Love in the Shadows - 20. Chapter 20: Master Mole

He knows. Oh gods, he knows! He knows I’m a mage! Vincent blinked and watched Shaw get into a car and drive away. Breathing rapidly, he was in a panic. He needed Dave. He needed Mason. Fuck, I need anybody! Forcing his legs to work, he walked towards the store.

Dave spotted him when he exited the building. “Vin, where were—” The lycan stopped mid-sentence. His face grew serious. “What’s going on? You smell like you’re freaking out.”

He blurted, “I thought Stefan was here.”

“What?” Dave’s voice boomed. Dragging the mage away from the entrance, the beta frantically looked around. “Are you sure?”

“I-I thought it was him, but it wasn’t. I followed him. It looked just like him, but he didn’t have gray eyes. B-but on my way in, Shaw… He—” Vincent choked up. Tears were flowing, and phlegm lined his throat. Shaw knows about mages. Hell, he might’ve found out about the shifters too! Mace is gonna… Oh gods, he’s going to kill me! He’ll—.

“Vincent,” Dave’s tone was powerful and immediately snapped the mage out of his spiraling anxiety attack.

Dave’s appearance bothered Vincent. He looks like he just ran a marathon. Out of breath, the lycan leaned against the store’s outer wall. “Dave, you okay?”

“Yeah. Just… Just takes a lot out of me to use the Alpha Voice. Now, what happened with Shaw? Don’t leave a detail out.”

Wiping his eyes with a sleeve, Vincent took a deep breath. “I went after the guy that looked like Stefan, but when I turned around, Shaw was there. He came up to me and whispered, ‘I know what you are, mage.’ Gods, Dave! He knows about mages, and only the Seven know if he knows about you guys, too. What if I did something to cause this?”

“Hey, Vincent!” Dave grabbed him by the shoulders. “You did nothing. Shaw’s a detective, okay? An investigator. I’m honestly surprised it took him this long to figure it out. I need you to breathe, man. We’ll get through this. This isn’t our first rodeo. Just hang out here for a minute.”

Seeing the beta thumb his phone screen, Vincent grimaced. “If you’re calling Mace, tell him I’m sorry.”

“If it helps you, I will. But like I said, you didn’t do anything wrong.” Stepping away, Dave whispered inaudibly.

Sitting on the smokers' picnic table, Vincent replayed his interview with the detective. I didn’t do or say anything that could tell him about my magic. So how did he find out? Has he been watching me? Snapping his fingers, he sent a sight ward high into the sky. Even soaring around could not distract him from the issue. He had to have been watching me. There’s no other way! But how could Mason and them not notice? Shaw would stick out like a sore thumb.

A vibration on the table forced him to switch his vision. “Okay,” Dave huffed. “Mace’s on the way. Gonna say it again in case you weren’t listening earlier, this isn’t your fault. Mace, Caleb, and I will figure it all out. And cheer up, will ya? Don’t want your mate seeing you all sad, right?”

Vincent sniffled. No, I don’t. I just really want a hug from Mace. “You’re right, but how could’ve Shaw found out about me? Could he have staked out Mace’s house?”

“It’s possible if he was in a cornfield half a mile away. Pretty sure Mace would’ve caught him if he was any closer. We’ll figure it out. He’s probably going to meet up with Henry, get Shaw read in, and have him understand you’re not the threat here.”

A few minutes later, Mason’s Tundra pulled into the lot. The mage looked up to see a smile on the alpha’s face. He’s not mad? Of course not. Dave probably told him to act nice or something.

“Hey, Pup,” Mason called out as he jogged under the awning. He stopped and held Vincent tightly. “Everything’s going to be all right.”

“I know, but I can’t help but think it’s all my fault.”

“Come on,” the lycan said, separating enough to look at Vincent. “That’s no way to think. Just let me take care of it, and I promise I won’t do anything rash, okay?”

Hearing the sweet tone soothed his nerves. “Okay,” Vincent whispered.

“Good, and besides, I need you in a good mood for when I come pick you up. I got a little surprise for you when we get home.”

The devilish grin was unsettling, but he assumed Mason’s intentions must be well-intended. “I can do that.”

Mason gave him a smoldering kiss before turning to Dave. “Keep an eye on him, will ya?”

“Yes, dear.” Dave laughed as Mason love-tapped him on the arm. When the alpha walked away, the beta clapped Vincent on the shoulder. “Time to head back inside. I got the pallet of sugar next to the endcap.”

***

“He did what?” Henry’s face was beet-red as he yelled. “That’s it; his ass is grass!”

Mason felt the same way, despite wearing a fake smile in front of Vincent at the store. I’d wring that guy’s neck, but that’s not the answer right now. “Hold on and simmer down. We need to figure out how Shaw found out.”

“Hell, just how much has he discovered?”

“I’m not sure. He knows about magic, so I need to clue him in on the existence of supernatural beings before he goes blabbin’.”

Henry grumbled. “I don’t think he would. Anyway, let’s get this over with.” He reached for his office phone, and shortly after the detective walked in.

Shaw glanced at Mason. “What’s go—”

“Close the door and sit down,” Henry ordered. The moment the office was shut, the chief glared at the man. “You’re very lucky, Terry. I’d have your desk cleared off before you could smoke a cigarette, but Mason here’s demanding I do anything but.”

Taken aback, Shaw scrunched his face. “I’m lost. You’re taking orders from him?”

“No, he’s—”

Raising his hand, Mason silenced the room. He rose and rounded the chair. “Detective, I’m Mason Wilson, Vincent’s boyfriend. I understand you confronted him just a while ago. Unlike Henry, I’m not angry, I am here because of formality. It’s come to my attention you’ve been exposed to the existence of the magical community. There’s no use in denying it. Your information’s correct, and Vincent is a mage.”

“I knew—”

Mason growled, using a touch of his powerful voice. “I’m not done.” The human flinched and averted his gaze momentarily. “I apologize, Mr. Shaw, but I need to finish speaking. I’m a representative for the mages that live in the area, and it’s my duty to properly explain things. The existence of magical beings is to be kept a secret from the world, and I need you to understand it’s my job it stays that way. Now, how did you find out about Vincent’s abilities?”

Shaw stood his ground. “I have a source.”

“I don’t think you understand the severity of the situation, Detective. If I can’t trust you to keep things quiet, then there are dire consequences, and it’ll be taken out of my hands. Did you discover the supernatural on your own, or did someone tell you?”

“I… I get that, but I can’t give up my source.”

Mason smelled a trickle of fear, and Shaw gazed all over the place. He’s way too protective about this, plus he’s acting like a caged dog. He keeps looking in that back corner. Turning around, he barely saw it. Black smoke? The same stuff that— Realizing they were being watched, the alpha changed his plans. “I understand, detective. All I need from you is your cooperation. The magical community is to remain a secret, not only locally, but throughout the world. I will tell you this only once; if I find out you blabbed to anyone about its existence, you’ll be on trial in their courts. Do you understand?”

Shaw sheepishly nodded.

“Good. Outside of that, all I ask is for you to be open about things. Magic isn’t something to look down on. My mom’s a mage, and the ice sculptures she’s made are absolutely beautiful. I’ll be stopping by the park after this. I ask that you join me so I can show you the brighter side of this new world you’ve been introduced to.”

Seeing another nod, the alpha stepped forward and stood in front of the detective. He whispered, “You have allies here, Terry. We can get through this together.”

The man bit his bottom lip before mumbling, “Got it. I’ll be there.” Shaw got up and scooted past Mason. Before he opened the door, he turned to Henry. “Sir? Remember, you still owe me for that pack of Starburst I got for you last week. If you can pay me back…”

Henry snorted, and shooed the detective out. Once behind closed doors again, he huffed. “Well, that went differently than I expected.”

“I figured you were going to ream him a new asshole.”

“Me? I thought that was your job.”

Mason shrugged. “Changed my mind.”

Henry grabbed a stack of papers and lined them up. “Gotcha. Got a meeting with the mayor in ten minutes. I’ll text you in a bit.”

Leaving the chief, the lycan made it halfway through the department before receiving a message. From Henry? I mean, he said in a bit. Didn’t think he was being literal. He unlocked and read the text. Starburst is his duress word.

He typed back, Figured as much. It was out of place. Tell him to work on that. Besides, there was a fourth person hiding in the vents, and it wasn’t Vinnie. Sending the message, he started a separate one for Caleb. Can you pick up Vincent at 4 at GT? You and Dave bring him to my parents.

One more message. Scrolling through his contacts, he found Ingle’s number. Keep an eye on Shaw in any free time.

Receiving two ‘Yes, alpha’ texts, Mason left the station and headed for the park. Once there, he sat in an open, sunny field. Crossing his legs, he closed his eyes. Forgot how great this feels. I’ll need to do this with Vinnie again.

Half an hour later, a familiar scent wafted from the parking lot. Cigarettes. Shaw’s here. He opened his eyes and pivoted towards the approaching detective. Seeing the man in a band-tee and jeans was strange. Used to seeing the dress shirt or polo.

Realizing Mason knew where he was, Shaw appeared surprised. “Mr. Wilson. Having fun down there?”

Mason wanted the human to be at ease, so he smiled. “Yes, actually. Vinnie taught me how to meditate, and it’s very soothing. Have a seat and join me.” When the detective swiveled around nervously, the alpha calmly said, “Look around us, Terry. The closest shadow is at that tree fifty yards away.”

Slowly, Shaw sat next to Mason. The man’s pheromones told the lycan there was still some anxiety. “Okay, so what now?”

“I’m going to explain a few things now that we’re alone. First, I like to play on even ground. I haven’t been truthful with you, and for that, I’m sorry. I’m not exactly a representative for the mages in the area.”

Shaw glared at him. “Then you are…?”

“Just like mages, it’s against the law in my culture to reveal my kind’s existence, but I want to earn your trust. I only hope you’ll allow me the chance to do that.”

There was a moment of hesitation, but the detective nodded.

“Before I reveal more, I have a question. How much of the supernatural world do you want to know about?”

The look on Shaw’s face screamed eagerness. “I’m all ears. I’m not sure what to expect, but if magic exists, I can’t be surprised by whatever else is out there. Just like I promised in Chief’s office, my lips are sealed.”

“That’s good because I was serious about that threat. You will be found and brought to the Executive Council for revealing the supernatural. If found guilty, that’s a minimum five-year sentence with a forced relocation to an emotional rehabilitation facility.”

Mason lowered his tone. “Mages aren’t all bad, Terry. You’ve met two now. Do you think Vincent’s like the other one?”

Shaking his head, Shaw whispered. “No, I don’t. I…” He looked to the sky while grinding his teeth. “I fucked up, didn’t I?”

“By confronting Vincent? Kind of. But it’s nothing that can’t be fixed. I think you see which side’s greener.”

“It was Gregoro.”

“Now that’s been confirmed, I feel better about sharing information with you, Terry. Thank you. So, do you want to start with mages, or me?”

“Mages. If I hear you’re some sort of demon or whatever, I’ll probably puke.”

The alpha chuckled. “Alright, so what did Stefan tell you?”

After taking a deep breath, Shaw stared at the ground. “He said there’s magic in the world. Kind of like an energy stored in people. He told me Vincent has power to control ice and shadows.”

“Just like Stefan can control shadows and fire.”

“You should’ve seen it, man. He slipped out of my cuffs like it was nothing! My bullets would probably go right through if I fired at him.”

“Probably,” admitted Mason. “Don’t know much about the affinities myself, but I’d believe it.”

Shaw scrunched his face in indignation. “Affina-whats?”

“Affinities. Magic’s categorized by what the energy controls. Vincent has the ice, clairvoyant, and shadow affinities. There’s all sorts. Fire, ice, lightning, telepathy… Mom knows more about the stuff than I do. Anyone has a slim chance of being blessed with abilities that typically manifest after puberty. Sometimes, the elderly can develop them. Most people only get one, so people like Stefan and Vinnie are pretty rare.”

“So I can get one?”

“It’s not about getting one. People like Stefan search for power, but as far as I know, you can’t force yourself to obtain an affinity. It just happens.”

Shaw nodded. “Got it. That’s a hell of a lot more than what Gregoro told me.”

There was a lull, but Mason was content with it. Gotta take my time with this. He may be a detective but an exposed human can still have trouble grasping the concept of the supernatural existing. When Shaw huffed, Mason straightened and paid attention.

“So, if I told Stefan what I had on Vincent?”

Mason growled and met the human’s gaze. “Can’t lie, I’m a little pissed, but only slightly at you. I’m more upset you confronted Vincent, but I understand human bravado and pride.”

“You…” Shaw’s emotions told Mason the detective was fearful once again. “You say the word human as if you’re not one.”

“You ready to hear more about the supernatural then?”

Shaw nodded.

“I’m not a human.”

The detective did not appear overly surprised. “So you’re like an alien or some shit?”

Hearing the preposterous suggestion, Mason reclined and landed on the grass laughing. “That’s a new one! No, as far as I know, aliens don’t actually exist. This isn’t the best way to start off, but have you seen Twilight?”

The human slouched and groaned. “Don’t tell me you’re a sparkly vampire.”

“Fuck no! Vampires aren’t sparkly, but you’ll wish they were if you ever meet one. No, I’m the other one.”

“Werewolf? Seriously?”

Mason cringed. “Werewolf’s kind of a misnomer. I’m a lycan; a wolf shapeshifter. I can change between my human and wolven forms whenever I want, versus werewolves only shift on a full moon.”

“That’s… That’s actually pretty damn cool. You don’t go around biting people, right?”

“No, that’s illegal, for the most part. Only two reasons permit lycans, or any other shapeshifter, to bite a human. Either if the human is at risk of dying, or if we find our mate and they want to turn into one.”

Shaw stretched his legs and held himself up by his elbows. “So, Vincent then?”

“Human, for now. He’s decided to become a wolf, but he’s holding off for the right time.”

“How many of you guys are in Owensville?”

Feeling a nice breeze, Mason smiled and thought about his pack. “There’s about two hundred of us. Mostly wolves, but we have a couple oddballs. A bear’s going to move here in January, and there’s a lion, leopard, and a tiger. Owensville County Pack. We’re one of the stronger small groups in America, but there’s no intention of growing any time soon. I’m their leader, a position called Pack Alpha. I have a beta; my trusted right-hand man, and a delta; my bodyguard and overall protector of the pack.”

“Damn!” Shaw’s exclamation made Mason smirk. “So, head honcho, huh? Do I need to start calling you Pack Alpha Wilson or something?”

“Nope. You’re not a member of my pack. Plus, the supernatural doesn’t exist, remember?”

“R-right.”

“It’s all good. There’s a whole lot to learn about. Cultures, preferred behaviors, terminology… But you’re not expected to keep up with it all.” Switching topics, Mason sat up. “So, I’m going to assume you’re not going to be Stefan’s lap dog?”

“Hell no!” Shaw grabbed a cigarette from his pocket and lit it. “He’s a murderer. Even admitted it to me.”

What? Mason was at attention. Practically staring a hole through the man’s head, he needed to hear that again. “He admitted to it?”

Puffing, the human nodded. “Yep, said he’d do the time too, but I don’t believe that for a second.”

“That’s comforting. That does lead me to another point I wanted to talk with you about. You may not be pack, but you live in my territory and serve the people on my lands. Regardless if you need the help or not, I, and every one of my pack members are here to protect you. You seem pretty capable with a gun, but we’re still here for you. As the alpha, that’s my promise."

Shaw slouched and took another drag. “Thanks. I’m not usually one to ask for help, but I’m definitely taking it here. Just one question.”

“Yeah?”

“How do we get this bastard?”

***

Clocked out and tired, Vincent saw Caleb leaning on the side of a sedan. Why’s he here? Scanning the parking lot, he didn’t see Mason’s truck. That’s strange. I mean, Dave could’ve taken me home.

The ailouros waved him down. “Little B!”

“Hey, G-man. I thought Mace was picking me up.”

“He texted me and asked me to. Didn’t say why, though.”

Dave came from behind with a lit cigarette. “We had a little scare. Mace had to go meet with Shaw and Henry.”

Caleb growled to himself. “What’d that prick do now?”

“Found out Vin’s a mage. Don’t worry, Mace got it squared away. We’re having a council meeting at Lei’s as soon as we get there.”

Vincent noticed the delta’s scowl, but it was short-lived. “Got it. Ready, little man?”

On the way to Lei and Elaine’s, he detailed the day’s events to Caleb. The lion was sympathetic hearing about the confrontation, even offering a forced smile.

When they parked, Elaine stepped out onto the porch. “Caleb, Vincent? What’s going on?”

“Wish we knew more, ma’am,” Caleb said. “Dave and Mace have more answers than I do, but Detective Shaw’s discovered the world of mages.”

Dave’s Silverado eased into the driveway at that point. Vincent noticed Caleb’s disgruntled face as the beta walked up. He’s mad at Dave?

“Dave?” Elaine called out.

“Sorry, Lady Elaine. Mace wanted an impromptu council meeting with you and Lei. He said to meet in the backyard away from any trees.”

Her face paled. “Oh. I-I’ll go get Lei.”

She went inside just as Mason arrived. Just before Vincent walked towards the vehicle, he heard Caleb mutter, “There’s someone else in Mason’s truck.”

Both doors swung open, and even though Vincent wanted to be in Mason’s arms, he stayed and watched the passenger. Shaw. As he saw the detective awkwardly shuffle forward, two large bodies blocked the mage’s view.

“Dave, Caleb. Stand down,” Mason ordered. “He’s fine. Terry has something he wants to tell my mate.”

The council slowly moved aside, but Caleb remained at Vincent’s hip. Looking up, he saw the lion’s stern glare toward Shaw. When Vincent patted Caleb’s arm, the delta backed off.

Shaw kept his hands pocketed. “Vincent, I’d like to apologize. I shouldn’t have confronted you, but I’m kind of glad I did. Mason and I had a real long talk about all of this stuff. I’m also sorry for the interrogation earlier this week. I threw myself into the job and listened to my gut before getting all the facts. It was unprofessional, and I let my pride get in the way.”

He seems genuinely upset with himself. I almost feel his regret. “I forgive you, Mr. Shaw. I just hope you’ll learn to see people for who they are, regardless if they have magic or not.”

“I sure won’t. Mason filled me in on all sorts of things. Gotta say, my eyes are wide open.”

Dave crossed his arms and looked at his alpha. “What all have you told him?”

Mason was expressionless. “I’ll go over everything. There’s a lot to discuss.” He led the way to the backyard.

Lei and Elaine came out, and Shaw straightened his posture. “Chief Wilson.”

“Terry, how’s it going, kiddo?” Lei shook the detective’s hand. “Something tells me you’ve had a hell of a day. I take it you stumbled across something you couldn’t explain?”

“Heh, you can say that again…” The human trailed off and stared at the former chief. “You’re a shapeshifter too.”

Giving Shaw a wink, Lei turned to his son. “What’s going on?”

The pack alpha glanced at everyone. “Alright, I’m calling this emergency council meeting for a couple reasons. First, Terry’s been completely read in and knows that the magical community exists. After talkin’ with him for a while, I deemed it necessary to expose him to the shifter community as well.

“Second, I’m placing Terry into pack protection.”

Caleb and Lei seemed disturbed by the decree. “What’s happened, son?”

Before Mason could say anything, Shaw raised a hand. “Mason, if I could?” Given permission, the detective spoke. “I was approached last night at my apartment by Gregoro.”

A lump got stuck in Vincent’s throat. Stefan? “He was here?”

“Yeah. It was scary as hell.”

As Shaw described the event, Vincent could not believe what he was hearing. Stefan revealed the magical world to him. For what? To cause trouble? It doesn’t seem like his style. What was the purpose? When the man finished, Vincent approached him. “It’s okay, Mr. Shaw. That’s what Stefan does. It’s a game to him.”

Lei grumbled angrily, “But what’s the point?”

Vincent and Shaw flinched. The alpha’s tone was deep, and his eyes glowed brightly. It’s like that morning. That’s the alpha voice.

“Dad,” Mason shouted, “you’re hurting my mate!”

“Erm,” Lei cleared his throat. “Sorry about that.”

Shaw frantically looked around him. “Okay, what was that? Felt like I was under a spell or something.”

“That’s a sample of an alpha’s power,” answered Lei. “We can take our anger and frustration, magnify it, and use it in our words to instill fear. Sometimes we can’t help it when we get pissed off.”

Shaw shared a few minor details, but Dave crossed his arms and growled. “That’s all fine and dandy, but what possessed you to get in Vincent’s face?”

“Dave!” Mason barked. “He said he’s sorry. I accepted his apology, and I’m pretty sure Vincent has as well. Move it along.”

Puffing on a cigarette, the beta exhaled through his nose. “My bad. Sorry, Terry.”

“It’s okay,” the detective replied. “My actions have consequences, and I’ll own up to ‘em.”

“Gotcha. So Mace, what was the purpose of revealing the shifters to him?”

Mason put an arm around both Shaw and Vincent. “To build trust. Might not’ve been the best reason, but I needed Terry to know we have his back. I won’t allow Stefan to make him a puppet. So, we’re making plans for the future. Stefan was watching our meeting with Henry, so he’s on the prowl. If you see smoking shadows, more than likely that’s him. The only other way to know he’s there is if Vinnie checks.”

Vincent nodded. Right, I should do that real fast. Stepping behind Mason’s foot, he vanished. Looking around in the grayscale world, he didn’t see anyone other than the present group. Not sure how useful this would be. Stefan could get away the moment I use my magic. Reappearing under Mason’s arm, he reported, “He’s not here, but unless I check constantly, it’s almost useless.”

“Alright then. We have an enemy that can appear at any moment. I encourage traveling in groups from here on out, preferably with a mage. Mom, you’ve fought him before, and Vinnie’s got the best shot of taking him down. The rest of you, make sure you’re staying vigilant. Maybe start carrying a pistol. He’s a powerful mage, but he’s still human.

“Terry, you’re a key here as well. I hate to ask, but are you comfortable working undercover? I’d like to have eyes and ears on Stefan, and he seems to think you’re an ally. Play that role. You have my number, and I’m going to send you everyone’s as well in case you need to get ahold of someone.”

“You got it,” answered Shaw. “I was going to suggest it anyway. I’ll do my best; haven’t been undercover like this in ages.”

“I believe in you. Never doubt your instincts. We’ll keep this matter away from the general pack for now.” Mason turned to Caleb. “Got somethin’ on your mind?”

Snorting, Caleb crossed his arms. “Your plan’s great, Mace, but it only works if we have effective communication. I know you just handed me this position, and I’m grateful, but I’m not going to operate in the dark. The pack’s most wanted man pops up, and neither Dave nor I got the memo until just now. Forgive me for speaking my mind, but I’m no toddler. I’m the pack enforcer, and you kept all the information to yourself. You didn’t even tell your beta, your most trusted advisor. All I ask is for more confidence in our ability to help you lead.”

Mason stood in silence with a blank expression. He sighed and mumbled, “Shit. I’m sorry, guys. You’re right about that. That’s on me. I’ll be upfront with both of you from here on out.”

“Me too, Mace,” said Vincent. “I’m not a kid. Like you said, I’m the best bet to take on Stefan. I need to know things too.”

“Of course. Sorry, Pup.” Mason growled as he clenched his eyelids shut. “I want this fucker dead. Even if you see him in the streets, take him out.”

***

Driving home, Mason’s hand never left Vincent’s. The mage was quiet. I don’t blame him. “How’re you holding up?”

“I’m okay. Just didn’t expect Stefan to pop up so quickly after the letter. He normally plays a mean waiting game, only sending mercs every few months.”

“Well, let’s put him in the back of our minds for a bit.” As the wolf parked in the driveway, he leaned over and rubbed Vincent’s thigh. “I want you,” he whispered.

“I want you too, Mace. I need you.”

Seeing the little man blush pleased his wolf. He wanted to maul his mate’s mouth, but needed to do one thing before carrying Vincent to the bedroom. Kissing the mage, Mason reached for and pressed the garage button on the visor. “Got something for you, Pup. Just promise you won’t castrate me.”

The mage giggled and playfully pushed him away. “I’m sure I’ll love it. What is…” Vincent turned to the rising door, and his jaw slowly opened.

When the whirring stopped, Mason murmured, “So, what’cha think?”

Tears welled as Vincent clutched the lycan’s hand. “You… You got me a car?”

“Well, yeah! My baby needs a set of wheels to get around, doesn’t he? C’mon, come look at it.” He got out and dashed to the passenger side. Bringing Vincent closer, Mason had to hold up his mate. He’s so happy.

The two stared at a Caribbean-blue 2015 Kia Soul. When Mason saw it on the used-car site, he knew it would suit Vincent. A perfect car for my frost mage. Fun in size with plenty of spunk. He dangled the key in his mate’s face. “For all the birthdays and holidays I’ve missed. I want you to know you’re the most important person in my life.”

Vincent lost it and nearly collapsed as he sobbed. “M-Mace, I love it. I really do, but this… It’s too much.”

The alpha hummed. “I don’t think so. You deserve the world, and I think this is a good start. Now you can get around town a little better. We’ll get the licensing and insurance figured out in the morning, but for now, I’m going to really show you how much I love you.”

Picking up his mate, he carried the man inside to make love.