Love Among Shadows

by Smokey Moment

  “It’s nice out here,” Phoebe said, making small talk. “Yeah. It’s beautiful. I’ll miss this type of setting. I have an appointment with the realtor in the morning. I think I’ll get a condo this time,” she said sighing loudly out of frustration. Phoebe put her arm around her sister. “Find another house away from the city. Don’t move to a condo if you’re going to hate it there. You’ll be fine. And he will be there. He will,” Phoebe assured. Valentina looked out at the pond. “I hope so. Has he been here?” she asked, hoping he showed while she was at work and Phoebe neglected to mention it. She was hopeful. Even though she knew her sister would never forget to tell her that. “No. He hasn’t come back yet. He’s coming,” she replied.

  The thin pale blue curtains blew, as the wind came in through the small crack in the window. Valentina tossed around in her bed, locked into a dream that was both erotic and scary. She was in the throes of a passion with a faceless man. His body was hot to the touch. He felt febrile to the extreme. He whispered in her ear and it was the last thing she saw before she woke.

  “Another dream. These dreams are ruining my sleep,” she said, as she looked around. Valentina stacked her pillows and crossed her arms then stared at the ceiling.

  The wind picked up. It whistled through the small opening. I’ll never get back to sleep with that whistling, she thought, as she got out of bed and went to close it. Valentina grabbed the window by the edge and tried to push it down. It was jammed. She looked around it to see what was stopping it from closing. It easily closed the night before with no problem. She pushed harder with no luck. “This damn window,” she said, as she shook it. Valentina glanced out towards the pond. She narrowed her eyes. It looked like someone was standing near the bench at the pond. Right under the tree. It was too far to see in the darkness. The night was only slightly illuminated by the moon and the clouds filled the sky. Valentina stared. Suddenly movement confirmed her suspicion. A man was in the distance.

  The man walked from the shadows. His walk was familiar. Valentina narrowed her eyes. Her focus was on his movement. Her heart raced. She smiled. It wasn’t anything to fear. It was Legend. She ran to the front door and stood on the porch. Valentina was giddy. He had her feeling like a schoolgirl in love. Watching him walk towards her was intoxicating. A sound from behind her caused her to turn around. She saw Griff standing in the doorway.

  “I heard something,” he said. “Oh, It’s nothing. It’s Legend,” she said. Griff looked out towards Legend then turned and walked back to his bedroom. Valentina frowned. Phoebe asked her to keep her moaning down. It was an uncomfortable conversation and she wondered if it came from Griff. Phoebe never said anything about her moaning before. Griff usually stuck around to say hi to Legend. His immediately withdrawal from the front door had her wondering if he hadn’t become jealous of Legend.

  “Hi baby,” she said, in a low voice, as she walked up to him. “Hi,” he replied, grabbing her around the waist and pulling her to him. “I’m hungry,” he said. “Phoebe made pasta. I can heat it up,” she said. “Not that kind of hungry,” he said. Valentina smiled and took him by the hand. They went into the house and immediately into the bedroom. Valentina shut the door slowly. She looked down at Phoebes room. It looked as though the door was slightly ajar. She wondered if Griff was watching. Their door was always closed.

  “I have to move. We need privacy. Griff and Phoebe are used to being alone. I will find something. Anything… For now,” she said. Legend sat on the bed. “Do you need money?” he asked. Valentina looked seriously at him. It was the first time he mentioned money. And it sounded as though he was offering. “Yes. Cause I want you to live there. If you want…Do you want to?” she asked. Legend paused. Valentina waited anxiously for his answer. “Yes. I will. I love you,” he replied. Valentina was happy. She had misread him. They were moving along. She would need to be patient. They were on the same page.

  Legend put his hand over hers. She felt on edge again. He looked like he had something to say. He had just made her a happy woman. She hoped he wasn’t about to break her heart. “I will give you what you need. I want you to buy the home outright. Yell me how much after you find what you want. I will be busy for a few days. I need to take care of something first. Then we can be together,” he said. Valentina stood up. She walked over to the window and cracked it open. She needed air. She felt suffocated.

  “Tell me now Legend. Are you married? Phoebe seems to think so. She hinted that you act like a married man. I didn’t want to believe it. But now, I don’t know,” she said. Legend stood up and walked to her. He looked deeply into her eyes. Her mistrust of him hurt. He needed her to believe in him. She was the closest person to him. The only thing he loved. What they had was real. Pure. And it hurt him that she questioned his loyalty.

  “You think I am playing a game with you. This is real for me. I love you. You know that. I know you feel it. Can you trust me? I need you to believe in me. Let me do this. I will be back. I always come back,” he said. Valentina teared up. It was the most open he had been.

  “I know you’re coming back. That’s not it. I love you. If you say to me there is no one else, and it’s me and you, then I will have faith in that,” she said. Legend stepped closer. “There is no one else. It’s only you.”

  V

  alentina sat on her sister’s couch. She had settled in for a long night. Legend had been gone for a few days while she anxiously scoured the real estate listings looking for the perfect house. He had shown up in the middle of the night and the two made wild passionate love. There nights together were becoming more passionate. Their lovemaking had her completely taken with him. She found herself always desiring him sexually and anxiously waiting to make love to him.

  But his life was a mystery. And he wasn’t ready to share all the details. But she loved him. And she vowed to stand by him and give him the room he needed to come back to her. They had a life to build. She was confident in their bond. He was beginning to open up. He told her about his life in Africa. How close he was to several families in his old neighborhood and what life was like for him there. He told her things about his mother. Private things. The few precious moments he had with her before she died. Valentina felt bad for him. Losing his mother at such a young age had to be emotionally devastating. She guessed it was the reason he was so apprehensive about getting close. But she was in it for the long haul. She planned to help him.

  Several hours went by. Valentina stood up and carried her cup and saucer, with a half-eaten muffin, to the kitchen. She stood at the sink cleaning her dishes, as she thought about Legend. She glanced out the window. Someone was sitting near the pond. Who is that, she thought, as she rinsed her cup and sat it in the dish rack. She wondered if it was Griff or one of their friendly neighbors. It wouldn’t be the first time.

  She was sure Griff was asleep next to Phoebe. He had been going there in the middle of the night sometimes just to unwind. He was promoted to detective and was assigned to a special task force. He seemed stressed since the promotion. Phoebe had told her about Griff being under a lot of pressure. She thought he seemed distant. Phoebe had also told her that their sex life, which had begun to show improvement, was now non-existent. Valentina felt bad for him. He seemed so happy before the promotion.

  Valentina wiped her hands on the dish towel and slipped into her shoes. She pulled her sweater on and walked towards Griff. She could see him leaning forward, resting his arms on his thighs. He turned around as she approached. “Hey,” she said. “Hey,” he replied. Valentina sat down next to him and took a deep breath. “Is Phee asleep?” he asked. “Yeah. She was tired. She took a sleeping pill. She needed it,” she replied. Griff chuckled and looked across the water to the trees on the opposite side. Valentina could tell a lot was on his mind.

  “You okay? You seem stressed lately. Is it your job?” she asked. Griff sat back. “It’s always my job. I have a lot going on. It’s cool though. I just have to adjust to these new hours. And this task for
ce. I’m exposed to a lot more violence. Not sure I like homicide,” he said. Valentina understood. Griff was a good man. She always admired his love of life. The special way he treated her sister. She couldn’t imagine him being a detective on a murder investigation. It seemed too much.

  “Can you apply for another department?” she asked. “I could. But no one ever does that. It will look like I’m weak. Like I’m unable to handle the more serious crimes. My grandfather made it to chief. It will look bad. He left a legacy. He worked sex crimes, then became a homicide detective. I can’t just give up,” he noted. Valentina placed her hand over his.

  “Phoebe supports whatever you do. And I am proud of you no matter what. You got this,” she said. Griff sighed. Valentina could tell there was more. “Is there something else that’s bothering you. You can talk to me in confidence,” she said. Valentina hoped he didn’t take it the wrong way. She wasn’t asking him to tell her a secret. Something she couldn’t tell Phoebe. She hoped he would tell her and then give her permission to tell Phoebe. But Griff shut down. He tensed up then shook his head no.

  “Everything will be fine. We’ve been through a lot. And we’re still together,” he reflected, throwing something out into the water. Valentina stood up. He was giving her a part of what he wanted to say. She could tell he was apprehensive.

  “Well, If you change your mind, I am always here to talk. Or you could talk to Legend. He feels close to you. He isn’t particularly close to his family,” she said. Griff narrowed his eyes. “Really! Where is his father? His mother? He doesn’t have any siblings?” he asked. Valentina shook her head no. “Wow. That’s tough,” he said. “Yeah. I think that’s why he took to you so quickly. He doesn’t let you in unless he likes and trusts a person. He’s funny that way. But even with me it took longer. You… He bonded with instantly,” she noted. Griff nodded and smiled.

  “Well…I’m tired. I’m going in. See you in the morning,” she said. Griff watched her walk back to the house. He sat back. Phoebe and Valentina were the only family he had. And Legend was now a part of that small circle. But his thoughts weighed heavy on him. He had something to do. And his family ties could not interfere. He would explain himself to his wife; His sexual troubles. His anxiety at the thought of having a child. It wasn’t her fault. It wasn’t his. It was their fate. This was their life.

  “Hello! Nice to meet you. I’m Katherine,” the realtor said. Valentina smiled and shook her hand. They were standing in front of what she hoped was her new home. Legend had made good on his promise to help and surprised her by wiring the full amount to her account. He sent two hundred thousand dollars from his swiss bank account into hers. She was on cloud nine. The house was vacant and move in ready. It had no garage and the landscaping was nonexistent, but it had everything else she desired. A large open floor plan and an advanced security system.

  The realtor showed Valentina the property and she didn’t hesitate buying it. She took photos to show Legend later and then gave her realtor the go ahead to present the offer. They left the home and Valentina sat in her car in the driveway, staring at the secluded home near the edge of the Madenharti Forest.

  “Legend will love this. He loves nature. I love nature. This is perfect,” she reflected, as she looked around with pride. She couldn’t change her core self. She loved nature. Her last home was perfect. This could get her back to normal.

  Valentina stood in the window waiting on Legend. She still hadn’t figured out why he liked walking through forests. It was not a big deal when she was staying with Phoebe. The tree lined area around her home were just a half mile wide. There were major streets on the other side. And at her old home, she too lived near a small wooded area, much larger, but not impossible to hike through and finally get to a road. But this home was near a real forest. It backed to Madenharti Forest, a large area covered with trees, marsh lands and vegetation. He had several cars hidden in and around Anchorage and the surrounding areas. Valentina had seen only one. She would now be witness to how he lived his life. They were moving together. Her questions would be answered.

  Legend pulled up in his Dark Blue Tahoe. His senses was picking up something strange. He was sure whoever was stalking her didn’t have her new location yet. This part of the forest was closer to the south end of where Cedar Falls was located. At top speeds it would take him an hour to get home. Her scent wouldn’t travel that far, so anyone trying to track her would then have to rely on actual knowledge of her whereabouts. Legend cut the car engine off and looked through the trees then scanned the perimeter. He saw nothing. But something was off.

  The absence of traffic and the remote location were what he hoped for. He blew the horn and Valentina came out on the porch. Seeing her all smiles made his day. He hid his worries, grabbed his keys and the bag of groceries he picked up for her, and exited the car. He looked around, smiling. “This is nice princess,” he said. Valentina blushed. His nickname for her was adorable. “It needs work out here. But it is completely remodeled on the inside. Everything is new and beautiful,” she said, as she turned to show him the inside. Legend pulled her back. “Where’s my kiss,” he said, in a low voice. “Oh yeah,” she replied, as she kissed him, then took him by the hand.

  He followed her into the large, contemporary home. He loved the layout. It was a lot of home for a good price. He looked around. Valentina watched him closely. She hoped he loved it as much as she did. “This is perfect,” he said grabbing her from behind and placing his nose in her neck. Valentina flinched then chuckled. His touch tickled her. Soon the light touch was more pronounced and Valentina was ready to make love.

  “Do we have a bed?” he asked, since there was no other furniture present. “Yes. We have that. The rest, you have to get,” she replied. She turned to face him. “We don’t really need a bed,” she said, as she moved slowly down his body. Legend gave a devilish look. Valentina was wild. He wasn’t sure if it were the animal drives that raged inside her or if she was always so sexual. Whatever it was, he liked it.

  Valentina looked up at him adoringly. She pulled his dick from his pants and looked back at him. He smiled. She was being naughty. He liked when she toyed with him beforehand. It was something his kind didn’t do. They didn’t toy and they didn’t perform fellatio. It was unnatural. And he believed it was the reason more of them were straying and secretly dating humans. The sex was better. The feelings felt more intense. Legend’s first sexual encounter with a human was in his teenage years in Africa. He bit from the apple and never looked back. It was something he never discussed. But then found himself being asked to kill them. Men and women alike. He took his feeling out of it. It was a job. His mission. And he had to obey. The spirits were nothing to play with.

  Valentina moved her hand across his shaft slowly then without warning, opened her mouth wide and took him. Legend inhaled deeply then moaned. It was the best feeling. Valentina was the best lover he’d ever had. It was yet something else he adored about her. He loved her smile. He loved her personality. And he loved the way she made him feel.

  The house was dimly lit. It was early morning and he was ready to start his day. The windows were uncovered exposing the world to a naked Legend and him to the world. He looked out at the trees as he walked past the huge windows along the staircase. He walked to the lower level and into the kitchen. There were no neighbors. And he was used to nakedness. It was second nature to him. He preferred it even though he did wear pajama’s at times.

  He opened boxes looking for Valentina’s tea pot. She had no microwave and he wanted to heat water for his special night elixir of herbs, lemon and honey. He found the tea pot and filled it with water. The sun was beginning to peak over the horizon. It was five o’clock in the morning. Valentina was sound asleep. She was now working from home and had decreased her hours at work to part time. Legend moved around quietly. He wanted her to get her rest so they could go into town. She wanted new furniture and he wanted to be with her. His father would be back in town soon. He
awaited word. Aesir had delivered no messages to him, and so Archaeus was still in Africa.

  The pot whistled. He walked over and took a cup from the box and poured the water in. Movement in the distance caught his eye. Legend sat the cup down and walked to the window. The outline of a man whose face was unclear, stood far in the distance under the cover of trees and shrubs. Legend scowled. He was angry. This was now war. Someone was skilled at tracking her. She hadn’t been in her new home one day and they were already there. Legend walked back to the stove and cut the pot off. He walked up to the room and kissed Valentina lightly on her head. She moaned then awakened.

  “Hey. What you doing up?” she asked. “Nothing! Go back to sleep,” he replied. Valentina rolled over. “I have to go to Phoebe’s in the morning. There are things I want to get before her and Griff leave for their little road trip. They said they’re driving to Kenai Park for a getaway,” she said. Legend waited. Soon he could hear her light snore. He turned and quietly walked out of the room. He looked out to the forest. The stranger was gone. He went to the door and set the alarm. He was curious. He needed to see if Aesir heard anything. He still had nothing. And someone was persistent.

  L

  egend ran through the dense trees and brush. He jumped over the creek. Being in man-form slowed him down, but he couldn’t risk being seen by humans in his large, oversized wolf form. It would spark interest in the forest. Human men would want to hunt him and keep his carcass as a trophy. Visit the local taxidermist and get him stuffed like some work of art. It had happened to a Harou before. The reason for his cautious thinking.

  He ran as fast as he could. His speeds reaching upwards of eighty miles an hour. He hoped to get home unnoticed by his pack. He could go in the back door. It was still early. He was still reeling. His night with Valentina was beautiful. She was special. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. She was his mate. They had bonded. As hard as he fought against it in the beginning, it was inevitable because it was meant. And it was everything he imagined.