Page 47 of Chev's Mate

“I’ve read much about you, too,” she continues.

Oh?This interests me greatly, and I prop my elbows onto the table and lean closer.My female has researched me, and I’m eager to hear her thoughts. Most people like me. I don’t make women uncomfortable, and I’m friendly to almost everybody I meet. I hope that means she’s read good things.

There was a brief period of negative press when word got out that I met and frightened away my mate, but interest in my wrongdoings has diminished. People no longer care, which I personally think is ideal. I hate when people think poorly of me.

“What have you read?” I ask.

Vanessa shoots me a coy smile. She’s growing comfortable around me, and I decide not to bring up the images of my penis. I don’t want to make our conversation sexual.

I want to learn everything there is to know about my mate, and sex will only distract from that.

Vanessa lowers her gaze to the table, her cheeks turning pink. I continue to stare at her, desperate to know her thoughts. What has she read about me? I need to know, especially when I see how it’s making her flush.

“Tell me what you’ve read, my mate,” I tease her.

I’m flirting with her, and I’m enjoying every second of it.

Vanessa clears her throat, meeting my eye. “I read that you’re scared of birds.”

I stiffen. “Most shifters don’t like flying animals,” I say. “We cannot easily fight something attacking us from the sky.”

Vanessa laughs, the noise high-pitched and light as the server brings over our food. My mate thinks she’s so funny, but if she keeps it up, I’ll be forced to do something she doesn’t like. I’m unsure how to frustrate her without causing fear or stress, but I have some ideas.

She likes seeing my erections, and I’m not above hiding mine until she apologizes. Yes. I think that’s exactly what I’ll do.

We eat our food in comfortable silence, and I admire Vanessa admiring the tree. I have a feeling she would sit here for days if she could, and I’m so happy she’s pleased with my choice of restaurant.

Hours pass, and tables around us fill and empty. Eventually, a server brings over a check and politely urges us to leave. Vanessa pouts. I love it, and I can’t stop smiling as I pay our bill and guide her toward Silas. He’s still sitting at the bar.

“I hope this was a good date,” I admit. “I’m new to this.”

Vanessa grabs my arm, her hand resting in the crook of my elbow.

“I had a good time.” She gives me a tight squeeze. “Thank you, Chev.”

Silas stands as we near, capturing my attention. I pull Vanessa away from him a second later, my nose crinkling. He smells like alcohol.

“Are you two finished?” he asks. “Long meal.”

“Absolutely not.” I grunt, reaching for my phone.

Aziel picks up on the third ring, and he’s here a minute later to bring Vanessa and me back to the facility. Silas is clearly annoyed, but he’s a fool if he thinks I’d let him teleport us when he’s been drinking.

Vanessa finds the entire thing humorous. She laughs and labels me a drama queen. She also calls me a tattletale, but I don’t know what that means, and I don’t care.Her insults don’t bother me.

I will always protect her from getting teleported by a drunken fool.

Aziel brings us to Vanessa’s house, and he disappears a second later. I walk Vanessa up her porch, my hands clasped behind my back. Would it be inappropriate to kiss her? I’ve been wanting to do it all day.

Vanessa unlocks her door before spinning to face me. Her lips are so close to mine.

“You know,” she starts, “I trust you, and I don’t think it’s necessary for you to bring a chaperone to our dates anymore.”

Those words are music to my ears, and I excitedly pull her against my chest before pressing my lips against hers. She squeals, and as realization washes over me, I panic and release her.Fuck.I shouldn’t grab my female.

Vanessa peers up at me, but she doesn’t look upset. I feel horrible, and I remain rigid as she presses herself against me.

“It’s okay, Chev,” she whispers.

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