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?”

glared at me, but gave the fire his attention back. He squatted, and I just crossed my arms,

swear I let out a scream that could rival a banshee! I mean, who wouldn’t? It was like being in the front row of a pyrotechnics concert

cracked me up? This jerk sitting in front of me. While I was busy channeling my inner Olympic sprinter, this guy was

admire his unshakeable calmness. It was like he had a secret pact with the flames,

I was two steps away from dialing the fire department, Mason was still sitting on his heels, probably

bonkers. Maybe a bit of both.

like it’s a walk

show in town. But this needed to stop. I wasn’t going to spend the whole night staring at

LUKE’S POV

problem? What terrible news have you

His name was Peter, a middle–aged man. And I kind

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?”

him.

in my chest as I waited for his response. His hesitant silence only fueled my worry, and my mind raced with a whirlwind of worst–case scenarios. What if my grandfather

his gentle smile, his wise words, and the

family, and the mere thought of losing him sent waves of fear crashing through me. This was the realization that life was fragile and unpredictable.

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 washed over me like a tidal wave, intensifying my worry and fueling a deep

were just thoughts.

now!” I yelled at Peter, tears popping up in my

He’s… he’s…

now?” I seized Peter’s shirt. Riley held me immediately. “What did you just

but

compared to mine. This was really intense. My