Chapter 74: Chapter 74
Katie POV
I check in on Stella, ensuring she is okay for the night before I lock the doors and turn off the lights.
I am about to get into bed when there is a soft knock on the door. My stomach twists into a knot as I rush to the front door. Visitors at this time of night are hardly ever a good thing. I look through the peephole and open the door when I recognise Mason.
I am happy to see him, but also reluctant. Since my conversation with Quinn, I have been seeing red flags, and it is cumbersome.
“Hey,” I look over his shoulder to see if he is alone. “Are you allowed to see me?”
“Like anyone can keep me away from you,” he smirks.
“Seriously, Mason,” I sigh. “I don’t need more drama.”
“Yes, Katie,” he replies sincerely. “The air has been cleared, and that’s why I’m here. I’m sorry it’s so late, but can I come in?”
“Sure,” I nod, allowing him inside and leading him to the living room.
“You look nervous,” Mason says as he sits down. “Is everything okay?”
“No, it’s not,” I admit, sitting opposite him. “You left me in the dark, Mason. I asked you and Asher directly about the Constantine pack, and you made them off as rich assholes. Now, I must learn you’re related.”
“We didn’t lie, they are rich assholes,” he scoffs. “It’s complicated and not a first date conversation.”
“We weren’t on a date,” I nitpick.
“All the more reason not to tell you,” he triumphs.
“So, am I allowed to know?” I ask nervously, because his answer will indicate the direction of our relationship.
“The twin alphas and I share a father.” His voice is emotionless. “His name is Orion Constantine. My mom died giving birth to me, and I didn’t know who my father was. I grew up in a foster home. I had no family, and everyone expected me to grow up fast and take care of myself, but I couldn’t.”
Sympathy overwhelms me as I look at him. I can relate to little Mason, feeling lonely and confused, with no one around to help him. I felt the same when I woke up with no memory of who I was, and I was an adult. It must have been so much worse for him.
“Then I found something,” he continues, and I am on the edge of my seat to hear more. “A photo of my mother and Orion. My father was the Alpha. Rich, powerful, and he’d never once tried to help me. Or so I thought. Turns out, he didn’t know about my existence. He was genuinely surprised when I confronted him with the photo. I left home and tried to find Orion, but a guard stopped me before I could get there. Without family or any place to call home, I was banished to the rogue territory.”
“That’s terrible,” I whisper, my heart bleeding for him, and he squeezes my hand.
“That’s it,” he says, looking at me with sincerity. “Now you know everything.”
“Everything?” I raise my eyebrows.
“About this,” he chuckles. “We can talk about my ex-girlfriends and youthful mischief another time.”
“So, what about your diabolical plan for revenge on the twins?” I ask, pulling my hand out of his. As much as I like Mason, I am not getting involved with anyone who schemes or plots. I will not place my hormones in front of my daughter’s safety.
“You know about that?” He looks at me wide-eyed. “How?”
“I didn’t believe it at first,” I avoid answering his question. I do not want to create tension between him and Quinn. “But after I saw you confronting the twins, I put it together.”
“I was stupid,” he admits sheepishly. “I was hurt and angry. I wanted the twins to hurt like I did.”
“That’s foolish, Mason,” I snap. “They didn’t do anything to you; your father did. Why punish your brothers?”
“Because they took the only person I loved,” his voice is filled with anguish. “Alice. I loved her, and they took her from me.”
“Took her how?” I stare at him, dumbstruck. “Did they kidnap her?”
“No,” he huffs, looking at his fingers. “She chose them over me.”
“Oh, Mason,” I sigh. “You can’t blame them for her choice and your father’s doings. You’re diverting your anger to the wrong people.”
“It was easier being angry at them,” he admits. “Because she died, and my father is untouchable.”
I exhale deeply and bow my head. I get it, really, I do. It is human to be angry when the world turns its back on you. You cannot always control what happens to you, but you can control how you handle it.
“If it’s any consolation, I’m no longer angry at Kane and Axel,” he sighs, and I look at him. “We talked it through, and I know they were blindsided like me. They know that I plotted against them, and ... uhm, they invited me back to Constantine. I decided to accept the offer.”
“What?” My jaw hits the floor. “You three nearly ripped each other’s heads off in the street, and now you are going to their territory where they have even more power and influence?”
“I know it sounds crazy, but I must figure this out,” he explains. “I must put this behind me to move forward, Katie. I have two brothers who are willing to accept me. I never had that, and I want it.”
My heart melts like butter, and I take his hands. He was honest, not only with me, but with the twins.
“Now that I understand,” I smile. “If I had the chance to know my family, I would take it in a heartbeat.”
“Thank you,” he says, standing and pulling me up with him. He wraps his arms around me. My arms go around his waist, and I rest my head against his solid chest. His embrace is warm, and I feel safe.
“My head is such a fucking mess right now,” he mutters above my head, “but being with you makes everything feel a little clearer.”
“Katie,” he pushes me away gently, capturing my gaze. “I want you and Stella to come with me.”
