Page 17 of Mason

"Do we really need to stick around for the rest of this?"Hex asks."We got Kory back, which was our whole purpose.Ravock got his thief.He can handle it from here."

"After everything I've been through, I think I deserve to hear the endgame," I say before Mason can respond.

"The short of it is, this delicious morsel decided to go rogue and try to build a demon force to rival the numbers of The Fallen.Our betrayer here wanted to be the top Nephilim and take over the organization.Tale as old as time.Now, everyone out.I've got a prisoner to deal with and an upcoming meeting with the head of The Fallen," Ravock says, breezing back into the room.Apparently, we're not moving fast enough because he raises his voice."Shoo!Scram!"

Everyone files out, splitting to go their separate ways.

For a brief moment, I wonder if anyone remembers I didn't come here voluntarily and have no ride, but then Hex's MC brothers head out, leaving him standing by his bike.

'Let's go home, love."he calls to me.Motorcycles aren't my favorite thing, but I trust Hex, and that makes riding less nerve racking.

As I reach Hex, Jericho pulls up next to us and Mason rolls down the car window.

"I'm going to pack up some stuff.I'll be over to the cabin as soon as I'm done."

Now that the danger has passed, we have to deal with the relationship stuff.I don't know if I'm ready, but I don't want to push Mason away if he's going to make an effort.Besides, it's not me he has to grovel to.Mason has to prove himself to Hex first and foremost.

"See you soon," I reply, hoping it's the truth.If he bails again, there may be no saving us.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Mason

Ikeptmygoodbyesat the pack house brief.My brothers and cousins are taking my absence hard, but it's not like this is permanent.I'm not cutting ties from my pack and family.I'll miss them, of course.My entire life up to this point has been dedicated to them.That's part of the reason I left Hex in the first place.But now, it's time to put my mates first, and show them I can be the man they want and need.

As I drive toward Kory's cabin, I feel more at peace than I have in a long time.My wolf and I aren't in a constant bickering match anymore.It's going to take effort to win them over, but I know the outcome will be worth it.

After pulling up to Kory's cabin, I get out of the truck and strip off my clothes so I can shift.Before I transform, I grab two items and lay them gently on the ground, then close the door.In my wolf fur, I pick up the gifts gently with my teeth and head for the front door.Since I can't knock, I scratch at the wood, doing my best not to damage it.The door swings open and I sit up in my best posture so my mate can get a good look at my beast.

"Oh!Aren't you beautiful!," Kory says, and my wolf preens.Our mate is impressed.

Standing, I move forward, presenting him with the two spelled roses I swiped from my cousin Jasmine's flower arrangement.One of the Ravenswing Coven has an affinity for plants and grows stunning flowers he then adds spell work to.These particular roses are preserved in stasis so they won't die and have been enchanted so they change color.

Kory takes the offered flowers and examines them."These are gorgeous.Such a vibrant shade of red.Thank you!"He brings them up to breathe in their scent.

Shifting back to my human skin, I say, "I'm glad you like them.I brought one for you and one for Hex."

Kory keeps his eyes averted as his cheeks tinge with pink.I should have brought my clothes up first so I could get dressed after they shift, but I was eager to give my gifts.

"Hex had to go meet with Ghost.I'm not sure when he'll be back.A day or so, at least."

"That will give us time to get to know each other.Let me go grab my things from the truck."

I feel a jumble of excitement and uncertainty through our budding bond.At least Kory isn't shutting me out.I can work with this.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Kory

Iwasn'texpectingMasonto arrive so soon.I figured he would have needed more time to work things out with his pack, but apparently not.I'm nervous that without Hex here as a buffer, this could get awkward.Yes, we're mates and my mouse is ridiculously infatuated with the wolf, but he's a virtual stranger.And he doesn't have the greatest track record.I inhale the scent of the roses again.Maybe he's turning things around.I can do this.I can give him a chance.

Mason returns to the porch, dressed now, with a suitcase and a couple other bags.I let him by me so he can set them in the guestroom.My place isn't that big, but the room should be adequate.

When Hex dropped me off, things felt off between us, not because we've had feelings change, but because it's unclear how we're supposed to interact.Usually, when Hex is over, he sleeps in my bed.But is that appropriate now that Mason is in the picture?Can we go about our relationship as usual?

Shaking off the uncomfortable feelings since I can't do anything about them right now, I dig my phone from my pocket and snap a picture of the flowers.I send the picture to Hex.He needs to know our mate is making an effort.

"The roses change color," Mason says, coming back into the living room.He takes one from me and says, "blue."