Breaking Traditions- the Shifter and the Mage

by Madilynn Dale

  When five o'clock rolls around, finally, she helps me prepare for my date. She does my hair into an intricate, fishtail braid while I apply a light layer of makeup. She adds more to my eyeshadow after assessing my finished work to make my eyes pop better. I pick out a cute teal fitted top and pair it with skinny jeans and black boots.

  After applying a gloss to my lips, I grab the clutch that I used to attend the party and head out. Addy has a ridiculous smile on her face as I leave and wishes me luck on the date. She also offers to be an out if needed if things go wrong. I reassure her before I close the door that things will be fine.

  I arrive at Mocha Loca’s several minutes later and realize I am early. I have a mild moment of panic, thinking I should come late. Isn't that what they say in movies that women should arrive fashionably late? I scold myself for that thought and shrug it off. If I am going to date someone that is not like Theo, I need to get with the program and just be myself. With that small pep talk, I take a deep breath and exit the car.

  Walking toward the front of the building, I take in its dark adobe structure and huge windows. It has quaint tables for customers to sit outside. As I enter, I see the same tables but with cushioned armchairs positioned in the corners of the room. These chairs seem overstuffed and worn. They are placed around a small table made of dark wood. The floor is an off-white color that appears to blend in with the coffee bean color theme. There are various pictures of coffee-related items on the walls with occasional accents of red to brighten up the room. They also have a shelf of merchandise with their logo on it.

  The smell of roasted coffee and sweet vanilla hovers in the air, and small groups of customers are seated throughout the room with textbooks and computers. I try not to look like an oddball inhaling the pleasant aroma as I head toward one of the chairs in the back corner. One customer makes me silently laugh as I pass. I watch him juggling a phone pressed to his ear while writing rapidly and glancing back and forth between his laptop and book. He looks so serious and focused but seems so chaotic at the same time.

  I sit in the soft chair and make myself comfortable before pulling out my phone. I scroll through social media while I wait to try to get my nerves under control. I can't help but be a bit nervous because this is also the coffee shop Theo and I would come to for dates.

  He was so genuine and sweet when we first got together. I thought we could make it last and that he would be the one. I was up for a huge surprise, though. I am not sure when exactly things changed but having that break away from him opened my eyes. I hate that I pushed so many people away from me during that time.

  Pulling myself from those thoughts and promising not to dwell on them anymore during this date, I see Alex enter through the door of the coffee shop. He has on a pair of dark washed jeans with a short-sleeved button-up shirt. His hair is styled into a loose spiky look with gel. I smile and watch as he scans the room looking for me. Meeting my eyes, I feel something in me tug at the attention, and he waves.

  Crossing the room toward me, I notice a strange tingling sensation that wasn't there the night before. Maybe it is just nerves?

  "Hey, you look beautiful," He stops in front of me and pulls me into a hug before I respond.

  "You look good yourself."

  "So, no homework? I don't see any books, so I guess you figured out what you needed to do?"

  I sit back on the chair. "Yes, I kept overlooking something but finally figured out the sequencing for it to work in Excel. I would never have thought to use that program for accounting, but I never helped with taxes or anything like that while helping my parents."

  "Yeah, there is a lot more that goes into running a business and accounting paperwork than people realize, especially if you want to get it done right. Do you want me to get our coffee? Maybe something to snack on too?" He asks, pointing toward the bar behind him.

  "Oh, yeah, sorry I got distracted by our conversation. I can order it with you. It's no biggie." I push to stand, but he holds up a hand.

  "No, it would be my pleasure to get it. This is a date, after all. Chivalry is not dead." He laughs lightly at his statement.

  "Okay," I do an exaggerated eye roll. "I will take a white chocolate mocha and one of their protein packs. It has a bunch of cheese, fruit, and nuts that make a perfect snack." I sit back into my chair as he prepares to move toward the bar.

  "Okay, I will grab that for us and be back."

  I watch as he crosses the room and notice his shoulders are tense and elevated. He must be nervous too. That seems to relax me because if he is, maybe that means he won't hurt me.

  I watch as he interacts with the barista, who seems to be flirting with him. It doesn't seem to faze him, which makes me crack up. You don't see that very often. Her smile falls when he doesn't respond to whatever she says, and he moves to the other end of the bar, where the other barista is stacking our snacks already. A few minutes later, he is handed our drinks in huge bright red mugs that he somehow manages to balance while carrying his snacks.

  "I can tell you wait tables," I comment as he makes it back to our side of the room without dropping a single thing. "I don't think I would have been able to balance all that as you did. I am amazed."

  He laughs, placing our drinks on the small table in front of me and then setting the protein packs and some cookies down as well. "I guess that does come in handy for situations like that. I got a couple of chocolate chip cookies to have something sweet if you want one. I will share. I also thought I would get a pack like yours to have something healthy."

  "Thank you," I say, reaching for one of the packs and opening it while he sits and does the same. "I have been trying to eat healthier since my dad was diagnosed with diabetes and congestive heart failure. If I get in the habit it will be less tempting for him to eat badly when I am eating something good. At least I hope that it works that way. My mom has enough trouble staying on him about his diet as it is."

  "Oh, I hate to hear that. My grandpa was diabetic, so I know how challenging it can be. Just keep encouraging him, and he will get there."

  "Thanks, that is what I plan on doing. So, tell me more about your day yesterday. I got so wrapped up in homework last night that I forgot to text you again."

  "Oh, no worries. There wasn't much of my day left after our text. I grabbed food and then crashed. Staying out late at the party and then having to work an opening shift wore me out yesterday."

  "Oh, wow, that makes me tired just thinking about it. I usually have to get up early when I have to help my parents open, but they are trying to get me to avoid working right now." I roll my eyes. "They want me just to make a ton of new friends and focus on studies. It's tiring, really."

  He grins and picks up his cup. "That is not necessarily a bad thing, is it? If it is something you are used to having in your routine, it might benefit you better to work. I know when I started college, I had to work to help maintain my focus. Not working made me lax and lazy, and I didn't do as well on my schoolwork."

  "I have never thought of it that way. I am going to use those words to tell my parents so they will let me work. I hope they will understand." I pick up my latte and just stare down in it like it has all the answers to my problems.

  I hear Alex set his cup down. "What do you mean?"

  "Well," I start and stop. Should I tell him what they want me to do with my life? Is that topic too heavy for a date like this? I feel like I can tell him, but am I too naive? "My parents just have some expectations for me that I don't think I can do. It is just not who I am."

  "I can relate to that. I am here if you want to talk about it." I watch as he picks up a cookie and begins to munch on it.

  Smiling, I say, "Thanks, I appreciate that. So, tell me more about yourself. What are some of your favorite things?"

  We spend the next hour discussing our favorite things. His favorite food is Italian, and mine is Mexican. I tell him I could eat Mexican food every day, and he laughs while he tells me he would have to change it up some.
I find out his favorite color is maroon, and I share that mine is aqua.

  We stay lost in conversation and quickly devour the food and our coffees. I am enjoying myself when out of nowhere, I feel this strange sensation and the hair on the back of my neck stands up. I stop talking in mid-sentence and begin looking around the room. Alex notices my changes and seems to become alarmed. I hear his voice inside my head a second later, and I am confused about how I can hear him.

  "What is up? Why is she so alarmed? Is something wrong? Should I ask?"

  I whip my head around to stare at him, and he meets my gaze, saying aloud. "What?"

  "How were you able to communicate your thoughts to me just now?'

  His pupils dilate as he continues to stare at me. I then hear in my head, "How did you just do that? How am I doing that? What is going on, Nat?"

  I smile at his nickname for me and settle back into my chair, thinking that maybe this is what made my hair stand up.

  "Well, I have a theory, but I am going to explore it some more. Only shifters can do this normally, so it's kind of new to me. You okay?"

  "Yeah, just super weirded out right now. This is not a normal mage thing, or I have never read about it being normal or had any mages mention it."

  While I am smiling at Alex distracted by our conversation, it is then that I see someone approaching us out of the corner of my eye. I am instantly on high alert, forcing my wolf not to make an appearance in this coffee shop.

  "Well, look who it is, hello beautiful I haven't seen you in a while. Who is your friend here?"

  I plaster on a fake smile as I take in Theo's appearance. He hasn't changed much since the breakup, shockingly. He still has the same tall and muscular build, but his hair seems a bit longer than it was. His blue eyes pop against his platinum blonde locks that hang down around his face creating a picturesque frame that only a model could pull off. He has a strange smirk on his face, and I know that could mean nothing good.

  I glance at Alex and say telepathically, "whatever you do, do not piss this guy off. He is my ex." Aloud I respond to Theo.

  "Hi, Theo, you look well. Can I help you with something?"

  He tilts his head to the side, trying to figure out if he is missing something. Alex sits back and grabs what is left of his coffee as if he is watching a show. "Do you want some popcorn? You look way too relaxed." I put sarcasm behind my telepathic speech.

  "I am here if you need me to step in, but I know better than to get between shifters if a fight happens. That is when I go to my magic. I don't have to get physical to use that." He smiles coyly before taking a sip of coffee.

  "I just thought I would say hi and see if maybe we could talk sometime. I stopped in to see your parents earlier, and they seemed like they were doing okay. I know your dad has a new prognosis he isn't too pleased with, but I gave him some tips about a proper diet." Theo says, taking one of the other empty chairs across from us.

  He reaches for Alex with his hand outstretched. "Hi, I am Theodore, but you can call me Theo. Are you a new friend of Natalie's?"

  Alex shakes his hand but seems to let a strange mask settle on his face, and I can sense a charge of energy in the air. "Yes, actually, we just met the other night at a party that we were invited to. She's an amazing woman."

  "Oh, yes, I know she is; that is why I want to ask you why you are hanging out with her alone? She doesn't need mage trash around when she has me" Theo leans forward and squares his shoulders. I guess he can sense the power in the air too.

  I roll my eyes and then take a deep breath. "Theo, you have no right questioning anyone I am with or even being present. Get lost." I end my statement by glaring at him. He turns to look at me with a glare himself.

  "Are you dating? That would be rich. I can't wait to share this information with your parents. You know how shifter's think." He has an evil look in his eye this time.

  I try to keep a straight face in my response but find it hard to do as his hair is slowly turning blue. His long platinum locks are slowly going from a light sky blue to a dark navy blue. It starts at his roots and travels down to the end of his locks. "It is none of your business what I do. Stay away from my parents. It is enough that they think you walk on water as it is."

  I have a hard time focusing on keeping a straight face because now, not only is his hair blue; his skin is turning purple. It isn’t just a light purple either, it is a rich royal purple. It reminds me of the song about the monster who is one eyed, purple, and eats people.

  Is there no feeling to whatever spell Alex is doing? I have to keep myself from looking at him physically, but I telepathically send him, "Is there no sensation behind what you are doing? People are starting to stare now. I am sorry he is causing a scene."

  "Don't worry about it and no. He cannot feel anything. Maybe just a warming sensation. The spell will fade in a few hours if he leaves soon. If not, it may be there until tomorrow night. He is a prick." I hear Alex respond.

  "Yeah, hence the ex-part. He was controlling. My parents adored him, though."

  "Why does he keep mentioning telling your parents? Are they against you dating other beings?"

  I cringe at his question, but I knew it would have to be dealt with at some point. I am ignoring Theo as he rambles on. I know he is talking about how my parents have such high standards for me. I think I hear him say he is the best pick of the century and blah blah blah.

  "They are just very traditional about things. I don't quite fit that mold because I am lax when it comes to them. They want me to be a stay at home figure who focuses on raising kids. I want to own a bakery and be an active participant in the baking world. They have issues with my dreams."

  "That makes sense now. I am sorry they are that way. If we need to quit seeing each other, we can, but I really like you, Nat."

  Theo has finally shut up now and is just staring at me. I look him in the eye and notice that his wolf is close to the surface. I wonder if he shifted if his hair would be blue or purple? Maybe a mix of both? This spell could be quite hilarious on his fur as a wolf.

  "Are you done now? Feel free to leave." I say sarcastically. I then allow myself to look over at Alex, who has a mischievous smirk on his face. Turning back to look at Theo, I see several small birds begin to form from thin air above his head. They start out as little dust mote sized things and grow. As they begin to zoom around, I notice they are little brown sparrows. I can't help but stare as they begin to fly in circles above his head.

  Theo seeing my strange expression, finally asks, "what are you staring at?"

  As he reaches for to place his hand on his head, the birds begin chirping. It is at that point he sees his purple arm. He yanks his arm down and out in front of his face in horror.

  He turns toward Alex and says, "what the fuck did you do to me!"

  At the moment the last word leaves his mouth, the birds begin to dive bomb the top of his head. The little things are quite vicious in their attack, and I burst out laughing. Theo starts swinging his arms, trying to get the birds off of him as he stands. This seems just to make them angry, and they begin to attack more than just his head. Alex maintains a straight and focused face the whole time while I am doubled over laughing hysterically.

  "This isn't over, Natalie. Alex, you better watch it. She is mine." He says, trying to get as far away from us as possible. I let his threat go in one ear and out the other. I don't think there is much he can do anyway at this point. The birds disappear as soon as he is on the other side of the glass door, but his color stays.

  I turn my attention back to Alex and do my best to compose myself from my laughing tirade. "Well, that was eventful! I am sorry he bothered us."

  "It's okay; he was a giant ass like you said. We were having a good time too." Alex seems to have a somewhat sad look on his face now. I then remember what he said telepathically before everything escalated.

  "Alex," I stand and move closer to him by sitting on his chair's arm. It isn't very comfortable, but I want to g
et my point across as best as possible.

  "I know that my parents are a big part of my life, but I don't want that to deter us from seeing each other. I like you too." I say, picking up his hand in mind.

  He takes a moment to just look at me before asking his next question. "Did you mate with Theo? Is that why he still tries to claim you as his?"

  I roll my eyes, "No, we did not mate, did we sleep together yes. I dated him for three years. Mate, we did not. I am not tied to anyone. If I were mated, I wouldn't even be interested in you. When a shifter finds a mate, there is no appeal in any other being romantically speaking."

  "Okay, I just wanted to make sure you are not claimed. Do shifters mate with other beings often? Is that a possibility? If we stay together and your mate comes along, where will that leave us?"

  I just stare at him, trying to process all he has asked already. "I don't know, but the chances of me finding an actual mate are slim. It doesn't happen as much as it used to in our world. I am not sure why, but it doesn't. My parents aren't even actual mates. They love each other, yes, but they never found their true mate."

  He softly says, "that is weird. So, is it okay if we continue to see each other then?"

  "I would like that." I smile. "Let me clean up our mess, and we can go for a walk. Would you get us more coffee to go for us to sip on, please?"

  He stands and begins to stretch, "sure. Do you want the same thing?"

  "Yes, please." I watch as he walks to the counter to get us coffee to go. I can tell that he is mulling over everything. I am a bit freaked out not by the incident with Theo but by the fact that Alex may be my mate.

  6. Alex

  I feel Nat's eyes on me as I move across the room. That whole experience with her ex has me drained. I used a few lower-level energy spells to annoy him, but I don't think that is what has me exhausted. I am a bit worried about her parents and what might happen if we continue to see each other.

  I know I haven't dated much, but I know it is important to be liked by someone's parents. I know I have only known her a few days, but I have developed feelings for her. Hearing her voice in my head seemed to snap a connection together between us that I couldn't comprehend. I could sense her anxiety about it at first, but it seemed to fade. Is there more behind that?