Chapter Nine

Mason

‘Good morning sweetheart.'Mason sent the text and waited.

‘Good morning. I woke up thinking about you.'

Mason smiled. It was easy to talk to Levi through messages and the cowardly part of him wished he could have the upcoming conversation with Levi over the phone. That wasn't fair to Levi though. When Mason came clean, he needed to see how Levi reacted.

‘I'm glad. Can I see you?'Mason's stomach was in knots. He wanted Levi to agree but a part of him hoped Levi would have other plans.

‘Yes. When?'

Mason had to think of everything he needed to do. ‘Two hours?' Mason requested.

‘Perfect. Should I meet you at your cabin?'

Oh hell no! Not with Jason hanging around.

‘How about the tree that no longer has a bullet hole in it?'Mason teased. They both knew damn well that tree had been shot.

‘LOL! I will meet you there in two hours.'

Mason slid his phone into his back pocket. He needed to get to town. He had supplies that needed to be picked up from the hardware store he'd been waiting on. He could also grab more groceries for him and Jason and maybe something to make a picnic for Levi and him. If he hurried, he'd be back on time.

"Was that your Daddy?"

Mason jumped. Turning slowly, he made certain Jason could see his glare.

"What? You want him to Daddy you so hard," Jason taunted.

Why had Mason thought his brother would be helpful? He should have known better. Jason loved to give him shit.

"Fine." Jason sighed. "What are your plans for today?"

"I need to go to town and grab a few things then I'm meeting with Levi," Mason said.

"I'll head to town with you. I want to get a look around anyway."

Mason hesitated.

"What?"

"This is where I'm making my home," he explained.

"I'm aware of that. That is why I'm here. To make sure your new home is safe, and you can stay here."

"No getting arrested? Bar fights? Orgies in the town square?"

"Is there a town square?" Jason asked.

"No."

"Then that's one less worry for you," Jason stated.

"You know what I mean," Mason responded.

"I won't get arrested or start an orgy in the middle of town," Jason promised.

Mason lifted a brow.

"I can't make promises about the bar fight. I might get bored if you're gone too long."

He groaned before going back into his cabin and grabbing his keys.

Jason was climbing into the passenger side of the truck by the time Mason made it outside. He locked the door. Now that he'd already had the issue with a window being left open, Mason knew he needed to be vigilant about his place. Nothing had been missing but Mason didn't like the idea that someone might have been inside his home.

The cabin might not look like much, but it was the first place that he'd ever found safety. It could be nothing but with Mason's nerves and the shooting, he needed to be cautious.

Mason quite enjoyed the drive to town. Being out in the middle of nowhere had many benefits. The view was gorgeous and quiet. It took less than twenty minutes to get to the town proper.

The main street really had it all. The restaurants and diner, shops and stores, and Levi's tattoo parlor. He couldn't help but smile thinking about the man Mason was sure was his mate. Would Levi tell him soon? Maybe after Mason made his own confession and let Levi know that he was already aware of the paranormal world? Or would Levi send him on his way once Levi learned what Mason's family had done for decades?

His stomach gave another twist of pain.

How was he already so invested in Levi?

Mason knew the answer to his own question though. He'd felt the connection when Levi was Stone. Now that he suspected they were probably mates, Mason was aware of what that could mean for him.

"This is a cute little town."

He side-eyed his brother but Jason had a thoughtful look on his face and didn't appear to be teasing. His twin had refused to settle down, stating that it was better to be one step in front of their father. Jason was always looking for the next thrill.

Mason didn't blame his brother. Not with the fucked-up way that they'd been raised but he still hoped Jason would want to stay close some day. Maybe they could live in the same town.

"The people are nice," Mason said. "They mind their own business but also look out for one another."

"You talking about your man and his family?"

There was teasing in that question. Mason laughed. "Well, they do pretty much own every successful business in town."

"How long have they been here?"

"I don't actually know."

"You really need to learn more about your man." Jason's tone held disappointment. They'd been trained better but, in his defense, Mason hadn't expected to be surrounded by the paranormal world he'd been trying to escape from.

"I'm hoping that after we talk today, I can ask the important questions." That was if Levi even wanted him around.

"When do I get to meet this guy?" Jason inquired.

"Let me see if he even wants to talk to me after I tell him everything." Mason pulled into the parking lot behind the bakery. He wanted to surprise Levi with something sweet and delicious.

"Hey." Jason grabbed Mason's shoulder.

Mason turned his attention to his brother.

"If Levi is your mate, then we can pretty much guarantee that he'll at least listen to you. I can't see anyone meant for you not having that kind of respect."

"Levi is a sweetheart. I won't lie and say I'm not scared of what he'll say. I'm also worried about the other paranormals. They're powerful. I can feel it when I'm around them. If they don't want Levi to be with me—"

"Then fuck them!" Jason exclaimed.

"You haven't seen Levi around his family. He looks up to the others. They mean so much to him. From what I've noticed, Levi was devastated when he left his birth family."

Jason shook his head. "I wish I could give you better advice. This is so new to us. For our entire life we thought all these paranormals were monsters. That they were trying to exterminate all humans. Levi needs to understand that. We got away on our own but that doesn't mean it'll be easy for you to suddenly not react to what your body will tell you is a danger to your survival."

"How do I tell him that I was born and raised to end his existence?"

"Carefully." Jason squeezed his shoulder. "And don't let him get away until he understands why you left that life."

Mason nodded.

"At least you never killed anyone," Jason said quietly.

"Jas—"

Jason shook his head. "I know what I did. Even if Father was there forcing my hand, I did bad things. It's something that I must live with."

"I love you."

"I love you too, dork. Now go get what you need for your man. I'll find my own way back to your cabin later."

"Call if you need anything," Mason told him.

Jason snorted. "Worry about your Daddy, not me."

Mason rolled his eyes at his brother's typical response.

* * * * *

Levi

"Hey man. I'm glad you"re still here." Levi closed the back door before he crossed the deck where Tristan was drinking a cup of coffee. He'd noticed that Tristan had been spending more time in the human realm even though the demon bitched about coming up. Levi believed that Tristan found comfort within the family. It wasn't just the food that was bringing the demon around, no matter what Tristan claimed.

"Hey, yeah, like I could leave without enjoying some of Drake's special coffee."

"Does Drake know you're drinking his special coffee?" Levi asked.

Tristan smirked before taking a long drink and finishing off the liquid in the mug.

Levi could only shake his head. Tristan was feeling much more comfortable there if he'd turned to stealing Drake's coffee like the other guys. It was an ongoing joke with all of them. Somehow Drake never ran out of his blend, so Levi suspected Drake was well aware of what they were all up to.

"What are you up to?" Tristan set the empty mug aside.

Levi knew he was blushing.

Tristan laughed. "I take it you are off to see your mate?"

"Yeah, he texted me this morning and wants to see me," Levi supplied.

"Hmm, and did you shower and wash all the important bits thoroughly?" Tristan teased.

Levi looked away. He might have spent triple the time in the shower that morning. Not that he expected anything to happen between them but maybe he wanted more? Levi wasn't certain.

"Hey." Tristan grabbed his wrist and yanked Levi down beside him.

Levi nearly landed on his friend.

"You okay about our talk last night?" Tristan asked.

"Yes," he quickly assured his friend. "I have everyone's support. Whatever Mason's dealing with, we'll help him through. We're a powerful bunch."

"This family is extremely powerful."

"I know."

Tristan nudged his shoulder. "Then…"

"I…I'm not…" Levi huffed. "I'm not as experienced as my mate."

"You're a virgin," Tristan stated.

"You don't have to say it out loud," Levi complained. He was too easy to read.

"I thought you were saving yourself for your mate." Tristan seemed confused.

Damn it. "I am. I was."

"Levi." Tristan shook him. "What is the problem?"

"My mate, he, I've seen, he likes sex."

Tristan barked out a laugh. "I should hope so. Sex is great."

"I mean—"

"I know what you mean," Tristan told him. "But it doesn't really matter, does it?"

"What are you talking about?" Levi was not feeling better with this conversation. How was this helpful? Did Tristan think he was helpful?

"Now I don't know this for myself since I don't yet have a mate." Tristan raised a brow and smirked. "But I've heard things."

He really didn't know if Tristan was messing with him or not. Did he really want to know what kind of things Tristan had heard? No way! Damn it, he actually did. Maybe. "What things have you heard?" he finally asked.

"No matter how much experience a person has, everything is different, better, with your mate. That everything changes when you are intimate with your mate. I think you are worrying for no reason."

Levi smiled as he leaned against Tristan. Okay, maybe the talk was helping. He'd heard the same. Just watching the other couples in the house proved how having a mate changed everything. Shawn used to sleep around with a different boy every night but when he'd found Sam, he'd had found exactly what he needed, even though he hadn't been looking for a mate.

"Besides, if you really need some help, I'm always up for a threesome. I call top!"

Levi groaned, pushing Tristan away. He rose and knew that he and Tristan were going to be okay. Luckily Tristan didn't seem to hold Levi's behavior the night before against him. Levi still couldn't believe he'd attacked his friend.

"Are you hanging around?" Levi asked.

"Shawn is going to give me a lift to town when he goes to see his boy. I want to get some things from the bakery before I head back to my realm. Ansley is also supposed to be getting his author copies in for his latest book and promised me one."

"No wonder Bryce and Lawson wanted to go to work with Sam this morning. They just wanted to be there when the books came in."

"Of course they did. It was all they could talk about this morning. I want some sweet treats while I'm reading in bed. At least until I can talk Drake and Lawson down to hell to cook for me all the time."

Levi shook his head. "Not going to happen. You know you're always welcome here though."

"I do." Tristan grinned at him.

It also threw Levi off when anyone from another realm used their human glamour in his presence. Whether from the fae or hell realm, they often had a human face when they visited. Levi wished his friends could remain in their natural forms but he understood that was too big of a risk.

Plus, how would he explain Tristan's demon appearance before Levi confessed to Mason about the paranormal world? "I'll talk to you later then." Levi headed to meet his mate.

"Should I tell Atom you won't be making training tomorrow? That you'll be doing all your training in bed tonight?"

"That…" He flushed. "Might be a good idea."

Tristan beamed. "Go get you some!"

Levi flipped his friend the middle finger as he continued to head away from the house. He didn't want to be late and he could spend hours arguing with Tristan. Plus, he was embarrassed about what he confessed.

Everyone was aware of Levi's lack of experience and had been supportive even if they liked to tease him. Levi couldn't help but worry though. He wanted to be everything for Mason, and he doubted his own abilities. Stepping under the canopy of the trees, Levi glanced up. This was his home. His sanctuary. And he had found his mate. Life was really turning out how Levi had always dreamed about. He just needed to trust in the fates.

He heard Mason as he approached. Mason was mumbling about something, but the muffled words didn't matter. Levi forced himself to relax. His mate was coming to him. They would talk. Levi would explain. It would all work out. Levi had to trust their fated future.

Levi reopened his eyes and smiled as Mason came into view.

"Hi." Mason stopped walking to stare at him.

"Hi," Levi repeated. He had to swallow hard. His mate looked gorgeous. It wasn't just attraction that Levi felt for him. He knew, no matter what Mason was hiding, that his mate was a good man.

Mason dropped his pack and an insulated bag before moving forward. Levi opened his arms and was greeted with a soft press of lips against his.

Levi held Mason tight against his chest as they kissed.

All the tension he'd been carrying instantly evaporated. His mate brought him peace and comfort. Drawing away slowly from the kiss, Levi peered down at his mate. There were dark circles under Mason's eyes that hadn't been there before. Brushing his thumbs over the puffy skin, Levi ran his gaze up and down Mason's face.

"What's the matter?" Levi asked.

"Nothing," Mason said quickly. Too quickly.

Levi hummed. His friends were right. Something was going on with his mate. "Let's sit." He would take his time coaxing Mason's words.

"I brought a blanket," Mason told him.

Levi smiled. Of course. It hadn't escaped Levi's attention that Mason took care of all the little details. Mason began to lay out the worn plaid blanket as Levi gathered the other bags that Mason had brought. He set the bags on the side of the blanket before pulling Mason down with him.

With his back to the thick trunk of the tree, Levi settled Mason between his legs.

"I know that we haven't known each other in person long but I also remember all of those late-night conversations through the app."

Mason turned to peer up at him. "I loved those nights. I wish—"

Levi quickly shook his head. "We've already moved past what happened. I've forgiven and forgotten."

"I will never deserve you, but I want you in my life."

"I'm not going anywhere," Levi vowed.

"You can't promise that," Mason said. "You need all of the information before you can make any kind of decision about us."

"Mason." Levi cupped his face. "I'm not going anywhere."

Mason sighed.

"Why don't we slow down," Levi advised. "Let's eat and we'll talk. Feel free to tell me what you are comfortable with." They both had confessions to make but Levi also wanted to enjoy their private time together.

Mason smiled. "I brought sandwiches from the diner. And Dean, the owner of the bakery, might have provided something special for dessert."

"Sounds perfect. Mainly because it will be you I'm sharing it with."