Aaron: Mission complete.
Darragh: Great. I am sending an address of where to meet us tomorrow. We have much to discuss. Be there at 11 a.m.
Aaron: Okay we will see u then.
"We have to meet them tomorrow, 11:00a.m. He's sending an address.”
"Okay." Was her uneasy reply. She still was not used to these non-human people in her life.
Aaron rubbed his palm up her arm and then back down. She had taken off her hoodie when she got in the car and he could see one of her tattoos peeking from her short sleeve.
"Is that ink?” he asked, putting his curious hand back on his leg.
"Yeah, I'll have to show them to you sometime.” Turning to smile at him she glanced at his dimple and looked away, needing to focus on driving.
He put his head on the head rest as the thought of seeing Nia's skin sent his mind into overdrive...
'Whoa.', she gasped in his mind.
'Oh wow. You heard that, huh? Yea that was real smooth, sorry.’ he said sheepishly blushing for the first time Nia could recall.
Saved by the bell, Nia’s phone belted out Set Fire To The Rain and she answered.
"Hello?”
"Hey honey," her mom, Margie’s lightly accented voice sang through the car speakers.
"Hi mom." Nia said biting her lip.
"How is everything going sweetie?" Margie asked.
"Great. Is something wrong mom?"
"What? No sweetie but your dad said to call you, he said and I quote, he hasn't heard from you in a while and he's worried. You know how he can be." Her mom said in the sweetest way possible.
"Sorry about that I have been kind of busy. Umm I'm kind of on a date right now." Nia explained wanting to melt under the seat as Aaron looked at her adoringly but she knew her cheeks were flush.
"Oh goodness, sweetheart! That's fantastic! How's it going? Do we know him? Is he cute?" Margie rattled off the string of questions before Nia could stop her.
Correction, she no longer wanted to hide, she wanted to die...... right now.
"Wow! Umm, mom? It's going great and no you don't know him yet and he is definitely hot.” She looked at him and he smiled. “His name is Aaron and by the way, you're on speaker."
“Oh... well... um, I'm sorry honey. And hello Aaron it's nice to sort of meet you. You're welcome at our home anytime." Margie said with a shaky and clearly mortified voice.
"Thank you Mrs. De La Garza" Aaron said wincing as he finally chimed in.
"Oh please call me Margie." Nia’s mom insisted.
"Okay, I'll try but I can’t guarantee it, that’s just how I was raised." He responded politely.
Interrupting Nia asked, "Hey, Mom? We’re headed that way. Is Dad there?"
"Oh, yes we're having a late dinner. I used the slow cooker. It's been a long day." Margie explained sounding tired.
"We can be there in thirty." Nia said feeling dread set in at the prospect of her dad meeting Aaron.
"Great! Well then I will see you soon honey! Bye!" Margie sung again as she hung up the phone ending all their awkward misery.
'That had to be the most embarrassing conversation in the history of my life.' Nia sent to Aaron because it was easier to think than say.
"It's fine really, I thought it was sweet. And I found out some interesting information too.” he said with a huge grin.
"Oh yeah, and what was that?” she asked laughing.
'You think I'm hot.’ Then he really laughed, a deep boisterous sound that melted Nia's insides.
"Okay I'm going to crawl under a rock and die now.” she said as the embarrassment crushed her turning her cheeks a blazing crimson red.
He grabbed her hand and kissed her palm. "You're fine... So is there anything I need to keep in mind when meeting your parents?” he asked her turning serious.
Nia thought about it for a minute then spoke softly. "Yes, my dad is overprotective and he will know if you lie to him. You have to word your answers carefully if you're telling half-truths. Mom's easy she'll love you." He smiled.
Nia drove to Manvel quickly and as they were passing through the small town she pointed out the few things you could see in the dark and stopped at the gas station to fuel up. When she turned down her street you could see the glow of light from the front gates. Pulling up to it more lights came on lighting their way past the now open iron rod, filigree covered gate. It had a beautiful D in the center for both De La Garza and Delgar.
As they drove slowly up the winding drive lights would brighten a little ways ahead lining the path. It really was beautiful in the dark. The low hanging branches of Nia's favorite trees had lights in them for night time reading in her hammock.
"That looks comfy.” Aaron said as they passed it.
"Oh, it is and it's mine. I love to read and I come out here on cool days and most nights. It really is relaxing.” she said.
He looked at her and smiled a lopsided smile. "That's awesome.”
They pulled into the garage and Aaron got out quickly. Before Nia was done gathering their to-go cups and her bag, Aaron was opening her door.
"Thanks." Nia said blushing.
She went in and the door beeped, she really hated that sound of the alarm system. "You ready for this?” she asked looking at Aaron like she was worried about his safety.
"Of course." He said tugging down the sleeves of his hoodie and she did the same. There's no way she could explain two healed tattoos around her wrists. She blew out a breath as they walked through the laundry room and into the kitchen.
Aaron admired the beautiful kitchen, it was always his favorite room in a house. Maybe he could cook for Nia sometime in this kitchen, he mused.
'That would be great. I'll definitely take you up on that.’ she was all smiles.
Her mom came into the kitchen and almost screamed, "Oh, Nia I didn't know y'all were here already.” she leaned on the counter for support shoving whatever she had in her hand into the mess drawer.
'That looked sneaky', Nia thought.
"Sorry. Aaron Pierce this is my mom, Marguerite De La Garza.", she said sticking out her tongue at her mom.
'Nice and mature? I like it!’ he chuckled out thankfully only heard by the two of them.
"It's nice to meet you in person Mrs. D.", with that Margie's face lit up.
"Hey I like that. It's nice to meet you too, it has been a long time since Nia's had a boyfriend over.” Margie said with a smile linking her arm through Aaron's.
"Mom!", now it was Margie's turn to stick her tongue out at Nia and Aaron couldn't help but laugh.
"Come with me you two, your father's in the dining room already." she said taking a turn into the dining room.
Vince was seated at the head of an ornately hand carved table and looking down at his iPad. He looked up and saw he had and company and pushed it aside quickly. He got up and went straight to Nia, wrapping her in a warm embrace.
"Hi dad.” she said squeezing him tight. It felt like forever since she'd seen him, especially with all that had happened. Her and her dad were closer than most. They were like best friends, kind of. Well they used to be.
"So, who's this young man on your mother's arm? Should I be jealous?” he asked Nia with a broad smile.
"This is Aaron Pierce, and this is my dad the great Vincent De La Garza.", she said proudly.
Aaron moved to shake his hand sure to have a strong grip. It would really suck if her dad thought he couldn't protect her. "It's nice to meet you Mr. De La Garza thanks for inviting me into your home.” Aaron said with a respectful tone.
"Nice to meet you too my boy.” Vince replied clasping Aaron's shoulder, "I haven't heard anything about you Aaron. Why don't you have a seat so we can chat?"
Nia giggled, her dad was harmless really her happiness was his only concern besides safety, of course, and she was safe with Aaron. Oh if he only knew. She felt her wrist heat up as they sat down to talk and Margie started bringing dishes out of the kitchen as Nia nearly doubled over as
she felt a sharp wave of pain. 'What the?’
"I'm going to go help mom, be right back.” she said winking at Aaron. He nodded looking a bit scared. 'Thanks', he thought with a sarcastic tone. 'Oh don't worry you big baby. You're safe, I swear.’ she sent mockingly.
Rounding the corner she stepped under the staircase. There was a bench and bookshelf there. It was quickly becoming one of her favorite hiding places. She lifted her sleeve and the blue stone was pulsing a dull light, but the buzzing was going through her whole body.
Quickly placing placed her hand on the stone and whispered, "Eric, Are you okay.” she got no immediate response and began to worry. 'Crap.', she tried again.
'Eric!’ she knew she would come across desperate but desperation was what she was feeling for sure. Until a voice echoed through her mind.
'I’m okay. We ran into some more um, hunters and I was wounded. But I'm fine now. Healing as we speak and resting too.'
Nia let out the breath she was holding and whispered, 'Oh, Thank God. I felt the panic of the situation and I was terrified for you. Then the pain hit me and I freaked. I'm so glad you're safe, please stay safe. I have to go I'm with family and hiding my wrist so... I will see you tomorrow.'
She heard Eric's laughter, 'You don't have to touch it once you've established the link Nia.’ he laughed some more. 'Oh, well I guess I have lots to learn then. I am a bit busy though.’ she sighed.
'Talk soon?’ he sort of asked.
Her response was simple, "Okay. Eric? Do I even wanna know what a hunter is?” she could hear his sigh,
"No, Not yet.” he answered firmly, adding "See you soon." as she felt his mind slip from hers leaving behind a low pulse.
Nia rounded the corner and ran into Aaron.
He grunted from the impact and steadied her by the shoulders. "Funny how I keep running into you. Huh?” he said with a broad smile.
Nia decided to make the most of this moment. She grabbed his hand and led him back around the corner to her hiding spot. He looked at her questioningly. When he started to speak she put a finger to his lips with a whispered, "Shh.", she wrapped her arms around his neck and he leaned closer to her face. 'Kiss me Aaron.’ she sent through the bond.
Her request was simple but it made his night. He pressed his hands onto the small of her back and slowly kissed her. It was delicate and sweet, and it was amazing. They separated after one kiss, out of breath.
"I don't think I could ever get tired of that." Aaron said smiling with dimples blazing. Nia could definitely get lost in those eyes, they were breathtaking.
"We better get back." Nia said with a smile taking a step back.
"Yeah, Oh where's the restroom? That's where I was headed.” Aaron asked. She showed him and hurried into the kitchen, grabbed a bowl of vegetables sitting on the counter and went into the dining room. Amarie and Lena were there with her parents.
"Oh my God, is it true that Aaron's here?” Lena asked excitedly.
"Yes Mags, please don't get drool on him.” Nia responded with a snicker and everyone laughed at that.
"So how's it going so far?” Amarie asked fiddling with her napkin. Nia nodded and winked at her sister when her dad chimed in.
"Hey, hey. I'm not sure if I like that look. How long have you known him anyway?" All three girls got quiet.
Nia swallowed the new lump in her throat. "I met him yesterday. I kind of bumped into him and that's more literal than you would think. I practically mowed him down while I was texting Rhea.” she said taking a large drink of her iced tea.
Vince took a deep breath reminding himself that his daughter was a grown woman but he couldn't shake the feeling that they were hiding something. And he would find out, just not now. "Well, that's fortuitous isn't it?" He then smiled relaxing all of them at once.
Aaron returned, they said grace and everyone dug in. Nia and Aaron only ate the bare minimum letting Margie know they had eaten a few hours ago.
The rest of dinner was relaxed and Aaron and Vince were talking about solar panels and shipping them worldwide. She knew the two business heads would get along wonderfully. Her mom winked at her, clearly satisfied with her dad's interaction with Aaron. Nia knew that was a great start.
"Well, no late dinner is complete without everyone finding a way to work it off.”, Vince said smiling and standing. "I will be in the gym if anyone needs me.", he went around the table and kissed all his girls on the tops of their heads except Margie he got her hand and told her, "You're coming with me, beautiful.” Margie giggled and all the girls laughed.
"Aaron it was nice meeting you, I expect we'll be seeing more of you.” he said clapping him on the shoulder.
"I hope so sir. Dinner was great Mrs. D, It was good to meet you both.” He said with a smile.
Margie grazed his shoulder on the way out, along with a beautiful smile. Leaving him knowing where Nia got her looks. "Guess we're on clean up Mags." Amarie said ruffling Lena's hair.
"Okay, But after that. Laps in the pool!” she said excitedly.
"Good idea.” Amarie said with a wink. "Nice seeing you again Aaron.”
"Yea it was good to see you Aaron.” Lena said as she started gathering dishes.
"Now what?" he asked as Nia smiled at him clearly thinking about something.
"Wanna take a walk with me?” he went to her side quickly.
"Lead the way madam.” was his answer. 'I'd follow you anywhere you know.’ He added as Nia took his hand examining their entwined fingers. He thought she was leading him outside but they turned into the foyer and went up the stairs instead.
Last door on the right had a black door and he knew immediately it was her bedroom. "I want you to see my room, I’m pretty proud of it, but if you aren't comfortable going in I understand."
Aaron gave a soft laugh, "I think I can see your room safely.” he gave her a wink. She laughed too feeling silly for suggesting otherwise.
She opened the door and he whistled as he looked around at her haven.
"It's all me. It's like my mom climbed in my brain to design it. We looked for months to find the wallpaper. The bookshelves were a surprise and they're my favorite part!” she said leading him to her dressing room slash closet then through to the bathroom or mini spa as Rhea liked to call it.
"Wow. This is definitely a great space. Now I know why you don’t mind living at home," was his response.
She took him back out to her room and he looked closer at the bookshelves. "Wanna do something else tonight before I take you home? If you're tired we can call it a day.” Nia asked.
"I thought maybe we could check out your hammock.” he said slowly.
"Come on.” she said grabbing his hand. Clearly neither of them was ready for this day to end.
Chapter 7
Nia was flipping some switches by the back door on their way out, the curtains were closed so there was no preview for Aaron.
Opening the French doors she caused the deep red curtain to sway in the wind. Aaron followed closely and stopped short when he saw the massive deck the size of a dance floor. There was a railing around it separating it from the tables and chairs to accommodate at least a hundred guests comfortably.
Nia walked over to the part of the deck with a roof and opened a cabinet. There was a stereo inside. It was then he noticed the stealthily placed speakers. Nia pulled her MP3 player out and connected it. She stood there for a moment and turned knobs on what looked like a small sound board. She set her player on the shelf and closed the door. A song he didn't recognize played low through the speakers.
Nia smiled, "We will hear it better as we walk.”
"Now that's cool,” he replied.
She reached out her hand and he came and took it more than happy to have the contact. Nia wove her arm through his.
"This is the garden," she said, and right in perfect time dim lights lit a narrow path into a garden you could get lost in. The smells were amazing. Aaron looked behind him noticing that the lights behind them were
dimming and some going out altogether.
"They're motion sensors.” Nia explained.
As they reached the edge of the garden you could hear what sounded like a small waterfall. The lights by the pool and building beside it were on.
"Thanks for the music Nia!” Amarie hollered, waving from the pool.
"It's outdoor, indoor but since it's occupied we'll save that for another time.” she said smiling.
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