Moon God Mates

Chapter 18

MASON’S POV:

The way Iris is looking at me fuels my anger even more; she's furious with me. She thinks I am the villain in this situation.

How dare he try to turn my mate against me?

Why him? He's menacing.

Ryker is infamous as a ruthless Mercenary. He and his father used their wolf abilities to track and kill humans for money. They don't play fair; with their wolf instincts, humans stand no chance against them.

It’s a coward's job and it's a job they have carried out for years. Ryker and his father are Rogues and bad people, the worst of the worst. So yes I chased them out of my territory and the human town years ago. With the human town closest to mine and Jackson’s territories we keep them guarded without them even knowing about our kind. There was no chance we could let them stay, his father was killed during their escape.

But how can I tell this to my mate without risking her hating me? James’s father is a murderer, and I had to confront him. I ended up killing his grandfather, but only because they were responsible for the deaths of innocent people.

I had no idea they were acquainted; in fact, I didn't even know she existed at the time. I acted out of necessity, for the safety of my pack and the surrounding town.

Lost in my thoughts, Iris’ sweet, velvety voice pulls me back. "Mason, tell me it’s not true," she whispers so softly that I almost miss it. A part of me wants to lie, to assure her it isn’t true. But I can't bring myself to do that; I refuse to start our relationship with a lie.

Her eyes are searching, trying to make sense of it all. I struggle to find the words to respond. I don’t want to cause her any more pain, and I know my words will only hurt her.

“Let’s go home babe” Ryker reaches for Iris’ wrist, but I am faster and pull her into my arms.

How dare he?! The growl that leaves my lips is loud enough for him to jump back.

Home?

“Guys, Stop!” Iris pulls away from me, “You, stop calling me ‘babe’!” She jabs her finger into the asshole's chest.

I can’t help the smirk from forming on my lips, until she turns her anger on me “And, you!” She now points that same finger at me, “Stop acting like I’m your property!” Her words hit me like a brick.

“Will someone please just tell me what is going on!?” She finishes; irritated.

The asshole then opens his mouth to speak. Well, of course, he does; he wants to make himself look like the good guy here.

“Iris, if we can just go home, we can...”

“Why do you keep saying home? You’re not staying. Especially not with her.” I cut him off quickly. Who does he think he is, coming into my territory without permission?

He’s lucky Iris is standing between us or I would have already ripped out his throat for setting Jackson and me up. It had to have been him, he didn't come for my pack at all. He came for her.

“Who are you to tell people they can’t stay in this town?” Iris shoots me a look of disappointment, sending an ache throughout my body. Does she want him to stay?

“You want him here?” I can’t hide the hurt in my voice when I ask. How can she want someone else? She is my mate, she shouldn’t want anyone besides me. I am hurt, and the hurt is only just building up with the hate that I have for him! “Ryker is a bad man, Iris.”

“It’s Luke! No one calls me that, not anymore. I have turned my life around, I’m no longer a part of that life.”

“Have you turned your life around? Then explain what happened with Jackson and me, ‘Luke.’” I push.

“It was the only way to get back to Iris,” he moves her hair behind her shoulder and it takes everything in me not to tear him apart just for touching my mate. “And our son.” he finishes.

Iris isn't moving, at all. She seems lost in thought. Just staring between the two of us.

This is bad. This is torture. This is a f*****g mess!

This is James's father?!

Oh God, Iris. What have you gotten us into?

This mate thing is supposed to be easier.

“What life, Luke? Why would you need to use another name?” I can see Iris is still trying to piece it all together.

“He’s a Mercenary, Love.” Now it is my turn to throw him under the bus. If pissing him off is my goal, it is working by the look he shoots my way.

Iris takes a seat on the bench, “I don’t... I don’t understand.” Iris holds her head in her hands, which makes me automatically regret throwing the news at her this way.

“He’s a killer, Iris. He kills for money.” I try easing it onto her, but who am I kidding, there is no easy way to explain what he does yet she has a right to know.

Her head shoots up so quickly; meeting me eye to eye. I can see the tears building at the corners of her hazel eyes and all I want to do is reach for her.

She is scared; I can feel it. I need to make this better.

It will be alright, I’m here.

Her facial expression changes so fast that I can swear that she got my mind link.

“Iris, please, that's in the past. I’m not proud of what I have done, but I swear to you, all of the people I killed were bad people. I know that is no excuse but all I can do now is become a better man and learn from my mistakes.” Luke tries redeeming himself, but Iris shoots him a look that can kill.

“You're a murderer! Why shouldn't I call the police right now?"

"Don't stand here and act innocent! What about my father, huh? You're just as guilty as the rest of us!" Luke directs his anger at me.

"Your father?" Iris wrinkles her nose. "What about your father? Did he... did you?" She looks at me in disbelief before turning away and taking a big step away from both of us.

"You know what, no! You both have taken lives! You're sitting here throwing that fact around like it's nothing! You guys are monsters, and I don't want any part of it! Stay away from me and my son, both of you!" Iris turns on her heels.

I have to stop her, despite her rage. I can't let us end like this. "Iris, wait please!" She turns to hear me out. "It's different for our kind. We are born to hunt, to defend and protect using whatever means necessary."

"Our kind? What the hell does that even mean? Is this some stupid male bravado bullshit?" She questions me, and I can hear her becoming even more frustrated. I wish this were easier, but it's not. This is the only way, as selfish as it is. I can't have her leave me. I cannot let her kick me out of her life without knowing the whole truth. My mate deserves the complete truth, and it's about time that I gave it to her.

I draw in a breath.

The next second, the cracking of my bones echoes off the trees. My fur is blowing in the wind. Finally free.

The other side of me is revealed, right in front of her.

My wolf comes face to face for the first time with my mate.