Plot Twist

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

"In any relationship, there's gonna be conflict."

Solange Knowles

As I watched Mason fill up his own plate of food, I thought about how I should approach the whole 'please-don't-kill-Zack' situation.

You know what? I blame Skylar for this.

This whole scenario would be a lot easier to explain if she was still dating the kid--I could just say he's, like, her "replacement mate" or whatever.

But no.

She's dead-set on dating the guy who likes to handle his anger by trying to maul people.

"So, uh, there is something I wanted to talk to you about," I said, scratching the back of my neck awkwardly. I figured the best thing to probably do was just get it off my chest--so far, Mason had proven to be a fairly rational guy. Even if the Zack situation seemed a little complicated, I didn't see any reason why he wouldn't let Zack go free as long as Dylan-O'Brien-Doppelganger was sworn to secrecy.

As if he would be able to tell anyone anyway.

I don't know about you, but if I came home from some trip, and started spouting off nonsense about werewolves and castles, my parents would think I'm crazy.

Hell, my dad doesn't even believe me when I say I've cleaned my room--I don't think he'd be convinced about the existence of werewolves.

"So, here's the thing," I continued as Mason looked at me in curiosity, "When we came here, my sister was sort of dating this human guy named Zack. She told him all about her situation with Ryder and he decided to come with us for moral support. Unfortunately, Skylar has since broken up with him and now he's stuck here. I guess I was just wondering if there's anyway you could help him get home? Like buy him a plane ticket or something?"

You know, instead of killing him.

Mason's brow furrowed and he was silent for a few seconds, as if thinking it over. "Yes, I remember seeing him when I went to meet with your sister and her mate. So, as of right now, he has no ties to the werewolf world? And he knows all our secrets?"

"Well, I guess," I replied, "But it's not like he's going to tell anyone. Even if he tried, it's not like anyone would believe him anyway."

Well, any rational person that is.

He might be able to convince a few tin foil hat-wearing conspiracy theorists though.

Or maybe someone who's really high.

"I suppose you are right," Mason said, "However, I'm not sure I'm willing to take the risk. There's a reason why our species has managed to stay secret for so long and it's not because no human has never found out about us...we simply deal with whoever does."

The look on Mason's face was unrelenting.

In other words: Zack might as well consider this his last meal.

Okay, Cal, time to pull out all your first-class seduction/persuasion techniques.

It's either that or I have to start crying.

But, crying means I'd probably have to pinch myself really hard to stab myself with a butterknife to produce real tears.

So...seduction it is.