Death in the Shadows - 11. Chapter 11: Forgotten Father

Bud!

…

Bud, c’mon! It wasn’t bad.

No again.

Rolling his eyes, Vincent was ready to give up. For crying out loud, it’s a standard form of transportation. It’s not different from when we jumped off the farm silo.

No. Is different. Then, I see ground. That… No see ground. What if metal thing blow up?

Now you’re being ridiculous. Planes just don’t explode in mid-air.

Nah-uh!

I-I’m sorry… Did you just nah-uh me?

I see on TV. They go boom!

Yeah, and that was a TV show. Okay, the plane ride is over. We just have to go on one more to get home, then we’ll never fly again.

… Promise?

If I could pinky-promise you, I would. Dragging his suitcase along, he fixated on Mason’s ass. Besides, it would’ve been a pain to carry everyone, along with all of our… uh… luggage. His mental discussion fizzled as he paid more attention to his mate. With each step, Mason bounded, and it made Vincent’s pants tighter.

Something brushed his shoulders. He looked up and saw Caleb’s smirk. “Easy there, Little B. Try to hold off until we get to the resort.”

“Tell that to Mace. He’s the one who wore a jockstrap.”

Mason craned his neck. “Only for you, pup.”

The lion snorted. “I’m jealous of you wolves. I only hope this game’ll take place indoors. I can’t stand these cold winds.”

“Don’t worry,” Mason assured, “the game usually takes up the whole property, inside and out. Fair warning though; every year, the inside’s never the answer. Last year’s hide and seek, the sixteen idiots that stayed indoors were the first found.”

“Mind starting a motion to move next year’s summit venue to somewhere warmer? I’m sure the ailouros would send you presents.”

“So would most of the avies,” Vincent chimed.

Mason stopped walking and glanced at them before continuing. “Together, you two make a whole beta. I like it! The primary meeting’s on the second night, and I’ll start the motion and provide ample reasoning.”

“How many alphas usually show up to the summit?”

“About a hundred or so different packs, flocks, clans, and a few prides and tribes. Not many of the smaller ones get to come since those attending have to pay for their rooms. All the food, workshops, and scheduled entertainment comes free.”

Vincent was about to argue the unfairness, but then it made sense. If the EC’s paying for the food, then that’s probably a higher cost than booking the resort. I can’t imagine what the dinner bill would be. If there are ursus clans coming… Gods, I saw what Dirk did to the Sunday barbecue buffet at JD’s. I’d say the EC’s shelling out some serious money. The least we can do is pay for the room.

The three found the car rental desk, registered one for the duration of their trip, and took off for the Winter Park Resort. While Mason drove, Vincent and Caleb were showing each other their phones as they searched for pictures and details of their destination. Dinbe’s love, this place is huge! “Hey babe, are we in one of the lodges or a townhouse?”

“Neither. I called a certain someone about grabbing a house for the weekend. It’s got five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a garage, and… a jumbo hot tub. It’s called the Leland Creek House.”

Vincent’s fingers never moved faster. “Here it is!” He scrolled through the photos, then handed the device off to Caleb. “Who else is joining?”

Mason made a turn and grinned. “We’ll be sharing the house with the whole MPCP council. Seeing how all three are equals, there was no argument on who to send.”

The car erupted in excitement! It’s been a while since we hung out. I can’t wait to see Trent and Fred again. “So, how will the sleeping arrangements work?”

“Three bedrooms are en suites, the fourth has two extra long bunk-beds, and the fifth is a makeshift office with a stowaway full-size bed.”

Caleb hummed in the backseat. “Looks like I get five beds to choose from.”

The ninety mile drive from the Denver International Airport to Winter Park was entertaining for the passengers. While Mason drove diligently, Vincent took Caleb on a trip using a sight ward. The delta cooed and sighed as they flew above their vehicle, then hollered and yelped when the mage decided to speed up. Vincent conducted the flight with the utmost elegance. Why feel the cold in the shadows when we can just see the wintry conditions from the comfort of the car?

An hour and a half later, they arrived. The base of the house was surrounded by gray and beige stones, and the rest was covered in wood painted red. Every corner and window frame was white as the snow on the ground. With the charcoal shingles, it doesn’t look too bad. It’ll probably look like a log cabin inside.

He was correct. The shiny, hardwood floors completely matched the walls. An intricately designed tan and red rug covered the living room space, and brown counter-tops set the farmhouse tone in the open-concept kitchen. Thankfully, there were no distasteful trophy heads hanging throughout the place. Venturing up the stairs, Vincent peeked in every room, discovering the contents. The final door was yet another en suite, to which he claimed for him and Mason. Zipping through the shadows, he grabbed their suitcases from the car and stacked them at the foot of the bed, then zoomed through the halls to find his mate.

Finding a stairwell in the kitchen, he went down. Holy… There’s a basement too? I bet G-man’s having a field day with the layout of this place. Downstairs was a giant playroom, littered with a pool table, a TV with several gaming consoles, and a bar with an attached note with prices. Clever. We drink and pay for it out of the deposit. Caleb came out of a room with his head on a swivel. Vincent reappeared, impressed with the lion’s calm reaction. “About time you get used to me doing that.”

“I just expect you to pop out anywhere at any time.”

“Sounds like paranoia.”

Caleb rolled his eyes and chuckled. “Oh, hardy har har! Anyway, bottom level’s secure. No bedrooms down here, just an outside hatch. Main level has the office and bunk bedroom.”

“Don’t forget, Ashford can help you too. He’s an alpha’s equal, but he’s still a delta. Protection is in his blood.”

“I can at least give him a rundown when he gets here. Saves him the trouble of doing an inspection of his own.”

Vincent raised an eyebrow. “He’ll probably do one regardless. I won’t be surprised if he interviews the neighbors.”

The two laughed and went upstairs. Mason was leaning on a counter when Vincent caught the alpha’s lustful glare. They both licked their lips, and the mage followed Mason to the bedroom.

***

“You know you could’ve gone with them.”

Holding Stacy’s hand, Dave walked with her to the next store in the strip mall. “Nah. I’ve had my fair share of fun at summits. Time for Caleb to go. Besides, I wanted to spend some time with you.”

The blond ponytail bobbed as she scoffed. “We’ve been hanging out for the past month religiously. Every chance you get, you’re taking me out for walks, dinners, movies, and now shopping! Something’s up.”

“I can’t spend time with my little girl?”

“You can if you’d let me pay for some of this shit.”

Rolling his eyes, he pulled her closer and laid a hand on her side. “You’ve practically replaced my entire wardrobe. I think you deserve a little pampering.”

She huffed. “You’re lucky you’re cute. Anyway, you mind if I come over tonight? Gwen asked if she can have the apartment to herself… and Heather.”

Dave cringed. He heard plenty of stories over the last week. New couple shenanigans. “Do you need to pack a bag?”

“Already got one ready. After last time, I put one together just in case of emergencies.”

He laughed. “That bad, huh?”

As she opened the door to the boutique, Stacy rolled her eyes. “I still can’t figure out which one makes my window rattle when they go at it.”

Once inside, he held her hand again. “Maybe we should give ‘em a taste of their own medicine next time.”

“Ha! I’d put that on the to-do list, but I think you growl too much.”

True. Gwen’s into that Twilight crap, so she might point a finger at me. “I guess we shouldn’t. Besides, I haven’t met Heather yet. I’d hate to leave a bad first impression.”

Stacy picked a rack and filtered through the hangers. “I wouldn’t worry. She’s weird. Pale skin and black hair. If she wasn’t so quiet and still all the time, I’d say she’s on something.”

“What’s Gwen think?”

“She’s wrapped around Heather’s finger, but I haven’t seen Gwen happier.”

Dave watched the human shop, smiling at the occasional squeal when she found something interesting. She asked for his opinion with several tops, and he answered truthfully. Everything she's picking out would look cute on her. Since their first shopping trip, the beta grew more open minded regarding fashion. He didn’t pretend to understand Stacy’s obsession, but he welcomed the results. Seeing her smile makes me happy.

She selected a few pieces, paid, then promptly handed the bags to Dave to carry out. “How about we head back? I just want a quick shower, then we can go to your place.”

“Sounds like a plan.” He put the purchases behind the passenger seat and drove to her apartment. As they pulled into the parking lot, the sun was beginning to set. The game at the summit should be starting soon. Hope they have fun. As he turned off the truck, Stacy groaned. “What’s wrong?”

She pointed at a silver Cadillac CTS. “Heather’s already here. Hope I don’t walk in on them doing it on the coffee table.”

Escorting her up, he snickered. “Why? Would that make it the second time or something?”

“Third, thank you.” She unlocked the door and peeked in. “Oh, good. They’re clothed. Gwendy! Our girlfriends can finally meet.”

Dave’s wolf growled within his mind. No girl!

Hush, she doesn’t mean it. He stepped inside and immediately saw Gwen stirring something on the stove. Legs and a hip was hidden behind the fridge door. He noticed the pale feet with red toenail polish. That’ll be her.

As the appliance door closed, his heartbeat slowed. He swallowed as he examined Heather. Her black hair was luscious and curly, and eyes were dark brown; nearly black. Her stare met his, then she advanced. “You must be the infamous David. Stacy caught herself a fine one!”

Her voice warmed his ears. Dave quickly bit his cheek and smiled. “Heather, I presume?”

“Charmed, I’m sure. Are you two staying for dinner?”

“I’m afraid not. We’re just making a pit stop.”

“Gwendy!” shouted Stacy from down the hall, “I’m borrowing your shampoo again!”

Gwen snickered. “Okay!”

Stuck with the two ladies, Dave remained near the door. Heather stepped closer. “Do you smoke, big boy?”

Debating the next move, he nodded. “Fresh out though. Mind if I bum one?”

Gwen’s head spun around. “I thought you quit?”

“Habits die hard. After you?” He gestured to Heather, who gracefully took the lead. Once outside, she handed him a cigarette.

He fingered it between his digits, then crumpled it. The tobacco flakes drifted out of his grip and into the parking lot below. “How long have you been in town?”

“I just come to see Gwen, then I leave. I’m living in Mesker Park.”

“Just a few questions before I call my alpha.”

Heather’s playful demeanor stilled. “Shoot.”

Dave gritted his teeth. Having one so close to Stace… “What’s your intentions with Gwen?”

“Nothing illegal, if that’s what you're assuming. I’m not milking her, I’m not seducing her, and I’m not sending her into thralldom.”

“Forgive my initial reactions, but I don’t appreciate the weak charms you used on me in there.”

The vampiress snorted. “Just playing. I wasn’t expecting to see a lycan here, especially a stronger one.”

He growled. “Where’s your coven?”

“Covenless.”

“Bull. There’s one in MPC.”

“Yeah,” she huffed, “but it’s toxic! They don’t adhere to VPN standards.”

Dave leaned on the railing. “How so?”

“They charge for synthetic blood, outside of coven dues.”

That’s illegal, at least the last time I checked. “Have you met with the lycan council, or at least get ahold of the VPN?”

She shook her head. “I’m watched everywhere in the city. This has been the only way to get some damn privacy. They don’t follow me outside of the city limits for some reason.”

He dug his nails into the metal. “Mind me getting the ball rolling on this? I’m friends with all three of the MPCP council. My alpha’s actually rooming with them at the summit right now.”

Heather stood quietly. Her pale cheeks flushed with color. “W-would you?”

“Of course. They won’t be back in town until Sunday, maybe Monday, but Remis isn’t one for injustice. He’ll be your new best friend.” He sighed, debating his next move. “Until then, do you feel safe at home?”

After a moment, she shook her head again.

“I’ll give a call to my alpha about this, but as Pack Beta, I’m offering you temporary sanctuary within the Owensville County Pack. Let me make a few calls. You should have a place to sleep tonight here in town. But if I hear one word about false allegations, I’ll personally burn you at the stake.”

She wept. “Th-thank you. I give you my word, it’s all true.”

“Good, now dry your tears. Cigarette break’s about done.”

They exchanged numbers, and before going back inside, she mouthed the words, “Thank you.”

Stacy was the first person he saw, and Dave could tell she was fuming. Uh oh.

Her hair was still damp, and with a hand on each hip, she appeared ready to launch a full-scale assault. “You smoked? After how long of being off them?”

Her shrill yell felt like lightning throughout his body. “It’s okay, sweetie. I didn’t smoke one. Just helps to be near one every now and then.”

Heather chimed in. “He didn’t. He held one of mine for a bit, then gave it right back.”

Still prepared for war, Stacy’s posture slackened ever so slightly. She closed the distance between them, sniffed around, and planted a kiss. It surprised Dave, but it didn’t last long. “Huh… You really didn’t. Damn, I got flustered over nothing!”

Oh, she’s good. Grinning, he grabbed her hips and kissed her again. “Need a real reason to get flustered?”

Gwen and Heather caroled in harmony in the kitchen, much to Stacy’s embarrassment. Heather’s cackle afterward made Dave snicker through his teeth. “Now, now. We’ll leave you two to your dinner. C’mon, baby girl. Got your bag?”

Stacy swatted his chest and cantered to her room. With a backpack slung over her shoulder, she waved to the girls and lead the way down the stairs. “So, what’cha think about Heather?”

“I can see how her and Gwen get along.”

Reaching the truck, Stacy prodded him. “So, what did you two talk about?”

Dave smirked as he pulled out of the lot. “Oh, nothing much. I asked what a vampire was doing in our neck of the woods.”

“A… what?”

“Take a breath. Heather’s a vampiress, but she’s not going to cause any harm. I need to make a few calls, both to Remis and Mace. She’s in distress back in MPC.”

Stacy kept looking at him and clenching the assist grip on her side. “Is… Is Gwen going to—”

He put a hand on her knee. “Remember the rules lycan have to follow when it comes to mating? Vampires have similar ones. They even have their own government; the Vampire Political Network. For many centuries, their kind has refrained from human feeding and turning, what they call thralling. About sixty years ago, they were able to produce a synthetic that replaces human blood, so that eliminated their need for volunteer blood banks.”

“They’re… They’re civilized?”

“Incredibly, baby girl. Vampires are very honor driven. When they give their word, or receives someone else’s, it’s as close to law without being law. Heather told me about some things going on in a coven in MPC, so I gave her my word I’d let Remis know. Until then, she has sanctuary in our pack.”

Her posture relaxed some, but her stare was still intense. “When you told me you were a lycan, you said something about vampires… How you’re thankful you weren’t one. I didn’t think they could be like her. She seems normal.”

“She does now. She’s using her energy to alter her appearance. Vampires aren’t creatures like you’ve seen on TV. They can’t turn into bats, they aren’t allergic to garlic, and they don’t disappear in the mirror. However, they possess superhuman strength and the power of seduction. One glance, they’ll have you under a spell.” He saw Stacy about to say something, so he raised his hand. “It’s not simple. Only strong vamps can do it, kind of like how only alphas can partially shift their bodies. Heather can, but she swore to me she’s never used it on Gwen.”

“So she’s telling the truth?”

Dave nodded. “My wolf trusts her. Let me make a few calls so I can get her under a safe roof tonight.”

***

A knock came from the front door. Dirk rose, but Tierney grabbed a shoulder. “I’ll get it. Keep scaling your magic.”

He left his delta in the living room and entered the foyer. That was quick! Mason told me she’d be by later. Opening the door, he saw a slender lady with black hair. “You must be Heather. Come in, make yourself at home.”

She stood with a slackened jaw. “I… I wasn’t expecting—”

“An alpha? Well, there’s several of us running around out here. Don’t let it bother you, miss. There’s a pot of chili on the stove. Would you like a bowl?”

“M-maybe later. I already had dinner with my girlfriend.”

“Girlfriend? Someone nearby, I hope.”

“She lives downtown. She’s… She’s something special, sir.”

The alpha chuckled. “Tierney. My name’s Tierney, and the grumpy guy in the living room is my former enforcer, Dirk. I have a few guest rooms on the second floor; feel free to pick your favorite.”

She entered slowly, looking around the room. “You have a lovely home.”

“Thanks. Freshly built too. Dirk! Come meet our guest.”

As the footsteps came closer, she asked, “Is he your mate?”

Tierney laughed. “Hell no! Dirk’s a nice guy, but he’s not my type.”

“Yeah,” said Dirk as he entered, “I couldn’t play bottom man to his fat ego.”

The alpha flashed his eyes at the ursus before returning to the vampiress. “Would you like a tour?”

Heather nodded.

After showing the main floor, Tierney lifted her duffel bag and stopped halfway up the stairs. “You don’t have to keep appearances up with me, young lady. I’ve seen my fair share back home.”

“Home?”

“New York. I’m sure I’ll be talking your ears off about it over the next several days. Now, feel free to let loose. Neither of us discriminate.”

After she turned to Dirk and saw his smile, Heather adopted one of her own as her skin bubbled. The tone darkened rapidly and grew shiny. The black irises changed to blood-red. Once done, Heather had tiny, onyx-colored scales across her face and body, each one shimmered in the lit room. She took a deep breath, blinking several times. “Thank you.”

Dirk leaned against the frame leading to the living room. “Just wait until you see a wolf and a tiger running up and down the stairs in the middle of the night.”

The alpha growled, but cut it short. “He’s not wrong. My girlfriend’s coming over tomorrow, and she likes to make breakfast.”

The vampiress pocketed her hands. “A tigress? Does she know about me?”

“Yes, and she’ll be here around nine in the morning. She told me to inform you to come as you are, or you won’t get any bacon.”

Heather giggled. “I like her already.”

***

Vincent kept his eye on Remis. He’s been angry since Dave called Mace. Who knew there were vampires in Mesker Park City, let alone misbehaving ones. At least he’s got Trent and Fred to help him.

As the two councils walked into the resort’s lobby, they checked in and received laminated name tags to hang around their necks. Examining his, he read, Vincent Bolton. Mated Alpha. Owensboro County Pack, Kentucky. Curious, he turned to see Trent’s. Trenton Bartlett. Alpha Equal. Mesker Park City Pack, Indiana.

“All right, lads,” muttered Remis, “first night’s the fun one. Social hour, a few hors d’oeuvres, then game time. I don’t recommend straying too far from each other, especially you two.” He pointed at Bartlett and Ashford. “Some tightwads bound to say something about your roles. Remember what we talked about?”

Ashford grumbled. “No decking anyone. Any confrontation can be settled in a friendly spar on the second night.”

“Right.”

Caleb clapped Remis on the shoulder. “C’mon, furface. I’ll buy you a beer.”

“Feck me, I could use one. Lead the way, furball!”

The two made a bee-line for the bar as Vincent remained close to Mason. His senses were going into overdrive. There’s so many alphas here! The masculinity in this place makes the air muggy. Focusing on his mate’s scent, he relaxed. Gotcha. Another reason Remis said to stay paired up.

Mason wrapped an arm around his side. “That goes for you too, hot stuff. Someone’s gonna say some shit about you, and you can’t turn the room into your personal ice-rink.”

“Yeah, yeah. No shadow magic either. Don’t want to scare the macho men.”

“Bingo. How about we stick close to the others?”

The idea was novel. Mason and Vincent worked their way through the crowd, but were stopped several times by interested parties. Apparently, word got out about Vincent’s profile on the EC’s site and how he would be attending the summit. Alphas from across the continent were on the look-out for the mage. This is getting old! Yes, I’m a shadow mage. Yes, I’m clairvoyant too. And yes, I can make icicles rain from the damned heavens. Fuck being famous! In the half-hour it took to reach the bar, he met leaders from Winnipeg, Baja California, and Las Vegas. “I swear, this is madness! Is there a quiet section of the room?”

Remis slapped the counter-top. “In your dreams! Welcome to a summit, kiddo. A true who’s-who. A game of one-upmanship, and you’re at the top! All these tossers will do their best to appear more powerful than you, and you’re beating them off with the stick of ignorance. Well done, by the way. Not my weapon of choice, but you’re using it well.”

“What?”

“You’re the most interesting person on the damned continent, Vincent. All these people are jealous of your power, and they’re trying to please you. The only problem is you’re not giving them attention. You’re fueling their need to be your ally!”

Vincent couldn’t breathe. He felt a million eyes on his back. Remis is right. Looking over his shoulder, he saw the conversations happening, but many of them were facing his direction. They’re all trying to talk to me. Leaning over to Mason, he whispered, “Remind me to take down my profile, okay?”

“Too late, pup. I think everyone in the world knows who you—”

“Alpha,” mumbled Caleb.

Looking at the enforcer, Vincent noticed the lion was clutching his glass, and could barely smell the anger and nervousness wafting from him direction. “G-man?”

Mason flew to the delta’s side and leaned close to hear what had to be said. Hatred flooded Vincent’s end of the bond. Oh… Oh fuck! He’s pissed.

Why? Why mate mad?

Tapping Mason on the side, he was given no response. Following his mate’s line of sight, there were a few options, but Vincent could tell who the target was. The man was slender, and his skin resembled a light umber. He wore the finest tailored suit Vincent had ever seen. Him.

He poked Mason again. “Big guy, talk to me.”

What disturbed him more was Caleb. The lion stepped between Mason and the mysterious man. Many of the nearby people moved out of the way, hushing most of the conversation surrounding them. What the hell is going on?

The man clapped, breaking the brief silence. “Caleb Gage… the flea-bitten trash that bit my daughter finally grew up.”