The next few days went by without any other messages or notes. I was starting to think that someone did it just to see how I would react. I shoved it in the back of my mind and tried my best to forget about it. On my way onto campus the next day I parked in my usual spot and headed into the building.
“Good morning Jeremy!” I said noticing my favorite security guard. “What brings you here today? I thought you were on rotation for the mathematics building this month.”
“I go where I am needed.” He joked posing in a superhero stance with his hands balled into fists on his hips. “I guess there is a bug going around.” He shrugged chuckling to himself.
“Well… I am happy to see you have avoided it so far. Don’t forget lunch is on me today!” I reminded him as I headed down the hall.
Jeremy was always a ray of sunshine. We attended the same orientation when being hired by the university. He was married, his wife just a few years older than me. If I were to consider anyone a close friend, it was him. He never seemed to get irritated at my odd-ness. He was the one that mentioned I start running, his wife started to run as one of her therapy methods while battling post-partum depression.
I set my bag down at my desk before heading to the coffee station. There seemed to be more people than usual this early in the morning. I always preferred to work alone as much as possible, so I arrived around 7:30 AM when the rest of the staff came in around 9:00 AM. I sighed as I approached the pot of coffee, the office gossip, Jenny, was going a hundred miles an hour about something.
“I am going to be his assistant for the next few days. I was selected by Mr. Sandstorm himself.” She flipped the bottom of her hair like a teenager. Her voice was higher than the average pitch and reminded me of nails on a chalkboard. She looked me up and down as I reached for my mug before taking a step to the side and continuing.
“He is beyond handsome, so talented. Did you remember his collection being featured in last month’s newsletter? I am going to try to get a personal viewing.” She said winking.
“Sorry, but who is coming?” I said trying to be friendly.
“You didn’t hear? You really are as clueless as everyone says!” She looked at me dumbfounded.
“No, that is why I am asking.” I said less friendly.
“You don’t need to get an attitude about it.” Jenny scoffed. “Nikola Seeds is coming!” She squealed.
“I have heard stories about him…” I said aloud contributing to the gossip without realizing it. “One of my contacts over in England said he slept with than fired 3 assistants in a week!” I didn’t realize how loud I was speaking until Jenny’s eyes widened.
I didn’t need to turn around to know that either someone important or the man himself was standing behind me. I ignored Jenny’s stare and finished stirring my sugar into my coffee before tossing the stick into the trash to my right. Without turning around, I smiled with a slight glare at Jenny as if nothing happened and walked over to my desk.
Typically, when I sit down, I spend a few minutes getting things set up. Due to my slip of the tongue and the possibilities of company arriving I threw my laptop open and started it, while burning my mouth with half a cup of coffee. I jumped up while I forced the burning down my throat and into my chest. As I stumbled slightly backwards, I sensed someone behind me a second before crashing into them.
Steady arms gripped both my elbows to steady me. The touch was odd, warm, comforting. I was lost for a moment before I realized we were both standing there frozen. I could smell the forest after a fresh rain. I began to think I was having a stroke since we were in the office. My brain turned back on, and I jumped again.
“I am so sorry! Thank you. Hot coffee!” I was breathless trying to get everything out.
A man stood next to me around six-foot-four with broad shoulders and his muscles showing through the collared shirt. The buttons seemed to be placed perfectly. I looked up at his face and his beautiful green eyes had me hypnotized. His lips curled in a smile as he released the elbow he was still holding.
“I thought I startled you. I could tell you were in a rush for your coffee when you left the cart.” He said with a raised brow. “I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself, my name is Nikola.” He held out his hand.
“Oh, I didn’t notice you were there.” I wasn’t as smooth as I hoped. “My name is Veronica, but everyone calls me Roni.” I shook his hand firmly.
The heat from his body was now rolling from his hand to mine. I could feel it traveling up my arms and fading as it was absorbed. I wanted to jump into his arms and feel it all over my body. I was staring at his golden-brown hair; he kept a military style-cut. His beard was short and well-kept too.
“If I can help with anything while you are here, let me know.” I said turning back to my desk flustered.
“I am happy you mentioned that, would you care to show me around?” He with a cocky smirk.
I rolled my eyes internally. He is attractive and now I get the feeling he is full of himself. On an average day, I would be happy to entertain that he would want me to show him around, but I know better. The last thing I need right now is to be used for something.
“I am actually a little busy for that right now. Jenny was at the coffee cart; she was chosen to be your assistant while you are here. I am sure she is excited for the tour.” I stated trying to sound disinterested.
The longer he stood there the more I wanted to hear him speak. Before I knew what was happening my mouth opened.
“If you would like, you can meet me here at 12:00 for lunch. I am meeting a friend that works security, you are welcome to join.”
I had no idea why I did that. I never invited anyone to lunch especially the new additions to the office. I always assumed the quicker they got to know me the sooner they grew more distant. I wondered from time to time if I was the cause, maybe I was distancing myself from the outside world.
I heard my co-worker who shared a wall with me choke on her coffee after I asked. It was quiet for a minute; he was waiting for me to meet his gaze. The worst part about being an empath was knowing so much more than anyone should.
“Please do not feel obligated.” I said, finally meeting his eyes.
I could see raw emotions in him, he was not hiding anything. It was a relief but created more questions. He seemed to have a strong aura around him, a strange power was radiating. I was mesmerized, my trance-like state removed everything around me. It was just him and I, frozen in time.
“Unfortunately, I have plans for lunch already.”
“That’s too bad.” I sounded truly disappointed. Realizing I needed to recover, I stumbled for words. What was I doing?
“Well, if you need anything, you know where to find me. I have a conference in a few minutes I need to prepare for. If Jenny is no longer at the cart, you can follow her voice. It was nice meeting you.” I giggled awkwardly. Diverting my attention to the computer and continuing my work.
He chuckled nervously saying something that I didn’t catch before walking away. He had stolen my attention and I could not remember what the conference was about or if I even had one. All my senses were still wanting him.
He was so nice to look at, his voice was the best sexy-actor voice, but it was natural. That warmth that I could sense drove me wild. I shook my thoughts pulling up my calendar. I was correct and I had a zoom meeting in 15 minutes.
After I was ready to go, I looked down at the clock noticing I had just enough time to run to the rest room before I had to sign on. I always logged on 5 minutes prior because I hate being late.
When I came back and sat down at the computer, I had a message blinking from the previous head of the department.
Your meeting has been cancelled this morning; I cleared your schedule. My office asap please.
Well maybe I won’t be able to help with anything he needs. I am about to get fired. I thought to myself.
I was nervous on my way to the director’s office. Today was just a formality for the previous department to give the replacement a run down. His last day is today so I am not sure what is going on, sweat started to form on the base of the back of my neck. I took a deep breath before knocking on the office door. “Come in.” He called from inside. “Oh good! Veronica, please have a seat. I have a special assignment for you.” Dr. Theodore Travis said with a smile. I didn’t realize he knew my name. I looked over and saw another man sitting in the office. He was older, around 60 if I guessed, gray-brown hair with a matching beard. More fit than your average lifelong research professor. His eyes were a strange amber color. &nbs
“Hey Janette, I don’t mean to bother you. I was looking over the contract and I’m positive there’s an error with my salary.” I said handing her the papers. She flipped to the correct page and looked it over, clearly for show. She picked up a pen from her desk and set it onto the contract in front of me. “There is no mistake, was that your only question? I suggest you sign before someone stops you.” She said with a sly grin and a quick wink. I was shocked. Thankfully, my body seemed to know what to do. I picked up the pen signing the new contract before Janette notarized it for me. She said the raise would be retroactive, apparently, they felt I was underpaid for the last 2 months. She produced my copy before sending me back into my office to finish settling in. I cleaned my morning away worki
The next morning, I woke up with more energy than expected. I had tossed and turned all night long replaying my afternoon with Nikola. My whole body wanted to see him again and feel him close to me. I was confused about this new…pull. Why was I feeling this way towards a stranger? The feeling was an odd comfort but nerve wrecking at the same time. I threw on my sports bra and my leggings and headed out the door for a run. Nothing would help me sort my thoughts like a run. The sun was still sleeping the air was cooler, around 60 degrees. I rounded the tree-filled lot on the corner and heard something large move. I stopped looking towards the woods. I left my phone behind today, wanting to enjoy the sounds of nature and a little quiet. I took a few steps towards the woods listening. After determining it was nothing, I shook it off and continued. I was out for around 45 minutes; about 4 miles. After an extra-long shower, thanks to my daydreaming of Nikola, I arr
The short walk down the hall was silent. We took seats on opposite sides of the conference table, I was thankful. Jenny was setting the water pitcher down, almost spilling it noticing us entering together. Our folders were laid out and I noticed there would only be 5 of us attending. I noticed a glare from Jenny as she asked Janette if there was anything else to be done. Janette dismissed her before approaching me. “Are you settling in okay Roni?” She asked kindly. “I am, thank you. I can’t wait to hear more about this new project.” I said with an eager smile on my face. “I almost forgot; I will send you the template for your expense account. Just make sure you turn it in monthly. I’ll be present during the m
Nikola POV As I finished my presentation, I felt a pull come from Roni. Her eyes were locked on the screen, but I swear I felt her staring right at me. I could feel the mate bond eating away at me. My body wanted to be entangled with hers. I wanted her to be mine as was meant to be. I was lucky Peter stepped in when he did, I may have jumped over the table towards her. I knew Peter wanted us to meet for a reason, but I had no idea he knew she was my mate. I wasn’t sure how he even knew. Peter taking the position here in Florida was the best thing that could have happened to me. Now I finally found my mate, she is human but that’s okay. I didn’t have a problem with the human part, just the married part. Why are the gods punishing me? To be without a mate for so long then to have one who is already happily married. I took my memories back to her scent the last two mornings, she didn’t smell like another man. I knew she wasn’t mar
Nikola POV I listened to the door, but I couldn’t make out any sounds other than her laugh. It is the most beautiful music I have heard. I was again conflicted ready to burst through the door when I heard her giggle and say come in. As I entered, slower than I wanted. I saw the man sitting in the chair across from her with a beautiful vase on her desk. There was a large dragonfly painted in the center with 5 or 6 smaller ones scattered. The colors were vibrant and bright. “Oh! Is it lunch already?” She said still giggling. “Nikola, this is Jeremy, he is one of the security guards here on campus. Jer, this is Nikola, the one I was telling you about.” She said nodding her head towards him. “Welcome to the area. I hear you come with gifts!” He said with a smile standing to shake my hand. “Thank you. It’s a lot better than I expected. I’m excited to work with Roni.” I tried to keep my emotions calm. “Isn’t this vase beauti
The rest of the car ride was uneventful. We made small talk, he asked different questions about my childhood, how I ended up getting into our field, how old my kids are etc... I typically didn’t enjoy the “getting to know” details. Nothing about my life had been very interesting. I asked if he was married and he said he was a widower, so I didn’t pry any further. His emotions were off, there was pain from losing his wife when he spoke of her but not like a normal widower, his was more detached like a sister passed. We pulled up to the bistro and I realized I had never been there before. It was a smaller building that was at the end of the road. There were a few people in the front windows all on computers with their lunches to the side. I noticed a younger couple eating lunch at one of the high tops. I followed Nikola over to a table that was reserved.  
He drove for 15 minutes bringing us to a park. He parked the truck before looking at me and smiling. I swear if drama had him this excited, I didn’t know what I was in for. I left my bag in the car, somehow knowing work was off the table for the time being. “I found this place right after I got to town.” He said as we walked through the open area into the trees. “Are you going to hit me over the head with something soon? Or are you more of the chloroform type?” I joked with him realizing no one could see us. “I prefer kicking and screaming personally.” He winked moving a branch out of the way. “This is amazing!” I squ