Love in the Shadows - 18. Chapter 18: Sentimental Supper

Anxiously waiting, Vincent watched as Mason’s jaw repeatedly slackened and tightened. Did I say it too early?

The alpha’s eyes turned golden. “Vinnie. I-I love you, too. Oh gods, I love you!” Mason unbuckled his seat belt and leaned in. Their lips met, and Vincent melted. The lycan’s tongue demanded entrance, and after some passionate tonsil hockey, Vincent palmed Mason’s pec.

He wanted to be closer to the man. Breaking the kiss, he caught his breath, and searched Mason’s glowing eyes. “Mace. Is it possible to… Can you…” Clutching his knees, he cursed, “Fuck, I’m so awkward!”

One of Mason’s hands covered his own. “Say what you need to say, Pup.”

Blushing, he remembered his lesson in shifter immodesty. Right. Nipples, belly buttons, and dicks. “Can… I want you, but can we do it without turning me? Is that possible?”

The sultry stare Mason gave him made Vincent feel submissive. “Of course, my mate. Let’s get the groceries in.” The couple got out of the truck in record time and each grabbed as many bags as they could carry.

Dirk and Kaplan were watching TV when they entered. The bear rose. “We can take care of that, you two.”

Vincent barely registered Dirk’s wink as he set the sacks on the kitchen counters, only for him to be whisked off his feet. “You heard the bear. You’re mine now. All mine,” Mason huskily whispered.

Carried away, he saw the beta and enforcer trade glances as they went outside. Oh. So they smelled our arousal. That’s a little awkward. Plopped onto the mattress his cares vanished. Vincent knew he was going to get fucked. And hard.

Mason sauntered closer. “Are you sure you want this, Vinnie?”

The man’s irises were tantalizing, and Vincent could not look away. When the lycan removed his shirt and revealed the shredded abs, Vincent’s gaze momentarily dropped before returning to the hypnotizing eyes. “I’m positive.” Watching Mason crawl after him onto the bed, he backed up against the pillows.

“Good, because I’ve wanted to make love to you since the moment I saw you.” Effortlessly, Mason peeled the mage’s shoes off and carelessly tossed them aside. “Strip for me, Pup. Nice and slow.”

Seeing how the alpha was watching on his knees, Vincent mirrored the stance before lifting the hem of his t-shirt. When he removed it without having Mason play with his exposed outie, the mage gently rubbed it with a finger. Falling backward, Vincent swiftly removed his belt, only to halt. He swayed his hips, trying to entice Mason.

The bigger man thumbed Vincent’s button loose with one hand as he towered over the human. “You think you’re being cute, but you keep this up, you’ll be lucky to make it out of this bed by dinner time.”

“Promise?”

Mason’s growling was the sexiest sound in Vincent’s world. The second best was the human’s zipper slowly coming undone. As he wiggled out of the pants, Mason flung them away and took his rightful place between Vincent’s thighs. The mage ran through the lycan’s hairy chest above. His lips were claimed as Mason rumbled once more.

Claimed.

The word carried meaning, and Vincent gave in to it as Mason moved to suck on the faded hickey. He’s claiming me. Not to the full extent, but I’ll belong to him in a sense. The saliva on his neck ran cold as the alpha left a stream of kisses down his body. I’m fine with that. Watching lustfully, Vincent shivered as Mason’s gleaming gaze focused on his cock. When the man swallowed him whole, Vincent gripped the blanket. It was sudden, gentle, and blissful. With each rise and fall of Mason’s mouth, the mage lost his concentration again and again.

He yelped in surprise when he was flipped onto his belly.

“Now,” Mason grumbled, “there’s my prize.”

Vincent gasped as his ass was kneaded like dough, and he wanted more. Spreading his knees, he arched his back, giving Mason better access. There was little ceremony as the slippery, lapping tongue toyed with Vincent’s hole. Seconds seemed like hours. “Mace!”

When it stopped, Vincent swore he felt a strand of spit dangle between him and Mason. He felt the man behind him lean, then saw the nightstand drawer open. Mason grabbed a bottle of lube, and already had the cap snapped before resuming his position. “You tasted perfect, my mate. Now I get to feel you.”

A slick pressure prodded Vincent’s entrance. F-finger. It’s too small to be his dick. He pushed out, and Mason entered him. He moaned. The invading digit was kind in its insertion, and Vincent focused on his breathing. When it abandoned him, a second finger was added. There was resistance, along with a burning sensation. Vincent hissed, and the world stopped moving.

“I got you, Vinnie. Just breathe, and tell me when to move.”

The love in Mason’s voice dulled the pain. He pushed back on the fingers, and everything loosened. He panted breathlessly, “F-fuck me, Mace. I need you.”

Mason pulled out. As fast as Vincent was flipped on his belly, he was returned to his back. The alpha’s yellow eyes were now orange. “You sure?”

“Gods, yes! Give it to me.” Vincent trembled in anticipation as Mason poured lube directly on his cock.

The lycan gingerly pushed the back of Vincent’s thighs down, and pressed his cock against the mage. “I’m gonna take it slow, Pup. Tell me to stop if I hurt you, okay?”

He nodded and exhaled, relaxing to allow Mason in easier. The first ring was breached with no discomfort, but the second burned. Vincent clutched Mason’s shoulder as he seethed. Gods! He’s big; really big. Keep breathing.

“Easy, Vinnie.” Mason lowered himself and playfully nibbled on his mate’s earlobe. The more he licked, the more relaxed Vincent became. “Better?”

Rocking his hips, the pain blended with pleasure. By the third pump, Vincent craved for Mason to move on his own. The girth and heat from the lycan were as if a destiny foretold a perfect, physical contact, and it was only for Vincent to experience. “Y-yes. Do it, Mace.”

Mason took the reins. The movements were short and shallow, but as they grew longer, they remained at the same, slow pace. Vincent’s eyes roamed the entire time. His amber eyes, his abs, his chest, his pumping hips. This… This is so different from any man I’ve ever had sex with. It’s passionate, and every motion made is—

Stars shone in his vision. Mason pushed a button inside him, and it was fucking awesome. Mason paused in place.

“That’s all of me, Vinnie,” he rasped. “You feel so perfect. Just say the word and I’ll—”

Vincent palmed the lycan’s chest. “Do it. Show me what it means to be mated to an alpha.”

Waves of electricity coursed through his body as Mason’s hips pistoned with care. He’s making love to me. Not going at it like an animal. A warmth spread throughout the inside of his left pec. My heart? I… I feel the love coming from him, both physically and emotionally. How is he doing that? Can I send him love as well?

Vincent focused on the bond with Mason. He bundled his love in his mind and pushed the feelings at the lycan.

The wolf stopped and gasped. “Vin! D-Do that again.” When Vincent repeated himself, he was rewarded with a thrust, and a returned wave of love. “Yeah, that’s nice.”

The pair shared their emotions in a back-and-forth as Mason’s hip movements sped up. The combination of the two caused a sensory overload in Vincent’s loins. Yes, yes! So good. The best. The best I’ve ever had! I want this for the rest of my life.

He felt Mason’s tempo falter. The alpha pumped recklessly and sporadically. “Getting close.”

Vincent was in the same position. He freed his legs from Mason’s clutches and wrapped them around the alpha’s waist. His ankles dug in. “Do it, Mace. I want… I–Oh gods…” Frantically, he latched onto the man and pulled him down. He embraced Mason as he spurted. His muscles clenched tightly.

How Mason’s pace increased even more was mind-blowing. Feeling his spunk between their bodies and having, what felt like, a large cucumber pounding his hole was an amalgamation of pure bliss.

Then the alpha’s eyes glowed even brighter. The man panted as he latched onto Vincent’s neck with his mouth. Mason ground his pelvis against the mage’s with an intense force, and Vincent could feel the twitches inside of him. He came. He came inside me. The vibrant color of Mason’s irises faded to brown and his breathing was haggard. His forehead was moist. He worked up a sweat. I can’t remember the last time someone… No, no one has.

“Vin,” Mason whispered. He licked his lips and cleared his throat weakly. “That was just the best. I… Gods, that’s the best I’ll ever have.”

Vincent laid in pure ecstasy. It took a kiss to bring him back to reality.

“You okay, Pup? You look a little lost.”

“I, yeah. I’m good. I just realized you’re the first… well, the only one who’s been inside me without a condom. We’re mates, and I can see it now. I felt you and your feelings towards me. Hell, I was tempted to let you complete our bond just now.”

The lycan pulled out, then claimed the big spoon position. Mason nuzzled the space behind Vincent’s ear. “You were?”

“Yeah. I could tell you wanted to as well, but…” He rolled over and dug his face into the hairy chest. “I still feel like I should put it off.”

Mason ran his fingers through the lengthy, messy hair. “Hey, I’m the shifter who fell in love with you at first sight. The decision to turn into a wolf is yours and yours alone. I know you’ve made it, but time’s still a factor. Not only do we need to go by what you want, but there’s also the lunar schedule and having assistance for the event.”

Assistance? The thought of having others involved with their love-making sounded disturbing. “What do you mean?”

“Well, there’s recommended preparation. I’d prefer to have Doc Shaney and Dad on hand. Things’ll get hectic after I bite you. You can’t shift, so your bite mark will need to be tended to. But you’ll have me, a hybrid alpha who just claimed his mate and territory. Dad would have to distract or restrain me while Doc cleans you up.

“That, you’re still recovering from your dance, and you start your new position tomorrow. If I’d bitten you, Mr. Welsh might not have a good first impression.”

The cheesy smirk brought Vincent out of the dumps. I didn’t think about any of that. Not too concerned about the job stuff, but the whole biting and bleeding thing… He shivered and snuggled closer to his mate. “I understand now. When I decide to be a wolf, I’ll need to let you know, and make sure your dad’s available to listen to us have sex.”

A grumble accompanied the vibration coming from Mason. “When you put it like that…”

Satisfied with his joke, he nestled further into the wolf’s body.

***

Earlier that morning, Caleb woke as the sunlight peeked through the blinds. He felt his mate’s head on his chest and smiled. She’s so gorgeous when she sleeps. Well, until she starts snoring. Wakes up Lowe half the time.

Tasha mumbled, “I know you thinkin’ ‘bout me, pussy cat.” She craned and sided up to the lion so he could see her dark-brown eyes. “Or should I say Enforcer Gage?”

Caleb kissed her. Hearing his new title felt powerful, and having the love of his life in his arms put him on top of the world. Looking at the window, he panicked. “What time is it? I should be with Mace and Vincent.”

“Calm down. You got a text sayin’ you have the day off, and I’d take it if I were you. It’s been a while since we laid like this. Whole house to ourselves, Lowe at the sitter’s for the rest of the day, and I don’t feel like gettin’ up any time soon.”

Lowering himself to Tasha’s level, Caleb roared softly, “Well, our alpha knows best. Gods, last night was like something from a dream. Being brought up there, watching Vincent’s dance, and leading a pack hunt with my beautiful leopardess at my side. I couldn’t ask for a better day.”

Circling a finger around Caleb’s nipple, she hummed. “Me either. Your lion’s still strong and handsome as ever.”

“And you’re just as fierce and elegant as the day I met you. I’m so glad our animals were able to get along.”

Tasha smirked while nodding. “It took a bit of convincing, but my girl came around, and I’m so happy she did.”

Caleb held her tighter, “I haven’t felt this happy since our son was born, and finding you before that. I promise you, my mate, this is it for us. No more moving around. We finally found our permanent home.”

***

The following morning, Vincent donned a fresh, white polo and a pair of new jeans. Love the way new clothes feel. Before moving to Kentucky, he only kept a small selection of clothes, only shopping for new ones for work uniforms. Now it feels permanent. I’m here to stay, so these clothes are a part of me. The thought set in; he was moving into a solid and stable part of his life. It was almost bittersweet to realize he was now rooted, but it was a happy change. He pinned his nametag on and headed to the kitchen.

Mason poured two cups of coffee and handed one to Vincent, then went to the stove. “Hey, hot stuff. Got an omelet ready for you, and I can whip up a few strips of bacon if you’d like.”

Seeing the lycan eager to please him, Vincent grabbed the mug. He’s been like this since we had sex last night. Don’t know what’s gotten into him but he isn’t the same confident alpha I met a week ago. “Thanks, the omelet’ll hold me over until lunch. You doing okay?”

“Hm?”

“You’ve been doing extra since last night.”

Mason raised an eyebrow. “How so?”

“You remember when I woke up last night to use the bathroom, and you got up to hold my hand for the ten steps to the toilet?”

The lycan blushed. “I guess I went a little overboard, but I just want to make sure I’m there for you. You’re my mate, and I only get you for one lifetime.”

As Mason plated the eggs, Vincent accepted the reasoning. He sided up to the alpha and wrapped an arm around him. “And I love that. I’ve never been with anyone like you, but I’m not fragile.”

“I’ll back off. Just know I want the best for you. But for now, let’s get you to work.”

As they made their way to the truck, a question popped into Vincent’s mind. “You and your wolf talk? Like, is that a mental conversation or do you stand in front of a mirror and your reflection moves differently?”

“It’s mental. Thinking about it, it does sound crazy having another voice speaking up there, but that’s part of being a shifter.”

That sounds weird, maybe concerning. I’ll have someone else talking to me. How does that work? Will it tell me to go chase tennis balls? “Does your wolf have a different personality? Is it its own person?”

“A little bit of yes and no to both questions. Essentially, the wolf is a beastly version of yourself; it doesn’t speak perfect English and has basic wants and desires. Think food, water, bathroom, and hunt. A shifter’s wolf tends to think more on your animalistic side. If someone walks up to you, you’ll make your own assumptions on how that person’ll act. The wolf inside will think another train of thought. It could be similar to yours, or be the complete opposite. My wolf, for example. I like to read people’s facial expressions, but my wolf pays more attention to body language and where their hands are. Each shifter’s animal is different. When you turn, you’ll be able to communicate with everyone’s beasts when they’re in that form.”

Vincent understood. I’ll be meeting a second side of everyone? That sounds pretty cool, actually.

Mason parked in a spot near Greenthumb’s entrance. “Have a good day, babe. You get off at four, right?”

“Yeah. Dave gets off at the same time, and he can probably give me a ride home.”

“I’ll be here. I know I was being invasive earlier, but I’d like to take you to and from work.” The wolf leaned in and kissed Vincent’s cheek. “At least give me that honor.”

Vincent caved. “I suppose it couldn’t hurt. Gives me a chance to show off my big, bad wolf. Gotta clock in. Love you, big guy.”

“Right back at ya. Knock ‘em dead, and don’t let Dave ride you too hard.”

“I won’t,” he said, closing the door. As Mason drove away, Vincent flinched. Damn. Should’ve said ‘I don’t think you’d allow that.’ Ha! Walking inside, he headed for the timeclock and found Dave. “Hey, boss.”

“Hey, Vin. Ready for a busy day of learning?”

***

Driving out of the lot, Mason felt his bond dissipating. What the hell’s this? It’s like the other night. The farther I get from Vinnie, the more the connection dies out. This is going to be a pain in the ass. Good thing he only works three days a week. He sped back home, hoping somehow it would make time pass faster. Got some paperwork to do. Ugh, that’ll make the day drag on…

After waving to the New York trio in the living room, he went down the hallway and into his office. Booting the laptop, he sat in the plush, leather chair. Once the log-in screen appeared, Tierney knocked on the doorframe. “Hope I’m not disturbing you. I was hoping to catch you when you weren’t busy.”

Yes! A distraction. “Always got time, Ty. What’s on your mind?”

“I consulted Kaplan and Dirk, and we were wondering if you mind us extending our vacation for a bit longer. It’s been a while since any of us had a proper break, and the forests here are a welcome sight.”

“Of course. Stay as long as you like.” Seeing a curt smile on the man’s face, Mason could tell there was more to be said. “Anything else? If you don’t mind me sayin’, you look constipated.”

Tierney shook his head, laughing. “Well, it seems we both got caught up on our own adventures last night. I heard congratulations are in order for taking one step closer to bonding with Vincent. But I was hoping to talk for a bit, share a couple of things with you. Preferably outside smoking these bad boys.” The alpha brandished two thick cigars from his blazer pocket.

Never been a fond smoker, but it does sound nice. And if it’s from Ty, they gotta be top-notch. “I’d be honored. Back porch?”

The elder alpha nodded and led the way. Passing his council in the living room, Tierney stopped. “Take a run, boys. Make it a long one.”

Kaplan and Dirk shared a concerned glance before stepping out the door and stripping, followed by the sound of bones cracking. Okay. Did these cigars just get serious? He held onto the slightest shred of hope this was going to be a pleasant meeting.

They took seats next to each other on the porch. Tierney expertly cut off an end from each stogie, then handed one to Mason. Seeing the fire mage’s finger light up, he leaned forward and puffed a few times. Tasting a hint of rum with the tobacco, Mason was impressed with the quality. “This is nice.”

“Got plenty of great lounges in New York if you ever stop by.”

“It’s a small one, but I think I’ll refill my old humidor when Vinnie and I swing by in a few weeks.”

“You decided to come along? Good. Couldn’t imagine seeing your mate coming along without you.” Tierney reclined and blew a perfect smoke ring. He examined the burning line on the cigar before sighing. “This place’s truly magical, Mason. Your lands are something to be told of in a fairy tale. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’d trade territories with you in a heartbeat.”

Mason did a double-take. Fucking what? “You’re not serious. An alpha of your status would give up New York for a tiny town in Kentucky? Is your wolf sick? Our doctor may not be the finest, but he can give you some meds if that’s what you need.”

Coughing in a fit of laughter, Tierney banged his fist on the armrest. “No, no. Sickness isn’t an issue. I’m just now realizing I have this empire; a large and far-reaching empire. It’s given me joy, but thinking about the last few days here, I’m not sure if I can call it that. I feel healed, Mason. I’ve spent countless hours sitting in my office, signing papers that pass judgment on shifters I haven’t even met, and arguing with politicians on how to keep New York from becoming more of a crime-ridden mess. Every good thing I do to clean up the streets creates five more issues.”

Mason noticed the alpha’s somber gaze as he sucked on the cigar. He looks tired. Like, really tired. “Isn’t there something you can do to lighten the load? Can your council help? Is… Is it possible to have a few other alphas work alongside you? They’d work under you and help where you need it.”

“Believe it or not, it was tried many decades ago. I wasn’t the one who had to clean up that mess, but I don’t envy those who did. There were four alphas over the whole territory with one at the helm. They were in constant war with one another, vying for more land and resources. It almost ended in a bloodbath, but the EC stepped in. They sent the four to lead their own packs across the globe while the councilmen sifted through the most qualified alphas in the world to figure out who should take the territory. The alphas before me could barely last a year without getting bogged down.

“I’ve had this pack for ten years, and I didn’t have it handed to me. But it’s taken its toll. I never had extra time for myself, let alone finding a potential mate. My time here has reminded me that life, even as a shapeshifter, is too short. I’ve lost hours roaming your woods. My soul found energy that abandoned me years ago.”

Puffing, Mason soaked in the speech. I knew holding a pack like New York State would be a pain in the ass, but I wasn’t ready to know the hell he’s gone through. He looks a lot better than when we picked him up at the airport. “I appreciate your kind words about my pack, but is there a reason you’re bringing up your discomfort?”

Tierney twirled his cigar between his fingers before taking a long drag. “Alpha Wilson, I told you all of that because, like your father, my wolf trusts you. New York has been a home to me in ways I can’t describe. The people, the arts, the power… The pack has it all. Everything I could’ve dreamed of. Until this past weekend. I look back now and realize I can’t remember the last time I smiled at home. Not genuinely anyway. No amount of food, women, or money has truly satisfied me. Coming here has enlightened me. I spoke with Lei about what I feel, and he gave me advice that only a best friend could. He told me hard truths, and let me know I face a difficult decision. On last night’s run, I consulted my wolf, and he agreed with me.

“I intend on resigning as Pack Alpha.”

Mason lost control of his jaw as he saw the man smile. He drops a bombshell like that, and he’s happy? I can smell it; he’s relieved. Still, I can’t imagine what he’s gone through in the last twenty-four hours. One’s wolf, especially an alpha’s, desires power and status. To give up the most dominant territory on the continent…

“I’ll be leaving New York by the end of January,” Tierney continued. “This will give the EC a proper amount of time to find my successor and have them prepared for the role. For the first time in a decade, I’ll finally be able to be happy in a place I can call home.”

The weight of the world fell on Mason’s shoulders. He isn’t. Oh gods, he is…

Tierney held the cigar to his lips. “Alpha Wilson, I hereby request sanctuary within the Owensville County Pack.”

***

Clocking out for the day, Vincent rolled his shoulders. He enjoyed the duties of his new promotion. The work’s not bad at all. It’s like stocking, but you don’t have an aisle. Just change out displays and end-caps. Guess I never paid attention to how much people shop from them.

He turned to see Dave. The lycan clapped him on the shoulder. “Nice job today, Vin. You’re a natural. Was pretty surprised when you read the planogram on your own. That took me a month to get down.”

“It was confusing at first, but that’s just Greenthumb using old software. That’s not the entire job, is it? I barely worked up a sweat.”

As they stepped outside, Dave lit up a cigarette. “There’s plenty more to learn, but that’s the bulk of the physical stuff. Tomorrow, we’re making the schedule and handling the hand-scanner.”

Looking out into the parking lot, Vincent saw Mason’s Tundra, and the alpha sitting on the tailgate with his head hung. His bond felt sour, as if Mason was uneasy or confused. “He’s not doing great.”

“Yeah, let’s see what’s up.”

They approached, and when Mason saw them, he cheered up and hopped off the truck. “There’s my man! How was work?”

Even though the connection to the alpha changed positively, Vincent wasn’t fooled. “Good, but I don’t think you can say the same. What’s up? Something happen?”

Mason sighed, then reclaimed his seat on the truck bed. “This stays between you two and Caleb. I’ll talk with him tomorrow, but I got some news. Just… I don’t know how to take it.”

“I love how shit hits the fan after I clock out,” Dave mumbled. “What’s going on?”

“Tierney’s retiring by the end of January, and he’s requested sanctuary.”

Dave dropped his cigarette. “Holy shit,” he whispered.

Contrary to the wolves’ reaction, he thought it was a wonderful announcement. “Guys? You look like someone died. Ty’s moving here, and that’s a bad thing? Is it an alpha thing where Ty might contest Mason for leadership or something?”

“No, it’s not that,” explained Mason. “It’s more of a shock for us. Ty’s a big name in the shifter world. I’m just looking at it as there being another alpha to listen to. Dad doesn’t make leading easy, and now I’ll have the former leader of New York as well.”

Vincent did not understand, so he sat next to Mason. “So, you’re upset about having another person to turn to if you need advice or help? It’s not like he’s moving here to take over, right?”

“N-no! He explained the whole thing. He’s just looking to retire, like Dad. I’m still the Pack Alpha, and Ty told me he has no interest in leading again, even for a smaller territory.”

Dave picked up his cigarette and lit it again. “Do Kaplan and Dirk know?”

Mason nodded. “That’s who he told next. Both of them were floored. It didn’t take Dirk long to request sanctuary next. Kap took a bit, but he did as well. Their loyalty to Ty is unwavering. For the time being, I have their requests under consideration until I could talk to both you and Caleb, but I’m for approving them. The three agreed their animals fell in love with the forests and welcome a change in scenery. They’ll become pack members at the first meeting in February.”

Despite the lycan’s state of surprise, Vincent couldn’t contain his excitement. He hugged his mate and bounced on the gate. “They’re moving here next year? That’s awesome!”

Mason chuckled and ruffled Vincent’s hair. “Yeah, I guess it is. I don’t know why I was worried about it, but you made me look at it differently, Pup. Pretty sure I can find work for Kap and Dirk before they move. I’m sure Henry’ll take Dirk in a heartbeat, and one of the law firms either here or in Mesker Park would snatch Kap. Yeah, this can work.”

Dave blew his smoke away from them. “So what’s happening with your trip to New York? You two still going next month?”

“Yep. Everything’s still on tra—”

Mason’s phone rang. “It’s Mom.” The call lasted a minute, and the alpha had his orders. “News travels fast. Apparently, Ty told Dad, who told Mom, who instructed me to bring everyone for dinner.”

Vincent hopped down and grabbed Mason’s hand. “Text Miss Elaine and tell her I’m bringing mac and cheese. Good thing we’re already at the store…”

***

Arriving at the Wilsons, Vincent carried the prepared double-batch inside. He quickly put it in the oven, then was conned into assisting Elaine with the rest of the cooking. Vincent was nearly overwhelmed with the many dishes. All six burners, four Crock-Pots, and two roasters? And these are just the sides? I think this town needs a Sam’s Club with all the food these shifters eat.

In a flurry of activity, Dave, the Gages, and the New Yorkers came in all at once, but one voice overwhelmed the others.

“Alpa!” screamed a tiny blur of blond hair.

Vincent swiveled to follow the noise, only to see Mason holding up a toddler and playfully roaring in the kid’s face. What… the hell?

Mason spun in place, sending the child’s legs flailing. “Good to see you, Lowe! And it’s Alpha. Can you say it with me? Al-Fah.”

“Alpa,” Lowe stated, poking Mason in the nose.

Vincent had to stop himself from laughing out loud as the two went back and forth with Mason’s responses escalating in animation each time. That must be Caleb’s kid.

A shorter woman, nearly Vincent’s height, sided up to him and started helping with the food. “Hey, hey! I’m Tasha, Caleb’s mate. You must be Vincent, right?”

“Yeah, nice to meet you!”

She grinned and giggled. “You’re bubbly. I like you already. What needs to be done?”

Elaine gave Tasha a quick hug before handing out orders. “Tash, need the corn cobs buttered, salt and peppered, and wrapped in foil for Lei. Mason and David, could you start setting the dining table with the good china? Bring the plates in here for when the food’s ready. Caleb, could you and Lowe assist Lei on the grill? I’m sure my mate wants to play with your little one.”

“Yes, Lady Wilson,” Caleb replied.

Vincent saw Elaine crane her neck as she retorted, “And that is Elaine, young cub! With you being my son’s enforcer, that makes you our son as well.”

“Yes, Elaine,” said the lion, blushing as he walked away.

Tasha snickered, “Miss Elaine, you have my permission to smack my pussycat whenever he acts up.”

“Oh, I’ll remember that,” Elaine answered with a smile. “Your lion’s proving to be quite the warrior. He’s improving in his sessions with Vincent and I.”

“Then what’s this I hear about him being stuck to a tree by ice?”

“I said he was improving, didn’t I?”

Vincent snorted, leading the three to laugh. Once they finished food preparation, the ladies urged him to take a break. He wandered outside and saw Lei and Caleb sharing toddler duties while the other watched the grill. Tierney, Kaplan, and Dirk were talking amongst themselves, each with a beer in hand.

What caught his eye was Mason coming outside, and while the alpha flashed his eyes at him, there was something else on the itinerary. The lycan prowled carefully, silently crossing the yard. Vincent followed his mate’s line of sight. Oh, don’t you dare.

Mason sprinted and lifted Lowe up from behind, causing a screech and giggle to pierce the sound barrier. He’s so good with the kid. Stepping off the porch, Vincent walked towards Mason.

Setting Lowe down, Mason pointed. “Lowe, see him? He’s Al-fah’s friend. Want to meet him?”

The kid instantly ducked into Mason’s arms, making Vincent feel dejected. Caleb jogged up to him, “Hang on, Little B. I’ll fix it. Hey, Lowe!” Once the toddler was looking, the lion wrapped an arm around the mage. “This is Daddy’s friend. Come meet Vincent.”

All of the shyness was gone as Lowe became the blond blur once again. The moment Caleb stopped touching Vincent, Lowe latched on. “Daddy’s fwend!”

Before anything more could be said, Tasha called for everyone to come inside. Dinner was ready, and Lowe bolted towards his mother. Vincent held the door as Lei and Caleb brought in the meats. From what he saw there was a wide assortment. Burgers, hot dogs, but I can’t tell what those steaks are. Waiting in line at the kitchen counters, he noticed the shifters piling their plates, and his macaroni being demolished. Okay, triple-batch next time…

After everyone took a seat, Lei clinked a fork against his glass. “I’d like to propose a toast before we get started. To my friend and his council. What a momentous decision you have made! To move here under my son’s reign of terror.”

Mason’s growl was muted as the others laughed. Patting the alpha’s thigh, Vincent hoped there wouldn’t be a scene as Lei spoke again, “I’m kidding, Mace. Ty, Kaplan, Dirk. You’ll find peace of mind here, and your animals will have endless fun running around. Now, dig in.”

The sound of clattering utensils against ceramic acted as white noise to the small conversations. Vincent took a few bites before noticing Mason’s head nearing. “Remember when I said that you had friends here, you just didn’t know they were around you?”

When the lycan winked and backed away, Vincent scanned the table. Nearly every eye was on him. On his right, Caleb nudged him. “He’s right, Little B. I still can’t believe you’re here after all this time.”

“Yeah, little man,” Tasha said. “When Cay-Cay waltzed in the other night talking about you, he was very happy. And don’t get me started on that little dance you did.”

“Thanks, guys,” Vincent replied. He agreed with Caleb; even after a week, it was unbelievable his friend from Maryland was sitting next to him. And he has Tasha and Lowe. It’s crazy to think about. “All of this is pretty new to me, but I’m grateful to be here. I can’t remember the last time I sat down for a dinner like this.” The thought was bittersweet, but it was true. His emotions were threatening to poke a hole in the dam, but he kept them at bay.

“Young man,” muttered Lei. All attention was directed at the alpha. “Forgive me for getting emotional here, but I have something to say. You being the destined mate to my son has brought joy to my wolf’s soul. I haven’t seen Mason smile like this in a while; probably since the Christmas we handed him the keys to our old house. I can already see the long and happy lifetime you two will lead. And I couldn’t want anything less for my son, and my son-by-bond.”

As the man’s voice faltered, Vincent watched Lei shift in his seat. “I know this’ll cause an emotional hurricane, but my wolf and I can’t tiptoe around it any longer. At the risk of being insensitive, I mourn every time I think about you. You’ve gone through life in a way I never thought conceivable, and all I want to do is give you the love you’re due.”

Vincent’s lips trembled as he became teary-eyed. When Lei got up and approached, the dam was on its last leg.

The alpha knelt. “You saw the pack’s love at your dance, and there is a concentrated bundle of it here at this table. Ellie and I talked about this briefly, and by no means are we to be replacements, but… We would like permission to call you our son.”