Chapter Two

Jonas had no idea what he’d walked in on, but he’d seen his mate—or rather, the man he hoped was his mate, because there was no way he could bond with that kid—push away the kid when he’d kissed him, so he could take an educated guess.

The kid looked like he wanted to punch Jonas. Jonas wasn’t going to goad him into it, even though he kind of wanted to, but he would defend himself if he had to. He would also defend his mate, but he’d rather that not be the first impression he left on the man.

He’d known that his mate would appeal to him, both physically and mentally. He knew who Kendrick was, although they’d never really talked. That explained why he hadn’t realized that Kendrick was his mate before now, but that didn’t matter. What he did know was that he liked what he knew about Kendrick and couldn’t wait to find out more.

Part of him regretted not finding out sooner, because he would have felt more comfortable at the village if he’d known his mate was here, but another part of him was fine with it. He needed time to get out of his fight-or-flight mentality. He’d lived that way for so long, relying on Alexis and Caroline to help him survive, working as hard as he could to earn enough money that the three of them could eat and have a roof over their head. Now, when he allowed himself to relax and rest, he still felt like he was doing something wrong. That was partially why he was so antsy. He felt he needed to do more, and that more could only be fighting Kudlaks since he was a Krsnik.

“You can’t be Kendrick’s mate,” the kid continued.

Jonas arched a brow. “Can’t I? Because I know you’re not. You’re human.” And so was Kendrick, unless Jonas was mistaken. The two couldn’t be mates because they were both human. They could be boyfriends, but it didn’t look like they were.

Jonas sure as fuck hoped not. The kid was painfully young, and if his mate really had something going on with him, Jonas would be pissed and disappointed.

“It doesn’t mean we don’t belong together,” the kid snapped.

“Devon,” Kendrick said, reaching for the kid’s shoulder.

Jonas took a moment to look at him. He was pleased with what he saw. He was also happy that his Krsnik senses were stronger than a human’s, because it meant that even in the darkness, he could see the freckles on his mate’s nose, the way his blond hair looked like he’d just rolled out of bed, and more importantly, how gentle his expression was. Jonas didn’t know who Devon was, but he was sure that his mate hadn’t agreed to be kissed by him. It didn’t look like he would hold it against Devon, though.

Devon shook off Kendrick’s hand. “No. He can’t be your mate. You should be with me.”

This was going to be a problem. If Kendrick was Jonas’s mate, they would have to deal with Devon, and it wouldn’t be pleasant. If, God forbid, Devon was Jonas’s mate, it was clear Jonas was about to be rejected.

He wasn’t sure he’d mind. If Devon was his mate, he was too young for Jonas to be with him. Even if he’d reached eighteen, there was no way Jonas would touch him. Right now, Devon was a brat, and that wasn’t something Jonas wanted to deal with.

Please, let Kendrick be my mate.

“He’s right,” Kendrick said. “You and I can’t be mates because we’re both human, and there’s a possibility that I’m his mate.”

Devon looked betrayed.

Jonas wanted to ask what kind of relationship there was between the two of them, but he suspected he already knew the answer. Devon would tell him that he and Kendrick were together, while Kendrick would argue and say that wasn’t the case. It didn’t look like he was taking advantage of Devon, which was a relief.

Devon crossed his arms over his chest in a stubborn gesture that showcased his age. “There’s no chance of that. I don’t believe him.”

“You’re free to believe whatever you want,” Jonas said. “I know what I smelled, and I’m sure that one of you is my mate.”

Devon frowned. “You just said it was Kendrick.”

“Well, you were kissing him when I arrived. It could be either of you, but I really hope it’s not you.”

Devon scowled. “Yeah, I hope it’s not me, too.”

“I can come closer and check.”

Devon shook his head. “I don’t care. Just leave us alone.”

“Devon, please,” Kendrick begged. He looked at Jonas.

Jonas could see how uncomfortable he was. If he had to guess, Devon was slightly obsessed with Kendrick. It was clear he’d kissed him without his consent. For some reason, Kendrick was trying to be nice to him, but sometimes being nice wasn’t right. Devon was delusional. He’d convinced himself that he and Kendrick should be together, and he wasn’t taking no for an answer, which was dangerous. He might do something stupid that would result in Kendrick getting hurt, and that wasn’t something Jonas could allow.

Jonas crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m not going anywhere until I know which one of you belongs to me.”

“We don’t belong to you. We’re not objects,” Devon snapped.

“I really hope it’s not you,” Jonas snapped back.

He didn’t know what to do. Should he leave these two alone? It was clear Kendrick didn’t want anything to do with Devon, so he’d let him down gently, but something told Jonas that wouldn’t be enough to get rid of Devon. He was clinging on, even though Jonas had told him that one of them was his mate. Most people would have at least allowed him to find out which one it was, but not Devon.

It looked like if Jonas wanted to know for sure, he’d have to take matters into his own hands. He didn’t like that, because he wasn’t sure what was happening, but he suspected he wouldn’t have a choice. At the very least, Kendrick wanted him to stay and help, so maybe that was what Jonas should do, mates or not mates.

“Devon, you need to stop this,” Kendrick said. “I’ve already told you that I don’t want to be with you. You’re too young, and I see you as a younger brother, not as someone I could fall in love with. Besides, if Jonas is right and one of us is his mate, then that person is supposed to be with him.”

“I don’t care if I’m his mate,” Devon yelled. “I want to be with you, and that’s that. If I’m his mate, he can fuck all the way off.”

“I’d be happy to do just that if you’re my mate,” Jonas said.

More than ever, he was convinced that he and Kendrick belonged together. He’d never done anything so bad that the universe would give him Devon has a mate, right? He wasn’t evil. He’d killed Kudlaks, but that was his job, and it wasn’t like he’d been good at it anyway. Most of his life, he’d kept his head down, had worked hard, and had done everything he could to help Caroline and Alexis. Why would he be being punished for that?

“No.”

Kendrick’s voice was strong and sent a shiver down Jonas’s back. How would Kendrick sound in the bedroom? Would he use that authoritative tone? Would he make Jonas beg for it?

“You need to stop this, Devon,” Kendrick continued, pulling Jonas right out of his daydreaming. “It doesn’t matter if one of us is Jonas’s mate. Even if neither of us is, it won’t change the fact that I don’t want to be with you. I don’t want you, Devon. We could have been friends, but you’re ruining everything by pushing and pushing for something I don’t want and never will. You need to back down, before I talk to Clay and Rowan. I don’t want to, but you’re not taking no for an answer, and frankly, I’m getting worried that something will happen if this continues.”

Devon’s eyes were wide and full of pain. A pang of pity squeezed Jonas’s chest. He hadn’t wanted to hurt the brat. He just wanted Devon to stop being such a child. He was throwing a tantrum and trying to force Kendrick into a relationship with him, as if Kendrick were nothing more than a doll.

Jonas wasn’t sure anyone could get through to Devon, unfortunately.

* * * *

Kendrick didn’t know what to do. He didn’t think Jonas would attack Devon, even though Devon was being a dick, but he wouldn’t put it past Devon to attack Jonas. Devon was pissed and clearly wanted to take it out on Jonas, and Kendrick wouldn’t blame Jonas for defending himself if he had to.

But if Kendrick was Jonas’s mate, he didn’t want their relationship to start like this. He had to get rid of Devon, but trying to convince the kid to go home wasn’t working. Now that Devon knew Kendrick was probably Jonas’s mate, he’d latched onto Kendrick even harder, which Kendrick hadn’t thought was possible. He ignored everything Kendrick said, and Kendrick suspected he’d continue doing so no matter how many times he repeated himself.

He hoped for everyone’s sake that he was Jonas’s mate. If it was Devon, Jonas would have a hard time convincing him to give him a chance, let alone be with him. It might not be a bad thing because of how young Devon was and everything he’d gone through, but it still wouldn’t be easy for Jonas.

But if Kendrick was Jonas’s mate, it would be much easier. Well, once they dealt with Devon, anyway.

Right now, none of them knew who Jonas’s mate was, and it was time to find out for sure.

Devon was still standing in front of Kendrick as if to protect him. Kendrick sidestepped him and moved toward Jonas, ignoring the way Devon tried to catch his arm. He shook off the touch, came to a stop in front of Jonas, and tilted his head. “You can sniff me.”

Jonas snickered. “So romantic. You and I are meant to be together.”

“If we’re mates, we are.”

“What are you doing?” Devon demanded to know from behind Kendrick.

Kendrick ignored him. He was focused on the feeling of Jonas leaning against him, getting right into his personal space, and sniffing him. It shouldn’t have been as sexy as it was.

“Yeah, it’s you,” Jonas said, sounding relieved. “You’re my mate.”

Devon screamed, and Kendrick wouldn’t have been surprised if he’d stomped his foot. He was acting like a child, and even though Kendrick still didn’t want to hurt him, he had enough.

He turned to Devon. “Stop. Clay and Rowan are inside the house, and they’ll hear you. If you don’t want to get in trouble, you should stop screaming and start listening.”

Devon snapped his mouth shut and glared. For a moment, Kendrick hoped it meant he was finally over his crush, but he knew he wouldn’t be so lucky. Devon turned his glare to Jonas. Kendrick suspected that Jonas’s smug expression wasn’t helping.

“I still don’t believe it,” Devon said. “You could be lying. You’re the only one who knows for sure since Kendrick is human.”

“Do you really think I would have chosen a man with a kid-shaped problem?” he said, gesturing at Devon. “No offense,” he added, winking at Kendrick.

Kendrick wasn’t offended. He could imagine how this mess looked from Jonas’s point of view. He’d caught his mate’s scent, had followed it, and had stumbled onto his mate kissing another man. Kendrick had pushed Devon away almost instantly, but depending on the kind of person Jonas was, it might not be enough.

“I hate you,” Devon snarled.

Kendrick noticed he wasn’t screaming anymore, probably because he didn’t want Rowan to get involved. That was a good thing, because Kendrick didn’t want to have to talk to them, but he still wondered if he would be forced to. It didn’t seem to matter that Kendrick had found his mate. Devon was focused on how to take Kendrick from Jonas instead of on how to let him go.

“Devon, I want you to listen to me,” Kendrick said, ready to repeat the same speech for what felt like the hundredth time. “I don’t want you. I don’t want to be with you, I don’t want to kiss you, and I’m not in love with you. You’re a sweet kid, but that’s all you are to me—a kid. I couldn’t be with you even if I were attracted to you, and I’m not. Nothing is ever going to happen between us, and if you continue coming after me, I might have to go to the council. You know what they do to people who try to step between mates, right?”

“I can’t believe you’d do that to me,” Devon said.

His bottom lip trembled, and Kendrick had to resist the urge to pull him into his arms. He was pretty sure Devon was trying to manipulate him. It wouldn’t be the first time, but at least this time, Kendrick had support. It was good that he and Devon hadn’t been alone for long. If anything happened, Jonas would step in.

“Look, I’m sorry,” Kendrick said as he reached for Devon. “I never meant to hurt you, but I don’t think there’s another way out of this situation. You have to accept what I say. You have to accept that I’m not attracted to you and that I don’t want you.”

Tears filled Devon’s eyes, making Kendrick feel guilty. He was still reaching for Devon, but as soon as he touched him, Devon jolted back as if he’d been electrocuted.

“No,” he muttered. “I’m not going to let you touch me after you just said you don’t want me. You had your chance. It’s gone now, just like I am.”

He turned to leave. Kendrick started to go after him to check in on him, but a strong hand grabbed his shoulder, pulling him back. “Are you all right?” Jonas asked.

“I don’t know. I know it was the right thing to do, and I told him those same words dozens of times, but I’ve never felt this guilty.”

Jonas hummed. “Maybe it’s because it felt more final? Since you’ve met me and everything.”

Kendrick thought it could be that. Before, when he’d rejected Devon, Devon had always pointed out that he’d be eighteen soon and that it meant they could be together. He’d refused to listen to any other reason Kendrick hadn’t wanted to be with him, but he couldn’t do that with Jonas. Jonas was Kendrick’s mate, which meant he had everything on his side, and from his expression and the way he behaved, Kendrick suspected he wouldn’t hesitate to stop Devon. Kendrick had been too soft, but Jonas wouldn’t be.

He groaned and rubbed his face. “This is a mess.”

Jonas hummed. “I agree. Want to tell me what that was all about?”

“Not really, but it feels like I have to.”

“You don’t have to do anything. I know we’re mates, but you can have your secrets.” Jonas hesitated. “I’d just appreciate a heads up if I’m going to have problems with the kid. I don’t want to tell you how to live your life or what to do in this situation, but you have to see it could degenerate very quickly. That kid doesn’t take no for an answer, and it could become a problem for you and me.”

“Boyd suggested I talk to Clay and Rowan, but I haven’t.”

“Let me guess—you feel sorry for Devon.”

Kendrick shrugged. “I think anyone would. Do you know what he’s been through?”

“Some. He lives with that Kudlak, doesn’t he? Melissa?”

“He does. Honestly, I don’t know that much about him, either. I just know that Melissa found him and took him in, even though they were all on the streets. She protected him as best as she could, along with her daughter, but it wasn’t an easy life for them. I can understand why Devon latched onto me. He needs something steady that makes him feel safe, and I was there when we got him, Melissa, and Haley out of that crumbling house and brought them to the village. He probably associates me with something good, which is why he’s so focused.”

Jonas slowly nodded. “I get that, and I’m sorry that something bad happened to him, but this could quickly become an obsession. I would’ve thought it was a crush before, but the way he talked to me and dismissed me even though I’m your mate worries me.”

Kendrick sighed. “I’m going to have to talk to Clay and Rowan, aren’t I?”

“I think it would be for the best.”

And Kendrick wanted the best for Devon. He wanted him to find a home here, to date, maybe even find his mate. He wouldn’t be able to do that if he continued focusing on Kendrick.

Which meant that Kendrick had to find a way to get him to stop.

* * * *

Jonas felt bad for Devon. He didn’t have details about Devon’s life, but he didn’t need them. Devon had been through a lot, and he’d latched onto Kendrick. It was understandable, but it was time to stop, and Jonas wasn’t sure Devon could.

Jonas watched a lot of TV, so he’d seen what obsession could do. Those were all stories, but he could see hints in Devon, like refusing to accept that Kendrick was Jonas’s mate. The situation could quickly become dangerous, and that wasn’t something Jonas would allow. He had his mate now, and he’d protect him with everything he had. He didn’t care if Kendrick felt he didn’t need it or if he didn’t want it. He didn’t care if Kendrick rejected him. The bond between them would always be there, whatever happened.

Kendrick’s shoulders slumped. “Well, thank you for stepping in. I didn’t expect him to kiss me, but I should have. I’m glad you intervened before he could do something even more stupid.”

“It was my pleasure.” Even though it hadn’t been a pleasure. Jonas had been looking for his mate, and he’d found him kissing another man. Even when he hadn’t been sure who his mate was, he hadn’t liked that. Knowing that Kendrick hadn’t wanted it made him feel better.

Kendrick turned and started walking away.

For a moment, Jonas stared at him, wondering where he was going. Was his mate leaving him behind? What the fuck? He rushed to get back to Kendrick’s side. “Where are you going?”

Kendrick blinked at him as if he was surprised that Jonas was following him. “Home before Devon changes his mind and turns around.”

“Doesn’t he know where you live?”

“He does, but if he comes knocking on my door, I don’t have to open. He tried.”

From Kendrick’s tone, he’d tried several times. “Want to talk about it?”

Kendrick grimaced. “Not particularly.” He eyed Jonas. “But since I’m your mate, I suppose we should. There’s nothing going on between Devon and me, and there never was. There never will be, either, because I truly only view him as a much younger brother. Just thinking about the kiss he forced me into makes me want to throw up, and he’s not even here anymore.”

“Maybe that would have worked. You could have told him the kiss made you sick.”

“He would’ve stuck around and tried helping me while apologizing profusely. I told you, he doesn’t take no for an answer.”

Jonas gritted his teeth. “Well, he’s going to have to learn.”

“I know, and he will.” Especially if the alternative was to get kicked out of the village.

Jonas didn’t want that to happen to poor Devon, but he wouldn’t hesitate to stand up for himself and his mate. If that meant going to talk to Clay and Rowan if Kendrick didn’t, Jonas would do it for him—and himself.

He believed that meeting his mate now meant he’d found the right place to call home. He’d felt he didn’t belong, but he was sure he did now, and he wouldn’t let go. He’d cling to that and to Kendrick with all he had, and if he had to smack down Devon to do so, he would.

“So I’m really your mate?” Kendrick asked. “You didn’t say that just because you could tell I wasn’t comfortable with Devon?”

“I would never lie about something like that. Yes, Kendrick. You really are my mate. That’s not going to change, no matter what you and Devon think of that.”

Kendrick frowned. “I haven’t said anything about it. I’m not Devon.”

Jonas snorted. “Thank God for that. I wouldn’t have known what to do if you were. I was praying it wouldn’t be him.”

“He’s young and desperate to find a place where he belongs.”

“Well, he belongs in the village, but not for long if he continues bothering you.”

Jonas had expected Kendrick to be apologetic, but instead, his lips curled into a smile. Instead of defending Devon, he stepped closer to Jonas, crowding him.

“You look happier,” Jonas pointed out. He stood his ground, because he was pretty sure that was what Kendrick wanted.

“I am. I hope that the mess with Devon is over and that he’ll leave me alone from now on. I’ve been trying to do that for a while now, and I almost can’t believe it’s happening. More than that, I’ve met my mate. What is there not to be happy about? You saved me from Devon, and I’m grateful for that. I don’t know how to thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me at all. We’re mates, and standing up for each other is what mates do.”

That gave Kendrick pause. “What do you expect from me? Since we’re mates and all that, I mean. I’ve seen Alexis with Boyd and Chris with Gary, but things are different when it’s you. Do you want us to move in together like Alexis and Boyd have? I know Alexis is a very close friend of yours.”

“Yeah, he is, but it doesn’t mean I’m going to do what he did with Boyd. This is our bond and our relationship. We can make it whatever we want.”

Kendrick nodded. His expression was serious, making Jonas want to kiss him. He wanted to smooth out the frown from Kendrick’s forehead. He wanted to kiss his worries away and promise him they’d be happy forever. He couldn’t make that kind of promise, but there were others that he could make.

“I just want you to be yourself,” he said gently. “The village and the clan are a ragtag group of people who didn’t have anywhere else to go, so I can guess that your story isn’t a happy one. It usually isn’t when it comes to hunters and Krsnik. I also know that since the clan is so new, you only recently moved here. I did the same, and it’s taken me a while to get used to the idea of having a clan again and a place to call home.”

“It sounds like we have a lot in common,” Kendrick murmured.

“I suppose we do. What I was trying to say is that I can imagine what your life was like before, and I never want to push you into something you’re not comfortable with. That means I’m going to give you time and space if it’s what you ask for. I understand needing it. Frankly, I feel a bit all over the place right now. I didn’t even want to come to this family dinner.”

Kendrick snorted. “You and me both. No offense to Clay and Rowan, but I don’t understand how I’m supposed to be family to them.”

“Well, you’re connected to them through Boyd, who’s connected to them through Alexis, who’s a Krsnik like Rowan.”

“Still doesn’t feel like enough, but I appreciate the fact that they’ve tried to make me feel welcome. I just don’t particularly like parties, and I knew Devon was going to be here.”

Jonas looked at the house. “Do you want to go back inside?”

“Not really. I’m sure Boyd and Chris will be looking for me eventually, but they can text or call me if they can’t find me. I just want to go home.”

Jonas nodded. “I agree. I might be more closely related to Rowan than you since I’m a Krsnik and Alexis’s best friend, but they still don’t really feel like family, no matter how nice they are.” Probably because Jonas had been convinced that they would kick him out if he dared breathe wrong. He now knew that wasn’t so, but it would take some time to actually accept it.

His old clan hadn’t been like that.

Times were different when Krsnik and Kudlaks were at war, so he understood why his clan leader had been harsh and demanding. Jonas had been a child, but he’d seen what it had done to his parents and his siblings.

There was none of that here. Clay and Rowan wanted their clan members to come to them if they had a problem. They wanted to help them build happy lives. They wouldn’t force him into anything, even though it would be easy for them to. It was different, but that didn’t make it bad.

If anything, Jonas suspected it made everything better. The clan would be more than a clan once everyone settled in. It would be a massive family, and for once, the thought didn’t scare him.

* * * *

“What about you?” Kendrick asked. “Will you go back inside?”

Jonas shrugged. “I don’t feel it’s my place, either. Maybe I’ll go home, too.”

“Let me walk you home, then,” Kendrick offered. He hoped Jonas would accept, but he wouldn’t be offended if he didn’t.

He didn’t want to be alone right now. He couldn’t help but wonder if Devon had stormed home or if he was hanging around, waiting for Jonas to leave. Kendrick didn’t kid himself into thinking that Devon had given up. He might be hurt and angry right now, but Kendrick was ready to bet that by tomorrow morning, he’d be back. He’d want to talk about Jonas and ask how Kendrick could be sure that Jonas was actually his mate. He’d tell Kendrick that maybe Jonas was lying because he wanted to take Kendrick away.

It would be bullshit. Kendrick might be human, but that didn’t mean he didn’t feel a certain pull toward Jonas. He couldn’t tell if it was the bond or just that he found Jonas attractive, but he didn’t see a reason for Jonas to lie. Why would he declare Kendrick to be his mate of all people? Kendrick had little to offer, and he was probably more trouble than he ought to be.

Especially with Devon following him around.

Jonas’s smile was sweet. “I’d love that.”

Kendrick gestured in the direction of the rest of the village since he didn’t know where Jonas lived. He just knew he lived with Caroline, while Alexis had moved in with Boyd. “I guess you were given a house like everyone else,” he offered.

“I was. Well, it was supposed to be me, Alexis, and Caroline, but Alexis already left.”

“I live on my own.”

Jonas wiggled his eyebrows. “Is that an offer?”

Kendrick felt a bit flustered. He wasn’t used to flirting. In fact, he wasn’t used to spending a lot of time with men he found attractive. When he was with the hunters, all of his energy had gone into hunting Kudlaks. That was probably why he still felt so much at odds with the village. He had more free time than he ever could have dreamed of when he’d been with the hunters, and even more, he actually had a home, people he could call friends, and the opportunity to build himself a life. He couldn’t have had that with the hunters, who lived in abandoned buildings and drifted from one place to another in their hunt for Kudlaks.

So no, Kendrick wasn’t used to flirting with guys or being flirted with. It gave him a little thrill, especially since this was Jonas.

“I was just thinking ahead,” he explained. “Both my best friends met their mates recently, and they’re already living with them. You know that Alexis moved in with Boyd, and Chris and his mate also moved in together. I was just wondering if that was going to happen to us, too.”

Jonas shrugged. “Only if we want it to. There are no rules when it comes to bonding and moving in together.”

“I understand that, but I was thinking more along the line of the houses. One of us is going to have to move.”

“It’s easy. You said you live alone?”

“Yeah. The house is a bit of a mess, but then, so is everything in the village. I’ve been renovating, but it’s slow going, since I’m also working as a hunter.”

“Then I’ll move in with you. Caroline will be happy to have the house to herself.”

Was it that easy? Kendrick had a hard time believing it, but maybe that was because nothing had ever been easy in his life. Even the time he’d already spent at the village hadn’t been all roses and butterflies. He was hunting, and of course there was the Devon situation that had made him feel like he needed to hide in his own home. “I don’t want you to feel obligated,” he offered.

“I don’t, but I’ll stop renovating the house. I’m not putting in all that work only for Caroline to enjoy it.”

Kendrick chuckled. “I could move in with you.”

“But then Caroline would have to move out, and I don’t want to force her to do that. I’m fine moving in with you, Kendrick. You don’t have to worry about it.”

Kendrick was silent for a moment, trying to get his thoughts in order. It was harder than he expected, but then, his mate was involved. It was a massive change, especially for someone who, just a few months ago, didn’t have anything steady in his life except for his friends.

“But we don’t have to start thinking about who’s moving where right away,” Jonas said. “I understand that your situation is complicated.”

“It’s not, or rather, it shouldn’t be. There’s nothing between Devon and me, and there never will be.”

“I wasn’t saying there was. You don’t strike me as the kind of person who would take advantage of a child like that. It is a complicated situation, though.”

“I think I’m going to have to talk to Clay, at the very least. Rowan might be a bit more intimidating, so I’d rather have Devon deal with Clay.”

“As long as he understands that he has to obey their orders, I don’t see why that shouldn’t be the best thing to do.”

It was the last thing Kendrick wanted to do, but things were getting out of hand, and it was clear that the crush Devon had on him wasn’t fading. Kendrick knew he had to nip it in the bud. “I’m really sorry about what happened tonight. I thought that, as my mate, you’d react differently to Devon.”

“I can see he’s a kid. I’m not going to beat him up just because he has a crush on you, even though he did force himself on you.”

“He doesn’t understand.”

Jonas hummed. “I think you should give him more credit. He’s young, but not that young.”

“He just turned eighteen.”

“So he’s not three. He understands right from wrong, and he has to know that kissing someone against their will is wrong. He’s been ignoring it, but it’s not right, and you shouldn’t have to deal with that.”

“I’ll talk to Clay.” Kendrick just wanted this to be over. He didn’t want to hurt Devon, but he felt that Devon would get hurt if nothing was done.

“This is me,” Jonas said as he gestured toward one of the houses. All the windows were dark, but then, Jonas had said that both he and Caroline had been invited to the family dinner.

Kendrick felt awkward again. How was he supposed to say goodbye? He couldn’t see them shaking hands, but maybe a hug?

Jonas stopped in front of the door and looked up at Kendrick. “Will you kiss me goodbye?”

Kendrick blinked. He liked that Jonas knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to ask for it. It took the guessing out of the situation, which had always been the worst part of any relationship as far as Kendrick was concerned. He hated wondering what the person he was dating thought or how they felt. He hated feeling like it would only take him acting like an idiot once for them to run.

He had no doubt that Jonas would tell him if he was being an idiot—in fact, he already had.

Jonas was still smiling when Kendrick pressed their lips together. He could feel it against his, but then Jonas opened his mouth, and Kendrick dove in.

He’d never felt as close to someone as he did with Jonas, which was ridiculous because they’d just met. The kiss felt like coming home, though. It was warm and familiar, even though it was the first time they had done this.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” Jonas asked when he stepped back.

“If you want to.”

“I do.”

“Then we can arrange something.”

Jonas stared for a moment longer before nodding. “Goodnight.”

Kendrick waited until Jonas was inside the house to leave. He couldn’t stop smiling, and there was a bounce in his steps that hadn’t been there before. Jonas was already making him happy, which was hard to believe, but it was true.

He’d just arrived home when there was a knock on his door. He was careful when he went to open, afraid that Devon would be there, but it was Boyd and Chris.

“We thought Devon had kidnapped you or something,” Chris said as he pushed inside the house.

“You suddenly disappeared, and he was nowhere to be seen,” Boyd added. “Did he try talking to you?”

“He did. He kissed me, and I had to push him away.”

Boyd grimaced. “You need to put a stop to this.”

“I will. I have a brand new reason to do that now, so as little as I like it, I’m going to have to talk to Clay and Rowan.”

“What good reason?” Chris asked, still glancing around the house as if he expected Devon to be hiding behind the couch or around the corner.

Kendrick grinned. “I met my mate.”