Page 65 of Chev's Mate

Chev’s attention quickly lowers to my chest, and he stares as if this is the most exciting thing he’s ever seen. It feels good knowing I’m the only female he’ll ever lust after like this. I’m his mate.

Chev finally exposes his mate marking. I scan the black skin, beyond happy with how dark it’s gotten these past few weeks. Mine has grown, too, the thin line now trailing all the way down my spine.

“You’re beautiful,” Chev compliments me.

His cock twitches, his body reacting to me, but he drops his skirt and turns away before we get carried away. He already came in his fist while licking my mark this morning.

I put my bra and shirt back on, and only once my breasts are covered does Chev begin readying the food he brought for lunch. I was so distracted, I didn’t even notice he was carrying a bag. It’s large, and he seems eager as he sets a giant container of cooked meat on my desk. I wait for him to pull out more, and I fight back a laugh as I realize the meat is the entire meal.

Chev beams as he opens the container, showcasing his work.

There doesn’t seem to be much, if any, seasoning on it, but I don’t mind. Given how Chev grins and nudges the container in my direction, I know he caught and cooked this himself. That excitement overshadows any hesitance I might have over eating bland meat.

I’d eat it every day of the week if it made Chev happy.

I peel off a piece and slip it between my lips.

“Do you like it?” Chev asks.

He doesn’t give me time to taste the food, and my lips twitch as I chew. Chev waits impatiently, tapping his foot against the ground until I swallow. The meat indeed doesn’t have any seasoning, but it’s cooked perfectly and is incredibly tender. I like it.

“It’s good,” I say. “I assume you caught it.”

Chev nods. “Just this morning.”

He waits for me to eat several more bites before taking one himself. It’s polite, but I have a feeling the man snuck several bites while catching and cooking the animal. He can eat meat raw, and I’m sure he took advantage of that.

“How’s your day going?” I ask, gesturing for him to sit opposite my desk.

Chev glances nervously at my chairs before taking a seat. The wicker creaks as he lowers himself into it, the material struggling to hold his weight. I should invest in sturdier furniture if he’s going to make a habit of coming here. The items I selected are cute and can easily support the weight of myself and the other women in the facility, but Chev is too big.

Now I understand why the shifters make everything out of sturdy wood.

“It’s good, but busy,” Chev says. “I’m going to the office after lunch to meet with Echo and several others on the leadership team, but I’ll be here in time to take you home.”

I’m not worried about him being late to pick me up. Chev is punctual.

“A meeting in the office…” I say. “Must be important.”

From what I hear, Chev hardly goes to the office. He’s been working out of Wrath for months, probably so he can remain close to me. I imagine it must make things complicated, but he hasn’t complained.

Chev takes another bite of food. “It is. I’m stepping down, and we’re deciding who’s to take my place.”

He speaks so casually, it takes me several seconds to truly understand the weight of his words. He’s stepping down? Since when? I know he’s been stretched thin, but I never imagined it would lead to this.

I shake my head and set my hands in my lap.

“What?” I ask, eager for him to clarify. “Why?”

Is this because of me?

“I’m so sorry,” I blurt out.

Chev shakes his head, immediately shutting down my apology.

“This is expected,” he says. “My role was only ever meant to be temporary. I have an entire pack to manage, and now that I have my mate, I need my time back. I don’t enjoy having to work so much.”

Is he just saying this so I don’t feel guilty? Mammon has been dedicating a lot of time calling Chev’s integrity into question, and I fear that could be impacting his decision. Chev’s been the head of the Seekers’ organization for years, and it’s excelled under his leadership.

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