The Empath's Mate novel Chapter 3

"Come in." He called from inside.

"Oh good! Veronica, please have a seat. I have a special assignment for you." He said with a smile. 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.

"How can I help sir?" I asked eagerly.

"Veronica, this is Dr. Peter Chapman. He is going to be the department head beginning tomorrow. Peter this is Veronica Sloper." The current department head who is retiring, Dr. Ryan Travis, was speaking. I shook Peter's hand.

"It is nice to meet you sir." I said with a smile.

"To spare you details, Dr. Chapmen has made a request that I make some staffing changes effective today, so we are both present for discussions." He informed me and I nodded for him to continue.

I was nervous I was going to be losing my job. The new director hadn't even started yet and I was already being removed from the staff. I wasn't sure how I was going to explain this happening. I began to realize how much I loved my life as it was about to be taken away from me.

"You will be moving offices immediately, the contact information for your team will be emailed over to you before you get finished with that. For now, you will have 3 fellows working under you, at the end of the year we can assess expanding your team. I suggest you pick the best and make them your assistant." He stopped for me to speak.

I wasn't sure what to say, I was completely taken back. I had applied for a team captain position 3 years ago and I assumed I didn't make the cut. I realized they were waiting for me and I straightened myself quickly in the chair trying to stay calm.

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate the opportunity. Will I need to sign a new contract?" I asked trying to remain professional.

"Oh yes of course! I will have Janette bring it to your new office before lunch. If you protest anything you find, please bring it right to either of our attention. I do believe you will be happy with the offer. It is very... generous." He stated a little uncomfortable.

"I look forward to seeing the strides we make together as a team." Dr. Chapman said.

"Thank you for the opportunity Dr. Chapman." I said trying to hold back my smile.

"Please call me Peter. I realize you will be busy for the day with moving offices and getting your welcome emails sent to your team. I wonder if I can request a small favor for an hour this afternoon?" He asked.

I was over the moon and would have given him a kidney if he would have asked for it. I smiled and nodded to let him continue. I was efficient with my time management. If they cleared my schedule, chances are I would have more than an hour or two free this afternoon.

"I have brought an associate with me. I would like him to have a tour this afternoon. You may have met him already; his name is Nikola." He smirked already knowing this morning's events.

I blushed instantly. "Of course, I would be happy to." I said shyly. He grinned at me in acceptance and smiled at my current department head.

"Happy moving dear, I will have him to your office by 3 PM." He said patting my shoulder as he shook my hand again.

"Yes sir- Peter." I said awkwardly.

I left the office and headed back to my desk. The 'cubicle' that has been my home for the last few years was perfect for me. I was away from the common areas in the office and it allowed me to stay in the background. I realized that I wasn't sure where my new office was. I finished packing my things up before I was going to ask Janette, she would surely know.

"Wait we need to go over your contract quick and then I will be on my way. If you want, I can try to help you clean for a bit." She offered.

"Oh no, you have way more important things to do. I can only imagine the paperwork happening for the switch today." I marveled appreciating her.

"You're not kidding. I tell you what, I will just leave the contract with you. I will come back in before lunch to pick it up, this way you can take your time." She said setting the contract and a pen on the desk.

"Oh, okay then, thank you. I will see you in a bit." I smiled as she left the room.

As soon as she closed the door behind her I walked over to the desk. I was curious if I was getting a raise at all. To be honest I was never about the money. I made enough and that was okay for me. A raise would be nice though... I thought as I began to read the contact. It was all standard, there was a clause added for working remotely which had been withheld previously. It did not seem to include much of anything that I wasn't already doing other than having the team under me. Typically, I was allowed 1 fellow to assist me, having 3 would be exciting.

I stopped when my eyes fell on the salary I was being promised. It was at least $20,000 more than what I was currently making. It had to be a mistake. I read over the rest of the contract and decided to find Janette to get it fixed. I opened the office door in a rush my head down as I entered the hallway. I went headfirst into something hard. I looked up staggering as my elbow was steadied. I knew by the touch who I walked into.

"Sorry! I swear I am not this much of a mess. I should be paying attention." The apology spilled out of me.

"You should watch what you are doing." Said Jenny from behind the tall Nikola.

He didn't say anything at first. Just held my gaze, his hand was still on my elbow as I was frozen in his presence.