The Deal

Chapter 19: How Could You.

The Deal

The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. All this time, I thought we were outsmarting Mason, but it turns out he had been playing us the whole time. He knew exactly who killed Miles that night, and he knew all about my family's history and legacy.

The anger bubbling inside me was almost unbearable. I've never hated someone so much in my life—well, maybe except for my mother, but she's just a psychotic bitch who ruined everything.

But Mason? He'd crossed a line I wouldn't let him come back from.

I stood in the middle of the living room, surrounded by my dad, Uncle, West, Caleb, Callum, Jace, and Ryan. But all their voices blurred together in the background. The truth was crashing down on me—I'm never going to find out who killed Miles. All of this, all the chaos, all the risk, it was for nothing.

"Hope," Callum's voice cut through the silence, soft but insistent. "It wasn't for nothing." He took a step closer, his gaze steady on me. "I know we've got a spy in the mix, and we need to be careful, but you can't go anywhere near Mason now. He could do anything to you."

I walked over to Callum, feeling a sudden need for comfort, and wrapped my arms around him in a long hug. I buried my face in his chest, taking in his scent—something familiar and grounding. He pulled away after a moment, but as he did, I couldn't help but notice West standing off to the side, his jaw clenched tight, his nostrils flaring as he inhaled deeply. The tension in the room was thick, and his reaction made me feel more uncertain than ever.

Caleb stepped forward then, his expression serious as he looked directly at me. "Callum's right," he said, his voice steady but full of concern. "Mason is capable of doing anything. Even if he does love you, that might not stop him from killing you for double-crossing him."

I nodded slowly, feeling the weight of Caleb's words settle in. He was right, and deep down, I knew it.

The person I once loved—Mason—had turned into something unrecognizable. A monster. A cold-blooded killer who did horrible things without remorse. West, I understood. He was brought into this life, and shaped by it. But there was a difference. West didn't do what he did for the thrill or the pleasure like Mason did. It was part of a world he couldn't escape.

My hands started to shake, a mix of rage and frustration bubbling inside me. The pain from the stab wound throbbed in my side, making everything feel heavier, and clouding my thoughts. It was all too much—too many questions, too many dangers—and I couldn't make sense of any of it anymore.

On top of everything, the Nightshade gang was after me for reasons no one could explain. Why? What did they want with me? My mind was spiralling, desperate for answers that seemed just out of reach.

A hand gently rested on my shoulder, making me glance back. Callum gave me a soft, sad smile, then reached down, taking my hand in his, offering a silent comfort.

Just then, a loud knock echoed through the room, breaking the stillness. The sound seemed to hang in the air, amplifying the tension. I let go of his hand, my pulse quickening, and made my way toward the door. Callum followed closely behind me, his expression hard, his body tense with anticipation.

When I opened the door slightly, Mason stood there with an arrogant smirk on his face. He placed his hand on the door frame right next to my head, leaning in just enough to invade my space, but I didn't budge. I was done with the games. I wanted answers, and I wasn't backing down.

"What do you want, Mason?" I asked flatly, my face giving away nothing but the anger I had towards him.

"Is that any way to greet your boyfriend, princess?" he taunted, his voice dripping with smugness. I heard a quiet scoff from behind me, and I could feel Callum's frustration building.