Three Hearts One Soul

Chapter 4: Knowledge

Vincent waited impatiently for the person on the other side to pick up the phone. He was waiting outside, glancing at his watch which read lunchtime pretty much. He had decided that the best time to call the elders was at this hour; they wouldn't be too busy and he actually could focus on the conversation without being interrupted like he would be on any other break.

He sighed in frustration as the minutes ticked by. He had actually had to dial a second time as the first time had just sent him to voice-mail. He really didn't want to leave what he had to say in something recorded but he would if he had to. For the moment, though, he was satisfied just waiting for the phone to be answered. It wasn't as if he wasn't eating lunch while waiting anyways.

“You have reached the desk of Elder Kayne, which one of you degenerates is calling?" The voice on the other line startled Vincent briefly before he recognized it as the Elder's secretary. He answered, also mentioning the fact that he really needed to speak to the Elder involving some shifter related stuff. There was silence for a bit, presumably so the secretary could check something, before an answer came.

“Right…it is unprecedented for a Jester to approach an Elder, but you do seem to have a good reason. He is unavailable right now but if you come by at the end of your work day, you should be able to talk to him. I'll make sure he knows you are coming by," the secretary's voice sounded bored as they said this but that didn't really matter. All Vincent really noticed was that he had gotten the appointment.

He thanked the other person before hanging up the phone. Glancing at his watch, he noticed he still had some time, so he pulled out his dessert. He wasn't really looking forward to the meeting, given that he'd never spoken to one of the elders before. Still, they were the only ones who knew all the history and legends of the pack and shifter culture in general. For now, though, he needed to concentrate on food and work; he couldn't afford to lose his job, after all!

***

Later that afternoon

Vincent took a deep breath, glancing up at the tall house that served as the elder's office and home. It was actually one of the few houses in the Park, so one could already tell that the person living here was important. Not that it made him nervous or anything, he just needed to catch his breath after biking home. He purposely ignored the strange looks his pack was giving him for waiting outside and making the elder wait.

Deciding that now was as good a time as any, he walked up the stairs and through the doorway. He glanced at the desk, smirking mentally when the clerk behind it just waved him to one of the many chairs. Apparently the office was run with the idea that one only came into the building if one had an appointment. That certainly made things a lot quicker, he thought to himself as he sat down gingerly on the hard chair.

He didn't have long to wait, something he was grateful for. Walking into Elder Kayne's office, he looked over the other briefly. For a shifter, even an elder, Kayne was old. His hair was silver white and his skin looked like nothing more than a wrinkled prune. Despite these obvious signs of age, though, the flint gray eyes were still as sharp and intelligent as someone half his age. There was no doubt in his mind that the man across from him was still dangerous, and Vincent felt intimidated.

“So, what seems to be the issue…Vincent is it?" The elder's voice was quiet, like a soft wind during a fall evening. Vincent nodded and started explaining what happened. How he had felt a magnetic attraction to two people, one of whom was a human. He also explained how he wanted to find out more about Fated Mates, as he was confused about what was going on. He needed to have more information.

“Two mates, huh? Both with a strong bond potential…but a human for one. This is interesting and a difficult case for sure. Well, one thing I can tell you right now kid, there is no precedence for two. However, I will say this: that the shifter is the son of the Kingston pack's leader will make things very difficult for you…very difficult indeed," Kayne sounded sad when he said this last bit, confusing Vincent. He asked why it would be so difficult for him.

“Because, Vincent, no one can deny the Fated bond. It draws them inevitably together and those who try end up suffering needlessly. The fact that Tallow is your other mate makes it complicated, because his father has taught him to hate the Catskill pack." The elder's face was grave as he said this, a look of sadness in his eyes. He continued on with one more bombshell, “If he denies the bond too long and continues to hate you, there is a chance he could end up killing you and your other Fated through heartbreak."

Vincent reared back in shock, horror written across his entire body. If Tallow continued his father's work, it could kill Bonnie? No, he couldn't let that happen! He resolved that, on his next day off, he was going to go to Kingston and find out about things. Perhaps even talk to his supposed mate. He was finding it harder and harder to deny that it existed, given the tugging feeling in his heart. Still, for now he would shelve his feelings; there was going to be a hunt that night and he had to prepare.