Three Fated Hearts

Open Flirting

~Nikki~

To say I was scared s**tless is an understatement. I was so busy talking to myself that I didn’t realize Paul had walked up on me in the clinic. Suddenly my mouth goes dry as I stare at him. His jeans are tight enough that I can make out his muscles, and his v-neck is stretched across his body with his arms crossed. I move my tongue along my lips, watching his eyes watch that action. This can’t be real…..he can’t really be into me. I’ve let my mind create magnificent delusions. “I….I’m sure there are many other things you could be doing.” Paul drops his arms and saunters up to me, a smirk on his face. He stands behind me, and I feel his breath on my neck.

“I’m a retired Alpha, so I have a lot of free time. That being said, who would pass up the chance to spend time with a beautiful woman? To add to that, you’re a doctor, so I get free medical instruction. It’s a win/win for me.” I swallow but immediately wish I hadn’t. That just made my mouth even drier. Paul brushes against me as he reaches toward the table, running his fingers along my materials. “Why do you have raw chicken here?”

“We…..well, it is a tool….a trick….a ttttt-teaching aid. I use the chicken to help me with sutures.” I’d swear Paul just sniffed my neck if I didn't know better. I must be really losing my mind.

“Do I make you nervous, Nikki?” Oh hell, how am I supposed to answer that question?

“Nnnnn…no. Why would you think you make me nervous?” Paul leans closer, his lips barely brushing against my neck. I feel goosebumps and my body shivers.

“Your heartbeat has picked up since I’ve been in the room. You are stuttering, and you are making sure you don’t look at me. I’d say you are nervous because of me.” I will not give him the satisfaction. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I turn around; Paul and I face each other. We may have an inch or two between our bodies, but Paul’s heat consumes me. I stand tall and lift my chin to look him in the eye.

“I’m looking at you now.” The corners of Paul’s mouth turn up, and his smile grows to show his perfect teeth. I’d classify this as a panty-dropping smile, and I wish I could drop my panties for him.

Me too. I’d drop my panties in a minute. He could have me on every surface in this room.

Shut up, Aluma! I put a block up, and my vision clears, showing me a laughing Paul.

“I’m not going to ask what your wolf said to you. I’d imagine it’s something you don’t want to be repeated.” I sigh and roll my eyes.

“Have you always been so sure of yourself? You seem a little…..”

“A little…..what? A little cocky?” I shrug, keeping my gaze locked on his. “Hmmm…..maybe not cocky. Maybe I just know how to tell when someone is into me.”

“I’m sure all you Alphas swear that everyone is always into you.” Paul throws his head back and laughs.

“You may be right. Many women become attracted to us because of the title. In this case, though, I’m going to guess the attraction is due to me being my amazing self.” I push Paul back and turn around to finish my sutures.

“You are assuming there’s an attraction at all.”

~Paul~

Oh, I do like her…..a lot! She’s feisty, and I love it. I quietly watch Nikki complete her suture practice then the clinic opens. I spend the morning watching Nikki write reports, see patients, and basically run the clinic. As an Alpha, I’ve never taken the time to see about the clinic. I knew it was there and running, and that’s it. This is a different side I’m experiencing, and I’m glad for the chance.

Nikki kept shooing me out of the way for the first couple of hours. She swore I was invading her space, but I kept catching her smile or blush. Once she got used to my presence, she went about her normal duties with little commentary. I became the perfect shadow, only asking questions when absolutely needed. I didn’t want to bombard her with a bunch of chit-chat.

Nikki is so smart, and she’s so compassionate. I can see why so many pack members love coming to see her, children included. She has always been the favored pack doctor. Nikki truly cares for her patients, which shows in everything she does.

Hey, Dad, where are you?

I’m in the clinic, Landon. What do you need?

Can we talk?

I’ll be right there. I swear kids have the worst timing, even when they are grown. I’m sitting across from Nikki in her office while she’s completing paperwork.

“What are your plans for dinner?” Nikki looks up, startled. It was pretty quiet in here for a while, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she forgot I was in here.

“Uh, I hadn’t thought about it.” I lean forward, elbows on her desk.

“Great. Have dinner with me. I will cook for you, and you can see my new home.” I watch Nikki’s eyes get big, and she starts to chew on her bottom lip. “Well?”

“Sssshhhh…..sure.” I rise out of the chair.

“Great. Be there around 7.” I turn to the door and place my hand on the doorknob.

“You’re leaving?” I turn and catch the blush on her face before she looks away. I lean against the door, my arms across my chest, eyebrow raised.

“You sound as if you’ll miss me.” Nikki clears her throat and looks at me.

“Why would I miss you? It isn’t like you are always here.” I shrug my shoulders.

“I could be….”

“Could be, what?” I smirk.

“I could always be here. I could always be where you are, day or night. We can always tell the pack members that it’s a new way to practice medicine.” Nikki rolls her eyes, and I suppress my laugh. “Seriously though, Landon needs to see me. I will see you at dinner. Don’t be late.” I open the door and walk out, whistling on the way.