Page 46 of Chev's Mate

I beam. “Happy to help.”

I curl my fingers around hers, interlocking them before leading her inside. Silas follows, and he sits at the bar while Vanessa and I are brought to our table. I requested a booth next to the tree trunk, and I’m happy to see they accommodated.

Vanessa doesn’t say anything as we sit. She’s too busy staring at the giant tree sprouting out of the center of the restaurant. It’s one of the oldest in Wrath, almost ten thousand years old, and this building has been built around its base.

I’ve heard the food here isn’t great, but the ambiance makes up for it. Vanessa feels an affinity to trees, and I hope this one gives her plenty of good feelings.

Her cheeks flush, and my heart pounds as she reaches out and slides her palm down the trunk. Her throat bobs as she swallows, and I find much pleasure in how she shuts her eyes so she can better feel.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispers.

That’s music to my ears.

“I’m glad you like it.”

This makes wearing uncomfortable pants more than worth it. Vanessa is so distracted by the tree that she doesn’t even look at the menu, and I happily pick out and order food for us both as she pokes and prods at the trunk.

I’m sure people are taking photos of us, but I don’t care who sees me admiring my mate. I want everybody to see us togetherand know we’re happy. More importantly, though, I want them to know Vanessa has chosen me.

She’s mine.

“The shifter lands are full of trees this old,” I say, unable to hold back any longer. “Many are even larger.”

That captures Vanessa’s attention, and I sit up straighter.

“How old?” she asks. “And how big?”

“Twice as old and twice as big.” I’m bragging, but I don’t care. “There are forests full of them. Hundreds, thousands of them as far as the eye can see.”

Vanessa looks like she’s going to jump out of her skin, and I’m sure I look the same as she begins hammering me with questions about my lands. She looks so excited, and I desperately hope she’ll be open to visiting soon. I’d love to show her my pack and my home.

“My father is helping me expand my home,” I eventually admit. “I’m making my kitchen larger and adding an island.”

Vanessa sucks her lips into her mouth, her cheeks reddening. We haven’t discussed the possibility of her moving to the shifter realm. There’s never been a good opportunity to bring it up, and I don’t want her feeling rushed. She’s only just agreed to give our relationship a chance, and I won’t risk ruining it.

But I can’t resist telling her about my home.

“Do you miss your pack?” she asks.

I shrug. “Yes, but I’d rather be with you. My father is overseeing things in my absence.”

Vanessa hums. “I’ve read a lot about your father.”

I frown, the reaction automatic, before forcing my face into a softer emotion. People know what happened between my dad and Charlie, and many have condemned him for his desires. The blessed breeds consider him a traitor to matehood, and no explanation from my mother has helped.

I too was angry with my dad for touching a woman who wasn’t my mom, but I let it go. My mom’s a succubus, and as much as I don’t enjoy thinking about it, I understand she has needs and wants that don’t necessarily align with shifter beliefs.

I shiver, wishing I didn’t know the things I know.

Dad still worships the ground she walks on, and as long as he makes her happy, I’ll keep my judgments to myself. My father has never been anything less than a loving parent, and that counts for something.

“What have you heard?” I ask.

Vanessa cocks her head to the side. She’s trying to read me just as much as I’m trying to read her. It’s a dance I enjoy.

“I read that he was the bear alpha before you, and he helped with the female rescue before you stepped in,” she says.

I nod, and Vanessa leans against the back cushion of the booth.

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