Page 12 of Chev's Mate

I quicken my pace, eager to see more.

“Guards are assigned within hearing distance,” Aziel says. “They won’t hear anything said at a conversational tone, but any yelling will alert them.”

That’s a comfort.

Aziel gestures to a small shed to the left of the house. “There’s a golf cart you can use to travel to and from the facility. Please don’t run over any guards. They’re not targets, and they will get angry.”

Of course they aren’t. Is somebody using the golf carts that way? What even is a golf cart? I’ve gathered that it’s some sort of vehicle, and I struggle to hold back a giddy smile. I’ve never driven before, but it’s always been something I’m interested in.

I hope it goes fast.

We walk up the porch steps.

“A shadow has been assigned to keep the house clean and the kitchen stocked,” Aziel says. “She’s quiet, and she’ll be in and out while you’re at work.”

Aziel hums and looks toward the sky. I stare at the front door, still amazed this is where I’m to be staying. It makes theoption of quitting and hiding away significantly less appealing. I want to live here.

I clear my throat. “Thank you for all of this.”

Aziel nods before checking the time. The way his eyes widen is borderline comical.

“Fuck,” he huffs. “I’m late to meet with Gray.” I’m pretty sure Gray is his incubus mate. “I need to go, but I’ll stop by in a few days to see how you’re adjusting.”

Aziel vanishes a second later, his body disappearing into thin air.

I stare at the spot where he was just standing before turning back to the house. The large front door entices me, and I drag my fingers through my hair as I stare at it. This day hasn’t gone as planned, and I squeeze my eyes shut as thoughts of Chev threaten to work their way to the forefront of my mind.

I can’t think about him or our bond.

I fight to keep my mind clear as I push open the front door and step inside the house.

The décor is minimal, and I eye the potted plant in the entryway before closing the door behind me. The interior is open, and I can see the kitchen and living room from where I stand. There is no formal dining space, but that’s fine by me.

It’s not like I plan to host any dinner parties.

The furniture is cozy. There’s a gray couch large enough to sprawl on, and I’m pleased to see a full, floor-to-ceiling bookshelf and a TV. To the left is a stairwell, and I cross my arms over my chest as I move to the second level of the house.

On the left is a bathroom, the sink visible from where I stand, and I peek in before approaching the closed door on the right. It’s made of thick wood, and I hesitate before pushing it open.

It leads to a bedroom, and I stare in awe at the king-sized bed in the center of the room. I’ve never slept in a bed larger than a twin, and I smile as I run my hand over the light-greensilk sheets. My bags are on the floor, both open and empty. My things must have been put away for me.

I could get used to this.

There’s a private bathroom inside, and I eye the bathtub and large vanity. This place is fantastic. I’ve always loved bathroom products, and I can’t wait to begin my collection.

Through the bathroom is a walk-in closet, my things already unpacked and hung up inside.

I do another lap of the house before collapsing on the downstairs couch.

My thoughts threaten to return to Chev, and I turn on the TV to distract myself. I’m only thinking about him because of the bond, but I know that with time and distance, I’ll be able to push him entirely out of my mind.

If there’s anything I’m good at, it’s avoiding my problems and pretending they don’t exist. My dilemma with Chev will be no different.

Chapter Five

VANESSA

I DON’T THINK I’ve ever moved so quickly before, and I pray I don’t trip as I round the tight corner that leads to my office. I take the turn a bit wide and barely avoid running into a guard, but he’s a demon and jumps out of the way well before my reflexes have me adjusting my steps.

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