Love in the Shadows - 29. Chapter 29: Holding Hands

The shifters ran, led by the alpha couple. Dodging trees, Vincent and Mason kicked up leaves and twigs with every step. The buffeting winds felt like a drug-induced adrenaline rush. Every time Mason passed Vincent, the mage sped up to become the leader.

Vincent heard the sounds of paws behind him. Knowing the others were following him fueled his effort. After some sprinting, Mason barked, signaling the group to slow down. Vincent analyzed his mate's posture. Look alert.

Mason sniffed the ground and huffed.

Deer. Vincent's wolf became serious. First hunt.

Oh, fuck, his human mind complained. You know what? Have at it. I'm just going to sit this one out.

Human silly. Mate say deer taste good.

Yeah, but that's going to be raw, since I don't see a stove or oven out here.

Human funny. Deer good, promise.

Lei came to Vincent's side, and along with Mason, advised him on tactics for his first hunt. How to approach, where to strike, and when to coordinate with others. Vincent appreciated them sharing their knowledge. Good teach.

Yeah, I'm glad they're here. I was a little too young to go hunting with Dad before…

The wolf sensed sadness in the human. Still need talk.

Y-yeah, but not now. I don't want to ruin this happy moment.

Okay. After hunt. I want know.

You got it. Go eat your deer. Just don't get antlers stuck in our teeth.

The wolf snorted. Funny joke! I like. Keep, tell others. Refocusing, the wolf picked up the deer's trail. He noticed several in the group branching off. Make sense. No eat same deer. Mate stay?

Mason glanced at him, huffed, and continued at Vincent's side. Together, they followed a buck's scent. Along the way, Vincent was careful where he stepped. He avoided nearly every leaf and twig to remain as silent as possible. Spotting the lone deer, he looked to Mason for guidance. When his mate nudged him, Vincent knew he had been given the reins.

He decided to continue stalking. The buck was barely in sight, and Vincent wanted to close the distance. The second they were discovered, he would sprint. Vincent savored the sensation of being the embodiment of danger. The poor, defenseless deer had no idea what was coming, and Vincent salivated at the thought. His confidence bubbled until it snapped, much like the twig he stepped on.

The silhouette of the buck's antlers turned, and Vincent sprinted.

He forwent caring for silence. All that mattered was the need to capture his prey. Vincent smelled the deer's fear. Yes, fear me! He noticed Mason off to the right, running slightly faster. Understanding the tactic, Vincent increased his stride and veered to the left.

The buck was swifter than he anticipated, but Vincent was gaining. Mason must have feinted to one side since the deer came closer. This was his chance!

He panted, rushed to the animal’s side, and lunged. Latching onto the prey's side with his teeth, he clawed at the buck until it toppled. Never letting go, he heard a bleat before Mason came to clamp his jaw on the buck's neck and shook the animal. Between his teeth, Vincent felt his prey's heart rate quicken, then slowly fade.

The kill was complete, and Vincent felt full of pride. He released his grip on the fallen animal and joined Mason at the head. Pleased, Vincent admired the bounty. Big deer. Inhaling, he raised his head and howled.

He watched as Mason bit the rump and stripped off a chunk of flesh with a bite. When nudged, Vincent took one of his own and ate. He growled in satisfaction. Meat good. What human think?

This is so wrong, his alter-ego thought. It's better than I thought, but it's still raw.

Wolf eat raw. Human cook. Hunt fun.

Yeah, I guess I could get used to this. I'm still going to put veggies in my food though.

That fair.

Once his appetite was sated, Vincent circled and laid down on the cool grass. Mason approached soon after and licked Vincent's maw. When Vincent whined, Mason snorted, instructing him to stay put so he could clean the blood off his fur. Once done, Vincent returned the favor.

Laying together, he reveled in his mate's presence. A sense of belonging permeated his mind. The shared body heat, Mason laying atop Vincent, and feeling each other's breathing was wholesome. It was similar to their time spent as humans, but completely different as well. He envisioned spending the rest of his days with the silver wolf and had no quarrel with that prospect.

Mason rose, stretched, and nipped at Vincent's side. The alpha padded away as Vincent tried to retort, forcing a playful chase. He caught Mason's golden eyes when they ran further into the forest.

***

Judging from the moon’s position, Cyrus believed it to be near midnight. He remained by the Wilson home while the others hunted. Tierney’s desire to move here is understandable. There’s a familiar peace among the trees. Closest to it was when I trekked the Black Forest with Alpha Meyer. The air’s a bit muggier here, but it clears up at night.

The panda sat with his back to a tree. The evening hunt proved to be too much for Kaplan, who laid a few feet from Cyrus, panting. The wolf was worn out. The bear seized the opportunity to admire the sandy coat. I doubt NYSP shifters get the chance to stretch their four legs often.

Cyrus and Kaplan watched as couples returned from their expeditions. Lei and Elaine were to first to shift and clothe their human selves. As they whispered on the front porch, Tierney and Morrine came running, only for the New York alpha to lead the way into the house. When Cyrus caught silhouettes moving in a second-floor window, he laughed. Those two will be mated in no time. Only a tiger could handle Tierney…

He studied the homeowners as they looked up, surely hearing Tierney and Morrine’s antics. Lei lowered a hand on Elaine’s waist, the couple kissed, then entered the house. Cyrus huffed as Caleb and Tasha passed by. They retrieved their clothes after shifting, but the couple stood still for a moment. Caleb must have said something considering Tasha swatted the back of the lion’s head. Snickering as the feline shapeshifters left for their car, Cyrus could only imagine. Seems like they’re truly in love.

His attention returned to Kaplan. The wolf was interesting to Cyrus. Intelligent, yet out of touch in certain ways of life. I believe he’s learning there’s more than work out there.

Wolf smart, his bear spoke.

Sensing trepidation within his animal, Cyrus dug deeper. Is that all you can say about Kaplan, my bear? Surely you like him for more than his smarts.

Like wolf.

Ah, but what exactly do you like about him? When his bear remained silent, Cyrus clicked his tongue. Now, don’t be shy with me. You can’t hide your thoughts.

I… Want wolf. He not true mate, but want wolf to be.

The bear’s admission left Cyrus baffled. His alter-ego had never been so brazen about courting. Are you saying you already know Kaplan is our mate? Where is this decision coming from? You typically take months to decide whether someone’s worthy of being near us.

Yes, but wolf different. He broken, like us. He fix self, like us.

An astute observation. Yes, he’s had a troubled past, and it resembles ours. I admit it strengthens the connection I feel with him. My bear, are you certain you wish to pursue Kaplan?

After a silent moment, his animal spirit hummed. Yes.

Then it shall be. Rising, Cyrus moved toward the tree he left his clothes at. Along the way, he saw Kaplan’s pile. He grabbed it all with his mouth and carried it back. Seeing the small wolf canter closer delighted Cyrus. Kaplan shifted and thanked the alpha. Cyrus did not intend to look, but when the beta bent over, he examined the lithe frame. Hmm. Rather disproportionate.

Like, but too soon.

Agreed. I take it you’re ready to hold his hand?

Yes, want. Cyrus ventured to grab his suit. Before he began the transformation, his bear growled. No! No show—

I wasn’t going to. No need to frighten Kaplan. The panda turned to face the wolf and shifted. Donning his dress shirt, Cyrus grinned. “Still winded, Mr. Alvey?”

“Yeah! It’s been so long since I ran like that. I might have to get a gym membership soon. Think I’d rather just lay and watch everyone else have fun.”

Cyrus giggled as he pulled up his pants. “Learning from me already? While I appreciate a hunt once in a while, my bear’s appetite was dominant tonight.”

“You’re omnivorous, right?”

“Quite. My bear prefers a vegetarian diet, but I’m still part human. There’s something special about a good burger.”

Kaplan laughed, and Cyrus relished it. “I know a few hole-in-the-walls.”

“I might rescind my declaration and have you choose the first date.” Fully clothed, Cyrus folded his jacket and stared at the forest. The moonlight glowed, and the stars shined in the night sky. “Tierney was right. These woods hold a calming energy. I can see why he’s chosen this place.”

“Y-you like it here too?”

Hearing the trepidation in Kaplan’s voice, Cyrus knew where the beta’s mind had raced to. “Yes, I do. But I’m still in my prime, and I have no intention of giving up on my dreams.” He stepped closer to the wolf and smirked. “And I need you to help me accomplish them.” He reached out and gently grasped Kaplan’s hand. The slender fingers felt smooth and warm to the panda’s touch.

“Alph—” Kaplan stammered and corrected himself. “Cyrus! Wh-what are you doing?”

Power flowed to the alpha's eyes. "I'm holding your hand. My bear wanted it. Believe me, it’s a new development on my side as well. This is going faster than I expected. I hope you're comfortable."

"I am. Your hand feels nice. My wolf likes this a lot."

The subject interested Cyrus. "You don't speak much of your wolf. Is there a reason?"

Kaplan shook his head. "He's there, but he only comes out when I'm working in court. He helps when an objection is needed."

"A very intelligent spirit. Why does that not surprise me?" Kneading the smaller digits within his, Cyrus hummed. "I'm almost afraid to let go."

"Why's that?"

"My bear might get upset."

Kaplan chuckled. "I guess that means I'll have to keep holding on."

A few yips caught their attention. The couple pivoted to see Mason and Vincent nipping at each other. The newly shifted lycan tumbled when chasing the pack alpha, but swiftly recovered. While Mason was relatively clean, twigs and brush were stuck in Vincent's coat.

Cyrus laughed, holding his side at the wolf's appearance. "Vincent! You're marvelously filthy. Just what did you two get into?"

Mason's tail wagged as he panted with glee. Vincent snorted and bumped his mate, as if to insinuate Mason had something to be braggadocious about. Cyrus grinned. "You seem to have had a wonderful time. How was your first hunt?"

Receiving a woof in response, Cyrus beamed. "A perfect ending to a beautiful night. I take it you two will remain out here for a while?"

Both wolves nodded. Glancing at the home’s second story, Cyrus pursed his lips and smacked them. "I believe I will as well. I'd prefer to turn in, but I'm afraid I won't sleep any time soon with that racket. Oh, apologies. Rackets"

Mason repeatedly snorted, followed by Vincent who must have caught on to the bedroom antics inside the house. From behind, Dave and Dirk approached with slightly pink maws and were greeted by the four. Mason trotted to his pile and shifted. "I don't know about you guys," he called out, "but I think we should move this party to my place."

"A capital idea," Cyrus said. "Mason, would you mind if I accompanied you? I take it you have a spare guest room?"

"Yep. You guys coming too?"

Kaplan agreed, as well as Dave when he shifted. Dirk transformed and elected to remain at the Wilson household with Tierney. After the New York delta went inside, the rest ventured to the vehicles out front. On the way, Dave and Cyrus discussed ordering pizza for later. Galaxy Pizza, hm? I’ll be sure to order something stacked with veggies, my bear.

Good. Hungry.

The entire time, Cyrus’s hand never left Kaplan’s. Just as he thought, his bear urged him to maintain the connection. It was pleasant to have a gentle yet meaningful grip in his. The thought of working alongside with a potential lover came to mind, but he shrugged it off. Kaplan says he can separate work and play. I’m interested to see what will happen. Regardless, it feels… Right. It feels right with him.

***

“Alright, Pup," Mason said, unlocking the Tundra with his key fob. "Ready to head home?"

Vincent cantered toward the passenger side. While he enjoyed the time spent at Lei and Elaine's, he longed to return home. Run fun. Want see mate's woods.

Yeah, we'll need to memorize it.

Mason leaned against the truck. “Oh, you think you’re getting in the cab? You’re cute, but we don’t need fur and pinecones all over the place.” He backpedaled and lowered the tailgate.

Excited, Vincent tapped his paws on the pavement. His wolf was curious as to why the human cared so much. Why happy? What happen?

Are you joking with me? This is going to be awesome! Every time I see a dog in a truck bed, their tails are wagging so hard.

Eager to experience what his human mind was talking about, the wolf leaped and landed with skidding nails. The gate shut behind him, and Mason came to the driver’s side. “Keep your hind legs sturdy, and don’t fall overboard.”

Snorting, Vincent promised to behave. Truck move. Do sit?

Stand near the rear windshield, and put most of your weight on your back. When this thing starts moving, it’ll take you with it. The engine started, and when the vehicle lurched, Vincent’s paws slid. Stabilizing himself, the wolf understood his human’s exhilaration. The breeze picked up when Mason turned and accelerated. Needing to feel the wind, the wolf dared to step on the bed railing. Vincent was buffeted, and compared it to running in the woods. But no run!

Vincent’s human mind said something, but through the excitement, the animal barely registered it. What say?

Go to the other side!

Why? Side good.

Our other ear will get some action.

The argument was solid. Vincent carefully hopped down and traversed to the right. Getting up, the wolf panted with his tongue out. You right, this good! The experience was freeing. The passing dark grassland and trees were nothing but blurs. He felt as if he could fly alongside his mate. Back and forth, the wolf changed sides intermittently. From then on, he would relate to dogs who craved a ride in a vehicle.

Vincent howled, not caring if the wind drowned out his voice. He wished the night would never end.

***

Sipping his tea, the mage stewed in his thoughts. Leaning back in a stiff chair, he savored the silent, vacant hotel room. The sound of his cup clinking on the saucer made him smile.

Little Vinnie… my, he has changed. He’s grown since finding that little pack of dogs. I’m almost afraid he’s become formidable. Not only was he willing to become one of them, but he turned out to be an alpha. Crossing a leg, he quietly hummed. I’ve had an itch for something interesting, and who better to give me a challenge than the runt.

Stefan admired Vincent’s growth. I must admit, he has patience and ambition. To come after me for nearly a decade. That is dedication. I only hope it won’t be wasted.

Anger bubbled within as he reminisced the path that brought him to the Bolton household all those years ago. That fortune teller… He fed me lies! Said mythical power was there, but there was nothing. I scoured that house for all it’s secrets. Plundered in every closet and cabinet. Those two…. They knew nothing.

Then there’s the boy. I knew the moment he grabbed my coat he had magic and fight. He would grow to be peculiar, and it doesn’t surprise me he’s followed me.

But why? Why has all of this happened? Racking his brain, Stefan set the cup and saucer down and pulled back the window curtain. He peered at the bustling streets of San Francisco, hoping the weaving cars would help speed the process. The teller… He hasn’t been wrong before. He’s led me to many well-kept books and people with information. How is it this one—

A spark of curiosity piqued his interest. Formulating a theory, Stefan turned again to his tea. He sipped, furrowing his brow as he tasted the lukewarm liquid. He warmed his fingers to heat the cup’s contents. Recalling the specific words the fortune teller used, the mage sat and muttered, “Is it him?”