Chapter 15

Oliver's POV

Seeing Soma’s face with a red mark, I knew Marks hit her. It took everything in my power not to go to the police station and beat the living hell out of him. Walking across the street, I glanced at her store she was on the phone with someone, I hoped it was her friend. I was worried she was going to go and get herself in more trouble raising an alarm on what Marks is up to. He had the police department backing him, there wasn't anything anyone would do to help her and that pissed me off most.

“Where did you go?” Micah asked seeing I was pissed off.

“Soma’s store, I saw Marks go in there and after he left I walked over to see if he did anything else,” I growled.

“And did he?”

“Looks like he smacked her, but she wouldn't tell me,” I said walking towards the office. “You have Matt’s number handy?”

“Yeah why?” he said pulling out his phone.

“I am going to see if he can help Soma get some stock in her store,” I said sitting down. “No questions, get in touch with him and tell him to bring supplies and everything he has on tea items.”

Micah didn’t question me, which I am glad he didn’t. He knew I was serious by my tone, and it didn’t matter if he wanted to object, he was to do as I ask. Micah left me sitting in my office, I heard him on the phone out in the lobby he didn’t seem upset, but he made sure Matt knew this was a serious business deal. I liked Micah taking care of my troubles, I knew there wasn't going to be much he would do for me when it came to addressing Soma, so this was his way of helping me.

“Matt should be here in about twenty minutes, he was kind of confused as to why you wanted tea, but he’s bringing his best,” Micah said sitting down in front of me.

“Good I need to make sure he understands this is a good deal for him. His tea business is suffering, so I am sure Soma will keep him in business as long as he has the teas she wants.” I said combing my hand through my hair. “I’m beyond pissed he laid his vampire hands on her.”

“Well you haven't claimed her, so he can do what he wants,” Micah said shrugging his shoulder. “I’ve told you to go over there and tell her the truth, that way you can better protect her.”

“I can’t,” I said looking at him. “As much as you want me to run over there and tell her everything about our world, we don’t even know what she is.”

“Does it truly matter what she is? She’s your mate, and that is all you should be thinking about.” Micah said rolling his eyes. “Or are you afraid she will reject you because you are not her kind?”

“I guess a little bit of both,” I said looking away from him.

I was worse than scared, I didn’t want to face her if she would reject me. I didn’t know what she expected in a mate, and from the looks of it, she doesn’t care to date. She has an aura about her, maybe it’s because of Marks, or she knows what we are. I pray when the time comes she will accept me and love me for the Alpha I am.

“Well stop worrying so much about what she thinks and prepare for her arrival in your life. Maybe she isn't as standoffish as you think, and she is looking for you. Maybe she doesn’t know of the mate bond and what it can do to make you two closer to each other?” Micah said leaning back in his chair. “I know you’ve been wanting that love my mate and I have, it’s golden.”

“Don't lecture me.” I snapped. “I don’t want to put her life in more danger. Right now we don’t know how much Marks knows about her, and if he even knows that we’re mates.”

“Well the longer you leave her alone, the more he is going to mess with her. What if something happens and she is in danger? What if the warriors are not with her or they are killed?”

“I haven't thought about that yet,” I said getting to my feet. “Trust me I would love to tell her everything, but a big part of me tells me not to do it yet. The time isn't here for me and her to be together.” I said looking at him. “I know this is something you cannot understand as you are already mated, but something has to happen before we can be together. I feel the moon goddess is telling me to wait, for now at least.”

“Well, hopefully, your wait doesn’t get her hurt or killed. I’ll keep our warriors on high guard, so they are safe too, or did you forget you are keeping warriors on her?” he snapped. “Snap out of it Oliver, you need to claim her and get this over and done with,” he said before storming out of the office.

I knew he was right, but I still wanted to know more about her, where she is from. What she is exactly, I knew Marks was messing with her, so I wasn't entirely sure he knew what she was either. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to have a conversation with her to see if she would slip up and tell me anything about her.

Getting up, I walked out of the office, Matt should be here soon. I wanted to see if he could get her to admit to anything, that would at least give us a starting point. Walking over to the window, I watched her from there, she was pacing in front of the window with her phone. So she was still on it, I was wondering if she was getting cold feet coming over here to talk to Matt. I prayed she would, I needed her close. At least if she was here, she would be protected, Marks wouldn't dare step into my shop and cause a scene.

He did it in the past, and he got in a load of trouble for it, so he wouldn't dare to do it again. The chime on the door brought me out of my thoughts, Matt was here.

“Oliver long time,” Matt said bowing his head. “Where would you like me setting this up,” he said with his hands full.

“Here,” I said moving two tables together so he had enough room. “Take your time, she is still busy on the phone.”

Matt looked up at me confused. “How do you know?”

“She owns the tea shop.”

“Ah yes, I’ve been there, quite nice in there. The teas she has there are specially ordered, I don’t know if there is anything she is going to want from me,” he said with a sad face.

“Well her shop was destroyed by the vampire Marks so we need to help her get some stuff. I am sure you have things that she wouldn't mind trying. Maybe I can help you get back on your feet, and you can keep her stocked.”

“Hm,” he said putting things aside. “You find your mate yet?”

“Maybe,” I said glancing out the window. “But we will have to wait and see what happens,” I said looking down at the stuff he brought. “Didn't you bring supplies?”

“Yes of course I did,” he said rolling his eyes. “This is where you come in handy Alpha.” he gleamed at me. “Your muscle and all.”

I followed Matt outside, he brought four big boxes of teas, they were heavy but I was thankful that he took Micah’s advice and brought enough for her to take over there.

“Glad you still have your wits.” I laughed.

“I may be old, but I know when you call and ask, I have to be on my game otherwise you aren't going to let me live it down,” he said holding the door open for me.

“You need to come back to the pack lands, you would be much safer there, and I would be able to help you more,” I said setting the two boxes down.

“You know I cannot do that, the pack wouldn't leave me be, I am old and want to be alone,” he said shaking his head. “After Darla died, I just couldn’t be around happy people. Finally, I found my safe spot.”

“I can give you, your place. You wouldn't have to deal with anyone. You can come and hang out when you want.”

“No, no Alpha Oliver, you already have your hands full, besides if my business picks up, I’ll consider moving closer.”

“Well, then you should pack your bags,” I said before the overwhelming smell of fresh pine and waterfalls, the door chimed at the same time. She was here, my heart started to beat faster. Turning to face her, the red mark still on her face, but she smiled when she saw me.

“You’re right on time,” I said walking closer to her. “Soma is this Matt, he is my best vendor.” She smiled, but I could tell she was more nervous than I was, it kind of made me chuckle a little.