Chapter 19
Chapter Nineteen
Mason
I got out of the car and stood on the sidewalk, hesitant to take another step.
I hate feeling like this. Hated it with a fucking passion. I knew initially the house hadn’t felt like home, but after we’d redecorated and added the tea garden, it had become our place.
Walking in now felt cold, foreign. I could smell the pack wolves had been there, but despite that, I didn’t want to go in the back. I couldn’t stand to see or smell my blood in the yard. Flashbacks of the beating were occurring with increasing regularity.
I could see that shadow moving quickly through the yard.
I recalled trying desperately to get to the house where I had a better chance of being safe.
I remembered being slammed into from behind and being on my stomach, trying to get up. I’d glanced over my shoulder to see a black-clad figure hovering over me, a rock locked in both hands.
Then there was the pain, so much agony that I’d wished I was dead so it would stop hurting.
I let out a gasp and Kip was there in a heartbeat, pulling me to him. “You okay?”
I swallowed. “Yeah, sorry. Just flashes of memory.”
Kip leaned in so close I could feel the heat from his breath on my cheek. “Do you remember seeing the person’s face?”
I gave a slight shake of my head, but stopped when the world started spinning too fast.
“No, I’m trying, but I’m not sure I ever got a glimpse. All I remember is seeing someone in black who knocked me over, them on my back with the rock in their hands and….” I gasped again, and Kip wrapped his arms around my shoulders, hugging me tightly.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “We could take you to your parents’ house for a few days.”
Cold inched its way through me.
If I run now, I’ll never stop.
I refused to let someone drive me from our house. Besides, our parents weren’t as young as they used to be, so they were more than likely asleep, especially after spending so much time at the hospital.
“No, I want to stay,” I said. I wished I felt as sure as I sounded.
“Would it be easier if I said it was an order?”
I looked at him then, really looked. Even if Kip was my Dominant, he was scared shitless. He’d said he would protect me, that he’d never walk away, but I was more afraid he’d go off the deep end and get himself in trouble.
I may hope he wouldn’t actually kill anyone, but I think deep down, that’s what he badly wants to do.
“No,” I said, seizing what little bravery I could lay my hands on. “This is our home, and I am not going to run.”
Kip’s smile warmed me. “I figured you’d say that.”
The doorbell rang and I groaned. “Who would come over at nearly ten o’clock at night?”
Kip got up and strode to the door. I listened, and my heart sank.
“Hey Mom, Dad.”
No, not now. Was it mean-spirited of me that all I wanted right then was Kip?
“Hi, how’s Mason feeling?”
“Like shit, even if he’s trying to be brave about it.”
“I am not!” I yelled, though I totally was.
“I was about to put him to bed.”
“That’s fine. Donald is parking the car and Rachel’s grabbing the casseroles she made. They should be here any minute. We’re going to play cards.”
Oh, for fuck’s sake.
“Kip, a moment, if you don’t mind?” I called out.
He chuckled. “Yes, dear.”
I watched as his parents set up a small table in the living room. When Kip got closer, I lowered my voice. “What’s going on?” I tried to be as respectful as possible.
“They volunteered to sit with you tonight. I was hoping you’d agree to go to your parents’ place.” His lips twitched. “But no, you had to be stubborn. So they’ll be keeping an eye on you.”
“Where are you going?” Panic swamped me.
Kip stroked my face. “I’m going nowhere. You asked me to stay with you, and I will, but if we’re both asleep we need someone to watch over us.”
I couldn’t fault his logic. “And you asked our folks?”
His eyes widened. “Asked? Oh, hell no. They made some not-so-subtle threats to my manhood if I didn’t let them help.
” He smirked. “And seeing as how you apparently enjoy said manhood, I thought it best to keep it intact. After tonight, John says he’ll have some wolves guarding the house from outside. ”
I was about to say something when a yawn overtook me. “I’m tired,” I admitted.
“Then let’s get you to bed soon.” Kip wrapped his arms around me and I snuggled into his embrace, inhaling his scent into my lungs. There was only one thought in my head.
Please, don’t ever let me go.
Kip
I carried Mase into the living room so our parents could see he was okay.
Rachel said he looked hungry, and rushed off to make him something to eat.
When she came back, she had several plates filled with lasagna.
She gave one to each of my parents, one to Donald, then one to each of us.
I was going to tell her I wasn’t hungry, but my stomach would have made a liar out of me.
I’d never finished the turkey sandwich John had them give me at the hospital, and my stomach was threatening to revolt if I didn’t provide it with some love.
“Don’t,” Rachel warned.
“Huh?” I feigned ignorance.
“I know you’re going to tell me you’re not hungry or some crap like that. We both know it’s a lie, so don’t even bother. Eat, and then you both go to bed.” She smirked. “And no sex tonight.”
My face burned. This woman always could make me blush.
I had to admit, I was beyond hungry. I couldn’t recall the last thing I’d eaten beyond the bite of that sandwich.
In fact, I might not have had anything since Mase was attacked.
I needed to keep my strength up, so I grabbed a plate and dug in.
Mase nibbled at his, which had me wanting to tell him to eat, but my parents didn’t know about our status, and I wasn’t ready to share.
Then Rachel said something, and Mase shoveled a whole plate full of the pasta dish into his mouth before leaning back and patting his tummy.
“Always delicious, Mom.”
I finished mine quickly—Mason was right, it was awesome—and then announced it was time for us to go to sleep.
“But I have to clear the dishes,” Mase protested.
Mase didn’t have a choice about sleeping, not with both me and our parents on his case. I slid an arm under his legs, lifted him, and carried him to the bedroom, with him protesting all the way. I put him in bed, pulled the covers up, then got in with him, being careful to stay on my side.
Mason managed a sleepy frown. “What are you doing?”
I chuckled. “Um, going to sleep. Why?”
He breathed out that frustrated sigh I’d heard many times in our lives. “Why are you so far away?”
I rolled my eyes. “Gee, someone tried to bash your brains in. Apparently we were lucky there was such a small target. I’m doing my best to ensure I don’t hurt you.”
“Oh, geez,” he groused, then rolled and slid an arm over my stomach, putting his head on my chest. “I’ll sleep better like this,” he promised.
I knew he probably would. Having him tucked into my side always seemed to help him fall into a deeper sleep.
I have to admit, it did the same for me.
We didn’t talk and I knew by the sound of his breathing that he was starting to drift off. Suddenly, though, he jerked awake.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, my senses on alert.
“Nothing.”
I gave a mock growl. “Just because I won’t spank you now for lying doesn’t mean I won’t remember to do it later.”
He burrowed his face into my armpit, which I found strangely erotic. “I thought I heard something.” I could hear the fear in his voice.
“No one will get you,” I vowed. “I’m here, our parents are in the living room. We’re safe.” I wasn’t sure I believed it, but I needed to calm him.
He breathed deeply. “I was so scared. I felt so helpless when their weight was on my back, holding me down. Then they grabbed something, and the next thing I knew, I was being beaten to death. And all I could think of was you.”
I rolled a bit and wrapped him in my arms. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here.”
He blinked. “What? No, that’s not what I’m saying at all.”
“But it’s what I’m saying,” I remonstrated. “Do you have any idea how precious you are to me?”
“Really?”
“Yes, really, brat.” I kissed his forehead. “I never realized I could have deeper feelings than friendship with… well, anyone. But one kiss from you and my entire outlook changed.”
“So you’re saying I made you gay?” He snickered. “I must be awesome if I can turn a straight man.” I made to push him back, but he gripped my arms hard. “Please don’t let go.”
I knew the truth then. He was floundering. He needed something to make him less afraid.
“I dunno if I’m straight or bi or gay for you, but it doesn’t matter. After that mind-blowing kiss, I knew you were the only one for me. And every day after that? I fell more under your spell.”
Mason snuggled closer. “So you’re not still freaked out over me being a submissive?”
“I am not,” I assured him. “In fact, I hate to admit it, but I find it comforting and totally hot.”
“You do?”
“I do. Knowing it makes you happy to make me happy? It speaks to my soul. It gives me something to look forward to every day.”
“Do you look forward to the free blow jobs as well?”
I laughed quietly. “Well, those are a bonus. And you’re so fucking good at them. Everyone else always choked or wouldn’t swallow. You don’t know how disappointing it was to see them spit out my cum. Not you, though. You swallow and still try to get more.”
“Um, you do the same thing,” he countered.
“I do, because you taste like the sweetest thing I’ve ever eaten, and it’s not enough when you give it to me.” I kissed his forehead. “Now go to sleep.”
It wasn’t long before his breathing evened out.
I lay there in the dark, Mason weightless in my arms. Holding him comforted me. I couldn’t understand how someone could attack him. He was a sweet, submissive guy who’d never hurt anyone in his life. The pack seemed to love him. At least, I think they did.
Well, someone doesn’t love him, do they?
I tried to shut my mind off, but it was no use.
“Kip? You okay?” Mason asked groggily.
“Go to sleep. I need to make a phone call.”
“Okay.” He yawned. “Tell John I said hi.”
The fact that he knew who I was calling told me our connection was as strong as ever.
I brushed a kiss over his forehead. Though he was mostly healed, I could still see the line where his skin split, and rage settled like a rock in my stomach.
He was already asleep when I got to the door.
I went into the spare bedroom across the hall and pulled out my phone.
I knew it was late, but I couldn’t make myself care.
John answered after only two rings. “I was expecting your call, Kip. How’s he doing?”
“He’s scared.” I glanced toward our bedroom. “He’s putting on a brave face, but he’s terrified.”
“I can’t blame him.” A pause. “Did you have another reason for calling?”
I set my jaw. “I want the person who did this found. Then I want them locked in a room with me.”
I would rend the bastard limb from limb for what they’d done to Mase.
John pushed out a deep, exhausted sigh. “I had my best trackers in your yard while you were at the hospital. Not one of them discovered anything. It’s like he was attacked by a ghost.”
And there are no such things as ghosts. At least, I didn’t think there were.
“How could someone get into our yard, not be sensed by Mase, and beat him?”
“I wish I knew,” John ground out. “What’s making it worse is now others are afraid too.
News of what happened is spreading, and everyone is freaked out.
” Another sigh rolled out of him. “The pack was barely hanging on to start with. It’s why we allowed humans into town.
Now? I’m afraid this might be too much for us to bounce back from. ”
It was on the tip of my tongue to bitch him out, to demand to know why he cared about others when it was Mason who could have died.
I forced myself to calm down and think rationally.
These were Mason’s people, and despite how things were when he was growing up, I knew they were part of his heart and soul.
I also knew John had to think of the whole pack, even if his main concern was Mason.
“I’m sorry.” My apology came from the heart.
“For what? Mason is our responsibility too.” His voice was like steel. “He’s pack and he’s our Omega. Anyone who attacked him has forfeited their lives. It might seem harsh, but we don’t tolerate injuring a packmate and no pack blessed with an Omega would accept this either.”
I felt a bit better, but that didn’t mean I was in any way satisfied.
“So what do we do?”
He groaned. “I wish I knew. I have people asking around, but so far they haven’t found anything.”
“So we’re back to the ghost.”
His voice dropped. “I am so sorry, Kip.”
Those words finally cut through my anger. “Why? You might be the Alpha, but you can’t protect Mase all the time. I’m the same. I should have been here. Standing guard, keeping watch, but I wasn’t.”
“No, you were trying to keep money in your pockets. That we still owe you.”
I took a breath. “John, listen to me, all right? You’re doing your very best to help your pack out. You’re searching for other revenue streams, trying to beautify overgrown lots to draw more people into the town. And you’re doing it for the pack and others. Everything you’re doing is to help.”
“It’s not going to be enough.” His voice was quiet.
“I’m holding on to a town that’s in its death throes, even though I know soon it’ll just give out a final gasp and die.
In a few years, people will forget we even existed.
” Another sigh. “Get some sleep, Kip. Rest assured, we will keep looking. Whoever did this, we will find them.”
And then they’ll wish they were dead.