Love in the Shadows - 30. Chapter 30: Barriers Broken

Arriving home, Vincent shook his head, trying to clear the echoes of the whistling wind. Ride fun! Like hunt.

Mason exited the truck’s cab and reached for him. “How was your first trip in the back, Pup?”

Licking the outstretched hand, Vincent enjoyed the playful rubs and scratches on his head. Mason broke off the affectionate petting, rounded the vehicle, and lowered the tailgate. “Hang on, let me bring you down. You jump and land on gravel, you’ll be in a world of pain.”

Grateful for the offer, Vincent let Mason lift him. When his paws hit rock, the younger lycan instantly disliked the pointy edges. He daintily traipsed to the grass, then took off running.

“Vinnie,” Mason called out, “get over here!”

Vincent abided as both Dave’s truck and Kaplan’s rental pulled in. Nearing his mate, the wolf circled Mason. He snorted and yipped, expressing his happiness.

“Gods, I can’t get over how gorgeous you look. The blue and gray covering your white fur is just mesmerizing.” The alpha stooped and ruffled Vincent’s coat. “My wolf’s so proud to have you. You’re beautiful, Vincent. So fuckin’ beautiful.”

As the couple shared their love, vehicle doors slammed closed, and Vincent heard Cyrus giggle. “Now, Mason. Keep playing with him, and he’ll be awake all night.” The bear sauntered toward Vincent and gave him a chin rub. “Ah, but who am I to criticize such behavior? It is Vincent’s day. He should be free to do whatever he pleases. I’ve taken the liberty of ordering several pizzas, and they should be here shortly.”

Taking the panda’s words to heart, Vincent sprinted to the backyard and set about practicing different moves. Good job, bud. Your pivots are getting better.

Yes, good. Deer stand no chance. Hungry…

You just ate half a buck!

Did run, take mate. Need food.

Vincent lapped around the house and stopped in front of Dave. “Hey, Vin. I…” Dave shook his head. “I still can’t believe this. Two months ago, you walked into Greenthumb, needing a job. Now look at you.”

Vincent replayed his journey to and around Owensville in his mind. He remembered asking Dave questions about the stocking job and his immediate opinion of the shifter. The man had looked hardy but exhausted. He appeared more relaxed at the moment, and since quitting cigarettes, always smelled cleaner.

He seems happier now. I don’t think he smiled at all during my first week at work. He followed the beta and sat on the porch when Dave chose a chair.

“You know, Vin,” Dave muttered. “These past few months have been real fun with you around. Before, it was just Mace and I tackling tiny pack issues and cleaning up the territory. Having you here’s made this place better. Despite all the stuff with Stefan, I can see how happy you make Mace, and that affects how he leads. He was a little reserved before you came along. It's good to finally see him let loose a bit."

Hearing how he inadvertently changed his mate's disposition, Vincent wagged his tail. Trying to imagine the confident alpha acting any different was difficult.

"Then he promoted Caleb. I thought Mace would never fill that position. He needed someone at his side when I couldn't be. It really stressed me out, man. Guess what I'm trying to say is I'm real happy you came along."

Vincent edged closer and lapped Dave's fingers with his tongue.

"Your tongue’s dry. Let me go get'cha a bowl of water."

When Vincent decided to follow, Dave held his hand out. "Sorry, Vin. If you could see yourself, you'd stop yourself too. There's dirt and leaves all over your fur."

The wolf whined but understood. Yeah, we're probably a mess.

"If you'd like, I can grab the hose and spray you down. There's a space heater in the garage Mace uses during winter that'll dry you off."

Woofing, Vincent agreed. After a minute, both Dave and Mason returned, one holding a dish while the other carried a big, black box with a cord. Mason smirked. "Didn't think I'd be giving you a bath tonight, Pup. You're not going to get me wet, are you?"

The idea tempted him, but Vincent snorted, promising to keep his mate dry. Dave set down a bowl, and Vincent stuck his mouth in the water. Realizing he needed to discover how to drink, he consulted his human. Using his tongue as a makeshift shovel, he lapped slowly. Drink slow. No like.

It isn't that bad. We'll get used to it.

Mason uncoiled the hose and spun the nozzle to a soft stream. "Ready, Vinnie?"

Taking a few more sips, he padded to the lawn. Water come from thing? That better to drink.

Just remember to not shake. I'm not sure if we'll like getting a bath.

Why not?

Some dogs don't like getting wet, but I'm sure it won't be an issue with us. The water'll probably be cold, so keep that in mind.

Mason aimed and squeezed the trigger. Chilly water hit Vincent, and he whined. C-cold!

He suffered. While Vincent shivered, Dave came and scrubbed the clumped dirt away. Mason mumbled sweet nothings during the ordeal, and all Vincent desired was to run and shake. For several minutes, the wolf gritted his teeth, begging for the torture to end.

Dave stepped away, and after a few seconds, the water stream halted. "There you—"

Vincent bolted and shook as if his life depended on it. The majority of the moisture was removed, but the cool remnants irritated him. He sprinted to the heater and hoped his fur would dry quickly. Looking at Mason, he saw the alpha and beta cackling. Mate get bath next time.

Yeah, see how he fuckin' likes it. That sucked donkey dick! The warmth from the appliance was heavenly. Nothing could have made him move.

Mason went inside and returned with a towel. "There's my clean wolf." He vigorously rubbed Vincent with the large cloth. "I know baths suck, Pup. Over time, you'll learn how to avoid getting messy."

The combination of the heater and towel worked quickly. Vincent closed his eyes and enjoyed the circular motions as Mason worked. Turning, he felt the warmth hit his other side. Dave chuckled and said, "All he needs now is a good brushing. Kind of looks like a puff ball."

All three laughed, and Kaplan poked his head out the door to inform them the pizza had arrived. Mason spoke to the clean wolf, "Want some? You're dry enough to come inside. I haven't seen a wolf eat a pizza before, so this might be funny."

Vincent softly growled and followed. Eat good! No mess.

Cyrus was arranging the boxes on the counter. He stopped and grinned at Vincent. "Bath time's over already? Mr. Bolton, you look much better. May I serve you a slice?"

Huffing, he anxiously waited. The panda laid a slice on a plate, then carried the plates to the island before laying Vincent's on the floor. Curiously, the wolf nibbled at the crust, determined to prove to his mate he could handle the food. After a few bites, Vincent was confidently eating. Good food. What this?

Pizza. It was popularized by the Italians. America naturally took it and blew up the industry. You can put nearly anything on it as toppings. This one's a meat-lovers, so there's bacon, sausage, and pepperoni. I prefer a supreme, which has peppers and onions.

Blegh! Meat good.

Figures. While he ate, the group's chatter picked up. Between the friendly conversation and laughter, Vincent was content with life.

When he was finished eating, he nudged the plate, and Mason picked it up. “Did you get enough, Pu”—he yawned midsentence.

Concerned, Vincent whined.

“I’m good. It’s just been a while since I’ve stayed up this late.” He looked at Kaplan and Dave. “How about you guys?”

“I’ll stay up, sir,” Kaplan said. “I usually don’t go to sleep until three.”

"Count me in," Dave added. "Just need some coffee."

"I believe I'll turn in," Cyrus said. "Vincent, I hope you've had a memorable shiftday. I'll see you all in the morning."

Everyone wished Cyrus a good night, then went back outside while Dave stayed to brew a pot. When he rejoined the others, he held three mugs out. “Here ya go, Mace. Kap, not sure if you like cream or sugar.”

Kaplan hummed and sipped. "No, thank you. I don’t doctor my coffee."

Dave snickered. "Same here. Ruins the taste. So, what's on the agenda, Vin?"

Snorting, Vincent leaped off the porch and ran. He rounded the few trees in the yard before his human mind had a request. Hey, bud. Want to try something?

Yes, what do?

Let's try using our magic. I'm not sure what we can do considering we can't fling shards. Don't think we can create sight wards either.

Will try. Run shadow?

Go for it, bud. Remember to use anger for shadow magic. The angrier you are, the faster you go. Just think of the stuff that you hate.

The wolf snorted. Green food.

Oh, har har! I mean, if that’s what you need to think about, go for it.

The imagery of leafy vegetables filled the wolf’s mind. No juicy flavor, dissatisfying crunchiness, and as Vincent’s wolf channeled his emotions, his vision faded to gray. Did it! In dark.

Great job. How about we pop up next to Dave?

Funny. Like. The wolf trotted to the seated betas, who were scanning the yard for him.

Kaplan flinched when Vincent released the magic and appeared next to him. Dave merely peered over his shoulder. “Great. Now we have a Houdini hound. Deer won’t know what bit ‘em. Are you practicing your magic on all fours?”

Vincent huffed, confirming his intentions. He turned to Mason and found his mate had fallen asleep in his chair. Mate tired. Let sleep. Vincent disappeared again and returned to the middle of the yard. More magic. What do? Ice?

We’ll need to think about this one. In this form, we can’t grip a weapon in our paws.

Mouth? Hold in mouth.

Possibly, but that means we’ll be using our neck to swing whatever we use. I think our—

Idea! The wolf widened his stance. Got idea. Visualizing what he required, Vincent activated his magic. His body felt colder, and icicles protruded from his fur. Did it!

W-what did you just do?

Ice all over hair. Sharp. No get hit.

Oh, like a porcupine. I like it!

“Nice, Vin,” Dave said as he approached, holding his mug. “Get rid of the ones on your legs. That way, you won’t stab yourself.”

Kaplan nodded. “Great physical defense. The only thing you’d need to look out for is a magical attack.”

Pleased with the feedback, Vincent applied Dave’s suggested changes and continued to practice. Within the shadows, he traversed Mason’s forest with ease. He passed a few doe, and contemplated whether to use his power in future confrontations. No. Make hunt boring.

Yeah, but you could definitely have some fun. Just pop out in front of one and watch it freak out.

The wolf toyed with the idea. Then chase. Or get ahead, do again.

Now that sounds like torture.

As he grew accustomed to using magic in his animal form, Vincent returned to the porch. Laying at Mason’s feet, he eavesdropped on Dave and Kaplan’s conversation. Seem imp… Important.

Hey, look at you using a big word. What’re they talking about?

“It’s different,” Kaplan said. “I never thought about being with someone like him.”

Dave shrugged. “He seems like a really nice guy.”

“You don’t think it’s inappropriate? An alpha dating his beta?”

“Not at all. You guys won’t be the first power couple out there. Look at those HGTV people. Those couples work together every day and don’t have an issue.”

Kaplan chuckled. “I think that’s a little different. We’re running NYSP, not renovating a Tudor with IKEA furniture.”

Humming, Dave swallowed and pointed. “Don’t forget the shiplap. I’ve always believed if you like someone, go get ‘em. Hell, I’m seeing a cute human at the local coffee shop. Besides, I see a lot of Vin and Mace in you two, and look how that’s going.”

At the mention of his name, Vincent huffed his approval of the imagery. They would be a cute couple.

The shorter beta smiled. “Thanks. It’s just a new experience for me.”

Dave raised an eyebrow. “Hold up. This is your first relationship?” When Kaplan nodded, the Owensville beta snorted. “So, your first relationship’s with an alpha panda that’ll be taking over the largest pack in North America? That’s some balls you got there, Kap.”

Both Kaplan and Vincent laughed. “I’m still not sure what to expect,” he admitted. “From what he said, Cyrus’s bear takes relationships slow. He said it may be weeks before he could hold my hand, yet he just did it tonight.”

“Weeks?” Dave whistled. “I couldn’t do it. I’d need some sort of contact after the first couple dates.”

“Well, I’ve gone this long. Weeks, even months, seem like nothing I can’t handle.”

“You…” Dave crossed a leg. “You still haven’t… You know?”

Kaplan brushed black hair off his face and smiled. “Yeah, I still got my virginity. Always got turned down back home. The girls thought I was too skinny, and the guys I tried dating in New York always looked at me like I was a nerd.”

“And that’s why you’re insecure about dating Cyrus?”

The assumption must have been correct. Kaplan reclined and sighed. “I just have a hard time believing Cyrus would be interested in someone like me.”

“You sound like a certain someone I know,” Dave said, nodding to Vincent. “He felt the same when Mace found out he was his destined. Thought Mace could have almost anyone in the world. Sure, a destined bond sped things up a bit, but when your animal wants someone, you got to try. If Cyrus shows interest, and your wolf feels the same, then let it happen. You’re a kick-ass lawyer and head beta to the strongest pack in the country. Don’t cut yourself short, kid.”

Vincent snorted, backing up everything Dave said.

Kaplan sat still for a few seconds before reaching for his coffee. “Thank you,” he whispered. “Hope you and the human girl do well. You seemed happy when you mentioned her.”

“Yeah, she’s a ball of energy. Real firecracker, too. Went on a few dates so far, and she’s unlike any of the she-wolves I’ve gotten with here.”

“How so?”

Dave rose and headed for the door. “She plays hard-to-get. The wolves here are more… Well, you know how wolves are.”

Kaplan chuckled. “Forward.”

“I’m getting a refill. Want one?”

“Yes, please.”

Dave went inside, and Vincent sauntered away to run more. He wanted to find a way to use his clairvoyance. Knowing he couldn’t snap his paws, finding an alternative proved to be a nuisance. Barking, woofing, and yipping ended in failure. How do? Snap finger, make noise.

Can you click your tongue?

The action produced nothing. Stupid!

C’mon, bud. We’re learning. Sometimes it takes a bit. You think I can try?

But in wolf form.

Yeah, but you can take control when we’re a human. It only makes sense for the opposite to happen as well.

Can, but moon up.

The wolf tried to offer his human control, as they had done before. Something blocked the transition within his subconscious. What? Wall there.

Yeah, I feel it. It’s like day-old Play-doh. What the hell is that? Has that been there the entire time?

No. It not there at sunset.

The pair of minds tried to push again, but the wall held strong. Oh, c’mon! What the fuck’s going on? It feels… Warm?

Push. Three… Two… One…

In a final attempt, they pressed, and the wall gave way. A warmth rushed inside the lycan’s head. As if a tidal wave crashed into him, water flowed violently, separating the minds. Vincent fell to his side. The strain to retain control was intense. What water? Don’t like!

This doesn’t feel right.

A hand brushed his side. “Vin, you good?”

Hearing Dave, Vincent mustered a whine, or at least he hoped he did.

***

“Mace!”

Snapping out of his slumber, Mason knew something was wrong. An uneasiness hovered in the air, and his bond felt sour. Vinnie. He stood, groggy from his unexpected nap. Dave and Kaplan knelt in the yard, but all he fixated on was the four furry paws laying sideways. “Vinnie!”

Landing at the wolf’s side, Mason turned to Dave. “What happened?”

“Not sure. He was practicing his magic, then fell over. He’s conscious, but it’s obvious he’s in pain.”

Cyrus, robed, came from behind as Mason pet Vincent’s head. “It’s okay, Pup. We’re here for you. Tell us what’s going on.”

His mate’s eyes were barely open, and from the slow-rising belly, he was struggling. Vincent whimpered, explaining what he felt.

Warm water. Mason’s blood ran cold. No… It can’t be.

“Mason,” Cyrus muttered. “Did you tell him?”

Guilt struck Mason like an incoming mack-truck. “No,” he whispered.

“You neglected to tell him about the wall?” Cyrus angrily huffed and stood. “Betas, take your strongest form.”

“Alpha?” Dave asked, looking at Cyrus. “What do you—”

“Now!” With no other warning, black and white fur erupted from Cyrus’s skin. He threw his robe off as his body grew in size. The bipedal panda’s eyes glowed emerald, and lightning sparked from his hands. “Get away. Wolf turn soon.”

Mason gritted his teeth. There was no time to wallow in his regrets. “Dave, get back with Kap.”

His beta scowled, clearly pissed off. “Mace, what the fuck’s going on?”

Disrobing, Mason sighed. “Vinnie broke the instinctual wall.”

“The what?”

“It’s something—”

“No time to explain,” Cyrus warned, his voice sounding deep and gravely. The bear stepped closer to Vincent, who writhed on the grass. “Vincent. You broke wall. Instinct take over. You must keep minds together. If not, then become feral. Focus.”

The wolf whimpered, then yowled in pain. Mason watched as his mate suffered. He’s probably struggling, both inside and out. I’m… I should’ve told him about it. Knowing what was about to happen, he shifted into his hybrid form. Noticing Dave and Kaplan still standing on two legs, he growled. “Shift to wolf. Prepare for fight.”

Both betas obeyed and transformed. The sound of bones snapping caught Mason’s attention. Vincent was rolling around, howling in agony. His mate’s fur shortened slightly, and his limbs lengthened. Just as he expected, Mason watched as Vincent shifted. Howls, whines, and roars echoed into the night.

Four on one. That’ll be enough, right? Two alphas… Mason turned to Cyrus. “You no hurt mate.”

The panda glared. “No kill.”

“No hurt!”

As the bear grumbled, Vincent’s tone lowered. The shift was complete. Mason widened his stance, prepared for whatever came next. Vincent rose, fumbling for balance. Mason was intimidated. He has to be over seven feet tall! He’s… He’s bigger than me. This isn’t good.

The new, speckled hybrid trembled and breathed raggedly. The fierce blue eyes examined its claws, flexing them while grunting. Mason took a small step forward. “Vincent?”

The beast locked gazes with Mason. Vincent snarled, showing sharp teeth. His talons unfurled, and muscles shook with intensity.

“Vin. It me, you’re—”

Vincent roared angrily, then lunged.