Love in the Shadows - 14. Chapter 14: Magical Meeting

Yeah, figured today was going to be weird for him. Vincent watched Mason gawk his way. I haven’t looked in a mirror yet, but I imagine I’m something else. The mage raised an eyebrow.

“Sorry about that, Vin. I guess I wasn’t ready to see you like this. It’s really different, especially not hearing your voice.”

Rolling his discolored eyes, Vincent grabbed his phone and texted. It’s just for today, big guy. He pointed the screen at Mason.

“I left my phone inside. I’ll get it in a minute. You excited for tonight? I can’t wait to see what you have planned for the pack. Speaking of, we have everything set up just like you asked.”

Vincent smiled and nodded. Excellent! Now I don’t have to worry about holding back with my clairvoyance.

Mason looked at him nervously. “Are you hungry? I can cook up some breakfast real fast.”

He doesn’t have the best memory, does he? Using his frost magic, Vincent wrote on the grass, Cooked all food yesterday.

“Right, right. I can grab a few things from town today and bring back something from JD’s. I’ll be right back, Pup.” The handsome man lowered his head and kissed Vincent, only to pull away quickly with a mutter. “Cold…”

Vincent pictured the kid who got his tongue stuck to a frozen pole in A Christmas Story and laughed. He sat and channeled energy, wanting to go to the meeting fully charged. An hour later, Mason hollered, letting him know breakfast was ready. Vincent stayed in a corner of the kitchen away from everyone, not wanting the shifters to break out their furs.

Dave came through the front door noisily, waking Dirk. With both councils assembled and fed, Tierney set his fork down. “Mason and I thought now would be a great time for you all to pair off and learn from each other. Kap, Dirk? These guys might have some small pack strategies and dynamics that can help out the districts. Dirk, Caleb’s new so give him a complete rundown. Don’t skimp on the deets.”

Vincent watched as the men broke into groups. He stayed for a few minutes and listened to Tierney and Mason speak. They shared their differences between large meetings and minor groupings. Who knew these packs had specialized tracking and hunting teams? Mace combined the two since his territory’s small. I lost count of all the different ones Ty said he had. These wolves really like to be organized.

Tierney would glance at Vincent every so often, and after the fourth or fifth one, he diverted his complete attention to him. “I got to say I’m impressed by your appearance, Vincent. Your skin doesn’t look the healthiest but a mage’s body knows how to handle the stress. Be thankful though. When I store my energy, each footstep leaves scorch marks. I’d trade your refrigerator powers in a heartbeat.”

Needing to use the bathroom, Vincent waved to the alphas and stopped along the way to listen to Dirk and Caleb. The bear was explaining how the position of enforcer was more than just being a bodyguard. So the job’s also acting as the tracking and hunting commander. Interesting! Seeing the two men shiver, he moved along.

After finishing his business, he glanced in the mirror. Holy shit! So that’s why everyone’s looking at me funny. Prodding his face, he noticed the lavender outline on the skin around his black and blue eyes. I look like a demon from an icy hell. Brushing a hand through his hair, frost fell like dandruff, wetting the sink. He took a towel, dried the mess, and returned to the backyard.

Apart from being served a light lunch, Vincent was left undisturbed. He heard the door open a few times and saw all six shapeshifters come out. Checking the time, the meeting would be starting in an hour and a half. He felt confident. Everything’s planned, and I’m ready to give it my all.

Dave stepped close to him. The beta gasped and trembled. “Damn, Vincent! It’s like a freezer around you. If Marc ever retires, you can take his spot as frozen lead.”

“Now, now,” said Mason as he approached. “I’m not sure my pup wants a full-time job. I’m heading down to the camp to make sure everything’s set up. I can’t wait to see you tonight. Forgive me for not kissing you right now.”

Vincent nodded and blew a kiss. He smiled harder when Mason clutched the air and stuffed his fist in his pocket as he walked away. Before he could sit back down, Tierney came over with a smirk. “Good thing I can warm myself up. Excited to officially enter your mate’s pack?”

What was to come crystallized in his mind. He would perform his dance, but that would lead to his official entry into the group. I’ve never done anything like this. I’ll be a part of a wolf pack. Vincent snorted. Eight-year-old me would be ecstatic. Kneeling, he wrote, Hell yes!

"I remember my period of silence all those years ago. Communication was really difficult. I couldn't write because my pens would burn up, and I couldn't exactly burn words into objects."

Dave chuckled. “Guess you never got into wood-burning?”

“Nah, I tried it a couple times. Stuff turned out nice, but I’d rather leave art to the talented and not the gifted. Pieces done in seconds will never mean as much as the ones that take days.”

Vincent clapped. I never thought of using magic like that. My ice would melt away, but I can imagine Ty could use his magic to make beautiful art with fire.

Dave rejoined them. “Very poetic, Alpha.”

Tierney rolled his eyes. “Oh, stop.”

“Anyway, one more thing, Vincent,” Dave said. “Gotta go over the formalities for joining the pack. When you’re done with your dance, you’ll need to turn to Mason, kneel on both knees with your head bowed, and say the following… Alpha Wilson, I request sanctuary within your pack. Got it?”

Vincent gave a thumbs-up. Seems simple enough. I might be out of my gourd when I’m done, but I’ll do it. Why do I feel like I’m forgetting something… Oh! He poked Tierney on the arm, then wrote another message on the ground. Would you do my introduction?

The man beamed. “I’d be honored! Let me call Mason and see if he’d allow me to take the stage.”

As the lycan walked away, Vincent headed inside to change clothes. Dropping the cloak into the shadows, he fished through a drawer and chose his black jeans and a baby-blue dress shirt. I can make a tie to go with it.

Outside again, Dirk stepped forward and dipped his head. “Mated Alpha Bolton. I know you can’t properly respond, but I’d like to get something off my chest if you don’t mind. You…” He cleared his throat. “You look like a fearsome warrior. Tierney told me about your magic, and if I would’ve known you had this much power, I wouldn’t have challenged you. My bear and I never liked humans. Your race thinks they’re high and mighty, and ask for everything without considering their fellow man. After spending time here, I see you’re not like the ones back home. You defeated me, then thanked me for the experience. You’ve changed my perspective. It’ll take time, but I’m going to look at humanity more fairly from now on.”

Vincent bit his lip. Hearing the admission, he bolted forward and gave the bear a hug. It only lasted a second as Dirk patted his back. He realized his mistake, backed away, and mouthed, “Sorry!”

“It’s all right, little one. You can try again when you’re not a popsicle.”

Tierney, Kaplan, Caleb, and Dave joined the pair. “Sorry to interrupt,” said Dave, “but it’s about time to head to the meeting. Vincent, you ready?”

He gave a thumbs up again.

Dave looked at the others. “All right. You guys following me?”

The alpha nodded. “Right behind you. And Mason said it was okay for me to introduce Vincent to the pack before the dance. He’ll announce him as his mate after the performance.” The shifters headed for the vehicles, but a new issue arose. “So, who's taking the freezer?”

Vincent poked Dave’s arm, then tapped his foot under his truck. Going into its shadow briefly, he hoped he was able to convey the message.

“Gotcha. Thanks, Vin. Saves me a lot of trouble. Do I need to slow down for you to keep up?”

He raised an eyebrow. C’mon, Dave. I told you I can be in a different state in seconds.

Dirk saw and snorted. “I think that means you can book it.”

He went under the Silverado as they prepared to depart. With his vision grayscale, he tried to calm his nerves. Normally, being in the shadows made him carefree. It was his own little world to escape to. No one bothered him, and he could still see and hear his surroundings. As he traveled, he needed to use his anger as the proverbial gas pedal. It’s been a while since I had to go slow like this. This is nice. But now that he was going to use his magic to represent his feelings towards his new family, the pressure was intense.

The campground road came into view sooner than expected. Vincent noticed the sky darkening. By the time we get there, it’ll be pitch-black out. That’s perfect! I just hope there’s enough light for everyone to see. He pinched the bridge of his nose. Right, they’re shifters. They can see in the dark. Duh!

Parking, there were multiple cars, trucks, and a few minivans already there. Wow, there’s got to be over fifty people here. The sound of the Silverado’s door closing accompanied the shifting gravel. Laying on the rocks, he emerged and blew at Dave’s ankles.

The lycan jumped away. “Vincent! Not funny. You going to stick around until Tierney announces you?”

He nodded and watched the five descend the stairs toward the stage. The bonfire in the center gave the amphitheater a bright, orange glow. Murmurs and incoming vehicles filled the night. As the bodies passed, Vincent recognized a few people as Greenthumb customers. Those two come on Fridays. It still gets me who’s a shifter around here.

Taking a deep breath, Vincent waited.

***

Mason saw the two councils coming. Dave had lit another cigarette while showing the New Yorkers to their seats in the front row. Right next to Mom and Dad. Good.

Tierney didn’t remain by the bench and instead followed the smoking beta to the stage. “Your meeting area is beautiful, Mace. I’m pretty jealous. We’re stuck using a basement floor at The Plaza.”

“The Plaza Hotel? You sound disappointed.”

“Nothing beats having the open sky above you. Seriously, this is nice.”

Feeling proud, Mason looked around. “Thanks. It’s been the meeting site for decades. We renovated it about five years ago. New benches and staircase. Still need to figure out that bottom step though.”

“It’s a little steep, but you can probably add a small platform or a mound of gravel.”

“Duly noted. Where’s Vinnie?”

Dave blew smoke upward. “Hiding in the shadows. Probably has a fancy entrance planned out or something. That, and folks would be curious if Jack Frost was hanging around.”

The alpha wanted to growl at the comment, but Martin Short’s portrayal flashed in his mind causing him to laugh. “Yeah, that’ll be for the best. Can you have Caleb and Tasha take a seat next to Dad? Ty, I’ll call on you shortly after I initiate Caleb. Not much to cover tonight.”

“Not much? You’re introducing Vincent as your mate. Anxious?”

Mason huffed. “You have no idea. New Pack Enforcer, you’re guest speaking, and I’m informing everyone about Vinnie. I haven’t been this nervous since I took over for Dad.”

Tierney crossed his arms. “You got this. This will be one of the most memorable nights of your life.” Something must have captured his attention as the red irises flashed. He spun as Morrine approached. “My, my! A delight to see you again, Miss Schultz.”

“Hey, Casanova. What’s new with you?”

“Just arrived. I’m not familiar with the pack’s itinerary. Is there a run or hunt after the meeting?”

“Hell yeah! Got something in mind?”

The man’s eyes faintly glowed. “Would you mind some company during the run, or do you prefer to hunt?”

She grinned and closed the distance between them. “Always a hunt, and it’s a date.”

“I’ll find you after the meeting. Did you bring a jacket? Here, take mine.” He unbuttoned his blazer and draped it over her shoulders. “You’ll need it.”

Mason hid his smirk. He’s smooth.

“Th-thanks, but what do I need this for?”

He leaned forward and whispered in her ear, “It’s a secret, but there’s a dance tonight. He’s a frost mage, and it’s going to get nippy.”

Her jaw slacked for a moment before she squealed. Mason lowered his hands, signaling for her to keep it down. “My gods, a mage’s dance? I haven’t seen one since I lived in the city! Thanks, T. You’re all right, you know that?”

Tierney lifted her hand and kissed it. “I only hope I’m trying hard enough.”

Her gaze was stuck on his. “To tell you the truth, I don’t have a snappy comeback for ya.”

“And to tell you the truth, I can’t keep my eyes off of you. It’ll make it easy to find you after the meeting.” He let her go and ventured to his seat with Kaplan and Dirk in tow.

Dave muttered, “What did I just see?”

Chortling, Mason turned to take his place on stage. “I just saw the smoothest player in the game put a fierce lady on her heels. C’mon, a few more minutes and we’ll get started.”

Standing with Dave by his side, they waited. He always delayed the meeting five or so minutes after it was supposed to start. Parents trying to get their kids ready, unexpected traffic. Seeing a full house pleased him. I see old man Richards, and Ingle’s up there in the corner. Tash must’ve found a babysitter since Lowe’s not with her. Behind him, the flames warmed his back against the brisk breeze. Here we go.

He stepped forward and allowed power to flow to his eyes. “Good evening, my brothers and sisters!” His voice boomed in the night. “Tonight, we’re blessed to be together with friends and family, along with guests from far away, and a new member to our pack.”

Faces turned towards the New York council, but then scoured around to search for the mentioned addition. “We have few matters to discuss this evening, but I promise this will be a night no one will soon forget. I give the floor to Dave to address the first matter of business.”

Mason observed his beta flick the cigarette into the bonfire behind him and advance to the edge of the wooden platform. The man took a deep breath. “As you know, our pack has been without a proper enforcer for a couple years now. It’s been a touchy subject for most, but after a long conversation with our Alpha, we agree it’s time to welcome a new member into the council.

“The past several days have brought much thought. I’ve gotten to know the man who’s been chosen to step up and take the place of my brother. It’s within my wolf’s soul to believe that this man is more than ready. We share a common goal to do what’s best for this pack, and I think Chris would want me to be the one to introduce him to you all. So…” Dave straightened his posture. “So, my brothers and sisters, I want you to help me welcome Caleb Gage as the new Pack Enforcer!”

Applause and howls rang as Caleb rose, pecked Tasha’s lips, and came forward. Reaching the stage, he bared his mating mark to Mason, shook Dave’s hand, then turned to address the crowd. “It’s a true privilege to be chosen. It was merely a year ago when Alpha Wilson took my family into this pack, and I made a solemn vow to give my all then. I’ll make that vow again, only publicly. This role bears special meaning to the council, and I intend to honor my predecessor. Until my dying breath, my lion and I will protect this pack, and all within it, present and future.”

Mason smiled as Caleb faced him and knelt. Shifting his finger into a claw, he pierced his human palm and let the blood pool. Wetting a thumb, he marked Caleb’s forehead with a horizontal line, symbolizing the battlefield. Two more under each eye to represent him watching over the pack. He finished with a circle above the forehead’s line to keep the enemy on the mind.

With the ceremonial marking done, Mason transformed his injured hand to heal the cut. “Rise.” Caleb stood, and the alpha turned the man towards the audience. “My pack, this is our enforcer! Let us welcome him, for he will watch over us. Let him guide us into battle, for he will vanquish all who oppose us.”

More noise broke the brief silence. I can tell he’s swimming with pride. The man took the alpha’s left side before Mason stepped to the edge. “We’re honored to have some special guests with us this evening. I’m certain a few of you have seen them around town the past couple of days. They’ve traveled a fair distance to visit, so please help me welcome Alpha Tierney Scott and his council from the New York State Pack!”

Gasps mixed with applause as Tierney drew closer. Knowing Vincent’s dance came afterward, Mason ushered Dave and Caleb to a bench. He couldn’t wait to hear the alpha’s speech.

Tierney waited for silence. He examined the stands and everyone in them. “This has been my second time in this lovely town. I knew this place was magical the moment I smelled the air. It’s crisp. The breezes blow through my soul, and the woods are simply breathtaking. Every now and then, it’s nice to break away from the concrete jungle I call home. Fahnestock State Park is my usual getaway, but after a few hours here, I swear by the Seven there is no comparison.

“This pack has flourished since my last visit. A fun fact for this evening: Alpha Leidolf Wilson was my commanding officer back in Kenya. It’s funny; he had the same ‘stache back then. The only difference now is that he smiles.” He paused as the pack laughed and Lei lifted a middle finger. “I’ll do my fifty push-ups in the morning. Tonight is no ordinary night. Another fun fact: Mason didn’t ask me to come up here, and I didn’t volunteer.”

The alpha grinned as whispers spread across the amphitheater. “For those of you who don’t know, we’re all in for a spectacular evening. As your alpha mentioned, a new individual wishes to join your pack, and I have the honor of introducing him. But, there’s a slight problem. I simply can not have the sole honor of describing this young man. Lei, if you don’t mind, I’d like to borrow your mate. Miss Elaine Wilson, would you join me up here?”

Mason joined the applause as he bent over to see his mother rise with flushed cheeks. Nice move, Ty. Vinnie’s gonna love this!

Ever so graceful, Elaine stood by Tierney as he continued, “The reason why I needed Elaine is because we are both clues as to what we are about to experience. I’m sure everyone’s aware she’s a frost mage, just as I’m a fire mage.”

A few howls pierced the night, but were subdued when Elaine folded her hands in front of her. “For those who are not versed in magic customs, when a mage is welcomed into a group, whether it’s a guild, cult, school, or even a pack, it is tradition to perform a dance. A mage’s dance is an act of showmanship to demonstrate the mage’s power in the most sophisticated manner. This exhibition isn’t just raw energy being flung every which way. It’s carefully planned and intelligently executed.”

Tierney added, “It’s customary for the performing mage to use all powers at their disposal, as to showcase their abilities in an effort to sway or further encourage their entrance into said group. This means using every affinity, every skill, and every trick in the book. Just like Lady Elaine, our performer is a frost mage!” Like a professional circus barker, Tierney waited for the crowd to die down. “You also may have noticed the section of chairs placed off to the side here. A portion of the dance is accompanied by a forewarning, as the mage is also an adept clairvoyant. Any members who brought their newborns, infants, and toddlers, as well as those who aren’t fond of fast and wild motions are heavily encouraged to move to this area.”

Mason watched as a few mothers carrying their young and an elderly couple made their way to the folding chairs.

Elaine cleared her throat. “The mage has made these requests for his performance, but I feel it’s my duty as a Mated Alpha to this pack to give one more. This will be no ordinary dance. Most mages, like Tierney and myself, only have one affinity. It’s rare but possible for someone to own a second. But it’s unheard of for them to possess three or more.

“That is, until tonight. In the world of magic, there are common and uncommon affinities. Fire, frost, and lightning are the more familiar ones. Clairvoyance and telepathy are documented, but rarely seen. Only a few powers have avoided the world’s written knowledge. Tonight, we will witness one of them.”

She raised her hand to hush the murmurs. “Of the affinities, only one has been rumored to be infused with malignancy. The shadow affinity. Speaking as someone who’s fought against it, it’s certainly a power to behold. Fearsome, as you can imagine. Someone who can control the darkness that haunts our everyday lives. Think about that for a moment. It’s nightfall, and we’re surrounded. The trees we call home, underneath the benches you sit on, and even your loved ones cast their own shadow. Even I don’t know what a mage could do with all of that opportunity.

“For the past month, I have gotten to know the man who has requested to join us. But it wasn’t until earlier this week I learned how truly gifted he is. Aside from his magic, he is one of the kindest souls I’ve met and a true scholar in a variety of topics. He has traveled across the country in search of knowledge and has now found a home. This mage… He has a heart made of gold, filled with selflessness and creativity. A heart destined to destroy the rumors surrounding the shadow affinity.

“My request for you all is to look at this man’s power, and not shun him. Do not look at him in fear, but with pride! Appreciate his abilities for what they are… magical.” She took a deep breath and wiped her eyes.

Mason was the first to stand and clap, his council quick to follow. Within seconds, the pack joined with their own applause and howls. They’re ready for him. I can smell the anticipation in the air.

When the noise stilled, Tierney spoke, “I think Elaine’s request has been granted. So, without further ado, I think it’s time we start the show. Members of the Owensville County Pack, it is my true honor to introduce Vincent Bolton!”

The amphitheater cheered wildly, but it did not last. Awkward silence fell upon the shifters. Confused mutters and craned necks were bountiful. Mason bit his cheek. Did he not hear?

A sparkling, blue stream shot through the sky in the corner of his vision. What the— It whistled along its path, then exploded like a firework! The pack changed direction to see where it came from, but were met with a snowy cyclone at the top of the staircase. Yells and screams grew louder as many donned their coats.

The mysterious weather lasted mere seconds. When it vanished, Mason’s heart skipped a beat. A hooded figure in a black robe stood where the flurries originated. Vinnie.