The Human Mate

Chapter 3

I smiled to myself as I entered our new home, dabbing a towel against my forehead, wiping off the sweat from my early morning run. This is how I start my day and make sure I never ever miss it, no matter what except on the weekends.

I went straight to my room and ironed the formal clothes that I had picked out last night before taking a quick shower. Once done, I blew my hair dry and put it up in a sophisticated ponytail, and lightly did my makeup before putting my clothes on.

I loved wearing trousers rather than pencil skirts as I have to get to work by riding my motorbike. I took one last look at my reflection in the mirror and smiled in approval, liking the way I looked. Then I made my way to the kitchen to have a light breakfast before I go.

"Good morning, guys" I greeted my parents before grabbing a bowl from the kitchen and sitting down by the dining table. My parents were already having their breakfast so I reached for my favorite cereal and put if few tablespoons of it into the bowl, "How are you two this beautiful morning?" I asked, glancing up at them as I grabbed the bottle of milk.

This is another routine of mine that I hate to skip. I always make sure I spent some time with my parents before going to work. It might be only a couple of minutes but it has such an impact on how my day goes.

"Good morning, baby" My mother smiled warmly at me.

"Good morning, sweetheart" My father smiled, "It is going well so far. I was told there was an unhappy customer yesterday. You didn't tell me anything about it last night" He said, looking at me in concern.

I paused my movements and shook my head at my father, "Yes, but he didn't say anything. He just left" I said, "I did ask Spencer to recheck all the items to see if they all are priced accordingly" I added with a reassuring smile.

My mind went back to that man with those green eyes. Somehow last night, I couldn't sleep properly thinking about him. I spent the night tossing and turning, wondering why he looked so surprised to see me.

"Maybe he realized he was wrong," My father said, pulling me out of the train of my thoughts.

I swiftly smiled at him, "Well here's to hoping" I said but then frowned, "He was a little strange" I added without thinking.

"Strange?" My father pressed. I saw my parents exchange a look after that.

Instantly, I regretted uttering those words, "Nothing. Let's not talk about that" I said quickly, shaking my head, "As you already know, I am joining the new company today. Will you two be fine with the supermarket on your own?" I asked, smoothly changing the subject.

I really didn't feel like talking about a strange man with my parents. It made me uncomfortable.

My mother threw me a dirty gaze, "Bryce, we will be fine. We have the workers" She said when I raised my eyebrows at her in question, "Please do not worry about us" She said softly, shaking her head.

What she doesn't know is, I am always going to worry about them. I just didn't want to be worried and stay far away from them. Even if I live under the same roof as them, that is still not going to stop me from being worried for them.

"Yeah, your mother is right. Just have a pleasant day today, okay? I wish you good luck and hope everything there suits you" My father said when I remained quiet, staring off at space.

"Thanks, dad" I smiled inwardly and then finished up my breakfast, "I guess I will see you two later," I said after washing the bowl and grabbing my helmet.

"Ride safe" That's the only thing my father said to me as I stepped out of the threshold.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at him. Instead, I gave him a curt nod without looking back and put on my helmet, clasping the latches securely. My father wasn't entirely happy when I bought this motorbike. He rather like it if I drove a car but he didn't stop me from doing what I like.

That is one of the things I liked about him. He lets me be independent, to stretch my wings and fly on my own in a way that I liked, occasionally guiding me if he thinks that I am going to fall but not overdo it.

I put my crossbody bag on and swung my leg over the motorbike and smiled, loving how it felt to sit on it. I could feel my father's eyes on me as he watched me revving the bike and a smile tugged at the corners of my lips, revving it a few more times unnecessarily just to get on his nerves before speeding off towards the office.

I don't annoy him always but when I am in a mood I don't let him get away easily.

The ride to the office was quite peaceful. There weren't a lot of vehicles on the road. Maybe because it was too early, I told myself. It wasn't hard for me to find the right routes as I had already come this way last night to see the location of the office so I wouldn't waste my time in the morning to find it.

I parked my bike at the allocated space and took off my helmet, looking up at the twenty-five-story building in amazement. It is the tallest building in Retsluv. Another reason why I chose to agree with my father's decision to open up a supermarket here is that Retsluv is a developing town. Sooner or later, it will become a city.

Letting out a breath, I got down from the bike and smoothed down my clothes and my hair before grabbing my work bag. I looked at the bike to confirm I had locked it before walking towards the entrance of the building.

The automated door slid open, sensing my presence and immediately the gust of cold air hit my face making me shiver but that didn't falter my confident steps toward the help desk area. I could see several heads turn towards my way in interest as my heels clicked against the polished tiles but I didn't pay them any heed.

I expected this. It is like being in a new school and everyone wants to know who this newcomer is. Something that I didn't look forward to though. I'd rather be left alone so I can mind my own business.

I came to a stop at the help desk and a young woman who was dressed professionally looked up at me in question, a phone pressed to her ear. She raised her eyebrows at me but I gestured for her to continue with the call first.

She smiled gratefully at me and got back to her conversation, speaking in a polite tone. Once she was done, she put down the phone and looked up at me again, her facial features were apologetic, "I am sorry you had to wait. Please, tell me how can I help you?" She asked, a small smile still playing on her lips.

I briefly introduced myself and told her why I was there. She nodded her head and ran her fingers across the keyboard, "I see. You are assigned to team twelve on the fourteenth floor" She mused as her eyes scanned the screen in front of her, "You may use the elevator to go up, and there you will meet your team leader, Mr.Kennedy" She smiled looking up at me and pointing her thumb politely towards the elevator.

"Thank you," I said, turning around and walking towards the elevator. I let my eyes roam around, taking in the lavishly furnished interiors of the building. I wasn't going to lie, I was impressed.

I was very much aware of those eyes that followed me until I stepped into the elevator and turned around to punch the button. I looked up just in time to see everyone hurriedly looking away from me to look at the entrance, their eyes widening in horror.

In a split second, there was tension in the atmosphere, "Mr. Camelli is here" I heard someone say in a hushed voice before everyone went deadly quiet.

The boss is here?

I wanted to look at him but the doors closed right before I could take a peek. I let out a sigh and shook my head. It's not like I am going to have any sort of meeting with him. I am just a data analyst here. I probably wouldn't get to have a conversation with him anyway.

Once I stepped out of the elevator on the fourteenth floor, I walked towards the smaller reception area where a woman and a man were talking. The woman sitting on her chair behind her desk and the man had placed his hand on her desk the man was bending over her shoulder, and his face was so close to her face.

I don't know what their conversation is about but clearly, the woman was uncomfortable and the man was persistent.

I came to stand right in from of them but they didn't notice me so I had to clear my throat loudly to get their attention."Hello, I am Bryce Wilson. I am the new data analyst here" I introduced myself when both of them looked up at me wide-eyed.

For some reason, the woman looked relieved as the man straightened his back, "Oh yes, I have been informed that you will join today" He said, his eyes shamelessly roaming up and down my body, "I am Derrick Kennedy. I am your team leader" He said, holding out his hand in front of me.

I noticed two things as I shook his hand firmly. One, he was still blatantly checking me out. His eyes kept going to my chest and then to my hips. Two, he was squeezing my hand in a very inappropriate way.

Great, I have a p*****t for a team leader.

He didn't look like he has plans to let go of my hand when I tried to yank it back so I cleared my throat again, "I think you are shaking my hand for way too long, Mr. Kennedy" I said, keeping my tone blank with a vacant facial expression.

He had the audacity to smirk at me before letting my hand go, "Come on, I will show you around before introducing you to the rest of our team members" He said, his eyes finally fixating on my face.

My eyes flickered towards the woman who was watching me worriedly, "Nice to meet you, Ms...?" I trailed.

She looked surprised that I talked to her, "Daphne Willams" She smiled at me after rearranging her facial expression.

I nodded at her before looking at Derrick, "What are you waiting for, Mr. Kennedy?" I asked. I have to show him I am not afraid of him. I will not be quiet if he decides to take advantage of me so for that, I have to be as bold as I can.

Displeasure colored Derrick's face and he just nodded at me for me to follow behind him. I bit back a smug smile and started behind him, memorizing the workspace so I would get comfortable soon.

Derrick showed me around the fourteenth floor and introduced me to my officemates, all the while glancing inappropriately at me. It made my anger twitch within me but I suppressed it the best I can, "This will be your cubicle" He finally stopped at a desk with a computer and a few files, "You have met all your teammates. I am sure you know what to do"

I didn't miss the way he tried to speak like he was a superior person but I let that slide. I wasn't going to create a scene on my first day here. I gritted my teeth together and gave him a curt nod without looking at him.

I expected him to leave after that but of course, he wasn't done irritating me yet.

"There are two files on your table. You can find the password to log into the system in one of it along with a few general rules of this office, email addresses, and other important information" He continued, "In the other file is about our newest project. Collect and interpret the data from it and send it to my email"

I nodded again, eyeing the files, "Sure, I will" I said, putting my bag on the desk. I took the seat and turned on the computer and coolly looked up to see Derrick still standing there, "Are you going to go or just stand there?" I asked, icily.

I don't like him and I wasn't afraid to show it.

For a moment, Derrick looked bewildered, "I am going" He said, clearing his throat, and then a sly smirk spread on his face, "If you need anything, I mean anything at all, please don't hesitate to call me" He added with a wink.

I stared at him blankly until he got uncomfortable and eventually left me alone.

Shaking my head to myself, I grabbed the file and got to work after that.