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“No, never. I had my freedom and was able to practice freely as long as it was just he and I in the house. I had to play that role when others were around, but he never let anyone mistreat me or even talk to me, really.”

“He let you practice magic?” I ask.

“Mhmm,” she says happily. “I even convinced him to let me practice magic on him.”

“Until she almost set me on fire,” Vash adds.

“Big baby,” she laughs and turns back to me. “He let me see my family, and he never put his hands on me. He assured my family that I was safe with him, and he would keep me with him as long as he needed to ensure that I stayed undiscovered.”

“When did you leave him?” I ask.

“When the request for him to join the queen came through. The law had changed, but I asked to stay until things calmed down. I was afraid someone would… I didn’t feel safe on my own and I couldn’t get ahold of my family,” she explains. “I only left the house a few days ago when things started to calm down. My parents and sister were being held by that old council member, so now I am back with my family.”

“Why did you call him master?” I ask.

“Force of habit,” she shrugs. “Around others, I had to. When it was just him and I he hated it when I’d call him anything but Vash.”

“But she did it anyway to be annoying,” Vash states simply.

“I won’t deny it,” she laughs. “I’m sorry if I offended you. I didn’t know he had a mate.”

“It’s okay,” I say. “I’m sorry I was a bitch. It’s been a hard few days. I shouldn’t have projected that on you… Or him, I guess.”

“He’s a big boy. He can handle it,” she says with a smile.

“Can I have my mate, or are you taking her from me?” Striker asks impatiently.

“Calm down, Bolt. You can have your mate now,” I say with a sweet smile.

“I hate it when you call me that,” he frowns as he gently pulls Maple closer. She turns and wraps her arms around him, and they both visibly relax.

“Okay. I’ll stop,” I say with a smile. “Only because that was adorable.”

“Ready to go home, or do you have anything else to yell at me about?” Vash asks.

“I’m sorry,” I say as I hug him.

“It’s okay,” he says, kissing my head. “I probably should have mentioned her before now. You’re cute when you’re jealous, though.”

“I wasn’t jealous,” I pull away and say.

“Yeah, you were,” Dad laughs.

“Whatever,” I say. “Let’s go home.

“Can I steal you?” Maple asks Striker. “I kinda ran away from my family when I saw Vash. I should tell them what’s going on.”

“Yeah,” Striker says with a kind smile. “I’ll be home later, guys.”

“Just let us know if you’re having dinner with us and if she’ll be with you so I can make enough,” Brenna says.

“He let you use the kitchen? He never let me cook for him,” Maple laughs.

“Not after you tried to set me on fire, hell no,” Vash laughs. Maple sticks her tongue out at Vash before pulling Striker away.

“She’s sweet,” I say.

“She is,” Vash says, opening the car door for me. “She’s like a little sister who talks too much.”