Rising in the Shadows - 10. Chapter 10: Delinquent Deity

Mason's heart pounded as his mate's words hit his ears. Shit! That's not him! Sounds like a girl's voice. It...it couldn't be? From the corner of his eye, he saw Tierney shoot to a standing position, ready to strike. "Ty, stand down! If this is what I think it is, there's no cause to be violent."

"The fuck it isn't, Mace! You're mate's possessed!"

"I can see that, but by whom is the question."

The Alphas watched Vincent turn to each of them and let out another shrill giggle, "Well, at least one of you knows what's up!" Turning to face Mason, the smaller man folded his arms and gave him a wide and playful grin, "Looks like it's you. So, I'm guessing you've met my brother?"

So she is one of the seven! "Yes. Forgive me, but I haven't told my friend about...your brother's visit."

Earning another glance from Vincent, Tierney took note of the mage’s white glowing irises as the high-pitched voice rang once more, “Oh? So he doesn’t know!” The smaller man walked right up to Tierney, who refused to back down to the mysterious entity, “Well, I have to say, he’s a cutie!” Before the New Yorker could react, Vincent’s arm flashed to the larger lycan’s side. As soon as Tierney saw the movement, he felt a pinch on his ass, and thrust his hips away from the intruding gesture.

Tierney’s jaw fell, he immediately looked to Mason for guidance, but was met with the same ridiculous expression of shock! Did...did Vincent just do that? “You little...do you realize the body you are controlling is mated to that man over there?”

The possessed body turned to the younger Alpha, but quickly turned back to Tierney, “Yeah, so? I’m not him, now am I? Besides, I think you’re hotter than him.” Gesturing a thumb over Vincent’s shoulder, the entity gave Tierney another once over.

The middle-aged Alpha had had enough! He flashed his red irises at Vincent’s body and let his magic seep through, making the room considerably warmer, “I’m warning you. You need to relinquish control ov-"

“Blah, blah, blah! Or what?” Vincent’s voice mocked as he placed his hands on his hips, “You’re going to make me? That’s a nice statement and all, but I’m having a blast in this body, thank you!”

“That’s it, you-”

“Park it!” The shrill voice grew serious as Vincent’s eyes flashed brighter. He lifted his hand and flicked his fingers at Tierney. Tierney’s body flew backwards and landed on the leather couch with a grunt. The Alpha immediately tried to get back up, but felt a force stopping him, “You may be cute, but you sure are annoying!”

Mason watched his friend get manhandled by an invisible power. He swallowed and started to think. Oh, fuck! This is getting out of hand! I need to put a stop to this! “Tierney! Back down!” Watching his fellow Alpha struggle on the couch, Mason ran through the options, to whom could be inhabiting his mate. I doubt Aliz would act this way. Ceresa would be out of the question. If it were, Ty wouldn’t be breathing right now. That leaves one option.

“Lady Terik?”

Vincent’s head fidgeted and slowly turned to face Mason. Dropping Vincent's arm, the deity stopped playing with the New Yorker. “You know what? I had him pegged as the smart one, but I guess it was the other way around. A thousand points for guessing correctly!”

Hearing the happy and upbeat tone again, Mason sighed a deep breath of relief. “Ty, you good?”

Holding the back of his head, Tierney began to rise, expecting to be flung across the room again. Did...he just say Terik? There’s...there’s no damned way! “Yeah, but can you repeat yourself, Mace?”

Snorting another long breath from his nostrils, Mason stared at Terik, “You heard me. This...is Lady Terik, the Goddess of Mischief.”

“At your service!” Terik walked by Mason and hopped Vincent's half naked body onto the kitchen countertop. “Don’t worry, I’ll let you get your rude friend caught up on the whole shebang.”

Tierney darted his eyes straight to Mason, “Well? Out with it then...the whole shebang.”

“A couple weeks ago, Vincent got a nasty headache from Hell. After him yelling in pain, his eyes glowed white, like they are now, and...he was taken over by Lord Bol.”

“Uh...huh? That’s it then? Your mate gets to be a puppet to the God of Order and you don’t see that as a big deal?”

“I’m siding with meanie on this one!” Terik dangled Vincent’s legs, swaying them from side to side, “It really isn’t every day that we take over someone’s body here on Earth. Oh, oh! Tell him about the crazy destiny my sister got about this little guy! You know, the one where if this Vince kid doesn’t beat that Italian dude, the entirety of North America gets set on fire?”

The goddess looked at the pale, blank look on the two faces staring at her. After a few seconds she snapped her fingers and waved finger guns at the two lycans, “Oh! I get it! Bolie didn’t tell you guys about that, did he?”

I’m...I’m sorry, what? Mason coughed and turned to the deity with his heart in his stomach, “Fucking what? You’re going to need to explain that to us!”

Tierney took a step, snatched the bottle from the coffee table and tipped it to his lips as Terik let out a long and loud giggle, “Oh, that’s rich, even for my little brother! What did he tell you? Let me guess, let me guess!” Putting Vincent’s fists on his hips, Terik puffed out the shadow mage’s chest and did her best imitation of Lord Bol, “You just don’t want to know?” Mason’s breathing tightened as he nodded. “That’s rich! Oh, Bolie was never one to let you mortals know all the details. But that’s why I come around in his footsteps, I get to shock you silly billies, and I piss him off at the same time! Win-win, right?”

The New Yorker set the bottle down and blew spiced air from his nose. “I think I’m as caught up as I’m going to be. Do you mind telling me how our continent will be set on fire?”

“So, quick recap. Lizzie gets the destiny, and this squirt has to kill the Italian. If he doesn’t, the tea-drinking greaser will reveal the supernatural to the world. Surprise, surprise, this ends up being the one area on the planet that isn’t cool with everything. There’ll be this big war between the United States, Canada and Mexico, yadda yadda, and the whole place ends up burning. Any questions?”

Mason couldn’t breathe. I...I can’t believe that! Stefan would really reveal the supernatural world to the humans? That’s just...what’s the point? “Pardon me, Lady Terik. Do you know why Stefan would reveal the mages to the world?”

Propping Vincent’s legs on the counter, she sat in a cross-legged position, “Sorry bub, not a clue. I only got a little sneak peak at the destiny before I got shoo-ed away by big sis. She’s very protective of those things!” Tierney made his way into the kitchen and leaned against the counter across from the deity. "By the way, I was just messin’ with you when I held you down.”

“And that unnecessary pinch?”

“Oh, that? That was free of charge, handsome!” Tierney wiped his hand across his face and did his best to forget that awkward moment. Terik looked back at the younger Alpha in curiosity, “So, Vince is your little dude, huh? You know I can look through all his memories, right?”

Learning more of Terik’s power, Mason widened his eyes in disbelief, “You...you can?”

“Yep, the little guy loves you. I know I’m the rambunctious one of the celestial family, but even I can’t lie to you about that. He’s got some serious feelings hidden up in here! He loves you and your whole group of friends that hang around.” The goddess forced Vincent’s eyebrows to droop as she leaned forward, “He also hates that Italian schmuck’s guts. I saw what that dude did. If I wasn’t bound by the rules, I’d go smite him myself.”

The Alphas were floored at the sudden change in demeanor and Mason took a slow step forward, “Saying that is really important to me, Lady Terik. I knew about his feelings towards us and Stefan, but to hear it come from someone else, who can feel what my mate has gone through, is a whole other story. Thank you.”

Terik grinned and hopped off the counter. "I see why Bolie liked you! I can tell you’re being sincere. What's your name?"

"Mason."

"I'll keep an eye on you and this little guy. Normally, I'm not one for getting involved in sis' destinies, but I'll be rooting for you two."

Indenting his brows, he stepped forward, "You're leaving? Already?"

"Yeah, if I stay too long, one of my siblings will find me here and that's an argument I don't feel like having. Plus, I got other places to be and more people to play with." Terik turned her head to the side, to give Tierney a final glare, "I'll be keeping my eye on you too, stud!"

Tierney chuffed, but managed to put a smile on his face, "Sorry...Lady Terik, but I'm already spoken for."

"That's a shame, but I can respect your race's need for monogamy. Don't be afraid to pray for me if you change your mind!" Moving Vincent's body to the living room, Terik plopped on the couch, "See ya later!"

Vincent's irises faded back to his natural hazel and he slumped further into the seat. After a few seconds of watching, Mason carefully sat next to his mate, "Vinnie? You there?"

Seconds passed as Vincent's body remained motionless. As Mason touched his mate's shoulder, Vincent's head jerked forward with a loud gasp of breath! "Vinnie! Vin, it's okay! You're safe!"

Breathing heavily, the mage looked around. I'm...I'm in the living room! When did I get here? I just got into bed. Looking to his left, he saw Mason with a concerned look on his face. "Mace? How...how did I get here?"

"You don't recall anything?"

Tierney strolled back into the room with a look of concern, "Did this happen last time, Mason?"

“Yeah,” Mason nodded, “only this time, Vinnie woke up a lot faster. He was out cold for several hours when Bol took over.”

“I see.”

Vincent looked at his mate in awkward silence. What...what are they talking about?

What happen when no remember?

Thinking back, the only time he lost his memory was when he had the splitting headache. Did...was I possessed again?

Possible. Ask mate! Vincent offered a small cough, as to put himself in the conversation, “Did...did Bol come back? Did he have something important to tell you?”

Mason took a nervous and soft bite on the inside of his cheek, “Well, it wasn’t Bol this time, Vinnie. It was Terik.”

Terik! Hearing the Goddess of Mischief was controlling him did not sit well with the young Alpha. She’s rumored to wreak havoc just for amusement! She...she was in my body? Jitters ran across his arms, he couldn’t begin to imagine the torture Mason and Tierney were subjected to. “Did...did everything turn out okay?”

Mason did his best to withhold his laughter, but a small chuckle slipped, “I think Ty had the worst possible time. I’m not sure you want to know what Terik did to him.”

Tierney pinched the bridge of his nose, causing Vincent to shudder in thought. Tierney? I did something to Ty? “Ty? What did she do?”

“You...well, she grabbed my ass. She also called me cute.”

Sitting in silence, the smaller Alpha kept looking between the other two. Mason did his best to stop himself from snickering and Tierney kept his arms crossed in embarrassment. I...grabbed his ass? Thinking about the action, Vincent slowly let himself see the comical side of the scenario. He let out a light chuckle as it built into intense laughter.

Hearing his mate laugh, Mason couldn’t hold it in any longer. He joined Vincent, latching onto the smaller body, “Oh, my Gods! That was the funniest damned thing I’ve ever seen! Ty, your face was priceless!”

Earning the lowest of growls from the New Yorker caused the couple to settle down, “It wasn’t funny on my end. She didn’t pull anything back, that pinch actually hurt!” The statement reignited the flame as Vincent howled once more. “Well, now that we got the funnies out of the way, can we address the bigger issue from the visit?”

Calming himself down, Vincent took the statement seriously, “What do you mean?”

Mason grabbed his mate’s hand, which did not reassure Vincent. “I’m not sure if she was supposed to tell us, but she said what would happen if you weren’t...weren’t able to beat Stefan.”

Closing his eyes, he knew from the sound of the lower toned voice that Mason was about to slam him hard with a harsh reality. It sounds like it is something pretty serious! “Tell me, Mace. I want...no, I need to know.”

“Are you sure, pup? I already know you’re going to win.”

“I appreciate it, but I need to know what Stefan will do.”

The larger man squeezed the smaller hand and took a deep breath, “If...if you lose, Stefan somehow lets the world know about the supernatural.” Watching his mate suck in air, he continued, “The world is okay with it, for the most part. North America turns into a three-way warzone. From how Terik described it, this continent will burn.”

Vincent could not release his breath. Try as he might, the air wouldn’t leave his lungs. The...the continent is going to burn?

No! Not do! We win!

I...I really appreciate the enthusiasm, but we need to...need to. The mage shut his eyes at the thought of putting the fate of the supernatural’s existence on his shoulders. It came down harder as he fit more puzzle pieces together. People could...die. They could die because I could lose this fight!

“Breathe, my mate. I need you to breathe!” He looked at Mason, and was confused as to when the large hands were put on his shoulders. “You’re thinking about this way too hard. There is plenty of time for you to prepare yourself, okay?”

“But, Mace. I...I don’t know if I can handle this! Do you realize, the fate of millions of lives just got put on me?”

Mason gripped Vincent’s shoulders, “Yes, I know. That doesn’t change my outlook on the situation. I know you are going to beat him. Aliz put you in my life, so there is no reason why she would rip you out of it.” Closing the distance between their two faces, Mason landed a peck on Vincent’s lips and whispered, “Nothing will take you from me. I won’t allow it.”

Hearing the soft words of love, Vincent pressed his forehead against Mason’s and pumped every ounce of love through their shared bond. Feeling the emotions being reciprocated, he knew the spiky-haired man was his and his alone. “Thanks, big guy. I...I really needed to hear that. I’ll win that fight, no matter what.”

Yes! Win fight! Stefan must die!

Glad to hear you’re on board, bud. I don’t think I could do this without you.

We do together. With his wolf’s affirmation, Vincent leaned back and blinked several times. “I think I should go back to bed. You coming with me this time?” Mason smiled and nodded. The two got up from the couch, and bid their host a good night as they strolled to the guest room.

***

“Oh...my Gods! That was the best thing I ever put in my mouth!”

Dave looked at his girlfriend with his raised eyebrow, “You do realize what you just said, right?” He stared at the blonde as she held a sauce-covered chicken tender. She dropped the tender on her plate and covered her eyes with her clean hand. She’s so silly. It’s funny how she says things before she thinks about it. “I didn’t want to be the one to point it out, but you did say that pretty loudly.”

“I so did not!” Stacy looked around and didn’t see anyone staring at her. “At least you’re not making lame, corny jokes like the last guy I dated. He would have said something pretty dirty.”

The lycan snorted and shook his head, “Sounds like he didn’t have any manners. I was raised to keep it civil around ladies, Especially the ones I like the most,” giving Stacy a subtle wink, caused her to grin. Dave could smell the blood flowing to her cheeks as he noticed a slight tint. Leaning back in the booth, he tried to focus on digesting his monster burger, Gods, that was too much!

“Speaking of putting things in your mouth,” Tilting his head back up in eager expectation, he listened to what surely was going to be a joke, “that was a big burger you shoved down your throat. You do that often, or just around the girls you like the most?” Stacy elegantly lifted her soda glass as her boyfriend began howling in laughter. Putting her elbow on the table, she leaned forward, letting her ponytail bob behind her as she sucked on her straw.

Dave fought every urge to let a growl loose. Is...is she being seductive? My Gods, that’s a turn on! “You better stop that before we need to take a serious step in this relationship.”

Stacy raised her own eyebrow as she stared at her boyfriend. A serious step, huh? That’s tempting. We’ve been dating for almost a month now, so I guess it’s about time to be making some moves. Letting the straw go with a pop of her lips, she picked up her saucy tender once more and took a slow bite. She knew she had his full, undivided attention. Setting the half-eaten tender down again, she wiped her fingers with a napkin and grinned, “You said something about a serious step?”

Blinking wildly, Dave did his best to cool his hormones down. Jeez, she’s a real tease! “Uh, yeah. I think it’s kind of obvious at this point, but I like you Stace. I just hope you can handle me and my baggage.”

“Oh, please! You don’t know anything about baggage.” Taking a quick sip of her soda, she gently nudged her foot against Dave’s boot, “I kinda like you too, Dave. You really know how to make me smile sometimes.”

The wolf drew a smile on his face, “Sometimes?”

“Okay! A lot of the time!” Seeing the man’s hand on the table, Stacy stretched her arm out and latched onto it, “And change that kinda to really. I really like you.”

Dave’s smile grew wider as his heart began beating faster, “I really like you too.” Letting his feet be guided by his instincts, he slowly retracted his hand from Stacy’s and got up from his side of the booth. Stacy was confused for a moment, her smile quickly returned as Dave took a seat on her side, “Figured this would be a little more romantic.”

Oh! Oh, yes it is! “Uh huh. So,” Stacy scooted closer to her man, leaning against his body, “what are we doing after this?”

“Well, we need to drop off Gwen’s burger. After that, it’s all up to you, Miss I’m paying for dinner.” He watched as her head leaned up in a smirking glare as she playfully swatted his chest. “What? You’re words, not mine. Want to head to my place for a movie?”

That’s a winner! I could use an excuse to cuddle with him. “That sounds nice!”

“Then let’s get out of here.” Stacy pulled out her small purse and dropped a variety of bills on the table, with plenty for a tip. The lycan stepped out of the booth and offered his hand. Grabbing it, she was escorted out of JD’s with his arm wrapped around her. Oh, yeah! Compared to Shawn, Dave is a freaking dreamboat! He opened the door to his truck to let Stacy in and quickly made his way around to the driver’s side.

He drove back to Stacy's apartment so she could drop off Gwen's meal and hurried back to the truck. Making his way to his place, the couple talked about their previous love interests. Dave admitted he was always the kind of guy to take things slow and Stacy felt the same way. They spoke of a few of their crazy exes, and laughed at their various quirks.

The lycan led Stacy inside by the hand, she was impressed with the bachelor pad. It looks like a typical one bedroom apartment, but he keeps it so tidy! He tossed the keys into the bowl on the coffee table and sat down, encouraging his girlfriend to do the same. She set her purse off to the side of the couch and kicked her flats off as she sat down. As he turned on his Xbox and TV, he selected one of his many streaming services. They picked out an action movie and settled close to one another.

Every now and then, Dave would look down his shoulder to check whether Stacy had fallen asleep. "What are you looking at?"

He smirked at Stacy's raised eyebrow, "Just seeing if you were still awake."

"Nope, still here. I'm having a nice time with you. I'd normally want to go out and do things, but sitting here is really comforting."

"Glad to hear." He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and brought her in tight. "Not to sound like a creep, but you smell nice."

A light giggle came from Stacy, "I barely put on any perfume. You can smell it?"

"Strong sense of smell," he smiled as she nestled her head between his chest and arm. She looked up and he stared back. Oh, I know that look. He slightly leaned his head down as she leaned up. Yep! Here goes nothing.

Their lips lightly pressed against each other's, her lips felt small to Dave as he held his breath. They feel so soft! Her lips moved against his as they confirmed their intentions. The lycan quickly forgot all about the loud movie as he embraced Stacy, pulling her closer. Moments passed and the two separated. "That...was nice," he said breathlessly.

Humming a satisfied tone, Stacy stared into Dave’s brown irises. Holy crap, that was hot! Such a gentle kisser, and that stubble felt so good! She lifted her hand to Dave’s cheek and leaned up for another kiss. The shifter quickly met her lips as they discovered a new side of their relationship.

***

Fluttering his eyes open, Vincent sleepily lifted his eyelids. Craning his neck, he saw Mason sprawled across his side of the bed with the covers thrown askew. What a man. A familiar scent wafted its way to his nostrils and he immediately opened his eyes wide. Before he was able to think for himself, his wolf howled in excitement.

Bacon! Juicy meat! Crispy meat!

Easy, bud! We just woke up. Give a man some time to get himself together.

No! Must get!

Alright, alright. I hear ya. Let me find some pants and a shirt. Despite his plea, Vincent’s wolf kept demanding for him to move towards the alluring aroma. “Ty? Is that you cooking?” Vincent spoke softly to avoid waking his mate.

“Yep! Come and get it. Make sure to wake Mace up, I don’t know if I can handle his snoring any longer.”

Vincent pulled a black t-shirt over his head and looked back to Mason’s slumbering body. Taking a few steps closer to the bed, a deep and rumbling snore startled him. Oh, that’s rich! How have I not noticed that he snores?

We asleep with mate. Don’t notice when with him.

Maybe. Placing his knee back on the bed, Vincent reached over and shook Mason lightly, “C’mon, big guy. Time for breakfast.” Mason mumbled under his breath and rolled away from the smaller man. After a few more tries, Vincent recalled a trick from Tierney’s playbook. He quickly strolled into the kitchen to find the Alpha taking complete ownership of the kitchen. “Morning, Ty. Got any bacon that’s done?”

“Yeah, why?” Tierney looked over to the mage as he flipped an egg in a large skillet.

“No reason.” Vincent saw a platter with several freshly cooked strips. Taking one from the bottom, he carried it to the bedroom, “Be right back.” He approached Mason from the larger man’s side and dangled the bacon strip above the nostrils. “Get dressed, or I’ll eat every strip of bacon on your plate.”

The sleeping lycan grumbled and peeked his eyes open to the world. He...he better not. “Come on, pup. Let me sleep for a little bit longer.”

“No can do! Ty cooked us breakfast and you kept him up half the night with your snoring.”

Rolling his head to face Vincent, Mason let out a raspy and tired groan, “I...do not snore.”

Vincent opened his mouth to refute the statement, but halted when Tierney’s softened words spoke first, “Yes, yes you do. Now hurry up before the bacon gets cold.”

Mason rolled his eyes and Vincent took a bite from the strip in his hand, “You heard him. Up and at it!” The mage leaned down and gave his man a loving kiss before making his way back into the kitchen. “Need any help in here?”

Tierney shook his head as he slid several eggs onto waiting plates, “Nope, just finished up. Is Mason going to get up?”

“I’m coming! Can a man put pants on?” Hearing Mason bellow from the bedroom caused fits of laughter for Vincent and Tierney. The New Yorker opened the oven and grabbed a metal tray with his bare hands.

Vincent’s eyes were wide in shock, watching him hold the pan, “Ty!”

“What?” Tierney held the pan and raised an eyebrow at the mage.

“How...how are you holding that?”

A deep laugh came from the larger Alpha as he set the tray down to plate the golden hash brown patties, “Vincent, did you forget something very important? If you’ve forgotten, then I’m sure I’ll remind you when we fight.”

When we fight? Looking between the pan and the Alpha’s unharmed fingers, Vincent closed his eyes as he mentally slapped himself. Duh! How can I forget that he’s a fire mage! That pan couldn’t hurt him. Hell, he can probably use a bonfire as a bed! “My bad! You don’t mention your magic very often.”

“That’s because I don’t use it on a regular basis. The second you accepted my challenge a month ago, I had to get back in shape!”

Uh oh! He’s been practicing.

No worry. We win!

Don’t be so sure, bud. I’ve never fought a fire mage before, so I have no idea how to handle that!

Use ice.

That’ll slow it down, but I doubt it will douse the flames. We will need to think more about this. “I’m sure you’ll need it. Yakob has taught me a few tricks since I saw you.”

“Oh? Care to share?”

“Sorry, you’ll find out either today or tomorrow.” Vincent looked over to see Mason slowly walking towards the kitchen, “Looks like you could use some coffee.”

“Yes, please.” As Mason eyed the food, Tierney grabbed two mugs from the cabinet and poured from the freshly brewed pot. Offering the sugar and creamer, the sleepy Alpha poured an unhealthy amount of both into his cup. The three journeyed to the attached dining room with their mugs and plates to enjoy their meal. Sipping on the coffee, Mason rolled and blinked his eyes in an attempt to wake up, “So Ty, where do y’all plan on going for these spars? Can’t exactly have a fight in a park.”

“The pack has a place for activities across the city. I’ve made the proper reservations for the week, so everything is sorted out. We'll be leaving shortly after we eat."

Mason leaned back in his chair, intrigued by the concept of buildings hidden throughout the city. "Could you give an example?"

Gnawing on a strip of bacon, Tierney responded, "We'll be going to a basement level of the Guggenheim Museum for our sparring sessions. The pack secretly paid for the level to be built when the museum was built back in the thirties. We only use it for formal challenges of power for the lower council positions and some other small activities."

"That's pretty cool!" Vincent leaned in with interest. We'll be going to a museum! I wonder if we could look around after we're done. "Before we go, I'll need to run and get Yakob. I'm pretty sure he'd want to watch."

"Speaking of bringing more people, I'll text and let Wagner know he is to be there. You do still intend on challenging him, right?"

Vincent nodded, "Yes, but I will do it after my session with Dirk. My wolf wants him to see what we are capable of."

"A smart decision. I doubt he will want to accept the challenge after he sees you in action. Before we leave, feel free to pack a small bag. There’s a small shower room and I’m sure you don’t want to fight in uncomfortable clothes.”

The three finished breakfast and Vincent grabbed his backpack from the guest room, “Alright, I’ll be right back with Yakob.” He leaned in to kiss Mason and pulled out his phone to use the GPS. Bringing up the list of saved coordinates and finding which direction to go, he let his world turn gray and sprinted out of the apartment complex.

After stopping to check his GPS a few times, Vincent found the right mountain range and scaled upward. Found it! He reappeared outside the monastery and immediately regretted his decision. Air! I...I forgot about the altitude adjustment!

Vincent? Is that you?

Hearing his teacher’s mental voice surprised him as Vincent struggled to get his breathing under control. Yeah...yeah, it’s me. Head...ing back down.

I’ll find you in a moment. Please don’t forget to get yourself acclimated. Vincent ran down the mountain and found a small landing halfway. He brought himself out of the shadows and was able to breathe easier. After waiting a few moments, he felt a nudge at his feet. Are you here to escort me to the sparring match location?

Yep! Submerging back into the shadows, Vincent saw Yakob waiting in one of his tunics. Ready? Earning a hand motion for him to lead the way, Vincent sprinted back to Tierney’s apartment, making a couple incorrect turns along the way. When the two arrived in the living room, Yakob was quick to emerge, startling the two Alphas.

“Hello Mason, Tierney, it’s good to see you again.” Yakob folded his hands and bowed towards the New Yorker.

“Good to see you as well, where is Vincent?” Tierney looked around but saw no sign of the smaller shadow mage.

Mason turned his head around as well. “Vinnie, where are you?” A burst of caring emotion flooded his end of their bond, causing further confusion for the Alpha, “You have to be nearby-” He cut his own sentence off with a yelp as his rear was pinched, forcing him to leap forward. As he turned around, Mason watched Vincent appear from the shadows, beaming from ear to ear. “What was that for?”

The smaller shifter doubled over in laughter. “I figured with Terik coming last night, you deserved a pinch of your own.”

Yakob stood in silence as he tried to understand his student’s statement. His nerves were solid and cold to his mind. What did he mean by that? Was he visited again? I must approach this carefully, and I must do it with him alone. Silently, the monk exhaled from his nose. Just who are you, Vincent Bolton?