4. A glimmer of hope

Tom choked in response, caught by surprise. Eyes wide with disbelief, he studied his friend for any sign of mirth in his features, but its absence only concerned him more. The man who had no space for anyone but himself in his life was blessed with a mate? 

“I can hardly believe it.” Tom said, “I thought you were destined to be alone forever.” 

Jamie threw him an unimpressive look, “I’m a werewolf, Tom. Of course I was destined to find my mate.” 

“But?” He said, “Why are you surprised then?” 

“It’s just…” Jamie looked away, “I hadn’t expected to find one anytime soon. At least not in the current circumstance.” 

“Well, cupid doesn’t knock on the door before he strikes his arrow.” Tom said, “Is she aware?”

“That I’m her mate? I would guess not. She seems quite unaware of things.” 

“Such as?” 

“She was raised by human parents. I doubt she has much knowledge about our way of life.”

“So you trust what she said?” 

“Of course.”

Tom frowned at him, “Then why take the pain of coming all the way here and inspect her house?” 

“So I know where she lived.” He said, “And know more about her. She is harmless, Tom. I knew it the moment she let me anywhere close to her. If she had anything to hide or lose, she would’ve been more careful.”

“She was perhaps not smart enough to know better.” 

“That still doesn’t make her a problem to us. Besides, I’m only relieved she is no way linked to Alex. I’ll still look into her tomorrow to check the facts. If she was indeed telling the truth, we have nothing to worry about.”

“I have nothing to worry about, Jamie.” Tom smirked, “Whereas you have a mate to court.” 

Jamie shot him a stern look, “I will do nothing of that sort. I’m here on a mission, Tom, not to fall in love.” 

“As if you can help it.”

“I can.” He said, as though it were himself Jamie was trying to convince. “Now, did you dispose of Alex?”

“Thought I’d let you do the honors.” Tom said, leaning away from the car before tapping the boot of the car. “He’s in here. Whatever you want to do with him.” 

“Dead?” 

“Of course.”

“Let’s find a place to bury him then.” 

Nodding, walked towards the front of the car and got behind the wheel. Making his way around the car toward the passenger seat, Jamie opened the door and held it for a second. His eyes instinctively flickered over to Emma’s window. He saw the curtain clasp shut at once, confirming his suspicion that she was watching him. 

“Jamie?” Tom called from inside, snapping him out of his trance. 

“Yes.” He muttered, giving the window one last look before he got into the car to join his friend. 

*** 

That night, Emma found little sleep. 

For some strange reason, her fascination with the man had gripped her beyond release. She was supposed to be terrified at the prospect of encountering him, but she instead felt fiercely drawn to him. She was daft, she had to be. For nothing else could explain the way she felt about him. 

When the sun rays streamed through the window, Emma realized that she had managed to waste an entire night of much needed rest and could only groan in regret. Determined to not waste another minute, she got ready for an important day ahead. Today was an off for her, meaning she could tend to any personal matters she had. While on any other day she would pick up an extra shift at work to make more money, today was reserved for an important task. 

Thanks to her friend, Elena, she was going to meet a lawyer who had generously offered to look into her case and offer his valuable input. He wasn’t a pleasant man to keep up with, that much she knew, but nothing prepared her for the irritated frown he wore the entire time they sipped on their coffee. 

“You could’ve just come to my office.” Nathan pointed out as his narrowed eyes skimmed over their noisy surroundings. 

Emma bit back the urge to point out that she had in fact dropped by their office several times only to be told that he wasn’t available. She was in need here, she couldn’t let her short temper diminish her chances. So instead, she just gave him a slight shrug and a fake apologetic smile which he was fully aware of. 

“Anyway,” He said, pushing his cup of coffee aside. Resting his forearms on the coffee table, he leaned in closer. “What did you want from me?” 

Emma dug into her bag and produced a file. As soon she slid it across the table, Nathan opened it and got to reading it with curiosity. 

“My aunt and uncle are going after my inheritance.” She started as Nathan’s eyes remained fixated on the text in front of his eyes. “They produced a false will that my dad has written their names instead of mine. I know for a fact that such a thing is impossible. My dad hated my uncle. They were brothers but they were never close. He would never leave everything for him.”

“Is this the will?” Nathan said as he held up a paper. 

With gritted teeth, she begrudgingly nodded. 

“Well, do you have any other official papers where we can compare your father’s signatures?” 

She started shaking her head even before he could finish the sentence. 

“And other legal documents that state any of your inheritance?” 

“No. nothing.” 

“Well, then I can’t help you.” He said, tossing the file in her direction. 

Her heart sank. “What?” 

He glared at her, “How do you expect me to help you with just your word, Ms. Payton? Think logically.” 

Her lips trembled with anger and dejection. “Well, I do have papers but they’re not within my possession right now.” 

“Do you think you can procure them?” 

“I-I could..” 

“Then get to that.” He said, “Get me those papers and we’ll see what can be done.”

A hope rose within Emma as Nathan got up. Looking up at him with a sense of disbelief, she said, “You mean… you will help me?” 

“If you get the papers.” He said, sternly. 

“Thank you.” She smiled. “I will get you what you need.” 

He nodded, “Then be quick about it.” He said, “You don’t have a lot of time.”