Page 14 of Chev's Mate

I don’t know how the details of our encounter got out. I sure haven’t told anybody, and I highly doubt Aziel or Chev would. If I weren’t so afraid of being named, I’d do my best to correct the news outlets that speak so poorly about him.

My belief in the rehabilitation system is unwavering, and I don’t want this unfortunate event to hinder all the fantastic work the shifters have been doing. They’ve saved the lives of millions of females, mine included, and it’s shocking how easily the news channels have turned against them.

Mammon must have significant connections.

“I’m feeling okay,” I tell Echo, finally answering her question. “I’m adjusting.”

I’m painfully aware that Chev is her brother and anything I say to her may get back to him. I need to be careful with how much information I share.

My fingers twitch with the urge to check my phone and look up the most recent articles written about Chev. It’s hard to ignore his existence when his face and name are plastered everywhere, and my self-control is proving to be nonexistent.

I found myself looking at photos of him while I was in bed last night, and I’m disgusted with the direction my thoughts tookme. I haven’t felt arousal in years, but the mere images of him had me clenching my thighs with need.

I even caught myself trailing my fingers along my legs, an action I’m horrified about. Distance is supposed to help me forget Chev, not make me fantasize about his touch and body.

“I appreciate you checking in,” I tell Echo. “I’ve learned a lot these past two weeks, and everybody here has been kind.”

Echo smiles, looking pleased. “I’m thrilled to hear that.”

I wonder what she thinks about this whole Chev situation, but I highly doubt she’d give me an honest answer. Echo is painfully diplomatic.

I should consider scheduling an appointment with my therapist. I thought I could handle this on my own, but I fear I’m beginning to spiral. Every thought somehow revolves back to Chev, and it’s only getting worse.

I haven’t seen my therapist in months. I stopped going shortly after moving to the female community. I didn’t want to use up resources others need so much more than I do. There are only so many trained trauma professionals around, and with the sudden influx of females, they’re stretched thin.

I know my therapist will make time for me if I need it, but I’m hoping I can avoid it for a bit longer. The shifters keep records of everything, and I’m sure Chev and Echo are closely monitoring me. I don’t want them to see I’ve contacted my therapist and think I can’t handle my job.

“And you’re getting along well with Aziel?” Echo asks. “I know he can be a bit…particular.”

I shrug. “He’s fine. Busy, but fine.”

Echo doesn’t look surprised to hear that. I’m sure it’s not the first time it’s been commented on, and I doubt it’ll be the last.

“Good.” Echo brings her hands together in a quiet clap. “Was there anything you wish to discuss with me? I have nothing pressing, so I’m all ears.”

I shake my head. “Nope. Everything is good here.”

Echo pauses, giving me a moment to change my mind, before standing. Her visits are always brief, probably because of how busy she is. I doubt she meets with all the facility managers like this, and I’m sure I’m getting special treatment because of my connection with her brother.

“I’ll be off, then,” she says.

“It was great seeing you.” I rise and walk her to the door. “Thanks for stopping by.”

She leaves, and I rush to eat lunch before my next meeting. There have been some concerns with the guards’ proximity to the bathrooms, which is a problem I can fix without Aziel’s permission.

The women want the guards to stand farther down the hallway, which is an easy solution. I paid a visit to the particular bathroom earlier today, and I must admit the guards stand a bit too close for comfort.

I’m sure they can hear everything happening inside the toilets, which is precisely what the females would like to prevent. Nobody wants their bathroom habits to be overheard, and it’s understandably causing a bit of stress.

“Shit!” I hiss, choking on my food.

My throat burns as I struggle to clear it, and I pat my fist against my chest several times. I’ve been loving cooking for myself, and I found several cookbooks inside the kitchen I’ve been working my way through. The shadow who cleans my home also keeps my pantry stocked with the best ingredients.

I feel like royalty.

A small part of me wonders if I’m getting this treatment because I’m Chev’s mate, but I’d like to believe it’s because Aziel’s naturally a generous person. The demons, specifically the Wraths, are rumored to go above and beyond with their facilities.

Everybody knows it’s because they feel guilty for not saying anything to help the females when they first discovered the cause of the decline, but they’ve never been asked directly about it. After meeting Aziel, I don’t think I’d ask. He’s easily one of the most intimidating men I’ve ever met, and everybody says his two other demon mates, Gray and Silas, are the same.

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