Page 32 of Chev's Mate

“Will you go on a date with me?” Chev asks the second I open it.

I shake my head, not trusting my voice at the moment. Chev visibly deflates, and I point in the direction of Aziel’s home. I can only assume that’s where he’s been staying.

“Go home,” I order. My voice cracks, but it’s the best I can do.

Chev flinches as if my words have burned him, his entire body tensing and recoiling. The part of me that recognizes him as my mate screams, but I ignore it. I’m good at ignoring my needs and desires, and this will be no different.

“I understand,” he says.Good.“I’m going to leave Wrath, and I won’t approach you again. I’ll keep myself available, though, in case you change your mind.”

I nod, already knowing I won’t be reaching out.

Chev wavers, clearly hesitating on something, before he dips his head and turns away. He continues to clutch his torn shirt to his chest, holding the fabric like a scared boy.

The sight makes the burning in my chest grow, and I fight the urge to call to him as he disappears into the woods. I’ll ask Echo to relocate me, preferably somewhere Chev can’t reach me.

That’s the only way.

Chapter Thirteen

VANESSA

CHEV HAS RUINED everything.

Once I’m sure he’s gone and isn’t returning, I shut all the blinds and curtains in my home. Now that I know he’s in Wrath, I don’t want to risk him peeking in. He’s probably been doing it this entire time, and I want to cry as I think about what he might have seen.

Then I go around locking every window and door, ensuring there’s no way for him to sneak inside. I don’t think he’d actually do that, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. My heart pounds as I double-check everything, ensuring it’s perfect.

My phone sits on the kitchen counter, teasing me. I told myself I would reach out to Echo, but it’s been almost twenty minutes since Chev’s visit and I still haven’t picked it up. I need to call her before it’s too late and she’s gone to bed.

I need to do it now.

Instead, I seek out the alcohol I found hidden in the living room my first week here. Nymphs aren’t big drinkers—we have that in common with shifters—but desperate times call for desperate measures.

I’m unfamiliar with the type of demon alcohol my home’s been stocked with, and I don’t bother looking anything up as I pour myself a heaping glass of the first bottle I find. It burns my throat, beyond painful, but it’s nothing compared to the searing heat of the bond. It screams for me to seek out and comfort Chev, and it’s growing harder and harder to ignore.

Kissing him was a mistake, and it’s ruined the progress I’ve made in the past few weeks. Our bond is working harder than ever to bring us together, making me desperate.

I cringe as I finish my glass, and I immediately pour myself another.

I still don’t reach for my phone.

I stare at it, angry with myself for not having the courage to reach out to Echo. She’ll help me. I know she will, and a small part of me knows that’s why I’m not reaching out.

My phone lights up, and I practically lunge over the kitchen counter. I’m expecting it to be a message about Chev, and I groan when I realize it’s just a notification from one of the Chev groups I’m in.

I’m addicted to them, which is equally embarrassing and frustrating. Still, I unlock my phone and read through the most recent messages. Word has gotten out about Chev’s entrance into the Wrath facility today, and people are beginning to speculate again who his mate could be.

My name appeared earlier today, but the group members quickly dismissed me. They decided I was too weak to be a real consideration. Their almighty Chev is clearly destined for a strong breed.

Their dismissal hurt more than I’d care to admit, and a small, petty part of me wants to out myself. Especially given how daring they’re growing in the chats. The women are discussing the type of sex they think he would have with the different women inside the Wrath facility, and reading it puts a bitter taste in my mouth.

I see these women daily, and I don’t want to think about them with my mate. My lip curls at the thought of Chev with any of the females I’ve come to know these past few weeks.

I hate how much he affects me.

A sharp knock on the door draws my attention, the loud noise cutting through the otherwise-silent room. My pulse races, and I’m careful to remain quiet as I inch forward and peek through the front window. I should’ve done this when Chev knocked. Opening the door without seeing who it was first was risky, and I paid the price.

It’s only Charlie, though. She’s standing on my porch, with Aziel directly behind her. I unlock and open the door, eager to hear what they have to say. I assume they’re here to discuss Chev.

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