The Love From Vengeance

40 GONE

ARIEL’S POV

I walked behind Mason as we both got close to the gigantic fire. Well, he got close. I was a little bit far from him, slowing down my pace. Yeah I knew he was a psychopath, but I had not idea he was this crazy.

Getting really close to a fire huge like that? No one in his right senses would do that? But this scumbag right here was actually surprising me.

And I kept on watching him inch closer to the roaring inferno. I couldn’t help but question his sanity. I would keep on doing that over and over.

I mean, who willingly gets up close and personal with a fire that could roast a Christmas turkey in 3 seconds flat? It was like he had a secret death wish or something. And if he did, I would be really glad. At least it would reduce the number of scumbags in the earth.

Meanwhile, I continued to do my best to maintain a safe distance, like the responsible, self- preserving human being that I am.

“What are you even doing?” I aksed, still walking slowly.

“You ask too many questions,” he replied, not glancing at me.

“This is crazy, you know. Like, are going to walk in that fire?”

Mason turned to give me a quick look. “Maybe.”

“This is absolutely insane. But it won’t be surprising, cause you’re insane yourself.”

“You can shut up, and just follow me, okay.”

“You’re like six inches away from that fire. And you want me to keep on following you. Okay, what are you planning to do now, huh. Perform a miracle?”

fire his attention back. He squatted, and I

know what happened next? Oh boy, when that fire started crackling and growling like an angry beast, I swear I let out a scream that

cracked me up? This jerk sitting in front of me. While I was busy channeling my inner Olympic sprinter, this guy was just chilling there, completely unfazed. I mean, seriously, who stares at a raging fire like it’s the latest episode of their

had a secret pact with the flames,

dialing the fire department, Mason was

couldn’t decide whether to call him brave or completely bonkers. Maybe a bit of both.

fiery monsters like it’s a

who screamed like a maniac, and Mason casually enjoying his front–row seat to the hottest show in town. But this needed to stop. I wasn’t going to spend the whole night staring at some idiot who was staring at a holocaust, like he was worshipping

LUKE’S POV

problem? What terrible news have you come to give me?”

man. And I kind

had a million thoughts rolling in my head at the moment. I just hoped nothing bad had happened to my grandfather. Of course, the man was old, but I still loved him, and didn’t want to lose him yet. “Why are you being silent now? Tell me what the problem is?” I

him.

a whirlwind of worst–case scenarios. What if my grandfather had left the

his gentle smile, his wise words, and the

he had always been a pillar of strength for our family, and the mere thought of losing him sent waves of fear crashing through me. This was the realization that life

the seconds ticked by, I couldn’t help but replay the last conversation I had with him in my mind. Did I tell him how much he meant to me? Was there anything left unsaid? Regret

pull myself together. All these were just thoughts. Maybe that wasn’t the news Peter had come to give

yelled at Peter,

He’s…

shirt. Riley held me immediately. “What did you

sir, but

pain was nothing compared to mine. This was really