Page 35 of Sweetheart

“We?” Mason repeated.

Jason drained the rest of his beer. “Like I’ll let you have all the fun.”

“Fun.” Mason snorted.

“We should have taken him out instead of running,” Jason told him.

This was an argument they’d had many times. Yes, Mason hated his father. That didn’t mean that Mason could kill him. He’d never hurt anyone.

“You’ll have to tell him. The sooner the better.”

Mason knew that. Setting his beer aside—he hadn’t even wanted the stupid drink, but it had felt nice to have something to hold on to. All he could think about was how Levi was going to react to what Mason really was.

“We’ll figure it out,” Jason said.

While he appreciated his brother’s support, Mason was still worried. Levi could want nothing to do with him. Even having a mate wasn’t a guarantee of a happily ever after. When his cousin had realized that she’d found a mate, it had been quite easy for her to be accepted within the family of raptor shifters. Mason didn’t foresee his transition coming so smoothly. The love the men had for one another was obvious. The powerful paranormal beings would not take any threat to their mates easily.

Levi was part of a very interesting group of paranormals. It was obvious to Mason, from his experience, that they were not all of one species. Mason couldn’t tell what species. Somehow, he was able to feel when he was in the presence of someone powerful. There were many powerful beings around Levi.

Powerful paranormals were going to do everything to protect their mates.

It was very likely that Axel, Bo, and many of the other men would see Mason as a threat. He wasn’t! Mason didn’t want to harm anyone. He wanted to be a part of the group. Levi should be his.

“I’m going to take a shower and get some sleep,” Jason told him.

“The couch will work?”

“Doesn’t it always?” Jason quipped. “You really should have found a bigger place.”

“It was free,” Mason reminded him. “And better than a different motel room every night.”

“That’s a matter of opinion.”

“Go shower. You stink,” Mason teased. Jason didn’t really.

Jason rose and patted Mason’s shoulder as he passed.

He needed to give Jason his space, so Mason grabbed his beer before he went out front. Closing the door quietly behind him, Mason headed to the chair he’d set in the corner.

Mason collapsed down, peering around his small little bit of peace.

He didn’t need much. Wasn’t looking for adventure or anything like that. All he really wanted for his life was a place that he belonged. Instead of a place to belong, Mason had been gifted with a person.

The possibility of Levi not trusting him was high.

Settling into his chair, Mason reminded himself to take deep breaths and just appreciate what he had. This small piece of landwas his. The cabin might not be much now, but Mason had plans for his home.

Chittering from a nearby tree drew his attention.

In the city, he’d never get to witness three small racoons racing up and down the trunk of a tree. They were cute as they played, and Mason wondered what the racoons’ parents were up to. Finding food? The forest did provide for all those who called it home. The raccoons were safe there and Mason wanted that feeling as well.

This was pretty much how Mason wanted his life to go. It would be better to be curled up in Levi’s arms as they sat on the porch watching the wildlife, but Mason was determined to have that moment with Levi in the future.

He’d do what he had to do to protect Levi and his family.

* * * * *

Levi

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