Mother's Milk and Honeypot

His phone rang so long, Shadow dreaded he would be thrown to voicemail. Not only would he immediately hang up, cursing his own foolishness for leaving evidence of his attempt in his mother’s missed call list, but it was indeterminate when he could muster the endurance to try again. By then his situation would almost certainly be more dire and his bargaining position much weaker. He resented how much power Mother commanded without direct contact.

The call went through, and Shadow felt a wave of apprehension slam into him. It had been a long time since he last navigated this mine field. Hopefully his memory served.

«Who is this?» His body tensed involuntarily at the demanding soprano, marred by age. «How did you get this number?» Ah, this game. He laid the phone on the arm rest between the two back seats.

“Bonjour, Mère” Shadow struggled to keep his tone neutral. Any positive emotion was straight out the window, but he had a chance to not sound downright hostile. At least for a few sentences.

«You’ll get nothing from me.» The tone did not soften. «I am just a poor, lonely woman who has nothing of value for anyone, least of all powerful, important men who wouldn’t be caught dead expressing gratitude to the one whom gave them blood and breath.»

Don’t acknowledge the act. She’ll grow bored soon. «You sound energetic, Mother.»

«Hmmm, your voice sounds familiar, I must admit, but must be a fraud. My eldest son would never, in this life or the next, deign call his mother! Such sentimentalities are beneath him.» The aged hedgehog clucked.

Shadow’s nose wrinkled. «Then I’ll hang up, shall I?» Merde, keep it together.

«Don’t be nasty. You’d truly waste both our time, petite ombre?» Shadow’s lip twitched at the pet name. «How childish. Can’t even allow me a moment of shock before you threaten to leave me once more? It’s my fault, really, to expect anything better.»

Shadow did not trust himself to say anything pleasant, so he remained silent and focused on taking slow breaths. The best move was to say nothing at all. His fingers pressed into the flesh of his forearm, right above the still healing puncture wounds. Pain he could understand. Pain he could control.

“Allô? Allô?” Irena broke the silence, passing the advantage to Shadow. Good, she was receptive to having a conversation rather than a fight.

«Are you done?» He asked like she was the child.

Irena ignored him. «Eliza sends me articles about you. You look well, but you are too thin. If you had a woman, she would not allow that.»

«I am perfectly healthy.» Shadow’s gaze drifted across the windows of the towncar. Bruno had them alongside a public park. Leaves fell gently in a breeze he could not feel. A few young children clamored over a play structure whilst caretakers looked on. A jogger passed a professional dogwalker sprouting leases in all directions like a sea anemone.

«If you believe so. I am just looking after your image, you know. Too small and trash will try to take to advantage. You should eat more. The trends these days, they have men looking so frail and effeminate. It’s disgusting.»

«If you believe so…» Hold the line, she’ll grow bored soon.

«I’ll have Eliza send you one of her mutton pies. Where are you?»

That actually sounded nice. Eliza’s pies were magnifique. «Do not trouble yourself on my account, Mother.»

«Fine. Of course you would refuse a mother’s simple kindness. You weren’t so ungrateful when you were suckling at my teat like a greedy piglet.» A blatant lie. Any milk Irena Kintobor ever produced curdled inside her from the vinegar that flowed through her veins.

Shadow sighed. He spotted Nicole standing a few yards away, nose buried in her work. «I am not traveling.» Shadow admitted.

«Obviously, ombre,» Then why ask? «I’m looking at a photograph of you being altogether too close to that little school friend of yours.» Fuck me, already? «You really shouldn’t be getting so close to another Alpha like that. People already think you’re queer, darling. It just hands ammunition to all these garbage rats calling themselves journalists these days. Anything and everything gets printed these days. I’d tell you how your Father would handle this, but I know you’re bizarrely sensitive about that subject.»

«I do not require any lessons in tactics.» Shadow said, ice knifing through every phoneme. God damn it! He thought as he fumbled the advantage.

«Bite my head off, I see? Can’t you see I’m just trying to help you? This is how you reply? So stubborn.» She tutted infuriatingly. «Luckily, your mouthy charity case seems to be making more a spectacle of herself than you. Judicial reform? Really, ombre? You are wasting your money on a lame horse.» Shadow groaned internally.

He looked through the park, trying to break his sense of being trapped. «Rouge is going to be Mayor soon.» Under the shade of tree, Shadow saw Burno smoking a cigarette and talking on his phone. Probably with his girlfriend. Their boy had a speech delay or some other developmental issue. Shadow was pretty sure he was funding therapy, but that would be something Nicole handled. If not, he should offer.

«How quaint.»

Shadow couldn’t help being goaded. «She is going to do great things for the people of this city.»

Irena hrmph’ed and said, «If you believe so, dear.»

He dug his fingers into his wound. «How is Father?» He asked, eager to change the subject stupidly choosing the most painful topic.

«How is it that should I know that? He has been abroad since Midsummer, playing with his new computer company.» Ah, so the great Black Kintobor was truly on the hunt for new economies to conquer. AI models needed training data and there weren’t any active warzones in this hemisphere after all.

«Artificial Intelligence, Mother.»

Irena snorted. «The world has little natural intelligence, why should anyone bother making fake intelligence. I told him it was a fad and that he shouldn’t waste his time. Do you know what he said to me?»

«I haven’t the foggiest.»

«I shan’t repeat it, lest you start picking up bad habits. He’s going to be apologizing when he learns I evicted his whore from the southern villa.» Now there was a game Shadow had absolutely no interest in acknowledging, let alone participating in.

His Father would acquire young, beautiful Beta paramours almost in lockstep with his dissatisfaction with his wife. She, in retaliation, would toss them back to the streets as quickly as she could locate them among the family’s large portfolio of real estate. A sick, decades long argument they played out on an international stage, leaving a trail of broken hearts in their wake.

«I expect something grand when he returns for Winter Solstice. We will be having it on the Island this year.» We will, will we?

«I shall have to check my schedule.»

«I see.» Came the fridged reply. «That I am so low on your list priorities tears my heart out»

“Mère …”

«Yes, I am your mother. I thank you for noticing. I bore and bled for you.» That was a trap. Everything was a trap. There was no comment too innocuous to be twisted and transformed into a weapon or barb to be flung back at him. Shadow was playing tennis with grenades. «The least you could do is spend the Solstice with me. A single day. A evening, even. But no, I see even that is too much for you. You must consult your schedule. Of course, I understand. I will always understand for you, my dearest son.»

Enough preamble. It was time to get into the meat of the conversation. Shadow took a deep breath.

Shadow could lie. He should lie. Say that he was seeing someone. It could have been true if Amy had attended the event. He was going to approach her, invite her out for dinner. It was a terribly selfish motive for attending the event, but it was all he could do to pause the fantasies of Amy running through his mind. But she hadn’t been there. A hiccup, to be sure, but not an insurmountable set back.

He would lie to Irena.

…

…

Hell no, that was a terrible idea.

Shadow didn’t consider himself a particularly deceitful individual, but with his generally stoic demeanor, he was rarely challenged. He could even get the odd falsehood past Rouge on occasion. However, nothing, utterly nothing, passed his mother’s notice. Either by her naturally suspicious manner or by some corrupted maternal magic, Shadow had never been able to successfully lie to Irena.

And it would be disrespectful to Amy. It felt disgusting, actually, how he was using her, even the idea of her, the hope of being with her, to try to get what he needed from his mother. Deplorable, really. What had he been thinking?

So, what the fuck was he supposed to do? To what length was he willing to go to keep his company?

Time to get it over with. «Listen, Mother-» Shadow frowned. There was a police officer looking at his vehicle. With the window tinting, Shadow was hidden from view, but he still disliked the appearance of scrutiny. Ignore it, Nicole will deal with it.

«Ah, here it is.» She interrupted. «The request. The price of your attention.» Everything prior was small talk. Combat began now.

«Mother-» Shadow growled. Nicole approached the officer. What was he gesticulating at? A fire hydrant? Focus!

«But of course I can deny you nothing, my first born, my dearest child. What is it that you want from little, old me? My heart? I will fetch a clever. My eyes? There is a cocktail fork around here somewhere. I’ll only be a moment.» Irena could not be faulted for creativity. Even after decades, she found new ways to dig her claws into him.

Shadow’s patience snaped. «Mother!» Shit. His footing slipped.

«Why are you yelling at me?» Her voice warbled, scratching at some primal in his traitorous wretched heart. Fuck. She feigned, her main-gauche finding purchase right between his ribs.

«Mother, I-» He was stumbling now, she’d nearly gotten him to the ground already.

«What kind of man are you to yell at your own mother?» A worthless, heartless, ill-deserving little monster.

Shadow swallowed. «I’m trying to-» Her grip tightened his throat.

«I did not raise a heartless brute.» She hardly raised him at all. «Where is my sweet petite ombre? Where is my little underfoot?» She mewled.

«I am sorry for raising my voice, Mother» He rolled over, showing his belly.

«Is this why you called me? To yell and bully me for your own amusement? You’ve become just like your Father.» A killing blow.

Shadow gripped his injured forearm with a crushing grip, his claws pressing through the leather of his gloves. A searing agony jolted up his arm and he clenched his teeth to avoid crying out. He needed the pain to distract him from the near blinding rage threatening to overtake him.

His Father’s oppressive force ever loomed over him, reminding him that he’d only ever be Black Kintobor’s Shadow. Made in his image, destined to follow at his heel. The power, the influence, the money. Each a chain to bind Shadow, but also a chisel to break him down in the exact right way. Every strike a testament that without his Father, he’d be little more than rubble.

Shadow covered the receiver as he wrestled his haggard breathing back into line. Ignore it. Push it away. She was just riling him. There was never any truth to her venomous words, only malicious intent. It wasn’t true! It wasn’t true!

«I know why you’ve called.» Irena began to revel over his corpse, unwittingly exposing her neck as she raised her nose in disdain.

Like the undead, Shadow rose. «Oh, you do, do you?» Black was only half his blood. He had another lineage to draw from. «Pray tell. I’m dying to know.» He drew out the end of his statement, signifying danger like the flared hood of a cobra.

There was a second police officer. Shadow noticed the colors of lights flashing behind the town car. Nicole continued to talk and gesture calmly. Bruno was twisting his hat in his hands. What the hell was going on? Never mind, Nicole was handling it.

Irena hesitated. «Well, you are the one calling. How is it that I should-» She shifted onto her back foot, suddenly uncertain of the terrain.

.«No, no. I insist, Mother. I am begging for your insight. You know me so well that I shan’t have to speak at all. You can just intuit my needs, like a good mother.» Arms laid aside, it was time for claws and teeth.

«Quit being a pest! Get on with it then.» That almost sounded like genuine frustration.

«I would if only you’d let me finish a sentence.»

A moment of silence passed where Shadow waited for a response. Just as he was about to start speaking, Irena asked, «Well, are you going to say something or shall we just wait until I am in my casket? You’d like that, wouldn’t you? Then you’d-»

«I will be forming a family.» He kept his volume and cadence level, neutral, unassuming. Conversational.

The effect was immediate. A moment of stunned silence, then, «I see.» Irena clutched her throat, lifeblood flowing away, utterly baffled. Eclipse had not betrayed Shadow. Irena had been purely blindsided.

«I had called you to inform you of my decision.» Shadow laid it on thickly. «I had thought you, as my sweet mother, would wish to be informed first.» Hook.

«Of course.» Her words were slow, cautious. He was offering her everything she ever wanted. Clearly it was a trap. But could she risk that it wasn’t?

Now for the actual request. «However, it is as you say, I am very busy. I do not know when I will have the time to begin looking for a partner. I’m just surrounded by so many eligible women, you see. It will take so long to properly vet them all for the perfect match.» Line.

«That sounds very frustrating, dear.» Sink her.

«Yes, I simply do not have any idea where to start looking. Perhaps I will hire a match making agency. Do you think that is a good idea?»

«Absolutely not!» The indignation in her voice was delicious. «No, no. Do not bother yourself. I have many well respected friends with perfectly beautiful and fertile daughters. I will have Eliza send you details. You need not waste your time. Allow your mother to curate for you.»

Shadow bit back the tang of bile rising his throat. «You would do that for me, Mother?»

«Of course! Anything for my favorite son.» Even pleased, she couldn’t help pitting him against Eclipse, as if it was second nature. Right below her compulsion to breath was to foment resentment via competition. «I am so happy for you, petite ombre. You’re finally taking a long-term view of your life. I understand your desire to install your own politician now. To better sculpt the world you will leave your children. Your Father would be proud.»

Ignore it! Shadow clenched his jaw and felt his quills push into the supple leather interior. Ignore. Disregard. Move on! Fuck, is she right? Is that what he’s doing? Stop it, no. Fuck. That’s not what he’s doing. There would be no way Rouge would allow it. She’s full of shit. She’s always full of shit!

«Yes, this will do nicely. Did you know your brother is trying for his fourth? This time next year will be so joyful with two new babies. Perhaps I will find twin wet nurses for them, that will be very charming, don’t you think?»

«Yes, very charming…» It was all Shadow could do not to dwell on the implications.

«Yes. That will do. You will, of course, need as much time as possible to devote to your budding family. Minimize your distractions, as it were.» Thank god, here it was. «I’ll talk to your Father about this no-confidence business. A needless waste of time, in my opinion. There are far more important matters you will be focusing on.»

Why did victory still taste so bitter? «You needn’t trouble yourself, Mother. I have that matter well in hand.»

«I’m sure that you do, but you must forgive this old woman her maternal concern.»

«If you insist, I have no place to stop you.»

«Good. That is settled. You can bring your fiancé to the garden party.»

And now for the cost. «Garden party?»

«I will be holding a small garden party at the Family House a few weeks ahead of the Solstice this year.» Telling. Not Asking. Shadow was in no position to offer resistance.

«I will have Nicole reach out to Eliza to make arrangements.»

«No need. Eliza knows the property well. Just tell your staff to stay out of the way.»

As little as Shadow wanted her mother anywhere near his home, the deal wasn’t yet signed. Irena knew the value of what he’d asked of her. Resisting now risked upsetting the agreement. Irena knew he was only humoring her by agreeing to a few blind dates, but she was too desperate to miss the opportunity. Still, she wanted something properly tangible in exchange.

And so, Shadow said, «Very well.»

«Have your girl block off your time for it. It will be a fine time to introduce your future wife to society. Your rut is soon, isn’t?»

Shadow grimaced. Fuck, even ignoring the horrible idea of his mother tracking his cycles, he loathed to be anywhere near the nest of harpies Irena was going to infest his house with. However, he had few options. Agree now, escape later.

«I would love nothing more.» He heard himself say.

«That’s my good boy. I don’t know why you don’t call more often. This has been such a lovely conversation.»

«It is a mystery, Mother.» Shadow’s jaw hurt and he was losing his ability to resist the headache building along the top of his skull. «I’m afraid I must have taken too much of your time. I will let you get back to what you had been doing, Mother.»

«Yes, yes, my busy little boy. Go build your empires. I love you.»

“Au revoir, Mère ”

The line went dead.

Shadow darkened his phone screen and kneaded the flesh between his eyes. One problem solved by the acquisition of several other, potentially worse, problems.

He was much less adept at social engagements than navigating the cutthroat world of corporate politics. And, without a change in board members, he’d forever be at risk of another no-confidence vote. He was lucky neither Father nor Mother seemed to be blamed for the current situation, but that wouldn’t stop them from instigating another in the future. The exposure irked Shadow.

And then there was Amy. Amy, whom he seem bent on thinking of a solid part of life, whom was only, literally, a thought, a concept.

His conviction to engage with her remained. He would entertain however many potential mates Mother would send his way until the no-confidence matter was settled and then look for Amy. Bringing her into this mess didn’t seem like a good idea.

Oh god.

Oh god!

All Irena would need was a whiff of Amy to start circling her like a shark. Blood in the goddamned water. Fuck, think about that later. Deal with that later.

The two police officers seemed a lot less irritated now. One of them handed a cell phone to Nicole, who pocketed it. That was…ugh, ignore it.

To escape his racing thoughts, Shadow exited the car. He didn’t particularly like the idea of his employees being questioned by the police, for a number of reasons.

Nicole noticed him the moment he left the car and Bruno put his cap back on as Shadow approached. “What seems to be the problem, Officer?” He asked.

“Mr. Kintobor, sir,” The otter straightened and took off his cap, “I didn’t know this was your vehicle. I’m really sorry for the inconvenience.”

Shadow looked at Nicole. “I have resolved the issue, sir. We can depart at your convenience.” She said, her eyes meeting his, but her fingers continued along her tablet.

“Sir,” The second officer, a civet, stepped forward, “I-if I may. Chief Knuckles told us about your support of the Officer’s Relief Fund and I just wanted to express my gratitude. Last year, my wife got injured on duty and she hasn’t been able to return to active service. Without the Fund I don’t know how we’d make ends meet.”

Oh. So, that’s what happened. Shadow glanced at Nicole and she nodded subtly. “It is my honor to support the individuals who keep our city safe. I hope your wife makes a full recovery.”

The civet dipped his head. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate it, sir.”

Shadow glanced at his subordinates and both got the hint. “If you’ll excuse us, Officers. Good day.”

“Sir, we could escort you to wherever you’re going. To make up for us holding you up.” The civet offered.

“Thank you. You’re very kind, but that won’t be necessary.” Shadow gave his tight, small smile that didn’t reach his eyes. He turned and returned to the vehicle. Bruno passed him and opened the door for him.

Soon they were back on the road, heading for KLS’s headquarters downtown. He was craving the view of the river from his office. It was unlikely he’d get much more done today, but his presence maintained a certain decorum. “How much?” Shadow asked, his eyes lazily watching the scenery pass.

“Enough, sir.” Nicole answered.

Shadow did not press. “I have agreed to allow Irena to hold a garden party at the house.”

Nicole nodded absently. “Yes, sir. Your mother’s assistant had already sent over a proposal, but I had rejected it. I have not yet received a revision.”

Shadow raised a brow. Not surprising, but his curiosity was peaked. “What did she want to do?”

Nicole’s fingers paused and she lowered the tablet to her lap. “The proposal involved changes to the rose garden.”

The fucking bitch! Shadow’s neck snapped around so quickly pain shot through him and he grimaced. And good thing too, the sudden discomfort dulled the venom in his exclamation. “No!” Nicole slowly turned to face him, her emerald eyes staring unflinchingly into his. Shit. Shadow broke eye contact first. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have raised my voice.”

“As I said, sir, I rejected the proposal.” She kept her voice level, mercifully ignoring his outburst. He didn’t deserve her. He simply didn’t.

“Yes, I’m sorry,” Shadow cleared his throat, “Well done.”

Fucking hell. Had Irena really had this ready? She’d been playing a completely different game, stringing him along the whole time. This was her real cost, a chance at snatching away the last remnants of the past and dashing them to bits of memory. He dared dangle a grandchild in her face with no intention of following through? Well, she had a metered and completely reasonable punishment in store.

How close was he to losing that space? There was no doubt in his mind his mother would have the whole area plowed under and paved over merely for spite. Thirty-two years in the ground and Irena still refused to relinquish the grudge she held against Persephone.

His rage chilled to a cold fury. Fuck it. “Under no circumstances is anyone entering the property under Irena’s aegis allow to step foot in the rose garden. No one. All vendors and guests are to be informed that lack of compliance will result in prejudicial criminal charges of trespassing. If I find even one bush disturbed, I better see police reports to accompany the discovery.”

Nicole remained silent. He refused to look at her. She was giving him the chance to change his mind, to back pedal. It was harsh, he knew. Unreasonable. Petty. Wide range in its scope and collateral damage. He was helpless to harm Irena, so taking a page from her playbook, he would strike at anyone unfortunate enough to accept her patronage.

Eventually Nicole acknowledged, ”Yes, sir.”

He was disgusted with himself, but Shadow would be feast for the crows before he allowed that shriveled hateful harpy anywhere near Maria’s rose garden.