Niko: Love me Harder - Alien Paranormal Romance

by Simpson, Serena

  “Then why do you look like that?”

  “First Aran gets shot, from a bullet made on the planet Yulen, although most Yulens would never use a bullet like that. Then Rena is threatened, followed by Dee being kidnapped and now shot. I think someone is after us. This anger, it feels personal, like he wants to destroy us. What’s the best way to destroy the created?”

  “Kill his Mate.”

  Chapter Twenty

  “Nicolas is here, carrying a bouquet of flowers. Would someone like to explain that to me?”

  Dee threw Nicolas a devious smile and started to laugh. The two of them had been making out in the family room when Nicolas walked in. Making out, was all she could manage, but soon she would be well.

  “Dee are you trying to get me killed?”

  “He won’t kill you, yet. He likes to collect evidence first.”

  “Not where you’re concerned. Tell him. Now.”

  “Nicolas you take all of the fun out of life.” She loved to see Niko get possessive and she knew he wouldn’t hurt Nicolas.

  “I like keeping the life in my life.” He grumbled putting the flowers down next to her, where she sat on Nikos lap, effectively keeping him from getting up and hurting Nicolas.

  “The flowers are for Mr. Cohen. He’s a nice gentleman who is elderly. Every year for his birthday, his wife gave him flowers. She died several months ago and this year he will not have any flowers.” She shrugged and blinked fast. “Everybody should have flowers.”

  Niko stared up at her, his eyes brimming with love. Nicolas’s mouth hung open as he stared at her, respect shining deep in his eyes.

  “I want that.” The whispered confession was so low that only Niko heard him. Nicolas met Niko’s gaze with eyes that were slightly shiny. “I want someone with a heart like your mate and my sister.”

  Niko inclined his head barely, letting him know he had heard and understood.

  “So how do we deliver the flowers, kitten?”

  “We go to the coffee shop.” She got up with a little more energy than she had earlier that day.

  She went to the stairs with a pep in her step, wondering if she could manage to run up them.

  “Take it easy, doctor’s orders.” Nicolas called out after her. Her laughter was all they heard in response.

  “How’s she doing?”

  “She gets stronger every day and then she wants to do more.” Niko Replied. “How do you think she is doing?”

  “For a female who should have died on the table I think she is doing remarkably well. She is recovering quicker than I thought she would, even with Dante’s herbs. When will you complete the claiming?”

  “I am waiting for her to recover.”

  “Until you claim her, she is in more danger.”

  Niko looked down and examined the pattern of the rug for a minute. Funny, he never really paid attention to it.

  “Nicolas, I still need to explain to her what that will mean for her. Also, I need for her to be well before I decide to bite.”

  Nicolas heard him, but he heard the unspoken words louder. Niko wanted to be, needed to be, balls deep in his mate before he bit her. It was a biologic imperative, a trait they all shared to some degree. It was something none of them thought they could fight.

  “Are you guys ready?” Dee asked coming into the room.

  She had slipped into a pair of jeans that hugged her ass and made Niko lick his lips. She had topped it with a red top that showed off her chocolate skin. She looked good enough to eat.

  She was bouncing from foot to foot. She had been cooped up in the house with Niko for two long weeks. She couldn’t work, but she could live with that. She had lots of time to take. Normally she wouldn’t complain, but all she could do was kiss and make out a little.

  She had tried to get a small taste of him, but he had stopped her. No getting excited. He had repeated Nicolas’s words verbatim. If she could have gotten her hands around Nicolas’s neck, he would be a goner by now.

  She happily followed them out to the car. The ride to the coffee shop was spent on talks of who was the best warrior and what defenses they would use when everyone could gather for a war on their planet.

  She had sat back and listened to the good natured bickering. She was part of the created family. She would have never thought something like this could happen as she had huddled in bed, scared to make a move as a child.

  She picked up the flowers and exited the car when they reached the coffee shop. Mmm, coffee. She couldn’t wait for a cup. She walked in and waved to her friend.

  “How’s the book coming?”

  “It’s golden.”

  She shook her head. “When do I get to read it?”

  “Soon.”

  Dee laughed and walked over to the counter. They had the same conversation every time she asked about the book.

  “Hey I was beginning to miss seeing you.”

  “You’re a site for sore eyes, Jim. How are you? Still conquering school?”

  “Like a hero. I will be done soon. It gets closer every day. Makes me wonder what tomorrow will bring.”

  “Word of advice, plan for tomorrow, live in today.”

  “Noted. What can I get you? The usual? And who are your friends?”

  She turned around and smiled at both Niko and Nicolas who were acting like they had never been in a coffee shop.

  “The one with the blonde hair is my guy and the other is his brother.”

  Jim stared at her for a moment before a fake frown covered his lips.

  “I knew I would lose you if I didn’t move sooner. But how could I with school and all? I knew I would need an education to deserve you. Now what will I do?”

  She watched him, trying not to laugh at his antics. He was too cute.

  “I know how heartbroken you are. But you must go on without me.”

  He wiped at an imaginary tear. “It will be hard, but I will survive.”

  They broke out into small chuckles.

  “Let me get your coffee. Do your friends want anything?”

  “Give them the same.”

  He nodded and walked away.

  “What was that all about?”

  “Jim? He’s a nice kid working his way through college. We tease a lot. It makes the late nights go faster.”

  Niko retrieved the cups Jim put up and they found a comfortable seat. Dee sipped her drink, then moaned. Niko swallowed hard.

  “Mr. Cohen should be here soon. Honestly, I am surprised he is not here yet.”

  They sipped their coffee and Dee told them about some of the people she had met since hanging out at her local coffee shop.

  She looked at the clock on the wall again. Mr. Cohen should have been here by now. She wasn’t liking the feeling in the pit of her stomach.

  “Kitten, everything ok?”

  “He should have been here by now, Niko. What if something happened to him?”

  “He probably decided to stay in to mourn his loss in private.”

  “No, Niko. You don’t know him. I do. I am telling you, he should be here.”

  “Do you know where he lives, kitten? We could take the flowers to him.”

  She beamed at him. “That’s a great idea.”

  She went back up to the counter, waiting for Jim to come over. She bent over and whispered in his ear. They talked several minutes, then she reached over the counter and hugged him.

  “Let’s go. He lives close to here. We can leave the car parked and walk. They moved out of the up and coming neighborhood quickly and entered the world of people who had raised their children in homes they had owned for decades.

  They were on a tree lined street that was clean and neat.

  “He’s at 707.” They stood in front of an older home that looked like it could use some TLC, but still had the feel of being loved. There were rose bushes in front of the house and a welcome rug that had daisies on it.

  “His wife planted those rose bushes. He told me that they almost broke up once.
They were having this huge fight and he said why do you get all the flowers? I like them too you know. She hadn’t known, but he knew everything about her. That’s when she figured out that she was loving him how she thought a man wanted to be loved, not how he wanted to be loved. He never had to ask for flowers again. Every year for his birthday, he got them.”

  They moved to the porch and knocked. No one answered. She knocked again and called out his name. “Mr. Cohen, it’s me Dee.”

  Niko reached out and twisted the knob. The door opened without a creak. She turned to look at them. “Should we go in?”

  “Yes, this looks like an invitation to me.” Niko took a deep breath, preparing to change if he needed to.

  Nicolas did the same. Both of them smelled the scent of the created. It was twisted, but it was there.

  “Stay behind us Dee.”

  She nodded and followed them in.

  “Mr. Cohen.” Niko called out. “We are friends of Dee’s. We are here to make sure you’re alright.”

  They walked through the house calling out. There was no sign of him. They walked up the steps.

  His body lay in the hallway.

  “Is he dead?” Dee asked, as a sense of horror washed over her.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Nicolas was on the floor checking Mr. Cohen. “He’s going to live. There’s no doubt a created was here. The question is why? Why would he come here?”

  Nicolas stood with Mr. Cohen in his arms and walked him to the bedroom. He laid him down and ran out. “Going to get my bag.”

  “Do you think he came after him as a warning to me? What could the warning be?”

  She looked lost and scared. As long as she was in Niko’s house, which doubled as a mini fortress, she had felt safe. She had almost talked herself into believing that it was all a misunderstanding. Almost.

  This was no misunderstanding. It was done deliberately. He was letting her know that he knew her, followed her, and that he could strike anywhere or anytime. He wanted her to know there was nothing she could do about it.

  “Will he come back?’

  “No, he did what he wanted. It’s over. He wanted to send a message.”

  “Margaret? You remembered the flowers. You always remember.” Mr. Cohen muttered. “I miss you so much, I almost came to see you today, but at the last minute they said it wasn’t my time.”

  Dee went over and sat on the bedside, taking his hand. “Not yet, Harry. You have to live. The kids still need you. Stay with the children for a while longer.”

  “I miss you Margaret.”

  “I miss you too Harry, but the kids need you. Can you live until it’s your time?”

  “You always were the wise one dear. Junior wants me to come live with him in Florida. He says I will love it down there.”

  “Why are you still here?”

  “This is where you are.”

  Tears brimmed in Dee’s eyes, but she refused to let them fall.

  “I will always be wherever you are Harry. Go to Florida. Be safe.”

  Harry’s grip weakened and the tears Dee had been fighting flowed. Niko moved her so Nicolas would have room to work.

  She stood in Niko’s arms and watched as Harry’s breathing evened out.

  “Don’t worry kitten. He will get to Florida.”

  End of statement and she knew he meant it. He would make sure Harry got to Florida and whatever he needed would end up there with him.

  She turned and kissed him, not for Harry, or Margaret or even herself. She kissed him for the eight year old girl who finally felt safe.

  “He’s going to be just fine.”

  “Thank you, Nicolas. I don’t know how to repay you.”

  “How about advice on women when I need it?”

  “I’ll be your fount of wisdom anytime.”

  Niko slipped out of the room while they were talking. He wanted to check out the rest of the house before Mr. Cohen woke up.

  “Nicolas, come here.”

  He was standing inside the bathroom door when he called him. Nicolas stood by him and looked at the message on the wall.

  ‘Your time is coming Dee. Tick Tock.’

  “What should we do?”

  Niko took a big breath before answering. “We should show it to Dee.”

  “Show me what?”

  “The created left a message on the wall.”

  Niko took her in his arms and then walked her into the bathroom.

  She stood stock still, waiting for her little girl to throw the covers over her head. Nothing.

  She was scared, but who wouldn’t be. She had been kidnapped, shot and now threatened. Yeah she was scared, but this guy got off on fear.

  She held her head up high. “Then I guess you better find him fast.”

  He stared at her before hugging her close. “My kitten has claws.”

  “Let’s get out of here. I will send someone over to clean this up and to make sure Mr. Cohen makes it to Florida.”

  She nodded and looked in on him again. The flowers were sitting beside the bed where he would see them when he woke up. More importantly, he would live. She headed out of the house.

  “I am going to go pay Aran a visit and tell him what occurred tonight. The two of you should probably get back to the house where you are safe.”

  Safe seemed like such a relative term to her, but she nodded anyway. Nicolas went one way and they went back towards the car.

  They turned the corner to see a tow truck lifting the car up.

  “What are you doing?”

  The tow truck driver turned around looking at Niko. “Is this your car?”

  “Yes, what happened to it?” It was no longer in the pristine condition he had left it in.

  “As near as I can figure out from witnesses and the police, a drunk driver crashed into the car, causing it to ignite. He then backed up and sped away. The owners of the coffee shop wanted it hauled away pronto. I can take it anywhere you like. It will cost of course.”

  Niko pulled the wallet out of his back pocket and told the driver where to take the car. He quickly paid with a credit card.

  “I will call ahead. They will be expecting you.”

  “Nice doing business with you.”

  The driver got in the truck and pulled out.

  “Looks like we are going to my place.”

  He raised a brow at her. “I thought that was your private abode and no one except Rena ever made it in.”

  “Then you understand what a privilege this is.” She resisted smiling as she turned and walked away knowing he would follow her.

  Niko scanned the streets making sure they were alone. He felt certain the created would not attack in the open with him being on guard, but he had proven to be unpredictable.

  Her apartment wasn’t that far from the coffee shop. She stopped to view it with new eyes. It looked sleek, all metal and glass, nothing like the sprawling house Niko owned. It looked cold.

  They entered and she chose to walk the steps instead of taking the elevators. She was only on the fifth floor. They made the climb in no time and were entering her apartment.

  Home sweet home. Her apartment was beautiful. She had at least taken the time for that. Her mom had always stressed the aesthetics of a place.

  “Make yourself at home.”

  “Thanks. Your place is beautiful.”

  She looked around again. Nothing was out of place. It looked like no one lived here. She tried to remember the last time she had taken a seat on her expensive, pretty, but uncomfortable furniture. She couldn’t remember.

  “Do you spend a lot of time here?”

  “No. I spend most of my time in the bedroom when I am here. It’s this way.”

  The room was still stark, but he could see touches of her here. There had been none in the living room.

  “What made you move here?”

  “Safety, prestige. You grow up with all the things you can’t do staring you in the face, then one day you’re on the o
ther side. All your hard work has paid off, except you have been so busy working, you really don’t know what to do. So I moved here.”

  She picked up the remote and turned on the television before she kicked off her shoes and crawled on the bed.

  “No VR game here to keep you entertained.”

  He kicked off his shoes and sat on the bed next to her. “I think I can manage.” He picked up his phone. “I need to let Aran know what happened to us.”

  He dialed the number and told Aran what happened.

  “He will come get us in the morning.”

  “My car’s outside. I can drive us.”

  “Not yet. Your car is not equipped with a scrambling device. I am sure that’s the reason my car was hit. I am positive no drunk did that damage to my car.”

  “What’s a scrambler?”

  “It keeps me from being followed. It makes it virtually impossible to lock onto me or to even see me. It directs your eyes elsewhere while allowing you to know something is on the road, so you don’t hit me. All of our cars are equipped with one.”

  “That’s why the one trying to kill me has never shown up at the house. He can’t find it. I don’t understand why he didn’t just bribe someone at the office for your address.”

  “Wouldn’t matter if he did. All of our mail from the office goes to a PO Box that we all share. There is no record of our personal addresses on file at the company. Aran set it up like that from the beginning.”

  He gathered her in his arms and got comfortable on the bed. She found herself laying against his chest.

  She loved his chest. She loved the sound of his heartbeat. It made her feel safe. So ironic to feel safe with a male who wasn’t human, but she did.

  She reached up and kissed him. She wanted him. Right here in her bed, she wanted to claim him.

  “Niko, make love to me.”

  Chapter Twenty-two

  The words hung in the air between them. The fire in his eyes became more apparent before he lowered his head and kissed her, taking her lips and her breath into his body. She arched up into the kiss. She needed him, wanted him.

  He invaded her mouth and conquered her tongue. This was no nice easy kiss. He pressed and she gave, allowing herself to open to him, offering all she was and taking all the pleasure he gave her.