Rising in the Shadows - 4. Chapter 4: Egotistical Enforcer

Putting his phone back into his pocket, Vincent felt a sense of wonder surrounding him. He knew where he was standing, but the mage couldn’t help but be captivated by the sounds and the lights. After all this time, I can’t believe I haven’t spent some time just wandering the world. My magic allows me to be anywhere I want to be. I can travel around the globe in less than an hour, but I haven’t taken a moment to be adventurous.

I say start. Lights pretty! I want see more!

Snorting at his wolf’s impulsive demands, he cracked a wide smile and did another wide scan of all the bright LED screens of Times Square. So many advertisements! So many people! Vincent’s heart fluttered at the overwhelming sights and sounds. He could hear everything with his heightened senses. I...just heard that man down the street as he got into his cab! I can smell the food from the fast food joint across the plaza!

Hungry. When we get food?

Patience, bud. We need to practice our magic for a minute like Yakob wanted.

He held his smile as his wolf growled in irritation. Okay. But I want food. I smell meat. Meat on bread!

You probably smell a hot dog. We’ll grab some on the way for Mace and G-man, but let’s find a wall to lean on, or a bench. The mage looked around him and found that all the nearby benches were taken, but there was a small wall vacant. He decided to make that his temporary place to be inconspicuous. Leaning against the chilled wall, he almost regretted not bringing a jacket. My frost magic is keeping me adjusted to the chilled temperature, but this breeze is getting to me, I’ll make this quick.

Vincent took in a deep breath and closed his eyes. He felt his shadow’s weight and began scanning the area around him. Woah! I...feel all of the shadows moving around me! From people, their pets...and the cars! Man...those are some heavy shadows! The mage discovered he could feel shadows behind the wall he was leaning against. After quickly glancing to the right, he noticed it was a coffee shop. This...is amazing! I can sense people inside. The only thing...is discerning which shadows I need to pay attention to.

Keeping his eyes closed, he began anticipating gait patterns of people passing by. He would occasionally open them to compare height and weight measurements to the owner’s shadow. After several minutes, Vincent was able to accurately depict someone’s body shape by how fast their shadows were moving, how each step was responding to being placed in their shadow, the weight, and length of the steps’ stride. It’s still difficult, and I’m only right half of the time. I think it’s more useful when I’m in a less crowded place.

While he was reading several shadows near him, his wolf mumbled a low warning. To...the left. On our side of street. Feel him? The mage searched in that area and found several different shadows.

Which one, bud? There’s several sets of feet moving around.

Yes. But shadow stand. Then move a step close. Then stay. It repeat for a minute now. Vincent grew alarmed as he remained focused on the entire space fifty feet from him. Feeling a single shadow make a small move towards him, the mage locked onto his target. See?

I got him. I’ll keep an eye open. I’d sniff the air, but I think I’d confuse most of the scents. You think we should wait to see if he’s actually going after us?

Yes. Just for moment. Or we could move. See if he follow.

Let’s do that. I could stretch my legs. Vincent opened his eyes and checked to see if he could walk and detect shadows at the same time. Feeling that he could, the Alpha began walking in the opposite direction, away from the alleged stalker. He kept his pace slow to see if the shadow was following him.

The shadow was. He is following us! Is this bad? I can’t tell if it’s a shifter or not.

Can’t either. Keep walking. See if he go fast.

Roger! Vincent increased his pace slightly and realized where he was. Right! I have an idea! Slipping his hand into his pocket, the small shifter pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts. I can text Tierney. See if he knows who can help me.

Smart. But big city.

Yeah, but surely with the size of his pack, he has some sort of feelers out and about. Continuing with his plan, Vincent did his best to shift his focus between his message and the stalker following him. ‘Ty. Times Square, heading north. Being foll-’ The mage felt his stalker picking up the pace and shoved his phone in his pocket. Didn’t get the text off! Is...this guy seriously about to start something in the middle of New York?

Get ready.

Woah, woah! You, too? There are people around! We can’t go all furry or throw ice, bud!

No...but can fight. Won’t go down easy.

...Right. I gotcha. At least subdue him until authorities arrive?

Yes. Make sense.

Vincent kept his mind on the shadow’s quickening speed. He has to know who I am, or else he wouldn’t be gunning for me like this. Swallowing the small amount of fear, he measured the distance between him and the stalker and took a casual glance behind him.

The man stood out from the crowd easily. Oh...fuck me! Vincent caught the gaze of a very large man with spiky black hair and very thick eyebrows. To the small mage, he compared the stalker to a large biker as the man wore a leather jacket that fit a little too well. The face on the mysterious man was very determined at first glance, but twitched when Vincent looked at him. Yep, knows I’m onto him. Is he-

Mystery man sped up. Oh, come on! I just came here for giggles! Who is this dolt?

Stand and find out. Done running. Vincent wanted to furrow his brow at his wolf’s impactful tone, but time had run out. With the man closing the distance, the mage succumbed to his alter ego’s decision.

Right. Let’s see who this guy is! The mage halted his movement and turned his body to face his stalker. As the man got closer, Vincent smelled his scent. Shifter...lycan. Maybe he’s in Ty’s pack?

Hope. Careful what say. Be smart. Subtly nodding to his wolf, Vincent stood his ground as the stalker slowed down and spaced himself a foot in front of the small Alpha. “Can I help you?” I say careful! Don’t be ass smart!

You mean smart-ass? Hearing his wolf growl in his head, he diverted his attention to the large man with olive skin. “State your business in New York, pup.”

Can I be a smart-ass now?

He say one more thing, then yes. Smiling at his wolf’s promise, Vincent shoved his hands in his pocket. “Just wandering around. You?” He could tell the tall and bulky wolf wanted to snarl.

“You’re on pack land. State your business, or get lost.” Crossing his arms, the lycan stood as an imposing figure.

Confused by the man’s demand, Vincent was unsure of how this confrontation came about. “I’m really sorry, I think we got off on the wrong foot. I just got into town and wanted to see the lights.” In his head, the mage heard his wolf huff in approval. Play innocent. Nice. I like move.

That’s what works when you’re short and cute, bud. But the man wasn’t being fooled. “Then you should know that you need to contact our Visitation and Immigration Beta if you want to ‘see the lights.’ I won’t tell you again…” The man’s voice grew deeper and made Vincent’s eyes twitch, “...get lost.”

Did...he just use an Alpha voice? He’s...not an Alpha. I don’t smell it on him!

Me either. How do? Ask him! I curious! “Sorry...but how did you do that, sir? I can tell you’re not an Alpha, so how can you use your voice like that?”

The man was trying his best to maintain his bad boy persona, but couldn’t help but put his hands on his hips. “How...were you unaffected? Just who the Hell are you?”

Hearing the angered voice began irritating Vincent. “I don’t think it matters, sir. I’ll be out of town in a minute or two. Just humor me with something...you think your Alpha would like to hear about you hounding random shifters in the streets?”

Vincent saw the large man’s muscles tremble in frustration. “Who...the fuck...do you think you’re talking to, whelp? Not sure if your nose is busted, but I’m a Delta for this pack! And when I say get lost...it means...get lost!”

A...what? Despite being yelled at for no reason, Vincent needed clarification. “Okay. Cool your jets. I’m sorry I’m trespassing, but I don’t know if other shifters can tell. I just became a wolf a few days ago, and I’m still learning the lycan lingo around here. Mind telling me what a Delta is?”

The statement caused the man to cock his head. After a short breath, Vincent saw the guy sniff sharply and curled his brows downward. “You...you’re strange. You’re telling the truth and you are freshly turned...but...you smell...strong. Like, freaky strong. Who are you?”

“You first, monster man.”

Huffing and quickly tightening his eyelids, the man spoke, “A Delta is more commonly known as an Enforcer. Familiar with that term, little puppy?”

Anger was building in the mage’s mind, along with his wolf’s. Human. Smart-ass. Go.

My pleasure, bud! “Puppy?” Vincent rolled his eyes and took a step forward. “Between the two of us...I’m not the puppy, you got that…” The Alpha shifter blinked his eyes and flashed his frosty blue irises, gazing hard at the lycan. “...pup?”

Cocking his head slightly, the man narrowed his eyes and blew air through his closed lips. “I can tell you’re a mage. So you can change your eyes. Big whoop!” Widening his dark brown eyes, the man leaned down and got in Vincent’s face. “Now...final warning. Get out of our territory. Or I will take you down.”

Understanding the warning, Vincent took hold of the situation. Okay...from where I’m standing, I’m in an unwelcome territory, I didn’t get whatever this pass thing is, and I’m not keen on starting a fight in a crowded place. He felt his wolf growling in anger. Bud, he’s right. I didn’t go through the proper channels. We don’t want to start a pack incident. Mace and Ty might get royally pissed at us.

...Okay. But he say more, I come out. Vincent nodded and looked at the much larger man. “Consider me gone, and for future references, who do I need to contact about getting a pass to visit?”

Sneering at the runt, the Enforcer leaned back up. “Beta Holman. Visitation and Immigration. I better not catch you again here without being documented, or I might consider it a challenge.”

Hearing his wolf snarling in anger, it took a lot of willpower for Vincent to calm him down. I get it! But let me borrow your voice for a moment, bud. I’ll let him know to not step on us.

Do it, before I claw at him! “A challenge? You really want to go toe-to-toe with me?” Vincent knew he might be stepping over some boundaries, but he couldn’t deny his instincts. “Normally, I’d say bring it on, but…” Finding the small ball of energy in his throat, he felt his throat expand slightly and knew his Alpha Voice was turned on. Whispering, the mage kept it quiet, “...you’d have to get in line.”

Watching the Enforcer shudder from the deep voice being blasted his way, Vincent smirked and brought his voice back to normal. “I’ll be in next week to spar with Enforcer Wescott and Alpha Scott. I’ll be sure to shove my visitation pass right in your face.” Seeing how the large man was speechless, Vincent turned, not even caring if the bastard had the sense to offer his neck in submission, and walked away.

Feeling through the shadows, the mage could tell the lycan was still standing and facing his direction. That was a lot! Guilt rushed into Vincent’s mind as he thought of potential repercussions from his outburst with a Pack Enforcer from the New York State Pack. Hey, bud? Think I might want to call Tierney and apologize? I did make an ass of myself in his territory.

Smart. Want make sure Ty still friend. Yes!

Alright, let me call him. Pulling out his phone, he deleted the draft message and called his friend.

“Vincent? Making sure we made it safe and sound?”

Pleased to hear his friend’s voice, Vincent smiled. “Well, that...and I was wondering if we could talk?”

“Sure, about what?”

“Actually...I was wondering if you were free for me to stop by. I’m already in New York.”

A small pause came from the other side of the line, followed by a small cough. “Sorry...come again?”

Letting out a chuckle, Vincent shook his head. “Remember? Shadow magic? Fast transportation?”

“Right...right. Yeah, I can send you my address. I’m just working with Dirk on meditation. Vincent...you sound off? Everything alright?”

The mage sighed and stood still as he brushed through his hair. “Not really. I think I made a mistake...Alpha Scott.”

***

Ending the phone call, Tierney was very concerned for the young Alpha. He didn’t want to say anything more over the phone, but I could tell he was pretty shaken up. Vincent even called me by my title. Something’s off here. “Dirk. We’re about to have company, and real fast. Any second no-”

In a poof of black smog, Vincent appeared in the living room just as Tierney got up from his seat on the couch. Dirk flashed his head up fast and widened his eyes as a body surfaced from nowhere. “V...Vincent!” The bear quickly stood in shock and dipped his neck down.

“Sorry, Dirk, but that’s not necessary.” Vincent gave a pitiful smile to the bear, but turned his attention to Tierney as he shut off his phone’s GPS. “I’m...not sure how to go about this, Ty, but I think I may have caused some shit, and...and I want to apologize.”

Seeing the Mated Alpha’s eyes so sorrow-filled and drooped, Tierney stepped forward, throwing his surprised emotions to the side. “Vincent, what could you possibly be talking about.”

Brushing his fingers through his hair once again, the short man took a gentle seat on the sofa. “I...was just passing through, coming from Yakob’s monastery. I stopped by Times Square to see it for the first time, and...I’m sorry, Alpha Scott, I didn’t mean to trespass into your territory.”

Dirk furrowed his brows and shared the same look with his Alpha. “Uh...Vin? What in the Hell are you talking about?”

Tierney crossed his arms in irritation. “I’m thinking the same thing.”

Almost on the brink of tears, Vincent rubbed his shirt sleeve over his nose. Oh, Gods...they’re mad at me! I am trespassing...on their lands! “Alpha Scott...I’m...so sorry.” A brief memory from meeting Dirk and Tierney for the first time, Vincent knew what he had to say. “I’ll...I’ll accept whatever discipline your pack standards have set for the crime.”

Tierney and Dirk looked at one another, but the Alpha folded his arms tighter into his arms. “Vincent, I don’t know where the Hell this has come from, but you are not currently, previously, or ever will be considered trespassing in this territory. Is that clear?” The New York Alpha watched the small head raise up slowly. “Now, pardon me for being intrusive, but who put this wild idea into your head?”

The smaller Alpha blinked wildly in confusion, but knew he should answer Tierney’s question. Sniveling, Vincent did his best to cough as quietly as possible. “One of your Enforcers approached me and said I was trespassing. I tried to reason with him, but he kept telling me I was trespassing on pack lands and he told me to get lost. He seemed like a scary guy, and he could do the Alpha Voice.” He saw the two shifters look at each other with concern on their faces. “He said I needed to have some sort of pass from, I think he said Beta Holman.”

“Describe this man.”

“He was really tall, almost as tall as Dirk, but more lean. He was a wolf, and had tan skin...and spiky black hair. He had a leather jacket that made him look like a greaser.”

Dirk pinched the bridge of his nose just as Tierney’s eyes burned red. Closing his eyes, the Alpha took a moment to cool his jets. “Vincent, I’m going to look into this. He is, in fact, one of my Enforcers. But I am going to tell you this right now. We have no requirement for a visitation pass or anything ridiculous like that.” He watched as the tiny man gulped and took an internal sigh of relief. “I do have Beta Holman over Visitation and Immigration, but the ‘visitation’ part of the title is for tourism and to plan getaways and tours for incoming packs to visit. There is no way I could allow such monitored activity in my large pack, and least of all, one of the biggest tourism destinations in the world.

“I’m going to go out on a limb and say that this Enforcer saw you as an easy target for a joke. A foul joke, at that! Despite my retirement looming, I will not stand for such activity within my council. As the Alpha of the New York State Pack, you have my deepest apologies, and I assure you, that you and Mace are more than welcome here.” Turning to his Delta, Tierney grew even more stern, “Dirk, message Kap and tell him to draw up a disciplinary action warning against Enforcer Wagner for abuse of power and allied pack interferement. I will not tolerate behavior against my allies, or any other shifter that seeks refuge within our pack. That...is to be drilled into that man’s head!”

Bringing his phone out, Dirk began typing like a madman. “Yes, Alpha. May I make a suggestion?”

“Please do.”

Looking up from his phone, the bear looked at his leader’s angered gaze. “May I suggest having Alpha Vonder handle this one? By the time this gets processed, it will probably have been announced that he will be the next Alpha. It would give him a good showing of strength and unity.”

Smirking at his Enforcer, Tierney laughed gutturally. “An excellent suggestion, send that to Kaplan as well. No doubt the new power couple are together for the evening.” Earning a chuckle from the bear, the lycan Alpha turned back to Vincent, who remained on the couch in a slump. Damn...Wagner did a number on the little guy! “Young Vincent.” Strolling next to the smaller man, Tierney sat down and put his hand on Vincent’s shoulder. “You handled the situation well, but let me give you the rundown on how you can handle it better for next time. When someone of an Alpha status is questioned for trespassing like that, it is beyond important to assert yourself.

“I get that being a little smaller might put a damper on that, but it is important. Let your wolf out for a moment and allow him to speak. Sometimes flashing your eyes won’t do the trick, but between your wolf’s voice and the Alpha Voice, those two tools will get you out of that scenario. Unfortunately...that may also put you in a stickier one.”

Vincent blinked and curved his neck in curiosity. “A...stickier situation?”

“Yes. Should you be unaware of being on a traditionalist’s land, a Beta or Delta will most likely take you straight to the Alpha. A conversation will start, and you must be a master of verbal chess to succeed. Depending on the Alpha, it may be seen as a challenge to have trekked in their territory unannounced. As silly as that seems, that’s an old lycan law that is held up by EC standards, even in today’s time.”

When Vincent nodded, Tierney clapped the man on the back. “Lucky for you, there’s only about ten or so packs like that in North America. As far as I am concerned, anyone is welcome into my pack. New York is too big of a destination to police that law. Plus, you're my friend, and are the Mated Alpha to an allied pack."

Hearing the reassurance from Tierney, Vincent's mood began to rise. He looked up to the bigger shifter and smiled. "Thanks, Ty. I really didn't mean for all this to happen."

"I know you didn't. Some of my Enforcers tend to be pretty confrontational when it comes to strange faces around their set districts, but as long as you say you're my guest, they will back off. If they don't, you have our numbers." Nodding his head once to Dirk, the Alpha continued, "Dirk is my head Enforcer, so they take orders from him as well. If I'm not free, get in touch with him or Kaplan."

"I will, and thanks again. I'll ask Mace for some books on pack customs and policies for me to read."

"No need. I'll let you borrow one of mine." Tierney rose from his seat and ventured to another room in the apartment. Vincent gazed around, taking in the luxurious home for the first time. Wow...this is pretty swanky! Burgundy and tan. Really emanates royalty and power. The tall Alpha returned with a large book and a small binder under his arm. "Here ya go, Vincent. The big one is the complete procedures and regulations for the EC standards, and the packet is our pack's summarized version."

Being handed the books, Vincent appreciated the size of the book. This one is thick! It'll probably take me a week to read. "Thanks! I'll get these back to you as soon as possible."

"Take your time. Anything else you need?"

"Yeah. Could you point me to the best hot dog stand nearby? Mace and Caleb want me to bring back some food."

Dirk almost raised his head in curiosity, but quickly answered his own question. The kid can damn-near teleport. He'll make it back before they grow cold. "They're all good and pretty much taste the same. There's one a couple blocks from here. I know we just saw you, but it was good to see you again, Vincent."

"You too, Dirk. Thanks for the talk Ty, I'll see you guys in a week!" The three shifters shared their goodbyes and the mage dropped himself in the shadows. He sifted under the building's doors and found an inconspicuous corner to re-emerge from the darkness. Trekking a few blocks, he began feeling the weight of the book. I should have brought a bag.

Vincent found the hot dog stand and quickly called Mason to get their order. After asking the vendor for three decked out chili-cheese dogs and getting them in a styrofoam box and plastic bag, the mage set out to find another dark corner to slip away from.

Rushing through countless trees and paved roads, Vincent kept close to highways so he could read the large signs that signaled where he should go to get back to Kentucky. A few short minutes later, he saw a glimpse of a green sign for Owensville and recognized a couple familiar roads. He knew the rough area and darted for the small town. Vincent had arrived in front of Mason's home and dove under the front door and popped up in the kitchen.

Setting the bag and books down on the countertop, Vincent spoke at a normal volume, “Mace, G-man, I’m back. Come get your hot dogs.” From his spot in the kitchen, he clearly heard the sound of furniture moving, along with some footsteps. This hearing stuff is pretty neat, once nothing else is happening!

Yes. You learn to listen. Smiling at his wolf’s acknowledgement, he turned as Mason walked into the kitchen and immediately sought to latch onto the smaller man. “Hey, hot stuff!” The large man bore his nose next to Vincent’s mark on the right side of his neck. Inhaling his mate’s scent, Mason’s eyes rolled backwards and kissed the scar. “Missed you.”

Vincent let a low but sultry giggle loose. “Missed you too, big guy. Have you boys been busy while I was away?”

“Yep! Got several emails sent out and Caleb’s getting…” Mason’s sentence ran away as he noticed a shade of pink in the smaller man’s eyes. “Vinnie, have you been crying?”

I knew he would notice. “Not really, but I can’t say I had a good time while I was away.”

Mason’s face grew red as his upper lip twitched in anger, showing a few of his teeth. “What happened? Who do I need to talk to?”

Seeing his mate about to go into a rage, Vincent put his hand on the big man’s chest. “It’s okay. It’s a long story, and I can tell you while we eat, okay?” Giving Mason his patented puppy-dog eyes, Vincent got his mate to calm down and nod. The smaller Alpha sorted out the boxes and as Caleb walked in, Vincent handed him one. “Here ya go, G-man. It should still be warm.”

The lion opened the box and treasured its contents. “Thanks, Little B! We were kinda joking with the whole hot dog thing, but this looks great! I never had food from New York.” They all took a seat at the small dining table, but Mason and Caleb watched as Vincent slumped in his chair. “What’s up, Vin? You look exhausted.”

Vincent stared down at his meal and let the events from earlier playback in his mind. “After Yakob took me to the monastery, he showed me how to feel other living shadows around me and said I should go somewhere populated to focus on the new skill.” He let out a long breath through his nose and interlocked his fingers on the table. “I was approached by a big shifter, and he said he was a Delta to Tierney’s pack. He told me I was trespassing on pack lands.”

It was taking a considerable amount of self-control for Mason to remain seated. He let his amber irises burn bright as he learned one of his friend’s Enforcers harassed his mate. “Please tell me you told that punk off.”

“I told him I was coming back next week to spar with his Alpha and walked away. I was in a panic since I wasn’t sure if I was actually trespassing on Ty’s lands, so I went to see him and Dirk. He said he would take care of it, and they don’t have any sort of rule in his territory like that. He also lent me his book on standards from the Executive Council and a condensed packet that gives me the jist of it. I think I have a lot of reading to do before I start visiting other packs.”

Mason released a long sigh and let his eyes revert back to brown. “I can’t help but feel partially guilty. I should be teaching you more on customs and expectations. Want to start on that after the trip?” Earning a nod from his mate, the three returned to their meal, making several positive comments on their treat.

***

“Now...breathe in deeply. Exhale slowly. Let all of the air leave your lungs, and focus your mind on that spark in your heart.” Tierney sat on the floor across from Dirk, keeping his eyes glued to the bear. With Dirk’s eyes closed and heavily concentrating on his breathing, the two remained cross-legged in front of the fireplace. “Feel the warmth on you, Dirk. Let that seep into your being. Breathe deep, to bring in a steady flow of air into your fire. It needs oxygen to live, so give it plenty.”

The bear sat and listened to his Alpha droll on. He wasn’t used to sitting in such a vulnerable position, but he was determined to bring out his fire affinity as soon as possible. It may take a year...but I want it! That monk said it could be a decade, but if I keep this up, I’ll have it in no time. He took in a slow and paced breath through his nostrils and let it out through a small opening in his mouth. The flicker of heat burned in his heart. I never noticed it until the monk grabbed my hand back at the diner. I...still can’t believe I’m going to be a mage!

“Good. Keep breathing, Dirk. Do this for the next hour and we will discuss how you feel about meditation.” Tierney rose to his feet and let the bear sit. The best thing to do is to have him control his breath. It will help him increase his flow of magical energy. Grabbing a bottle of whiskey from his cabinet, the Alpha poured a glass for himself. Can’t say I’ve ever experienced this though. A potential mage? How did Yakob know? Can he just feel magical energy inside a body? Shrugging off the questions, he sipped his warming beverage and sat back down in front of his friend. This...is going to take a while.

***

The glass clinked onto the tabletop. Leaning back, the Alpha pressed his back against the padded chair and let the burning liquor leave his nostrils as he exhaled. He glanced across the barroom floor at the many bodies dancing against each other. Humans. Blissfully unaware of the danger that lurks behind their backs. Raising his glass towards the barkeep, he earned a nod and knew that a refill was on the way. Some of them are useful, but just that. They’ve lost their animal instinct and choose to wander their towns and cities with abandon.

He noticed a small group walk in. With a subtle sniff, he knew they were lycan and possessed no leader. Interesting. No one to give them orders. They walk among the humans as if they were kin. The four shifters noticed the larger man at the far table and dipped their necks slightly, only to resume their antics and journeyed to the bar. Weak. Pathetic.

I shall find my followers...