Silvertip Mountain Drained

Mason shrugged unconsciously when she yet again mentioned that she did not like him romantically. Did she realise she was salting a wound? Perhaps it was just that she didn’t know. Zaria was very forthright. It was not part of her charm for Mason. He had merely latched onto her in puppy love, regardless of the lack of indications she had given him.

Anyway, since she had mated with Fitz, she was unlikely to ever not be in his life – that was his Dad. The only more sure-fire way she could have kept Mason in her life was to adopt June. Which, he supposed, may end up happening. He wouldn’t allow it for himself but June could use a mother figure.

Mason chortled softly when she mentioned patching her up. It was nice to hear praise from her – she said what Steady had said, that he would be a good healer. Mason appreciated that. It bolstered his decision to become a nurse. It was nice to think he could fix and care for others, even if not himself.

“We’re okay.”  He stressed. Mason mulled over her words, letting them tumble and bounce through his mind like spices being stirred into a curry. It took him a few moments, but he determined that ultimately this was something he could not give even Zaria. Deep down in his soul he knew he wanted – needed – to make amends with his Dad. But it was something he needed to do for himself, not for anyone else. He was the one who had created this problem, this chasm of hurt and betrayal – it was Mason’s feelings for Zaria that had usurped his father’s happiness over finding new love. He needed to mend it himself, when he was ready.

“You should go to sleep. I’ll stay here if you want. Or I can go find you food from the cache.” It was one or the other. Mason made it clear in his tone that he would not entertain further talk on the matter. He wasn’t in the mood to discuss his feelings, and she wasn’t in a position to argue – alpha or not.