. He suddenly got interested in him. I wouldn’t want to divulge more information since I noticed that he doesn’t like him. So I kept my words short.

I told him the usual Nixon story. How I know him and why I don’t like him Davon got more curious and asked about his house. A part of me got carried away, and his address slipped into my mouth.

“His house was near Cheska’s mansion.”

“Hmmm, he likes you. I can sense that,” Davon said with a hint of jealousy in his tone of voice.

“Well, I don't. As I’ve said, Nixon is a jerk,” I shrugged and remembered Cheska. She was still absent, and since Davon has been with her family for centuries, he knows a lot about her.

“Davon, why did you say that Cheska is a witch? Not that I believe you; I'm just curious,” I said as I sat on my bed. Davon moved next to me.

“And yet you are asking.”

“I said I’m curious, but you don’t need to answer. I know she’s not a witch,” I snapped, snubbing him.

“You believe me. I can tell. Even if you lied about it, I could sense it.”

Gosh! I forgot I was talking to a werewolf who has very keen senses. I don’t want to doubt my best friend, but I want to know the story. Perhaps to give her the benefit of the doubt?

“Vera is Cheska’s aunt. She was the witch who cursed me. The reason why your best friend is not showing up at school is that she was about to ascend.”

“Ascend? What’s that supposed to mean?” I was so interested and listened attentively.

“Ascend is a witch’s ritual for them to achieve their power. In the case of your friend, she didn’t accept it on her eighteenth birthday, which is supposed to be the right age for a witch to ascend. I know she was hesitant before, but now her clan demands it.”

I went blank. Did Davon mention power? I’m perplexed, and it’s a lot to take in. I’m going to need some time to digest all the information.

“Sorry, did I scare you? Don’t be. A witch is a good friend. That is if you don’t betray them.”

Oh, God! Betray? I feel like my life is over already. Davon forgot, I stole the notebook from Cheska’s house. I should be scared! And I still don't have the courage to tell her!

“Mia, stop what you are thinking. Cheska is not that kind of witch. She’ll understand.”

“You can read my mind now?”

“Of course, I can! You’re my mate. Our minds are connected to each other.”

“Stop saying the word, mate! Nixon said the same thing.”

“He did?” Davon’s eyes gleamed. I saw it, but he quickly looked away. I wanted to ask him what that means, but I’m afraid to know the answer.

“But how come I don’t hear yours?” I change the subject.

“It will only happen when you....”

Davon paused for a moment. I asked him, but he said it was hard to explain. I have a lot of things going through my mind right now. I don’t think I can process another complicated issue.

“Tell me about your life, Mia. Your family. You haven’t mentioned them.”

“That’s my least favorite topic. I’m not comfortable talking about my family, but since it’s unfair for you and you’re an open book to me, I would tell a few about myself.”

I was about to start talking when Mom knocked on the door. I jolted off my bed and stood by the door. Blocking my body.

“Mia! Will you let me in? I brought you some food.”

“Wait, mom, I told you I wasn’t hungry!” I looked back at Davon, but he was gone. Mom pushed the door wide, and I let her in.

“I know. I just want to make sure you are not starving yourself, and who are you talking to? I heard voices outside.” Mom placed the tray of food beside my bed.

“Theo. I was talking to Theo. He was giving me an update about the work I am applying for, and besides, Cheska was out of town, that’s why,” I glanced around, and Davon wasn’t everywhere.

“Okay, finish all the food and wash your dishes. Don’t sleep when you're full, and please, clean your room,” mom whined, seeing dust on the floor and window.

“I will, thanks, mom!” I quickly locked the door. I peeked outside my window; it was still bright. Two more hours till sunset.

Davon suddenly jumped down from the ceiling. I almost screamed, but Davon covered my mouth. I can feel his bulky arms around me, and my heart leaps.

“You can crawl on the ceiling?” I pulled away consciously.

“I’m a werewolf. I can climb everywhere. What’s that smell?” Davon caught the scent of the food. Mom brought a lot.

“It’s the food mom cooked for dinner. That was my mom; her name is Ines. Would you like to join me for dinner?”

“Absolutely!”

Mom prepared pasta, fried chicken, and vegetable salad. I bet it’s her payday today. She cooks a lot every time, and Davon loves it. He finished the chicken and pasta in one blink, while I settled for the salad.

Davon made a loud noise burping contentedly.

“Excuse me? You can’t do that in front of people. They’ll be disgusted.”

“Teach me some human ways, and I can show you the werewolf ways.”

“Are you sure? Humans are complicated, and there are a lot of things to learn about us.”

“I want to know, but first you tell me about your family, Mia. I just want to know you better.”

First off, I told him about my dad. Then about my mom, Oliver, and Jaret. Davon’s face dimmed learning about my stepfather, and I know that he could easily crush him effortlessly, but I won’t let him. Jaret is still my brother’s father. I wouldn't let him grow up without a complete family like mine.

Someday, we’ll be out of Jaret’s shadow. Oliver will finally understand when that day comes.

Davon and I talked until the sun went down. He slowly disappeared right before my eyes. I took the notebook and ensured that he was all right.

I went downstairs and washed my dishes. Feeling better and relieved. The weight on my shoulder somehow lifted with my new roommate.