by Jan Stryvant
Shadow shook his head, "Not really. I mean when I met Shirl I wasn't fucking everything that stood still and looked good in a skirt anymore, and to say that we have an active sex life would be putting it mildly. Shirley is the center of my universe."
"Well I've heard rumors your orbit isn't all around her you known." Bill said sotto voice, "Aren't you worried about that?"
"Not really. She told me I could keep a few on the side if I wanted too so I picked the ones I had special relationships with and dumped the others." Shadow looked over at Bill as he coughed on his drink.
"She let you?" he said and coughed again. "You're kidding me!"
"Nope, remember, she knows where my heart lies, she also understands I'm part wild animal. If she told me to dump the others I would, but she knows she has nothing to worry about."
"I don't think Fiona would let me do that." Bill said shaking his head.
"Yeah, but you're not me, Bill, what makes me happy isn't what makes you happy. Having those pieces on the side isn't just for recreation; those women are important to me in different ways and keep me connected down there. Jimmy would probably be dead now if it wasn't for one of them."
"I thought you had to pay some sort of price to get him back?"
"I did," Shadow sighed and gave a rueful shake of his head, ears flicking, "But without my connections down there, no one would have thought to ransom him off."
"They could have sold him to us," Bill said.
"Not really," Shadow grinned, "They hate you guys and they'd rather lose money than have anything to do with you. Me they know however, and anything that puts me over a barrel or gives them an upper hand over me, they'll all go for. Counting coup is an important part of the culture."
"Jimmy wasn't the first you saved for us, was he?"
"Figured that one out did you?"
Bill nodded. "Yeah, I did. Plus Fiona confided in me that you were the one who saved her. Staged her rape as a cover for what you were really doing, and that she wasn't rescued in a daring raid by Tomas, but dropped off by you at his house."
"Yeah well," Shadow looked a bit uncomfortable, "I've sort of been passing Tomas information since he went to work for the feds. A few times circumstances dictated that I had to take more direct action."
"Undercover work takes a lot of guts Shadow, you should be proud."
"I didn't do it for praise, Bill; I did it because what they were doing violated my ethics. Don't let the others on the team know."
"Why?" Bill looked puzzled.
"A number of reasons, some of them private, but I'd rather the bad guys and the people believe that the team did those things without inside help."
"Also Shadows don't do well in the sunlight? Do they?" Fiona joked while walking back inside with Shirley.
Shadow laughed, "Something like that."
"Make us some drinks dear, I think Janet has supper ready."
"Sure thing love." Shadow made another round and passed them out.
"So, Bill, when are you going to ask Fiona to marry you?" Shirley asked innocently, or rather doing her best to fake it, then laughing as both Fiona and Bill choked on their drinks.
"Shirley!" Fiona said as she recovered. "What kind of question is that?"
"A to the point one," she replied still laughing.
"I'm a bad influence on her, I admit it!" Shadow said holding his hands up.
"Don't do that to me woman!" Bill said grinning, "You trying to kill us?"
"It's been what, nine months now? What's the hold up?" Shirley asked.
"Ummm wellllll," Bill looked guilty and Fionna looked embarrassed as well.
"This oughta be good," Shirley grinned.
"Shirley!" Fionna said and gave her a little poke. "We've talked about it, just well ...."
"We don't want to make a mistake," Bill said looking embarrassed, "Neither one of us wants to find out we can't handle it and cause the other one pain."
"Sheesh, if that's all I'd say go get married," Shadow said. "There are no guarantees, it's good that neither of you want to hurt the other. But you are going to hurt each other, that's just part of the institution."
"How do you two get through it?" Bill asked.
"Blind devotion," grinned Shadow.
"He's sly and sneaky and good at guilt trips," Shirley said sticking her tongue out at Shadow who laughed.
"Oh yeah, don't let her fool you. The 'Angel' over there can be quite the devil. If I don't toe the line I could end up a coat!"
"And such a nice coat you'd make too ...."
Janet entered the room then, she had on a maid's outfit, an outfit that showed off her obvious charms, but subtly, unlike some of the ones Shirley made her wear when guests weren't expected. "Dinner is ready, Master, Mistress."
"Ahh, saved by the bell," Bill smiled.
Shadow and Shirley headed off to the dining room; Bill however lagged behind and grabbed Fiona.
"So, what do you think?"
"About what?" Fiona asked.
Bill smiled, "I think they're right, I think we should just do it. Will you marry me?"
Fiona smiled and leaned against Bill, "Of course I will." She tilted he head back as he kissed her, "But!" She warned, "I'm not a sharing type like Shirley. No straying."
Bill hugged her close, "I'm not a cat hon. Straying isn't my style."
"I've noticed," She smiled and they both headed into the dinning room to join their hosts.
"So what did Bill think about the house?"
"Oh he was impressed. He brought up the question of my 'catting' around, guess there are rumors out there about my behavior. What about Fiona?"
"Oh she was curious about Janet. I think she likes the idea of a maid, but would rather have one that wouldn't tempt Bill."
"Makes sense."
"What were you two talking about when we came back in?"
"Fiona told Bill about my saving her a long time ago."
"So why did you end up saving her?" Shirley yawned, she was tired, they'd just spent an hour making love and she was nice and warm cuddled in her mate's strong arms.
"There wasn't really any other choice, they were about to kill her. She was working with another team, not as good as you guys, complete amateurs actually and when one got killed the others had to run for their life. They fucked up in every way possible. It was the big turning point in my life. Either go along for the ride, or do something about it. Up to then I'd done some bad things, and I could have easily turned down the wrong path."
"Well I'm glad you didn't, Hon," she murmured and snuggled.
"So am I, Hon, so am I," he purred remembering, had it really been nine years ago? He purred a bit as he remembered just how Fiona had 'thanked' him, afterwards.
Shirley looked up at her husband and grinned. "You had her, didn't you?"
Shadow's ears flicked and he smiled embarrassed. "Yeah. All day long and into next morning. I took her virginity; I was surprised she wanted me to be the one, but I guess she felt she had to reward me. We never spoke to each other again or met again, except in the field. I'd appreciate it if you didn't talk to her about it."
Shirley nodded, "Ancient history, but I had sort of guessed already."
Shadow looked surprised, "Really? How?"
"Well she has this faint scar on her ass, four parallel lines, kind of reminds me of the twin set a certain panther gave me ...." She sniggered.
"Interesting." He yawned and curled up around Shirley. "Well she's marrying Bill now, so don't worry, I won't be nosing around there again." He purred in her ear, and then shortly thereafter joined her in sleep.
Family Matters
A Deadly Challenge
It had been a good year. Shadow yawned and stretched looking out the window of his downtown pad. He didn’t spend much time here anymore, usually checked in once or twice a week to make sure things were okay, and caught a nap if he was tired like today. But he didn’t live here anymore. He lived in the heights now, in a nice large house, more of a sm
all mansion, with his wife, his kids, and his sex slave. Well more like their sex slave, Shirley was just as kinky as he was and had no problems with using Janet, which Janet loved and of course he enjoyed as well. Talking about having your cake and eating it too ... he shook his head and grinned to himself.
He’d have to check out his lair sometime soon, he hadn’t been there in weeks and he tried to check it out at least once a month, just to make sure things were fine with it. Same for his safe house. Now that he had the larger place he didn’t really need the others anymore. But he could afford to keep them, so he did, just in case of an emergency. There were quite a few people who were near and dear to his heart these days, not including his several bastard children, and if anything should happen, he wanted to be sure he had safe places to stash them.
He was spending less time in his old haunts down here in the bad part of town as well. He still hit Bell’s bar twice a week, occasionally more, it was his favorite bar in town and he’d gone through a lot to stake out his piece of it. Plus it reminded everyone that while he might be putting it to The Angel, he was still part of the underworld as well. Sometimes he even brought Circe there, no doubt confusing most people to the real truth that Angel, or Shirley, was the love of his life and his true mate.
As for Circe, well things with Circe really had taken a surprisingly positive turn in the last few months. Having his kid had made a huge difference in her, motherhood had changed her in ways he hadn’t foreseen but he approved of wholeheartedly. She had scaled her illegal operations back considerably, maybe because for the first time in her life she had someone who was not only dependent upon her, but whom she actually cared about. Shadow was happy about it, Shirley was happy about it too, as she figured it would decrease his chances of getting into trouble because of her. Circe’s power over animals still gave her a small hold over him, at this point he could probably break it if he had to, but he was hoping he’d never have to. While she wasn’t his mate, he still cared for her deeply, despite all the fights and arguments. It was something only an animal, or someone part animal, could really understand.
He’d been by Nance’s earlier today for his weekly romp, and then came here to wash up and change clothes. He didn’t really have any plans for the rest of the day, Shirley and the team were probably going to be working late tonight, they were on a case involving some new maniac who had recently hit town. Shadow had his ears open of course, but nothing had come to him about it. He didn’t cruise the parties anymore, he just didn’t have the interest in them these days. He figured he’d go hit Bell’s, have a drink or two, then head back home and spend some quality time with Shirley once she got home.
Bell’s was pretty full tonight Shadow noticed as he made his way to his personal booth in the back. He smiled to himself as several people sitting there quickly got up to move. All of the patrons quickly learned to move if they sat in one of the reserved booths when the owner of it showed up. Those that didn’t often got hurt, and as Bell didn’t appreciate such fuss, the person causing such things by not moving might find themselves removed from the premises as well. Only if Bell respected you, would you not suffer that fate.
Shadow slid into his usual spot and motioned to the Bartender who nodded. He’d send the waitress over with Shadow’s usual drink, Bushmills, and also would buy a round for the people who had left Shadow’s booth and bill it to Shadow’s account. It was considered good form to buy a round for the ones who left, if they did so quickly.
“Evening Shadow,” the waitress said coming over and setting his drink on the table.
“Evening Steph,” he said with a smile placing a couple of twenties on the table. She smiled back and picked them up giving him a wink.
Shadow picked up his drink and leaned back taking a sip. Several people nodded to him, one actually walking over to join him.
“How’s it goin’, Shadow? Mind if I?” he motioned towards the other side of the booth.
“Take a load off, Carl,” Shadow nodded to the indicated seat. “Let me buy you a refill,” and he waved to the Bartender.
“Haven’t been seeing you around the parties much anymore. Where you been keepin’ yourself?”
Shadow smirked, “Enjoying the fruits of my labor.”
“So I heard. She any good?” Carl asked with a wink.
“If she wasn’t I’d still be doing the parties, now wouldn’t I?”
“Some people do wonder you know.”
Shadow shrugged, “Not my problem.”
“Well consider it a friendly word of advice. Some may decide to make it your problem. A few folks are a mite ‘uncomfortable’ with your friends uptown these days.”
“Again, not my problem, Carl. My interests change over time. There is always a new game to play after all.” Shadow looked at Carl closely. “Is this you talking by the way? Or are you expressing an interest for someone else?”
Carl looked a little uncomfortable, but smirked, “There has been a little talk, yes. And a few of the guys at the party last night wanted me to sound you out.”
Shadow laughed, “They’re still afraid of me I see. Well that’s always good.”
“Well, too many people still remember what you did to Laughing Boy. And you’re still pretty tight with Circe.”
Shadow nodded, “Truth is, Carl, I don’t really give a rat’s ass what people think or say down here in the underground. I only care about two things.”
“And what’s that?”
“They don’t disturb me, and they don’t cross me. Just make sure your friends know, if they come after me or mine, I’ll do to them what I did to Laughing Boy, or maybe worse. I’ve got no problems with killing, Carl, don’t ever forget that.”
Carl smiled and nodded, Shadow got the impression that Carl wanted to hear that for some reason. “I told them I didn’t think you were going soft on us. But you know how they talk.”
“Why do I have the feeling that you’re up to something, Carl?”
“Shadow, really! I’m shocked that you’d consider such a thing.”
Shadow growled. “You know if I find out you’re behind whatever it is, I’ll hunt you down and gut you.”
Carl shook his head, “I’m not stupid, Shadow.”
“Going to tell me what this is all about?”
“That would be cheating, and I got a lot of money down on you, Shadow.”
Shadow smiled slowly and leaned over towards Carl, “I appreciate the vote of confidence.” He said softly, “Now tell me what’s up, or I’ll kill you right here and now and take my chances with Bell’s wrath.”
Shadow enjoyed the way Carl’s face paled slightly. It was a bit of a game between the two of them, Shadow often made threats to Carl, and Carl would walk the edge of Shadow’s temper at times, but they both knew Shadow valued Carl’s information too much to actually follow through on the threats. But then again, Shadow did have limits.
“You wouldn’t! We go way back! I even set you up with the Rosen twins!”
“Give, Carl.”
Carl looked around and leaned in closer, still nervous. “You know that new psycho that’s running around town?”
Shadow flicked an ear and nodded.
“He’s been tying up with some of the Raven gang. Word is he’s gonna hit Circe.”
It was several seconds before Shadow could stop growling enough to talk again, “When were you going to tell me this, Carl?”
“I’m telling you now, aren’t I? Besides, I thought you didn’t like her anymore?” he said puzzled.
“Carl, for once I actually mean this: Tell me everything, tell me quickly, or you’re going to die right here and now!” Shadow could feel his claws sinking into the table, the Formica had already cracked.
Carl gulped, “Tonight, at her place, not sure how, he figures he kills one of the worst of us, everyone will know he’s nasty. I didn’t know, Shadow...”
But Shadow was already gone, out the door and into the street. He ripped the door off the first car
he came to, and snapping the seatbelt with a claw pulled the terrified passenger out of the car. “I’ll buy you a Mercedes, now out!” he growled and jumping in the front seat he floored it and took off full speed heading across town shifting into his full dex form. Shadow pulled out his phone and pressed the number for Shirley and clipped the phone to his ear as he drove.
On the forth ring she answered. “I’m a bit busy now hon.”
“Take the team; meet me at the twelve hundred block on Stark.”
“Hon, we’re in the middle of something, I just can’t pull the team off.”
Shadow cornered hard and clipped the side of a truck as he squeezed past.
“The psycho is going to hit Circe tonight. I’ll be there in two minutes. My child is there, Shirley.”
“I’ll ... We’ll be there.” And she hung up.
Shadow cut down two alleys speeding through a street and clipping another two cars in the process, he threw it around hard as he launched through yet another side street, cut down a sidewalk just barely missing a pedestrian and then locked the wheels as the car one eighty’d to a stop in front of a large estate with a large wall that had spikes on top.
He bolted out of the car and sprung to the roof, then from there jumped to the top of the wall and then over the spikes and hit the ground on all fours in cat form and took off running across the ground flat out.
He heard the explosion, could feel it through his paw pads as he streaked across the grounds, they were already here. When he got to the house he ran up the side using his momentum and claws to carry him to the second floor window which he plunged through without a thought, rolling across the floor and he came up on all four feet and got his bearings.
The house shook again, with the sounds of small arms fire joined in. He ran out into the hall and took a hard left, literally bouncing off of the wall and landing on the back of someone. He didn’t recognize them, they didn’t belong here, he ripped their face off with his claws and leaped from their body down the hallway. Two more were there, henchmen from the Raven’s he suspected, and they turned to face him leveling submachine guns and opening fire.
