{"id":480,"date":"2024-07-19T14:06:11","date_gmt":"2024-07-19T22:06:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/?p=480"},"modified":"2024-07-19T14:06:11","modified_gmt":"2024-07-19T22:06:11","slug":"when-mason-met-eli","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/?p=480","title":{"rendered":"When Mason Met Eli"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Part one of my first hetero romantasy series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\t\t<div class=\"embed-privacy-container is-disabled embed-youtube\" data-embed-id=\"oembed_d21dcdfe7e28332a16cae9baff0ffd99\" data-embed-provider=\"youtube\" style=\"aspect-ratio: 640\/480;\">\t\t\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" class=\"embed-privacy-enable screen-reader-text\">Display &quot;Story image- Mason Met Eli&quot; from YouTube<\/button>\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"embed-privacy-overlay\">\t\t\t\t<div class=\"embed-privacy-inner\">\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"embed-privacy-logo\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/embed-privacy\/assets\/images\/embed-youtube.png?ver=1.12.3);\"><\/div>\t\t<p>\t\tClick here to display content from YouTube.\t\t\t\t\t<br>\t\t\t\t\tLearn more in <a href=\"https:\/\/policies.google.com\/privacy?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\">YouTube\u2019s privacy policy<\/a>.\t\t<\/p>\t\t<p class=\"embed-privacy-input-wrapper\">\t\t\t<input id=\"embed-privacy-store-youtube-d21dcdfe7e28332a16cae9baff0ffd99\" type=\"checkbox\" value=\"1\" class=\"embed-privacy-input\" data-embed-provider=\"youtube\">\t\t\t<label for=\"embed-privacy-store-youtube-d21dcdfe7e28332a16cae9baff0ffd99\" class=\"embed-privacy-label\" data-embed-provider=\"youtube\">\t\t\t\tAlways display content from YouTube\t\t\t<\/label>\t\t<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"embed-privacy-footer\"><span class=\"embed-privacy-url\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtube.com\/shorts\/JOAC_J44dq8?feature=share\">Open &quot;Story image- Mason Met Eli&quot; directly<\/a><\/span><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"embed-privacy-content\">\t\t\t\t<script>var _oembed_d21dcdfe7e28332a16cae9baff0ffd99 = '{\\\"embed\\\":\\\"<iframe hcb-fetch-image-from=&quot;https:\\\\\/\\\\\/youtube-nocookie.com\\\\\/shorts\\\\\/JOAC_J44dq8?feature=share&quot; title=&quot;Story image- Mason Met Eli&quot; width=&quot;640&quot; height=&quot;480&quot; src=&quot;https:\\\\\/\\\\\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\\\\\/embed\\\\\/JOAC_J44dq8?feature=oembed&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; allow=&quot;accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share&quot; referrerpolicy=&quot;strict-origin-when-cross-origin&quot; allowfullscreen><\\\\\/iframe>\\\"}';<\/script>\t\t\t<\/div>\t\t<\/div>\t\t\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">[short animated video of Mason and his flickery glamour. no sound.]<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mason Jones whimpered in his sleep and his fingers gripped the grey weighted blanket with white knuckles, he moaned. \u201cNo, no no\u201d the dream was the same as always. No faces, only vague outlines of his family in stark relief against the bright red orange of flames, his big body jerked, and he called, \u201cMom? Mama? Mama run Mama-\u201d sobbing he tore himself out of the dream, crying into the dark as he sat up and gagged. He looked around in panic, he was too hot and sweating, his bonnet had come off and when one of his locs tickled the back of his neck he flailed in bed and flopped out onto the floor with a hard thump. \u201cMmmaah-\u201d he choked off the last call for his Mama, it was too late. Every time it was too late.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mason took a few minutes to sit on the floor breathing heavily, he was in the guest room. He only slept in the master bedroom if he had company, if he was alone, he always preferred sleeping in the small room on the narrow bed, usually he tucked his sheet in enough to at least keep himself from falling out of bed during his night terrors, that night he\u2019d fought too hard, and the covers were a twisted heap next to the wall. He sat there panting for what felt like way too long before he thought he could stand up without falling.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFuck.\u201d He finally managed to stumble out and headed for the master bathroom to shower, at his heel his cat meowed at him. \u201cQueen Abigail Maria Jones the first, I know I closed the door I\u2019m sorry.\u201d The cat yowled loud and long while twining around his ankles, \u201cI\u2019m sorry I know, can you please let me go pee first? Come on baby, yeah, I\u2019ll pick you up come on, up up Abs.\u201d The cat hollered louder, standing on her hind legs with her paws on his knees waiting to be picked up like every morning and he smiled, \u201cokay okay. See, I\u2019m going. I\u2019m sorry honey.\u201d He bent over to pick up his huge fluffy tortie cat to cuddle her to his bare chest while she kept meowing, \u201cI know Abigail.\u201d The cat head butted his chin, \u201cyou forgive me baby?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like most mornings Mason dutifully dished up food for his cat then sat on the floor to praise her while she ate, he stroked her back and murmured, \u201cgood girl Abigail. See I promised good breakfast.\u201d Abigail stopped eating long enough to roll her eyes at him and meow in his face. He smiled at her wet food breath and scratched her ears before he stood up to go shower. Under the hot water the last of the bad dreams faded to reeking nothingness. When he stepped out Abigail was sitting at the door howling her fluffy head off again as usual.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAbby, Abby Abby habibi I\u2019m fine. See look.\u201d He held his hands up and the cat stared at him, she paused then started yowling again \u201cI know, I know look. I\u2019m okay. I promise.\u201d He dried his hands and stroked her back while she yelled at him, \u201cI know. I know why would I do that? I\u2019m a big stupid kitty.\u201d\u00a0 Abigail hated it when he bathed and complained loudly about it the entire time. For once she didn\u2019t jump on his head from the top of the shower.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m almost done hold on baby.\u201d Abigail wailed the song of her people and sprawled in the bathroom sink, she squirmed and reached with one paw trying to knock over the soap dispenser, Mason glanced at her. \u201cAbby, Abigail, Abigail Renee Jones, no ma\u2019am, stop that.\u201d She looked at him, rolled her eyes and grunted at him, he grunted back, \u201cthat\u2019s not nice behavior young lady. Now if you\u2019re gonna just lay in there making a mess, I\u2019m putting you out.\u201d Abigail sat up on the word out and stared at him, he pointed at her. \u201cSee I told Jess n them you do listen. Now quit it let me finish showering. Behave Abigail. Be a good girl.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Abigail yawned and settled; she swung her fluffy tail slowly while he lectured. Abby didn\u2019t necessarily want him out of the bath right then, she wanted to eat and be pet then left to her morning patrol and nap. For such a big dumb baby he could be so sweet sometimes, while he finished his shower she washed her face, and ears then snoozed a little waiting for him.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When Mason got out of the shower Abby sat on the sink and as usual sniffed at him, occasionally licking his skin here and there. He used his damp hands to clean the goop out of the corners of her eyes and ran his fingers through her fur, she allowed it then started grumbling for breakfast. Clad in boxer briefs he carried her back to the kitchen as she meowed in his ear and chewed on his earlobe, \u201cI know. I know. It\u2019s my fault, I\u2019m a bad daddy.\u201d In agreement Abigail meowed directly in his face and nipped his nose lightly.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Abby finished her breakfast he got dressed and made coffee, when the computer on the dining room table started yelling, he sighed, \u201ccoming coming.\u201d The incoming video call was from his sister-in-law, her ring tone was her hollering \u201cMason Jones!\u201d When her camera focused, he smiled, she was very pregnant and grinning at him. \u201cMorning sweetie. Where is your husband?\u201d Anita smiled at him, resting her hands on top of her big round belly, \u201cat the gym or something. You know how early he gets up. How are you feeling honey?\u201d Mason had gotten injured a few weeks prior and she looked worried, he flexed at her. \u201cI\u2019m fine. All healed up. How is your back?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anita groaned, \u201cwhy did I let that man get me pregnant?\u201d She was fanning herself and had a remote in her other hand, \u201coh baby what\u2019s wrong?\u201d She opened her eyes and glared at him, \u201cnothin\u2019 I\u2019m great except that I feel like my butthole is going to fall out for no reason, and my fucking tits hurt. And I can\u2019t sleep. And your brother smells bad. Anyway, I called for a reason I need a favor.\u201d Mason sat and waited for Abigail who came running from the other room. She jumped into his lap and climbed onto his chest.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat you need girl?\u201d Anita grinned at him, \u201cwell I know my husband probably told you we\u2019re meeting in Atlanta this weekend, right?\u201d Mason nodded, \u201cyes and I already sent your linens out to be washed in that detergent you like, I\u2019ll flip the mattress, and your body pillow is coming today. Anything else your majesty?\u201d She wiggled happily, \u201cone more thing. We\u2019re all supposed to go to an art gallery opening but I made plans and I need you to go to the party by yourself and hang out with my friend. And maybe the next day if you do your thot bullshit.\u201d He groaned, \u201cAnita last time you said something like that, I wound up spending your whole wedding weekend with your cousin Lisa.\u201d Anita pursed her lips and tried for an innocent expression.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOkay that was a bad idea. But this is different. This is my friend Eli. Even if you two hate each other you\u2019ll have a good time. She\u2019s amazing and loves eye candy. And she is so hot. A real baddie, I sent you her instagram.\u201d He gave her an incredulous look, \u201cso the assignment is be eye candy for your friend?\u201d Anita nodded, \u201cyes and keep her entertained for the night and maybe a dinner. I promise I\u2019ll reward you later.\u201d Mason knew he was going to say yes of course he would, but he had to make her suffer a little more first. \u201cI don\u2019t know, I mean I was gonna hit up Bar Diversion on Saturday for Dancehall night and Giddy is djing-\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anita\u2019s bottom lip quivered, the tears made her eyes shimmer and he had to stop, he couldn\u2019t even look at her. \u201cDon\u2019t, no don\u2019t do that, don\u2019t cry. Come on girl.\u201d Anita\u2019s chubby tear-streaked face broke his heart, she was so cute and pretty and with the fat tears rolling down her her round cheeks she was pitiful. He couldn\u2019t tell her no. \u201cMason, you can\u2019t blame me for that. Lisa and you should have worked out but you\u2019re Captain Fuckity Fuck Boy.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mason let his cat climb up behind his neck to burrow in his locs, he frowned at Anita. \u201cI am not. I told her like I told you, I wasn\u2019t looking for something serious. I was honest with her. I told y\u2019all.\u201d Anita dabbed her tears away and glared at him, \u201cyou weren\u2019t looking but she was so good for you. Don\u2019t worry, this time you don\u2019t have to think about anything like that. Eli is not that kind of girl.\u201d Her tone changed from the adorable weepy wavy whimper to her matter of fact I won\u2019t argue about it tone.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAnyway, you owe me. And all you have to do is be interesting enough to keep her occupied for the night and I\u2019ll handle everything else. Mason, don\u2019t you give me that look, she\u2019s hot and you\u2019ll be into it and thank me.\u201d And so, the argument began. \u201cAnita I already said yes why are we still fighting?\u201d She had long stopped crying and was angry at him again. \u201cBecause Mason, I love Eli and I love you and I don\u2019t want you and your ho tendencies to ruin it. Don\u2019t be the social media guy she\u2019ll hate that and be mean to you.\u201d She knew him well enough the threat of a pretty woman being mean to him would convince Mason if he wasn\u2019t already. He changed the subject.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSo how many more weeks? Baby move down yet? When do I need to come?\u201d Anita smiled finally; all her tears dry. \u201cNo baby hasn\u2019t moved. I\u2019m over it. You can come when we tell you I went into labor.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Behind Anita the door to the apartment opened and her husband walked in, holding up a hand. \u201cMason! Why are you bothering my wife?\u201d Mason was leaning forward, holding his cat up to the screen, both staring at Anita intently. \u201cCome on girl, lemme see.\u201d Abigail crawled down off his neck to settle on his knee and stare at Anita, \u201cwhy is your cat looking at me like that?\u201d He smiled, \u201cshe wants to see too. Come on, get that thang out girl.\u201d Anita stood up and unbuttoned her shirt to show him her big round belly.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou are such a creepy weirdo Mason.\u201d He grinned at her, \u201coh look at that. You are so cute. It looks like the baby dropped some.\u201d Anita sat back down after rolling her eyes at him, \u201cno it hasn\u2019t they\u00a0just got bigger. She, he or they are in there gaining weight and getting ready to get evicted. I feel a little better kind of but not really. It is a different kind of uncomfortable. Why are you like this?\u201d Mason just grinned at her, \u201cI love pregnant folks. Lookin all juicy, you are literally baking a whole Jones, how can I not?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From behind her the door opened and his brother walked in calling, \u201cbro stop looking at my wife like that god damn.\u201d Mason cackled, \u201cor what? What you gonna do boy? Freddie boy please.\u201d Anita rolled her eyes and fixed her shirt, once the brothers got started, she knew it would be a while before they stopped roasting each other. \u201cYou two have fun I have to pee.\u201d Mason loved his little brother, when they reconnected at 30 and 25 respectively Mason promised himself, he\u2019d never let go or lose Freddie again.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMan fuck you. Why are you bothering my wife?\u201d Freddie kissed Anita when she moved past him and she swatted his hand away from her butt, he flopped onto the couch in front of the open laptop and lounged, \u201cGod damn did that cat get bigger? The hell you feeding it.\u201d Mason narrowed his eyes, \u201cnot it, she. Her name is Abigail Rosalind Jones, have some respect for your big sister.\u201d Freddie gaped at him, \u201cyou need a woman.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As usual Mason and Freddie bickered, made fun of each other and told each other mostly tall tales for a good forty minutes before Mason jumped up, \u201coh shit I got a meeting I gotta go. I\u2019ll see y\u2019all this weekend, tell your wife I can\u2019t wait to see her.\u201d He flipped Freddie off and closed his laptop, Abigail tilted her head back to look at him, \u201cdon\u2019t look at me like that babygirl, I gotta go. I\u2019ll be home soon I promise, and watch your stories.\u201d He settled her on her favorite pillow with her favorite bird youtube channel on.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mason like many of his kind worked security primarily for nocturnal supernatural creatures, he\u2019d moved on from just being muscle to owning his own company. He was mostly legit though it was admittedly a large part of why he\u2019d moved to Crete in the first place. He changed quickly into his usual garb for his other job and headed out to the warehouse for the meet up. For five blocks around the warehouse, he spotted the others as he walked. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He\u2019d gone on foot to avoid being followed and it worked, when he wound his way back to the side door to swipe his card, he knew for certain he was safe. Inside men all clad in black milled around the space. A tall red haired white guy raised his hand and hollered, \u201cas-sal\u0101m \u02bfalaykum little brother.\u201d Mason grinned, \u201cWa alaikum assalam, Giddy my big brother.\u201d The enormous red head ran at him, and they collided in a hug.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cGiddy man it hasn\u2019t been that long chill.\u201d Giddy, one of Mason\u2019s oldest and dearest friends glared at him and shoved him away, \u201clast time I saw you, didn\u2019t that rakkhasa almost tear your ears off? That bald patch grow back?\u201d Mason laughed and tilted his head to the left to show the bald patch on the left side of his head, \u201cnah not even a baby hair yet. Yintasha tore that shit out and spit on it, it ain\u2019t growing back.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Giddy cackled, \u201cand you\u2019re telling me she\u2019s not dangerous lad?\u201d Both men turned to wander towards the snack tables, Mason had his eye on a plate of what he thought were probably his favorite kind of little frosted mini cupcakes. \u201cShe\u2019s only dangerous when she\u2019s pissed off.\u201d Mason got to the table and elbowed another guy out of the way, \u201cman move. What are you trying to parallel park your big ass? God damn wide as all outside back up off them cupcakes Hawthorne move.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eaton Hawthorne was even bigger than both Mason and Giddy by a good few inches and at least fifty pounds, he was a hulk of a man with a broad dark brown face and gap-toothed grin. \u201cOh, I\u2019m so sorry little dude. Shit you look hungry.\u201d Mason hugged Eaton as well, \u201cfuck you I\u2019m a growing boy.\u201d Eaton started to laugh, \u201cgrowing and getting beat fucked by bad girls with claws?\u201d Mason got around Eaton and loaded a plate with two layers of mini cupcakes and a pile of speculous cookies.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBeat fucked seems pretty accurate. Mavhi beat me for an hour then dragged me to her lair. For a couple of days.\u201d Eaton giggled, shaking his head. \u201cYou a better man than me, I can\u2019t with them rough girls, I\u2019m delicate.\u201d The three men carried their loaded plates and moved to sit together at a table to catch up, \u201chow you been Giddy?\u201d Giddy had half of a glittery cookie in his mouth and he was reaching for another, \u201cme I\u2019m fine. Bored as fuck. Last job went over by two weeks and no action. I haven\u2019t worked since last month. Being a banking mule for bloodsuckers who won\u2019t use the internet is boring as shit.\u201d Mason nodded his understanding, \u201cI feel you. After that last round of bullshit. You hear anything else about the Xuchic thing?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eaton had his mouth full, and his eyebrows shot up, \u201cno that got cancelled nobody told you?\u201d Giddy looked between them and shook his head, \u201cfuck that whole thing. I heard it is done with already, I ain\u2019t goin.\u201d Mason rolled his eyes, \u201cwhy are you so sensitive? Shit happens, enjoy the party. That\u2019s all that\u2019s left.\u201d Giddy grunted and shifted, \u201cenjoy the party my ass, I ain\u2019t gettin\u2019 paid for that. I\u2019m a professional I don\u2019t need to get paid to go to a fucking party.\u201d Mason got distracted by a commotion at the back of the room, a tight group of hooded men surrounded a small figure.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat is going on? Who is that?\u201d He pointed his lips at the men and his friends looked, Giddy made an ugly sound. \u201cRogue ferals. I dunno but they\u2019ve been bringing them in left right and center.\u201d Mason frowned watching the men handling the small person. \u201cSeriously? Ain\u2019t that a Cynamisia? Ferals my ass. Feral, they mean just not under their control or identification. Mother fuckers.\u201d Mason looked up at mention of the Cynamisia, he sniffed but shrugged. \u201cI dunno man. I haven\u2019t seen a Cynamisia since I was a kid.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking of the draconian race known as Cynamisia made Mason think of his sister-in-law, she wasn\u2019t a dragon, but she always reminded him of them for reasons he never delved into. \u201cIf that\u2019s a Cynamisia, why she ain\u2019t burned this whole shit down. Please. And if that is one he got to go, Mason, can you tell?\u201d Eaton jerked a thumb at Mason, Mason sighed and got to his feet. \u201cI\u2019ll go see.\u201d He meandered towards the back where the hooded men were still struggling to hold the woman in place, he smiled at them. \u201cNeed help with the little lady fellas? Nice perfume.\u201d He spoke to the woman and heard her snort, \u201cthank you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The soldiers trying to hold her were surprised to find one of the men speaking to them directly and it showed. Two of them let go of the girl and she let out a noise and then disappeared into the party. Mason loved a scrapper, and he held his hands up in apology, \u201csorry fellas. You want me to uh-\u201d the guardians all shook their heads and scattered to hunt their quarry. Mason walked back to his friends, \u201cnah not a Cynamisia. Human probably a witch. You know how they be acting with witches these days.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The other men laughed, and they continued eating, when Mason\u2019s head started to tingle, he reached up to feel and looked around the room, \u201cwho the fuck.\u201d He started to stand on seeing a tall thin white man fleeing the room, he followed and started bellowing. \u201cAnthurium Foggyfall you fuckin asshole stop it leave my glamour alone.\u201d Other men moved to close the exit Ant was almost running for, as Mason lost control of his voice he bellowed long and loud, Anthurium stumbled and fell laughing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou do fuckin moo man.\u201d The tips of Anthurium\u2019s pointed ears started to flush a delicate pink as he laid on the floor howling with mirth. Mason did moo, loud. The last sound a body might hear wandering across the pasture of an unfriendly angry territorial bull. Several of Mason\u2019s locs got caught on his horns, he could feel it and it was irritating as was how his ears flopped against his cheek. Before he could get to the elf Giddy grabbed him around the waist, \u201cno no no. I know you hate elves leave it alone. You know the rules big boy. It ain\u2019t like America over here, they are protected. Come on. Deep breath buddy.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Giddy calmed him down enough for Mason not to stomp the cackling elf and not to reach up to touch his horns. He spent so little time without his glamour he almost forgot how he looked. As they sat back down up front the four men started intoning the opening prayer. Unlike many breeds of shape shifters Mason and his brother had no fine control over their shapes. Without using a glamour, they were clearly inhuman and without magic most minotaurs couldn\u2019t leave Crete often. When Mason glanced back at the still giggling elf on the floor he shook his head, \u201cfuckin elves. It ain\u2019t funny, it wasn\u2019t funny last time either. I see you on the street, I\u2019m beating that ass.\u201d Up front four robed figures stepped onto the dais.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cGentlemen if you please, we must begin the opening prayer.\u201d Mason took a deep breath; he\u2019d have to calm down so his glamour would resettle so he could get home. Giddy patted his back and murmured, \u201cit\u2019s okay.\u00a0 It ain\u2019t that bad come on man, not worth the bullshit.\u201d Mason wanted to stomp Ant out but wouldn\u2019t, he\u2019d been disciplined before and didn\u2019t feel like being put in the labyrinth again.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Up front the men began to intone the opening prayers. \u201cBlessed Mother, protector of souls, I need you now in my time of need. Kindle my inner fire so I may illuminate the darkness. I beg this of you in your eternal light, o all-powerful god. Strengthen me with your holy wisdom. Gentlemen give thanks.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The assembled men joined voices. \u201cThanks to our divine mother.\u201d With the prayer done Mason sat still shoving cookies into his mouth, he could hear the elf still giggling and he wanted to stomp him. \u201cGentlemen, thank you all for coming on such short notice.\u201d The man at the podium smiled at the group of men, human hybrids and others. He began droning about the current situation of a problem with rogue creatures.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe must remain ever vigilant. The safety of one is-\u201d the men answered, \u201cthe safety of all. Our secrets must be kept.\u201d Mason always attended but he didn\u2019t want to, he didn\u2019t like it. Giddy elbowed him and whispered, \u201cthese Euro guys like the long sermon.\u201d Mason had to stifle his laughter; it was true. Back home the meetings were generally only held quarterly and tended to be more for general attendance taking and to see who was still alive.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After another ten minutes Mason was out of cookies and mini cupcakes, his beer was empty, and the guy was still talking. When they were finally allowed to stand, he stood and stretched, \u201cMason hey man. I thought that was you.\u201d The petite man in front of him grinned, Mason took a half step back ever conscious of his size. \u201cRemy my friend.\u201d Remy clapped his hands, \u201chello Mason Jones. All the way from Atlanta Georgia United States.\u201d Mason and Remy sat together catching up until the smaller man gestured, \u201cwhy can I see one of your horns but not the other? Are you drunk?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mason grunted and reached up, sure enough his glamour was still not right. \u201cGod damn fuckin elf.\u201d Mason took his phone out and scrolled through his notes app, \u201cI can\u2019t remember the incantation.\u201d Remy snorted, \u201cyou would make a terrible witch.\u201d Remy turned his head, his nose twitching. \u201cFuck is that smell?\u201d Mason shook his head a little, \u201cdunno. Hold on.\u201d He took a deep breath and read the note, \u201cBy the divine light of the stars, grant me the power to shape myself. And show only with my own consent.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His scalp tingled followed by the same strange tickly itchy static in his skull. He did not understand how glamours worked only how thankful he was for them. Remy was still sniffing, muttering under his breath about big cats and the reek of what he said might have been a vampire, Mason didn\u2019t know nor was it any of his business. \u201cHey Remy, I gotta go, Abigail needs her meds.\u201d Remy laughed, \u201cyou still have that creature?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mason turned to show his phone, his background was Abigail on her little pink couch wearing her tiara on a fur blanket. \u201cI thought you was old school, I got one of Bast\u2019s babies lookin out for me. I don\u2019t have her; she allows me take care of her. Get it right. You going to the hunt in Atlanta next month?\u201d Remy thought about it, \u201cI might. Depends on what the wife says. You heading back to the states for a while?\u201d Mason shook his head, \u201cnah. just a couple of weeks, see my brother and sister-in-law.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remy and Mason talked for a while longer before a man in a dark suit tapped Mason on the shoulder, \u201cMason Jones, your assignment is ready.\u201d Mason stood and he and Remy hugged before he headed to a small room with four men at a table. \u201cGentlemen.\u201d The men all stood and the eldest of them, a tall thin man with a German accent stepped forward. \u201cMr. Jones, we appreciate you coming. Please join us.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The men represented a worldwide supposed council who managed and looked after nonhumans everywhere, they made Mason nervous, but he smiled anyway. \u201cI was told my assignment is ready.\u201d The man Lasse Schutz was as tall as Mason but far thinner, he sat after Mason and opened a manila folder. \u201cIt is Mr. Jones; we are very pleased to see you staying in your ancestral home. It isn\u2019t often we see our Black brothers, welcome home Mason.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mason hated that speech so much. He hated hearing it every time he was out of the US and yet he smiled politely, \u201cI\u2019m glad to be home.\u201d Lasse looked pleased and began looking through the folder, \u201cgood news Mr. Jones. Your ward has been identified.\u201d Mason frowned slightly, \u201cidentified not found?\u201d Lasse shook his head a little, \u201cwell there have been a few complications unfortunately but, i have it on good authority that when you arrive back in the states, someone will be in contact. We\u2019re close.\u201d Part of Mason\u2019s life and freedom was tied to whomever he was set to protect.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHow long is the contract?\u201d Lasse tried to look a little sad but instead looked like a pale gleeful troll, \u201cuntil death. She\u2019s marked it won\u2019t long, your role this time is less involved as you requested. Low to partial daytime contact once we eh-\u201d he trailed off muttering something Mason couldn\u2019t understand, \u201cyou know I don\u2019t speak German Lasse, what\u2019d you just say?\u201d Lasse gave him a bright fake smile, \u201cI was just saying we all know how fond of cats you are.\u201d Mason was confused but not confused enough to want to keep talking to the man. His oh shit alarm went off on his phone and he jumped to his feet, flop sweat flicked off his nose as he started patting himself for keys and the sandwich baggy of fancy lamb he had in his pocket, \u201cI gotta go, my baby needs her meds.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lasse stood as well, rolling his eyes. \u201cNow your cat has you on a schedule?\u201d Mason smiled, \u201cshe\u2019s diabetic she needs insulin twice a day.\u201d Lasse just shook his head, \u201cgo on go home to your bossy cat wife. Check in when you get back to the states.\u201d Mason made the appropriate sounds and felt sure his facial expression was right, it took almost another ten minutes, but he finally made it out of the meeting and to the waiting taxi.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As soon as Abigail heard his footsteps she started wailing, she threw herself on the floor in front of the door yowling as loud as she could manage. First the bedroom door was closed then he was late? Abigail was a very bossy lady and she had to train her Mason. Mason dropped his keys, his neighbor stood just inside her door listening and trying not to laugh hearing the huge American next-door coo at his cat. \u201cAbigail, don\u2019t cry honey I\u2019m coming I\u2019m sorry baby.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For the few days following Mason got a flurry of communications from his handlers. He couldn\u2019t think of the council as his bosses, by the time he boarded his flight to New York life was set for the next few months. Abigail was safe with her favorite neighbor, Mason had shipped gifts for his brother Anita and the baby ahead and his LA apartment was cleaned, refreshed and ready.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The car started ringing and Mason heard his brother, \u201cMason where are you. You\u2019re late Anita is gonna freak out.\u201d Mason looked around, \u201cuh, Wilshire just passing the tar pits. I\u2019ll be there in fifteen if nothing else happens.\u201d Freddie sounded annoyed, \u201cman hurry the fuck up. Anita wants approval before you head out to meet her friend.\u201d Mason chuckled, \u201cso how bad is it gonna be? You been real quiet about it.\u201d Freddie was quiet for a moment, \u201cI mean it ain\u2019t like she\u2019s ugly or anything.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSo what is it?\u201d Mason was starting to worry a little. Freddie sighed, \u201clook I just don\u2019t love her is all. Fuckin cats.\u201d Mason started to giggle a little, \u201cshe\u2019s feline?\u201d Freddie was terrified of all feline animals and hybrids, \u201cI dunno for sure man but she makes me nervous. Look I gotta go. Look at her socials man, key is in the spot when you get here. Anita needs help in the bath.\u201d Freddie hung up.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It only took Mason another ten minutes before he was walking into their apartment, he unlocked the door and called. \u201cY\u2019all nekkid?\u201d He heard Anita cackle, \u201ccome in Mason. Make yourself at home we\u2019ll be out in a couple of minutes.\u201d Shoes off, house slippers on he got into their fridge and found a bucket of leftover chicken and pulled a bottle of beer from the shelf before he washed up and settled on their couch.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He could hear Anita splashing in the shower and laughter, he opened instagram to look at Ms. Eli. Eli Mohamed was as gorgeous as advertised. The first photo he saw was of a dark skinned Black woman wearing braids and looking gorgeous. He was careful not to like any old images but he was still looking when Freddie walked out shirtless and damp. \u201cif I ever mention getting Anita pregnant again.\u201d Freddie flopped into his recliner and rubbed his eyes, \u201cwhy you smiling like that?\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He was right, Mason was looking at one of Eli\u2019s photos, she\u2019d gone to some event with barnyard animals and it was an image of her riding a donkey, head thrown back, mouth wide open laughing. He turned his phone, \u201cI like her. She looks like fun.\u201d Fredcdie rolled his eyes, \u201ccome on Mason don\u2019t do your bullshit. Just go to the party, be cute or whatever, tell her she\u2019s pretty, don\u2019t drool on her or touch her. Eli ain\u2019t nice like Anita or Lisa.\u201d Mason shook his head, \u201cy\u2019all got no confidence in me.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once Anita exited the bedroom dressed, hair and make up done she pointed at Mason. \u201cGo get ready, I\u2019m not introducing you to anybody lookin like that, get cleaned up.\u201d He stood up and pulled a little silky purple bag from his pocket, he presented it to her and bent so she could kiss his cheek without getting on her tiptoes. \u201cYes ma\u2019am.\u201d She kept glaring at him, sniffed. \u201cYou smell like airport. Go wash Ferdinand.\u201d Freddie laughed from the livingroom, \u201che ain\u2019t that friendly baby.\u201d Anita giggled, pinched Mason\u2019s arm and turned him, slapping him on the ass to get him moving. \u201cLet\u2019s go, move it Sir loin.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mason had planned for it, he knew Anita well enough to be ready. Usually he would have traveled two or three days before meeting his family but, with the meetings and Abigail had a vet appointment the day before he couldn\u2019t make it. He was vain and planned to enjoy his night with Ms. Eli. \u201cHalf hour and I\u2019ll be ready Anita.\u201d Behind him she tugged one of his locs, \u201cyou have an hour.\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An hour later Mason and Freddie stood at attention in the foyer, Anita walked around them inspecting their looks. \u201cFreddie baby why are you wearing those shoes? Your feet are going to hurt. Mason, go put some draws on, nasty.\u201d She looked disgusted and annoyed; Mason tried to be cute. \u201cI got some on, ain\u2019t much but what am I gonna do it\u2019s genetic.\u201d Anita rolled her eyes and cut Freddie off with a glare, \u201cif I hear a single dick joke everybody is staying home but me.\u201d Both men hung their heads until she stopped scowling, \u201cMason your ride is here, we\u2019ll see you in the morning don\u2019t do no ho shit.\u201d Mason hugged her, \u201cI won\u2019t embarass you sis.\u201d \u00a0She smiled at him, and he turned to go after hugging Freddie.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mason was dropped off at a pretty art gallery tucked between boutiques he\u2019d never seen it before. He was early as arranged, and the security guy up front held him at the entrance and called someone. \u201cMs. Mohamed? Mason Jones is here.\u201d Mason couldn\u2019t hear the response, but the meathead stepped aside to allow him in, \u201cjust head back towards that wall she\u2019ll be waiting by the food.\u201d Mason smiled, \u201cthanks man.\u201d He looked around, there were some little clusters of mainly women standing around sipping drinks and talking, he could see most of the art was in another room, when his eyes fell on Eli his step slowed.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eli Mohamed was more gorgeous in person, and he could tell there was some kind of glamour on her, nothing overt, nothing like the walking filters some folks used. Unlike a lot of hybrid people, Mason could rarely see through a glamour even ones meanth only to decieve humans, it just wasn\u2019t his gift. She raised her hand and gave him a little smile, when he got close, she looked up at him by not a lot he noticed. She had heels on, but she was tall, muscular with broad shoulders and when he was close enough, she smelled like happiness and forever. \u201cHi you must be Freddie and Anita\u2019s brother Mason, I\u2019m Eli so nice to meet you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Poor Mason panicked and instead of hello nice to meet you, he mooed. It wasn\u2019t very loud but she clapped her hand over her mouth and trying not to giggle. \u201cIt\u2019s okay Beefy, Freddie did the same thing when we met.\u201d Years before when Freddie met Anita, the next day when he and Mason had lunch together Mason spent the whole time questioning his brother, \u201cfuck you mean you just know.\u201d Freddie couldn\u2019t elaborate but he\u2019d babbled about how good she smelled, the way he couldn\u2019t think in human words when they met, Mason very suddenly and unfortunately got it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Up close all thoughts drained from his brain, she smelled so good. Vanilla, honey, something a little spicy and he bent close sniffing too loud. \u201cYou smell so good, what perfume is that?\u201d She just smiled at him, it was the same smile Anita gave him and Freddie the you big dummy smile, she laughed. \u201cIt\u2019s called For Elijah.\u201d He started to enter that on his phone then looked at her, \u201coh it\u2019s bespoke.\u201d She gave him a long up and down look before taking his arm, \u201coh and you talk good.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIs your first name Elijah?\u201d She rolled her eyes, \u201cyeah. I was named after my maternal grandfather out of spite, he was real mad my Mama was pregnant. And I\u2019m a girl.\u201d Mason adjusted his gait to match hers more closely letting her lead him, that close something about her made him feel nervous. He chalked it up to how hot she was, \u201cshit my manners Anita is gonna whoop my ass. I\u2019m Mason and thank you for letting me come. I like this artist.\u201d Eli looked at him, \u201cZahira Zodhrobut is amazing do you know her work?\u201d Mason couldn\u2019t stop his mouth, \u201cI do now. I followed the links from your instagram. Anita uh you know.\u201d She kept giving him that look, it felt familiar. \u201cI know, USDA Approved M.J.\u201d He blushed so hot he felt like he might faint, \u201coh I wasn\u2019t trying to be creepy I just wanted to know your vibe.\u201d Eli paused in front of a huge painting of a plains scene of some kind.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI figured you\u2019re fine. You like this piece?\u201d It was titled Botswana Pastoral with family, he looked close and tried to count the lions in the painting. \u201cThis detail is incredible, are those female maned lions?\u201d She brightened, \u201chow can you tell?\u201d He pointed, \u201cthose are cubs, that is a creche. Males would get torn apart.\u201d She rubbed his arm and he wanted her never to stop, \u201clook at you exceeding expectations. I should apologize to you, I was expecting less.\u201d Mason kept looking a the painting, \u201cI was on Anita\u2019s shitlist for a while.\u201d She laughed again and he wanted to faint or tickle her to make her do it again.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eli gave Mason a long private tour of the art, she fed him canapes ever careful not to offer him meat, when they came to the last piece Mason looked disappointed, \u201coh is she not showing the Family Portrait piece?\u201d Eli gave him a strange look but she shrugged, \u201cyes and no. I bought it, come on I\u2019ll let you see my stash.\u201d He\u2019d clocked the prices and followed her into a lavish office, he saw that it was not just a gallery it was <em>her <\/em>gallery. She pulled a velvet cover off of a bigger than life size painting.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Various cats big and domestic were painted lounging with beautiful Black women in what he couldn\u2019t quite identify beyond a fancy huge bathroom or pool, it was stunning. \u201cThe masterpiece. This is my favorite so the second I saw it I bought it and pulled it. This is going right to my house in LA.\u201d Mason made a noise low in his chest, he wanted to stare at the painting for hours finding more details. \u201cThis is stunning, the photos don\u2019t do it justice.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mason only left her side when the event got going. He watched her make a few opening remarks and let himself melt as much as he could into the crowd. He should have been trying to pin down the feeling he had, he couldn\u2019t tell if she was human or not and it was bothering him. Something about her scent underneath that honey, cocoa butter spice scent was something animalian he thought but, there were other non humans in the space and his sense of smell wasn\u2019t good enough to pick them out except for the werewolf who trailed Eli and turned out to be her assistant. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Around midnight Mason was exhausted, full and even with the light remaining crowd decided he should go. He found Eli outside getting some air and he stood next to her waiting for the car, \u201cthanks again for letting me come, you know how to throw a party.\u201d She offered him a peppermint out of her pocket, \u201cyou have a good time beefy? I saw you dancing with those cuties from tiktok.\u201d He blushed and shuffled his feet, \u201cthey were so cute.\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They talked for a bit more, Mason feeling strangely uneasy. Then the car pulled up and his driver got out to open his door, \u201cthat\u2019s my cue ain\u2019t it.\u201d Eli giggled and put her hands on his actual horns, Mason got so confused he froze. He felt her fingers lightly trace them and he shivered while she whispered, \u201cgoodnight Beefy you can DM me.\u201d She hugged him and left him standing there dazed until his driver got him moving into the car, he could still smell her on his clothes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He was back before Anita and Freddie and got ready for bed. He\u2019d intended on ordering food but didn\u2019t need it. Instead he started looking further into Elijah Mohamed, he shouldn\u2019t have of course. He got too deep into her instagram and didn\u2019t see how old the photos he liked were, it was fine he was sure. Until he woke up to Anita\u2019s voice, \u201cMason what did you do?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In his dreams his cat Abigail could speak and she sounded like Anita, \u201cAbigail I just went to sleep, there\u2019s kibble in there.\u201d He groaned and rolled onto his belly, Anita laughed, \u201cMason you ox wake up.\u201d The sharp yank one of ohis locs got him up and he was blinking in confusion, he squinted. \u201cAbby?\u201d Anita closed her eyes then started yelling, \u201cdo I look like a fucking nekojin? NO. For the last time Mason Jones I am not a fucking cat. Now get up and tell me everything she\u2019s being quiet.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYes ma\u2019am. Everything. But first she human?\u201d Anita looked amused then, \u201cobviously no Mason. You couldn\u2019t tell?\u201d He shrugged then \u00a0scooted over and patted the bed for her to sit, she sat and immediately started playing with is locs. \u201cI had a feeling but that perfume she wears is uh-\u201d he gestured helplessly while smiling like a fool, he could still smell it. \u201cNo she\u2019s not but she won\u2019t hurt you I promise. She must\u2019ve liked you, she just liked your pics from the event.\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mason sent her a follow request and laid back, hands over his face. \u201cShe didn\u2019t hate me, tell me she was at least a little into me?\u201d Anita stroked his forehead, \u201cyou\u2019d know if she didn\u2019t like you. Did you have a good time honey?\u201d When he checked Insta one more time he liked the last photo she posted and let Anita sooth him to sleep, \u201cgoodnight big boy.\u201d She kissed his forehead and he smiled at her, \u201cdon\u2019t go into labor tonight.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When she left him Mason was sleeping peacefully for once. Both he and Freddie suffered terrible night terrors and she worried. Mason did not dream of fire for once, instead he saw nothing in his dreams but darkness and he followed Ell\u2019s scent into it happily. He\u2019d follow it and her forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim\"><\/span><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-482\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/elijah-1024x1024.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/elijah-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/elijah-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/elijah-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/elijah-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/elijah-450x450.jpg 450w, https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/elijah-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/elijah.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\">Elijah <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Part one of my first hetero romantasy series. Mason Jones whimpered in his sleep and his fingers gripped the grey weighted blanket with white knuckles, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[26,49,15,22],"class_list":["post-480","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-fiction","tag-romantasy","tag-short-fiction","tag-writing-exercises"],"featured_image_urls":{"full":"","thumbnail":"","medium":"","medium_large":"","large":"","1536x1536":"","2048x2048":"","gbox-medium":"","gbox-large":"","gbox-vertical":"","gbox-horizontal":"","gbox-hlarge":"","slider-bg":"","card-grid":"","card-list":""},"author_info":{"display_name":"Shanz","author_link":"https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/?author=1"},"category_info":"<a href=\"https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/?cat=1\" rel=\"category\">Uncategorized<\/a>","tag_info":"Uncategorized","comment_count":"1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=480"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":484,"href":"https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/480\/revisions\/484"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=480"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=480"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shannonbarber.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=480"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}