Mason could truthfully assert that he had never encountered anything akin to it in his life. He had known Caelan for as long as he could remember, being merely a week younger than him. Even during their teenage years, prior to the events involving Daisy, Caelan had consistently exhibited the traits of a dominant and assertive Alpha. His Alpha instincts overshadowed all else, rendering him aggressive in all his endeavours, including his interactions with girlfriends.
At present, although it appeared that Daisy had elicited a gentler aspect in Caelan, it was pleasing to observe.
Moreover, witnessing Daisy embrace Caelan and reciprocate his kiss astonished him to some extent, though he was not entirely taken aback by it.
He recognised her genuine efforts to be a good Mate to Caelan, and he was aware that her wolf, Amelia, had harboured affection for his wolf, Hudson. There has consistently existed a robust bond between them. If Caelan had not been so resolute in repelling her by behaving antagonistically, and Mason recognised his own personal motivations for his conduct, they likely would have achieved a favourable outcome.
He observed as Caelan gently and gradually ended the kiss, while Daisy leaned into him, her arms still encircling him; the man might have been utterly insufferable. However, he had never physically assaulted her and would not permit anyone to inflict harm upon her. If he had contemplated for even a moment that she was in danger, he would have intervened immediately.
She was unaware of that. She was unaware of the numerous occasions on which Caelan had physically confronted adolescent males for ogling her or for making inappropriate comments regarding her availability prior to Caelan, or for derogatory remarks about her and her early bond with him. Had incited not only his wolf into a full-blown fury but also Caelan. They had all been threatened with decapitation if she discovered that he was punishing them on her behalf as well. He understood that she would not desire their harm. The man was aware of her; he simply never revealed it. I would never permit her entry.
Mason understood that Daisy did not genuinely fear Caelan; rather, she no longer desired their connection, which had ultimately caused significant stress for both of them. Caelan’s chin rested atop Daisy’s head, and he appeared quite at ease with his arms encircling her. Mason was aware that Caelan had deliberately abstained from such contact throughout their Mate Bond, citing ‘personal reasons’ for his assertion that he had no right to touch her. Despite his internal conflict, the strength of his Bond and his yearning to Mate with her ultimately prevailed, exacerbated by the ongoing tension between their respective wolves.
Caelan ultimately focused his gaze on him. The man recognised that he was no longer alone in the room. Mason almost smirked at the man. “Pleased to observe your kindness towards her, Caelan,” he remarked nonchalantly through the mind-link, and it was genuinely gratifying to witness. Mason always suspected that the man possessed it within him.
Simply declined to disclose it.
Mason, having heard his alpha’s apology, understood the reason behind it and found it highly amusing to provoke the man regarding the perceptions of him and others. I informed him that he was indifferent, and he genuinely was indifferent. It would have been prudent to capture a photograph for posterity.
Caelan believed he was excessively relaxed. He understood that this was solely due to the fact that, had the roles been inverted, Caelan would have reacted explosively and likely attempted to severely confront him. As he had done with Alpha Kaiden. An intense Alpha versus Alpha confrontation regarding her conveyed significant meaning to Mason. This was not the first instance he had witnessed Caelan lose his composure over her.
Mason acknowledged his laid-back demeanour; he was notably composed at that moment, with Lark also contentedly wagging his tail within his thoughts. He and his wolf were pleased that she was breathing independently and had regained consciousness. His wolf detected Amelia’s presence, and he felt pleased by it. She appeared to be more inquisitive about her now than during her previous visit; it genuinely felt as though Lark desired to engage with her wolf, which was a novel development. However, his wolf never broached the topic.
Mason attuned his senses to her. He observed that she appeared quite at ease, leaning against her Alpha, her former Mate. Extremely at ease in the man’s embrace. He could not refrain from teasing Caelan about the kiss he had witnessed, suggesting that he had likely deprived the woman of sufficient oxygen, causing her to faint again. ‘I did not,’ Caelan retorted, yet the man subsequently smiled and nearly laughed; it was heartening to see him smile.
It was an exceedingly uncommon occurrence over the past decade. However, Mason had observed it multiple times since his time in Canada. The man on the plane was evidently entertained by Daisy’s ruse to conceal information she wished to keep hidden. He had been smiling when he exited his bedroom and maintained his smile until she referred to him as Alpha. That single word eradicated the smile from his face, instantly extinguishing all his amusement.
Mason held opinions on the matter but had not mentioned it. He had relinquished it, believing that if it were as he suspected, it would eventually resolve itself. He was unlikely to mention it either.
Caelan would unequivocally instruct him to depart in a vulgar manner. Instructing him to release her and allow her to rest, he observed that Caelan appeared reluctant, seemingly deliberating the decision for a full minute. Observing him gently lay her down while cradling her head, careful not to rouse her, resembled watching him place an infant in a cradle; he would likely make an excellent father someday. MASON contemplated vacantly.
He was thoroughly entertained by witnessing the man kiss the woman’s head and nearly erupted in laughter. Caelan’s actions appeared to be purely instinctual, suggesting he lacked control, prompting Mason to speculate whether the man’s wolf was influencing him subconsciously. It was feasible. However, based on his knowledge of Caelan, it could simply be a reflection of the man himself.
