Page 9 of Chev's Mate

Aziel frowns. “Well, I suppose I can take you now.”

He holds out his arm. I don’t move.

“Chev can’t teleport, and I’ll let the portal operators know not to let him enter the facility,” he says. “I’ll speak with Echo tonight and let her know the situation. I imagine she’ll want to talk with you.”

There’s no reason for me to believe Aziel. I know that, but I still find myself inching forward. He’s mated to Charlotte, the woman who spearheaded this entire thing, and I’d like to believe that means something.

Plus, I’m desperate to get away from Chev.

The shifter looks angry, his arms crossed over his chest as the vein in his forehead pulsates. The infuriating part of my soulthat recognizes him as my mate urges me to remain by his side, but I won’t give in to it.

I don’t trust Aziel, but I don’t have many other options right now. I’d rather go with him than stay here with Chev.

Chev steps between Aziel and me, his wide stance screaming trouble. Aziel doesn’t seem concerned, but he’s not in a position to be. The shifter is no threat to him, not like he is to me.

“Vanessa,” Chev says. “I’m so sorry I scared you. I was excited to show you my mark, but I know I shouldn’t have come on so strongly. Can we talk? Please? Aziel can stay in the room.”

A hopeful smile spreads over his lips, but it falls when I shake my head.

Even if he’s being genuine, it doesn’t change the fact that I want nothing to do with him. I don’t trust males, and I especially don’t trust ones who think they have some fated ownership over me.

“I don’t believe in mates,” I say.

Chev blinks, cocking his head to the side. The words don’t seem to process in his head, and I can practically see the gears turning as he tries to make sense of my statement.

“I’m aware mates exist, and I’m aware you’re mine, but I don’t want one,” I explain. “I have no interest in males—no interest in you.” Chev winces. I continue. “I don’t want to see you again.”

I wonder if Aziel can smell my fear, and I take a tiny step away just in case. I’m uninterested in provoking him with my negative emotions. I’ve heard rumors that he’s calmed considerably since finding his mates, but you can never be too careful.

Chev clears his throat before shaking his head, denying my words.

Aziel takes this as his cue to leave, the man disappearing into thin air. Chev doesn’t seem to notice he’s gone, but I do. Aziel was the only form of protection I had against Chev.

My hands begin to shake, and I hide them behind my back as I square my shoulders and try to make myself as big as possible. Nymphs aren’t skilled fighters, our talents revolving more around nature and creating life, but I’ll do my best.

Chev can’t teleport, so if he wants to take me out of here, he’ll have to bring me to a portal. There are only two on this level, and guards surround both. I’ll scream for help the moment we’re within hearing distance.

I won’t be taken without a fight.

I barely have time to react to Chev’s widening eyes, his face morphing into that of his animal just as a hand lands on my shoulder and the world around me vanishes. The touch is firm, but it’s quickly pushed to the back of my mind as my knees buckle and another arm wraps around my waist to keep me from tumbling over.

I’m vaguely aware I’m flailing as my stomach flips, and I clutch the arm supporting me. What’s happening? My eyes see nothing, but when the world around me spins and begins to realign, I shut them so I don’t get sick.

I’m being teleported.

Chapter Four

VANESSA

THE WORLD MATERIALIZES, and I brush off the arm supporting me before planting my hands on my knees. I’m dizzy, and I squeeze my eyes shut as I struggle to wrap my mind around what’s just happened.

Aziel steps away from me, giving me plenty of space. I appreciate it.

“Are you all right?” he asks.

I don’t immediately respond. Is he referring to my dizziness or my encounter with Chev? Either way, my honest answer isno. I’m about as far from all right as one can get.

“Put Chev on the block list,” Aziel says. He’s not speaking to me.

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