Chapter 41
Mason
The car cut through the swirling snow, Mason gripping the wheel with a practiced focus, trying to keep the vehicle steady as the tires crunched over the icy road. Outside, the storm raged, but inside, it was a different kind of chaos.
"Now he's thinking about me, every night oh, isn't that sweetâI guess so!" Wendy and Lily belted out in unison, their voices high and unrestrained, echoing in the car's cabin. Their laughter followed, bubbling up like champagne, spilling over the blaring music.
Mason winced theatrically, casting exaggeratedly pained glances their way. "You two sound like penguins being tortured with nipple clamps," he muttered, shaking his head.
Lily shot him a playful glare, and Wendy burst into another peal of laughter, her eyes bright and crinkling at the corners. The sound filled the space, warming it more effectively than the car's heater. Mason's heart did a little flip he'd never admit to; seeing Wendy like this, her guard down and her smile wide, was a rare treat.
He couldn't help the grin tugging at the corner of his lips, even as he rolled his eyes. "I'm serious," he insisted, pretending to focus intently on the road, but his gaze kept darting back to Wendy. Her laughter was like music itself, turning the dreary, snow-filled drive into something electric.
Mason carefully navigated the winding, snow-covered road, the cabin finally coming into view through the thick flurry. The headlights cast long beams over the driveway, revealing fading tire tracks in the fresh snow. His eyes narrowed as he spotted a sleek, black car parked haphazardly right in the middle of the lot. It was parked at an angle, leaving no room for anyone else.
Mason gripped the wheel tighter, his jaw clenching as he pulled up to the edge of the lot, the tires slipping slightly on the icy surface. He put the car in park and glared through the windshield.
He exhaled sharply, shaking his head with a mix of annoyance. "Seriously?" he muttered under his breath.
Wendy leaned forward, her eyes squinting. "Is that Theo's?" she asked.
"Who else parks like they own the place?" Mason replied. He unbuckled his seatbelt, throwing a glance at the back seat. "I'm going to go get his keys and move the cars. Levi will bitch like a motherfucker if he comes back and there's no space for his car."
"Do you need help?" Wendy asked. "You can move Theo's car and I'll move this one."
"Perfect idea!" Lily's eyes lit up. "You two should definitely work on this together. Alone."
"And what are you going to do?" Wendy raised her brow.
"I'm going to go inside and start my skincare," Lily said. "See ya'."
"Lily!" Wendy tried but the girl was already out of the car and hurrying up the stairs to the cabin.
"Slow down!" Mason yelled, rolling down his window. "Jesus Christ!"
Wendy watched Lily dash through the snow, her hurried steps leaving a trail of scattered footprints leading up to the cabin. The door swung open and closed behind her in an instant, disappearing into the warmth inside.
Wendy shook her head, a smirk tugging at her lips. "You care about her the most, don't you?" she teased, her gaze shifting back to Mason.
Mason's eyes followed Lily's retreating figure, a soft sigh escaping him as he rolled the window back up. His expression softened, and for a moment, he didn't say anything. Then, with a small, almost reluctant smile, he muttered, "It just comes naturally."
Wendy raised a brow, leaning against the seat. "Naturally? For the guy who pretends not to care about anything?"
He shot her a dry look, his mouth twitching at the corners. "Don't read too much into it." His voice was gruff, but the warmth in his tone betrayed him. "Stay in the car. I'll go get Theo's keys."
Wendy nodded as Mason pushed the car door open and stepped out. The cold began to bite at his face as he trudged through the snow toward the cabin. His boots crunched against the icy ground, each step deliberate. The soft glow from the cabin windows spilled out into the night, promising warmth.
Mason entered, the door creaking behind him as he stomped the snow from his boots. The warmth hit him immediately, the crackling fire in the main room casting flickering shadows on the wooden walls. Without bothering to take off his jacket, Mason made his way up the creaking stairs, his steps heavy, and purposeful.
He reached Theo's door and knocked, his knuckles rapping firmly against the wood. For a moment, there was silence. Then, the door opened slowly, and Theo appeared, squinting sleepily. His hair was tousled, and he stood there in nothing but his boxers, rubbing the back of his neck.
"What?" Theo's voice was thick with sleep.
Mason didn't answer immediately, his eyes drifting past his brother's shoulder. On the bed, Daphne lay curled up beneath the blankets, her breathing soft and even, lost in sleep. Her hair spilled across the pillow like a dark halo.
Theo followed Mason's gaze and scowled. "She's asleep. What do you want?"
Mason's eyes narrowed, flicking back to Theo. "You parked like an asshole. There's nowhere for anyone else."
Theo shook his head in confusion, "You wake me up to complain about parking?"
"Give your keys," Mason asked impatiently. "I gotta move it before the prince of darkness shows up and starts to bitch and moan."
"I thought Levi was home," Theo shifted a yawn.
"No," Mason said. "He came by the club. I think he had another argument with Evie."
"When doesn't he," Theo muttered, grabbing the keys from the pocket of his pants that were on the floor.
Mason stood in the dimly lit hallway, his eyes drifting over the clothes scattered across the floor: Theo's shirt, a pair of jeans, andâhe smirkedâa gold dress that he recognized as Daphne's. His eyebrows lifted, a teasing glint in his eyes.
"Looks like someone had a busy night," Mason drawled, kicking a stray sock out of his way.
Theo rolled his eyes. "Really?" he muttered.
Mason's smirk deepened. "I'm just saying," he continued, voice laced with mock innocence, "judging by the disaster zone in here, I'd guess you and Daphne didn't waste any time once you got here."
Theo shot him a dry look, but there was a hint of a grin at the corner of his mouth. "Are you just here to be a pain in my ass? Get out before you wake her up."
"I don't see how that'll be a problem," Mason replied, shrugging. He caught Theo's eye and gave him a knowing look. "Round two."
Theo laughed, tossing a pair of jeans off to the side. "I think maybe four at this point. Or maybe five."
Mason raised an eyebrow. "Daaaamn"
Theo shook his head, his eyes tired, "Get out, Mace."
Mason chuckled, leaning farther into the room. "But seriously though, it's good to see you got out the stick up your ass. She's good for you."
Theo's expression softened, his eyes flicking briefly toward Daphne. "Yeah. She is."
Mason let the moment hang, then held out his hand. "Keys?"
Theo grabbed the keys from the pocket of his pants on the floor, tossing them over. "You really woke me up for this?"
"Better me than Levi," Mason replied, catching the keys effortlessly. "You know he'd give you hell."
Theo snorted.
Mason's tone grew a little more serious. "Speaking of, he needs to figure his shit out. Man is losing his mind over E vie."
Theo rubbed his eyes. "He needs a manual on how to keep a relationship."
Mason turned to leave, a smirk still playing on his lips. "Maybe he should ask the guy who's got clothes scattered like a crime scene. Clean this up before she wakes up."
Theo shook his head, grinning despite himself. "Get out of here, Mason."
Mason chuckled as he walked back down the hall. "Sleep tight, lover boy."
Holding the keys, Mason made his way back down the creaking stairs, the quiet hum of the cabin fading as he stepped outside into the biting cold. Snowflakes fell in lazy spirals, and his breath fogged the air as he trudged toward the car. He pulled the collar of his jacket up, shielding himself from the wind, his mind still half on the teasing exchange with Theo.
Damn, Mason laughed to himself. No wonder she's passed out like a baby. My boy did a number on her.
Mason chuckled as he approached the car. But as he grew near, something caught his eye.
Wendy was still in the passenger seat, her face illuminated by the soft glow of her phone screen. Her expression was tense, brows furrowed, her free hand gesturing sharply as she spoke. Even through the closed door, he could see the anger in her eyes, the way her mouth moved with quick, clipped words.
Curiosity piqued, Mason slowed his pace, watching her for a moment. She ended the call abruptly, throwing the phone onto the seat beside her, her fingers running through her hair in frustration. He hesitated, then quietly opened the driver's side door and slipped back inside, the cold air rushing in briefly before he shut it again.
Wendy jumped slightly, startled, before turning to glare at him. "Jesus, Mason! A little warning?"
He raised an eyebrow, his voice calm but curious. "Didn't think I needed one. What's going on?"
She crossed her arms, staring straight ahead, her jaw clenched. "Nothing. It's fine."
Mason leaned back, drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. "Doesn't look like nothing," he said, his tone soft but probing.
Wendy's eyes darted to him, narrowing. "Why do you care?"
He shrugged, keeping his gaze on her. "Because you're not the type to get rattled easily. And I'm stuck here with you for the weekend, so I'd rather know if I need to duck for cover."
For a moment, she didn't say anything, the silence stretching between them. Then, with a frustrated sigh, she muttered, "Leave it alone."
Mason's eyes softened. "If you need someone to talk toâ."
Wendy cut him off with a sharp glare, her voice dripping with irritation. "I don't need your pity. Mind your own business."
The words hung in the air, colder than the snow falling outside. Mason's eyes flicked to her, surprised by the venom in her tone, but he kept his voice calm. "I'm not trying to pry."
She scoffed, crossing her arms tighter, her knuckles turning white. "Yeah? Well, it feels like it." Her gaze stayed fixed on the windshield, refusing to meet his eyes. "Not everyone has a perfect family like yours. Some of us actually have to deal with... real problems."
Mason's brow furrowed, his patience tested. "You think my family's perfect?" His voice was low, almost incredulous. "You don't know anything about us."
Wendy finally turned to face him, her eyes flashing with something between anger and frustration. "Whatever. Compared to mine, it might as well be." Her voice wavered slightly, but she quickly masked it with a tight, bitter laugh. "So just...drop it, okay?"
Mason studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. He could see the tension in her posture, the way her fingers fidgeted despite her rigid stance. It wasn't just angerâit was something deeper, something she was fighting to keep bottled up.
Mason exhaled slowly, leaning back against the seat. "Fine," he said, his tone quieter. "I'll drop it."
Wendy didn't respond, her eyes fixed out the window, watching the snow swirl against the dark sky. The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words.
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Levi
Levi followed Ava and Evie into the house, his footsteps heavy and deliberate. The two girls stumbled in, arms linked, giggling as they kicked off their shoes. The faint scent of alcohol clung to them, mingling with the chill of the night air.
Evie's laugh echoed through the entryway, her eyes bright but unfocused. Ava tore away from James and leaned into her cousin, whispering something that sent them both into another fit of laughter. Levi's eyes, however, weren't on themâhe was glaring at Harry, who had just stepped inside behind them. His jaw was tight, fists clenched at his sides.
Harry, oblivious to Levi's stare, ran a hand through his hair, his irritation clear. "Great," he muttered, his voice sharp as he glanced at Evie. "How much did you drink?"
Evie blinked at him, swaying slightly. "Just a little," she mumbled, her smile fading under Harry's hard stare.
"Right," Harry shot back, his eyes narrowing. His phone buzzed in his pocket, and with an exasperated sigh, he pulled it out, barely glancing at the screen before answering.
"Yes, give me a minute," he said, his voice tight. Without another word, he turned and walked down the hall, his voice fading as he disappeared into another room.
The moment he was gone, silence settled in the entryway. Evie stood there, swaying slightly, her eyes drifting to Levi. He was still watching Harry's retreating figure, the tension in his shoulders evident. When his eyes finally met Evie's, they softenedâbut only slightly.
"Levi?" Evie's brows furrowed.
"Yes?" Levi answered.
"I think I'm going to throw up," Evie hunched over dramatically.
Levi's eyes widened, the tension melting into concern. Without hesitation, he closed the distance between them, slipping an arm around Evie's waist just as she swayed dangerously.
"I got you," he murmured, his voice softer now, steady and calm.
Before she could protest, Levi scooped Evie up into his arms, lifting her effortlessly. Evie blinked up at him, her eyes glassy but searching his face. "You're cute."
Levi's mouth quirked into a half-smile, his gaze fixed forward as he carried her toward his room. "I know."
The hall seemed quieter than usual, each step measured, the warmth of her body against his chest stirring something deep inside him. Evie nestled closer, her head resting against his shoulder. The scent of her shampoo lingered in the air, familiar and comforting.
When they reached his room, Levi gently set her down on the edge of the bed, his hands lingering just a moment longer than necessary. "Stay here," he said softly, his eyes searching hers for any sign of discomfort.
Evie nodded, closing her eyes as he stepped away. Moments later, he returned with a glass of water and a small trash can, setting them within reach. He knelt in front of her, his eyes level with hers.
"You're not going to get sick on me, are you?" he teased, the corner of his mouth lifting in an attempt to lighten the mood.
Evie managed a small laugh, shaking her head. "I...don't think so."
He studied her for a moment, his expression softening. "Drink this." He held the glass to her lips, watching as she took a slow sip. His eyes never left her face, each movement careful, deliberate, as if he were afraid she might break.
"Levi?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her eyes searched his, a flicker of vulnerability shining through.
"Yes, my love?" Levi brushed a strand of hair from her face, tucking it gently behind her ear.
Evie leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering closed. For a moment, everything elseâthe night, the alcohol, the tensionâfaded away. In the quiet of the room, with only the soft hum of the heater in the background, Levi watched over her, his heart pounding in a rhythm that felt both unfamiliar and inevitable.
"You don't have to...always save me," Evie murmured, her eyes half-open.
Levi's thumb brushed over her cheek. "Maybe I want to."
Evie's eyes opened fully, searching his face. Her expression softened, a hint of something unspoken flickering behind her gaze.
"Why?" she whispered, her voice fragile, like she was asking a question far deeper than it seemed.
Levi's eyes held hers, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her cheek. He hesitated, the words caught in his throat. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and raw.
"Because... I can't stand to see you like this. Because you matter to me more than you realize."
Evie blinked, tears welling up, though she quickly tried to hide them. "You always act like you're so tough," she whispered, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips. "But you're not."
He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Not when it comes to you."
Silence settled between them, heavy with the weight of everything left unsaid. Levi's hand slipped down to hers, his fingers entwining with hers, the warmth of his touch grounding her. "You're not alone, Evelyn. You know that, right?"
Evie's breath hitched, a tear escaping down her cheek. "I don't want to do this. I don't want to marry him."
Levi's heart skipped a beat at her words, his grip on her hand tightening instinctively. His gaze softened as he leaned closer, trying to steady his own breathing.
"Then don't marry him." His voice was gentle, though the concern in it was palpable.
Evie's eyes were glassy, a hazy vulnerability flickering behind the fog of the alcohol that clouded her mind. She shifted slightly, her body leaning more into him, seeking comfort even in her conflicted confession.
"I don't want to marry him," Evie said again, her voice trembling with the weight of her admission.
Levi's chest tightened, his mind racing, trying to process what she was saying through the fog of her drunken state. He knew the situation was delicate, and yet, something about hearing her say it out loud made his heart ache.
"I can't say no," Evie whispered, her voice breaking as she blinked back the tears she couldn't stop. "I... I have to help. I have to help him."
"Help who, my love, Harry?" Levi asked cupping her face and urging her to focus.
"No," Evie shook her head, her tears uncontrollable. "I....I have to help them....show them I can....I don't need to be a boy like you."
Levi's mind raced as he tried to make sense of the fractured words tumbling from Evie's lips. Her tears streamed freely now, and the heaviness in her voice only deepened the knot forming in his chest. He cupped her face more firmly, leaning in as he gently urged her to focus, his own heart pounding with a mixture of concern and confusion.
"Evie, baby..." His voice was soft, but the desperation underneath was clear. He needed her to speak clearly, to tell him what was happening, what was really going on inside her. But the fog of her drunken state clouded her thoughts, and every answer only raised more questions. "Who said that to you? What do you mean you have to help?"
Evie blinked up at him, her eyes glassy, but beneath the haze, there was something raw and fragile. "I... I have to help them. I don't need to be like you, Levi," she whispered, her words barely coherent, but they struck him like a bolt of lightning.
Levi's chest constricted, a sickening feeling pooling in his stomach. What was she trying to say? Why did she feel like she needed to prove herself by helping someone? And why was she comparing herself to him?
His hands trembled slightly as he stroked her cheek, trying to steady his breathing. "Evie..." His voice was strained now, softer, but the weight of his concern hung heavy in the air. "Who are you talking about? Why do you think you need to be a boy to help someone?"
Evie shook her head, her tears falling freely now, and Levi felt a pang of frustration rising in him. He wanted to understand, but she was slipping further away, the pieces of the puzzle scattered just out of his reach. He needed her to be clearer. He needed her to trust him enough to tell him the truth.
"I don't... I don't want to marry him, Levi," Evie whimpered, her voice so small now, so fragile. "Don't make me marry him."
Levi's heart shattered at the sight of her, broken and vulnerable before him. He leaned forward, gently pressing his forehead to hers, grounding her with the warmth of his presence.
"I won't," His voice was low, soothing, even though inside, he was a storm of confusion. "You don't need to prove anything to anyone. You don't need to marry him."
Evie closed her eyes, her breath uneven, but she didn't say anything for a long moment. Levi held her, trying to comfort her as best he could, though the weight of her words lingered in the air between them. He was desperate to understand, desperate to help her make sense of what she was feeling. But right now, all he could do was hold her, his mind swirling with the overwhelming feeling of wanting to fix everything for her, even though he wasn't sure what "everything" was.
"Is he forcing you to marry him?" Levi asked.
Evie struggled to open her eyes. She swayed on the bed and leaned back, curing up with her knees drawn to her chest. Her golden locks hung over the edge of the bed as Levi kneeled on the floor before her, stroking her hair and holding her gaze.
"Evie, I swear, I will kill him," Levi said.
Evie's words haunted him, swirling in Levi's mind like a storm, but he couldn't shake the anger that was bubbling up inside him. The thought of Harry manipulating Evie, of trapping her into something she didn't want, made Levi's blood boil. The vision of Evie, fragile and broken before him, only fueled his fury.
He gripped her hands more tightly, the warmth of her small fingers grounding him for a moment, but it wasn't enough. He needed answers. He needed to confront Harry, to figure out what the hell was going on. He stood abruptly, his chest heaving with barely contained rage. His eyes flicked toward the door. Harry had to know that this wasn't just some misunderstanding. Whatever was happening, whatever hold Harry had over her, it had to end.
"That son of a bitch, I'm going to murder him," Levi muttered, more to himself than to her. The words felt raw, dangerous, but they were the only thing that seemed to make sense in the moment. Harry had no right. No right to treat her like this. No right to put her through whatever this was. And if Harry couldn't see that, then Levi would make him see it.
But just as Levi was about to turn and leave the room, a soft whisper caught him off guard.
"I love you."
The words were barely audible, slipping from Evie's soft lips like a fragile breath. Levi froze, his heart skipping a beat. The anger that had been building up inside him suddenly faltered, and for the briefest of moments, everything around him went silent.
The weight of her confession hit him harder than he expected, and his mind raced to process it. He turned back to her slowly, his gaze searching her face for any sign of what she meant. Her eyes were closed, her expression soft but pained, as if she had said it without fully realizing the depth of it. But in that moment, Levi understood. He understood that everything she was going throughâthe confusion, the fear, the pressureâwas because she couldn't be herself, couldn't be with the person she truly loved.
Levi knelt beside her again, his hands shaking slightly as he cupped her face gently, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. He leaned forward, his voice thick with emotion.
"Evie..." He didn't know what to say, what to do, but the overwhelming need to be close to her, to comfort her, filled him. "I love you, too."
Her eyes fluttered open at his words, a faint smile tugging at her lips, but the sadness in her eyes remained. Levi knew they weren't out of the woods yet. There was so much they needed to face, so much left unsaid. But right now, all that mattered was her.
With a deep breath, Levi made a decision. He wasn't going to let her go through this alone. Not anymore. He would deal with Harry, he would figure out what was really going on, and then he would do everything in his power to help her find her way.
But first, he needed to remind Evie that she wasn't alone. He wasn't going anywhere. Not ever.
Levi gently brushed her hair back from her face again, holding her gaze as if to reinforce his words.
"You don't have to marry him, Evie. Not for anyone. You don't owe him anything."
The soft pressure of her hand in his was all the affirmation he needed. But he knew that the real battle was just beginning. Harry would be the first obstacle, but there would be others. And Levi would fight for her, fight for them, every step of the way.
I hope you liked it <3