“I got the job?” Aspen asked with a squeal.
“We haven’t even started the interview!” Aaron threw up his hands.
Bastian snorted. “Like you weren’t going to hire him already. Come on, kid, I’ll show you how to make the coffee. It’s vital to our survival.” He turned to stroll in the direction of the break room.
“I could magic you up a cup!” Aspen said as he followed behind him.
“I’m telling Leo this was all you!” Aaron shouted.
Bastian ignored Aaron to focus on the newest member of their team. “It’s a good habit to not use magic here. There might be humans in and out. Rule number one is never to reveal our secrets.”
“King Rainier was very clear about that,” Aspen said. “The humans in town don’t know about us and it must stay that way.”
They entered the kitchen.
“How old are you?” Bastian asked, going straight to the fancy coffee machine that Aaron had already unboxed and prepped. Good man had known what was most important.
“Two hundred and five,” Aspen said as he stared at the machine in front of them.
Bastian had to swallow back his surprise. Yes, fairies did age slowly, but jeez, he wouldn’t have guessed that.
Aspen giggled. “I know I don’t look it.”
“No you don’t.”
“I take after my mother,” Aspen explained. “She is of the royal line.”
“Which means you are too.”
“I shouldn’t have said that. Please don’t fire me!”
“Why would I already fire you?” Bastian questioned as he pulled the dark roast he favored from the box on the counter.
“Most people don’t like to be involved in fae politics. Not that you would be! I don’t have anything to do with that. It’s kept me from finding work. And if I can’t support myself, I can’t move out of my parents’ house. And I really want to move out.”
Damn fae rules. Bastian knew enough to know it was best to stay clear.
“I can leave if you want. I’ll tell King Rainier it just didn’t work out.”
Bastian slammed the pod back down before he turned and lifted Aspen up. He set Aspen on the counter and grabbed his chin. “Now you listen to me.”
Aspen nodded with wide eyes.
Good. He had the kid’s full attention. “If you want to work, then you fight for it. Come in every day and do your best. It’s okay to ask questions. We won’t be mad if you make a mistake. But you will let us know if you have any problems. We don’t getinvolved in fae issues, but I have the king’s personal number and I will use it.”
“Thank you!” Aspen hugged Bastian tight.
“It’s fine.” Bastian patted the kid’s back. “You’ll be fine.”
Someone cleared their throat.
Anger. Confusion. Hurt. All the scents hit Bastian hard as he pulled back and turned to his mate, who hovered in the doorway.
His mate was there and Hudson was not happy.
“I texted you that I was on my way,” Hudson said. “I didn’t mean to interrupt—” He waved his hand at them.
Aspen peered around Bastian and waved. “Hi.”
