Chev's Mate: Chapters 26-30 (Patreon)

Chapter 26

CHEV

Vanessa's laughter is loud, and I stop speaking so I can better listen.

She's upstairs packing her belongings with Charlie, and it seems the two are having a lot of fun. A few times I've overheard them talking about me, which I love, and while Charlie enjoys talking poorly about her males, Vanessa only says good things about me.

She must love me more than Charlie loves hers.

I grin and shove a couch pillow into a box. At this point, I'm unsure what belongs to my mate and what came with the house, but Aziel doesn't seem to care either way.

He seems quite keen to get rid of all the tiny decorative pillows, and I like them so I'm happy to bring them with us. They are soft and squishy, and will be great for me to lay on when I'm in my bear form.

"Vanessa has been taking advantage of her paychecks." Aziel mutters, holding up ring.

It's a red one I noticed she purchased for herself a few days after visiting the lava pits, and must have slipped off her finger at some point while she was lying on the couch.

It makes me happy to imagine my mate grinning as she purchases all her little trinkets online, and I feel my bear begin to purr as I visualize her giddy smile when they show up a few days later.

Shifters don't handle deliveries the same way Wrath does, but I'll figure something out for Vanessa.

Gray and Silas are all over one another when they shift into the room, the Incubus curling his body around the Fate while sliding his hand up the front of his shirt. I huff and toss a box toward them, annoyed with their flirting.

They promised to be efficient, but we are packing things faster than they are shifting them from Wrath to my home. My people are still anxious about Demons being let onto our land unsupervised, and I assured them we would have everything completed within an hour.

We are running out of time, and nobody but the horny Incubus is to blame. They should have fed him before bringing him out today.

"Enough." Aziel snaps.

The Fate straightens up, but Gray lingers. I watch with mild interest as he turns and grins at Aziel, his eyes shining as he slides his hand further up Silas's chest. I turn away and begin wrapping the stupid fucking bird figurines Vanessa insists on bringing with her.

I hate them, and hate that she's insisting they go in our home, but I won't argue it.

At least not now.

I'll wait patiently until she's settled before slowly transitioning them out of our home. First I'll put them in a drawer, hidden from the eye, and after a few months of living there, I'll bring them to Echo's.

She'll hold on to them just in case Vanessa notices their departure, and if she doesn't, I'll have Echo throw them away after another six months.

By then, they'll have been out of sight from our home for a good year and I can play stupid.

I'll lie and say I don't know what happened to them before offering to buy her bear ones in replacement.

It's the only lie I'll ever tell my mate, but it must be done. These monstrosities cannot possibly live in our home around our babies. They will be frightened of them.

I hum and try to stop smiling as I think about our babies. Vanessa and I haven't discussed when we'd like them, but I hope soon. I can't wait to fill our home with tiny footsteps, and I've already gotten the number of Charlie's doctor.

He's experienced, and I know that if the Wrath trio trusted him around their pregnant mate, I can also trust him around mine. Aziel says he has experience with insemination, so the moment Vanessa gives me the go-ahead, I'll be summoning him to my lands.

"This one is ready to go." I state, spinning toward the arguing pair.

Silas is gone, as are the two boxes he must have taken with him, but Aziel and Gray are still wasting time. Aziel has his hand curled around Gray's neck, forcing his head into a submissive tilt, and I watch the two before huffing and carrying my box over to them.

Aziel doesn't let up as I approach, and I physically place my body between them until he has no choice but to release the Incubus.

"You can do that later. We're in a hurry." I state, shoving the box in the Wrath's chest. "You're in charge of transporting, and Gray will stay behind and help me pack."

Gray's being much too slow, the Demon probably lingering around in my home every time he heads there.

I have a feeling I'm going to return to find my space reeking of him and all my items having been rifled through. That's assuming he isn't terrorizing all the female Shifters who have the misfortune of being near my home right now.

Gray's been obsessed with my lands since we invited him all those years ago to give the sex demonstration, and I know he takes great pride in how all the females are obsessed with him.

I think the females are being inappropriate.

You don't see me lusting for the female who took all of us males into a private room and spread her legs. We were nothing but polite, and there was no scent of arousal to be found as she explained her body and gave a demonstration on how many women enjoy being pleasured.

I think of the lesson often when I'm with Vanessa, and am grateful for how much attention I paid. My mate seems to enjoy everything I have done to her, and even though I have to improvise for much of it, the fundamentals remain the same.

Aziel and the box disappear, and I direct the pouting Incubus to the bathroom.

"All the products under the sink need to be packed. That's the last of what needs to be completed downstairs, and afterward you can help Vanessa and Charlie upstairs." I order.

He nods, and I chuckle at how his eyes light up when I speak the name of his female. I'm happy the tiny Human found peace with her males.

Shortly after her intimacy with my father, there was a time when I thought they would never forgive her. Gray and Silas were cruel to abandon her in Lust, and they didn't even return to help Aziel when he weakened himself to the point of being unable to shift back home.

I was so angry at Charlie and my father, but abandoning her was never a thought that crossed my mind.

The Demons are good fathers to their children, though, and I believe they've made up for their mistakes.

As has Charlie.

"I heard you promised to catch Vanessa an Ucka as a move-in present." Gray states.

I suck in a slow breath and set down the objects in my hands. I already know where he's heading with this.

"And there's going to be a lot more meat than you two can possibly eat by yourselves." He continues before pausing and shooting me a lopsided grin. "We have three small mouths that would love the spend the weekend at your home helping you work through it."

Oh.

That's not what I was expecting. I thought he was going to ask me to share some with him, and was already preparing my rejection. I don't mind sharing with his children, though, and I did promise to babysit them as payment for using Silas as a vehicle these past few months.

"That sounds nice!" Vanessa blurts, rounding the corner with a huff.

I trip over my feet rushing to her, and I only feel slightly embarrassed by the laughs that ring around me as I take the box she's carrying from her arms. Gray rushes to do the same to Charlie, and we make brief eye contact over the heavy cardboard before bringing them to the small pile with the others.

"You say that until you're waking up to a tiny Fate standing in the corner of your room staring straight into your soul." I tease.

My body shivers at the memory. It's admittedly quite frightening, and even though she snapped out of it quickly and resumed acting like a normal child the remainder of the day, I'm still uncertain. Why was she staring at me like that?

Shifters don't love Fates, and I'm not too fond of the thought of her trying to sneak her way into my head when I'm weakened by sleep. My future is mine only. I may be willing to give her peeks now and again to help her skills develop, but I don't want her getting any in-depth scans.

My pride swells when Vanessa walks around the couch to join me near the boxes, her steps confident and without thought as she brings herself into my personal space. I hurry to finish what I'm doing and wrap my arms around her, eager to feel her in my hold.

"Did you finish everything upstairs?" I ask.

She nods, and leans into my chest as I press a kiss to the top of her head. Last night she let me sleep in the same bed as her, and even though the mattress was a bit too small, I loved every minute of it.

She curled into my body and snored so loud I'm surprised she didn't wake herself up.

Gray grabs a box and shifts away with it just as Aziel and Silas return. They confirm once more that everything upstairs is done before grabbing some more boxes and shifting away. I continue squeezing my mate before leading her outside toward her golf cart.

I know it's taking a lot out of the males to shift everything back and forth, and I don't want to overexert them by demanding they take me too. I'm a heavy bear, and the last thing I need is to hurt Charlie's males.

She would kill me, and given her new closeness with my mate, I have a feeling Vanessa would too.

They like to gang up on me.

My strudel is evil when she wants to be, but today she is calm and without argument. I love it, and I only feel minor fear when she insists she drives the golf cart to the Wrath facility. That's going to be the nearest portal for us to use, and I have a feeling my sneaky mate intends to stop by her office and grab a few things on the way.

The females have all demanded she take today off, but I know she won't.

She's been working so hard since the Elves stuck their females in her facility, and there's a lot for her to get done before they leave tomorrow afternoon.

I take her hand and hold it close as she whips into a parking spot and leads me inside. Many of the females inside give me eyes, but I ignore them and keep my focus only on my mate. Vanessa probably doesn't notice how many women look at me, and I'd like to keep it that way.

She knows I only have lust for her.

I pretend to be shocked when she says she wants to run to her office quickly, and head to the kitchen to grab a handful of the fruit packets she keeps the pantry stocked with. They're one of my favorite snacks, and I shove as many as I can into the waistband of my leathers before grabbing two fistfuls and heading back to her office.

It sounds like she's on the phone, so I sit in one of the tiny chairs outside and wait.

Ten minutes pass before she emerges, and I urge away her guilty smile with a kiss before walking with her to the portal.

"Did you finish everything you needed to get done?" I ask.

She nods, her hand tightening around my own.

"Did you clear the kitchen of snacks?" She retorts.

I'm sure she can see the little corners of the packets sticking out of my waistband, so I don't bother denying it. I know she orders extras for me.

The Wrath trio and Charlie are all standing around my kitchen counter when we arrive, and I take pride when Aziel compliments all my work. He's the only one who has spent considerable time in my home before all the construction, the man often taking up residence on my couch after a night out.

"Thank you." I breathe, glancing between them all. "You may go now."

Vanessa pinches the back of my arm, but I ignore it.

I want to spend some alone time with my mate. This is our first night officially living together, and there's much for us to do. We need to unpack and fill our home with her belongings, and then I wish to watch her shower before going to bed.

I need to know what side of the bed she wants to sleep on and whether or not she likes to fold or hang her shirts.

I'd also like to offer her the pair of female leathers I had made, but I have a feeling she would feel uncomfortable if I did that in front of everybody.

Silas laughs before grabbing hold of Charlie and shifting, and I spot Gray reach out and grab the Fate's arm to ride along. Aziel shoots me a wink before following his mates, and I wait until they're all gone before spinning Vanessa and planting my lips on hers.

She lifts onto her toes to kiss me better, which I love.

"Welcome home," I whisper, pulling away.

I clear my throat and look to the side when I feel my eyes grow wet. I don't like Vanessa seeing me when I'm weak, but when she cups my cheek and urges me to face her, I don't have it in me to deny her.

"I love you." I choke out.

Her own eyes grow wet, and when she rubs her thumbs over my cheekbones and cups my skull, I know she feels the same way.

"I love you, too."

Her words are quiet and spoken with insecurity, but I don't care. I know this is all scary and new for her, and I'm just honored she's even willing to make this leap. She smells good, and I let myself breathe her in as she looks at all the boxes sitting around.

There aren't too many, and we should hopefully have them done within a few hours.

"Should we start unpacking?"

It's like she read my mind.

Chapter 27

CHEV

This is the best day of my life.

I force myself to remain still as Vanessa pulls back the sheets and climbs into bed. I haven't slept on a mattress that fits me in so long, and the fact that I now get to do it with my mate by my side is better than I could have ever imagined.

"Are you wearing underwear?"

"Of course I am."

And I hate them, too. The damn things are constricting and prohibiting my legs from breathing, and I won't be surprised if I wake up needing an amputation. There's no blood flow to my lower limbs, but I'll suffer if it keeps Vanessa comfortable.

Last night I wore my leathers and remained on top of the sheets, but that's not an ideal long-term solution.

"I thought you hated normal clothing?" She continues.

I huff and roll my eyes, but my annoyed expression cracks when she giggles. She knows I hate when she suggests that my leathers are anything but the best attire, and seems to find great pleasure in teasing me for it.

"I do," I admit. "My legs are shriveling up as we speak."

My smile grows when Vanessa lets out a proper laugh and snuggles against my chest. She is my everything, and I wrap my arm around her head and urge her to come in closer. I want every inch of my body pressed against hers.

The pajamas she insists on wearing are soft, and I'm happy she decided to wear ones without lace. Those are my favorite to look at, but the tiny dress she put on last night made my skin itchy. I hope she didn't take offense when I told her that.

I stiffen when she reaches down and hooks her finger into the leg of my underwear. She gives it a gentle tug, testing the elasticity, or lack of, before releasing it with a low sigh.

"Take them off."

A small part of me knows I should question her statement more and confirm she's okay with me being naked next to her, but my desperation to free my limbs has me yanking the offending fabric down and kicking it off with my feet.

I sprawl out the second I'm freed, a happy gasp of air slipping from my throat.

"Do you feel better?" Vanessa mocks.

I turn my head toward hers and grin.

"So much."

"I don't think I've ever seen you completely soft before."

I tuck my chin into my chest and stare down at myself. My shaft isn't in its most impressive state right now, but I was under the impression that since Vanessa has accepted me, I don't need it to always be slightly engorged around her.

"I'm sorry," I mumble, flexing and urging blood to fill my length.

It's easy to grow hard when my mate is so close to me, and I ignore Vanessa's frantic attempts to assure me my lack of erection isn't bad as I let my body swell. I have been finding completion almost daily since she gave me permission to touch myself while I pleasure her, and it has calmed the arousal the bond urges me to feel.

I still want my mate every second of every day, but the need is no longer so overwhelming.

When she lays in my bed and snuggles into my chest, sometimes comfort and ease takes precedence over my arousal.

I won't let that happen again.

I will remain hard for my mate.

"Chev!"

My length twitches as it fills, and I shift when she sits up and the sheets slide over it. That feels good.

"Is this better for you?" I ask, pulling the sheets back so she can see my current state.

Vanessa stares at it, her cheeks red, before shaking her head and returning her eyes to mine.

"I enjoy it when you're soft." She promises, my female a very skilled liar. "I wasn't trying to say anything bad. I'm sorry for my wording."

I grin and nod before gesturing once more to my length.

"But you like it better when it's swollen," I state.

Vanessa sighs.

"I like it both ways for very different reasons." She huffs. "Now, will you fix it?"

I suck my cheeks into my mouth. Fix it? My erection is not some broken object I can just stick an axe or screwdriver into and change around. I love my mate, but sometimes I don't think she respects my penis as much as I do.

I worship her breasts and slit, but all she's done tonight is insult my manhood.

She crosses her arms over her chest as I share that thought with her, and flicks my forehead when I continue by confessing that I might have to throw myself off a bridge due to the intense sorrow she has cast upon me.

"My own mate is unsatisfied with my body and my offerings." I sigh, throwing an arm over my forehead. "I am a worthless male, undeserving of love and-"

My dramatics are cut short when Vanessa launches herself at me. I hold in laughter as she forces my arm away from my face and leans so far over me that her hair tickles my cheeks. Her nose scrunches as she scans me, trying to understand whether or not I'm being serious, but once she realizes I'm only joking, she flicks my forehead again and flops on her side.

I turn to face her, loving the glare she shoots in my direction.

I look forward to annoying her daily for the rest of our lives.

After a few seconds, she glances back down at my body, and I watch her fight a smile as she looks at my, once more, softened length. I know she's interested in my body and all its different states, and I don't tease her as she admires me.

Our bond hums, and I hope she enjoys the quiet noises my bear forces me to emit as I lay on my back and tuck her into my side.

My mate smells so good, and I'm excited that our bed will smell like a mixture of us. Over time our bodies will begin to smell similar, but it might take months until we are identical.

I can't wait.

My mind runs rampant as I think over all the ways our lives will mix, and when I hear the first snore erupt from her lips I carefully shift and press a kiss to the top of her head. I love her even if it means I never find a night of blissful sleep again.

Rubbing her back, I eventually fall into a light doze. Knowing my mate is in my arms makes it hard to fall into a deep rest, my body on high alert, but I'm sure that will lessen over time. This is all so new to me, and the unknown upsets my bear.

Eventually I end up dragging her on top of me, finding most comfort when her body is sprawled entirely over mine.

The action wakes her slightly, and I wince as she blinks open her eyes and glares down at me. There's a bit of drool on her chin, and she wipes it with the back of her hand before dropping her head back onto my shoulder.

So fucking adorable.

I'm pretty sure I've only gotten an hour of proper rest when the sun starts to shine through my window, but I've gotten many hours of staring at my mate so I'd say it's well worth it.

"Good morning." I chirp the moment I notice her wake.

She grunts and rolls off me. The action shoves her knee into my balls, but I manage to hide my pain as she rubs her eyes and drags a pillow over her face.

"I think I love you most when you're sleepy." I blurt.

She ignores me, and I try to let it go but realize I've failed when I throw my leg over her waist and plop my butt on her belly.

I'm careful to keep minimal weight on her, but am satisfied with the attention I'm receiving when she throws her pillow to the side and glares up at me. Her eyes briefly fall to my abs, and I flex them until her cheeks grow red and she slides her attention back to my face.

"What time is it?" She groans.

"Early."

"How early?"

"You don't need to be up for another thirty minutes," I state.

She nods and sucks in a slow breath before dropping her hands to my thighs. They are quite close to my manhood, and I do my best to ignore it as she rubs her thumbs back and forth against my skin.

She's doing it out of instinct, and her comfort around me makes my bear purr. Her lips twitch when she hears it, my female enjoying the noises I make.

Vanessa is everything, and I peer down at her for a few minutes before finally working up the strength to get up. She complains, muttering something about me being heavy, but I pretend not to hear as I pull a pair of leathers out of my drawer and tie them around my waist.

"Would you ever consider wearing leathers?" I ask.

I busy myself adjusting my bottoms so she doesn't feel too much pressure to answer, but I'm sure she can tell by my tense muscles that this is a question I'm eager to hear her response to. I remind myself not to be upset if her answer is no, and hold my breath when she throws her feet over the side of the bed and stands.

"I'm not comfortable showing that much skin."

She steps forward and peers into the drawer where I keep my own.

The pair I had made for her live there, and I duck my head as she reaches in and pulls them out. She fingers the fabric before setting them back down, and I plant a soft smile on my lips as I shut the drawer and hide them away.

"Are those for me?"

I nod.

"I'm not upset that you don't want to wear them. I just thought it would be nice to have a pair ready for you in case you did." I respond, eager for her to understand that I'm not disappointed.

I love her even though she prefers untraditional clothing, and I know nobody in my pack will bat an eye when they see her walking around in her long cotton dresses and wool sweaters.

"I wouldn't mind wearing them for you." Vanessa blurts, shocking me. "In our home."

I lick my lips as the bond between us pulsates. I love that, and I can tell the thought of wearing something special for me arouses her as she flushes and the scent of her desire reaches my nose. I let it fill my lungs before ducking and pressing my lips to hers.

My hands cup her cheeks, and she grabs my forearms as I slip my tongue between her lips.

While I kiss her, I reach a blind hand behind me and pull open the drawer. I'm sure I'm making a mess of it as I fumble for the female leathers, and the second I feel the scrap of fabric, I pull them out and shove them underneath my armpit.

Vanessa giggles as I scramble to undress her, her eyes wide with excitement as I rip her pajamas off and wrap the top around her chest. It pushes her breasts together, and I eye her cleavage as I tie the laces.

Yes. That's very nice.

Her skirt is next, and I suck in a loud breath as I wrap it around her waist and tie the overlapping ends together.

Fuck.

My length is tenting my leathers, but it's impossible not to grow erect when my mate is standing in front of me like this.

She tugs at the bottom of the skirt before turning and looking in the mirror, and I come up behind her to watch her reaction to herself. Her cheeks are flushed, and she runs her hands over her exposed midsection before skimming them over her chest.

"Seeing you in this has me aching." I admit.

Her gaze falls to my tented leathers, and I watch her fight back a smile as I lift the hem of my skirt to show her just how much this affects me. I'll never forget this moment, and I refuse to let her out of my sight as she heads into the kitchen.

I'm too antsy to sit down, and instead follow her around as she pulls some food out of my pantry and fridge for us to eat.

Once we've finished and she's changed into her outside clothing, I will walk her to the portal, and once she's gone I will begin my hunt for the Ucka. Finding one large enough to honor her may take days, and I want to get started on my tracking as soon as possible.

"Would you like me to teach you how to make that wheat string and meat sauce dish you like?"

I straighten my spine and nod. I would love that. My mate is always doing the cooking for us, her skills unmatched, but I would be so happy to learn how to make something for her.

I'm eager to learn whatever she's willing to teach.

Vanessa raises a brow and laughs.

"I'll teach you tonight, then!"

I rock back on my heels with a giddy smile. It's about time my mate ask me on a date.

Chapter 28

CHEV

Ah, shit!

I struggle to slow my limbs and not mess up as I notice the time. I’m running late, and that knowledge is making me sporadic.

Vanessa was quite offended when I told her I wouldn’t be available to walk her home from work, which I thought was worth it because I’d be able to surprise her with a delicious meal. A delicious meal I’m fucking up in every possible way.

It’s been two weeks since she taught me how to make the wheat sticks, and I thought I’d remember the recipe better.

It was so easy when she showed me.

My mate will be here any minute now, and all I’ve got to show for it are burnt strings and a messy counter. At least the sauce I made is good. I was worried when it first came out, but I added salt until it was delicious.

Shifters don’t typically cook with salt, but the requests for it have spread since Vanessa made our lands her home.

She’s quickly growing a friend group, and even though I find them annoying when they’re constantly in my home stealing my mate’s attention, I’m glad she’s finding happiness. I just wish she’d find it with me.

I can be her best friend.

No.

I am her best friend.

My fist slams against the counter before I grab the pot on the stove and throw the charred remains outside the back door. I forgot to put water in it with the noodles, but I have four more boxes I can use to try again.

This is my favorite meal, mainly because it’s the first one my mate ever made for me, and now it will be the first one I’ve made for her. That’s romance if I’ve ever seen it.

I make sure to put a large amount of water into the pot before setting it back on the stove. This time I won’t mess up. I also throw in a handful of heavenly salt before ducking to peer into the oven. Vanessa didn’t tell me how to make this, but Charlie has experience with Human foods and taught me.

Gray was annoyed when I stole his female for the afternoon, but I’m sure he was happy with the Ucka I sent back with her as a thank you.

The cheese-covered bread looks crispy, and I ignore Charlie’s teachings as I creak the door open so I can smell it. The heat hits me in the face, but it’s worth it for the inhale of cooking cheese I get a second later.

Fuck. I love Human foods.

The water is just beginning to boil when the doorknob twists and my mate comes walking inside. She looks fantastic in her jeans and sweater, and I rush toward her for a kiss.

“What’s all this?” She asks as I wrap my arms around her waist and spin her around.

Today’s been a long without her. Especially since she banned me from coming to visit her at work. I’m still annoyed about that.

“I missed you,” I whisper, ignoring her question.

Her cheeks turn red, and I watch the change before finally ducking and pressing my lips to hers. She’s gotten so comfortable with my kisses that I don’t even have to worry about them anymore, and I squeeze her tightly to my chest as I tease her with my tongue.

When I pull away, she’s breathless.

Good.

“I made you dinner.”

I know it smells smoky in here due to my first attempt at cooking the wheat strings, and I happily lead her to the oven to show her how good I’ve done. Her pulse races in her chest as she peers over all my work and sees my masterpiece in the oven, and my bear begins to purr when she dips her finger into the sauce.

Her eyebrows raise as she tastes it, and I rock back on my heels as I wait for her approval.

“It’s very salty!” She says.

I nod. Yes, it is.

“Just like you,” I compliment.

The way her nose scrunches tells me she’s not happy with my words, but that doesn’t make them any less accurate. My mate’s skin is very salty after a long day in the heat. It’s in her sweat, and I love it. Maybe that’s why I enjoy the table salt she has stocked our home with so much.

It tastes like her.

I sneakily walk behind her and wrap my arms around her belly to hold her still as I duck and lick her neck. She shrivels up and tries to escape, but I only laugh and do it again.

“Chev!” She screams, throwing an elbow into my side.

Who taught her that move? Probably my monster of a sister. Echo loved fighting with Charlie, and I should’ve known it would only be a matter of time before she convinced my mate to partake, too. I’m not too fond of the idea of her being hit with a thin stick, but I won’t put up a fuss.

If it makes her happy, I’ll turn a blind eye.

Although Echo will be receiving a visit from me tomorrow while Vanessa’s at work. We’ll see how she likes being hit with a stick.

I groan and back away, pretending her elbow has wounded me, before returning my focus to the wheat sticks. The water is finally boiling, and I grab our last four boxes and pour them in. Vanessa watches from the side, and I take it as a good sign when she doesn’t step in to correct anything.

“I’ll be right back,” she says, squeezing my bicep.

I flex it before nodding and checking the cheesy bread one more time. Vanessa’s footsteps are light as she patters away, and I listen as she enters our bedroom and shuts the door. What’s she doing in there? I want to see, but I know she doesn’t like when I follow her around.

The strings are just beginning to grow soft when I hear the door open, and I about knock over the entire pot when she enters the room wearing her leathers. I’ve only seen her in them once and resist the urge to groan as I turn away.

Fuck.

My body is hard for her, and I face the counter to hide it as I busy myself. The last thing I want is for Vanessa to feel like the leathers are a sexual thing. I want her to be comfortable in them, and that’s not going to happen if I’m running around with an erection the size of my forearm every time I see her body covered in the dark fabric.

No, no, no.

Vanessa walks up behind me and wraps her arms around my waist, and I resist the urge to cry at the feeling of her barely covered breasts pressing against my bare back. This is not good. In a panic, I grab her wrists and hold them against my abs so she can’t walk around and see my front. She giggles, her soft body rubbing against mine as I shuffle to the side and continue cooking with one hand.

“What are you doing?” She asks, kissing between my shoulder blades.

Fuck.

Why does she do this to me?

“Turn around and look at me,” she orders.

I shake my head. I can’t do that. The second I do, she will see my erection and it will ruin the innocence of the leathers. Vanessa huffs when I don’t obey her and pinches my ab between her pointy fingers.

“Chev.”

It takes everything in me to continue to refuse. I want to see her so badly, but I can’t. I need time for my erection to soften, which is damn near impossible when she’s pressed against me like this.

I’m going to die.

“Look at me, Chev,” Vanessa repeats.

Our bond burns, and I sigh knowing my refusal is hurting her feelings. What am I supposed to do? Holding my breath, I release her wrists and turn in her arms. I can’t bring myself to look her in the eye as I stare above her head, and after a long second, I give into her orders and lower my gaze to her body.

She is trying to kill me.

They fit her perfectly, and she tied the top so tight it pushes her breasts up. She holds my waist as I trail my gaze down her soft belly and over the skirt. Are they always this short? If they are, I’ve never noticed before.

I don’t look at the thighs of the female Shifters in the pack.

Vanessa’s are soft, and it takes everything in me not to reach down and touch them.

“Come to the bedroom,” She says.

I swallow and point to the oven.

“Dinner,” I breathe.

Why does she want me to go to the bedroom? Does she want me to lick her again? The memory of her body above mine and her thighs squeezing my head as she rocked her sex against my mouth has me twitching in my leathers.

I’ve only touched her mark since then, but I think of her taste every time I stroke myself to completion afterward.

My Vanessa smells of nerves as she leans past me and turns off the oven and stove. I suck in a shaky breath but don’t argue as she takes my hand and leads me to the bedroom. I think my heart is going to explode.

When she pushes open the bedroom door, I freeze.

What is this?

I feel her eyes on me as I frown and step back. There are two black silk strings on the bed, which do not belong to me. I’m not stupid, though; I have learned much from living in the house with the Wrath Incubus. I sometimes walked into their bedroom looking for cologne and found the Fate tied up with them.

It was a scary sight, one I wish I could wash from my memory.

Does Vanessa want me to tie her up? I will not. I’ve never asked her what happened when she was with the Ogres, but they have very specialized interests and I’ve drawn assumptions.

They liked to tie up their females, and I will not do the same to my mate.

Stepping forward, I pick up one of the strings and bring it to my nose. It smells of the Wrath trio and Charlie. These belong to them. Why would they give these to my mate? They know of her history.

The bond between us grows hot as my anger continues to spike.

“I will not do this,” I say.

Vanessa frowns and glances between the bed and me.

“Oh.” There’s a long silence. “You sat on your hands last time, so I thought you would be comfortable being tied up. I’m sorry.”

I gulp. What?

“You want to tie me up?” I clarify.

Shifters don’t like to be restrained. My bear is on edge at the mere thought, the male angry and pacing inside my brain. I’ll do it for her, but it isn’t my favorite. I’d much rather sit on my hands or hold the headboard in my fist.

Something I can easily break from.

Vanessa clears her throat and nods.

“I was talking to Gray, and he said this might be a helpful way for us to be together. I liked when you licked me because I was in control, and I thought maybe if I tied you up, I would be more comfortable,” she explains.

Was she not comfortable the first time?

She nods when I ask that, quick to assure me she was. I’m not sure how much I believe it. If she was comfortable, why does she want to tie me up? I struggle to keep my voice low and calm as I ask her my questions.

“I want to do more than just oral, Chev,” she huffs.

She wants to have sex with me?

My length once again hardens at the thought. She wants to tie me up to have sex with me? I will shove my body into a metal tube if it means I can feel my mate’s sex around my shaft.

I glance between her and the ties before climbing on the bed and spreading my arms toward the headboard. She looks shocked by my sudden change of heart, and I wiggle my eyebrows before grabbing the ties and holding them out for her.

Knowing they are for me changes everything.

Vanessa smells nervous as she takes them from me. This explains why she put on the leathers. I still don’t like the idea of them being only a sexual thing, but that’s a conversation I’ll save for later.

My length is aching, and I watch her gulp before I sit up and pull her onto my lap. This isn’t right. I don’t want her having to talk herself into sex with me. I’d rather never have sex than do it when she isn’t entirely sure.

“I have no expectations,” I say, wrapping my arms around her waist. “There will be no sex today.”

I could break trees with my own hands I want to have sex with her so bad, but I don’t want to do anything when she’s nervous and unsure. My earlier confusion has ruined the mood, and I want everything to feel perfect when she decides she wants to take me.

“I’m sorry.” She clears her throat and moves to say more, but I bring my lips to hers to stop the words.

She has nothing to apologize for. A conversation about the ties would have been better than a surprise, but the Incubus is to blame for that. He probably told her I would like the spontaneity, but he doesn’t know me.

Vanessa is soft in my arms as I kiss her, and I run my hands over her exposed sides before sliding them to her butt. She giggles as I cup and squeeze, careful to only touch her over the leather skirt.

“You are perfect,” I whisper.

She relaxes further into me with a low sigh, and I move backward until I rest against the headboard. Vanessa is still in my lap, her knees on either side of my hips. The position is dangerous considering we are both wearing leather skirts and I’m as hard as I can possibly be, but neither of us comments on it as she leans forward and brings her lips back to mine.

I love her with my entire soul.

My bear begins to purr as we smell her arousal, and I slide my mouth down the side of her neck. She weaves her fingers into my hair before grabbing my shoulders and finally feeling my abs.

I love when she touches my muscles, and feel my length twitch in response to it.

I can tell she feels the movement of the leathers as she shifts above me.

“Put yourself inside me.”

Every cell in my body freezes. What?

I pull back and look up at my mate. Vanessa is already staring at me, her cheeks flushed and chest heaving. I meant it when I told her I had no expectations for our kiss. I can’t control my arousal toward her, but I understand and respect her limits.

Her lips purse as I squeeze her waist and shake my head.

“I love you so much, Chev, and I want to feel you. I want all of you,” she continues. “I’m not scared, and I’m sure this is what I want.”

Chapter 29

CHEV

I think I’m dying.

Vanessa smiles when she sees the shock in my expression, and with a slow inhale, she rises and reaches underneath my skirt. Oh, god. Her fingers wrap around my length, and I shut my eyes so I don’t embarrass myself as she pushes my leathers up my hips and moves above me.

I keep them squeezed shut even as I feel something wet and warm on my tip, and I slam my head against the headboard when a tightness wraps around it. Is that Vanessa’s cunt?

Oh my god.

If I open my eyes, I will cum, and I blindly reach for her thighs before sliding my hands around the back of them and finding my way in between.

Oh my god.

I find my shaft quickly enough, and I inch my fingers up until I reach the part where it disappears. It is between Vanessa’s thighs, and I moan as I feel where her warm sex stretches around my length.

Oh my god.

She sinks further before releasing the base of my shaft and grabbing my shoulders. I continue to feel our joining. Is this really happening?

Her breaths are deep and full of pleasure as she lowers herself on my length, and I finally pull my fingers away when she’s seated completely. Her walls are so tight, and when she clenches, I groan and slam my hands over my face.

This is the best thing I’ve ever felt in my entire life.

I’m going to cum in my mate and fill her with my babies. I’m going to sit here like a good male while she rides me and uses my body for pleasure. She will stretch herself with my cock, making her feel so good.

She’s going to convulse around me, her walls strangling my shaft, as she cums.

Yes.

My breaths are choppy when I finally open my eyes. Vanessa’s face and neck are a dark red, and her lips are swollen from her teeth sinking into them. It’s the most beautiful she’s ever looked.

I don’t look down at where we connect, knowing that will be too much, and instead stare at her face as she uses my shoulders for leverage and rises. A low moan slips between her lips as she rides me, and it takes everything in me not to embarrass myself and finish.

Females like it when their males last longer than thirty seconds. That’s what the Succubus said when she taught us how to please our mates. She stressed that it was essential.

I lower my eyes to Vanessa’s chest. She’s still wearing her leather top.

“Take it off,” she whispers, noticing my gaze.

I shake my head.

“I can’t,” I admit.

“Why?”

“Because I will cum.”

Cold air hits my shaft as she rises but is immediately plunged back into her warmth as she drops back down. She’s so tight around me, and I bend my legs a tiny bit as I bring a hand to the back of her neck. I know reaching between her thighs would be too much, so I stroke her mark instead.

The way she moans and drops her head tells me she likes it, and I continue brushing my fingertips across it as she rides me.

“My mate,” I groan when she reaches behind herself.

She only shoots me a devilish smile. My mate is an evil, evil woman.

A second later her leather top is removed and I’m staring at my mate’s bouncing breasts. They’re so inviting, and I get one glance at her pebbled nipples before cursing.

“I’m sorry,” I gasp, pressing harder against her mark. “I’m so sorry, my love, I’m so sorry.”

I sit up straight and hold her to my chest as I release. A good mate would’ve lasted longer, and Vanessa was cruel to show me her breasts and overwhelm my eyes. She knows how much I love them.

I accidentally squeeze so hard she can’t move, but I’m quick to release her the second I feel the bond between us pull. She grabs my biceps and holds them down as I spill inside her, and I curl my fists into the bedsheets to keep still as she grows more vigorous with her riding.

My cock is inside my mate, and now my seed is too.

Vanessa’s moans grow louder as she reaches down and touches her clit, and I finally give in and look at where our bodies connect.

Oh, fuck.

My shaft is covered in her arousal, and her pink folds stretch around my cock as she slides herself up and down. I stare, wholly entranced as she bucks, writhes, moans, and wiggles on me.

When she stills and clenches around my length, I continue to stare, and when she finally pulls off and sits on my thighs, I could die a happy man.

My cum pours out of her.

Mine.

I grab her hips and slide her off my legs, continuing until she’s flat on her back below me, before bundling up her ankles and lifting them in the air.

“Chev!” She squeals.

I don’t let go.

Mine.

My bear is so loud I can barely hear anything over his purring. Vanessa is flushed and soft from her orgasm, and I lift her legs higher until her butt is no longer on the bed.

“What are you doing?”

I wiggle her side to side.

“Gravity will bury my cum in you,” I explain.

I know all about gravity, and I know all about how this will help ensure she grows pregnant with my babies. Vanessa is on birth control to help regulate her periods, but I know my seed will overcome that.

“Aren’t you going to ask if I’m okay?” She snorts.

I blink, loosening my hold before changing my mind and lifting her even higher. I peer at her over her toes. The bond tells me she is perfectly fine, elated even, and the knowledge has me finally dropping her legs so I can scoop her in my arms and kiss her.

I hide against her skin so she doesn’t see how my eyes grow wet and my chin wobbles, but I’m sure she can taste the tears in our kiss. She is my everything, and her trust in me is beyond words.

“I’m so honored you’re my mate,” I gasp.

Vanessa rubs my back, comforting me, before squeezing my shoulders in the silent command for me to get up. I don’t want to, but I give in and rise with a huff. She stares into my eyes with a look I’ve never seen before, and I hope it means something good.

I didn’t anticipate her giving herself to me today, and I slam my fist against my chest when my damned bear refuses to shut up. He’s too loud, and it’s embarrassing.

“Did you enjoy that?” I blurt, needing to know.

Vanessa nods, and I can’t help but lower my eyes to where we were just connected. She drips me, and I feel my chest puff out with the knowledge that it’s because I spilled inside her.

“Are you going to go off your birth control?”

Her hesitation is all the answer I need, and I feel my shoulders fall in response. She doesn’t want my babies. With a deep breath, I force my spine to straighten and a smile to spread over my face. I won’t make my mate feel guilty for not being ready to grow my children.

It’s her body and her decision.

Even if I don’t like it.

If I could carry babies, I would’ve put them inside me long ago. I would’ve begged for her eggs and shoved them into my belly the day we met. My stomach would already be rounding, and I’d have their bedroom and the crib built weeks ago.

Fuck.

Maybe that’s why she doesn’t want my babies.

I haven’t added a room for them, and I have no furniture. She doesn’t think I can provide.

“Chev, Chev,” Vanessa says, grabbing my cheeks and forcing my attention back to her. “I just want to spend some time enjoying you before we bring children into the mix.”

I glance back down at where she’s dripping. I suppose having sex without worrying about poking the baby is nice.

Not to mention, pregnant females in the pack are fawned over. I love my Vanessa, but I might lose my mind if I have to come home daily to people trying to visit and watch her grow.

Everybody will bring her meals, and the males will build her objects if they feel I’m not doing it quickly enough. The fact that I don’t already have the bedroom built is not a good sign.

I will beat any males that try to bring my mate a crib and offer their assistance in helping me prepare.

She is mine, and caring for the baby is my responsibility.

“This is maybe for the best. I will get started on the room and furniture now,” I admit. “That way, we will be prepared when we decide to try.”

Vanessa laughs, and I trail my finger down the swell of her breast with a low hum.

“You should leave these out always.”

She swats me away, but our bond tells me she likes my obsession with her body. I love the curves that cover her bones and how her skin caves under the pressure of my fingers. Someday I will lay her down and touch every inch of it. There will be no part of her I haven’t felt.

Unable to help myself, I lean in and smell her neck, double-checking that she’s not pregnant.

She’s not, her scent unchanged, and I tap her belly before climbing off the bed and holding out my hand. Our dinner will be ruined, but I’ll destroy a thousand dinners if it means I get to have sex with my mate.

“We should clean up,” I state.

I’d like her to wear my cum for the remainder of the night, but I know better than to ask. Already I can see the way she fidgets. She doesn’t like having it inside her, and I’ll never hint that I like it there.

I made a mistake in trying to lift her legs. She didn’t seem to think too much about it, but I’ll be careful not to do it again.

Shifters don’t use them, but I will secure some condoms from Gray for any future sex, and when the time comes for Vanessa and me to create children, I will prepare towels and water to clean her out with as quickly as possible.

She practically jumps out of bed at the mention of cleaning up, and I swoop her in my arms so gravity doesn’t make more drop out.

I know all about gravity.

“We’ll be more careful next time,” I whisper, planting a soft kiss on her forehead.

For a long moment, there’s silence, and when I turn to look at her, I notice her eyes are wet. Our bond is uncomfortable, and I feel horrible despite knowing she’s not angry with me.

When we get in the shower, I hold her gaze as I trail my hand up her thighs and clean them. Her sex is next, but I don’t touch it and instead pull away so she can do it herself. She grimaces, wipes her folds, and crouches to urge the rest of me out.

“I’m sorry, my strudel.”

That seems to cheer her up, and I take great pride in how her cheeks turn red and she laughs. I feel Charlie lied to me when she told me about this particular nickname, but Vanessa seems to enjoy it so I’ll continue to use it.

She is my strudel, and our children will be my strudelettes.

Yes. I like that.

“I’m excited to eat the spaghetti you made,” She says, changing the subject.

Good. I’m very proud of the wheat strings I made for her, and I know my mate will be kind and pretend to love them even though they’ll not be delicious.

“I think turning off the flame and oven will have ruined the food,” I admit.

She doesn’t respond, probably because it’s true, but she’s the one that turned it off so I’m going to choose to blame her.

“It’s your fault if it’s not delicious.”

“Chev!”

I jump away when she moves to strike my shoulder and am only slightly embarrassed by the feminine giggle that slips from my throat as I hurry out of the shower to escape her attack. Echo has been teaching her well, and she lands a good hit on my side before I can get away.

This means my mate has likely taken a thousand hits to her own side. Her Nymph blood allows her to heal quickly, so the bruises would be gone before I see them, but I don’t like the thought of them having been there in the first place.

Echo has a very particular teaching manner, and I will be whacking her hard with a stick the next time I see her.

I don’t even care if it causes Dad to come at me. He is an old man, and I will whack him too.

I’ll whack every damn person in my pack.

I don’t care.

Chapter 30

CHEV

Vanessa hates when I do this.

I stare at her face, ensuring she’s in a deep sleep before gently pulling back the covers and crawling over top of her. She gets scared when she wakes up to me getting out of bed, my large body sending her brain into a momentary spiral, and I do my best not to disturb her as I place my feet on the floor.

Moving as slowly as my muscles can, I inch off the bed and pull the covers back up her frame.

That was smooth.

Vanessa is still asleep, my beautiful mate none the wiser as I leave our bedroom and head into the living room where the Wrath children are sleeping. I agreed to watch them for only one weekend in payment for using Silas, but that was months ago and now it feels like they’re always here.

I don’t mind, especially since it allows me to teach them the skills their parents have failed to do.

Shay is already awake, the female freaky in the way she lays on her back staring at the ceiling, and I whistle to get her attention before jerking my head toward the door. She frightens me, but I’m reminded she’s still just a child by how she grins and scampers outside.

Ciara is hard to wake, and I poke at her until her eyes blink open. They look at me with pure hatred, the female not happy about being pulled from sleep, but she doesn’t make a fuss as I help her to her feet and gesture for her to follow her sister.

Dave is the easiest, clinging to my leg before I even get Ciara out of the house. I pick him up and hold him on my hip as I usher all three to my back shed. Vanessa says this is unnecessary, but I disagree.

These children may not be Shifters, but I’m still their Uncle and it’s my duty to teach them these essential life skills.

Aziel sure as fuck isn’t going to do it. He’s a useless father, not that I’d ever tell him that.

I may be his best friend, but I still think he’d kill me if I insulted his parenting to his face. Instead, I will continue to do it behind his back to his mates. I’m sure they tell him what I’ve said, and I hope it makes him think twice about raising his children to be so useless.

He’s lucky I’m here to help.

I crafted and hid three tiny axes in the back of my shed, and I pull them out and hand one to each child before ushering them to follow me into the woods. Dave wiggles until I set him down, and with a grin, I drop him on his feet and grab the backpack I hid yesterday.

With one more scan of the three, I turn and begin leading the way. Today they will learn how to chop down trees, and over the next three years, they will learn how to build a home.

This is good practice for when Vanessa decides she’s ready to give me a child. She’s been living with me for exactly four months and seventeen days, and I think she’s getting more comfortable with the idea of getting pregnant.

I’ll have to cum in her, which I’m a bit nervous about after seeing her dislike for it after our first time, but I will make it as comfortable for her as possible.

We’ve had sex five more times since the first, and even though she still holds me so I can’t move, I can tell she’s enjoying it more and more. She lets me lick her beforehand, and I can’t even count the times I’ve gotten to lay back and feel her warm cunt on my tongue.

I think I may like that even more than sex.

“Come on,” I urge, bringing the children to some young trees.

It will break Vanessa’s heart to know they have chopped down nature, but it must be done. Homes need to be built, and I won’t do it for them. If they want a place to live, they will create it themselves.

I began building my first home when I was their age, and it took many years to get it to a spot where I was satisfied.

“Ciara’s wandering off!”

I can always count on Dave to keep his siblings in line. Shay smacks him, a loud lecture about tattling booming from her lips as I huff and run toward the tiny Wrath. She’s on her hands and knees peering into a hole we passed earlier, and I wrap an arm around her waist and snatch her up before the snake that lives in it grows angry.

Stupid child.

She screams and kicks, and I grab her axe with my free hand before carrying her back to her siblings. They laugh at her, only furthering her anger, but I ignore it and continue holding her until we reach the trees I want them to begin with.

The trees here are young, planted with the sole purpose of being cut down by the children, and I set Ciara down so I can show Dave and Shay how to swing their axes properly. It takes a handful of tries, and once Ciara realizes we are swinging sharp objects, she picks up hers and joins in.

I made hers smaller than Dave and Shay’s, and suck my cheeks into my mouth to prevent from laughing as she storms up to Dave and steals his. He doesn’t care and happily picks up her smaller one before returning to work.

They are good at this, their Demon blood making them stronger than most Shifter children. I should have brought them to thicker trees.

“Try not to swing so wildly. An intentional hit is better than a hard one,” I instruct, grabbing Shay’s hands to help guide her next strike.

It’s better, and I help guide her through a few more before letting go and stepping back. She falls slightly back into her bad swings, but they are noticeably more improved.

I am a good instructor.

Dave is next to get help, but he needs the opposite instruction.

“You need to hit harder if you want to break through the bark. Put your muscles into it,” I tease, giving his biceps a tiny squeeze.

My hands wrap entirely around his arm, and he shoots me a deathly glare before widening his stance and swinging.

Good. That’s much better.

I move to Ciara last and urge her to aim just as I did to Shay. Those two are swinging like wild animals, and I laugh as I duck and help guide her through a few. I can tell she’s getting tired, and I let her take a few more hits before taking her axe and switching it back out with Dave’s.

She’s not happy about it, but immediately both of them are hitting better.

Having a good axe, one properly weighted and sized, is key.

“You’re doing great,” I compliment, guiding them to new trees once they finish up the ones they’re working on.

I’ll have each chop down four before showing them how to remove the branches. Then they’ll get to pick the spot where their homes will go. It’s very exciting.

Dave screams as a tree falls and almost lands on him, and I bark out a laugh before showing him again how to cut the base to choose the direction of the fall. Silas would kill me if I accidentally let one of his children get crushed.

They’ll live, and I personally think it will teach them a valuable lesson, but he made his threats to me very clear when I told him I would be doing this.

I only needed a tree to fall on me once to learn the importance of safety, but he disagreed.

Useless male.

An hour passes before the children get their three trees, and I pull out the food I packed and shoved into my backpack for them. I like watching the children eat, happy with how they stick their tiny fingers into the Ucka meat and rip off large chunks to shove in their mouths.

There was supposed to be enough for the four of us, but by the time they’ve finished, there’s little left for me. I don’t mind, and am just glad I brought enough for them. Next time I’ll pack more for me.

I hand them all a bottle of juice before eating the tiny bit of meat that’s left.

I can tell their energy is back, and I bounce around as I show them how to cut off the branches and ready their logs to be brought back. This is a good lesson in teamwork, and I hold all their axes while they work together carrying the logs to the spots I’ve already cleared for their homes.

I wanted to give them spots in the center of our village where all the other Shifter children have been building lately, but I know their Demon blood makes my people wary so I’ve given them a spot closer to me instead.

My people love the Wrath children and don’t treat them differently when I bring them to the park or pack events, but I don’t want to push our luck.

Shay and Dave fight over their spot, and I feel quite complimented when Ciara chooses the one closest to me. I can see my house from her spot, and I curse when I peer at it and see my mate glaring at me from our kitchen window.

She told me very specifically not to give the children axes.

Sucking in a shaky breath, I turn to Ciara and show her where to put her logs. We will need to collect many more before getting started on the framework. This first house they build will be purely to learn, and when they have it completed in a few years, we will tear it down and start again with large logs.

I leave her be and return to Shay and Dave. They are still arguing, the two red in the face as they scream and wake up all the nearby Shifters. I hush them, my eyes darting anxiously to the nearby homes, before urging them to wrestle for the spot.

Shay has Dave pinned in seconds, and I rub his head as I walk him to his spot. It’s just as good as the others, and I bend and whisper that this one is closest to the river in an attempt to cheer him up. He perks, and I tousle his hair before leading all three back to my home.

Vanessa is waiting, and I’m scared to take too long and let her brew in her anger.

She’s full of smiles when the four of us come sauntering on inside, but I know it’s all a lie. I can feel through our bond that she’s angry, and it’s confirmed when I walk into the living room and see she’s brought the bird figurines back out.

Shay sees it too, and I’m proud of how well I’ve trained her when she stares at them and begins to cry. She loves birds but knows to act scared when she sees them in my home.

“Oh, no, sweetie. It’s okay. I’ll put them away!” I coo, rushing to grab the evil objects and shove them back in the drawer where I like to keep them hidden.

She gasps and wipes her tears, and I avoid looking at my mate as I pull the tiny being into my arms and rub her back. I don’t like Fates, but this one’s okay.

“Food’s in the kitchen,” Vanessa says.

Her voice isn’t nearly as angry as I was expecting, and when I work up the courage to meet her eye, I’m surprised to see she’s looking at me with a soft smile. I don’t trust it and release Shay as I straighten back up.

The children leave the room and make themselves busy eating my food, and I kick at the floor as I wait for Vanessa’s wrath.

“I’m sorry,” I mumble.

She hums, and I glance at her through my lashes as she approaches and wraps her arms around me. This is a form of attack I’m unfamiliar with, and I remain rigid as she rises to her toes and kisses my lips.

“Did you teach Shay to cry when she sees those birds?”

I clear my throat.

“No,”

The bond between yanks, signaling that I’m lying.

“Admit you’re scared of them,” she taunts.

Over my dead body.

“I love you,” I say instead.

Vanessa cocks her head to the side, the action so cute I can no longer hold back. I bend and grab her waist so I can better squeeze her against me. I am obsessed.

“They each chopped four trees and picked out the spots for their home.” I press a kiss to my mate’s head and squeeze her even tighter.

She chuckles and wraps her arms around my neck, and I grin knowing I’m forgiven. I hate making my mate angry but the children need to learn sooner rather than later. Shifters find it best to teach these things before the children become teenagers and no longer want to spend time with adults.

Besides, it’s hard to kill us and even more challenging to kill Demons, so it’s not like the sharp objects are a genuine danger.

“Gray’s going to be here soon to pick up the kids,” she states.

I huff, annoyed, as I turn and glance at them. They’re all screaming bloody murder as they fight over the food Vanessa made, and I can’t help but smile at the sight. I wish they could stay longer. I love our home being filled with loud children, and I find them a great entertainment source.

Plus, the more I watch them, the more the Wrath trio is indebted to me.

Soon I’ll be able to ask them for anything I want and they won’t be able to say no. I’ll practically own them. Silas will be my transportation slave.

“Would you like to see my bear?” I blurt.

Vanessa flushes, but I know it’s because she’s trying not to laugh at me.

When her head dips, I grin and pat her on the butt, happy with her choice. My bear hasn’t seen her in days, and I’m antsy to feel her fingers brushing through my fur. She’s pretty gentle with it, and I’m the softest bear in the pack because of her.

Everybody is jealous of me.

Vanessa and I join the children at the table, and by the time Gray comes to pick his spawns up, I’m practically bursting at the seams to shift into my bear. He tries to stick around and chat, but I shoo him away before dragging Vanessa outside.

She’s full of laughter, and I join in before shifting into my fur form.

My bear is elated and circles her legs before plopping onto his butt for pets. I didn’t like the feeling of her petting me at first, the action emasculating, but now I love it.

“Human bears like to catch fish. Have you ever done that?” Vanessa asks, running her fingers through my fur.

I dip my head when she snags a knot. Catch fish? Why the fuck would I ever want to catch a fish? They are small and provide me with no meat.

Vanessa hums when I shake my head, answering her question with a firm no.

I have no interest in fish, but I still huff and meander my way to the lake when she says she wants me to try. I resist at first, but her joke about how the Human bears must be more skilled than me has me moving.

I am the best bear.

Ten minutes in, I’ve caught nothing, and I take one sneak peek at the shore before clamoring out.

“You’re laughing at me!” I shout, returning to my male form so I can chase her.

She screams and runs away, and I slow down so she feels fast. Her hands spread out to the sides as she moves, her fingers grazing against the trees. When she reaches a large one, she pauses and stares at it with wide eyes as she feels the bark.

This one must really connect with her, and I come to a halt to her right before shifting back into my bear and sitting down. She’s going to be here for a while.

Eventually she joins me on the ground, her hand still on the tree, and I curl up so she can lean against my bear’s side.

There’s a tree twice this size I’ve been hiding from her, the largest in my lands, and I’ve been working hard to build a home around it. She’s always asking about that Wrath restaurant we went to, my mate in love with how they built it around the base of the tree, and I know she’s going to love having a home in the same style.

I hum and curl my body around hers, pleased as my bear begins to purr.

I’m going to pretend her bird figurines got dropped and broken during the move.

It’s a sneaky move, but I’m a very sneaky male so I know I’ll be successful.

____

This is the end of Chev's Mate! Hope you enjoyed :)

I was a bit worried about how this was going to turn out since Chev has always been a good guy and didn't need any sort of redemption arc or anything, unlike most of the male leads in my other stories. It definitely made the story a bit shorter than my usual ones, but I'm still pretty happy with how it turned out!