Page 39 of Sweetheart

The cabin might not look like much, but it was the first place that he’d ever found safety. It could be nothing but with Mason’s nerves and the shooting, he needed to be cautious.

Mason quite enjoyed the drive to town. Being out in the middle of nowhere had many benefits. The view was gorgeous and quiet. It took less than twenty minutes to get to the town proper.

The main street really had it all. The restaurants and diner, shops and stores, and Levi’s tattoo parlor. He couldn’t help but smile thinking about the man Mason was sure was his mate. Would Levi tell him soon? Maybe after Mason made his own confession and let Levi know that he was already aware of the paranormal world? Or would Levi send him on his way once Levi learned what Mason’s family had done for decades?

His stomach gave another twist of pain.

How was he already so invested in Levi?

Mason knew the answer to his own question though. He’d felt the connection when Levi was Stone. Now that he suspected they were probably mates, Mason was aware of what that could mean for him.

“This is a cute little town.”

He side-eyed his brother but Jason had a thoughtful look on his face and didn’t appear to be teasing. His twin had refused to settle down, stating that it was better to be one step in front of their father. Jason was always looking for the next thrill.

Mason didn’t blame his brother. Not with the fucked-up way that they’d been raised but he still hoped Jason would want to stay close some day. Maybe they could live in the same town.

“The people are nice,” Mason said. “They mind their own business but also look out for one another.”

“You talking about your man and his family?”

There was teasing in that question. Mason laughed. “Well, they do pretty much own every successful business in town.”

“How long have they been here?”

“I don’t actually know.”

“You really need to learn more about your man.” Jason’s tone held disappointment. They’d been trained better but, in his defense, Mason hadn’t expected to be surrounded by the paranormal world he’d been trying to escape from.

“I’m hoping that after we talk today, I can ask the important questions.” That was if Levi even wanted him around.

“When do I get to meet this guy?” Jason inquired.

“Let me see if he even wants to talk to me after I tell him everything.” Mason pulled into the parking lot behind the bakery. He wanted to surprise Levi with something sweet and delicious.

“Hey.” Jason grabbed Mason’s shoulder.

Mason turned his attention to his brother.

“If Levi is your mate, then we can pretty much guarantee that he’ll at least listen to you. I can’t see anyone meant for you not having that kind of respect.”

“Levi is a sweetheart. I won’t lie and say I’m not scared of what he’ll say. I’m also worried about the other paranormals. They’re powerful. I can feel it when I’m around them. If they don’t want Levi to be with me—”

“Then fuck them!” Jason exclaimed.

“You haven’t seen Levi around his family. He looks up to the others. They mean so much to him. From what I’ve noticed, Levi was devastated when he left his birth family.”

Jason shook his head. “I wish I could give you better advice. This is so new to us. For our entire life we thought all these paranormals were monsters. That they were trying to exterminate all humans. Levi needs to understand that. We got away on our own but that doesn’t mean it’ll be easy for you to suddenly not react to what your body will tell you is a danger to your survival.”

“How do I tell him that I was born and raised to end his existence?”

“Carefully.” Jason squeezed his shoulder. “And don’t let him get away until he understands why you left that life.”

Mason nodded.

“At least you never killed anyone,” Jason said quietly.

“Jas—”

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