Chapter Eight

Mason

"You could be putting him more in danger by staying," Jason pointed out.

Mason glared at his twin.

"I'm just saying." Jason tilted the beer bottle at him. "You need to consider all your options."

"There are no other options. I won't leave him," Mason stated.

"You've known him…what…a few days?"

"It's been longer than that," Mason said. "I told you about the app."

"I've been thinking about that. What are the chances you connected there first?"

"You know how the fates work," Mason reminded him. "We know about mates. It's why… It's what changed everything."

"Have you spoken to Cassie?" Jason questioned.

"No. She has her mate, and I don't want to pull her back into our trouble."

"We're really going to do this? Take on Dad or whoever he sent and protect your man and his family?"

"We?" Mason repeated.

Jason drained the rest of his beer. "Like I'll let you have all the fun."

"Fun." Mason snorted.

"We should have taken him out instead of running," Jason told him.

This was an argument they'd had many times. Yes, Mason hated his father. That didn't mean that Mason could kill him. He'd never hurt anyone.

"You'll have to tell him. The sooner the better."

Mason knew that. Setting his beer aside—he hadn't even wanted the stupid drink, but it had felt nice to have something to hold on to. All he could think about was how Levi was going to react to what Mason really was.

"We'll figure it out," Jason said.

While he appreciated his brother's support, Mason was still worried. Levi could want nothing to do with him. Even having a mate wasn't a guarantee of a happily ever after. When his cousin had realized that she'd found a mate, it had been quite easy for her to be accepted within the family of raptor shifters. Mason didn't foresee his transition coming so smoothly. The love the men had for one another was obvious. The powerful paranormal beings would not take any threat to their mates easily.

Levi was part of a very interesting group of paranormals. It was obvious to Mason, from his experience, that they were not all of one species. Mason couldn't tell what species. Somehow, he was able to feel when he was in the presence of someone powerful. There were many powerful beings around Levi.

Powerful paranormals were going to do everything to protect their mates.

It was very likely that Axel, Bo, and many of the other men would see Mason as a threat. He wasn't! Mason didn't want to harm anyone. He wanted to be a part of the group. Levi should be his.

"I'm going to take a shower and get some sleep," Jason told him.

"The couch will work?"

"Doesn't it always?" Jason quipped. "You really should have found a bigger place."

"It was free," Mason reminded him. "And better than a different motel room every night."

"That's a matter of opinion."

"Go shower. You stink," Mason teased. Jason didn't really.

Jason rose and patted Mason's shoulder as he passed.

He needed to give Jason his space, so Mason grabbed his beer before he went out front. Closing the door quietly behind him, Mason headed to the chair he'd set in the corner.

Mason collapsed down, peering around his small little bit of peace.

He didn't need much. Wasn't looking for adventure or anything like that. All he really wanted for his life was a place that he belonged. Instead of a place to belong, Mason had been gifted with a person.

The possibility of Levi not trusting him was high.

Settling into his chair, Mason reminded himself to take deep breaths and just appreciate what he had. This small piece of land was his. The cabin might not be much now, but Mason had plans for his home.

Chittering from a nearby tree drew his attention.

In the city, he'd never get to witness three small racoons racing up and down the trunk of a tree. They were cute as they played, and Mason wondered what the racoons' parents were up to. Finding food? The forest did provide for all those who called it home. The raccoons were safe there and Mason wanted that feeling as well.

This was pretty much how Mason wanted his life to go. It would be better to be curled up in Levi's arms as they sat on the porch watching the wildlife, but Mason was determined to have that moment with Levi in the future.

He'd do what he had to do to protect Levi and his family.

* * * * *

Levi

Levi sat between Gavin and Trevor on the couch as everyone gave their attention to Tristan.

"I'm sorry, Levi. I didn't mean to upset you," Tristan said.

Levi was shaking his head before Tristan even finished his sentence. "No. I'm sorry. I overreacted. I don't know what happened." He'd lost control but Levi was a better man than that. Attacking Tristan had him feeling horrible.

"You are protective of your mate," Axel said. "We all understand that."

"I should have approached you differently with my concerns," Tristan said. "You know me. I received the information and popped up here. I didn't stop to think."

"We're all calm now," Axel told him. "What is going on?"

"Mason Benard doesn't exist," Tristan said. "At least no one with that name or around Mason's age match up. His paperwork is all fake. Very well done but fake."

Levi stiffened and Gavin immediately placed a hand on his knee. Levi realized he was growling.

"How'd you find this out?" Axel asked.

Levi was thankful for his Alpha. He knew he should be asking questions but all he wanted to do was defend his mate.

"When I met Mason, I could see his internal struggles. I went back to my realm after the club and asked Ari to pull all the information he could find for any Benard clans in the human realm."

"That—" Levi shook his head. He couldn't help but feel betrayed by Tristan.

"I just wanted to make sure he…that he…"

"He's my mate," Levi said quietly. He was no longer angry. Sad maybe. But not angry. "It doesn't matter to me. If he's hiding something, then he must have a reason. He's a good man. I know that in my heart. That's what matters to me."

Tristan nodded. "Okay. I get that."

"You understand?" Levi questioned.

"Of course. I'm a demon. Not many species even want to be in the same realm with us. If I had a mate, I wouldn't care where he came from or what name he was using. He would be mine."

"Then you do get it," Levi replied. "He is already mine."

"We do need to know if he's in some sort of trouble," Axel stated.

Levi jerked back. But Mason was his! Was Levi going to have to choose between his mate and his found family? Levi didn't think he'd survive being kicked out of another family. Even with Mason by his side.

"If he needs help, then we'll set up a guard rotation. Mason is vulnerable until you complete the mating. It will be up to the family to protect him. He's yours, which makes him mine." Axel met Levi's gaze with his intense eyes practically glowing. The dragon making a small appearance. All Alpha.

"Thanks." Levi instantly relaxed.

"You need to talk to him," Axel said. "He's your mate and it won't be an easy conversation. Trust me. I know. But you need to tell him sooner rather than later."

"I know." Levi had hoped that he'd have more time with his mate before he had to reveal what he was. There was no telling if Mason would even believe him. Sure, he could show Mason the truth, but Levi had hoped he'd at least have time to build a stronger connection with his mate.

"Let's get to bed. It's late and I don't want the boys waking up and hearing this," Axel declared. "You know they'll want to help, and I think this is something you should handle."

Axel was one hundred percent correct. The boys would want to help. This was Levi's mate though and his responsibility. "Good night. I'll talk to Mason soon," Levi told them.

Axel, Trevor, and Gavin left the living room, leaving Levi and Tristan. Levi looked at his newest friend, but Tristan wasn't meeting his gaze.

"Tristan?"

The demon looked up.

"Are we okay?" Levi hadn't gotten violent with any of the guys before and felt terrible.

"He's dangerous," Tristan said. "For me that isn't a big deal, but you are already in love with him."

"I…"

Tristan shook his head. "That doesn't have to be a bad thing. I think he's more capable than anyone realizes. Just because he is human doesn't make him weak."

"I don't think he's weak," Levi defended.

"But you don't think he can take care of himself," Tristan pointed out. "Do you know anything about his past?"

"Not really," Levi admitted. He just hadn't had the time. When they'd messaged through the app, they'd been flirty but hadn't discussed anything serious. They'd only been talking in person for a few days.

"Don't underestimate him," Tristan said. "From what I see, and you have to remember I came in looking as an outsider, every mate has fit into the family perfectly."

"They have."

"Which will mean the same for your mate," Tristan said.

"That's true." All of this gave Levi a lot to think about. "Are you staying here tonight?"

"Am I still welcome?" Tristan asked.

Levi hated the look of hesitance on Tristan's face. He rose before pulling Tristan into a strong hug. "You are always welcome here. I'm so sorry."

"I don't want you to be sorry."

Levi pulled back slightly.

Tristan blushed. "I don't have many friends. You're probably one of my best."

Ah, Tristan was so sweet. "I love you, man."

"Oh-uh."

Levi chuckled. He remembered how hard it had been for him to accept the love and affection of the family. Levi now embraced all his brothers. Tristan would come around. He just needed to spend more time with them. "You know you love me too."

Tristan laughed before pushing him away. "I'll stay in the guest room."

"I'll see you in the morning."

Levi walked Tristan to one of the guest suites then headed to his rooftop. He needed some time in his other form to refresh and get his thoughts in order.

Using the hatch on the third floor, Levi escaped to his oasis. Axel had been instrumental in providing Levi with the space he needed. Standing in the middle of his special rooftop, Levi peered around. Being a gargoyle Levi could see for miles.

Mason's small cabin wasn't too far away.

Eventually Levi hoped to have Mason with him at the big house. Levi loved the constant chaos in the house. Bryce and Nate both age regressed often and sometimes for days at a time. Lawson made the cutest pup and even Levi spent time with the boy curled up at his feet. River and Anton both spent a lot of time in the human realm and Levi considered both of them close friends. Sam and Ansley were both busy with the bookstore in town but always took time to seek Levi out. He missed Seb and Adam when they were in the hell realm, but Levi spent quite a bit of time there himself. Even Tristan had become family. Levi wanted Mason to be a part of it all.

He moved to the edge of the roof and undressed. From one of his secret compartments under one of shelving units, Levi pulled out a loincloth. It was one of the very few items he'd brought from his birth parents. His mom made all the children's loincloths and having several nosy family members in the big house, Levi liked to be covered up.

Levi locked his eyes onto Mason's cabin before he began to morph. Peace filled him and all his worries melted away as he assumed his natural form. He had a mate. Levi's life was changing. Dreams were coming true. He smiled as stone replaced his flesh, freezing his happy expression in place.