Death in the Shadows - 32. Chapter 32: Struggling Shadows

His assignment in Japan was interesting. Vincent was quiet for most of the meetings but kept his translator app on. Only able to keep up with half of the conversations, his resolve to learn another language was strengthened. I doubt Marlo would want an auditor just for the States. Looks like I'm learning German.

Having Jake along for the ride was entertaining. Just like RJ's initial description of him, the human was a literal cub. He was a few inches taller than Vincent, but he had stout shoulders and tree trunks for legs. When RJ left them alone to handle getting Axel off the shipping dock, Jake and Vincent headed for the hotel gym. I don't need to, but it'll help keep up appearances. Just got to be careful; can't go too hard. He let the human go first on the squat rack, then made a judgment call on how much weight to take off.

They got along fine. Vincent's preconceived notions about the guy were wrong. He looks like a gym rat, but he's very bubbly. Jake was a bartender for a shady bar on the outskirts of Ontario and doubled as a bouncer. As much as he loved making people happy with boozy cocktails, he had to put a tough guy act on to get rowdy people to sit down and sober up. "That's the only part I hate."

Curling a dumbbell, Vincent faked a grunt. "You might want to cut back on the alcohol you stick in your drinks."

"Oh, I can not do that. I'd ruin my signature drinks."

"Lay 'em on me."

Swaying side to side, Jake danced with a raised arm. "Dancin' Bear! Amaretto, gin, vodka, tequila, ol' SC, raspberry pucker, peach pucker, coco-rum, sec-sec-sec, and juice!" With each ingredient named, Jake bounded, causing his oversized pecs to bounce.

Vincent snickered to himself. I see why Grumpy likes him. "That just sounds like a nightmare."

"Just half a shot of each bottle, fill the mug with cranberry and pineapple."

"You pour it in a mug? Like a beer mug?"

Jake nodded. "Bears like beer, and I like to watch 'em dance. Gotta do something to get them on the dance floor."

Vincent cackled. "Please tell me that's how you met Grumpy!"

Hand on the hip, Jake's eyes bulged. "I limit everyone to two DBs since they're potent, but this big, polar bear-lookin' dude comes up and orders four. Wouldn't take no for an answer either. So I cave and make 'em. This guy downs them, damn-near stumbles off his ass and goes," Jake half-closed one eye, leaned back, and slurred, "I loffyew."

The image was crystal clear in Vincent's mind. Leaning against the wall, he laughed so hard. "I can't with you!"

Jake smiled as he hopped on the treadmill. "See? I love making people happy. Shit makes me happy. C'mon, last leg of cardio."

Got to admit, it's nice to work out a bit. Starting the other treadmill, Vincent jogged comfortably.

"Not much of a sweater?" Jake asked. "Should drink more water."

"So says the bartender."

"Hey, gotta mix in a water or you'll be holding your own ponytail over the bowl."

Rolling his eyes, Vincent asked, “And your second signature?”

“Doctor Peppermints. Shot of hundred-proof peppermint schnapps and fill with Dr. Pepper.”

Trying to imagine the simple cocktail, Vincent huffed, “That doesn’t sound like it would work.”

Jake nodded vigorously. “Right? But it does. You get the full flavor of the soda, but then that mint hits you. Perfect drink for when you have plans to make out later.”

Seeing the wiggly eyebrow, the alpha shook his head. “I’ll have to make one for Mace when I get home.”

The human peered over. “Got a man? Good on you.”

“Yeah, we just got married a few weeks ago.” He paused the machine and grabbed his phone. Showing a picture one of the pack members took, he smiled. “We had the ceremony in front of a big bonfire.”

Gasping, Jake stopped his run and stared at it. “That’s so adorable! Oh, and the colors on your eyes… That’s kickass!”

Biting his lip, he glanced at the photo. Shit! Our eyes are glowing. “Yeah,” he muttered, trying to think of a lie. “The photographer said there needed to be a little bit more light, but I had her color our irises.”

“When I get married, I’m totally stealing that.”

“You and RJ?” Vincent asked, desperate to change the topic.

Jake hummed. “I could see myself settling down with Papa Bear. I just don’t know much about him. We hooked up a while back, then he reappears out of nowhere.”

“That’s my bad. We were talking, he mentioned you and how he liked you, and I told him to get it.”

“Really? You’re the reason there’s an dent the size of a Pringles can up my asshole?”

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Vincent chuckled. “TMI. I work with the guy, remember?”

Leaning on the treadmill’s railing, Jake looked to the window. “This is so cool, you know? And you two do this for a living. Fly around the world, auditing business records. Isn’t it hard on you and your husband?”

“Sometimes, but if I’m being honest, it makes the time I do spend with Mace amazing. Every week, we go on a dinner date and it feels like we’re celebrating an anniversary. That perfect evening with someone special, you know?”

Jake resumed his run. “Not used to it yet, but I’m willing to try anything. If it means I get to travel the world every now and then, I’ll get used to it.”

***

Well, that was fun and all, but time to get serious. Vincent was sitting on the porch. With a granted leave from the EC, he had a whole week to himself. The moment he rose, he started a timer on his phone and dashed northeast. Whizzing directly to the Appalachian Mountains, he stopped halfway up to normalize his breathing. Checking the time, he grinned. Thirty seconds. Just like Yakob.

Escalating the mountain, he stood in front of the monastery. He approached the gate and was welcomed by Raul. "Hi, Raul. How're things?"

"Things are well," said the bigger monk. "We've had many visitors lately."

"Oh?" He turned as Raul locked up. "I thought I was the only visitor around here."

"Yes, but the local shapeshifter leader came with his secretary."

"Cyrus?" What was he doing here?

"He met with Yakob about increasing his donation to the monastery, then they sparred."

Vincent's jaw dropped. "No way! Who won?"

Raul grumbled. "The alpha. Yakob has been dedicating his time to meditation and practicing his magic since."

No way. Cyrus beat Yakob? That's crazy! "I bet it was a close fight."

"It was, but you should focus. Yakob has been eager to face you."

Vincent growled to himself. "Right."

Raul escorted him through the halls and out the rear doors. The field was swept of snow, and Yakob stood with his eyes closed. Vincent, are you prepared?

I got a whole week, he answered.

Yakob opened his eyelids. I can see your growth. You have come a long way since we first met.

I still jump off Mace's farm silo every now and then.

The monk chuckled. You should try hiding on a plane's shadow then.

Vincent groaned. Why didn't I think of that?

A tendril lashed out at the alpha, but Vincent sliced it with a newly fashioned dagger.

You aren't easily distracted, Yakob pointed out.

No, I can multitask. How was getting your butt beat by a panda?

The Executive Council has taught you well, but my spar with Cyrus was a learning experience. Remember my promise?

Going all out. Vincent steeled himself, ready for anything.

Good. Since you have healing abilities, I will try to injure you.

A flurry of black spikes erupted from the ground, forcing Vincent to move. Speeding in the shadows, he felt his opponent trailing behind him. Halting, he sprinted directly at the monk with a gloved fist. Throwing a punch, he missed Yakob by a hair.

Vincent snapped his fingers. A ward phased through Yakob's head, turning the man's irises pink. Using a tentacle of his own, Vincent swept Yakob off his feet and sent the ward flying off the mountain.

Just as Vincent saw his opportunity, he couldn't move his legs and nearly fell on his face. Looking down, inky darkness covered him from toe to thigh. It's still coming up! Focusing on the invading magic, he pushed on it with his own shadow.

Yakob's face was expressionless, and it pissed Vincent off. You're this strong, Yakob?

Yakob didn't respond, and the magic crept up to Vincent's hips. He was scared. This was a new side of his teacher. Grunting, Vincent managed to push Yakob's magic back down to the thighs.

When the monk raised an open hand, the alpha panicked. As a finger clenched, Vincent howled in pain. His ankles sent blaring alarms to his brain. He crushed them. No longer able to stand, he collapsed.

Looking at the monk again, Vincent saw Yakob's middle fingers curl. Still reeling in agony, felt bands squeeze his calves simultaneously.

Is this what it's like to face another shadow mage? Like, actually face them in battle?

You have a lot to learn. Maybe a wake-up call will help you. A tendril sprung and attached itself to Vincent's neck.

The monk was cold and ruthless, and it was unlike anything Vincent had seen. It was clear he lost the fight, but being subject to torture frightened him. He tried rolling away, but it was futile. No amount of going into the shadows aided him. The darkness on his neck tightened, Vincent whimpered, then screamed, "No!"

The pressure vanished. Breathing heavily, Vincent saw the black encasing below, but only felt his injured feet. Crawling backward, he slipped out of the shadow. It hung in the air, unsupported. "Wh…what?"

Yakob's magic receded, revealing the bloody shoes. When the monk smiled, Vincent yelled, "What the fuck's going on?"

“The shadow affinity’s ace in the hole.” Yakob slowly approached. “The next part of your training begins now.”

“Ace? What—” Vincent whined. He peeled off his shoes and socks with a yelp. He partially shifted his legs to heal his injuries. “What’re you talking about?”

“Emotions control the shadows. You calmly form and control the magic, but anger strengthens it. So what would fear do?”

Replaying the event in his head, Vincent sighed. “Weakens it.”

“When you’re afraid, your magic and body coexist. It makes you transparent.”

Thinking of Yakob’s threat to choke him out, Vincent clapped but failed. His hands phased through each other. “Why?”

“Why does it happen?”

“No, why haven’t you told me about this?”

Yakob fell silent. He walked past Vincent towards the door. “Because I can not do it myself. I have no reason to be scared, Vincent.”

Standing, the lycan followed his teacher. He’s not scared? Of anything?

No, I am not, Yakob replied. I would regret nothing if I were to pass. No love, no past transgressions. All I have is my students.

Then why can't you think— Vincent stopped as he put the pieces together. You believe in them, don't you? You can't be scared for them because they can take care of themselves.

That includes you, as well.

You… what?

After you master transparency, my job will be complete.

He inhaled sharply. This was his last skill to learn. One more…

Thinking about Stefan, Vincent felt somewhat ready, but there was a lingering sense of inadequacy. He knew he had enough resources. But do I have enough time?

Need do, his wolf declared. Time don't matter. This need to do.

Your wolf is right, Yakob said. Aliz may be strict, but she will understand.

Vincent shook his head. "No, I need to hurry."

"And why is that?"

Sighing, he thought of being in the celestial plane with Aliz's destinies.

Yakob halted. "She visited you."

"She warned me not to peter-dick around. The long I wait, the bigger chance there is for something to go wrong."

"Then we have no time to waste. Come, to the basement."

Going inside, Vincent followed the monk down a flight of stairs, revealing a large space with pillars holding the ceiling. "I didn't know this was here."

Yakob ignored him. "You know how to use the transparency, but you need to work on dueling against another shadow mage. Stand here." He pointed at the space in front of him. "We will touch strands and push against each other. Your goal is to cover me in your shadows."

Vincent gulped, unsure of his teacher's capability.

"Vincent, this is vital. Remember, eliminate your fear."

"Right, it weakens the power."

Meeting Yakob's dark magic with his own, he grunted as he struggled to make progress.

***

Day after day, Vincent returned to the monastery. With each attempt, he failed. Three sessions gave him enough experience to cover Yakob's toes. Two more, and he gripped the monk's ankles.

"Enough," Yakob declared. He vanished and reappeared in the blink of an eye with an apple. "You got far enough to cripple your foe. Do you have what it takes to do that?"

The fruit was thrown at him, and Vincent caught it with a tendril, enveloping it. Clenching his fist, the covered apple was compacted. Releasing his magic, yellow pulp dripped as the red skin fell.

"Are you fine with that?" Yakob asked. "That was your opponent. Do that to a normal human's ankle, and they will require amputation. Do that to someone's head, and they are dead."

Taking a deep breath, Vincent nodded solemnly.

"It troubles you. You're thinking of your fight with the alpha in the parking garage."

It was true. Griffith was stuck in his head. Vincent knew killing Stefan was his goal. "But can I do it? Like, actually go through with it."

Yakob padded towards him. "Taking a life is not something to take lightly. I have done my best to refrain from doing so…" When the monk pinched Vincent's shoulders, the man had guilt written all over his face and pheromones. "But I have. It is not easy to handle, either before, during, or after the fact. Committing to the act requires dedication or reckless abandon. You have the opportunity many do not see in their lifetime. You must make this choice, Vincent. I, nor anyone, can not help you with it."

“I promised myself I would get rid of him a long time ago. When Terik told Mace and Ty what would happen if I lost the fight with him, that sealed the deal for me. He has to die.”

“To prevent a war that he may or may not deliberately cause."

Vincent nodded, averting his eyes to the floor. "I took my job as an auditor to help people. Him causing a war will end so many lives. Even if there were a way to imprison him, he's a menace to supernatural existence. It's not about me wanting revenge anymore."

"Can you do it?"

After a moment of silence, Vincent whispered, "I have to."

***

On Saturday, Vincent woke with Mason's arm draped over his hip. A hot breath buffeted his ear as his mate slept. What a way to wake—

Vincent's nose hairs shriveled. Bed breath! Oh, Gods… That's rank. A loud snore rang in his ear, effectively waking him up. Destined mate, my ass. Using his magic, he fell into the shadows, and at a blinding speed, he placed his own pillows in place of his body. Watching the alpha shift in place, Vincent smiled at the lycan as he absent-mindedly nuzzled the replacement. Okay, seeing that was worth it.

Yawning, he started a pot of coffee and searched the fridge for breakfast food. With no eggs, he returned to the bedroom, got dressed, grabbed his wallet, and zipped to Greenthumb. Reappearing behind a car in the parking lot, he headed straight to the dairy department. Waving casually to a few of his former coworkers, he got caught up on the latest gossip and pulled a few products to the edge of the shelf as he went along out of habit.

He cringed when he reached his destination. Damn, this place is a disaster zone! His only option was a few packages of organic, grain-fed, cage-free eggs. Jeez… Looks like breakfast is going to be heavy on meat. He grabbed them and continued to the freezer section. Nabbing a few bags of Southern-cut potatoes along the way, Vincent shrugged. I ain't dicing and boiling at this hour. Mace won't mind.

At check-out, he nearly had a heart attack at the price of the eggs. He begrudgingly slid his card, gathered the few bags, and walked out. Once among the vehicles, Vincent dashed home. With everything cooking in pans, he poured a mug of coffee for himself.

"G'mornin', Pup," Mason mumbled as he walked in.

Vincent sniffed and hummed. "Good, you brushed your teeth."

Snorting into his cup, Mason muttered, “Asshole.”

“You’re welcome for cooking breakfast. You sleep okay?”

“Yeah, until you thought I wouldn’t notice you leaving. Those smokey wisps tickle my nose.”

He smirked as he plated the food. “Had to. I was trapped next to that foghorn mouth of yours.”

“Don’t lie, you love it.”

“True. It took a bit, but it helps me fall asleep.”

Munching on a strip of bacon, Mason chuckled. “Maybe I should record and sell it. Market it as music to fall asleep to.”

Sharing their plans for the day, Vincent sighed. “Another session with Yakob, then I’ll be reviewing my next work assignment. I think I’m heading to a small pack in Sheboygan or something.”

Mason grumbled. “Be careful. I heard that guy’s an asshole.”

“From what I saw, he’s newly mated. Maybe he’ll be less of one when I get there.”

“Hopefully. He says one wrong thing to you, come get me and I’ll kick his ass.”

Rolling his eyes, Vincent took his plate and set it in the dishwasher. “Pretty sure they’d fire me. Besides, they’re one of the biggest advocating packs for the Prey Protection Law. The guy can’t be that bad. Anyway, I’m out of here. Need me to bring home dinner?”

Mason’s eyes shimmered. “Feijoada fritters, please. For Dinbe’s love, bring a whole bag of those.”

“Aconchego Carico it is.” With a peck on the lips, he ran towards the monastery.

Arriving, he was greeted by Raul once again. Vincent faltered as he approached the gate. He’s holding onto the door. Something's off... “Raul? What’s wrong?”