Chapter Six

Levi

Mason tightened his arms around Levi's waist and Levi had to fight to keep his attention where it needed to be. He'd given Mason his leather jacket and riding in just a tank had been a stupid idea. Levi was freezing except where Mason held him.

With his mate taking a rideshare service to the club, Levi had insisted on taking him home. Of course, he hadn't thought about logistics, but Levi didn't regret the additional time he was getting with Mason.

The evening had been everything that Levi could have asked for. Instead of wanting to go into the private areas or watch some of the more intense scenes, Mason had sat with the other boys in the family and played.

Mason had played dragons, which had a special meaning for all of them, and seemed to be having a blast.

Levi didn't think that Mason identified as a little the way that Bryce and Nate did, but he might be a middle or something. With his experience with the club and boys, Levi knew that a person could pretty much decide on how regression worked for them. Levi liked being a so-called uncle for the boys, but this was the first time that he'd had a boy of his own to take care of.

He'd been a mountain for playtime. Letting the boys use his legs as part of their battle. Mason's naughty hands had wandered here and there but Levi had enjoyed the teasing touch.

Levi also made sure that Mason stayed hydrated and had even fed his mate snacks. Just like a real Daddy would do for his boy. Levi hadn't been looking for a little but he had wanted someone that he could care for.

Being a Daddy to a boy of his own meant something special to Levi. He'd had to leave behind everyone he had ever loved, leaving him needing a bond that couldn't be broken.

If Mason was comfortable, Levi would love to have him over to the house to see the setup for the boys. Already Levi could see Mason as part of the group. Dinners, movie nights, fun activities. Levi needed that to happen.

He slowed as he reached the turnoff for Mason's cabin.

They were almost at their destination. Levi would extend the ride longer if it wasn't so damn cold. Next time. He'd offer to take Mason for another ride soon. As soon as Mason had found out that Levi had a bike and was willing to take him home, Mason had been so excited.

A nice long ride, maybe a picnic somewhere private, and time for Levi to spend with his mate. They would eventually come to the time when Levi was going to have to reveal his secret to Mason. He wasn't ready for that, but Levi didn't know how long he could hold off. Would it be fair to start something serious with Mason when Mason didn't know what Levi truly was? He didn't think so.

The small dirt road up to the cabin sandwiched between the forest on either side. It was a gorgeous area to ride through.

Levi carefully maneuvered his bike in front of the cabin then shut it down. The loud rumble of the engine dulled to nothing but silence. Literally. There was no sound in or around the cabin.

That must be utterly peaceful.

Mason hugged Levi's waist before he started to climb from behind Levi.

Levi made sure to catch Mason's arm to assist his mate. Often after getting off the back of a bike, it took a few minutes to get the blood flowing back to the legs. Once Mason was safely standing beside him, Levi threw his leg over the engine and rose. Carefully he removed the helmet that he'd borrowed from Bo and had insisted that Mason wore.

His mate was human and until they completed the mating acts, Mason was vulnerable. Levi would do everything in his power to keep his mate safe.

Mason grin was huge, and his brown eyes shone. "That was awesome."

Levi smiled back. "I'm glad you enjoyed the ride." He turned to place the helmet on the seat. Returning his attention to Mason, he noticed the other man had moved closer.

"I really did," Mason assured him. Mason's hand went to Levi's chest. Always touching.

"I was thinking that you might like to go on a longer ride during the day. When it's warmer. We could even stop and have a picnic. I know a few great spots I could show you."

"Yes," Mason agreed quickly. "I would love that."

Peering into his mate's eyes, Levi could see his future standing in front of him. So close but there was so much between them as well. "There are probably things we need to discuss before we take things any further."

Mason nodded. "I know."

His mate had no idea how much his human life was going to change. Levi would feel bad about the change to Mason's entire world if it didn't mean that Mason would be with him for all of eternity. Levi was a paranormal species that was immortal, and he would share that gift with his mate.

"I'll plan something for us," Levi promised.

"So this means that I'll hear from you? You'll message me? Call me?" Mason pressed.

"I will," Levi vowed. He wrapped his arms around Mason's back and tugged him closer. "I'm glad you sat with me at the diner. That you knew who I was."

"Would you have ever told me?" Mason said quietly.

"No." Levi didn't lie. He just wasn't good at it, and he didn't want to start his mating being dishonest. At least more dishonest than the secret he was keeping.

"I didn't think so." Mason closed his eyes before he took a deep breath. When he reopened his eyes and looked up at Levi, Levi could see the emotions were strong. "I'll never be able to make up for that message. For hurting you."

Levi shook his head. "No. That's in the past. We never have to bring it up again. It was a misunderstanding. All I want to do is move past it. I want to see what the future will bring."

"Me too. This connection…"

"It's real," Levi told him. "It might seem weird, but you can trust what you feel for me."

Something—a look of wariness—passed over Mason's features before it was gone. "I want to believe that."

"Believe me," Levi said. "That should be enough for now. We'll talk. Maybe when I explain some things, it will help you understand."

"Okay."

Leaning forward, Levi allowed Mason enough time to pull away if he didn't want Levi's kiss. Instead of pulling away, Mason pushed up on his tiptoes before Mason was kissing him. Their lips met and Levi was controlling the kiss and swiping his tongue inside Mason's mouth.

Closing his eyes, Levi lost himself in the kiss. In the feel of his mate's body against his. At the rightness of being with Mason. This feeling…this…was what Levi had been chasing for his entire adult life. He'd known…somehow, he'd known that when he met his mate, all the waiting would be worth it.

Mason kissed him with the perfect amount of passion. He ran his hands ran over Levi but never moved anywhere Levi was uncomfortable with.

Not that Levi didn't want his mate. He did. He really did.

Forcing himself to draw back, he caught the flash of disappointment on Mason's face.

"I…" He had to clear his throat. "I should go."

"I know." Mason didn't release him.

For that matter, Levi hadn't eased his own hold on his mate. "It's not that I don't want to stay—"

"You're not ready," Mason finished for him. "And you were right. We should talk. If we're going to make something out of how we feel for each other, we both need to be honest."

"Yeah," Levi agreed.

"I'll let you go," Mason said. "Because once I do have you in my bed, you'll never leave it again."

Damn! Why did that sound so hot?

"But you did have fun tonight, right?" Levi wanted to double-check before he left.

"I had a great time. I like your friends. I hope we can play again."

"Can I…" Levi rubbed the back of his neck. He knew what he needed so it was up to Mason how dominant Levi could be with him. The gargoyle side of him wanted to be everything to Mason. "Can I ask if you're…"

"Little? Kinky? Looking for a Daddy?" Mason supplied.

"Yeah. That. All that."

Mason took a step back, but his hands remained on Levi's chest as he peered up at Levi. "I'm not a little. I loved playing and would like to do it again. Is there like a bigger little? Bryce and Nate were adorable, but I don't need diapers, pacifiers, or anything like that." He shook his head. "Not that it matters. If the other boys won't mind me around, I'd like to play again."

"They'll want you to play all the time," Levi assured him. "And you might be a middle? It's something we can explore together if you'd like."

Mason beamed. "Cool. I do know that I like a more dominant partner. I liked to be taken care of. I need someone who'll take charge but still make me feel safe."

"A Daddy, maybe?" Levi hoped he hid some of his excitement.

Mason lifted a brow. "Is that what you want? For me to call you my Daddy?"

Levi shuddered hard. He wasn't sure if it was from the word my or Daddy. Both sounded like heaven to him.

"I'll take that as a yes," Mason teased. "Daddy Levi. I like the sound of that. My Daddy is even better though."

That surprised a laugh out of Levi. "I knew you would be trouble the first time I saw you." It hadn't been on the app like his mate thought. No, Levi had only been on that dating service to get close to Mason. He hoped when he confessed about the paranormal world and them being mates, Mason didn't ask too many questions about the app. That would be embarrassing.

"You say that, but you like my brand of trouble," Mason retorted.

"I do." He hoped Mason would remain fun-loving and sassy even after learning of Levi's secret. Being involved in Levi's world could be stressful.

Mason slipped off Levi's leather jacket. He wanted to tell Mason to keep it. To have something of his but Levi knew that Mason would insist. It would be a cold ride back without it. At this point it would take Levi hours to warm up.

Levi gripped the soft leather with his fingers as Mason passed the jacket over.

He couldn't help himself. With his free hand, he gripped Mason's wrist and yanked his mate forward. Mason gasped in surprise, but Levi was already kissing him. He kissed Mason for all that he was worth.

Just as fast as he'd taken control of his mate, Levi released him. "I'll call you. I swear."

"You better. I know where you live now."

Levi chuckled as he swung on his jacket while strolling toward his bike. He threw his leg over. "Now get inside. You'll catch a cold out here."

Mason grinned at him. "Yes, Daddy."

Damn, his mate, his boy, was going to keep him on his toes.