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?”

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

let out a scream that could rival a banshee! I mean, who

channeling my inner Olympic sprinter, this guy was just chilling there, completely unfazed. I mean, seriously, who stares at

unshakeable calmness. It was like he had a secret pact with the

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

I couldn’t decide whether to call him brave or completely bonkers. Maybe a bit of both. But everyone has their quirks, right?

fiery monsters like it’s a

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

LUKE’S POV

have you come to give me?” I aksed

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

moment. I just hoped nothing bad had happened to my grandfather. Of course, the man was old, but I still

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 him? The uncertainty gnawed at me,

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

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 last conversation I had with him in my mind. Did I tell him how much he meant to me?

thoughts. Maybe that wasn’t the

yelled at Peter, tears popping up in

Reynold. He’s… he’s… he’s

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

sorry sir, but

compared to mine. This was really intense. My