Page 60 of Sweetheart

“It would be hard to always know,” Levi agreed.

“It became too much for us. The constant abuse. Sending us after people who hadn’t ever done anything to us or other people. We waited, listened carefully, prepared. When we were ready, we ran. We stayed hidden for years. Moved around constantly. Mason got tired of that life and eventually wanted to settle down. He came here.”

The twins were brave. So very brave. Levi was impressed. His mate had been through so much in his young life, and he had still reached out to Levi. Mason must have been so scared at times and still he was strong enough to make a life for himself.

Levi stared at the man that had tormented and hurt his mate. He could see the old human for what he was. Nothing. These men didn’t even deserve their time. They were nothing. Levi should be with his mate.

“Is there anything you need here?” Axel asked Levi. “Jason and Tristan both had some…interesting ideas on what to do to these men but agreed to allow the hounds to take them.”

“To Mal,” Levi said.

“Yes.”

Did Levi need to get his hands on Mason’s father? He wanted to, but in the end would it matter? The hell that awaited these men, especially Mason’s father, would be everything they deserve. Plus, really, Levi had enough connections that he could check on these men and their afterlife whenever he wanted.

Levi studied the humans before he turned away.

There was nothing he needed to do. Why was he in this shop when all he really wanted to be doing was holding his mate? This was a waste of time. The evil in these people was their undoing. It wasn’t up to Levi to play judge and executioner.

“I don’t need anything here,” Levi said softly. “I want to be with my mate.”

“I’m proud of you.” Gavin pulled him into a hug. “It’s not easy letting go of the need for revenge. Even harder when the revenge is for another person. They will get everything that they deserve.”

And Levi could let this go because he knew that to be true.

The door of the building slammed open. Levi and Gavin both spun and took defensive positions. Axel straightened.

“What?” Jason started.

“Stop!” River called. “Don’t kill them yet!”

Gavin snorted. “It’s just River and Anton.”

Levi placed a hand over his frantic heart. “Shit!”

“What’s going on?” Axel demanded.

River panted.

It was Anton that spoke. “Mason is on his way here.”

“Why?” Levi stepped forward.

“He needs—” River walked closer and waved at the bound men. “Something.” He was still trying to catch his breath.

Levi pushed past River and Anton, racing out of the building. He stopped in the middle of the yard when he spotted the back of a human holding a rifle.

* * * * *

Mason

Climbing down the back steps had seemed almost daunting but Mason clenched his teeth the entire way through them. Sam had an arm around his waist as Ansley held his hand, allowing Mason to squeeze tight.

Bryce and Lawson were in front of them as they slowly made their way across the yard. Lawson pulled Bryce to an abrupt stop, causing Mason to nearly run into him. Mason groaned at the suddenness.

“Who are you?” Lawson demanded of the man standing in the middle of the yard. Right there out in the open. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m just looking for someone.”

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