Love Among Shadows

by Smokey Moment

  And as he held her, he could sense her calm. He could feel how she felt. She had a mutual love for him. She too, had dreamed of them together. Had visions of him. Yearned to see him. And her heart was open to him. Legend was surprised. She was human. He had never heard of a human and a werewolf being mated spirits. It didn’t make sense. But it was too late. His feelings were strong. And so were hers. He now needed a plan. Because someone else was trying to kill her. And he vowed at that moment, that he would die trying to save her.

  “Coming…Coming,” Phoebe said, as she walked to her door. “Who is it. Banging like a madman,” she complained, as she looked through the stained glass trying to see who it was. “Tina,” she said, unlocking the bolt and opening the door. “What’s wrong,” she said, as Valentina shot passed her.

  “What the hell is that look on your face,” Phoebe asked. Valentina paced. “You won’t believe me if I told you. You won’t. I promise you won’t,” she said, as he continued walking back and forth. “Try me. What happened?” she said.

  “Okay…Where do I start. Okay. First…I definitely have a stalker. The guy I met online is stalking me. I know it’s him. He chased me last night. I ran to the creek,” she said, before she was interrupted by Phoebe.

  “What? You were chased! Did you go to the police? Tell me you went to the police this time?” Phoebe asked, afraid of the answer. Valentina looked at her. Her silence sparked an explosion within Phoebe.

  “What! Why are you not reporting the things that happen to you? I don’t get it. It’s like you’re okay with what happens. Anyone, can do anything, and you just go on about your life. Like it’s normal. Who does that Tee?” she shouted.

  “I know. Don’t you think I know that. I’ve felt different since the attack. My body is different. My mind. Things are strange. I don’t do the online thing any more. I stopped meeting men period,” she said, hoping her sister would calm down.

  “Online! This is not online any longer. This is real life. In your fucking face Tina! What the fuck,” she argued. Valentina folded her arms. She hated when her sister played the mom role. Phoebe was not as open. Not as free-spirited. And Valentina refused to live any other way. She had taken precautions and still things happened to her. She believed in destiny. That the things that happened to you were part of a plan. Your own designed life.

  “I have been living in fear. And I am just now becoming comfortable in my own skin again. Things happen to people. Good people. Bad people. It’s just the way it is. And I refuse to live in fear. I am fine. I feel different. A power. I can’t explain. Something inside me changed. I feel more powerful than the police. Like I have the strength of ten men. Like I could kill someone with my bare hands. I feel like I can do more than the cops. What can they do? Put his picture up, on an already lengthy wanted poster,” she said.

  “No! No! No! Cops do their job when given the information. And no… You are not stronger than a man. Cause if that were true, you would not have run to the creek last night. You ran because you would have been a victim. Who knows what he would have done?” Phoebe complained, as she stormed into her dining room.

  Valentina followed behind her. She understood her pain. They were all each other had. Their mother was remarried and living in Philadelphia. She was a distant mother who always seemed to be too busy with work and men to pay attention. They leaned on each other all their lives. And there were no other close relatives living in Alaska. This was it. And so, they looked out for one another. Stayed close. Talked daily. And Phoebe had apprehensions about living there. She wanted to move and get Valentina to follow. Her husband had seen the worst of Alaska. The state had more than their fair share of serial killers and Phoebe lived in fear of something happening to her trusting, outgoing older sister.

  “Don’t be mad Phee. I’m fine. And besides…It’s too late to make a report on that attack. Plus, you know they’ll just blame me. Say I asked for it by inviting him to my house. And I can’t report that other attack in my car or the chase from last night because I never saw their faces,” she said.

  “Wait! Please tell me you don’t believe its different people? It’s all him! No one’s luck is that bad. Three attacks! I refuse to believe it’s three different men. You need to give his information to the police. Turn over whatever you have on him from that website you were on,” Phoebe noted.

  “Don’t you think I looked. I did. He took it down. I look all the time. He’s not there,” she replied. Valentina could see her sister was scared for her. It was a scary and overwhelming situation. Phoebe was so traumatized herself, that she offered her home, and begged Valentina to move with her after the first attack. But she refused. And now things were continuing to happen.

  “I’m just so worried. I swear…You do not have nine lives. You need to stay with Griff and I, until things settle. Move from that cabin and move back to the city. Somewhere with plenty of neighbors around. People coming and going. Not secluded. It’s not safe for a single woman,” she said. Valentina nodded. “I’m moving. Don’t worry. Maybe closer to you. Or that house I love that’s been abandoned for a year,” she said. Phoebe settled down. That was good news. Valentina needed to start out by moving. That was best.

  “What’s so funny?” Phoebe asked, as they watched a television program. “Something else happened. Something wonderful,” she said. “What?” Phoebe asked. “You won’t believe it,” Valentina replied, seeming to change moods. She was in deep thought. Phoebe could see something had her enthralled.

  “I see that look. What happened? I swear. Your life is one big dangerous soap opera. Nothing would surprise me,” she said. “He was there. I ran to the creek and he was on the other side. He lives around there. He heard me scream. He came Phee. Actually came to my rescue,” she gushed.

  “Mr. Handsome from school? The guy you won’t stop talking about? Him?” she asked. “Yes! Him! He stayed with me all night. I slept under his strong arms. I’ve never felt so protected. I still dreamed of him. Even with him right there. And he didn’t touch me. Held me all night. Oh Phoebe…It’s deep. It was the most intense feeling. And without sex. I haven’t even slept with him yet and it’s the deepest feeling I ever felt. Ever!” she noted.

  Phoebe shook her head back and forth. Valentina’s mood instantly improved. She perked up. Her eyes sparkled. A stark difference from earlier that day.

  “What? You are so in love with him. I knew it the first time you talked about him. Your eyes. You had that look. The one you have right now. But Tee, don’t you think the timing is bad? This is the worst time to embark on a new relationship. You should take it slow. You’ve been through a lot,” she said.

  Valentina understood. She too was in shock. She felt as though she known him. Her heart was running the show. And her mind wasn’t listening. She wanted to wait. She wanted to take it slow. But it was impossible. Her heart had taken over. And she felt helpless. And now she didn’t care. She’d had the best evening with him. She never felt closer to any man. And had never been as honest and forthcoming. It was much too late for regrets.

  “I know. That’s how I know it’s real. Destiny. Because despite everything I’ve been through, in one night he was able to erase all that. Yes…I’m in love. I am obsessed with him. He’s coming over tonight and I cannot wait,” she excitedly said. Phoebe held her hand. “Then it’s meant to be. That’s just how it was with me and Griff. One night, one date, and we were inseparable. I’m happy for you. He can help you. He can protect you. And I still want to meet him,” she chuckled.

  The sisters sat down. Valentina told Phoebe every detail. She cried tears of joy at times as she relived her evening. She remembered every word he said. Every encouraging syllable. The sisters spoke for hours. Valentina poured her heart out while her sister listened. Phoebe could see her sister’s feelings were intense. And she could see Valentina felt safe with him around. Phoebe was happy but eager to meet him. She wanted to get a feel for him, herself. Valentina was smart in every aspect of her life excep
t her love life. And Phoebe hoped her luck had changed.

  “Hi I’m Phoebe,” she greeted, as Legend walked into her home. He handed her a bottle of red wine for the home cooked dinner they had planned. Phoebe looked him over. He was as handsome as her sister had told her. His million-dollar smile was his best feature. Phoebe took the wine and thanked him.

  “Wow. Is this Chateau Ausone, 2010?” she asked. “Yes. Valentina told me you collect red wine,” he replied. “Oh my,” Phoebe gushed, as she read the label. “Thank you so much. This is awesome,” she said. Legend smiled. He could hear Valentina coming, and looked towards the hallway. Valentina approached him and hugged him. She pulled away and he leaned in and kissed her. Their kiss was long and passionate. Phoebe could see they were mad about one another. They weren’t shy about public displays of affection. “I’ll be in the kitchen,” she said as she walked away.

  “Hey,” she said. “Hey,” he replied. “I have something for you. You mentioned you liked the one I bought for my brother in law. Don’t let him see it. I haven’t given him his gift yet. His birthday is not until next week,” she said, handing him a box. “What? You got me something,” he said, blushing. “It was nothing. I picked it up from a Native American family that sells antiques and one of a kind items,” she said.

  Legend opened the box and pulled out a handmade turquoise and silver ring. He took it out and looked at it. “I love it. I’ll never take it off,” he said. Valentina was elated. She wasn’t sure about jewelry for him. But she thought of him when she saw the intricate details on the side of the ring. She drove out of her way to go back to the road stand hoping they had more. She had purchased one for Griff and a bracelet for Phoebe. “Griff will be here any minute. Phoebe and I will start grilling the food. Make yourself at home,” she said, as she walked into the kitchen. “He is handsome. And so nice. You see the wine he bought. Its not cheap. I know all about that brand,” Phoebe said. Valentina blushed. She was over the moon he had made it. She was still in disbelief that they were even around one another. She thought there was a chance she would never see him again. “He’s the one. I know it,” she said. Phoebe smiled. “Yeah. I think he is.”

  Griff and Legend sat on downed logs, engaging in small talk while Phoebe and Valentina turned the steaks and burgers on the grill. “He wants his rare. Me too,” Valentina said. Phoebe turned her head quickly towards her. “Rare? Since when do you eat rare meat? I thought Griff was the only one liked his meat rare. You like yours well done,” she noted. “I know. I did. But not anymore. We ordered in, last night. His burger was rare. I tasted it, and loved it,” she replied. Phoebe narrowed her eyes then looked over at Legend. She shrugged her shoulders then took their burgers and steaks off the fire.

  T

  he couples enjoyed wine and food as dusk approached. “Anybody want more?” Phoebe asked, as she cleared the picnic table. Her house was a modest home with all the amenities to make her life comfortable. Griff built her a deck and several picnic tables for their backyard parties. He spoke to Legend to get ideas about building a greenhouse after Legend told him about his own creativity and skill at building things.

  Phoebe and Valentina walked to the small pond behind the house, as the men talked and joked. Griff liked Legend. He was curious about the man that gave little background information. But Phoebe had already given him enough to go on, and asked him to run the name Legend Wilde. He came up empty. He had already formed his own opinion. Legend seemed rock solid. His explanations of family spread out and needing to travel often, sufficed. Griff knew a little something about that lifestyle. He too had family spread out. And he too, once travelled a lot. Only slowing down for Phoebe.

  The couples were ready to turn in for the night. Phoebe walked through her home cutting the lights off. Her night lights clicked on automatically. She walked to her front picture window and dropped her curtains. She wondered if Legend and Valentina were asleep. Griff turned in early while everyone else sat around watching movies. Valentina fell asleep laying on Legends arm and soon he drifted off. Phoebe laid a throw across them but they were no longer on the couch, where she’d last seen them.

  The house was quiet. Phoebe walked past the spare room and listened at the door. She could hear her sister let out a light moan. Phoebe started to walk away. She imagined Legend was an awesome lover. He was built. He was sexy. He looked like a burning hot flame. Phoebe became slightly jealous. He fire had burned out on her own love story. Her and Griff were close, but he was never her best lover. Phoebe suffered a blow when he revealed he was infertile. Theirs was a solid relationship built on friendship and loyalty. And Phoebe gave up on intense passion and children, for a fun loving, stable and hard-working husband. She was a house wife. They had no children. And despite the odds, she was happy and comfortable with her life.

  But her sister’s low deep moans, was stirring something inside her. She placed her ear to the door. Valentina’s moans intensified. Legend grunted, and Valentina moaned louder. Phoebe closed her eyes. She thought of Griff. She wished he could make her feel that way. The sounds were erotic. She imagined him doing the kinkiest things. Phoebe opened her eyes. The sounds stopped. She walked quickly from the door hoping she could make it to her room without being seen.

  The door opened. Valentina wiped her nose and held her head down as she walked into the bathroom. Phoebe closed her door slowly. She tip-toed to her bed and crawled in. Griff turned over and put his hand around her waist. He pulled her to close to him and let out a moan. Phoebe sighed. Griff could never find the time to try to make her sexually happy. And Valentina had just met a guy who was dynamic and obviously magical between the sheets. Phoebe closed her eyes. She fell asleep under Griff’s arm. She was going to bed, again, without fulfilling her own desires. Griff used to try. Their love life had become a series of quick encounters and instant gratification. She had given up. But she still loved him immensely. There was a deep-rooted pain over what she was missing. Until Valentina and Legend, she hadn’t paid it any mind. It had been years since she thought about it. She had gotten used to things. Now it was like a big yellow sign that she couldn’t miss.

  “Good morning,” Phoebe said, as Legend entered. “Good morning. Can I have a slice?” he asked. Phoebe buttered several slices of toast and handed them to him. “Where’s Valentina?” she asked him. “Still asleep. When she wakes, can you tell her I’ll be back,” he asked. “Sure,” Phoebe replied, as she raised her coffee mug and took a sip. Legend smiled then took a bite of his buttered toast and walked out. Phoebe shook her head. She imagined they had a wild night. Legend was sexy. She imagined her sister had her hands full. He looked like a man who would do damage in a good way. And with her still asleep, she was sure she was right. Valentina didn’t sleep in.

  Hours went by and Phoebe became worried. She went to the room and knocked lightly on the door. She could hear her sister moving around. “Valentina!” she called out, as she opened the door. Valentina lay peaceful with the sheet’s half on. She awoke suddenly and raised up.

  “I’m sorry. I was just worried. You never sleep this long,” Phoebe said. Valentina sat up. “I’m woke. I have to get up. I need to run home and get more clothes,” she said. “Oh yeah. Legend told me to tell you he’d be back,” she said. “Uhuh,” she said dryly. “Okay. What’s wrong?” Phoebe asked, picking up the change in her sisters’ mood.

  “I don’t know. We had a great evening. We came in here and laid down. I tried to engage him sexually. He wasn’t aggressive. He didn’t want me,” she said. “What? But I heard moaning when I walked past. Sorry Tee. I wasn’t trying to hear you. But I mean…I couldn’t help it. I was so jealous. It sounded like you were having fun,” she said.

  “I was. And then he stopped short of actually fucking me. We kissed. He kissed me all over my body until I was about ready to explode. Then he stopped. And laid his head between my legs. Like he was paying homage to my vagina. But I wanted him to do something with it. Kiss it. Go inside it. Anything! I am
so frustrated. I have wanted this man since I first laid eyes on him. And now I have him. But I don’t really have him.”

  Phoebe cut the television on. She understood sexual frustration. “I made breakfast. I’ll fix you a plate,” she said. “Thanks,” Valentina said, as she got up and walked into the bathroom. Phoebe went to the kitchen and put toast and scrambled eggs on a saucer and returned, The sisters laid in, watching soap operas and talking about their non-existent love lives.

  Phoebe and Valentina lounged at home all that day. Legend never returned and Valentina watched the door hoping he would show. She looked out the window and checked her phone, hoping he would return her text. Day turned to night and still there was no sign of him. “Are you returning to work this week? How long is your vacation for?” Phoebe asked, concerned that Valentina was too pre-occupied with him. He was still new in her life. And Phoebe wanted her to keep her independence.

  “I was supposed to go back next Monday. I guess. I could take some time off. Part of me wants to,” she said. “You should go back. Keep busy. You are too involved with him. You just met him. And you see he is doing what he wants,” she pointed out. Valentina thought about what she said. “You’re right. I will go back. I’m doing just what mom did. Losing my identity already trying to keep up with a man.”

  “Hello Trinity,” Praya said, as she walked by with her beau. Her mate Eshram looked over at Trinity, as she sat under a tall Aspen tree. She smiled and watched as they headed towards their home. She stared at the back of them, envying their close bond and obvious chemistry. Eshram had just left Legends home after he jumped through the window and ran off into the forest. Archaeus prepped the men telling them that there was a human who posed a great threat to their way of life. A woman named Valentina. Archaeus refrained from telling the men too much. He wanted to keep the fact that a ruid was among them from getting out.