Love in the Shadows - 3. Chapter 3: Close Call

Under the warm blanket, Vincent woke from his deep sleep. He rolled over and grabbed his phone from the cardboard box he used as a nightstand. One o’clock in the afternoon. A groan escaped his throat.

Time to get going.

Vincent sighed and sat up. He blinked rapidly to hasten the process. Coffee! The mage pushed off the mattress and made a bee-line for the kitchen. He opened a cabinet and grabbed a single-use pod. After placing it in his machine, Vincent reached for a mug, filled it with water, and poured it in. He pressed a few buttons and let it whir to life.

While breakfast brewed, he pulled out his phone to check messages. None. Wonder what Mason’s doing. He tapped a quick one to his new boyfriend.

hey, just woke up, whatchu doing?

Setting the device on the counter, he checked the appliance’s progress. Coffee’s almost done. Just enough time to get dressed. He made his way back to his room and opened the closet. He grabbed a pair of navy-blue jeans and a slim-fit, white, button-down shirt. The rich aroma wafting from the kitchen hit his nose as he put his pants on. Draping on the shirt, the mage ventured back and grabbed the hot mug. Sipping lightly, he felt the hot dark roast flow down his throat.

It was not long until the mug was empty and warmth filled him. He sat in his folding chair in the empty dining room. Looking around his scarce apartment caused a sigh of sadness. Vincent never owned much. He was always on the move, so he only carried a small bag of clothes with a few mementos. Furniture was never needed, and he had enough money to buy a few things, like a coffee machine, a mattress, and food. Every place he rented remained blank.

Nothing that can be helped. Why decorate when I could be gone at any moment? Despair filled the mage’s mind. This is why I need to get cracking on the books. I must learn more about how to use my magic. I need to get stronger!

A ding came from the phone. He pinched it from his tight jean pocket and unlocked it.

hey cutie sorry. was out in the barn. no signal there. Cant wait for the date. i’ll be by at 6

Vincent grinned. Perfect timing. Could really use a pick-me-up. His fingers flew across the screen. its all good. Can you meet me at the library? I want to check out a book i’ve been meaning to read

As he was about to set the device on his lap, Mason responded. Of course. anything you want hot stuff. Need a ride there?

no, thanks for offering tho. It’s just a couple blocks away.

anytime, hope you read plenty of important stuff. I’ll see you later

Vincent smiled as warmth suffused his body. Even through a text, I feel him. He grabbed his wallet, keys, and knapsack. Time to go to the library!

***

The walk there was always peaceful. Trees lined the roadway almost perfectly, providing shade for pedestrians. Benches were placed every half-block, facing the traffic, so people could watch cars go by. This town’s really something! I think I’m starting to like this place. It’s almost magical.

Standing in the parking lot, Vincent admired the three-story architectural masterpiece. The stonework evoked European themes, with hints of Gothic and mid-Renaissance mixed in as decorative details. A true work of art. Just don’t know how it got put in the middle of Kentucky.

The interior suited the exterior. Warm lighting illuminated lush, burgundy carpeting, wooden bookcases and tables, and large stained glass windows across the second story. Sliding ladders lined the cases, and many-colored book spines filled the shelves. Even after coming nearly every day, there were sections of the library Vincent had yet to visit. But for now, the mage had one in mind.

Mythical creatures. It’s high time I learn more about shifters. The fact I don’t know anything about the culture and history bothers me. I’m uncertain of specific mannerisms that wolves share, so I need to be aware of things that may upset or irritate Mason, or what would put a grin on his face.

Vincent smiled at the thought. He headed towards the furthest corner of the library. It was almost a universal system across the international library system: most of the boring stuff gets stuffed in the back. He was fine with that. No one ever goes there, which means peace and quiet.

After searching for a few minutes in the right section, Vincent came across a series on creatures, specifically mentioning humanoid mythicals. He ran his fingers along the collection of book spines, skimming through the titles. Elf. Jinn. Nymph. Satyr.

Shapeshifter! Here we go! Vincent grabbed the grey book and weighed it in his hand. It's sort of heavy. He opened it to the last couple of pages. Six hundred or so. Yeah, this is a double-nighter. I can get started now and check it out for the evening. The mage skimmed the table of contents to see if there was anything worth skipping ahead to.

Let's see… Variety of Shifters. Standard traits. Moon Cycle. Transformation. Pack and Class Organization. Courtship and Reproduction. World Geographical Relevance.

Vincent stopped and backtracked. Courtship and Reproduction. That might be interesting, considering I'm dating an alpha. Thoughts of their makeout session made his legs wobble. Fuck, that was hot!

He grabbed the book and moved to his favorite table in a corner. He sat in the padded wood chair and opened the tome near the middle.

I think I'm going to start with Pack and Class Organization. May as well get some background information first. Vincent began his literary adventure.

In regards to most shapeshifter varieties, groups are referred to as packs or tribes. Most are led by an alpha. They are followed by other class members, such as betas, deltas, and omegas. Alphas are regarded as the strongest in their group and are to be held in the highest regard. Betas are considered advisors and act as Alpha Pro-Temp. Deltas, commonly referred to as enforcers, are tasked with maintaining order and protecting the alpha, their family, and members of the pack. The remaining members are considered omegas. These shapeshifters, though stronger than most humanoids, have no desire to be in power. They provide support to the group in a variety of ways, just as humans do in their society.

Vincent continued until the end of the section. He read some underlying details about how to show signs of respect towards alphas. Bears respond to a dip of the head, wolves by baring their neck, and most others with a bow. Good to know! The mage checked his phone for the time. He still had several hours before Mason was due to arrive. Time for a bathroom break.

He got up, leaving his book and bag on the table, and headed to the lobby. On the way, Vincent passed the reception desk and saw Elaine typing away at her computer. She looked up and smiled elegantly.

"Why, hello Vincent! I didn't see you come in. How long have you been here?"

"Good afternoon, Miss Elaine! I've been here about an hour or so. Just reading in the back corner again." Vincent walked up closer to the desk. Elaine was the head librarian, and she was the sweetest lady on the planet, at least in his opinion. For a middle-aged woman, she was a looker, and could probably pass as someone twenty years younger. Well-maintained, shoulder-length, brown hair, slender figure, and a personality that had high-school boys ogling. She wasn't afraid to crack the whip at troublemakers, and was a walking encyclopedia, especially in the supernatural subjects.

When Vincent first stepped into the library a month before, Elaine must have smelled the magic emanating from him. Over the following week, they got to know a little about each other. They were both versed in frost affinity and shared some of their knowledge.

Elaine sighed and chuckled. "I should have known. What are we researching today?"

"Doing a little reading on mythical creatures. Something came up in the frost histories tome I checked out the other day, and needed a reference." A small fib, but pretty harmless.

"Anyway, it was good to see you, Miss Elaine, but I really need to use the restroom. I'll check with you before I leave."

"Oh dear, go on ahead! I didn't mean to hold you up." She shot a smile at the younger mage.

Vincent waved and sped away.

***

A yawn escaped his lips. Jeez, this book has all sorts of stuff in it! Vincent had read a few more chapters, and it was nearly time for Mason to swing by. Miss Elaine had come by an hour before to say goodbye ahead of her shift ending. Vincent could always tell when she was nearby. She must be a master frost mage. Her presence makes the area go cold!

His back molded to the chair, but Vincent felt the need to read more. He sighed and made his decision on the next chapter. Courtship and Reproduction. He stretched his arms and leaned forward into his book.

Shapeshifters, unlike humans, may commit to courtship with another humanoid being in two viable ways. They may court through a standard relationship, just as humans have performed for all of existence. But shapeshifters can also court in a process that remains exclusive to their culture. It is believed that the Goddess of Destiny, Aliz, places—

Vincent snapped out of his dreamlike state when his phone vibrated noisily on the table. It's probably Mason. He looked to see that it was, and how he was waiting outside. Vincent got excited, grabbed the book, and made his way to the front desk.

After checking out, he walked outside and saw the giant black truck with Mason in the driver's seat. Vincent met the lycan's gaze. Warmth filled him as he opened the door and began his climbing ordeal into the seat.

"Hey, Mace!" Vincent ogled his boyfriend. The wolf wore a deep, blood-red button-up and black denim jeans. Mmm, what a stud!

"What's up, hot stuff? Learn anything important?"

"Yeah!" Vincent held up his library book to show. "Got one on shifters. Learned a lot on how packs and tribes are organized, differences between the kinds of members, and a whole bunch of other stuff." A shot jolted through Vincent's mind. Oh, shit! I forgot that he's an alpha. I should have bared my neck to him! He turned his head away from Mason to show him respect.

Mason's eyes shifted bright gold. He grabbed the mage's knee. A yip came from the smaller man's throat and a responding growl from the deepest pits of Hell filled the vehicle.

"Vincent!"

The mage struggled with the immense pressure on his leg and focused on the floorboard. Fuck, what did I do? He called me by name, so I know I did something wrong.

"I don't know how far you got in that book. But, for now, don't bare your neck to me. You’re human, and you are not a member of my pack." Mason shut his eyes. Opening them, he took the hand from Vincent's knee. "We’re dating. You don’t submit to me. But since you’re dating an alpha, my pack, as well as other lycan shifters, will bare their necks to you. I know there’s a lot to learn about our culture, but I'll be happy to help you with it."

Vincent felt relieved. Okay. So no neck baring for me. Also, showing the neck means submission. "Sorry. The book has a lot of detail, but I guess it needs more references. I haven't got to the courtship chapter yet so that probably has more specific information in it."

"Courtship, huh? I can help with that." Mason growled as he leaned in and gave Vincent an electrifying kiss. The wolf kept going, pressing his tongue against his date's lips, demanding entrance. Vincent whimpered and allowed it. Mason moved his hand to the back of Vincent's head, running it down the neck and along the jawline.

The kiss didn't last long enough. The alpha pulled away, never taking his gaze off the mage's. Putting the truck in gear, Mason replaced his hand on Vincent's knee. "So, I know I said I would make dinner tonight, but I had a better idea. How does Biacci's sound?"

Vincent gasped with excitement. "I love Biacci's! Their carbonara’s amazing! Are we going there?" Oh please, say yes. Say yes!

"Of course, we're going! I made reservations." Mason turned off Main Street and drove a couple of blocks before pulling into a side lot. "And there's a special surprise waiting for you inside."

The mage thought of what the surprise could be as both men got out of the truck. Mason walked around to grab Vincent’s hand. He was smitten and surprised by the lycan’s attitude. He’s walking with me like he doesn’t care about others’ opinions. Mason guided him toward the upscale Italian restaurant’s entrance.

The host confirmed the Wilson reservation for two in the Sun Room. Vincent's jaw dropped. The… the Sun Room? You are fucking with me, right? His eyes went to Mason immediately, and they were met with a sly smile and a narrowed, piercing stare. You, Mr. Alpha, are out to impress. It's working! I know for a fact you got to have connections and a fat wallet to book the Sun Room.

“If you could follow me, please.” Two menu placards appeared in the host’s hands, and he began walking down the main hallway through the restaurant. A thin staircase came into view in the back and the three ascended.
The host brought the men to a set of large, ornate doors. Vincent admired them: artistic carvings, displaying a large sun setting over a field of workers. Hand-carved, possibly a century old. Truly beautiful!

A slight cough snapped Vincent back to reality. The maitre d’ stared at the couple, but turned away and pulled open both doors. “The Sun Room, gentlemen. Please, be seated. A waitress will be with you shortly.” He skirted out of the couple’s way, allowing Vincent to get a glimpse of the illustrious dining room. A mere gasp couldn’t begin to describe the mage’s astonishment.

A large-pane, glass window took up the wall facing the door, overlooking several rooftops, and beyond that, the forest edging the city’s southern side. With perfect timing, the sun was about to disappear. In front of the view, a small circular table was set with a red rose in a ceramic vase. Tableware placed in uniformity, with fabric napkins stylishly rolled in each of the water glasses. White lily petals were scattered across the center of the table atop the rose-colored tablecloth.

Vincent was awestruck.

“So, what do you think, Vinnie?”

“I’m, well… ” Vincent tried to stay composed, but he was touched. He did all of this for me? It’s the most romantic thing I could ever think of! He firmly squeezed Mason’s hand. “I think it’s perfect.” Mason’s eyes gleamed. He led Vincent to the table and pulled out a chair for him. Vincent blushed and accepted the gesture, as Mason walked over to the opposite chair to seat himself.

The host had handed them the menus before walking out. As a waitress came with a pitcher of water, Vincent and Mason removed the napkin from their glasses. She looked at Mason and exposed her neck. Vincent’s eyes bulged in shock. She’s a shifter? The waitress turned to pour water into the mage’s glass and bared her neck to him before leaving.

Mason chuckled and flipped through his menu. “Yeah, that’ll take some getting used to. What sounds good?”

“I already have my heart set on the chicken carbonara. Biacci’s makes it like no one else.” The waitress returned with a basket of breadsticks. Vincent noticed Mason licking his bottom lip at the baked goods. Once they were set on the table, two of them were snatched by the alpha. Vincent giggled. “And what sounds good to you?”

Mason twiddled a breadstick between his fingers and shot him a lustful look. “You look pretty delicious.”

The statement went to Vincent’s groin and caused blood to rush to his cheeks. “Oh, gods. I meant for dinner!”

A laugh bellowed from Mason. “I think I’m going with the lasagna.” He took a bite of the warm breadstick. “Or maybe the beef brasato. Hell, I may order both. I’m pretty freaking hungry!”

Vincent withheld his laughter as he saw the waitress approaching. He selected the carbonara with a side salad, and Mason ended up choosing both entrees and a side of stracciatella. Done taking their order, the waitress left the couple alone.

The mage leaned back. "So, is this one of the perks of being an alpha? Booking this swanky dining room and getting first-class service?"

Mason sipped from his glass. "Among other things. The owner and I are good friends." He leaned forward. "But I think being a mage would have pretty nice perks too."

"Yeah, they come in handy. What has Dave told you about me?"

"Pretty much everything. How you're damn handy with clairvoyance and frost magic. And how you’re one of the rare shadow mages." Vincent was surprised Mason knew about his third affinity. His shock must have been apparent since the lycan smirked. "He told me how you scared the shit out of him with that move you did in the bathroom in JD's. Oh man, I wish I’d been there to see his face!"

Vincent covered his mouth. "He told you that? That was really funny. When he got mad, I about lost it!"

The wolf’s warm demeanor grew somber. "He also told me about this Stefan guy."

Vincent frowned. Yeah, almost forgot about him. Mace’s been keeping me preoccupied. I need to get back to searching for him.

"Vincent."

He looked up to see a scowl.

"You and I just started dating, but you’ve gone through a terrible ordeal that I can’t ignore. You live in my territory, and I will not stand by as someone's way of life’s threatened under my watch. As long as Stefan’s breathing, and you’re living in Owensville, my pack and I will assist you in any way we can."

Tears welled up in Vincent’s eyes.

"Hey, hey. Did I say something wrong?"

The mage couldn't help the flood of emotions.

"Mason. I… I just don't know what to say, or do, or, well… anything. Between you and Dave, you guys… " He bit his lip, trying to keep from bursting into tears. "You guys have given and offered so much to me, and I don't know why. I haven't done anything for you, or your pack, or anyone in this town.” Vincent couldn’t hold back any longer. The tears poured but he didn’t care. He had been living alone for so long. Compassion from others felt like a mystery. Looking at Mason, Vincent needed to know. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

“Vin, I’m being nice because I care for you. I know we just met, but I feel something special about you. My wolf’s wanted to be near ever since I laid eyes on you.” Mason squeezed Vincent’s hand a touch tighter. “You’ve been hurt, and that hurts me. I won’t stop until the pain in your life’s gone.” He sighed. “Vincent, I think you…”

Vincent stared in wonder. He… He just stopped. He watched as Mason’s eyes darted to the doors. The action further confused him.

Mason gazed at him again. “I think you shouldn’t let these thoughts cloud your judgment. I’m here to be your boyfriend, but as the pack’s Alpha, I can’t allow this… murderer running around in my territory.” Mason dug his eyes into Vincent’s as the mage wiped them with a napkin. “You have friends here. You just haven’t met them all yet.”

The wolf lifted Vincent’s hand to kiss the forefingers. “Now, let’s worry about it later; the food’s about to come through those doors. Can’t have anyone think I’m treating you wrong.”

Vincent sat, comprehending his boyfriend’s logic. I do have friends here. I was just too blind to see them. Dave was always my boss, but we go to breakfast and talk a lot. Miss Elaine helps me with my studies, bringing new books that might interest me. And now there’s Mason. This big guy feels attracted to me in some way. I can tell he’s holding something back, but I’m not one to judge. He took a deep breath.

“You’re right, Mace. We can talk more about it later. I have a feeling that you, and your… wolf… would never treat me wrong.” A golden flash of Mason’s irises made the mage smile. The doors opened to the waitress carrying a serving platter. She placed the plates in front of the men.

“Enjoy your dinner, gentlemen.”

***

Damn, that was amazing! The two men nearly forgot everything once they had their first bite. With every morsel of his carbonara, Vincent’s eyes rolled back. He reluctantly let Mason have a taste after catching him sneaking looks. The wolf was visibly upset he didn’t order it; he attempted to bribe Vincent with the brasato. When that didn’t work, the lasagna was next in the bidding. “Sorry, bud. You ain’t getting your paws on my pasta. I treat this stuff like gold!”

Their conversation was inquisitive and informative. Vincent revealed he was originally from a small town in Maryland, but abandoned it to begin his adventures. He went back once a year to visit during the town’s annual festival, grab some deep-fried, chocolate cookie dough, and maybe have a beer. More importantly, he went to see his parents. It was always the last thing Vincent did before leaving. The cemetery was gloomy and centered around a willow tree. The mage wasn’t of age to decide how his parents should have been buried at the time of their deaths, and none of the relatives could stomach making a decision. In the end, the state gave them the standard small headstones.

They couldn’t even put them on the same headstone. Vincent knew they were together under the earth, but it was a small detail he wished he could change. Maybe one day I can give them what they deserve.

Mason didn’t have much to add from their previous date about himself. Instead, he talked more about his pack dynamics. It covered half the county, Owensville included. Vincent was astonished to learn who was under the alpha’s influence. This is crazy! The police, an aide at City Hall, and different governmental offices throughout the county. Owners of the best restaurants in town as well.

The wolf mentioned nothing crazy happened in his territory. It was a relatively peaceful area. with plenty of retirees. Many of the townsfolk resembled characters from The Andy Griffith Show, and the crime rate was the lowest in Kentucky. Mason described how he and Dave had worked closely with the police chief to weed out a lingering drug problem since Mason had become Pack Alpha a couple of years before. Some meth heads were still operating outside town, but police were close to apprehending them.

Mason also explained he hosted bi-weekly meetings, where they went over pack business, occasionally grilled, and ran in the woods. Vincent looked confused.

"By run, I mean a four-legged run."

"Oh! That's neat! I would love to see a bunch of wolves all together!"

A grimace appeared on the bigger man's face. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Vinnie. You have to be pack to come to the meetings."

Disappointed, Vincent pouted, making Mason smile. "Sorry, hot stuff. That's just the rules. But, if you're down for it, I'll let you meet my wolf."

Vincent looked up. "Are… are you serious? Your wolf? Like… your wolf?"

Mason nodded.

"Umm, wouldn't that be, like… isn't that a little crazy? Me meeting a wolf?" He never felt more insane. Is the wolf a person? Does he have a different personality? Is it like a dog? Does it play fetch and chew on sofas?

"No, no. It's not crazy. My wolf’s just me. Just a little furrier and more animalistic. Not gonna lie, he's been dying to meet you." He saw Vincent's face turn pale. "Don't worry, I won't bite you. As long as you don't run or throw daggers, you won’t be in any danger."

Color returned to Vincent, but he still felt apprehensive. It seems important to Mace for me to meet his wolf. It could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close without getting shredded to bits. "That sounds nice. When would be a good time?"

Mason looked enthusiastic. "Well, how about tonight? I planned on inviting you back to my place for a movie."

Vincent smiled. He was still shaking, but his excitement was stronger than the nervousness. "Sounds like a plan."

"Then, what do you say we get out of here?" Mason stood and reached for Vincent's hand.

They took two steps towards the door before Vincent pulled on Mason's hand. "Wait! Aren't we gonna pay?" The waitress never brought us a bill.

"Didn't I say that the owner and I were good friends?"

"You did."

"Did I say that he owed me a favor for shoveling out his driveway last winter?"

Vincent's mouth opened in astonishment. "We just got this dinner for free?" All Mason could do was grin as he led the mage out the double doors and down the staircase. Vincent giggled as he let himself get dragged through the restaurant. I don’t think he plans on letting go!

Reaching the truck, Vincent thought his boyfriend was going to open the door for him, but Mason spun and pinned him against it.

Moaning, Vincent pulled Mason closer. Need more of this. His body feels so good! He looked up to see the alpha's golden eyes and felt his body turn to goo. Mason dipped his head, and they locked lips. A growl rumbled through the wolf and coursed through Vincent’s chest.

Mason let go of Vincent's lips and changed targets. Once latched onto Vincent’s neck, ecstasy swam through the mage's mind. Vincent clawed at the massive shoulder blades as he felt the pressure building. Fuck movie night! He can do this all night if he wants!

"Oh gods, Mace! You feel so good. Don't stop." The wolf leaned harder against him. Vincent gasped. Is… Is that him? He felt something prod his stomach. He’s packing! His own manhood was begging for roomier quarters, but the mage was paralyzed by pleasure.

A few seconds passed and the lycan removed himself. Vincent gulped air.

"How 'bout we take this back to my place? You know… for a movie." Mason’s tone was deeper and huskier.

Vincent felt like putty in the man's hand. "Uh-huh. Oh, yeah." The mage was ready to go along with anything his hot boyfriend wanted, especially if it meant more contact. Once Mason helped him in and started the engine, Vincent noticed how dark it was outside. Damn, night snuck up fast…

Mason grabbed Vincent’s hand and pulled out of the side lot. "So, I live slightly outside of town. Just gotta hit Main and ride out Old State Road 47 for a couple miles. I think you'll like it."

"Well, you're the driver. So, what movie did you have in mind?"

"Not sure. I got a big collection, and I have all of the streaming services. What kind of movies do you like, hot stuff?"

"I like a good comedy or action flick. But I swear, I do not do horror!"

Mason laughed as he turned the truck off Main Street. "Horror movies aren't that bad! Besides, you'll have me to hold onto if you get too scared."

"I mean, that's a definite bonus, but I still don't do horror." Vincent kept his eyes on the pitch-black road. "I may have to hold you real tight."

"I'll hold you, and I won't let go." The wolf glanced at his date just as Vincent looked up.

His smile faded as a bright yellow light temporarily blinded him. "Mace. Mason!"

The wolf jerked his head left.

Too close! Need to do something! Vincent pulled from his stored magic pools and grunted as his eyes burned with power. He slammed his hands onto the dashboard and tried to envelop the truck in a thick sheet of ice. The blurred light closed in. Not enough!

The vehicles collided. Vincent heard and felt the initial impact. He saw Mason’s head whip against the headrest as his own flew backward. Everything went black.