Kat suspected by his quick agreement that they did more than call Rance names, but it was too early in their relationship for Rance to share all his troubles.
“Also, if they plan to kick you out after you build their Grove, there should be some compensation. Maybe a percentage of the gem money. Melcori has a soft spot for kids. He’ll work a contract in your favor over the other dryads if I tell him the situation.”
“I’m not a kid,” Rance sneered with all the glory of teenage pride.
Xavier laughed. “Melcori is ancient. Everyone is a kid to him. Trust me, I know. He raised me. For this, you want to capitalize on being a kid.”
“What happened to your parents?” Rance asked.
Kat protested. “Rance, he might not want to share all the details of his personal life with strangers.”
Rance frowned. “But you’re his mate.”
“Just because mates feel a pull to be together doesn’t mean everything will magically work out. We still need to get to know each other like regular people.” Kat had heard dozens of stories about mates breaking up because they skipped communication for sex. That only worked out in short-term relationships and porn stories.
“Thank you!” Xavier said, his voice louder than before. “No one wants to admit that having a mate bond doesn’t immediately solve every relationship problem. I’m glad you agree.”
Kat nodded. “Definitely.” He patted Rance’s arm. “Let Xavier talk to Melcori. They can iron out the details before bringing you in. You’ll see your mother soon. We only have a few more days before the Grove magic transfers. This situation won’t last forever.”
“You’re right. I just miss her.” He turned a shy look in Kat’s direction. “I’d like to return here after the Grove is established.” He paused and bit his lip before continuing. “If you’re still willing to have me.”
“Of course.” Kat knew he’d be glowing with joy if he were fae.
“Wait, what does he mean?” Xavier asked.
Kat took a deep breath before replying, hoping this wouldn’t be a problem. “I offered Rance a place to stay. It’s not right to kick a kid out of his home at fifteen. And, yes, I know he probably doesn’t need much care, but no teen deserves to be without proper support, even if he does have a home tree he carries around with him. I’m sorry if you don’t want to have a teen to look after so soon after meeting your mate, but I won’t abandon him!” His voice had become a little screechy in the end.
“Whoa.” Xavier held up his hands as if to hold off the verbal torrent. “I have nothing against you giving Rance a permanent home, but maybe you should talk to his mother before you’re set on raising her kid.”
Kat gave a stiff nod. “Sorry, I’m rather passionate about this topic. I don’t want any kid to be homeless.”
“Considering my parents tossed me aside when I was eight, I completely support that viewpoint.”
“What!” Rance shouted.
Xavier scraped his fingers through his hair. “It’s a long story. Maybe I’ll tell you another time.”
Rance nodded, then changed the topic entirely. “I can put my tree right there.” He pointed out the window to Kat’s backyard, his hand flailing in excitement.
Kat let out a pleased purr.
“Maybe you and Rance should stay at the pack house until this is resolved.”
“Are you trying to hide me or Rance?” Kat winced. That had come out sharper than he planned.
“I’m trying to protect you. The fewer people who know we’re mated right now, the safer you are.”
Kat wrinkled his nose. “You think Melcori will harm me?”
“No, but I think he’d use you as a bargaining chip.”
Kat held back the dozens of questions he had about Xavier’s childhood. Unfortunately, he couldn’t ask them now after reprimanding Rance about his intrusive questions. From what he knew of Blood Mage Masters, they weren’t exactly warm and paternal, something he should probably keep in mind when dealing with his mate.
Kat longed to know everything about Xavier, from how he grew up to what he planned to do once his apprenticeship ended. Would he want to move in with Kat, or did he have his own place?
“As long as you can find me, that’s what matters?” Kat batted his eyelashes at Xavier, making him laugh.
“Can I go to my room?” Rance asked a slight whine in his voice. “I don’t want to watch old people flirt.”
