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

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 favorite TV

had a secret pact with the

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

bonkers. Maybe a bit of both. But everyone has their quirks, right? Some people collect stamps, others

like it’s a walk

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

LUKE’S POV

the problem? What terrible news have you come to give

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

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.

him.

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

of my grandfather flooded my mind his gentle smile, his wise words, and the warmth

sent waves of fear crashing

with him in my mind. Did I tell him how much he meant to me? Was there anything left

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

I yelled at Peter, tears

Reynold. He’s… he’s…

Riley held me immediately. “What did

but he’s no

me in the eyes. 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 that man. I didn’t want