Page 9 of Kendrick

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 aheads 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.

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