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.

fire started crackling 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

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

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

All I can say is that while I was two steps away from dialing the fire department, Mason was still sitting on his heels, probably contemplating the meaning

Maybe a bit of both. But

monsters like it’s a walk

me 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

LUKE’S POV

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

His name was Peter, a middle–aged man. And I kind of loved him for his calm

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

him.

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

words, and the warmth

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

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

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

I yelled at Peter, tears popping

He’s… he’s…

shirt. Riley held me immediately. “What did you just say?” I yelled again, not wanting to believe

sorry sir, but he’s

He was also shattered. But his pain was nothing compared to mine. This was really intense. My grandfather, dead? No this couldn’t be. I loved