Chapter Thirty-One
Mason
I think we're on track now. It's often difficult for a man to admit he's scared, but Hex was willing to be vulnerable with me.
I need to remember this moment when he starts nitpicking and arguing.
It's a defense mechanism. Eventually, he won't need it anymore, but those kind of things don't change overnight.
I need to make sure I remind him all the time, I'm here.
I'm not leaving. This is how we begin building trust.
Now that we're moving forward, I let myself take what I never allowed before. Going slow, giving Hex time to pull away, I bring my lips to his. I meant for it to be a soft kiss, a promise, but the second we touch, our bond flares to live and we're devouring each other.
"Break it up, lovebirds," Nicola yells through the door. "Poor Kory looks like he might combust, and we don't need that before dinner."
"Fuck, I forgot they were all hovering out there," I say, pulling away from Hex.
"Get your asses out here so we can celebrate. We're starving!" Ransom shouts. "Last one to the house goes without."
"He's kidding, right?" Hex asks.
"You'd think so, wouldn't you? But around here, you never know. Wolves have healthy appetites and meal time is like free-form sparring. All bets are off."
"Shit. You distract them. I'll grab Kory and go stake a claim at the table."
"You're going to fit perfectly around here," I whisper, wrapping my arm around his waist. "But they know my moves. I say, you distract and I'll grab our mate and make a run for it."
I test the door and when it swings open Kory is standing next to it. Hex throws some kind of spell that catches the attention of my family. Tossing Kory over my shoulder, I book it to the house, Hex not far behind.
"Faster, Mason. That mesmerizing spell won't hold them more than a few more seconds, a minute tops. I don't have enhanced speed," Hex calls. "I'll catch up."
I tap into my shifter speed and get Kory to the house in record time.
"What in blazes is going on?" Kory asks, righting his glasses as I set him on his feet.
"Had to beat my family to the table so you could eat dinner. Quick, let's get in there and get our plates loaded."
Hex comes in a few moments later, slightly winded, but looking pleased with himself.
"Score and win for us," he says, sitting next to Kory who is filling his plate.
Things may not be perfect yet, but we're headed the right direction. I couldn't ask for more.