Page 34 of Mason

“Come on, then,” Walker pants, his fists raised, eyes burning with the madness of a man who knows his time is running out. “Let’s finish it.”

“Let’s,” I agree, and we collide one final time, the fury of everything that’s led to this moment exploding between us. This is it—the last fight, the last chance. Only one of us is walking away tonight.

My knuckles are white, grip like a vise on the last vestiges of control. This dance we’re doing, it’s more than just fists and fury—it's a power play, a fight for the soul of the streets we claim as ours. Walker's breaths come ragged and raw as he staggers back, his footing unsure on the gravel-strewn asphalt.

"Pres..." he spits out my name like it's poison on his tongue, but there's a flicker of something else in his eyes—fear maybe, or the dawning realization that this is the end.

"End of the line," I growl, the world narrows down to the man before me, to resolve the hardening like steel in my gut. I lunge forward, every muscle coiled and ready to deliver the last strike.

His guard drops for just a split second, but it's all I need. My fist swings with the weight of the club behind it, a tight hook that lands square against his jaw. There's a crunch and then Walker crumbles, a heap of broken pride and defeat at my feet.

"Mason!" It's Dagger's voice, a distant call from somewhere beyond the alley's confines. But it's clear enough, pulling me back from the edge where rage and retribution blur into something dark and all-consuming.

I stand over Walker, chest heaving, watching the rise and fall of his battered body. He's still breathing, but the fight's gone out of him.

"Let medics deal with this trash," Dagger says, clapping a hand on my shoulder as the rest of the Iron Reapers filter in, their faces grim but victorious.

We leave Walker for the authorities and ride back to the compound, engines roaring like the battle cry of avenging angels. The clubhouse comes into view, a beacon in the gathering dusk, and I can feel it—the weight lifting, this horrible chapter closing.

"Brothers!" I call out as we dismount, the familiar faces of my family gathered in the fading light. "We ride together, we fight together, and today, we've shown what that means."

Cheers erupt, piercing the twilight. "Tonight, we drink to victory, to loyalty, and to the unbreakable bond of the Iron Reapers. Tomorrow, we ride on."

The compound's a mess of cheers and clinking glasses, but I’m not in the mood for celebrating. My boots crunch on gravel as I navigate through the crowd.

"Mason," her voice cuts through the room, soft and strong all at once.

I turn and there she is, Carlie, looking like hope in a world gone mad. Her blonde curls catch the last light of day.

"Hey, Darlin'," I say, my voice rough. The clubhouse fades, it's just her now, her and the ache in my bones.

"Mason," she repeats, and damn if it doesn't sound like a prayer. She steps close, sees the damage written on my skin, reads it like a story of survival.

"Thought I lost you," she whispers, fierce and fragile in one breath.

"Never," I grunt out, 'cause words are too complicated and my throat's full of relief. "Nothing will take me away from you."

She reaches up, traces a line down my cheek, and her touch is like fire and ice. "You're hurt," she says, eyes full of worry.

"Been worse," I admit, shrugging off the pain 'cause her being here, that's all the medicine I need.

"Stubborn," she grumbles.

"Comes with the territory," I laugh, and it stings like hell but it's worth it to see her smile.

"Come here," she murmurs, and pulls me into her arms.

I go willingly, wrapping my arms around her, pulling her tight against me. She's solid and real. "You made it through," she sighs against my chest, her breath warm on my skin.

"Yeah, we did," I confirm, 'cause it's the truth and it's what keeps me going. We're battered, maybe, but not broken. Not even close.

"Whatever's next," she says, looking up at me with those clear blue eyes, "We'll face it together."

"Damn right." The words are a vow, etched deep in my soul.

NINETEEN

MASON

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