Page 5 of Chev's Mate

Two more hours, and I’ll be heading to Wrath. I’d be lying if I said I weren’t nervous, but I think I’m equal parts excited. My things should’ve been brought over today, and Echo told me there’ll be somebody waiting to show me my new home when I arrive.

I’m sad to be leaving the friends I’ve made in my small community, but I’ll have the weekends to visit them.

My computer screen dims. I frown, confused as I try to figure out what’s happening. Technology isn’t a luxury the ogres provided, and while I learned the basics from the trade programs I participated in, I received little to no instruction on troubleshooting.

The screen is still readable despite being dim, and I grin proudly when I notice the red power indicator. It says my computer is low on charge, and I fiddle with the plug shoved into the side of the device before following the cable to the outlet.

It’s not plugged into the wall.

If being a facility manager doesn’t work out, I’ve got a career in technology I can push toward. The elves have several technological-focused trade programs in their realms, and I’ve heard they’re relatively easy to get into.

I crawl under my desk and stick the plug into the outlet, proud of my problem-solving. I’m careful not to shock myself, constantly wary after an incident a few years ago. I tried plugging something in while still touching the metal prong, and my entire arm went numb.

I spent an hour entirely convinced I was going to lose it.

The computer beeps, signaling it’s now charging, and I knock my knuckles against the floor with a triumphant smirk. Today’s a good day.

My self-victory dies as I hear my office door open, the creak loud. My pulse skyrockets, and I take a second to calm down before moving. It’s probably just Echo coming to check in on me. She does so once or twice a day.

“Vanessa?”

I freeze, my muscles tensing. The voice is low and masculine, and it sends unwanted shivers down my spine. I recognize it from the news programs, and I clench my fists as I work up the courage to stand and confront Chev.

He saved the females. He’s a good guy, and he’s safe.

It’s not uncommon for rescued females to grow overwhelmed and hide, and I don’t want him to think that’s what I’m doing. I’m scared, yes, but I refuse to let my fear rule my life. I’ve earned this job, and I’ve worked hard to overcome my fears.

Chev’s footfalls sound heavy as he enters my office.

I hear only three steps, which I hope still has him at a reasonable distance from my desk. I know I can’t hide from men forever, but being in an enclosed, private space with one still pushes the limits of what I can handle.

The longer I hide under here, the worse it’ll appear, though. Clenching my jaw, I crawl out from under my desk and stand.Oh. No.My heart stops, and I place a hand over my chest as I stare at the man before me.

Chev’s just as large as I feared, and he’s a spitting image of Echo, with his curly, dark hair and vibrant-green eyes. He’s wearing his leathers, and every exposed muscle on his body grows rigid as he looks at me.

His eyes dart along my face before lowering to my feet and bouncing back up. I’m horrified, unable to move.

Chev blinks, a look of complete shock taking over his features before his lips spread into a genuine smile. I don’t return it. I was removed from the nymph lands when I was a child, but I don’t need the stories of my people to recognize the pulsating claim within me.

It calls to Chev, making me feel like a rubber band pulled too tightly.

He’s my mate, and judging by the look on his face, he knows it.

“Vanessa?” His use of my name has shifted from a worry-filled question to a deep purr, and I imagine if I weren’t so fucking uncomfortable, I’d enjoy it.

He steps forward. I step back.

We do this again.

And again.

Chev clears his throat. “My mate.”

He doesn’t seem to recognize my discomfort, and I hold out my hands as I hurry to the other side of the room. I’m not interested in having a mate. I have no desire for intimacy,love, or anything that comes with a mate bond. I want to be independent, free of ever needing a man again.

I gasp, the sound ragged as it leaves my throat. “No.”

Chev stills, his head cocking to the side as he stares at my palms. His chest expands as he breathes, and I’m disgusted as he openly scans my figure. I purposefully wear modest clothing, but his gaze makes me feel naked.

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