Page 26 of Rage

The tension in the hallway is palpable, crackling like electricity in the air.Two alpha males, both fiercely protective, squaring off over the threshold of my apartment.The dim lighting adds to the ominous atmosphere.

“Dad?”I call out, my voice cutting through the tension.“What are you doing here?”

Mason doesn’t take his eyes off Liam, but he shifts slightly, allowing me to step up beside him.His arm snakes around my waist, pulling me close to his side.It’s a gesture of both protection and possession, a clear message to my father.

I run my hand along Mason’s back, trying to relax him.He does then walks farther into my apartment, leaving me alone with my dad.

His face softens, looking at me in the way he reserves for me and my mom.

“I’m sorry I scared you, sweet girl.You never answered my texts and I was worried something happened.”

I can see underneath the anger that he was scared.“I’m sorry, Dad, I put my phone in my room when I got off work.”

He sighs, pulling me to him, and hugs me tight, kissing the top of my head.“I know, baby, but you’re my heart and if something happened to you…” He trails off and I let him hug me as long as he wants.

“I’m okay, Dad,” I murmur, my voice muffled against his chest.“Really.Everything’s fine.”

He pulls back slightly, his eyes searching my face.“You sure, sweetheart?”

I can see the worry building inside him.“I can take care of myself.”

He chuckles.“I know that, but it doesn’t change the fact that you are my baby.”He looks over my shoulder, and I know he is looking at Mason.“Seems like you’ve got someone else looking out for you too,” he grumbles.

“Let’s go have a chat outside,” Mason tells my dad, and my eyes widen unexpectedly, but I can see the respect Mason has for my father.

Mason steps outside and my dad smiles at me before he shuts the door.

God, if I survive to be thirty with all of these alpha males, I’d be surprised.

I go to my bedroom and grab my phone.I see my mom texted me, a warning that my dad was on his way.

I decide to call her, falling back onto my bed.“Did your dad make it there?”she asks after the second ring.

“Oh yeah, but he got a surprise when he was here.”

She gasps.“Tell me!”

I laugh, imagining her sitting there with a glass of wine dying to find out.“Mason is here,” I mumble.

She squeals excitedly, “Oh my God!I bet your dad is shitting his pants.”She is way too happy at the fact.

“He took it okay, but they are having a man-to-man talk right now outside.”

I can picture her wincing.“Well, this is the trust test to see if he is man enough for my baby.”

I rub my forehead.“Well, he didn’t even let Dad in the house until I was okay with it.”

“You like him, baby?”she asks me.

I pause, considering my answer.“Yeah, Mom.I really do,” I admit softly.“He’s… different.In a good way.”

I can practically hear her smile through the phone.“I’m happy for you, sweetheart.Mason’s a good man.Just don’t tell your father I said that,” she adds with a chuckle.

I laugh, feeling some of the tension ease from my shoulders.“Your secret’s safe with me.”

We chat for a few more minutes before hanging up.I flop back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.My mind wanders to Mason and my dad, wondering what they’re discussing outside.Part of me wants to eavesdrop, but I resist the urge.This is something they need to work out between themselves.

After what feels like an eternity, I hear the front door open.My heart leaps into my throat as I strain to listen.There are no raised voices, no sounds of a scuffle.That’s a good sign, right?

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