Page 40 of Chev's Mate

I gulp. Hearing him say that does things to me. Things I’m not prepared for. Chev always makes me feel things I don’t expect, though, so I suppose I should get used to it.

Despite his clear desire, Chev doesn’t push for us to go further. A small part of me expects him to, at a minimum, touch himself, but he keeps his hands planted firmly on the steering wheel. It must be painful to do so.

He eventually releases the steering wheel so he can pull his leathers back down as we near the facility. He’s hidinghimself from the wandering eyes of the women inside, which I appreciate. I don’t want anybody seeing him, and I scan the windows in search of any watchers.

“Would you like to go on a date with me?” Chev asks, breaking the silence.

It’s not the first time he’s asked that, but it is the first time I debate sayingyes. Chev’s been accommodating to my requests, and I’m coming to accept that our bond isn’t going to disappear as I hoped.

I’m nervous to be alone with Chev, but I’m hopeful that if something went wrong, Charlie and her males would be effective in separating us. Charlie’s apologies yesterday felt genuine, and my therapist used to say trusting isn’t inherently bad.

“If I saidyes…” I start. “I’d want to stay in Wrath, and I’d want a chaperone.”

There’s so much we need to discuss, and the short ride to the facility isn’t long enough for serious conversations. Chev might call it a date, but I will consider it a meeting. A meeting with a chaperone who can step in should anything get out of hand.

Chev beams. “Deal.”

His skirt is still tented around his erection, and I continually glance at it as he pulls up to the back doors of the facility. We sit beside one another in silence. I ran inside yesterday, but today, I’m hesitant to leave. Several seconds pass until I give in and spin to hug him.

I hate how much I want to feel his arms around me.

Chev immediately returns the hug, and his bear begins making noises as I bury my face against his chest. It’s more endearing than it should be. This is the first time we’ve ever truly hugged, even if we’re doing it while sitting side by side, and it’s nice.

I breathe in his scent before pulling away. Chev quickly releases me, which I appreciate. I hate when men make me feel trapped.

“Does tonight work for you?” Chev asks. I nod, and he quickly continues. “Then I will secure us a chaperone.”

He looks excited—too excited—which makes me nervous. I’ve never been on a date before, and I have no idea what to expect. His hands find mine, and I gulp as he raises them between us and kisses my knuckles. His lips are soft, and they rob me of coherent thought.

Are mates supposed to turn your mind into a jumbled, confusing mess?

“I will see you tonight,” he promises.

I nod, still dazed as I fumble to grab all my things and hurry inside the facility.

Chapter Sixteen

VANESSA

TONIGHT COMES TOO quickly.

I try to distract myself with work, desperate to think of anything other than Chev. I continually catch myself daydreaming about him, which startles and unnerves me every time. I don’t think anybody has noticed, but I fear my obsession is becoming obvious.

I sneak my phone everywhere I go, and I scour through the several Chev-focused groups I’ve joined to see if there’s any new news about him. There rarely is. He’s been staying out of the public eye these past several weeks, and the topic of his mate is dying down. People are losing interest, which is a relief.

I’m afraid it will resume once people discover who I am, though. I can feel it already beginning. Charlie can barely contain her giggles whenever he’s brought up in a meeting, and the women inside the facility are starting to put two and two together. I think somebody saw him driving me to work and told others.

My nerves are at an all-time high when I finally go home for the day, and I spend way too long trying to style my hair just the right way. I don’t know why I’m trying so hard to look good for this date, but I don’t think I could stop if I tried. I try on severaloutfits before settling on my usual jeans and plain shirt. It’s my comfort clothing.

Chev didn’t give me a time, and I pace my living room while I wait. Where’s he going to take me? I should’ve asked. I want to know what to expect.

I’m moments away from calling this entire thing off when somebody knocks on my door. I assume it’s Chev, and I smooth down my hair before hurrying over and pulling it open. As predicted, Chev stands on my porch.

He’s wearing his leathers, and his torso flexes as he clasps his hands behind his back and smiles wildly at me. I clear my throat, too nervous to speak. Agreeing to this date was a mistake, but it’s too late to take it back. I’d feel like a monster if I canceled on him now.

Our bond was easy to ignore when I hardly knew Chev, but the more time I spend with him, the stronger it grows. I wonder if he feels the same way, but I’m not sure if I’m ready for his answer. He’s not fighting this as I am, and he’d probably jump on the opportunity to tell me just how the bond makes him feel.

Not that I can’t already guess.

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