Chapter Four

Levi

"Levi! Your friend is here!" Drake called from downstairs.

"Coming!" Levi left his suite and headed for the stairs that led to the kitchen. He knew he would find Tristan trying to talk Drake into some food. Tristan loved human food and Drake really was a master in the kitchen.

He entered the kitchen to find Tristan stuffing his face with leftover cherry pie as Drake and Lawson teased the demon.

Lawson brightened when he spotted Levi.

"Hey," Levi greeted his friends.

"Someone got a surprise!" Lawson sang at him.

"Huh?" That didn't make sense. Who got a surprise? Tristan?

Drake pointed to a basket sitting on the kitchen counter. "That was beside the back door this morning."

Levi strolled over and peeked inside the wicker basket. There was a red envelope sitting on what appeared to be a light tan knit blanket. His name was on the front of the little envelope.

As he reached for the card, his fingers brushed the soft blanket. That would be perfect for his rooftop oasis when he snuggled up with his plants surrounding him.

The envelope was still sealed.

"Did you read this?" he asked.

Lawson's eyes widened before he flung a hand to his heart. "I would never!"

"I stopped the boys from being too nosy," Drake told him.

"Spoilsport," Lawson muttered.

Levi grinned. At least there were a few responsible adults in the house.

"Open it!" Lawson demanded dramatically.

"Is he opening it?" Bryce and Logan ran into the room.

"Maybe I should open this upstairs," Levi teased. He actually considered it. This had to be something from his mate, right? Please be from Mason. Levi had been floating by the time he'd arrived back home the night before. He'd been heartbroken but there had been a small kernel of hope that had never died.

"Don't you dare!" Gavin said while sauntering in the room. "The boys have been waiting all morning for you to come down."

"The boys?" Levi questioned. "Shouldn't you be at work?"

"I'm the boss," Gavin pointed out. "I can go in when I want. First, we all want to know what that letter says. Unless you'd rather talk about how you came back from walking your mate home smelling like need and horniness."

The boys snickered.

"Horniness!" Tristan perked up. "I did not hear about this."

Levi ignored the demon. Really, he needed to ignore all his friends. Tristan had gone from being his stalker and trying to woo him to a good friend in a short couple of weeks. That didn't mean that Tristan had stopped coming onto Levi. He did not need Tristan to be encouraged by any of this.

"Open it!" Lawson draped himself over the kitchen island.

"Fine." Levi brought the envelope up to his nose for a brief moment. Mason. It smelled just like his mate. A mixture of sun, trees, dirt, and something manly.

"Aww," Bryce and Logan cooed.

Levi narrowed his eyes to his friends. "Stop that."

Bryce batted his eyes innocently. "Stop what?"

"Your Daddy spoils you too much," Levi accused.

"Nah," Bryce disagreed. "He spoils me just right."

Shaking his head, Levi returned his attention to the envelope. He ran his finger carefully under the flap, making sure not to rip it. He'd never gotten something…anything…like this. The feeling of being special was foreign to him.

He pulled out the small white card.

Levi,

I saw this in town and thought about you. I don't want you shivering for any other reason than being with me. Call me! We have a date to plan.

Mason

"Aww!" echoed around the room.

Levi blushed as he stuffed the card back into the envelope.

"That's so sweet!" Bryce gushed.

"Levi has a boyfriend!" Lawson sang.

"Levi and Mason sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" Logan joined in.

"I hate you all," Levi lied.

Gavin wrapped an arm around Levi's neck and pulled him back into his solid chest. "Proud of you. I know it's not easy putting your heart on the line."

Levi nodded. He was afraid. Even though Mason had explained, and Levi felt better about what happened with the dating app, Levi was scared. He had so much to confess to his mate. Mason was human and with all the odd incidents going on around their house, Levi worried for his mate. Levi couldn't bring Mason into his world without proper warning.

"Are we done being lovey dovey?" Tristan asked. "I was promised some hunting if I came up."

"Yeah." Levi had called Tristan for help tracking down the hunters or whoever from the night before. Bo and the Hellhound pack had tracked the scent of two humans to the entrance of the state park before they'd left in some kind of vehicle. "I'll just take this upstairs."

He really wanted to add the blanket to his nest on the roof but that would have to wait. Levi needed to make sure his family was safe first. Levi raced up the stairs to stash the basket away and set the card in his top drawer before quickly returning to the kitchen. Someone must have told Tristan about the previous night as he leered at Levi when he reentered the kitchen.

"You are telling me all the details," Tristan said.

"Good luck," Gavin retorted. He patted Levi on the shoulder as he passed. "I'll have my phone on me if you two run into any trouble."

"Okay," Levi agreed. He motioned toward the back door. "Ready?"

"Sure." He handed Drake his empty plate. "Once again, vampire, best pie I've ever had. If you and your mate ever want a break from this boring human place, just let me know. I'd be happy to host you in the Hell realm."

Lawson snorted. "You do remember my brother is mated to the Reaper, right? We can go to the Hell realm whenever we want."

"No!" Tristan wailed. "I need someone to cook for me!"

Levi grabbed Tristan by the back of the neck before shoving him toward the back door. "Stop trying to entice my friends down to Hell."

"But I'm a demon!" Tristan protested. "It's what I do."

He kept pushing until they reached the door and Levi led the way across the back deck. Tristan followed along like the friend he was. Except he kept talking.

"Seriously though," Tristan said. "You are going to tell me what happened with your mate. Right? Right! Because two days ago you were hiding in the Hell realm with me, and you were super sad."

"I wasn't hiding," Levi corrected. "I'm helping Mal train all of you stubborn demons."

"But you were super sad while you were kicking our asses!" Tristan pointed out. "I can smell your emotions."

"I…" Levi could only shake his head. He had been more than sad. Just days ago, he had been devastated. Knowing that Mason was so close but not his… Levi had been convinced he'd never have his mate. The one person who was meant for him.

The other matings had pretty much gone perfectly. Okay, maybe not perfectly. There had been a few bumps in the road but nothing compared to how Levi's mating was going. He wanted to believe that now that Mason had admitted that he was still interested in Levi they could go forward but the unease in his gut still clenched.

"So what happened? Did you do it? You know…it?" Tristan asked nosily.

Levi was not answering that question.

"Was it good?" Tristan questioned.

"I didn't sleep with him." Damn it, he hadn't meant to answer.

Tristan hummed. "But you wanted to."

Of course, Levi wanted his mate. Mason was perfect. His soft trusting eyes. His strong muscular body. His sharp wit. Mason was his perfect match and damn it, Levi wanted him. He just didn't know how he was going to keep Mason's interest for long. As a human, Mason would feel a connection to him but it wouldn't be as strong as Levi's need to bond.

"You should have just fucked him and worried about everything else later," Tristan advised.

Levi ignored the demon as he headed straight toward the area that they'd found last night and that still reeked of gunpowder and metal. Levi had promised Axel he would follow up on the events of the night before.

There had been hunters in the past that had trespassed onto their land but something about last night felt weird. He had no idea why someone would put one bullet in a single tree. It bothered Levi and he couldn't explain why.

The problems around their territory had started after they'd begun to find their mates. Axel was right to be concerned. Their family had started an upheaval in the paranormal world as mates were once again being found and so many wanted that gift for themselves. They were determined to protect their mates while at the same time trying to figure out why mates had been so scarce for so long.

Levi didn't care about the details. He'd always felt in his heart that he had a mate out in the world somewhere. Axel meeting Bryce had been a miracle. The night that Levi's Alpha had brought Bryce home, Levi had sat up on his rooftop oasis and cried happy tears.

His mating was going a lot differently than the others in his chosen family and from what Levi had expected. Levi could admit that he was part of the problem.

Growing up, his parents had told him to forget about the dream of having a mate and be happy with the life he had. Levi couldn't be satisfied with that. He wanted someone to love. Getting to know Mason had been terrifying but Levi had been the happiest he'd ever been. Until everything had fallen apart.

"Are you even listening to me?" Tristan demanded.

Levi shook himself from his thoughts. "Sorry."

Tristan huffed at him. In his human glamour, the demon looked completely different than when they were in the Hell realm. Levi could admire Tristan's human look, but he was nothing compared to Levi's mate. Mason might not be conventionally attractive, but Levi found Mason to be sexy and sweet.

"This is the tree." Levi pointed ahead of him.

Tristan stalked forward to get a better look.

Adam had already been by to remove the bullet from the tree and start the healing process. As a dryad, Adam's connection to the forest was the strongest. Adam had been pissed and promised that he'd talk to Mal about adding more protection for the trees.

"Just a single bullet?" Tristan asked.

"Yes."

"Maybe a human out for target practice?" Tristan inquired.

"Why this close to the house?" Levi asked. "The state park goes miles in the other direction. And it was dark, no light or anything. We were out here within minutes and didn't see anyone although Bo tracked the scents to a parking lot on the other side of the state park."

"I can see why you"re worried," Tristan admitted. He took a deep breath before his eyes flashed red as he pulled from his demon abilities. Tristan had previously worked as a tracker before he'd come into his powers as one of the Hell realm's new warriors. "I can scent three humans. One scent is buried under the two newer ones from last night."

Levi nodded. He'd picked up the same. There was only one problem with that. "The older scent belongs to my mate."

Tristan turned to him. "Why would your mate's scent be concentrated here?"

Levi didn't have an answer for that. "He's a park ranger. His cabin is only about five miles away. He's been hiking, trying to learn the area."

Tristan's eyes flashed red again. "He spends a lot of time in this exact spot."

"He does?" Levi walked to the tree and turned. From this location the back of the house could be clearly seen. Why would Mason want—

"Your mate has some explaining to do," Tristan said.

Biting his lip, Levi's anxiety rose. Levi trusted Mason. Sure, their mating might not have gone smoothly but Mason and Levi were meant to be together. The fates put together two souls that were perfect for each other. "There must be a reason."

Tristan hummed but didn't argue. "The other humans went this way." Tristan pointed to the north.

"Bo tracked them to the parking lot."

"Let's walk their path," Tristan suggested. "I want to see if I can learn anything else about them."

"Appreciate it," Levi said sincerely.

"Drake already promised me dinner before we head to the club."

Levi groaned. He'd forgotten that he'd offered to take Tristan to the BDSM club that Craig owned to entice the demon to come help. Tristan wasn't a fan of the human realm or having to wear glamour. He was one of the truest demon snobs that Levi had ever met. Tristan loved being a demon and other than the food saw no reason to even bother with humans.

There was a part of Levi that really wanted Tristan to find a human mate. It would serve the demon right for some of the things he'd said about humans. Levi's mate was human. Some of the mates to his chosen brothers were human. Humans had hurt Levi way less than other paranormal had.

"You promised," Tristan told him.

"I'll take you to the club," Levi said. It wasn't that he never went. He enjoyed sitting in the little room and watching the boys play. Levi just wasn't a fan of the open sex rooms or how often people touched him.

"Makes having to smell all these humans worth it." Tristan rubbed his hands together like an evil villain in a movie.

Levi snorted. "You realize that at least half the patrons of the club will be human?"

"I won't care what they smell like as I'm shoving my cock down their throat."

Levi shook his head before stomping in the direction that the humans of the previous night had gone. "TMI, man. TMI."

"I'm just saying!" Tristan hurried to catch up. "I've fucked humans before. I like when they are little subbie men. Women are fine too but I think I want a man tonight."

"I'm sure you'll have no problem finding a sub tonight." Levi really didn't want to talk about this. He wasn't one of the men that enjoyed discussing their sex lives. And not only because he didn't have a sex life.

Making the decision early in his life to save himself for his mate had seemed like a good plan. Levi had been sure that his mate would eventually be revealed. Now Levi didn't know how he was going to broach the subject with Mason.

Mason's words about his own experience showed that his mate was well versed in making love.

Levi had zero experience. None. Nada.

When Mason had invited Levi inside the prior night, Levi had nearly panicked."Wait." Tristan held up a hand.

Damn! Levi needed to get his head on his current job. He needed to figure out what was going on so that he could ensure his family and his mate's safety.

"Someone's coming," Tristan told him.

Levi stiffened.

* * * * *

Mason

They had fixed the fucking tree. There wasn't even a nick where the bullet had been. He should have known, really. Mason would have done the same thing. It was all about hiding the secret they were keeping. Since Mason was quite an expert on how to keep things hidden, he did understand. Not that his understanding helped with his irritation.

Stomping through the forest, Mason alternated between being pissed off or amused.

He suspected that Axel had plans in place to cover the paranormal activity in the area. And Axel was definitely the one in charge. Alpha or whatever they wanted to call him. Mason didn't have enough information to pinpoint what kind of pack Levi was a part of. The dynamics of the group currently eluded him, but Mason knew that Levi served as some sort of guard.

Just little things that Mason had picked up on. Levi wasn't a leader but not everyone was built that way. Mason certainly wasn't. Watching the group was fun and interesting. The men, even the men bigger than Axel, appeared to follow his lead without question.

Mason had never spent much time wondering how the packs and families of the paranormal functioned. His father was a ‘blitz attack and destroy' kind of man. Mason lived with a lot of regrets but at least he could say that he'd never killed. His brother, yeah. Jason still had nightmares of some of the things he'd done for their father.

Being called weak because Mason couldn't stomach violence had actually saved him. Mason's father Clint had labeled him a disappointment and changed tactics to training Mason in tracking and hunting. Mason was supposed to track the paranormal down before alerting Jason for his brother to eliminate the threat.

They'd been meant to be a team.

Except on Mason"s first solo assignment, he'd found something that changed everything in their world.

Mason shook his head and blinked in front of him. He couldn't get lost in memories now. It wasn't safe. Not with whoever had been out in his woods the night before.

Returning to the spot he'd been in the previous night, Mason had expected to follow some sort of trail. There wasn't much that he could find. Either the hunters were skilled or the paranormals in the area cleaned up any tracks as well.

He paused when he heard voices approaching.

Reaching behind his back, Mason made sure his weapon was in reach.

"I'm just saying! I've fucked humans before. I like when they are little subbie men. Women are fine too but I think I want a man tonight."

"I'm sure you'll have no problem finding a sub tonight."

Fuck! These men really needed to have more care about when and where they had conversations that could give away their secrets.

And who the hell was Levi talking to?

He took a step before he could stop himself. Who was with Levi? Mason didn't recognize the voice. He pushed down the spark of jealousy. He might not know Levi well but there was no way that Mason's sweet gray-haired man was a cheater.

"Wait! Someone's coming."

At least this new guy had something going for him. Mason hadn't even made that much noise. Mason worried that Levi and his family had grown too comfortable in the area. With Mason's background and past he knew how quick trouble could come.

Hell, something had happened the prior night. That was the reason they were all trapsing around the woods.

Mason dropped his arm and tugged his shirt back over his gun before he strode forward, acting like he hadn't heard a word the two men had said.

Just before reaching where Levi and friend were standing, Mason acted like he stumbled.

Firm hands caught him by his elbows.

Mason looked up. "Levi?" Fuck! He should have been an actor. He sounded so innocent.

"Mason." Levi said his name quietly. God, what would it be like to hear Levi calling out his name in the middle of the night while they were getting to know each other much better?

Their gaze met and Mason licked his lips. Damn, he wanted Levi even more than when he didn't know what the other man tasted like.

Someone cleared their throat. "Are you two going to start doing it? The sexual tension—"

Levi growled before he released Mason and stepped back. "Stop, Tristan!"

Who was Tristan? Mason hadn't heard that name yet. He peered around Levi and nearly swallowed his tongue. Oh! Wow. That man—

Levi sighed. "Mason, this is a…friend of mine, Tristan. Tristan, this is Mason."

Tristan grinned. "The Mason?" he asked with excitement.

"The only Mason I'm aware of," Mason retorted. Had Levi been talking about him? That was a good sign.

Tristan rushed forward. Yeah, he was not human. He moved too smoothly. Was too attractive. There was something otherworldly about him.

Levi moved, subtly putting himself between Mason and Tristan.

Mason loved seeing the protective instincts that Levi exhibited without even realizing it. He gave so much about himself away. Mason was trained to read people and he was starting to figure Levi out. Levi had all the Daddy instincts that Mason was searching for while also being one of the sweetest beings to ever live. The perfect combination of man that Mason had to have.

"Hm," Tristan hummed. "Aren't you cute?"

"Cute," Mason repeated. Sure, he might not be as big and muscular as the men around him, but Mason wasn't some fragile human that needed to be watched over. He rolled his shoulders then lifted his chin in challenge.

"And spicy." Tristan leered at him.

Levi stepped back until Mason's chest was against that strong back. A low growl escaped from Levi. Interesting. Mason knew Levi wasn't human and really wanted to know what type of paranormal he was.

"No wonder Levi wouldn't let me sex him up," Tristan said.

Cold fury overtook his senses until Mason could only see red. His temper had always been sharp and something that he struggled with. Mason took three long slow breaths, knowing he couldn't lose his shit in front of Levi. He slid his hand across the small of Levi's back while stepping up beside Levi to take Tristan's measure.

"Are you trying to make me jealous?" Mason asked coldly. "Or are you just an idiot?"

Levi stiffened beneath his hand, but Mason didn't…wouldn't…allow Tristan to screw up what Mason was working so hard to fix.

Tristan grinned. Even bright white teeth. They were too perfect. Some kind of glamour? "Maybe a little of both?"

Levi shook his head, but Mason leaned into his side.

"Well stop it. You're upsetting Levi, and I won't fall for it."

Tristan narrowed his eyes at him.

The hairs on the back of his neck stood. The natural reaction of his body telling him that he was in danger. He wanted to shake off the feeling but also knew he couldn't give anything away. Mason stared back at the stranger.

"Interesting," Tristan hummed.

Levi turned toward Mason, pulling Mason's attention to where it should be. Mason smiled up at his man but didn't relax his guard.

"What are you doing out here?" Levi asked.

Really? Were they going to play this game? Okay, if that was how Levi wanted it. "My job," Mason replied. "You remember the shooting last night?"

"You shouldn't—" Levi started.

"What shooting?" Tristan asked, butting into their conversation.

Mason huffed. "You both know what I'm talking about."

"Maybe…" Levi shifted from foot to foot. "We were wrong. I…"

Oh, Levi was trying so hard to cover his tracks. But not lie? Was that what was happening?

"Maybe we made a mistake," Levi finally finished.

"We didn't," Mason told him. It would be so much easier if Mason could just confess to what he already knew. "I heard the shot. You saw the bullet in the tree. It's not there now."

Levi's fingers shook as he rubbed at the back of his neck.

"Like Levi said. Must have been a mistake."

Mason shook his head. "I have been doing this a long time. I know what I heard and saw. Even if someone managed to cover their tracks, there is something going on." Mason wasn't letting this go. He couldn't. There were too many people in the line of danger that could be hurt.

Levi furrowed his brows. "But—"

"What are you two doing out here?" Mason questioned. Even though Mason was certain that Levi and Tristan were doing the exact same thing he was. Searching for answers.

"Hiking!" Tristan said quickly. "I'm visiting for a few days and Levi is showing me around."

Mason peered into Levi's intense gray eyes. "It's not safe out here. You need to be careful and stay on the marked trails." Mason couldn't kick the feeling that somehow his father had tracked him down. One look at Levi and his friends and Mason's father would know they were different.

Levi didn't even blink. Just stared back at Mason like he could see through him. He frowned. "You are out here."

"Doing my job," Mason said.

"I know these woods like the back of my hand," Levi countered. "I'm safe enough. And I have a friend. You're out here all alone."

"A friend?" Mason repeated. "A friend that wants to have sex with you."

Levi blushed. How fucking cute was it that the big guy's cheeks turned a bright red and he squirmed? Mason couldn't help his jealousy. He still didn't know where Levi often disappeared to and Tristan was an attractive being. Tristan and Levi were obviously close friends.

"I told him no." Levi's words were soft but firm.

"He did. Multiple times," Tristan agreed.

"Not helping," Mason told Tristan.

Tristan shrugged. "You hu…people always take things so seriously. This is why I never come up here."

"Where are you from?" Mason asked. Any information was helpful.

Tristan rocked back on his heels. "A land far, far away."

Mason just bet.

"But that's not important," Tristan said. "Where are you from? What's your last name? Family name? When did you arrive? Why'd you come here?"

Mason smiled. "I think you know just who I am." Reaching out, Mason grasped Levi's hip, then tugged him forward. "And what I'm doing here." Was Mason staking his claim? Fuck yeah, he was.

Tristan sucked his bottom lip into his mouth before nodding. He walked closer with his dark eyes still on Mason. "Yeah, I think I do."

As Tristan approached, Mason tried to keep from reacting in any outward way. He slipped his arm around Levi's waist to hold him close. Tristan was the first to be suspicious of him. That Mason had noticed anyway. Levi was far too trusting. It made Mason nervous for Levi. Tristan was trying to be subtle, but he was scenting Mason. With a tilt of his head, Tristan stopped right in front of him.

"What are you doing?" Levi demanded. He turned his head but didn't try to get out of Mason's hold.

"Trying to put the pieces together," Tristan answered.

"Well stop it," Levi ordered. "You're being weird."

"Am I?" The question was directed to Mason.

"A little bit," Mason agreed. He locked gazes with Tristan over Levi's shoulder. He would not be intimated no matter how much he wanted to run.

Tristan shrugged before looking away. "Are we doing this hike or not?"

"Yeah." Levi gripped Mason's shoulders as he peered down. "You need to be careful out here."

"So do you," Mason replied.

"We will," Levi promised.

That would have to do. Mason couldn't follow Levi around. Not with Tristan being by Levi's side. There was something about Tristan that told Mason to be careful.

"Got plans tonight?" Tristan asked suddenly.

Mason lifted a brow. "I don't do threesomes. And Levi already told you no."

Tristan laughed. "I think we're going to be friends, Mason."

"Oh goody!" Mason glanced back at Levi.

Levi gave Tristan a look of fondness. "He's…"

"I don't care," Mason said honestly. He lifted to his tiptoes. "I don't share." He kissed Levi hard.

Levi's fingers tightened on Mason's shoulders as Mason pushed Levi's lower back to keep him close. Just like the night before, Mason had to work on getting Levi to open up and let him in. Mason teased his tongue over Levi's lower lip before he nibbled.

The soft moan that Levi released spurred Mason on.

He dug his nails into Levi's flesh then thrust his tongue inside Levi's hot mouth.

"I'm getting turned on!" Tristan said in a tone a cross between warning and amusement.

Mason took his time ending the kiss.

He'd gotten himself worked up. Not that it mattered. He could feel Levi's erection brushing against him as well.

"You need to come to the club with us." Tristan was suddenly right there next to them.

Mason reluctantly let go of Levi. "What club?" He knew what club. The town wasn't that big. Mason just wanted more information.

"You know!" Tristan waggled a finger at him. "I have a feeling you know a lot more than you've been letting on."

Mason locked down his emotions and kept still. There was no way Tristan knew anything. Mason was too well trained. Too good.

"I did promise to take Tristan out," Levi told him. "Would… You could come if you wanted?"

Mason grinned. "Are you asking me out on a date? You do owe me a date, if you remember."

Levi shook his head, but the corners of his mouth twitched like he was trying not to smile. "No…yes…maybe?"

"I'll totally go on a date with you tonight." He mentally thought about everything he had planned and calculated how long it would take. "What time?"

"Nine?" Levi suggested. "I know it's pretty late, but the club doesn't open until—"

"It's fine. Text me the address and I'll meet you there."

"You will?"

"I will," Mason agreed.

"Great!" Tristan clapped his hands. "Now can we get on with our…hike?"

Mason rolled his eyes. There was no hike and they all knew it. Not that Mason figured Levi or Tristan would have any better luck than him tracking down anything or anyone.