MasonI don’t have the luxury to spend the time thinking of how returning home felt so far. I spent five hours in the indoor shooting range, mastering my aiming, reloading, and shooting.My mind is blank and void of every thought. I really try not to think of anything because that way I will be unaware of my situation.I took out my earmuffs as I saw Mikko and David coming from the side, “What’s up?” “Your father said you get ready, dinner with the Lauderhill Governor and The Battalion Commanders at 6pm sharp,” David said, staring at my target, “You are getting good at aiming, that is one swoop hit.”“What can I say? He learned from the best,” Mikko smiles, judging the differences in the sizes and the overall highest score, “You improved a lot, Mason.”“Thank you guys,” I stared at the target myself, a little impressed by my ability. I should do better.Everyone is doing better.Kai Kai is quietly taking his home school lessons, not throwing tantrums about not seeing his friends.I s
LeoThree hours had passed since Mason had fallen deeply asleep. I couldn’t bring myself to sleep, I knew I had to return to the Packhouse. I knew I had to respond to the calls and the meetings.I knew I couldn't be away when the Pack was in literal chaos.Auden has been trying to mind link me constantly, it was literally 4:16 am.I press a long devoted kiss on Mason’s forehead, rubbing his cheek with my thumb as I watch him sleep. I wish with everything in me that things were different for us, maybe if we were two ordinary people.Maybe loving each other wouldn’t be too troublesome. I slid off the bed and hurried back to the Packhouse.It’s nothing but noise over here.“I’m sorry, Alpha for waking you up,” Auden bows, “You need to see something.”I go along with him, “No need to apologize, I was unable to fall asleep anyway.”I’m on the third floor watching outside the gates, over 200 pack guards are fighting the attackers, trying to stop them from entering the pack premises.“There
Mason“Sister in law, I can tell you haven’t had what to eat all evening, don’t say no.”I rub my hands, stretching them towards the fireplace, enjoying the warmth of the burning woods. “How can I eat in this situation? The tension in this house is heavy, I feel like it might swallow me up.”“That is because my mother is intimidating. But what can you expect from a girl who was raised as a princess in her home country?” Zena answers me casually, “Since I’m her girl child we should get along, right? Well we don’t, she hates me, hates my gut and complains at every little thing I do. She has a constant habit of vandalizing me and telling me to behave like a girl. Don’t expect to get along with her.”“I don’t expect that,” My emotions have been having the best of me all evening. I think if I get pinched I’m going to burst out crying, “It is always the same with you guys, Leo’s friends and family. You were the only one who was nice
LeoMy mother jumps on her feet, taking in Mason's appearance with nothing but hatred and contempt. She is disgusted and even more pissed off.There is a thick silence in the room where no one dared to move or speak.“Leo, I need to speak to you in private,” My mother said and she was about to walk out but I stopped her with my words.“Mother, what is the hurry? I brought someone to see you,” I pressed my lips in a thin smile, turning around to wrap my hands around Mason’s shoulders, “Meet Mason, my one and only happiness. What do you think of him? Isn’t he just beautiful? I told you, I will let you know immediately I start to see someone. It might not be the best time but I brought my choice back home, mother.”Mason bows deeply, with respect. His words are polite, “My name is Mason, nice to meet you…” Mason peeks at me, wondering what to call her.I don’t know so I shrugged, murmuring, “Anything.”“Nice to meet you, madam.”She forms a faux smile on her lips, nodding at Mason’s gree
5 Hours Earlier.Leo“Alpha, how can you be so heartless? I…I thought…You.”“Listen Ethan, I can’t have it. I don’t want it, look, I have a mate and you know this. How can you be? It’s not even possible to begin with.”Ethan is bursting into tears now, his body tensing up, “Alpha…? I would never lie to you, why do you think it’s not possible? You breeded me for hours, you gave me your knot several times. I got sick a week ago and decided to go to the Pack’s hospital. They told me four weeks had passed since… and I didn't know how to tell you. We can go together to get tested again.”Goddess please!The room is becoming tight, I paced around folding up my sleeves, “It’s not about that, Ethan. I can’t have you carry my baby.”Ethan stomps his feet, frustrated at my behavior, “Why? Why are you not happy? This is supposed to be good news for you.”I’m taken aback, looking at him with surprise.“Your mate cannot birth you a child, you need an heir. I thought that is why you brought me back
MasonI arrived home but why do I feel scared to go inside? Why do I feel scared to open the door?I shake off every creeping fear inside me, opening the door to a dark living room. I took off my shoes as they were wet from the snow. I padded inside the house with my socks, switching on the lights.I gasp, jumping at how Leo was sitting on the sofa watching me quietly.“You scared me,” I rub my chest, closing my eyes to calm down.“Where did you go?” His tone is calm as he is searching my face, trying to read my every expression.I ignored him and went to the kitchen to fix myself a warm chocolate, I’m freezing.“I ask you a question sugar, where were you?”“Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that same question, Leo?”He gets up from his seat, “I didn’t go out without telling you, you suddenly left with Mikko and then came back by midnight? Where did you go?!”“Do you want the truth?”Leo crossed into the kitchen, keeping a distance between us, “I’m not trying to start a fight with you