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“Tell me how you two met.”
Barron explained their initial meeting. She knew that he’d contacted Donnie at one point to say he wouldn’t be home, but he hadn’t elaborated on the reason.
“Now that Byron’s changed the mating laws, Mercy and I don’t have to make any rash decisions about our living arrangements.”
“You’ll want to live on pride lands, though, right?”
“We haven’t discussed it,” Barron said. He gave Mercy’s hand a squeeze. “It doesn’t matter where we live, only that we’re together.”
“I’m sure you still have lots to figure out. The fun stuff is getting to know each other. Pride rules and shifter business aren’t quite as fun.”
“Exactly,” Barron said. “I’m going to pack a bag and stay at Mercy’s apartment. I have to work on Monday night, but I’ll let you know what we decide.”
Donnie rose to his feet and groaned when his knees popped. He gave Barron and Mercy a hug. “I’m so glad to meet you, Mercy. Thanks for putting up with my grandson.”
“Grandpa,” he chided.
Mercy giggled. “It’s my pleasure.”
She followed Barron to his bedroom and sat on the bed. He rummaged in the closet for a bag and filled it with a few changes of clothes. “Do you think he’s right?” she asked.
“About what?”
“That it’s easier if you live here.”
He hummed and pulled open a dresser drawer. “Yes and no.” He removed socks and underwear and closed the drawer, tucking them into the bag.
“More yes than no?”
He shrugged and straightened, resting his hands on his hips. “I’m mid-ranked in the pride, so I don’t have the responsibilities of the higher-ranked males who do things like patrol the territory and help the alpha and his family. I do have to be around for meetings and our monthly hunting parties, but pretty much I can do what I want.”
“What do you want?”
“Honestly?”
She nodded.
“Just you, sweetheart. Where we live matters like this much to me.” He held up his hand, his finger and thumb nearly touching.
“I’m being serious, Barron.”
“Me, too. I waited my whole life for you, Mercy. We could live in a tent and I’d still be the happiest male on the planet just because you’re in my arms. If it works for us to live in the apartment, then that’s what we should do. If it would be better if we were here in the territory, then that’s fine with me. We’re not far from your job, so travel isn’t an issue.”
She chewed on her bottom lip. Rising to her feet, she said, “There’s just one thing that’s on my mind when it comes to our living situation.”
He zipped the bag and slung it over his shoulder. “What’s that?”
“I never really saw myself living in the apartment forever. I figured I’d get married and have kids someday and my husband and I would have an actual house with a yard and maybe a swing set.” She tilted her head and looked at him. “I think we can stay in the apartment for now, but it’s not where I think we should be permanently.”
He reached for her, drawing her close with a purr. She pressed her hands against his chest to feel the vibration as she lifted her head for a kiss.
“That’s a great point. Let’s stay at the apartment, and when the time is right, we’ll move into a place in the territory. It would be nice if we could live near Donnie.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“Let’s go home, sweetheart. It’s been a crazy day.”
When they returned to the family room to say goodbye, Donnie pulled Barron aside for a short chat and then gave both a hug goodbye, making them promise to come to lunch on Saturday.
