Love in the Shadows - 13. Chapter 13: Icy Irises

Ingle and Poll escorted Vincent into the precinct. The mage's nerves were going crazy as he walked through the reception area. He passed Tina at the desk barely catching her meek smile.

“It’s just this way, Vincent.” Going down the hallway before reaching Henry’s office, Poll opened the last door, and gestured for Vincent to enter.

The sign on the wall read Interrogation. Stepping inside, he saw a small table, two chairs, and a mirror. One way window. Just like the crime shows. Thought this was going to be an interview.

Ingle tapped the entry frame. “The detective’ll be here shortly. Need some water or anything?”

“Some water would be nice, thanks.” As the officers left, Vincent sat and waited. The gray cinder-block walls and drab flooring were not comforting. Maybe I should’ve had Kaplan come with me.

An electronic click startled him. “Vincent? It’s Henry.”

He looked around frantically, but when something knocked against the window, he understood.

“I’ll be watching from here. If Shaw oversteps his bounds, I’ll be right in, okay?”

Hearing the chief’s voice eased Vincent’s anxiety. At least I’m not alone. The door opened again to reveal a man with unkempt hair and wrinkled clothes. The mage winced at the stench of stale cigarette smoke. That’s gotta be the detective. Nevermind, I’d rather be alone…

“Mr. Bolton, I’m Detective Shaw. I’m in charge of the case you’re involved in. Just a few questions, and we’ll be on our way.” The detective set a notebook and a folder down, then brandished a pen. Shaw grunted as he sat, and after a huff, he jotted on the paper. “Haven’t seen you before. Did you move to town recently?”

“About a month ago, sir. I haven’t found a place to call home yet, so I tend to move a lot.” Vincent watched as the man scribbled. He’s taking detailed notes. Need to be careful with what I say.

“How do you like it here in Owensville?”

Remembering Dirk’s advice, he smiled. “It’s a very quiet town and the library’s amazing!”

“You do a lot of reading? What kind of books do you like?”

Well, I can’t say magic and mythical creatures… “Historical fiction mostly, but I also read plenty of other genres.”

Shaw wrote, and Vincent could read the word library upside down. “What do you do for a living?”

“I work at Greenthumb. Just accepted a promotion too.”

“Congratulations. Forgive me, but I looked into your history. You were in the foster system for a while? No permanent residency since then either. Can you tell me how this came to be?”

The memory of his parents’ deaths came to mind, and Vincent couldn’t hide his emotions. “When I was little, my parents were murdered.”

“That’s what your file said. It also said you went through several foster homes when no relatives claimed you. I’m very sorry for what you went through, Mr. Bolton.”

The mage shook his head. “It’s okay.”

“Apparently not.” Shaw put his pen down and interlocked his fingers. “Someone wants you or the farmer dead. Enough so to hire hitmen. I’m concerned there’s more to the story than you’re letting on. Care to explain?”

Vincent’s breath hitched. The question sounded like a statement, and he knew the detective wouldn’t let the topic go. Shit. “I found the man who killed my parents.”

“Stefan Gregoro.” Opening the folder, Shaw revealed the top document had a frame with a head’s silhouette. “Man from Palermo, Italy. No recorded date of birth, no photo, and very few personal details or descriptions. The guy’s on the FBI’s wanted list. Reported crimes across the globe, and you’re saying he’s the one who murdered your parents in Elkridge, Maryland? Tiny town with nothing but a bridge, a few trains, and a state park. What would cause an international criminal to stop there and murder a factory supervisor and a nurse?”

Vincent twinged as the man mentioned his parents. He listened as Shaw spouted facts. Why? He’s right; why would Gregoro come and kill them? Regardless, he recognized the supposedly friendly interview had turned into a hostile interrogation. “I don’t know. That’s why I’m trying to find him.”

Shaw must not have liked the response. He scoffed, rolled his eyes, and slowly rose from the chair. “You’re trying to find him,” he mumbled as he positioned himself behind the empty chair. “I find it both reasonable and hard to believe. What do you have that the FBI doesn’t? You know something, don’t you?”

Seeing the detective lurch forward, Vincent felt threatened. He’s good! What do I say to that? He bit his inner cheek nervously.

The action did not go unnoticed. “Oh, you know something... I could charge you with obstruction, kid. Holding out information on a criminal. Hell, you even said you’re going after him. If by some miracle you got to Gregoro, you can’t kill him. That’d be murder.”

“I-I just want to know why he did it.”

“Bull! You know something, so spit it out.”

Tears were about to fall. “I don’t know why, and I don’t—” Vincent choked in astonishment as the door flew open.

Henry’s face was beet-red. “Shaw, enough.”

The detective looked just as disturbed. “Chief, he’s got something!”

“You’re yelling at someone who hasn’t been charged with a crime in an interrogation room. I let this interview happen, but you had other plans apparently.”

“But—”

“But what?” Henry snarled. “Are you charging him?” When the detective didn’t move, the chief pointed out the door. “Then this interview is over. Get out and wait in my office.”

Vincent sniffled and wiped his eyes as Shaw collected his belongings. He watched as Henry stepped out of the doorframe to let the man exit, then re-entered the room. “Are you all right?”

Before he could answer, Ingle came in with a bottle of water. “Did I miss something?”

“I’d rather not say. You’d probably wring Shaw’s neck if I did.”

The officer growled. “What did he do to my alpha’s mate?”

“Ingle,” Vincent whispered. His throat was dry as a desert, but he didn’t want to cause any further issues. “I’m fine.”

“Here. Sounds like you need this.”

Vincent took the beverage, chilled it with his magic, and sipped. He tried to ignore the fuss between the other two, but he felt a headache coming. “Ingle, please. It’s fine, all right? Mr. Shaw was just doing his job.”

Henry grumbled. “No, he was being a dumbass. You came willingly to answer some questions, Vincent. You didn’t come to get your ass chewed out.”

“You don’t have secret powers to hide,” Vincent said.

“No, but I bear the burden too. Guys like Shaw don’t need to know stuff like that.” Henry sat on the table’s corner. “When I took this job a few years ago, I wasn’t expecting to be handed the Welcome to the Supernatural Community pamphlet. Chief Leidolf dropped several bombs before I replaced him! I don’t need every one of my officers looking over their shoulder, worrying about a magical murderer. Shaw’s good at his job, but I can’t have that conspiracy theorist going bat-shit crazy.”

Ingle snorted. “Might make our lives easier if we gave him a straightjacket.”

“Sorry, but that’s your boss’ call, not mine.” Henry retorted.

The back and forth made Vincent snicker, but he needed to leave the stuffy room. “Am I free to go?”

Henry nodded, and Ingle offered a ride back to Mason’s. Checking the time, Vincent declined. “I’d like to go for a walk.”

“Okay, but make sure to let Alpha know, or he might come bustin’ down the door looking for you,” instructed Ingle.

The thought was amusing. Vincent traipsed through the station, avoiding the chief’s office. He didn’t want to spark another confrontation. Don’t look. Just keep your head down and get out. There was temptation to dive into the shadows to leave, but there were a lot of people around. I just need to be alone for a minute.

Remembering the park was a few blocks away, he mustered a smile and made it his destination. The fresh air calmed him, as did the sound of passing cars and the distant chatter from civilians. He sighed. Despite the pleasing noise around him, his chest tightened. Vincent felt trapped. The second I stopped here, so much happened. I met some friends, then Mace showed up. But why did I stay? Why am I staying? It’s like every second something else piles onto the shit-list! The moment I made friends here, they’ve gotten involved in my messed up life.

And that almost got Mace killed. Stefan could go after him again. Or Dave, or Lei and Elaine. Feeling dizzy, he spotted a nearby bench. As the cars passed by, he focused on breathing, reducing his nausea. Try as he might, the questioning played again in his mind. I… I don’t want to cause any more trouble. Knowing he was alone and had no one to turn to, he gritted his teeth. Gods… I don’t ask for much, but I could really use an answer here. Lady Aliz, Lord Bol, Lady Terik. If I’m causing issues in this town, why would you put Mason on my path? I can’t run away from this, even though I really want to!

He lifted his legs and wrapped his arms around them. Tears rolled down his cheeks. But I can’t. I’d break his heart… And that’d break mine. If this is a test, then either flunk me or move on!

Once he calmed down, Vincent continued his trek. The park had a few kids on the playground with parents supervising, and even though the sight made him smile, he stayed away. The thought of a kid wandering near didn’t sound pleasant at the moment. Finding the tree he and Mason had previously rested near, he sat at its base.

Vincent had his eyes closed for so long he lost track of time. The breeze could be heard rustling leaves in the branches above. Checking the time on his phone, he found several messages from Mason and Caleb, relaying their concern for his absence. Feeling guilty, he texted Mason. Sorry, went to the park. Needed time to think about things.

Mason responded swiftly, Had me worried for a minute. We’re on our way to pick you up. Are you hungry? We can stop for lunch if you are.

The mage laughed to himself. “He’s like a mother hen.” I could eat. Take your time, big guy. He set his phone down and took it off silent mode. Listening for another notification, he resumed his meditation.

This is nice. Heavenly, actually. Looking off towards the swings and slides, he saw the rooftops of downtown buildings. After much thought, he shook his head. I take it back. I can’t run from this place. The air is so different here; it’s fresh and cleaner. There’s a hint of magical energy around the city and forests. It’s hard to explain, but everything just feels perfect. It makes my stupid pity-party seem… Well, stupid! He scooted backward and rested against the tree. The bark felt rough, yet supportive.

Vincent smirked. I feel like flying. He snapped his fingers and spawned a sight ward. Sending it high among the branches, he used it to survey his surroundings. Confident no one was watching, he twirled his index and forced a translucent, pink cloud high in the sky. Using his hands to navigate, he guided his vision slowly to avoid detection from any gazers.

Mason’s truck turned into the parking lot. He must’ve sped here! He watched from above as Caleb stepped out of the passenger side, pointed towards Vincent’s body, and walked in his direction. It confused Vincent when Mason grabbed the lion by the shoulder before treading slower. Even though his sight was from a different angle, Vincent could only hear from where he sat. They’re too far away. What are they doing? He pulled on the ward, forcing it to follow the duo. Are they trying to sneak up on me?

His suspicion was correct. Mason and Caleb were signaling to each other, with Mason’s most recent gesture being a closed fist. That caused Caleb to halt. Yeah, they’re playing. Let’s see…

He waited for the two to get closer. Even as they crept within ten feet of him, Vincent couldn’t hear anything but the wind and the distant children. They’re good! Lowering the cloud, he prepared a counter-prank. Trying to keep his smile hidden was difficult, but Mason stopped. Busted? The lycan waved at Caleb and touched his lips. Busted. Opening his eyes, he maintained his vision through the magic.

“H-Hey, Pup. We were just checking on you.”

“By sneaking up on me?”

“Uh, Mace?” Caleb asked. “Are his eyes purple?”

Not wasting a second, Vincent flicked his middle finger and thumb, launching the ward toward Caleb’s head. The moment the cloud hit the target, he had Caleb’s vision captured. Vincent aimed the lion’s point-of-view towards the ground, then sent it up vertically.

Caleb stumbled and waved his arms for balance. “Whoa, what the hell?” As Vincent increased the speed, the man fell onto his back and gripped the grass. “Put me down, put me down, put me down!”

Knowing he had the lion under his spell, Vincent laughed. “Relax, G-man. Enjoy the ride, and try not to move your body. You’ll get sick if you keep moving around like that.” He slowed the momentum and changed the cloud’s course, causing it to soar across the park. “I know cats don’t like to fly, but try this out. It’s like you’re a bird.” The mage directed the magic to circle the playground, the nearby woods, and the businesses along Main Street.”

Caleb groaned, but after a minute, he let go of the earth beneath him. “How are you doing this, Little B? Is this your clairvoyance?”

“Yep. It can be nice to mess around with from time to time.”

“Remember, Caleb,” Mason said, “this is currently being used against you. A clairvoyant mage is one of the toughest to fight.”

“Balls! How do I get out of this? I can’t even figure out how to sit up straight.”

Vincent snickered. “Mace?”

He watched as his mate smirked, balled a fist, and punched Caleb on the forearm.

After a flinch, Caleb’s temporary purple irises returned to their brown ones. “Ow! Mason, I swear—” He blinked several times before looking at the couple. “Huh. A quick punch clears it up? Good to know, but let a shifter know before you do that again.”

Vincent rolled his eyes. “You two tried to sneak up on me. It’s what you get.”

“All right,” Mason said, sitting, next to his mate, “all jokes and pranks aside, how was the interview?”

Once the burly arm landed on his shoulders, Vincent nestled into the alpha’s body and breathed deeply. “It wasn’t the best. I think Kaplan should’ve come with me. That detective was nice at first…”

Mason growled. “Did he accuse you of something?”

“He’s suspicious I’m holding something back. He even threatened to charge me with obstruction.” The mage felt Mason’s chest vibrating. Craning his head, Vincent saw the faint amber glow in the wolf’s eyes. He’s pissed. I can’t blame him, but he doesn’t need to get himself arrested on my account. He kneaded the man’s knee. “I’m fine. Henry stopped it before it got too bad.”

“Too bad?” Mason’s anger was palpable.

Unsure if he could calm the man down, Vincent pinched Mason’s nipple, eliciting a yelp. “I said Henry stopped him! Will you and your wolf calm down?”

“Fine, but next time I see him, he’s getting castrated.”

Caleb cleared his throat. “If I can be blunt, you should cool your jets, Alpha. Appreciate the beautiful day. I’m sure Little B could use more time for meditation.”

After Vincent tugged on Mason’s wrist, the lycan huffed. “Right. Let’s go home, Pup. You got a big day ahead of you tomorrow.”

***

When the trio arrived at the alpha’s home, Mason noticed Kaplan and Tierney chatting on the front porch. He watched their behavior as he closed his truck door. Looks serious. Approaching them, he caught some of the conversation.

“I’m trying, sir.”

“I can tell you’ve been thinking about him lately.” Tierney palmed the beta’s shoulder. “There’s nothing stopping you from dwelling in the past, but the longer you do, the harder it’ll be to move on.”

“I understand, Alpha. It’s just hard sometimes.”

“I know.” Tierney’s gaze locked with Mason’s. “How’d it go?

Climbing the stairs, Mason growled. “Would’ve gone better if I was allowed to knock some teeth in.”

Vincent grumbled, “You’d do more than that.”

“And I’d feel better if I did. Anyway, what are y’all’s plans for the day?”

Tierney leaned against the porch railing. “I think we’ll head back to Mesker Park City again. Grab some lunch and dinner, then come back for a run before bed. Pretty easy day for us.”

“Sounds nice. Vincent’s going to meditate, and I think I’ll join him.” Spotting Vincent’s confusion, Mason grinned. “It’s been suggested that I take a chill pill.”

“Wise choice. Long time ago, I learned to keep my hands out of every pot. Allow the proper channels to handle situations as they arise.”

Mason respected the advice. It makes a lot of sense. Saves me from being pulled in directions. I need to look at how I delegate operations. “Thanks, Ty.”

Tierney called for Dirk, and the New Yorkers left. Following his spoken intentions, Mason accompanied Vincent to the backyard, with Caleb trailing them. Before they sat, the ailouros shifted and basked in the bright sunlight. Within the first few minutes of meditation, Vincent gave Mason pointers on oxygen control, and ignoring certain senses and surroundings. It was arduous, but he managed to bypass his desire to focus on his mate. Still, it’s hard. Everytime I smell his natural odor, I want to drag him to the bedroom. Other than that, this is nice! It’s been a while since I’ve been this relaxed. Gonna have to do this more often.

He did open his eyes when he heard Caleb moving around. The lion sauntered towards the forest, only to return thirty minutes later. Mason grinned as he saw the light blood stains on the animal’s mouth.

“Eww! That’s nasty,” Vincent whined. “G-man, you got some stuff on your face.

Mason snorted as Caleb cleansed himself. “C’mon, Vinnie. It’s not as bad as you think.”

“Oh gods, no! I’ll stick to cooked meals, thank you very much. You guys can have all the deer in the world.”

The lycan snickered. You say that now, Pup. Once your wolf’s born, you’ll be begging for some fresh meat. “It’s not just about the food. The thrill of the chase and the hunt’s reward is exciting for our animals. The rush of wind that blows through your fur, the leaves and twigs that snap under your paws… It’s indescribable!”

Vincent dipped his head, but Mason watched his facial expression carefully. Seeing a smile comforted him. The mage then stared at him. “I guess I’ll find out soon enough.”

The statement sent Mason’s wolf howling within his mind. He’ll be running with us before we know it! Not caring if his mate was still meditating, he crawled closer and wrapped the human in his arms. “You just made me and my wolf very happy. Did you get more beads filled?”

Showing off the bracelet, Vincent held up his arm. “Got one more left to fill, and I’ll get it done tomorrow before I fill my personal stores.”

They sat for a while longer before Mason heard a vehicle pulling into his driveway. It’s gotta be the guys. He rose with a groan. Gods, my legs! Feels like my muscles atrophied.

“Hey!” Tierney’s shout came from the front of the house. “We brought dinner! Hope everyone’s starving!”

Offering him a hand, Mason helped Vincent to his feet and escorted him inside.

Caleb reverted to his human form. “Mind if I hang around, Mace? I’m still peckish.”

Vincent raised an eyebrow. “You ate a deer, and you’re still hungry?”

“I had a rabbit, thank you. Nice and tender, but not very filling.”

“Hear, hear,” mumbled Dirk. He passed around plates and utensils. “We found a kick-ass Irish pub in MPC and decided to bring back a little bit of everything on their menu. There’s coddle, loaded pies, boxty, cheddar rolls, and colcannon.” The bear glanced in his direction and gave Caleb a once-over. “You’re the enforcer, right? Heard about you. I’m Dirk.”

“Yeah, I’m Caleb.”

“Didn’t think I’d be running into another ailouros here. One of the lower enforcers back home is a Southwestern lion.”

“Nice, me too!”

As the deltas acquainted themselves, Mason ushered Vincent towards the food. “Looks almost as good as it smells.” He tried to discern what each dish was to no avail. Vincent appeared to be in the same boat when they asked each other.

“So that’s coddle,” Tierney declared. “It can be soup-like sometimes, but it’s made with barley, sausage, bacon, and fried potatoes. Those large, flat things are boxty; kind of like a jumbo potato pancake. There’s the different pies, and that’s colcannon, which is a hearty mashed potato.”

“You know a lot about food.”

“No, I just can’t eat the same thing every day. There’s some cuisine I’ve tried but can’t stand, but I fell in love with the Irish diet. Plenty of meat, potatoes, and veggies.”

Once everyone had taken a seat, the six ate while carrying on conversations. Caleb and Dirk made small talk about their positions, the bear acting as a mentor to the lion. Mason focused on Vincent. He noticed the human eating more than usual. Probably due to channeling so much energy lately. At least he’s moved on from eating kids’ meals at restaurants.

With dinner done, Tierney made the suggestion to go on a run. Following the entourage, Mason smelled his mate’s nervousness. “What’s wrong?”

They stopped on the porch while the New Yorkers continued out to the yard. Vincent gripped Mason’s hand and mumbled, “I think I’ll wait inside for everyone to get shifted.”

Mason tried to hide his smile. “I understand your nervousness, but this is something to get used to if you’re going to be around shifters. We’ll always have to get naked to do it. When we shift, it’s viewed as a showcase of power, regardless of class. I know it’s a lot to ask, but it would mean a lot to all of us if you’d join. I’ll be right beside you the entire time, okay?”

He watched Vincent’s Adam’s apple bob. “I didn’t know it was important on an emotional level like that. Of course I’ll come.”

As they approached, Tierney was already shirtless and taking off his pants. Mason leaned down and whispered to Vincent, “When there’s a group of us, we shift by class.” When the others glanced at him, he shook his head. “I’ll wait.”

Unabashed, Tierney kicked off his shoes and removed his slacks. The sound of bones snapping split the night as the alpha’s limbs altered. Fur erupted from his skin when he fell on all fours. With the shift complete, a black and dark silver countershaded wolf stood with piercing red irises.

Mason saw Vincent’s slack jaw and chuckled. “He’s impressive, right?”

“Y-yeah,” his mate whispered. “Looks like a beast from a horror movie.”

Tierney huffed and sat on his hind legs. Everyone turned to Kaplan, but the sound of gravel crunching caught the shapeshifter’s attention. Mason recognized the vehicle’s sputter as the engine died. “That’s Dave.”

“Who’s Dave?” asked Dirk.

“My beta. Works on the side and probably just got off.”

Dave entered the yard with a freshly-lit cigarette. “Sorry I’m late. Truck shipment was early and I had to unload everything. Alpha Scott, pleasure to meet you and your council. I take it it’s your beta’s turn?”

On Tierney’s cue, Kaplan stripped and shifted. Standing shorter than the black wolf, the sandy fur ruffled as Kaplan shook. All eyes went to the other beta. “Skip me. Work was rough, and I really want to enjoy this little guy. You’re up, Mister Bear.”

“Dirk. Pleasure meeting you, Beta.” After a handshake, the burly enforcer took off his shirt, exposing his wide chest and a portly stomach that somehow managed to look hard. The tribal tattoo on his neck continued down the shoulder and chest. Once naked, Dirk’s body distorted.

Vincent’s grip on Mason’s waist tightened when the black bear stood tall on his back paws. “Holy shit,” he whispered.

“Told you he was massive. You okay so far, Pup?”

“Y-yeah. Just a lot of nakedness. Your bear’s impressive, Dirk.”

Dirk dipped his head and snorted.

“He thanks you,” said Mason.

As the rotation dictated, Caleb transformed and laid down. Dave took a final hit from his cigarette and extinguished it on the sole of his shoe. “There needs to be a shifter-friendly clothing company. Maybe add some velcro, or make tactical flip-flops or something.”

The New York council huffed; laughing at the joke. As the Owensville beta tossed his clothes aside, he converted. A few seconds later, a brown-coated wolf with white freckles on the undercarriage paced in a circle.

Vincent’s hand roamed Mason’s back. “Your turn, big guy.”

“That wasn’t so bad, was it? Just a few nipples, belly buttons, and dicks.”

The mage blushed. “Oh, shut up and shift.”

“Did you want to join us? I can walk with you while everyone else goes ahead.”

“Nah, I need to finish my meditation before I go to sleep. You guys have a good time out there.” Vincent must have seen the disappointment on the lycan’s face. He took Mason’s hand and squeezed. “We can go for a walk when I recover from tomorrow, okay?”

The compromise was comforting, so Mason gave his mate a kiss. “Deal.” Yanking his clothes off, he felt Vincent’s gaze. Can’t get enough of that. It makes me feel like I’m a god. Once a breeze blew through his legs, he pictured his wolf. The knees were the first to snap into place. To him, the contortion felt like a tickle, and the fur a temporary itch. Regardless of how many shifts he went through, his fingernails always irritated him.

He barked and joined Tierney at the front of their formation. Examining it, Mason noticed Caleb had reverted back into his human form. Good. Glad to have him watching over Vinnie. With the other four in line, he and his fellow alpha led their councils into the woods.

***

Waking the next morning, Mason blinked several times at the light seeping through the blinds. Oh gods, I slept like a baby! He rolled over to hold Vincent, but found nothing but pillows and sheets. Not again. Where did he go this time? Ignoring the deja-vu, he put on his robe and followed his nose. Even with the visitors’ scents throughout the house, he picked out Vincent’s easily. Smells like he went out back. He really likes that one tree. Might need to plan a landscaping project around it to make that a zen zone.

When he stepped out on the porch, Mason was pleasantly surprised to see Caleb sitting on the swing. “It’s eight in the morning. What are you doing here?”

“My job. Vincent told me last night he’d be up early to start on his personal stores.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot he can’t speak on the day of his dance. Did he get his bracelet filled?”

“Yep. He’s over there, but good luck getting close.”

Mason scowled. “Why?”

“He’s colder than a witch’s tit.”

The alpha rolled his eyes and headed towards Vincent. The mage was wearing all black clothing. He doesn’t own anything another color but jeans. Halfway there, he shivered. Damn, Caleb’s right! It’s seventy degrees, but it feels like thirty. “Vinnie, you okay? I didn’t know where you…” Mason lost his breath as Vincent pivoted from his seat.

Cross-legged, the mage sat surrounded by a dark shroud. The fabric seemed to be moving across the material. Vincent’s hair was frosted over, as if he had spent the night in Antarctica. He exposed a finger from the cloak and wrote on the grass, leaving ice to form words. Bracelet full. Filling my stores. Takes a while.

The wolf knelt to get a better look at his mate. This is what Mom was saying before. He’s so different. It’s nothing like I imagined. He could tell Vincent’s skin was paler, but when the mage stared at him, the lycan gasped. My gods…

The whites of Vincent’s eyes were black, and his irises were sky blue.