Page 70 of Chev's Mate

Chev follows me out of the cabin, his bear already making its low, rumbling noises. The bear and I have become quite acquainted with one another, especially now that he brings me a dead animal almost every morning. It’s as endearing as it is gross.

At least he skins them for me.

I pull away from the tree and turn toward Chev, unable to stop smiling as I look around. I didn’t expect to have this strong of a reaction to his home. The area resembles the faint memories I have of the nymph lands.

Chev takes my hands. “Let me show you around.”

He leads me through the trees and onto a small, worn path. Everything here is so green and lush, and I can already feel myself getting attached to it. I assumed I would like Chev’s lands, but I didn’t imagine my feelings would be so immediate or intense. It’s probably the bond.

“It’s beautiful here,” I say.

Chev looks down, hiding a smile. “Thank you.”

He holds my hand tightly, not letting go. We walk along the small path for several minutes, which I find curious. I thought the portal would be closer to his home.

“Why did the portal lead to that cabin?” I ask.

“The portal was originally installed so Charlie could come back and forth,” Chev admits. “That was the cabin she lived in during her time here.”

Oh, interesting.I faintly remember hearing that Charlie lived in the shifter lands before mating with her males. She’d gotten into some trouble with Mammon, and Chev and his father took her in and offered protection.

We walk for another few minutes before finally reaching a building. It’s nestled within the trees, and my mind races withquestions as we approach. Is this Chev’s home? The wooden house is larger than I expected, and hundreds of tiny flowers bloom along the walkway leading to the small porch.

They’re colorful and delicate. This is Chev’s home.

It’s a cumulation of things that give it away, ranging from how he quickens his steps to the odd feeling of comfort that pulsates through our bond. Plus, I haven’t read a thing about shifters enjoying flowers. They leave their land as it is, and while it isn’t unheard of, it’s not typical for them to decorate their lawns.

Chev did this for me.

“It’s beautiful,” I say. My voice is barely above a whisper.

Chev squeezes my hand. “Would you like to see inside?”

My cheeks turn red. Would I like that? I’m desperate to know what the rest of his home looks like, but I’m afraid I won’t want to leave if I see what’s inside. I’m already feeling a stronger connection to this place than I should. I’m fantasizing about a life here, which is dangerous.

Plus, I know Chev hopes this visit will lead to my agreeing to move in with him, even if he hasn’t said it outright. He can’t live in Wrath forever, and he needs to move back to the shifter lands eventually.

“We can eat outside,” Chev suggests, noticing my hesitance.

I shake my head. “I want to see it.”

I know I’ve made the right decision when Chev’s lips curl into a giddy smile. He’s so excited, and I can’t bring it within myself to ruin that. I want to see his pride. I want to love his home.

Chev leads me up the two steps of his porch before pushing open his front door. I notice it’s unlocked, and when I eye the wooden door, I realize there’s no lock installed. Does Chev not fear intruders? Especially during his extended absence?

A small entryway leads almost immediately into the living room, and I hesitate before stepping inside and kicking off myshoes. Chev copies me, and he shuts the door before placing a hand on the small of my back and urging me to enter further.

“I originally built this when I was seventeen, but I’ve made several changes over the years,” he says. “The living room is the one room I haven’t updated.”

The floors are made of cherry-colored hardwood, and it’s surprisingly smooth under my feet. They lead to intricate baseboards, which I assume were crafted by Chev. I look around. Everything I see is detailed and quality, showcasing just how much time, energy, and pride Chev put into his home.

This must have taken him years to build.

I step into the living room. A leather couch is pushed up against the far wall, and across from it is probably the largest fireplace and chimney I’ve ever seen. Two floor-to-ceiling bookcases surround it, both of which are already filled.

“I’m not much of a reader,” Chev admits, noticing my gaze. “These are generational books. We’ll add a few to the collection over the years, and then it will be passed to our eldest once they’ve completed their home.”

Our eldest. We’re going to have children someday, and we’ll raise them in this home. I wrap my arms around myself, trying to imagine myself living here with a family. Little feet will be loud against the hardwood, and so much of Chev’s hard craftsmanship will be destroyed over the years.

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