Page 63 of Chev's Mate

Oh.

Seeing it online is one thing, but I quickly realize it’s entirely different when it’s happening before you. Chev’s shoulders pop out first, the bones dislocating before his hips shift and he drops to all fours. He releases a quiet groan, but he doesn’t seem to be in much pain.

Mild discomfort, yes, but not nearly anything close to the agony I imagine I’d feel if my body were to break like this.

The transformation is quick, his bones rearranging in mere seconds before fur begins to grow. It was practically instantaneous in the videos, and I’m glad Chev is going slow so I can truly see how his body is changing.

It’s gross, as he said it would be, but also strangely fascinating. I try not to look too shocked when he’s finished and I’m face to face with a giant, brown bear. He’s fucking huge, and he walks toward me with heavy footsteps.

I instinctively back away, which makes him whine. Chev plops down on his butt, his legs spread and paws resting on his ankles. He’s as tall as I am in this position, but it’s better than him towering over me like before.

He doesn’t move, my mate as still as a statue as I shove aside my nerves and approach. His eyes follow my every movement, and the noises quietly seeping from his chest burst to life as I reach for him.

I can’t help but laugh, finding it endearing.

The noises are much louder in this form, and I can tell he’s annoyed by them. It’s comforting to see. His body may be different, but the man inside is still Chev. He paws at his chest as I run my hand through the fur on his head.

It’s soft, and I let myself feel his pointed ears before trailing down his back. I’m petting him, but he doesn’t seem to mind. I’ve read that shifters don’t appreciate being treated like household pets, but it’s hard not to make comparisons when he’s so docile and limp under my touch.

“You’re big,” I say.

His head bobs.

“And cute,” I continue, my words no louder than a whisper.

Chev huffs and wiggles out from underneath my hand. It seems I’ve taken the complimenting too far, and I chuckle as I cup his snout. Our mate bond pulsates between us, preventing me from feeling fear as I manhandle the giant shifter who could easily kill me with one swipe of his paw.

“You can stand now,” I say, stepping back.

Chev rises, straightening his spine and displaying his maximum height. The noises emerging from his chest deepen, and I’m confused by them until I realize he’s trying to show me how big he is.

I comb my fingers through the fur on his stomach, continually shocked by how soft he is. I expected his fur to beknotty like that of most wild animals, but it isn’t. It’s coarse but still easy to sift through.

What a surprise.

“Would you like to catch us lunch?” I ask.

I’ve been reading about shifters, bears specifically, and that seems to be a big thing for them. They pride themselves on catching their food, and they especially enjoy doing it for their loved ones. It’s a way to provide.

Chev releases what sounds almost like a bark before spinning and darting into the woods. His body exudes power as he runs, and I watch until he’s entirely disappeared from my line of sight.

I press a hand to my forehead.

What has my life turned into? I spent most of my life at the hands of violent, abusive ogres, and today I’m in Wrath with a bear alpha as a mate.

A bear alpha who’s currently in the middle of killing an animal for me to eat.

I cup my cheeks and shake my head, still in disbelief, before heading back inside. I’m willing to bet Chev will be hungry when he returns, and I want to have food ready for him. He eats an alarming amount, and I love his excitement whenever I make him meals. I’m providing for him.

Chapter Twenty-Five

VANESSA

I HUM, TAPPING my fingers against my desk as Charlie and I review this week’s agenda.

The facility is in much better shape now that she’s back, and we’ve gotten into a good habit of meeting every week. I love it. My proposed changes are approved and implemented within the time it took to get a meeting on Aziel’s calendar. The process is smooth, and I’m proud of how much I can get done.

Charlie is quick, and she has much deeper pockets than Aziel. He always had follow-up questions about cost, but she trusts my decisions. It’s the first time I’ve ever been trusted with authority.

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