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- 07/13/2022
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Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you.
Death in the Shadows - 23. Chapter 23: Shifter Sorrow
Entering the station, the tweaker struggled, but he was no match for Dirk. "Quit resisting. You're already busted, and you're not getting away."
"F-fuck you, man! We weren't doing nothin’."
"Yeah? Then why'd you run? You were having such a good time watching your house burn."
That was the last straw. Every obscenity was hurled at the bear, even after putting the guy in a holding cell. Dirk stepped aside as Ingle put the other meth-head in the neighboring unit.
They turned the corner, intending to head to their desks. Henry stood in their way. "That was good work, you two. I'm assuming you've enjoyed your days off?"
Looking to Ingle, Dirk raised an eyebrow. Guessing now's the time we tell him?
His mate smirked and nodded, as if he read the ursus' mind. "Mind if we have a word with you, Chief?"
"This have anything to do with your dramatic exit the other day?"
Dirk patted his stomach. "Considering I lost thirty pounds since then, yeah."
Henry snorted and signaled for them to follow. Once behind closed doors, the chief sat behind his desk. "All right, let me have it."
"Well," Ingle mumbled.
Seeing the lycan nervous was humorous, but facts needed to be spoken. Dirk sat in a chair in front of Henry. "We need to cover two things, sir. Remember when I told you I lost my bear?"
"Yeah. I guess he came back?"
"Yep. That's one of the reasons we skedaddled out of here in a hurry."
"And the other?"
"We're destined," Ingle blurted.
Henry was still. "Destined? Like… Mason and Vincent? How's that possible? I thought Dirk and Sarah were—"
"Were," Dirk confirmed. He explained the dream he had involving Aliz, the moment his bear returned, and the discovery of their fated belonging. "Needless to say sir, we can keep it in our pants when on duty."
Henry stared at each of them. "Far be it for me to hinder one of these destined relationships. As long as you two leave your love-lives at the door, I see no problem. But the second I hear about you guys kissing in the locker room, I'll be recommending one of y'all transfer to the jail."
"Thank you, Chief. We won’t let it interfere with our work,” promised Dirk. They left the office and sat at their desks. He caught Ingle’s perky smirk. “What?”
“You sure we can handle working together?”
“Yeah. We did pretty well out in the field.”
“That’s different,” Ingle argued. “Our lives are on the line out there. Instincts and adrenaline kicks in, and not much else can be thought about.”
“I’ll still think about you.” When Ingle raised an eyebrow, Dirk leaned forward and whispered, “I’ll worry about you, even if we make a traffic stop together.”
“Aww! So sweet of you, big boy.”
Seeing the lycan’s grin did little to settle his mood. “I’m serious, Justin. I don’t know how I’d react if you got hurt again.”
Ingle reclined in his seat. “Again?”
“I saw Sarah shoot you.”
Touching his chest, Ingle sighed. “Right. You know, I almost forgot about it.”
Replaying that moment again in his mind, Dirk shivered. The sound of Sarah’s gun firing, then Ingle collapsing in the backdoor. I lost my mate that day… But I could’ve lost my second one at the same time. He reached across their desks, wanting his mate’s hand. “I won’t let it happen again.”
“Dirk, we’re police. We never know what’s going to happen when we leave home every morning. We also need to learn to differentiate our work and love lives.” The lycan grabbed the bear’s hand and squeezed. “I appreciate your promise, and I’ll make the same for you, but never… Never put me in front of your badge when you’re on the clock.”
The demand was sobering. “Wh-what?”
“The minute you place our relationship before these badges… It’s something bad guys can use against us. That can lead to people gettin’ hurt, and I couldn’t live with myself if that happened. Same thing goes if you pick sides. If you choose me over saving someone else…” His speech derailed. Ingle licked his lips and rubbed his forehead.
Dirk understood. It hurt like hell, but he got the picture. I smell his passion. He’s serious about this job. He wants to help people. “I accept that.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I just won’t give the bad guys a chance to harm either you or the public.”
“Uh huh,” Ingle mumbled. He rubbed Dirk’s knuckle. “I know we haven’t talked a lot about this, but I love my job. I love cleaning up the streets and making Owensville a safe place. Did you have that feeling when you worked in New York?”
He was hit in a soft spot. Damn, he got me. Being the Head Enforcer for NYSP was the shining moment of his life. Him, Tierney, and Kaplan tackled many issues in their time as a council. Was a little less productive before Kap came along though. Maulson did all right, but Kap… Oh fuck, Kap took that beta seat and started cleaning house. “Yeah, but New York’s always going to be a fuckin’ mess. Put one dipshit away, four more jump out of garbage cans yelling ‘Ta-Da!’ with jazz hands.”
Yanking his hand away, Ingle pushed back in his chair and cackled. “Man, shut the fuck up. That sounds like some New York shit.”
Seeing his mate’s mood brighten made Dirk feel better about their conversation. “Nah, what you think’s random stuff is just a typical day in New York life. You see so much strange, it becomes normal. Ever see a hot dog stand run by a guy wearing nothing but an apron in the snow?”
Ingle tried to keep a laugh behind his lips.
“How ‘bout a flasher wearing his trench coat backwards?”
The lycan held his face tight. Oh, I got him…
“You want to see the picture I have of a raccoon riding a dead Roomba in a dumpster?”
Kicking away, Ingle nearly rolled into a neighboring desk. He wasn’t making a sound, but his chest was heaving as if he was laughing his ass off. While the man was shaking his head, Dirk whipped his phone out and scrolled through the photo gallery. Now when did I take that?
***
With Alpha Reardon’s evaluation complete, RJ informed Vincent of their next audit. Two weeks from now. He has a few more to do between now and then, but it wouldn’t do much good to listen to him speak Japanese. Maybe I should think about learning another language. He remembered the basics from his high school Spanish courses, but not enough to carry a simple conversation. Well, until then…
Waving at the bear, Vincent watched as RJ drove away. Taking a deep breath, the mage walked down the block. He still had a few things to take care of while in Maryland. Off to Elkridge.
Once in the small neighborhood, he instantly recalled the way. Seeing the modest home again, he could not believe it looked the same. Working up the courage, he knocked on the door. When a familiar man answered, Vincent was in disbelief. “M-Mr. Gage?”
The tall ailouros with a blond, buzz-cut, and five o’clock shadow oozed masculinity and power. “Yes, can I help you?”
Clenching the insides of his jacket pockets, Vincent almost choked. “I… Yes, sorry. It’s just been a long time since I last saw you. You look almost the same. I, uh… Caleb asked for me to stop by.”
“Caleb?” Mr. Gage straightened his posture. “You know my son?”
“Eric?” A woman with long brunette hair stepped into the doorway, only to stop when she saw Vincent. Her bottom lip trembled as she stuttered, “V-Vincent? Vincent, is that you?”
Being recognized, the mage smiled. “Hi, Mrs. Gage. Do you still make that awesome meatloaf?”
Tears welled in her eyes as she nodded frantically. Mr. Gage crossed his arms in disbelief. “Jen? This is one of Caleb’s old friends?”
“Remember, Liam? Paul and Marianne’s son?”
Liam looked floored. “They… They weren’t lycan, were they?”
Vincent shook his head. “No. Mason, Caleb’s current Pack Alpha, is my destined mate.”
As Liam and Jen clammored over him, Vincent was brought inside and seated. Memories flooded back into his mind. I spent so many nights here hanging out with Caleb. I slept in my sleeping bag on this floor, watching TV, and running around in that backyard. All this time they were lion shifters, and I had no idea beings like that existed at the time.
They talked for hours. The Gages were riveted to hear of his adventures, shocked to hear about his affinities, and relieved to know Caleb was performing extraordinarily as the enforcer. Their pride was apparent, and it rubbed off. Seeing them was a special treat, and he promised to nag at Caleb to bring Tasha and Lowe for a week.
Leaving, Vincent had one more stop to make. It’s not that far. Deciding it would be more impactful, he walked without using his magic. The cemetery gates were open and there was no one around. Making it to his parents’ graves, his emotions were riding high.
“H-Hey, Mom… Dad. I’m sorry I haven’t been by in a while, and… And I really don’t have an excuse for that.” Vincent licked his lips and changed his mind. “Actually, I do. I’m sure you know by now, but I met someone. His name’s Mace, and he’s my soulmate. My destined person. Mom, you’d probably think he’s just a big, dumb jock who wanted in my pants. Dad would be just as intimidated by him as I was when we first met. I… I don’t think you guys would have disapproved of him, but if you did, I would’ve become such a rebel and dated him anyway. Before either of you ask, he treats me with all of the love and respect you’d expect him to.
“You’d get along with his parents. Elaine’s such a stern sweetheart, Mom. Lei can be a little loud, but I know he would love to have you around, Dad. I’m not sure if he’s a fan of gin like you were, but I’m sure you two would get along.” He choked a bit. Wiping his tears away, Vincent sat between their stones. “I love them… And they love me. It’s weird to think or say, but they love me as much as I remember you guys loving me. They even asked me if they could call me their son a few months into knowing Mace.
“Guess I should say I’m living in Kentucky now. Really small town called Owensville. There’s about seven thousand people there, but the community’s tight. There’s just enough to do without going crazy. It’s the most peaceful place I’ve ever lived in. I can spend hours every day in the library Elaine works for. There’s times where I don’t want to read in there, it’s so perfect. I could grab a coffee and just stare at the architecture. It chills my bones, guys. I’d do anything to show you the town, especially the restaurants. You don’t have to worry about me not eating like a bird anymore.”
Twiddling his thumbs, he looked around and confirmed he was by himself. “Not that I didn’t have some help along the way with that. I don’t know if you knew this or not, but there’s more than just humans out in this world. I’ve talked to you about my magic, but since the last time I was here, I gave up my humanity. Mom, you’re probably rolling around down there, but I’m a lycan now. That means I’m a wolf shapeshifter. I have another mind running around in my head, and he’s helped me out of more sticky situations than I care to think about. If you don’t mind, I’d like for you to hear from him.”
Switching places, Vincent’s wolf examined the headstones intently. He stroked the smooth granite on each of them. “Human mother, and human father. Wish I knew earlier in life. Human part… Your son. He kind. Kind and smart. Help me learn words. Learn words and how to live in world.”
Rolling his eyes, he smirked and chuckled. “Teach me to eat green food. He hides it with meat, but I learn because you teach. Human has mate’s mother and father, but…” Vincent clutched the cold grass and pulled. “I not get to know you,” he whispered angrily. “I want learn, but can never.”
I’ll teach you, bud, said his human mind. I have a box in the back of the closet with a picture album, and I can tell you about every memory I have of them.
Human do?
Of course! They’re your parents too.
The wolf bit the inside of his cheek. He fought the tears welling. Th-thank you.
Vincent stayed at the cemetery for nearly an hour. Before leaving, he managed to find a groundskeeper and get the contact information of the lady that ran the place. Putting a plan in motion, he talked with her over the phone about the steps to uniting his parents under one headstone. Finally, after all of these years, they can be together again.
He sped home, longing for Mason. Staying in the hotel room for the last few nights was absolute torture. He managed to get a few hours of sleep in Baltimore, and after a text from Mason, he learned his mate got even less. Time for cuddles and a nice, long nap. Slipping under the doorway, he saw the bulky lycan yawning over the coffee machine. Emerging from the shadows, Vincent pressed his face against Mason’s back. “Hi, big guy,” he said, muffling his words into the man’s shirt.
“H-hey!” Mason spun and held Vincent’s side. “Coffee? Looks like we could both use it.”
“Yes, please. You look like hell.”
“Ha! Missed you too.”
The two filled their mugs and leaned against each other. The warmth from both the drink and the large lycan was just the thing Vincent needed. “I missed this.”
Mason nuzzled the space behind Vincent’s ear. “How long do I have you?”
“Two weeks, then off until after the first of the year. One more audit, and I’ll be home for Christmas.”
“I’m so excited for that, pup!” The alpha’s brown eyes were wide, and his smile was full of pride. “This’ll be our first Christmas together.”
Christmas… I haven’t celebrated a holiday in so long. He remembered the most recent Christmas with one of his foster families, but it was unremarkable. The gifts and celebration was drab, and he only smiled to make it seem like he was satisfied. Realization smacked him. “Thanksgiving’s next week!”
“Yep, and Mom’s already demanded you bring the mac and cheese. She gets to host this year, so you’ll be meeting more of the family, pup.”
“More?”
“Yeah, there’s going to be three sets of aunts and uncles, along with about fifteen of my cousins.”
Vincent halted mid-sip. Fifteen cousins? “And… All of them are shifters?”
Mason nodded with an evil smile.
“Do you realize how much mac and cheese I’ll need to cook?”
“Think even more. Mom’s been talkin’ about your cooking, so everyone’s eager to meet you.”
“You said it was your parents’ turn to host. How often do you see this part of your family?”
Humming from his mug, Mason swallowed and set the ceramic down. “Two or three times a year. We’re pretty spread across the Midwest, but Thanksgiving and Christmas are guaranteed get-togethers. Sometimes we have a big Fourth of July grill-out at Aunt Margie and Uncle Derek’s over in Yankeetown.”
Raising an eyebrow, Vincent knew Mason read his mind.
“Yes, Yankeetown’s a real place. It’s twenty minutes northwest of here. Very rural, and the woods are lush with deer.”
“All right, I believe you. I’ll remember to buy enough groceries for a quadruple batch of mac and cheese.”
“We’ll go tomorrow. For now,” he murmured, “we’re taking the rest of the day. I think a nice dinner at Biacci’s is due.”
Agreeing, Vincent let the big man lead him out of the kitchen and into the bedroom. Even though he was home just a few nights ago, they acted as if they were apart for a month. Maybe this auditing job’s going to be more difficult than I thought.
***
“Morning, Sheila. What’s my schedule today?”
The thin, middle-aged woman was clicking away on her keyboard. Her gaze remained on the screen as she droned, “Conference call with your supers at ten, a call at noon with the shipment yard manager, then your meeting with Mr. Rocther and Mr. Wagner at two.”
Harold grinned and continued into his office. “Easy day. The only thing to make it perfect is a night with Claire.” He sat, opened the bottom drawer, and pulled out a bottle of vodka. It seemed like a vodka day; a light work-load meant a light spirit. Fishing out a small tumbler glass, he poured it to fill. A splash landed on the table, so he wiped at it with his jacket sleeve.
Sipping, he spun in his chair and basked in his window’s view. I’m so close to getting the Housing Authority’s grant. Once that’s secured, I can green-light construction and get a damned start—
His desk phone rang once, then Sheila’s voice came through the speaker. “Mr. Snyder, you have a visitor.”
I don’t have any in-person appointments until two. “Who is—”
The door opened suddenly, and his wolf instantly felt threatened. Seeing a withered, old man in a sharp, black suit waltz in, Harold sneered. “Who are you?”
“Mr. Snyder, it is a true displeasure to finally meet you. I am Mr. Tilliman.”
“Oh, Mr. Tilliman…”
A familiar third voice sang from the doorway. How the vampire’s presence could prevent Harold from detecting the damned panda’s scent, size, and pomposity was behind him. “Alpha Vonder. What a surprise!”
Cyrus came into the room with hands hidden in the pockets of a vibrant sky-blue suit. “Well, you seem pleased. Out of the norm, I agree with my companion here. It’s a displeasure to see you, but it will be a pleasure shortly.”
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Note: While authors are asked to place warnings on their stories for some moderated content, everyone has different thresholds, and it is your responsibility as a reader to avoid stories or stop reading if something bothers you.
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