Page 44 of Chev's Mate

I was tempted to kiss her, but I didn’t want to push my luck.

I’m pushing my luck right now.I groan, releasing myself.

My home isn’t going to ready itself, and there’s no time to waste. Vanessa won’t be impressed if I don’t finish everything within a reasonable time because I was too busy pawing at my cock. I’d be made the laughingstock of the shifters.

Although maybe shewouldlike my distractions.

She seems interested in my body, my female constantly staring. I know she doesn’t like a lot of physical touch, but maybe she’d like to see me pleasure myself. Her arousal was practically tangible when I lifted my skirt and showed myself to her the other day, and I know she likes to look at photos of me when she touches herself.

Maybe I’ll send her private images for when she’s alone. She can grow comfortable seeing my erection without the pressure of me being there.

I gulp, loving the idea of doing just that. I’ll discuss it with her this evening while we’re eating. I’m most excited about the restaurant I’ve picked out for us, and I believe it will put her in a good mood. She’s most interested in my penis when she’s in a good mood.

Forcing my thoughts away from sex, I grab my axe and head outside. I need to remove the exterior wall of my home and set it back almost five feet to make room for the kitchen island I plan to build for Vanessa. It won’t be easy work, but it’s my fault for not putting more effort into my kitchen when I originally constructed my home.

My parents warned me this would happen, but I was young and cocky and chose not to listen. They’ll be pleased to see how I regret my decisions.

“My baby!”

I spin just in time to spot my father’s broad grin. He’s close, and he throws his arms around me and pulls me into a tight hug. He’s been helping manage the pack while I’ve been occupiedwith the females and Vanessa, and he refuses to release me until I drop my axe and return his hug.

“I’m busy, Dad,” I say, stepping back and gesturing to my home. “I’m expanding my kitchen.”

He laughs, his eyes darting to my axe before returning to me. He knows all about Vanessa, thanks to Echo. She told him everything during our last family dinner night despite my explicit instruction not to.

I don’t want them meddling.

“Would you like help?” Dad asks.

I hesitate, scanning his figure, before nodding.

He’s supposed to be retired, a forced tradition most older males hate. The last thing we need is a bunch of elderly shifters trying to help during fights and wars, the men convinced they’re still strong and valuable. They’re a hindrance, and forced retirements encourage them to accept their role as elderly before they actually grow weak.

I shouldn’t let Dad help me chop the wood, but I’m desperate to complete my home before Vanessa expresses an interest in moving to the shifter lands. I’d be humiliated to bring her to a half-completed house. It would be dishonorable, and she would probably lose all interest in me.

She’d think I can’t provide.

“Let me get my axe!” Dad’s already running toward his house. “Your mom has hidden my good one, but I have a spare she doesn’t know about.”

I watch, hiding a smirk, as I head into the woods. I need thicker trees for my base, and the largest ones are deep in the forest. I’ve already cut down two by the time Dad finds me, and together, we complete another seventeen before it’s time for me to leave.

We’re both covered in sweat, and we pile the logs just outside my home. It’s not nearly enough, but it’s a good start. I’mhoping to complete everything by the end of the month, which is admittedly a lofty goal.

With Dad’s help, though, I think it’s manageable.

Dad wipes his brow. “Will you be back tomorrow?”

“I’m busy tomorrow,” I say, shaking my head. “Maybe the day after.”

My day is full of meetings tomorrow, and my few free hours will be spent escorting Vanessa to and from the Wrath facility. I can’t give that up.

“You’re always busy,” Dad points out. “You’re our alpha, and we need you here. You’re spreading yourself too thin, and we’re growing worried.”

I huff. “Who’s ‘we’?”

“Me, your mom, Echo. Everybody in the pack is worried about you, Chev.”

Guilt eats at my heart, but there’s nothing I can do. I miss my home and family, but I can’t leave my mate alone in Wrath. My bear won’t let me, and even if he did, I still wouldn’t leave her.

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