Death in the Shadows - 26. Chapter 26: Telepathic Teller

Slowly waking up the day after Christmas, Vincent’s face felt glued to his pillow. Prying himself from it, the dried drool was stuck to his beard. He sniffed, quickly realizing his mistake. Snickering, he rolled over and made a grave error. Oh, no no nononono! He was sore for obvious reasons. Him and Mason spent all night making love. Even after they showered and fell asleep, they found themselves time and time again in the early hours.

His mate’s warmth met his back and rear once more. “G’mornin’,” Mason purred. “Want to go for round five?”

The offer was a double-edged sword, but Vincent groaned as he daringly rolled to face his fellow alpha. “Mace, if my hips move one more inch, these blue sheets will turn white.”

Hearing Mason laugh was music to his ears. “Alright, alright. How about I treat you to something special this morning? You stay right there and recover, Pup.”

After the studly lycan hopped out of bed and dashed away, Vincent grabbed his phone. Opening his calendar, he had a week before joining RJ in Hempstead, New York. So close to Cyrus and Kaplan. I might see if they’d be down for lunch. Wanting to get a headstart, he reviewed the files RJ shared on the cloud drive. Seeing they were traveling near Reno, Nevada, he began his research. RJ left a big note for me.

Vinnie Mac, we’re heading to Reno. I’m warning you once here, and once in person. This council of coyotes are bull-headed businessmen. Forget everything you know about typical coyote shifters, because these men are totally different. Expect them to wear emotional masks, and they’ll do anything legal to sway your analysis. While this isn’t my favorite pack to visit, these guys tend to treat their auditors to plenty of high-dollar meals. Do me a favor and Google up Johnny’s on 4th Street. It’s Alpha Mumm’s go-to, so brush up on your fine dining skills. Make sure to review their EC profiles; learn as much as you can before the trip. We’ll be meeting at the Peppermill Resort. And normally I’d remind you to bring a vehicle, but I don’t see the harm in traveling using your magic this time. Nevada is a fair drive, and until your probationary period’s up, your expense account just covers food and hotel. Deuces.

He immediately followed RJ’s request and pulled up the profiles. Seeing the alpha, Vincent studied. This guy’s a coyote? His smile is definitely wily, but he almost seems slimy in that slim suit. The beta and enforcer aren’t too much different.

The smell of breakfast distracted him. Mason returned with a wooden tray with a plate and glass of orange juice on it. “Here you go. Can’t believe I haven’t served you breakfast in bed yet. I’ll be right back with mine, Pup.”

The gesture was romantic and much appreciated. Even though he was recovering quickly, Vincent wasn’t sure if he had the capability to stand for longer than a minute. As they ate, he reflected on the past several months. He chuckled.

“What’s so funny?” asked Mason.

“I just remembered how we met. You were so chicken to come talk to me.”

Finishing his plate, Mason set his tray on the nightstand and smiled. “Yeah? I’d like to see you finding the love of your life all of a sudden. You just know that a guy stocking a grocery shelf was your perfect mate in every way. Tell me you wouldn’t be shitting bricks.”

“You got a point. I think I’d be star-struck, especially if I was still human. I was so out of it back then.”

“Tell me about it,” Mason said as he rolled to his side, facing Vincent.

“Well, I didn’t know we were destined then, so all I saw was the sexiest man of all time. Just the way you carried yourself when you approached me the first time. You were confident, but not cocky. And you were suave when you asked how alfredo was versatile.”

The larger alpha pinched the bridge of his nose. “I did say that, didn’t I? That was such a dork move.”

Vincent put the tray on the floor and scooted into Mason’s arms. “But Biacci’s was a good decision. Not going to lie, if that car-crash didn’t happen, you could’ve had your way with me that night.”

“Damn, really? Now I need to castrate Stefan for sending those goons. That was a bad-ass way to show me your shadow magic though. You made such a big smokescreen when you took down that one guy.”

“Back then, that was my go-to move,” he explained. “I didn’t know how to fight fairly, so I blinded, tripped, and restrained them. You, Elaine, and Caleb taught me how to actually fight.”

Mason nuzzled the side of Vincent’s head. “I thank the gods every day I found you. You ready for Saturday?"

"I've been ready."

***

I suppose enough time has passed.

Emerging in a dark alleyway, the shadow mage strolled onto a slum street in Amsterdam. Now where was his shop? Ah, here it is! He scoffed at the sign for “Hugo’s Fortunes” and entered the shop. Adorned in tacky Persian rugs, both on the floor and walls, Stefan waved a hand in front of his nose. Right. He was a superstitious one. Limburger in tea pots or whatever the cretin believes in. Regardless, it’s atrocious.

“Hello, my guests,” hollered a high-pitch Dutch accent. “One moment, please?”

Deciding to hide in the darkness, Stefan impatiently waited. The stout fortune teller hobbled out of an alcove hidden by another hideous rug. “Eh? Hello?”

Stepping behind the man, Stefan conjured a black box, only allowing the men and the ceiling light inside. Reappearing, he softly grumbled, “I would like a refund.”

Hugo stumbled backward in fear, bouncing off the rubbery magic. “M-Mr. Gregoro!”

“You lead me down the wrong path, Hugo. Your promises of the divine affinity resulted in a nightmare.”

“H-how so?”

Dropping a wall, the mage used a tentacle to grab a chair. Sitting down, he rebuilt the cell. “How about you repeat my fortune, and I’ll decide if I should take your head.”

The teller was sweating bullets. “It… It was years ago.”

“Then let’s hope you remember. Go on then.”

“May… May I see your hand?”

This is his finest hour. I should allow him the tool to perform. He opened his left palm while warming his right. “One wrong word, my friend, and I’ll burn you in this box.”

Once Hugo touched his hand, Stefan felt the luring traces of the teller’s magic. I forgot how it tickles.

He secretly admired the Dutchman’s ability. It was derived from the telepathy affinity, but he could not actually read one’s mind. Instead, as he scoured one’s hand and arm, flashes of an unfamiliar scene came to the unique mage. When Stefan met Hugo, the Italian knew the teller’s power was real. His eyes… The way they move when reading me. He becomes so focused. So driven! It’s like a rush of information to him, and he has to decipher it.

“You’re future,” Hugo mumbled, “it has changed since last time, Mr. Gregoro. The bright light is still there.”

“The divine affinity,” seethed Stefan.

“I don’t know if it is, just like last time I tell you. It looks like light, but last time was behind you and the mother, father, and baby.”

“And this time? Tell me about now.”

Hugo moved his fingers up the Italian’s forearm, thumbing the skin like a cat interested in a fabric. Meanwhile, Stefan thought about the earlier statement. The light was behind them. Surely that meant one of the three holds the secret. The parents knew nothing, but how could a baby hold the secret? Little Vinnie is rather smart. Does it mean—

“The light,” Hugo muttered. “It shines behind a man now. Brown hair and… eyes the color of ice.”

Stefan’s lips curled into a grin. Just as I suspected. He has the key and—

The teller pulled his hands back with a shudder.

“What is it?”

Biting his bottom lip, Hugo whispered, “They changed. The blue eyes turned gold.”

Deciding it would be productive, he shared more details. Two brains are sometimes better than one. “The man you saw is the baby of the mother and father. He’s grown up and became an adversary, of sorts. Over the years, he’s developed the frost, clairvoyant, and shadow affinities.”

“Like you, Mr. Gregoro?”

“But I didn’t find a soulmate in an alpha shapeshifter. His own wolf was born recently, and as it turns out, Little Vinnie is an alpha himself. So, you think he holds the divine affinity?”

Hugo seemed unsure of himself. “It makes sense. He… He looked at me. It is like it was awakened inside.”

Stefan leaned forward in his chair. “Anything else?”

“I saw chains black as night, clinking on the ground. It didn’t seem important. There was also crying… and a gasp.”

“I agree,” he mumbled. “Doesn’t sound important.” He observed the teller from afar. Oh well. Clenching his fist, he watched as the wall behind him phased through his body. All of the walls shrunk and collided with each other, silently and cleanly crushing Hugo. Raising, Stefan walked towards the floating cube, impressed with the result. Tubby man like him fitting into this little thing? I’m getting better at this.

He hummed as he slowly spun the ergonomic coffin between his hands. This new prophecy. Should I put my faith in it? I lost my temper last time, creating Little Vinnie’s resolve to kill me. He sighed. Maybe I’m making a mistake by giving him a chance. I did kill his parents, but tragedy happens all across the world. I have killed countless, so why the guilt with this one? Hugo saw a man look at him with blue eyes. That means my prophecy states we will face off…

Running his fingers through his thinning hair, Stefan tried to discern the new visual. Vincent will have the divine affinity. Does he have it now? No, the eye color changed in the middle of the fortune telling. So how will he obtain it? When he does, how do I take it? Thoughts of taking the younger mage along his travels were unoptimistic, but it was only one of two possible outcomes.

Taking Hugo’s remains out of the back door, he found a dumpster and disposed of the bloody excuse of a corpse. I think a walk would be nice. The click of his heels on the stone created a sense of power in the dank alley. Finding a lively street, he briefly scanned the people he passed. He felt the presence of a vampire or two, but nothing out of the ordinary. Everyone left him alone, so it gave the Italian more time to think. I do wonder how Little Vinnie is faring. He was working hard the last time I peeked. His frost weapons look impressive. Should be no match for my flames.

What interests me is his connection with the old man. I never expected him and Vincent to meet. The monk knows how the affinity works, but from what I have seen, Vincent has a ways to go with mastering the magic. I can only assume Yakob has taught him a trick or two since then.

***

Tierney and Morrine joined Heather at the Mesker Park City Courthouse. The alpha could tell the vampiress was slightly nervous. I don’t blame her. Having to testify against the head of your former coven… Not something to envy. "You got this?"

"Yeah," she muttered, "it's just a testimony. I'm not one of the coven members that are suing."

"Hey!"

A shrill voice from behind caught his attention. So did the blonde blur whizzing by. The alpha recognized Dave's intended as she hugged Heather. "I haven't seen you in forever!"

"It's been a week," whined Heather. “Looks like you and your wolf are coming along just fine.”

As the two conversed, Dave took Tierney's side. "You two came?"

"I figured it wouldn't hurt. Besides," Tierney said softly. He looked at Heather and the smile she wore. "She's lived with me for a while now. My wolf practically considers her family now."

"Same here," Morrine mentioned. "How's she handling her turn?"

"Her wolf is a clever one. It’s interesting to have another beta in the apartment."

The tigress chuckled. "That's funny. If only Tasha was a delta, we'd have twinning ranks within the council couples."

Laughing at the near-coincidence, Tierney looked at Stacy again. "So she tagged along?"

Dave crossed his arms. "Yep. Her and Heather have been texting a lot lately, but haven’t had the chance to see each other. Anyway, just here to testify; basically corroborating Heather's testimony. That VPN guy is a stickler for detail."

"This isn't a typical trial. It's all about truth and honor with vampires. To have you backing Heather's word nearly solidifies her testimony. You have been to a vampiric court, right?"

The beta sharply shook his head.

Tierney continued, "You'll have a bailiff of the court standing next to you while you speak. Your ability to tell the truth will be tested. Make sure you have your facts straight, David. One wrong emotion, and you can hinder the prosecution."

"Oh. Good thing I ate my Wheaties and cut back on the coffee this morning. We have half an hour; shouldn't we be meeting with the prosecution?"

"Yeah, sounds good." Leading the way, he entered the courthouse and found Varis waiting on a bench. "Mr. Varis, good to see you again."

The middle-aged vampire smiled softly as they shook hands. "Likewise. Here protecting Miss Lodges? A little paranoid, don't you think?"

"Just being precautious. I've seen assassinations for lesser deeds back home."

Varis nodded in agreement. "New York has its moments, I suppose. I'll take care of her and Mr. Triggs from here."

Tierney accepted the attorney's role and watched them enter a conference room. With Stacy accompanying them, they found a nearby diner to grab something to eat at. While Morrine was being critical of the menu and atmosphere, Tierney focused on Stacy. Didn’t have her pegged as a beta, but good for her. A wolf born on a Cold Moon. Her spirit is probably intelligent beyond belief. “So, how’s life as a shifter? You and your wolf getting along?”

Her grin said plenty. "Yeah, she's really smart. The only thing I wish Dave told me about was the increase in senses. I can't even bear to spray my perfume without my nose burning."

Morrine patted the table. "Dilute it, sweetheart. Either that, or Theresa Shersinger has a boutique on West 6th with great stuff for us."

"The Foxglove? I go there often, but I couldn't smell– Oh… That makes sense. There were some cute tops there."

The tigress turned to Tierney with a curled lip. He knew that look. “You want to go shopping, don’t you?”

“You know me so well, T. Besides, I’ll need a new dress for this week’s meeting.”

Stacy gasped. “Oh, me too! Me too! I almost forgot.”

Checking his phone’s clock, Tierney saw there was time to kill. “I think we have time to head to the mall. Hope Dave doesn’t mind me kidnapping his mate.”

The blonde blushed. “That’s a thing now, huh? I’m going to be called that.”

“He hasn’t marked you yet, but it’s beyond obvious. Even his scent has changed. His lingering tobacco has blended with your honey and strawberries.”

“Oh, like how your black pepper mixes with Morrine’s honey?” When the couple shared a glance, Stacy giggled. “By the way, there’s a bar around here that has a black pepper and honey dip for their fried cheese curds. Super addicting.”

Morrine cooed, “Oh, that could be a new dip for the paninis.”

Tierney smirked. “It would go well with the Muenster Monster.”

The three continued talking about food all the way through their meal and on the drive to the mall. His tigress was quick in finding a stunning red dress, then spent time helping Stacy pick hers out.

His. He stared at Morrine like he had time and time again. It was plain as day that they belonged to each other. But why have I been waiting? I’ve never connected with someone else like her. She’s so fiery and passionate.

Tonight.

My wolf?

Tonight. Make ours.

His spirit’s resolve was solid, and he shared it. He longed to finally make the tigress his. Tonight then. We’ll put it all on the line.

Anxiously, he followed the ladies to the store’s checkout, where he promptly slid his card for both of the purchases. Stacy complained, but he merely winked and held Morrine’s waist as they left. Driving back to the courthouse, he kept her hand in his.

They climbed the stairs to find Dave and Heather just outside of the entrance. Tierney called out, “How’d it go?”

The beta and vampiress were smiling. Heather’s slow walk turned into a run as she flung herself into Tierney’s arms. “They’re done for. The VPN convicted all four leaders and several accomplices. Varis and Remis are going to work together to get the vampire community back on its feet, starting with access to synthetics for those in need. For now, Varis has been named MPCC’s coven leader until we hold elections.”

She left the alpha and lunged at Dave. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

“I did nothing,” said the beta.

“You listened to me when I needed to be heard. You gave me sanctuary and told Alpha McCabe.”

“She’s right,” Tierney added. “You did a great job, Dave. Who knows how many more would have suffered if you didn’t act promptly.”

Heather rejoined Tierney and Morrine, and they headed back to Owensville. “So, Heather. What’s the next move?”

“Well, I’ve already made my oath to Alpha Wilson, so I’ll be sticking around. I think Stacy’s moving in with Dave soon, and that means Gwendolyn’s going to need a roomie.”

“Ah,” sighed Morrine, “you’ll be moving in with your girlfriend? A little early, don’t you think?”

“Eh. She knows I’m a vampire, and she’s way too eager about it. Rather than giving her space, I think I need to be around her until she normalizes it.”

“Smart,” remarked Tierney. “I’m sure you have Mason’s blessing when it comes time for her thralldom?”

“Yes, but I need to call and have the local doctor with us with plenty of both real and synthetic blood on hand.”

Right. Humans don’t have as bad of a reaction to vampirism compared to lycanthropy, but there needs to be first aid to close the wound. Then there’s the initial hunger. As long as Heather and Doc keeps her under control, this Gwendolyn will go through about ten pints. “Make sure to requisition some under the coven-less aid on through the VPN.”

“I talked to Varis. He’s sending about fifty pints to Doc Shaney in town, twenty are for me and Gwen for the thralldom. The rest is to be stored for emergencies.”

“Good.”

The conversation turned to the court case. Her testimony kicked things off, but there were enough vampires to swarm the defending coven leaders. They stood no chance, and admitted their crimes. Damn. Thirty truthful testimonies. These guys were morons for thinking they could get away with charging for blood, then starving their own people. Makes me wonder how many covens are doing this without a shapeshifter pack nearby to check on them through relations.

Pulling into his garage, he saw Heather run into the house, and by the time he and Morrine entered, she already had her duffel bag slung over her shoulder. “Moving out already? It was a pleasure having you here.”

The vampiress was tearing up by the time she hugged him. “Thank you for letting me stay here. I’ll miss cooking breakfast for you guys.”

Morrine joined. “You bring your girl here every so often and we’ll have a big breakfast-palooza. I’ll make sure to schedule Todd for the morning shift.”

They waved as Heather’s Cadillac CTS slowly backed out of the driveway and sped towards town. Once again, Tierney held Morrine’s waist. “We’ll still see her.”

“She’s something, T. I think of her like a niece.”

“Same here, my fireball. Come, let’s have a drink.”

She wiped her eyes and looked at him, confused. “What’s the occasion?”

Leading her to the kitchen, he withdrew a bottle of Purple Toad Black and Bruised from the wine cooler. “Saying ‘so long’ to our resident vampire. She was a member of our household, even if it was for a short time. I’ll miss our morning talks about politics and wrestling.”

Morrine laughed. “You know, we can make that a tradition. I’m off Friday nights.”

“Friday-night Smackdown, it is. Until then…” He uncorked the wine, grabbed two glasses, and flashed his eyes as he headed towards the staircase. Feeling her gaze, he led the way to the master bedroom.

Once there, he set the wine on the dresser and poured. The door closed behind him, and Morrine was staring. Lust poured off her as she swayed her hips as she walked. “You’re up to something,” she whispered.

“What makes you say that?”

“I initiate the trips to the bedroom. Now you’re being defensive.”

He handed her a glass and held her tight. “You’re right. Morr… My fireball. You’re the most brash and blunt person I’ve ever met, and I think it’s time we flip the tables.”

Her eyelids were half-shut, as if she was expecting a magnificent performance.

Taking a sip of wine, he set it down and tightened his hold. “It’s more than obvious I care and love you, Morrine. From the moment I walked in your deli, I knew I had to have you. But as it turned out, you were my greatest challenge. The moment I left Owensville, I longed to feel your claws in my back. If I had my way, you would live the life of luxury until the end of our days.

“So for once, I’ll assert myself in this relationship.” He took a knee as he held her hand. “I want you, Morrine Schultz. Until my dying day, I want to be your mate, and love you every waking moment. I want to share my life with you, and be a part of yours. Would you do me the honor of being my mate and wife?”

Morrine was a statue. Her eyes never moved, and her emotions were the same; lust-laden. She set her glass down and pulled him up. “Alpha Tierney Scott, I’ll give you my answer the only way I can.”

She pulled him tight. His eyes were glowing in anticipation. They were both trembling from the pheromones the other was putting out.

“Mate me, mark me, and you better put a baby in me.”