Page 17 of Chev's Mate

The part of me that knows and trusts Aziel believes him, but the irrational part of me that seems to grow with each daydoes not. He’s a threat, the male keeping me separated from the woman I’m destined to be with.

“Let me into Wrath.” I grab my stolen book and drop it onto the desk. It lands with a heavythud, and I quickly open it and point to the section on nymph abilities. “Nymphs have bad ears and eyes. Not as bad as humans’, but not as good as mine or yours. I will watch from a distance. She won’t see me.” I’m practically begging. “I’ll stay outside the facility gates, and I won’t bother her.”

Aziel sighs and shakes his head, but I continue before he fully rejects me.

“I’ll wear the Wrath clothing,” I say.

I prefer my leathers, but I’ll do anything for Vanessa. I’m confident she won’t see me if I watch from the woods beyond the facility. Even if she does happen to look in my direction, my clothing will blend in and she’ll think I’m a guard. I’ll stay far enough away that she won’t be able to tell it’s me.

I’d never do anything to make her uncomfortable, but I need to be near her to focus. I’m not effective when my bear and I are at such ends, and this will help me get my mind back on track.

And ensure Vanessa is safe.

Nobody is better equipped to protect her than I am.

“Chev…” Aziel sighs, visibly conflicted. “You’re asking a lot from me. She doesn’t want to see you.”

I know she doesn’t, but I also know Aziel is going to give me what I want. I’m his only friend, and as much as he likes to put on his tough exterior, I know he has a soft spot for me. He wants to see me happy, and I will only be happy when I can watch my mate.

“I’m very sneaky,” I assure him. “I’m not going to interfere with her life or work. I just want to be in the area.”

Aziel laughs as if I’ve just told him the best joke, but I don’t see what’s so funny. I gave Charlie refuge when she came to theshifter lands, and I found her very interesting. I spent most of my days spying on her, and she never noticed me.

“I would do it for you,” I continue.

It’s a lie. I wouldn’t, but Aziel doesn’t need to know that. If Charlie came to my lands asking for refuge, I’d do everything in my power to assure Aziel never saw her again. I’d be successful, too.

Aziel pinches his nose, and I know he’s giving in. He’s weak. “You have to promise not to be inappropriate. Your dick stays in your pants, even if you think nobody can see, and no trying to sneak into her house while she’s at work.”

I work my jaw side to side, angry with what he’s insinuating, before nodding. I made mistakes during my first meeting with Vanessa, but I would never be so callous around her again. I’d never invade her space like that, especially when I know how scared she is of me.

And to bring up my penis feels like a slap to the face. It’s common for shifters to relieve themselves in the woods, and I’m tired of Aziel acting holier-than-thou because he prefers to do it in the privacy of his home.

“I would never dream of doing those things,” I say. “I will have my belongings brought to Wrath this evening.” Aziel opens his mouth, but I continue before he can reject me. “Have the shadows ready a bedroom for me. I want to be in the one with the window that faces the facility. I will be living with you until Vanessa decides to come home with me.”

This is what’s best for everybody involved.

I clear my throat. “If you try to deny me, I’ll never speak to you again.”

Aziel rolls his eyes and runs a hand through his hair. He can pretend not to care all he wants, but we both know I’m his only friend. He needs me.

“Yes?” I ask.

I trail my fingers over the surface of Vanessa’s desk, nervous as I wait for Aziel’s response. I need to be close to Vanessa, and I have no intention of intruding or forcing myself into her life. Watching from a distance will be enough for me. I’ll wait until she’s ready.

Aziel nods, and I rush to grab his arms so he can teleport me to Wrath.

He instinctively smacks my hands away, but I quickly return them to his shoulders. He’s tense, and I squeeze his muscles before remembering that demons don’t like touch as much as shifters do. My people love intimacy, even if it’s non-sexual. Aziel doesn’t enjoy it.

“Don’t make me regret this,” Aziel threatens.

I give him another squeeze. “I won’t.”

Chapter Seven

CHEV

VANESSA IS BEAUTIFUL. All shifter males say this about their mates, but I am being especially true.

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