Kiss An Alpha novel Chapter 13

His words brought a rush of relief over me. The truth was, I wasn't trying to stop him from being with Cella. As much as I hated the idea, it wasn't my place.

I was trying to figure out what kind of guy Mason was. Because I would try and stop them if he was going to use her. If that involved punching his lights out, I'd be more than happy to.

"So..." I said slowly, "You actually like her?"

Mason didn't answer.

"Do you?" I pressed, staring at him intensely. "Because if you don't-"

"If I don't, what?" Mason shrugged as if it was no big deal. "Once again, none of your business."

My relief was replaced by instant anger. "What's that supposed to mean? Why the hell did you ask her out if you don't like her? What kind of sick game are you playing?"

Mason's expression became uncomfortable, and a twinkle of guilt flashed in his eyes for a short second. His feet shuffled for a moment and he glanced back at the school. "I...I've gotta get to class, dude," he turned to leave.

He hadn't taken a single step before I grabbed him by the collar and pulled him back towards me until we were inches apart.

Though he was taller than me and I had to look up at him, I could tell that the glare I was giving Mason was intimidating enough to make him realize that I meant business.

"Tell me what your intentions are," I said, my voice dangerously low, "Before I force it out of you."

Ba bum, ba bum, ba bum

Suddenly I was aware of Mason's heartbeat.

The initial oh shit expression on his face faded, replaced by another smirk.

"You wanna know why?"

Ba bum, ba bum, ba bum

I hated that he sounded so nonchalant, so carefree. My best friend's feelings were on the line, and he was grinning.

But I knew he didn't actually feel carefree. His heartbeat was slowly growing faster and harder, practically thumping against his chest. That gave me a little satisfaction, I had to admit.

"You think you're all that," Mason's smirk disappeared behind a scowl. His jaw had tensed, revealing that vein on his neck, the one that had nearly made me lose control. I felt those urges again, the urges to pounce and bite. "You think you can treat anyone any way you like because you're you. But I know your deal, Kieran. Without Cella, you're nothing."

Ba dum, ba dum, ba dum

"Me? Look at you!"

"How can you even consider doing something like this? Do you think I won't tell her?"

Ba dum, ba dum, ba dum

I didn't even hear Mason's reply. His heartbeat was all I could hear, his vein was all I could see. I felt my fangs slide out...

I had to put some distance between us, despite the hit my pride would take. Forgetting my anger, I roughly shoved Mason away from me and instantly felt relief. My mind cleared, my vision focused, my thirst disappeared.

Then my vision blurred once more when Mason's fist came flying nowhere and slammed into my cheek. I wasn't ready, and the force of the punch sent me flying to the ground.

I landed with a thud and had to blink a few times to regain focus. The sting was already receding, and I quickly got to my feet.

"What the hell?" I exclaimed, rubbing my cheek. "What was that for?"

"Don't act like you don't know!" Mason yelled. "If you want a fight, you've got one."