The Empath's Mate novel Chapter 5

"I know you heard me this morning. I just want you to know, I don't typically involve myself in gossip, I just wanted the attention off myself." I said honestly.

"I am glad you were honest with me. Don't worry about it. If you want to know, I didn't sleep with any of them. I fired them all because they wouldn't stop trying to sleep with me." He laughed and I just stared blankly at him. I could tell he wasn't lying. I wondered how desperate you would need to be to get fired because you can't back off.

"Now I feel worse..." I said aloud with a shrug. "Let's start with the coffee cart outside in the quad. It's my favorite spot and always Jenny free. She was a bitch to the nice owner to many times. Last time she threw a coffee at his grandson that goes to school here working 2 days a week. I was shocked but security told her she was no longer allowed within 15 feet of the cart. Best day of my time here." I said with a huge grin before ordering my coffee and looking to Nikola.

I was noticing it was nice just walking and talking with him. I would like to say I forgot how beautiful he was, but I didn't. Every time he spoke, I smiled because I had a reason to look at him. I spent the rest of my day showing him everything I could think of on campus. At the end of the day I walked to my car with the biggest smile on my face.

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 why I was feeling the pull and it made me nervous. I threw on my sports bra and my leggings and headed out the door for a run. The sun was just peaking over the horizon the air was cooler, around 65 degrees, it made it hard to resist the fresh air.

I rounded the tree-filled lot on the corner and heard something large move. I stopped and looked towards the woods. I left my phone behind today wanting to enjoy the sounds of nature. I took a step towards the woods listening and didn't hear anything else. I shook it off and continued. I was gone for around 45 minutes when I returned to get ready for work.

I arrived at the office around my usual time of 7:30 AM. I handed Jeremy the coffee I had grabbed from dunkin' donuts on my way in. I wanted to spread my good mood around to others and I knew his favorite. He lit up and thanked me to many times before I received my hug and headed to my new office.

I was shocked walking by Dr. Chapman's office when I saw the door was open already. I don't ever remember seeing the old director in much before 9. I glanced inside to see him at his desk, avoiding being noticed I hurried to my office door down the hall and opened it. I set my bag down and docked my computer. I stood and opened the blinds of the window to let all the natural light in. I was amazed at the view; I hadn't taken the time yesterday to take it in.

"Good Morning Veronica, or is it Roni?" Dr. Chapman said causing me to jump. He was standing just in the doorway.

"Sorry I am a little jumpy in the morning." I said automatically trying to defend my startled expression. I wasn't used to anyone saying good morning to me let alone the head of the department. "I will answer to either, but I prefer Roni. How are you today Sir?"

"I have an introduction meeting scheduled for this afternoon; it will be great to dive right into the new assignment." I mirrored his enthusiasm.

"Of course, you do." His face could hardly contain the smile. "I knew I made the right choice with you, it's a shame it was not done prior to my arrival. Make me look good!" He said with a wink and headed out the doorway.

I logged onto the computer to accept my morning meeting invitation before pulling up my files for anything I had previously come across concerning werewolves. It was the most difficult species to find true facts, especially in relations to silver. I downloaded the files to a flash drive before adjusting my meeting length with my team.

I was staring at Nikola's name on my email template. If we would be working together, it would make sense for me to invite him to the meeting. A part of me didn't want to include him more than necessary. There was a knock on my door, I looked up and immediately worried he heard my thoughts or something.