Chapter Three

Jonas hummed as he got ready to leave the house. He’d been walking on clouds since he’d found Kendrick a few days ago, and he felt he’d never stop. He didn’t want it to stop.

Meeting Kendrick had changed everything. Not only had Jonas met his mate, but he also felt more secure in his position in the clan. How could he not? Kendrick was a clan member, which meant that even if Jonas wasn’t one already, he’d be one through Kendrick. That had to be why he and Kendrick had met when they had. Jonas had felt insecure in his position, and Kendrick had needed help with Devon. Now that they were together, they fulfilled each other’s needs.

So far, Jonas hadn’t needed to do anything about Devon. Jonas had been out and about, poking around the village, but he hadn’t seen Devon except from afar. He was pretty sure Devon was avoiding both him and Kendrick, and he was perfectly fine with that. The less he had to deal with Devon, the better it would be for everyone, especially the kid.

Jonas understood where Devon came from, and he wasn’t angry at him, but he was annoyed. If it had only been a crush and Devon had let it go when Kendrick had told him that nothing would happen between them, Jonas would’ve been fine with it. He wasn’t fine with the way Devon had pushed and insisted, though. Kendrick had been honest and clear, and Devon should have done something about it. He would have if he really cared about Kendrick.

He didn’t. Jonas suspected that Devon had an idea of Kendrick that he’d made up in his mind. It was nothing like the man himself, which was probably why Devon was so obsessed. Devon didn’t see the real Kendrick, but Jonas did, and he liked what he saw.

His phone vibrated on his bed, and he dropped the sweater he’d been putting away in the dresser to snatch it up. He smiled when he saw Kendrick’s name on the screen. He and Kendrick had started texting and calling each other. More often than not, the texts they exchanged weren’t anything important, like now. Kendrick was at work, training with the other hunters, but he’d stopped long enough to snap a picture of a bug and send it to Jonas. How was Jonas supposed to resist that?

The answer was obvious. He wasn’t supposed to resist it because Kendrick was his mate. They were supposed to be together, and eventually, they would be.

He didn’t care if they had to take things slow. He’d do pretty much anything for Kendrick, even though they’d only met a few days ago. That was what having a mate meant.

Jonas had lucked out. He shuddered at the thought of being Devon’s mate. He was sure that in a few years Devon would be a nice person, but right now, he was bratty and obsessive. He wouldn’t make a good mate or even a good boyfriend.

Unfortunately, Jonas felt that he and Kendrick hadn’t seen the last of Devon. He’d been unhappy the other night, and while he’d told Kendrick to leave him alone, Jonas suspected he’d reach out, and soon. From what little Jonas knew, Kendrick was the only steady person in Devon’s life. Devon had Melissa, the Kudlak he lived with, and her daughter, but they weren’t enough. He needed a bigger family and more people to look after him, and while he might have found that with the clan, they could only take care of him if he allowed it.

Jonas sent a heart as an answer to the picture of the bug and finished getting ready. He wanted to see Kendrick, but he couldn’t right now, so instead, he was headed out to see Alexis. He’d told both him and Caroline about Kendrick the day after they’d met, and they were both happy for him, although Caroline kept teasing him about finishing renovating the house before leaving. Jonas had told her to fuck off, but he was tempted to do it anyway. He loved her like a sister, and he was kind of bored because he didn’t have anything to do.

There were no bars hiring in the village. There were barely any shops, although they were starting to pop up. Everything needed renovating, though, and Jonas had gotten good at it. He’d had to do a lot of video watching on the Internet to learn, and sometimes, he failed miserably, but he liked it, and he’d wondered a few times if he could turn it into a job. A lot of people wouldn’t expect it of him because he was small and looked fragile, but he was a Krsnik. Few beings were stronger than him.

Maybe he could talk to Alexis and see what he thought of it. If there was one person who would tell Jonas what he actually thought instead of what Jonas wanted to hear, it was Alexis. Caroline would do the same, but she’d be more brutal, and that wasn’t what Jonas was looking for at the moment.

Kendrick didn’t send anything else, so Jonas headed out. He grabbed his phone and his keys, along with his wallet, humming the entire time. He couldn’t remember ever feeling so happy. He doubted he’d ever been so happy. He’d lost his clan when he was a child, and that loss had tainted a lot of years in his life. It had changed everything, and he’d been alone for years before meeting Alexis and Caroline. They were like siblings now, but it had taken them a long time to get to that point, and that time hadn’t been easy.

Even when Jonas had relationships, they never lasted long. He, Alexis, and Caroline were always on the move, hunting Kudlaks. They couldn’t afford to settle down, because they were being hunted, too. Some Kudlaks had made it a game to kill as many Krsnik as possible, and every time they moved, they had to leave behind the people they’d met, their jobs, and sometimes even the few things they owned. It had been easier for everyone to not have relationships and not get attached, so that was what they’d done.

Not anymore. They would never have to leave the village, which meant they could finally relax and allow themselves to build relationships. Alexis already had, and he was happy with Boyd. Now, it was Jonas’s turn.

He locked the door when he left the house, even though he doubted anyone would try to get in. The village was on the bigger side, but there weren’t a lot of people living there yet. That was a problem because it meant they’d be vulnerable if they were attacked, but luckily they were close to the Whitedell pride. From what Jonas knew, they’d been promised that the pride would step in if anything happened. He hoped they weren’t lying because he thought that, eventually, they would have to.

He was almost at Alexis’s house when Devon stepped out from behind a house. Jonas groaned. He really didn’t want to do this, now or ever, but especially not now. He had things to do, dammit.

But Devon’s stubborn expression told Jonas everything he needed to know. Devon wouldn’t let this go. “What do you want?” he asked.

“To know why you’re lying.”

“About what?”

“About Kendrick being your mate. He can’t be.”

Jonas sighed. This was precisely what he’d feared. “I’m not lying. Kendrick is my mate, and while I understand that you’re angry and disappointed, there’s nothing either of us can do about it. It’s not going to change. We’re mates, whether you like it or not.”

“I don’t believe you. There’s no way for anyone to know if you’re telling the truth, and I don’t think you are. I think you want to take Kendrick from me.”

“I can’t take Kendrick from you because he’s not yours to begin with. He was clear when he told you that the other night. You need to listen to what he’s saying, Devon. He already told you he would go to the clan leaders if you continued bothering him, and if he doesn’t, I will. I won’t allow you to make my mate unhappy or uncomfortable.”

Devon’s hands tightened into fists. For a moment, Jonas wondered if he was going to hit him. He wouldn’t be surprised. Devon was young and clearly not thinking straight. He had to know that Jonas was a Krsnik, but he was still standing up against him. Jonas had no doubt he would fight him if he felt it was the only thing he could do.

Jonas didn’t want to hurt Devon, but he would defend himself. The problem was that there was no one around, so it would be his word against Devon’s. Devon had been a clan member since the beginning, while Jonas had only just arrived. Who would the clan leaders believe?

Who would Kendrick believe if Jonas had to hurt Devon?

* * * *

Kendrick was headed home when he heard raised voices. That wasn’t something he heard often at the village. Most of the people who lived here wanted a peaceful life, even the hunters. They saw enough violence in their everyday life, having to hunt Kudlaks and defend people from them, so when they were home, they didn’t want to continue fighting.

It was none of Kendrick’s business, but he decided to take a peek anyway. Maybe there was something he could do to help. At the very least, he could make sure that no one was in danger. New people kept arriving at the village, so it was normal for some of them to clash. As long as no one got hurt, he didn’t think it would be a problem.

He was glad he’d decided to be nosy when he found Devon and Jonas facing each other. Jonas looked relaxed and unbothered, but Devon was shaking. He looked ready to punch something, and that something would probably be Jonas’s nose.

Not that Jonas would let him. Kendrick knew Jonas didn’t like hunting, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t defend himself. In fact, Kendrick was ready to bet that Jonas could do a lot more damage than Devon could ever dream of doing. If Devon wasn’t careful, he’d end up in trouble, and not only with the clan leaders. So far, Jonas had been gracious and hadn’t said much about Devon’s behavior, but his patience wasn’t infinite.

Neither was Kendrick’s.

“What are you doing, Devon?” he asked as he stepped into Devon’s sight.

Devon’s eyes widened, and for a moment, he looked even younger than he actually was. It was painful to watch. His expression quickly turned into anger, though, and Kendrick steeled himself. He already knew what was about to happen, and he hated it.

“I know he was lying the other night,” Devon said. “You can’t be his mate. It’s not possible.”

Kendrick prayed for patience. He didn’t know what else to do when it came to Devon. He had already tried talking to him, and he’d thought that Jonas being in his life would get Devon to let this go.

He’d been wrong.

“You need to stop bothering me and my mate,” Kendrick said, trying to keep his voice calm. Yelling at Devon wouldn’t help anyone.

“Don’t call him that,” Devon snapped. “You’re not his mate. You’re mine.”

“I understand that you’re young and foolish, but I’m done with this,” Jonas said. “You’re becoming a stalker, and that’s something no one wants to have to deal with. Is that really what you want to be, Devon? Is that how you want Kendrick to think of you?”

“Shut up!”

For a moment, Kendrick thought Devon would throw himself at Jonas. If he did, Kendrick wouldn’t blame Jonas for anything that happened. Instead of doing that, though, Devon sobbed.

He pressed a hand against his mouth as if horrified he’d made that sound. Kendrick’s heart broke for him, and he stepped forward, already reaching for him. He didn’t have anything in mind. He just wanted to comfort Devon, even though part of him knew it would make things worse.

He didn’t get the opportunity to do anything. Devon stumbled back as though touching Kendrick would burn him. He stared at Kendrick with wide eyes filled with tears. Kendrick hated this entire situation. He’d never meant to hurt Devon, and he’d give anything to snap Devon out of the obsession he had with him. The problem was that he’d already tried, and nothing had worked.

“Devon,” Kendrick began.

He didn’t get to say anything else. Devon shook his head and bolted. Even though Kendrick felt the need to go after him, he knew better, and he stayed where he was. He watched Devon run and disappear into the trees that surrounded the village, shielding a lot of it from sight and making it safer.

Not for Devon’s heart.

A hand on his arm startled Kendrick. He looked to the side to find that his mate was standing there, an expression of concern on his face. He was worried about Kendrick, which was a surprise, yet not. He was Kendrick’s mate, so of course he was worried, but they’d only known each other a few days.

Kendrick still couldn’t believe he’d get to spend the rest of his life with someone like Jonas. It was a bit intimidating, but he knew they’d be happy. They wouldn’t be mates otherwise.

“I hate that I’m hurting him,” Kendrick said.

“I know. Why don’t you go after him?”

“Wouldn’t that make things worse?”

“I don’t think things can get any worse than they already are. I know you’ve already tried talking to him several times, but only twice since you and I met, and I was there both times. Maybe he needs to talk to you alone.”

It hadn’t worked the other times Kendrick had talked to Devon, but maybe it would this time. Kendrick wanted it to. He wanted Devon to let go of him and be happy, but he wasn’t sure that could happen until Devon had closure.

Hopefully, he could give him that closure.

“I’ll be right back,” he said.

“I’m headed to Alexis’s house, but I can wait here if you want.”

“Do what you want. I don’t know how long it’s going to take me. I don’t want you to have to wait for me, but if that’s okay with you, I’ll see you later?”

Jonas nodded, and Kendrick turned his attention to the spot where Devon had vanished. He hoped Devon hadn’t gone too deep in the forest. He didn’t want to spend the rest of his day traipsing between the trees to find him.

Luckily, he didn’t have to worry. He found Devon crying a few trees in, leaning against rough bark with his eyes closed. Kendrick hated bothering him when he was so fragile, but he still hoped to get through him.

“Devon?”

Devon’s head snapped up. For a moment, he looked horrified. Then, he started crying harder.

Kendrick didn’t try to comfort him. He certainly didn’t hug him. He hated that, but he felt it would make the situation worse.

Devon eventually took a deep breath and straightened his back. He stared at Kendrick for a moment, and Kendrick held his breath, wondering what was about to happen.

“He really is your mate, isn’t he?” Devon asked.

Kendrick was afraid to hope. “He is.”

“You were never mine.”

Kendrick shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I never saw you like that.”

Devon sniffed. “It was too good to be true, but I wanted to believe we could have a future. I just wanted to be loved.”

“You will be eventually. You’ll find someone who will love you much better than I ever could. You’re young, Devon. I’m not saying that to disparage you, but because it’s true. You have your entire life in front of you, and there’s no need for you to rush into getting a boyfriend. Give yourself time to find out who you are and what you want. Love will find you eventually, and it will be easier for you to be happy if you know yourself when it does.”

Devon’s expression was tight when he nodded. “Thank you. I’ll leave you and Jonas alone. I shouldn’t have bothered you the way I did, and I’m grateful that you didn’t go to the clan leaders.”

It had been a close thing, but Devon didn’t need to know that. “You remind me of my younger brother, Ryan. I haven’t seen him in a long time, but he was always impulsive and had so much love to give. I hope that eventually, you’ll find what Jonas and I have.”

Devon snorted. “You barely know each other. What can you have?”

“Not a lot yet, but I can already feel the bond between us. It’s going to grow and become stronger, and the certainty that I’ll be loved for the rest of my life is soothing. I know that’s what you want, and I hope you find it. You deserve it.”

“I don’t feel like I do after what I did to you.”

“You didn’t do anything. Go home, Devon. Get over me, and find a way to be happy.” Kendrick already had, and he couldn’t wait to go back to his mate.

* * * *

Jonas had decided to go home instead of seeing Alexis. He wasn’t in the mood anymore because he was worried about Kendrick and what was happening to him.

He didn’t think that Devon would be stupid enough to attack Kendrick, but there was no way to know for sure, and he wouldn’t be able to focus on anything that wasn’t his mate until Kendrick was with him again.

He texted both Kendrick and Alexis to let them know things had changed, then headed back home. He knew Alexis would worry, so he wasn’t surprised when his phone vibrated.

Everything okay? Alexis asked.

Just got a little distracted by Kendrick, Jonas lied.

It was only half a lie, anyway. He had gotten distracted by Kendrick—and by Devon and by the fact that the two of them were having a conversation away from Jonas, which meant that Jonas wouldn’t be able to protect Kendrick if anything happened. His wolf was howling in his head, needing to be close to their mate, but Jonas ignored it and went home. Kendrick would probably come around once he was done with Devon. Hopefully, that wouldn’t take long.

He’d barely had time to take off his shoes and jacket when someone knocked on his door. He swung it open, eager to find out who it was, and was relieved when Kendrick stood in front of him. “I thought it would take longer,” he said.

Kendrick smiled. “I thought so, too, but Devon was surprisingly understanding. He even apologized.”

“What did he apologize for?”

“For the way he was with me. He promised he wouldn’t bother us again. He said he just wanted to be loved, and I can understand that.”

“I think everyone can, but he went about it the wrong way. You can’t force someone to love you, especially when that someone has a mate.”

Jonas stepped aside and gestured at Kendrick to come in. Kendrick did so easily, looking around as if searching for something.

“Caroline isn’t home,” Jonas explained as he closed the door. “She’s made friends with some of the Vila who recently arrived, and she’s been spending a lot of time with them.”

“You haven’t?”

Jonas shrugged. “I’ve always had a hard time making friends.”

“Is it because you have a hard time or because you’ve never had the opportunity?”

Jonas had told Kendrick what had happened to his clan and how he’d lived since then. Kendrick knew that Jonas had been on the move almost constantly and that his only friends had been Alexis and Caroline after they’d agreed to stick together. He wasn’t wrong when he said that Jonas hadn’t had the opportunity to make friends. Jonas supposed that even now, it was easier to tell himself he wasn’t good at being friendly than to face the fact that he was afraid he’d lose the friends he’d make. He knew he had a place with the clan and that he could finally let go of the fear and breathe, but emotionally, it was hard to accept that.

“I guess only time will tell,” Jonas gestured toward the kitchen. “I don’t know what we have in the fridge beyond blood, but would you want something to drink?”

Kendrick’s smile was smooth. “I would love that.”

Jonas led the way to the kitchen. He hadn’t gotten around to renovating it yet because he and Caroline barely used it. When they wanted food, they went over to Alexis’s house and bothered him long enough that he gave in and fed them. Neither Jonas nor Caroline were great cooks, so it was the easiest way for them to eat. Right now, though, Jonas was annoyed at himself for that. He wished he could offer his mate more, but instead, it was coffee or water.

Kendrick leaned back in the chair he sat on and gave Jonas an easy smile. “Coffee is perfect.”

Coffee, Jonas could do, so he got to work. Both he and Kendrick were silent as Jonas made a pot, and he couldn’t help but wonder if something else had happened that Kendrick wasn’t telling him about. He wanted to ask, but at the same time, he wondered if it was his place. He might be Kendrick’s mate, but that didn’t mean that Kendrick needed to tell him everything that happened to him, especially when it involved a friend of his.

Once coffee was ready, Jonas put together two cups and sat with Kendrick at the table. He bounced his knee, waiting for Kendrick to say something. When he didn’t, Jonas had enough. “So? Do you believe Devon?”

“About what?”

“That he’ll leave you alone. Do you really think he will? Or is he only trying to get you to relax?”

Kendrick took his time answering. “I want to believe he finally got it. I mean, I compared him to my younger brother, so hopefully that did the trick.”

“It didn’t before.”

“I never told him about my brother. I’ve never told anyone here about him.” Kendrick hesitated. “But you’re my mate, and you should know.”

“You make it sound like something awful happened.” Jonas hoped that wasn’t so. He’d lost his entire clan and his family, so he knew what it felt like. He never wanted anyone to have to go through that, but especially not his mate. Kendrick deserved a happy life, and if he’d lost his brother, there would always be a part of him that wouldn’t be happy.

Jonas knew that from experience.

He hoped that now that he had a clan and that he’d met his mate, that would change, but he couldn’t be sure. His siblings would have wanted him to be happy and to live his life for them, too. They wouldn’t have the opportunity to do so, but he would. He’d survived.

Kendrick shook his head. “He’s fine, or at least, he should be. Things had never been great between me and my father. They didn’t get any better when my parents divorced, and my father remarried. He and his new wife had Ryan when I was ten, and I was instantly in love with my little brother. I lived with them, and things were hard, so eventually, I left. I thought that it would make everyone’s life easier and that it would give Ryan the opportunity to be at peace.”

“Is he?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t heard from him in years. Being a hunter doesn’t make it easy to keep in touch with your family. I was so soft with Devon because of Ryan. I couldn’t help but imagine Ryan in his place and think about how I’d want him to be treated if that happened to him.”

“I’d hope that your brother wouldn’t do what Devon did,” Jonas muttered.

“I wouldn’t know. He was a kid when I left, but he’ll be eighteen now. That’s an entirely different person.”

“Maybe you should reach out to him, then. I understand why you didn’t while you were on the move and living in abandoned spaces, but you’re not anymore. You have a home where Ryan can stay if he wants to visit.” Jonas reached over the table to take Kendrick’s hand. “Take it from me. I lost my entire family, and there isn’t a day I don’t miss them. You still have your brother. You should make the most of that.”

“He might not want anything to do with me. It’s been a long time since we saw each other.”

“But he might also have been trying to find you. You won’t know until you reach out.” Kendrick deserved to have his brother in his life.

Jonas could understand why Devon had been so drawn to Kendrick. It was the same reason Jonas was, even beyond the bond they shared. Kendrick was sweet and gentle. It was at odds with him being a hunter, but it made sense because he was also fiercely protective of the people he loved, even when those people hurt him, like Devon. He wanted the people he cared about to be happy and safe.

He really was the perfect man.

And he belonged to Jonas.

* * * *

Kendrick knew Jonas was right. He finally had the opportunity to reunite with his brother without fearing for Ryan’s life, so why shouldn’t he do it?

He knew why. His father wouldn’t be happy if Kendrick reached out to Ryan. Kendrick still remembered the words his father had slung at him when he was younger. He’d been angry at Kendrick’s mother, and he’d taken it out on Kendrick. It was why Kendrick had left as soon as he turned eighteen when Ryan was only eight. He’d hated to leave his brother behind, but he hadn’t had a choice. Besides, he had had no idea where he was going or what he’d do, so it hadn’t been practical. Ryan had his mother. He was a happy kid, and Kendrick hoped things had stayed the same.

“Maybe I can find a way to get him my number,” Kendrick offered.

Even if Ryan never wanted to see Kendrick again, Jonas’s smile made it worth it. “You don’t want to call him?” Jonas asked.

“I think it would be better to give him the means to call me but to leave that to him. I don’t want to force him to see me or to talk to me if he doesn’t want to.”

Jonas wrinkled his nose. “Why wouldn’t he want to? Did you fight before you left?”

“We didn’t, but he was only eight. My father and I fought, though. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d stopped talking about me entirely or if he’d said things that would make it so that Ryan doesn’t trust me. I want him to have the possibility to contact me, but I won’t force him into it.”

“If you tell me where your father lives, I can pay him a little visit,” Jonas said, sounding threatening. “I don’t know him, but I don’t like what he did to you.”

“I don’t like what he did to me, either, but I don’t need you to avenge me.” Kendrick squeezed Jonas’s hand. “I’m fine. I always knew I wouldn’t see my father again after I left, and I made my peace with that and with the kind of person he was. The only person I miss is Ryan.”

Jonas took his hand away, for which Kendrick was sorry, but it was only to take out his phone. “Tell me his full name and a few things about him.”

Kendrick didn’t remember much, and what little he did remember probably wouldn’t be enough to find his brother. He’d only been eight when Kendrick had left, so he hadn’t had a phone or social media.

Sure enough, they didn’t find Ryan, but they managed to find Kendrick’s father. Through him, they found his wife, and through her social media, Ryan.

Jonas turned his phone to show Kendrick a picture. Kendrick stared, stunned by how much his brother had grown. Of course he had. Ten years had passed, and he was eighteen now. “What now?” he asked.

“Now, we send him a message. Since you don’t want to call him outright, I’m going to send him your number. He can do whatever he wants with it.”

Kendrick wanted to hope that Ryan would call him, but there was no way for him to be sure, and that was okay, too. He’d been without his brother for ten years. He could continue being without him, even though that wasn’t what he’d prefer.

He wasn’t alone anymore. He had Jonas, Boyd, and Chris. He had Boyd and Chris’s mates, even though he didn’t know them well. He had Rachel, Clay, Rowan, and the rest of the clan. Even if he never got Ryan back, he’d be happy.

“And done,” Jonas said as he put down his phone. “I texted him that I was writing for you and gave him your number. I hope he’ll call you.”

“So do I, but I’ll be fine even if he doesn’t.”

“Because you have me?” Jonas grinned, telling Kendrick that he was teasing.

Kendrick wasn’t teasing when he answered. “Because I have you and everyone else. I always thought I would die young and alone, probably killed by a Kudlak. I knew the life I was choosing, and I felt that most people wouldn’t care, anyway. I was just another hunter. Then I became friends with Boyd, Chris, and Rachel. I had people who cared about me and who I cared about. It gave me even more reasons to fight, and I’ve been doing so ever since. I can’t leave my work as a hunter, because I think I’m doing something good, but I have so much more to live for now.”

Jonas sighed. “I almost wish I could go out there with you. I told Clay and Rowan that I didn’t want to be a hunter, and I don’t, but I don’t like the thought of you going out there without me to protect you.”

“Is it because I’m human?”

“In part, but I would’ve been worried even if you weren’t. You’re my mate, and I’m always going to worry about you. I’m always going to wish I could do more to protect you. The fact that you’re a hunter makes things harder, but I understand why it’s important to you. It’s important to me, too, even though I don’t hunt.” He leaned forward and squeezed Kendrick’s hand harder. “Just promise me you’ll be careful. I know you can’t promise you’ll come home, and I won’t ask you to, but I need to know you’ll remember that you have a home.”

“How could I ever forget that? Having you here will give me even more reasons to return. I’ve always been careful, and that’s not going to change, but I’ll do everything I can not to hurt you. That means being more careful so that I’ll always come home to you and that I won’t break your heart.”

Jonas nodded. “That’s all I ask.” He huffed. “It’s going to take a while to get used to all of this. I don’t know about you, but I’m not one for relationships. I feel I’m going to mess up everything if I say the wrong thing.”

“As long as we talk to each other, I think we can muddle through all of this and find a way to be together. That’s how relationships work, isn’t it? By talking and communicating.”

“That’s great because I’m good at communicating. I’m less great at sitting at home without anything to do, but I’ll deal with it.”

Things were looking good. Kendrick hoped they would continue that way. He wouldn’t allow anyone to ruin this for him, not even Kudlaks.

Especially not them.

Jonas let go of Kendrick’s hand and got to his feet. Kendrick watched as he walked around the table, wondering what his mate was up to. He didn’t have to wonder for long. When Jonas reached him, he pushed Kendrick’s chair away from the table—with Kendrick still sitting on it. Kendrick knew Jonas was strong because he was a Krsnik, but the show of strength, especially coming from someone so small, made him feel hot all over.

He couldn’t help but wonder if Jonas would be like this in bed, too. He was assertive in his everyday life, and Kendrick hoped it extended to the intimacy of his bedroom. He couldn’t wait to find out, but at the same time, he was also happy having deep conversations with his mate.

And watching him climb into his lap like he was doing now.

Jonas landed lightly and settled in. Kendrick grabbed Jonas’s hips, even though Jonas wasn’t going anywhere. He was stuck between Kendrick’s body and the table, and he seemed pleased by that.

“What are you doing?” Kendrick asked, amused.

“I thought it was obvious. I’m done talking about Devon and your brother. What will be will be when it comes to them, and the only thing we can do is wait and see. I happen to know a good way to spend time while we do that.”

“Oh? And what way would that be?”

Jonas leaned closer and rubbed their noses together. “You’re about to find out.”

Find out, Kendrick did, when Jonas leaned forward and pressed their lips together. He smiled into the kiss, already enjoying the way Jonas had found to amuse themselves. His mate had great ideas.

Kendrick couldn’t wait to find out what else Jonas would come up with.