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?”

back. He squatted, and I just crossed my arms,

and growling like an angry beast, I swear I let out a scream that could rival a banshee! I mean, who wouldn’t? It was like being in the

guy was just chilling there, completely unfazed. I mean, seriously, who stares at a raging fire

unshakeable calmness. It was like he had a secret pact with the flames, or maybe he was just auditioning for the role

fire department, Mason

bonkers. Maybe a bit of both.

it’s a walk in the

his front–row seat to the hottest show in town. But this needed to stop. I wasn’t going to spend the

LUKE’S POV

What terrible news have you come

man. And I kind of loved him for

a million thoughts rolling in my head at the moment. I just hoped nothing bad had happened to my grandfather. Of course,

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 had left the earth? What if his sickness had finally prevailed over him? The uncertainty gnawed at me, and I struggled to

smile, his wise words, and

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

were just thoughts. Maybe that wasn’t the news Peter

yelled at Peter, tears popping up

He’s…

shirt. Riley held me immediately. “What did you

but

me in the eyes. He was also shattered. But his pain was nothing compared to mine. This was really intense. My grandfather, dead? No