Page 15 of Mason

I dive into the car, slamming the door behind me before I have to listen to any more of their twisted banter at my expense.

Chapter Twenty-One

Mason

ThedrivetoMidnightKiss in Shadow Valley is filled with awkward silence shattered by even more awkward attempts at conversation.My wolf insists we protect Kory, but his idea of protection means not letting him go through with this at all.Frankly, human me isn't all that thrilled about it either.I just found out I have two Fated mates.I'd like to keep them long enough to fix my mistakes and prove I can be the mate they need.

When we're five minutes out, I text Hex to confirm they're in place.Kory will be headed into the club alone and I want to make sure there are eyes on him the minute he walks in the door.Hex has unblocked my number on a probationary basis for this mission.I only hope I can prove myself so he doesn't reverse his decision later.

Once we find a parking space, we exit the car.Kory goes for the building while Jericho and I go the opposite direction.We're parked far enough away we're not likely to be noticed, but we're not taking any chances.We'll take the long way around a few blocks and circle back.I don't see Ravock and his demons, but they're lurking somewhere around as well.

I try to tune into the mate bond I have with Hex, but it's full of static.It's either on the fritz, or he's keeping me at a distance.It bothers me that our bond isn't like it should be, but that's my fault.Somehow, I've got to earn Hex and Kory's trust.

"I think I need to leave the pack," I say as Jericho and I turn to backtrack to the club.

"Why?You made a mistake.While I am angry about it, there's no reason for you to go.We'll work through it."

"It wouldn't be forever.But I need to spend time with my mates.I can't undo the years Hex and I have been apart, but I can show him and Kory I'm willing to put them first.I need to focus on them for a while.I'm benched from missions anyway, so it's not like I'll be leaving the pack in a bind."

"I'm not worried about pack business, Mason.You're my brother.I'm not ready to lose you."

"It's not forever," I repeat.

It'll be hard to leave the pack, my family, even temporarily, but it's the right thing to do.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Kory

Fortune'sclubisn'tlikemost clubs.When you walk in, the music doesn't pulse through you and there's not a mob of people to weave through.The ground level is subdued with ambient music in the background.A few tables are scattered around with private booths along three walls and a bar on the fourth one.Downstairs is where the typical club vibe is, but thanks to some silencing wards, the heavy bass pulse doesn't bleed through to the other floors.The more risqué stuff happens at the deeper basement level, but there's no obvious entrance.You've got to get special access approval for that scene.To look at this place from the outside, you'd never know what goes on in here.Shadow Valley isn't a big city, but Midnight Kiss doesn't stand out.

Dressed to blend in, a couple of the Nefarious guys are sitting at a table and it sets my frazzled nerves at ease.Looking around, I try to match someone to the description of the guy I'm supposed to meet.I only hope I can bs my way through this well enough not to tip him off that it's a setup.

Once this is done, I can live my life without looking over my shoulder.

That's what I'm focusing on to keep me putting one foot in front of the other when I spot a guy at the bar who matches the criteria.I've never been one to make the first move, so I hope I don't screw this up.I'm not here to pick up a guy, but I don't want to make a bad first impression either.A lot is riding on this, potential end-of-the-world type stuff.

Taking a seat next to the man, I order a soda.There's no way I'm drinking alcohol tonight, even if it would process through me quickly due to shifter metabolism.

"Interesting choice," the guy says as the bartender sets the glass in front of me.Well, look at that, I didn't have to make the first move after all.

"Not much of a drinker," I say."Especially, when I'm doing business."

"What business are you in?"

"Acquisitions.Rudy says hi."Not very subtle, but if he's not the guy, I don't want to waste my time.

His casual demeanor disappears and he looks directly into my eyes."Do you have it?"

"Not on me, but yes.I get the money, then I'll take you to the item."

"You were supposed to bring it with you."

"Did you bring the money?"

He doesn't answer, but keeps his cold stare on me.

"Didn't think so.It's almost like we don't trust each other.Imagine that."