A Suite and Magical Life

Chapter 23: You can run but you can't hide

July 23, 2011

The Leprechaun Grill

Zack sat quietly at the corner table of the Leprechaun Grill, right next to the window. He felt that this way, he would spot Mason before he spotted him. Zack wasn't sure why he had even agreed to turn up here, but he wasn't going to run out on a prior commitment which he had made.

Zack had read through the Wizarding World Weekly article again and had found precious little that was not complimentary. However, Zack had gathered a decent amount of information about the werewolf which could not be found in most other methods of research available.

He had talked to Isabella, Justin's werewolf ex-girlfriend, and had discovered that Mason Greyback was from one of the oldest, wealthiest and purest werewolf families. His family, Isabella revealed, had been among Britain's most influential in the previous century. Isabella had bitterly declared that just because they were so respected, they looked down on others.

Isabella had also told him to remain careful as Mason was extremely short tempered, a family trait, and due to the rather peculiar acquaintance between Zack and Mason, it would be very foolish to attend the meal unarmed, as Mason could just go full wolf on Zack any time that he wished. Zack had heeded her advice and had brought along his wand, keeping it in his pocket.

Zack saw Mason approaching from a distance. Zack quickly looked at himself in the mirror again: he was wearing a dark and light green striped shirt and blue jeans, his usual white sneakers, with his light brown hair messy as usual. Here goes nothing, he thought, as he put the comb away as Mason entered.

Mason was wearing a red, purple and yellow sweater and dark blue jeans and brown shoes. Zack remembered what Alex had once said of her ex-boyfriend: "Mason can look good if he wants to, but more often than not, his fashion experimentation becomes an obstacle." Zack now realized why Alex had said that about Mason, and how apt a description of him it really was. 

Mason looked around and spotted Zack in the corner and smiled. Zack stood up and smiled, shaking hands with Mason. They then sat down and ordered their food and began talking.

"So, when's your family wizard competition going to be held?" Mason asked Zack.

"Right after me and Cody's 18th birthday." Zack informed him. "But Cody's most likely to win. He is the "golden child" after all." Zack said.

"You could win, Zack. Don't underestimate yourself." Mason said.

Zack smiled and said, "Thanks."

"If I'm being honest with you, I don't understand why only one member of a wizarding family in a generation can keep their power. It reduces the wizarding population and makes you vulnerable to any threats." Mason spoke, with a knowing air. Zack tensed at what he had just said.

"I completely agree with you." Zack spoke slowly. "But, then again, love trumps all." he quipped.

Mason smiled wistfully. "Amazing, isn't it? How people are ready to do anything and go to any length, no matter what, just for the sake of love and their beloved?" Mason asked Zack.

Zack remained poker-faced. "Yes, it truly is." he said. Mason heard the sharp hurt in Zack's voice.

"My intuition tells me that love has left you burnt out and hurt. Am I right, Zack?" Mason inquired, more than a little curious.

"It's not love that left me hurt, Mason, but rather the turning gears of fate." Zack confided, tears in his eyes.

"Why do you say that, Zack?" Mason asked him. It was then that Zack realized that Alex had not told Mason the full story about her relationship with Zack. He didn't know whether to be relieved or frustrated with Alex Russo.