A Witch As A Mate

Chapter 7

Lylah’s POV

                They had finally got the pizza back to the house and distributed on a couple of plates an hour later. Her mom had also let her know she wouldn’t be home until late either so they would have the house by themselves for a while. Having gone to grab a couple of glasses of water while Nick got the television ready for the movie. While she was walking back she wondered how she had allowed this to happen. Every time she tried to put him at arms length he just seemed to sneak closer to her. Looking at Nick sitting on the couch, she pondered why she felt such a connection with him. They only met just yesterday, but this type of feeling should have taken longer to develop.

                She moved towards the coffee table and sat the glasses down on coasters while sitting down on the couch next to Nick. “So, have you found the movie that you were hoping for?”

                Looking up from his phone he smiled to her. “I have and I think everything is ready to go if you are?” A nod from her gave him the approval that he needed to start the movie which started on the television since he synced it up while she was fetching glasses. “You’ll like this movie. Not many know of it, but it’s a good movie.” The title appeared and it read Odd Thomas. “Also, it’s not a scary movie, but has a few moments that are a little jumpy.” She must have given him a look because he started to put his hands up and laugh. “I swear it’s worth it. I really believe that you’ll like it.” She continued to give him that look until he moved the plate of pizza into her hands. “Trust me and if by chance you don’t like it I will watch any movie you want next time.”

                “I’m going to hold that to you.” Seizing the plate from Nick she moved herself onto the couch putting her feet under her while munching on the pizza. Satisfied himself, Nick leaned back with the plate of pizza in his hands engulfing himself into the movie before him. She couldn’t blame him as she got engrossed into the movie herself. There were a few parts that made her jump, but overall the movie was wonderful. Even the ending had pulled you in more until the credits finally rolled.

                She then felt his eyes on her and she tried not to smile, but failed. “You were right about the movie.”

                “I knew you would like it.” They sat in silence for a couple of minutes before Nick decided to move to get up.

                She should let him go. She was getting a bit tired, but in all honesty to herself she was enjoying this. Maybe it couldn’t hurt that much to just watch one more movie together. “Would you like to watch another movie?” At her invitation to stay he moved back into his seat and a dazzling smile claimed his face. A blush surfaced to her face forcing her to turn away from him. “Never mind.”

                “What movie would you like to watch next? You’re choice.” He placed his phone with the movie app in front of her to take. “It’s only fair that you pick one.” She didn’t want to look into his grey blue eyes, but she couldn’t help herself as she took the phone. They still were as memorizing as the yesterday when she ran into him. Giving her head a mental shake she took her eyes away from him and start looking through some of the movies that were listed. Then she saw the Mission Impossible movie and selected that one. “Ah, Mission Impossible. Good choice.”

                Handing the phone back over she got comfy on the couch again and grabbed the blanket that was folded up on the back of the coach. Laying it out over her she looked to Nick and realized him observing her, before he moved to take some of the blanket from her and place on him. “It looked comfortable and I feel like you might not mind sharing.”

                “No. That’s okay.” The blanket was large enough, but it didn’t feel like it was anymore. Even the couch was feeling smaller. As they sat there she realized she wanted to lay down, but couldn’t with Nick there. That would be rude. Instead she curled up in the side resting her head on the arm of the couch. She hadn’t realized how tired she had become and she started to drift off slowly before she felt herself being moved. Shocked, she opened her eyes to see Nick moving her so that her head was on his lap and her legs had the space where she once was. Then he placed the blanket over her. Smiling down at her she blushed deeply placing her face into the blanket and trying to get up, however he wouldn’t let her.

                “You’re worn out and I don’t mind. Why don’t you rest a little and I’ll wait until your mom gets in. I’ll make sure to wake you before she gets inside.” With his smile and insistence by not allowing her up, she just kept her face buried in the blankets. After a few minutes when she just laid still, she snuck a peek towards Nick and could tell from his face that he was tranquil. That allowed for her to calm down enough that her eyes slowly shut and she was in darkness.

                Dreams were never wonderful and this one was no exception as the blood was everywhere. Then the whispering would happen. “Do you like my present for you.” “I can’t wait for us to meet.” “Soon we will be together.” Not again. In her dreams she covered her ears and closed her eyes from the whispers and scene before her.

                Please just go away. It never worked, but this time she felt something shift in the air as she opened her eyes slowly in the woods and before her was a black wolf with brown under tones. The striking feature was the eyes that looked to her. Just in that look she knew it was Nick that was in his wolf looking at her. He slowly progressed towards her trying not to frighten her. When he was within reaching distance, he stopped to sit down before her and c****d his head to the left keeping his eyes alert while his ears twitched listening to the animals that scurried in the distance.

                For some reason she let her hand lift up to reach out to touch his head. Her hand shook some because she had never touched a wolf before, especially a werewolf. He remained still allowing her to take her time while she finally placed her hand on his head feeling his coat of fur. It was much softer than she would have expected and the panic she had felt earlier was completely erased. The whispers had died and all the remained was them within the forest which was the calmest she had felt since before that darkness had descended upon her life. Deciding to sit down beside Nick she continued to let her hand drift through his fur and closed her eyes.

                The next time she opened her eyes she was confused to be laying in her bed with no Nick in sight. Getting up from bed she looked over to her nightstand to see her phone resting on it. The time showed 3:09AM and a few messages awaited her. All from Nick.

                Sorry I didn’t wake you when your mom arrived. You seemed content and pretty out of it. I just moved you to your room and told your mom when she got in.

                I hope you sleep well and hope to hear from you tomorrow.

                Thank you for the fun evening too. :)

                A smile came to her face as she read the messages realizing from the dream and these messages, that for once she felt safe since the incident or probably since even before then. Was it worth pushing him away and maybe trust him? Could she trust letting him know about what happened and the darkness that seemed to be following her?

                No, not yet. It was way too soon and maybe he was just being nice to her. There probably is no way he would stay knowing her past. Though maybe she wouldn’t keep pushing him away and actually enjoy the time they had together. She did enjoy hanging out with him while they were together. Maybe hanging out with him wasn’t a terrible idea like it sounded the other day.

                She knew it was late, yet she wanted to respond to him.

                I can understand. Thank you for moving me to my room. I’m sure you might hear from me tomorrow. As for the evening you’re welcome :)

                Placing her phone back down, she as shocked when it flashed showing a message was sent.  She hadn’t expected him to answer back at this hour.

                You’re welcome and what are you doing awake? Even after I relocated you to your room, you barely moved a muscle.

                I just woke up and was a bit confused at first. What are you doing up?

                Well you should get some more rest. You seemed exhausted. As for me, I just got back to my house after a run. Text me when you wake up.  Maybe we could hang out again.

                Okay and you should get some rest as well. You must be drained more than I am. Maybe you should text me when you get up. You might need to sleep in.

                Sounds like a plan then :) goodnight and I’ll message you tomorrow

                Goodnight :) and okay

                Setting her phone back down on the bedside table she snuggled back into her blanket allowing herself to drift back to a thankfully dreamless sleep. For once she was bit excited for the next day to get here.

                The next morning came and she did her normal routine of taking a shower and trying to wake up for the day. She had looked at her phone a couple of times to see if Nick had messaged her. Each time though there had been nothing so she turned the television on while she moved to work on some of her homework. Chances are he was still sleeping anyway and it was only nine in the morning. He probably wouldn’t be awake for the next couple of hours, which gave her time to finish homework. She was already a bit behind.

                Getting lost into her work she became unaware of what was around her even as her mom moved into the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. The only thing that made her aware was the smell of coffee that drifted to her nose and made her stomach growl. What was it about coffee that it smelled ten times better than it tasted?

                Putting her books aside she stretched to look over at her mother. “You never did like mornings.”

                “Leave me be. I need at least two cups before I deal with this day.”

Grinning at her mom she grabbed her phone and noticed that Nick had messaged her about half an hour ago.

                Good morning. Would it be fine if I were to come over?

                Yeah. I’m awake.

                Knocking on the door forced her over to the front door seeing that Nick was standing there waiting for someone to answer. Pulling the door open she smiled to him. “I’m sorry that I didn’t message you back sooner. I got focused on my homework while I waited. How did you know I was awake though?”

                “That’s okay and I just figured you might be awake. If you weren’t I probably would have gone for a run while I waited.” Stepping inside he moved in and smiled over to her mother. “Hello Mrs. Smith.” At her grumpy hello a large smile came to his face while he leaned over to whisper in her ear. “Your mother isn’t a morning person, is she?”

                “No, she hates mornings.” She silently whispered back into his ear.

                “Would it be okay if we go out for breakfast? I’m starving and I feel like your mom would like the time to wake up. I was thinking this spot that has the best pancakes.” The mention of food was all she needed and apparently her stomach as it made a large growl. “I’m going to take that as a yes. IS that okay Mrs. Smith?”

                “Yes, now go so I can wake up with peace around.” Both Lylah and Nick laughed as Lylah placed her black ballet shoes on and grabbed her purse. She almost made it out the door when she stopped to turn around.

                “I’ll be right back. I almost forgot my bracelet on the kitchen table.” She had placed it there after they got the pizza last night. Running back in she grabbed it and then looked at her mom who was sipping on her coffee with her eyes closed. Stepping over to her she gave her a kiss on the head and a quick hug. “Love you mom. Let me know when you are awake. I’ll make sure to grab you a few pancakes as well.”

                Hugging her back she winked at her. “That’s the daughter I absolutely love to death. Make sure they are chocolate chip.”

                “I wouldn’t get anything different for you.” With a wave, she hurried back outside slipping the bracelet on before passing though the barrier. Nick was waiting for her on the passenger side and opened the door for her. “Thank you.” A blush spread across her face at his simple, but sweet gesture.