10. Mason
CHAPTER 10
Mason
I'm frozen in place as Lakelyn storms across the café like a mini hurricane, pushed by my words straight back into Chad's arms. My stomach tightens, and it’s not just the jealousy talking. Chad unfolds his toned body from the booth with a casual grace, every movement screaming that he's won this round. I’d be blind not to notice how attractive he is—too attractive, really. And he knows it. He flaunts it like a weapon, like he’s learned exactly how to wield that smile, those dark eyes.
I watched him flirt with the alphas on Omega in Paradise . The way he turned that charm on and off in a heartbeat, like flipping a switch. It's almost unsettling how easily he can manipulate a room.
There's no way Lakelyn’s more than a passing amusement for him, and yet, something in the pit of my gut twists at the thought that it could be more. The way his hand rests on the small of her back—it’s possessive, practiced. But there’s something more that I don’t want to admit is drawing me in, like the pull of a tide.
They walk out together, and he tosses a glance over his shoulder, catching my eye. His smirk cuts through the air like a challenge. "Don’t wait up, Alpha, " he quips, his voice low and teasing, sending an unwelcome spark down my spine.
I clench my teeth, fingers curling into fists at my sides, but I do nothing. I should be angry—hell, I am angry—but there’s a nagging voice in the back of my head that won’t shut up about the way his confidence catches my attention, the way he just knows he owns whatever room he’s in, owns the moment. I’ll find him without her, though. Hell, I'll go to his mansion if I have to.
I watch them leave, his hand still resting on her back like it belongs there, and something sharp twists in my chest. It's infuriating—seeing her with him, knowing damn well he's trouble.
I should leave it alone. But I can't.
With a low curse under my breath, I yank my phone from my pocket and scroll through the contacts until I land on Landon’s name. My thumb hovers for a moment before I press call, holding it up to my ear, pacing along the sidewalk.
“Yeah?” His voice comes through after a few rings, casual like he doesn’t have a clue what’s going on. The background is louder than his house.
“Where are you?” I ask, my voice tighter than I intend.
“Uh... just got to the bar with Dean. Why?”
“I’ll be there in five,” I say, cutting him off before he can ask questions. “Don’t leave.”
I hang up before he can argue, shoving the phone back into my pocket as I start toward my truck, the frustration simmering under my skin. I don’t know what I’m more pissed about—the fact that Lakelyn’s with Chad or the fact that I’m reacting like this at all. He’s a player, nothing more. She’ll see through him soon enough.
Right?
I’m not sure. Because she’s innocent and friendly. And he is not.
As I turn the key in the ignition, I can’t shake the image of Chad’s hand on her, or the way he looked at me, like he knew exactly how to get under my skin. I hate that it’s working.
The drive to the bar is short, but it feels longer with my mind racing. By the time I park and push through the door, I’m already wound tight. My eyes scan the dimly lit room until I spot him, alone, leaning back in a booth, a beer in hand. He lifts his chin in greeting when he sees me, but I don’t bother with pleasantries.
Sliding into the booth, I cut straight to the point. “It’s Lakelyn. She’s with that omega.”
Landon groans, tipping his head back with an exaggerated sigh as if I’ve just ruined his night. “I really don’t want to talk about Lake getting lucky, man.”
My jaw tightens. “It’s not about her getting lucky. It’s about him. That omega isn’t serious. He’ll chew her up and spit her out.”
Landon lifts a brow, unimpressed. “And you care because…?”
I lean forward, fingers pressing against the edge of the table. “Because she deserves better than some player with a camera-ready smile.”
He waves a dismissive hand. “She’s a grown woman. Let her make her own mistakes.”
“She’s your sister,” I snap, feeling the irritation rise in my chest. “Aren’t you even a little concerned?”
Landon shrugs, unbothered. “She can handle herself. If she wants to mess around with the omega, that’s her call, not mine. Maybe you’re the one who needs to chill out. Getting all bent out of shape over it isn’t gonna change anything.”
Before I can respond, a voice interrupts us. “Ooh, what’s got you two looking so serious?”
I look up to see Dee, my little sister, strolling over with a grin plastered across her face, clearly delighted to crash the conversation. Dean’s by her side looking a little more rumpled than normal, but I don’t have time to focus on him. “You guys fighting over something important? Or just being dramatic?” she teases, sliding into the booth beside me like she belongs here.
Landon chuckles, clearly enjoying the break in tension. He takes a long drink and says, “Mason’s losing his mind over Lake’s love life.”
Dee gasps, her eyes wide with fake shock. “No way. Mason getting worked up over feelings ? Someone call the press.”
I roll my eyes, but a small part of me softens, the irritation from earlier fading. “Dee, can you not?”
“Oh, I’m definitely sticking around for this,” she says, leaning on her elbow and giving me a smug grin. “Come on, big brother. Let’s hear it. What’s got you all wound up?”
“Lakelyn’s dating someone?” Dean slides into the booth next to Landon, his gaze hardening as soon as he sees my expression. As if he knows who she could be dating.
“Evidently.” Landon grins, clearly enjoying the whole thing. “Mason’s in full overprotective mode,” he says, jerking his thumb at me. “Worried about some omega messing with Lake.”
Dee snorts. “Seriously? That’s what this is about?” She elbows me playfully. “You’re kinda cute when you get all grumpy, you know that?”
I ignore her and lean forward, my voice tight. “It’s not just any omega.”
Dee raises her brows, clearly waiting for the punchline.
“It’s Chad from Omega in Paradise .”
Her reaction is instant. Her eyes widen, and her lips part. “Oh, cheese on a cracker.”
Dean stiffens beside Landon, the tension radiating off him. “Chad?” His voice is low, edged with something unreadable. “That’s really who Lakelyn’s with?”
I nod grimly. “Yeah.”
Dee leans back, tapping her fingers on the table. “He was a hot mess on the show, sure, but... I mean, it was great TV. You think he’s really that bad?”
Dean scoffs, leaning back in his seat but not relaxing. “He’s bad. I can almost guarantee he is only messing with her to get under my skin. It’s a game to him. Everything’s a game.” His voice is clipped, and I can tell this is hitting him harder than he’s letting on. “Back in high school, he pulled the same crap. Acting like he cared about people, then bailing when it suited him.”
I glance at Dean, surprised he’s sharing this much. He’s usually tight-lipped about his past. “Exactly. He’s not serious about anyone. You saw how he acted on that show—just in it for the attention. He’s gonna use Lake and then toss her aside.”
Dean shakes his head, his jaw tight. “He doesn’t care who he hurts, as long as he gets what he wants. Lakelyn doesn’t need to get caught up in that. Chad’s not the type to settle down or be genuine with anyone.”
Dee shrugs, trying to lighten the mood. “Okay, yeah, he was flirty with all the alphas, but that was a show, Mase. People play it up for the cameras. Maybe he’s different in real life.”
Dean’s expression darkens, his voice low. “He’s not different. Trust me.” His words come out bitter, a hint of something unspoken between the lines. “He’s been playing people for as long as I’ve known him.”
I grip the edge of the table. “The guy turns on the charm like it’s a damn switch.” Dean and I share a look of pure understanding.
Dee looks at both of us, then sighs. “Maybe he’s the same, maybe he’s not. But at the end of the day, it’s not up to either of you. If Lake’s into him, she’ll figure it out.”
Dean lets out a harsh laugh, but there’s no humor in it. “Yeah, and by the time she does, he’ll have left her in pieces. He’s good at that.”
Landon, clearly unfazed by the rising tension, raises his beer. “I trust her. She’s not a kid anymore.”
Dean doesn’t let it go. “It’s not about trust. He’ll use her, and when he’s done, he’ll move on to the next thing. That’s what he does.”
Dee leans in, her tone light but pointed. “If he’s a jerk, Lakelyn’s smart enough to figure it out and kick him to the curb. Maybe faster than a squirrel on roller skates.”
I stare at her, momentarily derailed. “That doesn’t even make sense.”
She grins. “Doesn’t have to. I’m still right.”
Dean doesn’t smile. He doesn’t relax. He just stares past us, jaw clenched.