Rising in the Shadows - 23. Chapter 23: Mastering Manipulation

This is just weird! Looking at his empty glass, Vincent debated. I think I'm going to miss getting tipsy. On the bright side, these taste better for some reason.

He was having fun with friends, old and new. Turning he glanced at Remis, Fred, and Trent. "They've been over there for a while. Must be talking about Mesker Park."

Mason hummed and took the last bit of his beer. "The couple seems pretty surprised, but then again, I'd be too if I were them."

The three shook hands and walked back to their table. "Well fellas, I think we came to an agreement. Details will be sorted later, but consider us a council." Remis flagged down their waitress, signaling for another round.

The alpha pair grinned, and Vincent felt relieved. "That makes our job easier. Not going to lie, we weren't sure if you two would be interested."

Bartlett shrugged, "There were too many pros against the cons. We'd be too far out of our element if we did it by ourselves."

He was gripped at the waist by Ashford. "I was against it at first, but when Remis said he wanted to have more of a coworker relationship instead of being the alpha, I was sold. What he's proposing will work for me."

Gleaming, Vincent and his wolf's excitement grew to new levels. "Well, if you three are combining your applications, I think I've made my decision. Mace, Dave, Caleb?"

The men shared smiles and nodded. Mason stood, prompting his mate and council to as well. "Gentlemen, I'd say we have a deal!"

Remis raised his arms and yelled, "Hell yes!" The waitress set their beers down and said she would be back with more. "Aye, miss? Go ahead and give the house a round on my tab. We’re celebratin’!”

Apparently, the alpha was loud enough and earned praise from across the establishment. Scurrying back to the bar, the waitress began assisting the bartender.

“That’s pretty generous of you, Remis,” Ingle gripped his mug, preparing to take a swig.

“Might as well, considering I’m your new neighbor! You all might want to add a drinkin’ budget.”

Ashford snickered, “Does our new pack need a slush fund?”

“Hoss, stop it.” The massive man was playfully hit by Bartlett.

In retaliation, the smaller beta became a prisoner in the burly arms. “Now, now. You know I’m kidding. I think this will be my last drink, though.”

Vincent flashed his phone’s clock and agreed. The bar’s going to close in less than an hour, and I’m not one to make the workers wait on us. “Same here.”

His arm was nudged, “It’s still pretty early, pup. You don’t have work tomor—”

Not wanting to make his intentions public, Vincent shot a subtle dose of lust through his end of the bond.

The feeling was mirrored. “On second thought, this is my last round too.”

Remis smacked the table and chortled, “Good thing I’m in a hotel! I think I’ll be sticking around ‘til after closin’ time, for obvious reasons.”

The group finished their rounds quicker than expected. Dave and Caleb departed for their own homes, while the two couples left Remis behind. Mason and Vincent’s fingers were intertwined the entire way. Feeling through the shadows, it was obvious Ashford and Bartlett’s were as well in the backseat. It might be a busy house…

The moment Mason turned the house key, he led Vincent to the bedroom with no intention to detour. As their door closed, he heard another in the house, followed by a demonic growl. “Looks like we’re not the only horny ones.”

From the golden glow in Mason’s eyes, he knew his mate’s wolf was near the surface.

“Mate.”

Yep. You want to come out, bud?

Always!

Handing over the controls, power rushed to his eyes. “Mate, fuck me!”

Mason’s growl was guttural. “Strip.”

The wolves frantically shed their clothes, but Vincent yipped in surprise when he was picked up. In a blur of movement, he was pinned against the wall. The attempt to moan was interrupted by Mason’s mashing maw. Tongues demanded entrance and growls were met by growls. Mason laid Vincent down on the bed and reached for the lube. He tried to roll over, but a large hand pressed against his chest. “Stay. Got surprise for you.”

Eager for it, Vincent remained in place. He watched intently as Mason slicked himself. A finger massaged his entrance. Waiting patiently was not an option. He wanted Mason, and he wanted him now. Thrusting his hips, the digit went further. “Now.”

As if his request was met, the intrusion retreated. Mason closed in and prodded Vincent. As it slid in, both men remained silent. Feeling his mate inside him made him whole. When Mason’s groin landed home, the larger alpha ground slowly. Vincent tossed his head back and moaned.

After several pumps, all motion stopped. Confused, Vincent roamed his hand along Mason’s side. “Mate? What wrong?”

Mason remained motionless, but there was slight motion in the man’s face. Is he…

Oh, boy. I wasn’t expecting this.

His suspicion was correct. Focused on the growing smile, he saw Mason’s shifted teeth. “Mate, you… you turn hyb—”

Stars filled Vincent’s vision as Mason pistoned his hips. Try as he might, he couldn’t keep an eye on his lover. The pace quickened and hands gripped his sides.

A few bones snapping diverted his attention. Mason’s fur emerged and his body morphed into the familiar hybrid form.

The growth in size was intense, and Vincent couldn’t sequester his vocals. “Fuck me, Mace. Fuck your mate!”

Mason was unrelenting. The hybrid leaned in and licked the mangled mark on Vincent. “Want you. Want bite.”

He sucked in air, teetering on the edge of climax. Mate want bite? Bond done though.

Who cares? This is the best sex we’ve ever had. He can have it.

Yes, agree. Mate ferocious! “Close. Claim me.” Vincent tilted his head and put his scar on display.

The hybrid’s eyes darted to the mark. Being released from the claws’ clutches, Vincent reached and pulled on his furry mate. He wanted friction. Mason’s breathing hardened, indicating the end was near. The thought of being bred pushed Vincent over the edge.

As he spurted, Mason struck. The piercing pain only lasted a moment, but the mage focused on the twitching tool inside of him. All familiar to his human mind, warmth surrounded his neck, surely making a mess of their nesting place. The teeth retracted from his wound, but the muzzle remained attached. Vincent shivered as Mason’s tongue lapped at the pooling blood.

Still embedded, Mason lifted and surveyed the damage. “It healing. No more blood.”

Compared to his first time being bitten, Vincent now had time to stare at his mate in his hybrid glory. Even as an alpha; a dominant leader, his wolf surged with pride belonging to a powerful wolf like Mason. “Love you, mate.”

A low and fatigued growl muttered through the furry half-wolf, “Love you. Need shift, tired.”

Vincent nodded and let Mason unsheath himself. The moment he felt empty, the hybrid reverted back to human, littering the room with a series of snaps. Mason propped himself on his hands and knees, worn from the transformation. “Amazing as always, pup. How’d you like being bit?”

“Bite hot! Do again soon.”

Amused, Mason stood and inspected the sheets and pillows. “There’s a little blood on your pillow, but I'm not seeing any on the bed.”

“I go grab one.” Without thinking, Vincent took a wobbly step away from the bed, only to understand what his body just went through. Deciding against it, he gently laid back down. “Might be minute. Can’t stand right.”

A deep laugh echoed in the room and Vincent huffed in distaste. Mason rose and stumbled towards the bathroom. Their silence was disturbed when they heard the other couple. Before turning on the shower, Mason chuckled once more as Ashford’s satanic moan filled their eardrums.

“Fuck me, Trent!”

His mouth agape, Vincent reeled. He shook his head as the sounds of skin slapping grew louder. I’m so not listening to this!

The wolf inside his mind cackled maniacally. That funny. Strange, but funny.

Oh, shush! We do the same thing to Mace.

Yes, true.

After Mason adjusted the shower’s temperature, he assisted Vincent off the bed. The two cleansed themselves, giving each other plenty of attention before tossing the stained pillow aside and succumbing to sleep’s powerful hold.

***

“You sure you want to do this?”

Shaw flicked his cigarette butt into the middle of the road. On the way back from the bar, the officer drove him outside the city limits and parked. From the looks of the street, they were near the Old State Road near the farmer’s house.

No! His… His name is Mason.

“Yeah, I’m sure. That Remis guy made a lot of sense to me. I don’t think I can get over this without actually seeing it happen.” The detective wasn’t one for make-believe, and valued evidence. “I had a hard time coming to terms with y’all saying what you were, but it’s been eating at me. I… ”

Staring at his feet, he gripped at the one thing he could. I trust Ingle. Hell, he’s been a prick at times, but I’ve trusted that man for years. “I need to see it for myself.”

A sliver of a smile appeared on his friend’s face. “Alright. Let’s head into the trees real fast. Don’t want any passing vehicles seein’ this.”

He nodded and followed the man into the nearby forest. They didn’t get past three trees before Ingle paused and glanced at the road. “This should be far enough.” Ingle kicked off his shoes and lifted the hem of his shirt.

Awkwardness and shock took over. “Whoa, whoa! I don’t swing that way, dude!”

Ingle blew air through closed lips, “Relax, Terry. It’s either I take off my clothes, or you’re buying me new ones. Besides, you’ll only see my ass. Don’t need you thinking little of yourself.”

Shaw wiped a hand over his face. “Fine, whatever. Is this going to take long?”

“Nah, just a few seconds between shifts. Just a head’s up though. Don’t run from me when I’m on fours. My wolf will think you’re playing chase. I’ll stay curled up until you approach me.” Gesturing with his thumb, Ingle swiped his temple. “Wolfie likes ear scratches, if you don’t mind?”

Rolling his eyes, he couldn’t help but laugh. Yeah, what dogs don’t? Despite his apprehensions, Shaw was eager. Is this really happening? Fuck, I didn’t even ask if it’s a typical wolf, or one of those two-legged freakshow things! Seeing Ingle’s biracial buttocks, he wanted to look away, but knew he would miss it.

“Oh, one more thing. It’s not gonna sound pretty.”

The warning did nothing to soothe his anticipation. A few seconds went by and Shaw saw Ingle’s knees contort, making appropriate noises to correlate. Oh, my gods! Several more sounds accompanied the first, but the detective couldn’t look away as vibrant auburn fur poured out of the officer’s skin. He knew something like this would happen. Regardless, he was unprepared. Fear was abundant and Shaw did his best to stave it off. No, no! I can’t be scared! It… It’s just Ingle!

As promised, the sounds ceased after several seconds. Before him laid a large, red-haired wolf. The animal laid down, but not before turning to face Shaw. The yellow eyes scanned him and were quickly closed as the head rested upon its paws.

Trying to speak, Shaw’s throat was parched. I can’t believe this. He’s actually a wolf! Clearing his airway, he tried speaking, “In… Ingle?” The wolf’s head lifted in response, followed by the eyelids. “Holy shit! You guys weren’t lying. You’re really a… ” Fuck, what did he say to call his kind? “What did you say you were again? I know I’m not supposed to call you a werewolf.”

The animal’s head tilted and a huff came from its mouth.

“Right. Wolf. No speaking.” Shaw blinked and gripped his hair. I’m talking to my coworker slash friend who can turn into a wolf! After taking a few breaths, he took a step forward. “Okay, Ingle. I’m coming your way. Don’t move a muscle, or I might shit my pants.”

A series of snorts escaped the beast’s nose.

“Oh, you think that’s funny, huh? Looks like someone’s getting Beggin’ Strips for their birthday.”

Ingle stopped his laughter, only to run his tongue across his maw.

“Alright, bet! Biggest bag I can find.” Through his jokes, Shaw was unaware he was moving the entire conversation. He stood mere inches away from the red fur. Thoughts of lifting his hand came to mind, but they were tossed when Ingle lapped a finger first.

Ah, fuck it! His hand landed on the head. Fingers curling through the thin fur, Shaw gasped. The hairs were soft. He laughed as he reached behind the wolf's ears, "Never thought I'd see the day. You finally have some hair!"

A faint growl came from the beast.

"Okay, okay! I'm done joking. I won't say anything about you becoming a K-9 unit."

Another huff left Ingle before the animal circled around him and aimed for the pile of clothes. The nauseating sounds from before came back and the wolf returned to a human shape. Ingle picked up his boxers and turned his head back, "Man, fuck you and your jokes."

Shaw was relieved to see his friend. "Can't help it. They're my defense mechanism or something."

"Yeah, you keep telling yourself that." With his pants back on, he grabbed his shirt and slipped on his sneakers. "So, you cool?"

"With what? My coworker being a furry? Yeah."

Slapping Shaw on the shoulder, he passed by while tugging on his shirt. "And the word you were looking for was lycan."

"Lycan, got it." The two headed back to the car, carrying on with silly jokes.

***

In the morning, Bartlett, Ashford, and Remis signed the proper paperwork with Vincent and Mason. It was official. Vincent was no longer in possession of a metropolitan city. Mason scanned and emailed everything to Lily. She was a blessing to him. I don't know where I'd be without that lady!

The liaison informed him she would also be the point of contact for the new council over Mesker Park. He handed the phone over to Remis, who put the call on speaker so Bartlett and Ashford could get acquainted with her. The alpha was heavy on the compliments, borderline flirting with their EC contact. That bartender wasn't enough for you? Mason chuckled and took a seat on the couch next to his mate. "Everything alright, pup?"

"Yeah, I'm pretty relieved. I think we made a good choice with those three."

Something didn't sit right with him. He's still anxious. "C'mon, somethings on your mind."

Vincent sighed and leaned against his side. He whispered, "Yakob found out about me."

Found out? "What do you mean?"

"Bol and Terik."

His attention was undivided as Vincent continued, "He saw the band on my hybrid a few weeks ago. I didn't even know it was there. He says he'll tell me more after I work on my magic more with him and Elaine."

Puzzle pieces connected inside Mason's mind. "That makes so much sense!" The head against him swiveled. "I saw the band, but Cyrus and I assumed it was something like an affinity mark, like how you and Mom's wolves have some blue in your fur from the frost magic."

"You knew about it?"

"I noticed it, but I didn't think about your possessions. Are there more than one?"

"There's two."

Mason hummed and brought Vincent's head back to its proper place. "Maybe you should pray. Bol told me you can get ahold of him if you prayed to him."

His mate sat quietly for a moment, and groaned, "I will after everyone leaves. They don't need to know about my problems."

Giving the smaller man a squeeze, Mason pecked Vincent. "We'll figure it out, Vinnie. Aliz put us together for a reason." He knew his logic couldn't be argued.

With their bags packed, Bartlett and Ashford bid their hosts goodbye and drove away. Remis decided to stick around for the next several days to get a start on setting up the Mesker Park City Pack. "I like the sound of that. MPCP, huh?"

"Aye, it has a ring to it. I've been meanin' to ask, is your old man still running around?"

Grinning, he nodded. "He's enjoying retirement as much as he can. I can see if he needs help cleaning out the liquor cabinet."

"Oh, that sounds like a blast! Go right ahead, I won't stop you."

Mason declined to say they were bringing a friend, leaving it a surprise. Arriving at his parents', they were met by Elaine on the porch. She was sipping on a glass of iced tea and reading a book, but set it down as she saw her guests. "Good for my sons to stop by, and they have a new friend?"

Remis removed his cap and tipped his head, "Mornin', ma'am!"

Elaine seemed immediately interested in Remis. "My, my! Not to be accusatory, but do I hear an accent?"

"Right so. Mason, I'm assuming this peach is your mother?"

His eyebrow flickered, "I wouldn't call her that too loudly. Dad might hear. But yep, this is Mom. Mom, meet Remis McCabe. He’s the new alpha for Mesker Park City.”

She set her book down and walked towards them, “Well, isn’t this a nice surprise! I’m Elaine Wilson. It’s a pleasure meeting you. Would you like a glass of tea, Alpha McCabe?”

“That would be wonderful, Mrs. Wilson. I understand your mate was the Pack Alpha before Mason here?”

“Oh, yes. Come on inside and make yourself comfortable. Lei! We have a guest, put a shirt on!” She opened the door, ushering the men inside. “So, Vincent? Does that mean you're free to continue your training?”

Vincent eagerly nodded as they made their way into the kitchen. “Yeah, and Remis helped me figure out how manipulation works.”

She directed her attention to Remis. “You’re a mage? I can’t tell!”

The Irishman toothily grinned. “Aye, learned from some of the best around. I can barely feel your frost affinity, but I try to keep mine pretty locked up.”

A sly smile came to her lips, “You must be a lightning mage then?”

“Guilty.”

“You said you learned from the best?”

Remis pocketed his hands, “Aye, and I believe you may have met one, Alpha Vonder?”

“Is someone talking about a certain panda?” Lei’s voice boomed from upstairs. As he landed on the main floor, he sized up the new face. “Well, I’ll be damned. I thought I heard an Irish accent. Alpha McCabe! What in the hell are you doing in Kentucky?”

The men’s hands met with force. “Thought I’d welcome myself to the neighborhood.”

“You mean, you’re the new alpha for Mesker Park? That’ll turn some heads. An Irishman in our neck of the woods is a little out of the ordinary, especially if you’re bringing your council.”

“Nope! My new council just left. They need to get their affairs sorted back in Texas.” Remis was handed a tall glass of tea from Elaine and swiftly thanked her. “It’s a different type of working relationship than what I’m accustomed to, but I think it’ll be fun.”

Lei turned to his mate, “How about we take this outside, sweetheart? There’s a nice breeze out. I’ll grab some whiskey and wine.”

Meeting outside, Mason hastily got his parents up to speed with the state of Mesker Park City’s new leadership. He thought it would be best to leave out their findings from Stuerm’s interview. Dad always had a hard time keeping a lid on things. They’ve been at each other’s throats before, and I really don’t want World War Three on my hands.

Lei was baffled at the council selection. “You got the Canton couple? How in Terik’s name did you manage that?”

“It didn’t take much convincin’. From what I understand, the choice was between their interview and mine. So, why not combine them? We agreed to a mutual partnership, versus actual ranked designations. Obviously, they’re not alphas, but my wolf sees them as my equals. Although our duties will be similar to a typical council, we’re pack leaders and not alpha, beta, and delta.”

“I don’t think I’ve heard of something like this. Then again, I’ve never seen two alphas mated like Mace and Vincent. These times are like a changing of the guard, I reckon.” Eyeing his guest’s tea, he offered to pour some bourbon in, to which Remis accepted with a smile.

Elaine rolled her eyes and rose from her seat. “Let’s let the boys have their fun, Vincent. Are you ready to work on manipulation?”

***

Concentrating was the easy part. It only took a minute for Vincent to master the flow of his energy to prevent it from leaking out. As he sat, he felt the air around him get warmer. That’s it. I’m not cold anymore.

“Good job.” Elaine sat next to him, and whispered only when he made progress. “Keep this up for another ten minutes. Focus on nothing else.”

He did as he was instructed. Blocking out the world around him, he held in the energy. It feels weird. It’s like I’m holding in my breath, but I have to remember to breathe oxygen at the same time.

“Excellent, Vincent. Now comes the hard part. I need you to open your eyes and keep your magic in line simultaneously.”

Preparing himself, he tightened his hold and slowly proceeded. Staring at the grass, he was unsure. “How am I doing?”

“Fine, for now. Your energy is leaking, but this is a tremendous first step. Keep looking down and try to reel back the magic.”

It was almost half an hour before Elaine stated his energy was invisible. But Vincent knew better. I can’t get excited about progress. She said that ten minutes ago and I nearly lost it. Taking a deep breath, he waited for his teacher’s commentary. Nothing. I kept it under control.

His head drifted upward and he gazed at the house. “And now, Elaine?”

“Spot on. Look around you, then when you’re comfortable with that, start with moving your left index finger.”

I’ve sat for almost an hour and I haven’t even moved a muscle. This is going to be rough.

***

“He looks so lifeless.” He received strict instruction from both Mom and Remis to refrain from distracting his mate.

“Aye, but this is how manipulation is taught. I think he’s about to start with his fingers. There’ll be some lost progress, but he’s getting it a lot faster than most. I know he’s got three affinities and all, but you got yourself a catch, Mace. Before this afternoon, his aura was somethin’ else.”

“Really? I guess I’ve been around him for so long, it doesn’t bother me.”

“That, and you’re mates. A bit of a mate’s magical aura rubs off, almost numbing their partner of their natural energy. You probably stopped noticing it after a few days with him.”

Recalling their first date at Biacci’s, Mason felt the chill around Vincent, but couldn’t bring another reference point to mind. “You’re right.”

Lei came back outside with two more whiskey bottles and a pitcher full of tea. “Careful now, I’m scraping the bottom of the barrel here. I’ll need to make a liquor run soon.”

“Glad I can help empty the dusty stuff! I think I could get used to being neighbors with you, especially if this becomes a regular thing.”

“You’re welcome here anytime, Remis!

Mason tuned out the other alphas, and focused on Vincent. He saw fingers lifting, earning inaudible words from Elaine. I know there’s nothing I can do to help him right now, but I feel helpless. He has so much on his plate and I’m stuck on the sidelines. He silently cursed Stefan, which led to cursing the gods for involving his mate. Why him though? Why does he have to fight for so much? Where… where do I fit in all this?

You are Vincent’s solace.

His head shot up, earning glances from Lei and Remis. “Son, something wrong?”

Shaking his head, he communicated to the monk. Didn’t know you were here, Yakob.

Yes, I’m seated next to this lightning mage. I assume he’s trustworthy since he’s drinking with your father.

That’s Remis McCabe, alpha over a large pack in Ireland. He’s moving here to take over Mesker Park City.

Ah, interesting! Back to your dark thoughts. You are one of the major keys in holding my student together. You aren’t the only one questioning destiny.

What do you mean?

Vincent has been wondering the same, but he turns to his training and you. You are his solace, his something to come to when his mind becomes bleak. I’m rather disappointed you are lost in Aliz’s destiny. A hero can’t overcome evil by himself without succumbing to darkness. He needs allies, or else he will become the thing he fights against.

Hearing the monk’s wise words calmed him. Mason fought to stop a tear from being shed. He needs me, even if I am on the sidelines. Thank you, Yakob. Would you like to come out for a glass of tea?

No, I’m afraid not. Forgive me, but I want to see Vincent in this manner. His progress is stunning, and having two teachers present may disrupt him. Elaine is doing a wonderful job on her own.

Gotcha. After pausing for a moment, Mason felt he needed to tell Yakob something, Thank you, for watching over my mate. You’re teaching him things I can’t. I’m sure Aliz will bless you for assisting him when it’s needed most.

You are most welcome, Mason, but you must give deserved credit to everyone around Vincent. Elaine and I aren’t his only teachers. You and Leidolf have taught him control of his hybrid. From the whispers in Mr. McCabe’s mind, he gave Vincent insight on the manipulation technique. Everyone is assisting, in ways they can’t even imagine.

Vinnie told me… that you know about his destiny with Stefan.

I know of his celestial encounters, not the destiny itself.

Mason took a deep breath, once again garnering looks from the other lycan. If Vinnie doesn’t kill Stefan, the bastard will cause a war in North America.

Silence filled his mind. His wolf told him Yakob was still there, but he glanced at the subtle wisps next to Remis. I know you’re the telepathic one, but I get the funny feeling you don’t want to sit and watch Vincent go up against your former student.

A sigh almost went unheard. No, no I do not want to sit. Part of me wishes to go find Stefan and kill him myself. But I know that’s not how destiny works. If I go now, Vincent loses a teacher. Aliz may be insightful, but she’s fickle. Nothing will change her prophecies. Are you serious about a war? Where did this come from?

Terik. She possessed him in New York and spouted it. Despite her being the Goddess of Mischief, my wolf and I trust her. She wanted to come behind Bol and do a follow-up. Hell, she even said she was on our side, and if the rules didn’t apply, she would have smited Stefan for us.

Yakob’s laugh penetrated his mind, giving him a sense of relief. I doubted her for some reason, but she is a goddess after all. To have two of the gods deem it necessary to interfere with humanity is baffling, but for one to blatantly choose a side is stupefying! What else did she and Bol do?

Mason silently told the monk every detail. From Bol’s evaluation of Dave’s health, to Terik pinching Tierney, he left no stone unturned.

The conversation grew quiet as the lycan finished, but his attention was diverted as Vincent slowly stood. He’s standing! Is he still—

Yes, he is. It’s shaky, but he’s holding in the energy. I’m impressed! Several of the monks in training haven’t been able to stand yet, and they’ve been working on their manipulation for a month. Vincent’s very controlling of his emotions.

Yeah, I’ve noticed his wolf’s growth as well. He’s matured a lot faster than I anticipated.

Really?

Well, anger is still an issue, but Vinnie can calm him down pretty quick.

Then after his manipulation training, I can work on rerouting his shadow affinity away from the anger. He will find using a more calm feeling to be more suitable.

Understanding the finer functions of his mate’s affinity brought a smile to Mason. I really like talking to you like this, Yakob. It makes me want to learn more about magic.

Knowledge is a wonderful tool. You have several experienced mages around you to learn from.

The two resigned from their conversation as Lei smacked Mason on the shoulder, “You having a war with your wolf?”

Remis smirked, “Glad you hit him. I was about to throw some tea in his face. What’s goin’ on, Mace? You’ve been squirmin’ for the past several minutes.”

He shook his head and muttered under his breath, “Sorry, Dad. Yakob’s here and I was just talking to him.”

Donning the tone, the Irishman leaned in, “Hope you’re not loony-tunes and named your wolf.”

“No, he’s Vinnie’s shadow teacher. Yakob’s a monk from the Appalachian mountains with the telepathy affinity. He wants to stay in the shadows and watch from afar to avoid backseat teaching.”

"Aye, makes sense. I thought I felt something near my chair. This monk must be class at manipulatin'."

Mason chuffed and folded his arms, “I’d say Yakob is a fearless man. He offered Fred a duel with him without blinking an eye.”

With palms on the armrests, Remis flinched from his chair, “You’re fecking with me! I wouldn’t brawl with that mountain if my life depended on it!”

“Why, scared? I tussled with him a bit.”

“Ifreann fuilteacha… You got bigger bollox than I do.”

The father and son laughed heartily and resumed watching their mates.