“He’s dangerous,” Tristan said. “For me that isn’t a big deal, but you are already in love with him.”
“I…”
Tristan shook his head. “That doesn’t have to be a bad thing. I think he’s more capable than anyone realizes. Just because he is human doesn’t make him weak.”
“I don’t think he’s weak,” Levi defended.
“But you don’t think he can take care of himself,” Tristan pointed out. “Do you know anything about his past?”
“Not really,” Levi admitted. He just hadn’t had the time. When they’d messaged through the app, they’d been flirty but hadn’t discussed anything serious. They’d only been talking in person for a few days.
“Don’t underestimate him,” Tristan said. “From what I see, and you have to remember I came in looking as an outsider, every mate has fit into the family perfectly.”
“They have.”
“Which will mean the same for your mate,” Tristan said.
“That’s true.” All of this gave Levi a lot to think about. “Are you staying here tonight?”
“Am I still welcome?” Tristan asked.
Levi hated the look of hesitance on Tristan’s face. He rose before pulling Tristan into a strong hug. “You are always welcome here. I’m so sorry.”
“I don’t want you to be sorry.”
Levi pulled back slightly.
Tristan blushed. “I don’t have many friends. You’re probably one of my best.”
Ah, Tristan was so sweet. “I love you, man.”
“Oh-uh.”
Levi chuckled. He remembered how hard it had been for him to accept the love and affection of the family. Levi now embraced all his brothers. Tristan would come around. He just needed to spend more time with them. “You know you love me too.”
Tristan laughed before pushing him away. “I’ll stay in the guest room.”
“I’ll see you in the morning.”
Levi walked Tristan to one of the guest suites then headed to his rooftop. He needed some time in his other form to refresh and get his thoughts in order.
Using the hatch on the third floor, Levi escaped to his oasis. Axel had been instrumental in providing Levi with the space he needed. Standing in the middle of his special rooftop, Levi peered around. Being a gargoyle Levi could see for miles.
Mason’s small cabin wasn’t too far away.
Eventually Levi hoped to have Mason with him at the big house. Levi loved the constant chaos in the house. Bryce and Nate both age regressed often and sometimes for days at a time. Lawson made the cutest pup and even Levi spent time with the boy curled up at his feet. River and Anton both spent a lot of time in the human realm and Levi considered both of them close friends. Sam and Ansley were both busy with the bookstore in town but always took time to seek Levi out. He missed Seb and Adam when they were in the hell realm, but Levi spent quite a bit of time there himself. Even Tristan had become family. Levi wanted Mason to be a part of it all.
He moved to the edge of the roof and undressed. From one of his secret compartments under one of shelving units, Levi pulled out a loincloth. It was one of the very few items he’d brought from his birth parents. His mom made all the children’s loincloths and having several nosy family members in the big house, Levi liked to be covered up.
Levi locked his eyes onto Mason’s cabin before he began to morph. Peace filled him and all his worries melted away as he assumed his natural form. He had a mate. Levi’s life was changing. Dreams were coming true. He smiled as stone replaced his flesh, freezing his happy expression in place.
Chapter Nine
Mason
‘Good morning sweetheart.’Mason sent the text and waited.
‘Good morning. I woke up thinking about you.’