Chapter Sixty-Four: A Picture Saves a Heart

Hudson:

The teenage version of Evie colored away on my leg cast, her hair covering her bruised eye. Tugging on her black sweater dress, it hid the fresh bruises. My breath hitched at her real smile, her free hand flipping off my crushes. Always the ground shaker, her attitude was a part of what I had always loved about her. At this point the school knew better than to ask, the idiots letting my old man get away with his heinous crimes.

"Can't they understand that you're mine and only mine." She grumbled under her breath, focusing on the task at hand. "I won't ever let you go." Smiling softly to myself, these were the moments I had wanted to last forever. The bell rang for the last period, teardrops splashed onto my cast. Of course she was sad, my father beat her pretty bad last night. Think of something to soften the hurt plaguing her mind, her loving gaze falling on me for a quick second before averting to the project at hand.

"Do you want to skip study hall?" I suggested with a crooked grin, the art teacher allowing us to stay. "Would you like to get a milkshake with me? I have to pay you back for the artwork." Shooting me a thumbs up, she focused back on the mural of detailed wolves running through a field. Instead of teaching the class, the art teacher and students watched her work with wonder brightening their eyes. Only pausing to put headphones in, she listened to some heavy metal. Finishing up, confusion dawned on her face at the audience. Smiling brightly at all of them, she helped me up. The art teacher pulled her aside, kind words passing between them. Allowing them to take pictures, she gathered her supplies. Always a gentle soul, no one could darken her golden heart.

"You owe me a milkshake, right?" She chirped cheerfully, kissing me on the forehead. "I am starving. Hell, I'll drive." My mother had let me use her car that day, Evie clearing her throat. Leaning forward, her bright smile stole my heart. Thanking the art teacher, a paper fluttered in her hands. Dancing down the hall, she looked so free. Skidding to a stop, her eyes fell on the national art trophy in the cabinet. Hope glimmered in her eyes, a couple of mean girls slammed her against the wall. Dumping her bag out, a bunch of handwritten papers fluttered to the floor. Tears welled up in her eyes, the girls shredding the pages. A snarl twitched on her lips, her fists meeting their cheeks. Flying back into the wall, the plagues rattled to the floor. This was new, her rage showing for the first time.

"I spent months on that novel!" She shouted venomously, the principal running out. His eyes fell on the shredded paper, then a huffing Evie. Turning his head to the knocked out girls, he turned his back. Clearing his throat, he put his hands up in the air. What the hell was this guy up to?

"I am going to turn around and you won't be there, right Miss Evelyn." He said in an irritated tone as Evie was already scooping up the shredded pages. "As for you three, I expect you will be in detention for a week. You can't destroy another student's property. Don't throw another punch or you will be joining them. Am I understood?" A trembling Evie shoved it all into her bag, anger and anxiety flooded from her eyes. Running down the hall, she skidded my mother's white sedan. Plopping down into her seat, her phone rang. My father's voice thundered on the other end of the phone, her hands trembling. Why did he have to destroy every tender moment we had!

"He said I could drive you home." She wept brokenly, my eyes falling on the bruises from yesterday. She had better listen or the consequences could be met. The ride home was deathly quiet, teardrops staining her lap. Stopping in front of the house, she parked the car. Stepping out, her boots pounded into her home. Swears and bangs echoed in the air, more bruises covered Evie's face. Blood dripped from a busted lip, her art supplies hid underneath her arms. Going to our spot, I struggled to get out of the car. Hobbling after her, the charcoal danced across the canvas. Watching in pure wonder, some time had passed. Stepping on a branch, her eyes met mine. Charcoal lined her cheeks, shame dimmed her eyes. What compelled her to feel so ashamed? In my eyes, she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Seeing her work woke up a feeling of wonder in my heart.

"I was going to submit this tomorrow. The deadline is by the eighth period. I don't stand a chance." My jaw dropped to the floor, a wolf sat on a cliff. Howling into the sky, everything looked so real. Signing her name, she slid it into a portfolio bag. Breathing out a long breath, it took everything for me to not take her. Scarlet colored my cheeks, her shaking fingers pulling down my zipper. Taking all of me in, long moans poured from my lips with every suck. Leaning against the tree, her hips danced with every passing second. Licking my length, I couldn't believe this was happening. Grabbing the top of her head, she didn't protest as I moved it for her. Focusing on the tip, my body twitched underneath her magic touch. Swallowing my hot seed, a dazed grin spread cheek to cheek. Popping to her feet, she gathered up her supplies. What the fuck brought this wonderful gift on?

"That was fantastic, Evie." I growled huskily, pulling her close to me. Her cellphone rang, my old man's voice screaming at her from the other side of the phone. "I will get it to the art teacher. You can count on me." Taking her portfolio, she sprinted back towards our homes. Damn, she was really trying my patience with shit like that. Hobbling home, I hid it in my mother's car. Crashing onto the bed, the pure ecstasy from what just happened prevented me from sleeping. Tugging on a fresh outfit, I was out the door by six. My mother covered for me, Evie waited outside of her home. Playing with the hem of her rose pink skirt, the white sweater hid her arms. Climbing in, taped up papers stuck out of her bag. Bandages covered her fingers, black bags hollowed out her eyes. Smiling warmly in my direction, we pulled up to the school. Shooting me an excuse, I held her portfolio in my hand. Hobbling into the art room, the teacher looked up. Her frizzy gray curls bounced around her shoulders, her worn sweater slid down. Kind caramel eyes met mine, her fingers taking her admission. Opening it up, tears welled up in her eyes. Sliding it back in, she covered her mouth. Never seeing her break down like this before, a sense of pride swelled in me.

"She is probably going to win with this." She cried out with a wide grin, shaking her head. "She is going to win. I wish that she was in my class. She would have excelled. I will submit this right away." A sensation snapped me awake.

Evie had me in her mouth, every suck sending waves of pleasure up my spine. Flashing me a wicked grin, she took me all in. Focusing on the tip, husky groans escaped my lips. Flicking her tongue underneath the head, a whole new sensation came over me. Popping my head out of her mouth, my hand grabbed the top of her head. Moving her head up and down, her hips bucked. Pausing for a moment, I stole the chance to place her over my face. Lowering herself down, my name burst from her lips as I sucked on her swollen clit. She tasted so sweet, her hands stroking my thick girth. Shit, this felt heavenly. Getting off my face, she hopped off the bed. Skipping to the bathroom, her devilish grin told me to come. Checking on my son, he slumbered peacefully. Leaning against the wall as best she could, her fingers twirled around her clit. Pressing my muscular body against her, shudders shot through her body while my fangs traced her skin. Where shall I mark her today? Sinking my teeth into her tender flesh at the same moment I slid into her, a different scream bounced off the walls. Grinding her hips against mine, her claws dug into the wall with every love bite.

"More." She pleaded adorably, her dripping turning into an even bigger flood. "Bite me, Hudsy. It makes me feel alive." Flipping her over, her fangs had pierced her lips. Pinning her to the wall, my other hand lifted up her chin with my finger. Kissing her lips sensually, my tongue licked off the blood. Pressing her hands to the wall, she would be powerless underneath my spell. Wrapping her legs around my waist, the submission turned me on unlike before. Mine, she was mine. My inner wolf took over, every wild buck of my hips making him howl like never before.

Sinking into the pleasure, her inner wolf appeared next to mine. Howling together, we must be making loads of noise. Snapping back to reality, she had sat me down on the shower bench. Turning on the water, my breath hitched at her beauty in the moment. Her hair clung to her face, she sank down on me. The glass squeaked with every swing of her hips, her speed picking up. Something was wrong, she was fucking away the pain away temporarily. Letting her work through it this way, tears streamed down her cheeks. Holding her bump, a sad smile dawned on her face. The water mixed with her tears, her fangs biting through her lips again.

"I need you to take me from behind." She gasped between her spinning hips, allowing me to bend her over. Her walls hugged me like a warm hug, the wet noises informing me of the pleasure she was feeling. Pressing her head to the bench, my name bounced off the walls. The water covered the noise she was making, my hands rubbing her round ass cheeks. Pumping faster, my hot seed filled her up. Getting up, a broken Evie trembled on the bench. Sitting up, her fingers wiped her tears away. Yesterday had been rough for her, the sad smile never leaving her face.

"I know why I forgot it." She sighed tiredly, rising to her feet. Beginning to take a shower, the only thing I could do was hold her. The image of her sitting against that tree haunted me, her blank expression haunting the darkest corner of my mind. Helpless, she looked helpless that day. The true emotional toll showed in her expression. A quiet rage simmered in my eyes, her hands cupping mine.

"I will be fine." She promised me, washing me up. "I have so many bad memories that one barely scrapes the surface. I have you now to protect me. I am so blessed to have you." Passing me my shampoo, my lips brushed against her forehead. Having my father break my bones that day started something with us, an accelerated relationship even if we couldn't make it official. Watching me wash my hair, her lips pressed into a thin line as she rubbed her arms.

"I wanted to fuck you that day but he called. I was going to give you my virginity." She admitted sheepishly, bowing her head in shame. "I wanted you so bad that day. The tension between us had been building up to that point, most of me wanted to do it because I loved you and couldn't date you. I thought if I started a friends with benefits situation, we could have what we wanted. You must hate me." Yanking her into a loving embrace, she couldn't have been any more incorrect. If that was the only way we could have been together back then I would have enjoyed every second of it.

"You don't get it do you." I mused tenderly, her wet eyes meeting mine. "I would have savored the chance to ravage you any chance I could have gotten. Don't you remember, you claimed me that prom night." Her laughter twinkled in the air, a knock interrupting the moment. Turning off the water, Aly poked her head in. Covering up with her robe, Evie took her out of the room. Noting the fresh black t-shirt and ripped black jeans, I tugged on my outfit. Stepping into our bedroom, Aly was chatting Evie's ear off about the show. Waving her hands around, her real smile brightened her features. The problem with the picture was the way Evie took in the information numbly, her eyes falling on me. Horror rounded her eyes, her body pressing her to the bed. Silver daggers shattered the window, Master Nuit fought off a dozen demons in our room. Shoving Aly out of the room, she threw on her armor. Ripping her dagger from her neck, ice crept underneath her feet. Landing next to him, the demons laughed at her. Wicked laughter rumbled in throat, her scythe spinning in her palms. Whistling, the other gem holders sprinted up the stairs. Grappy swiped a couple from the back of the crowd, one stab from his blade decaying them to dust. Pushing through the crowd, her arm grabbed Master Nuit. Jumping out the window, a cloud of dirt obscured their landing. Latia rushed in to take Flynn to safety, my fingers curling around the hilt of my blade. Jumping out the window, lightning crackled around my skin. Evie stood in front of the gravely injured Master Nuit, her head held high. Always our superhero, they didn't stand a chance.

"I suggest you leave before I sick everyone on you." She threatened icily, her hair floating up. "It won't be pretty. I don't a fucking issue killing you." Pointing our blades in their direction, the bastards had ruined my perfect morning. Turning towards her team of gem holders, a long sigh escaped her lips.

"Search the town and woods for any stragglers." She ordered sharply, all of them rolling their eyes. "We have this. Puck, you can come out now." A white wolf bounded out, his head bowing in her direction. Rolling their eyes, they split off into different directions. Pointing to the tallest demon, a spike of ice stopped inches from the hard yellowed skull mask hiding his features. Scanning the plain masks of his underlings, her grip on her scythe strengthened. Charging at her, an onyx spiked club swung towards her head. Ice shards sparkled in the air the moment their weapons clashed, the two of them were locked in a power stance. Towering over her with a good foot, Grappy killed his underlings left and right. Slicing down the demons before they got to her, inky sludge painted my face.

"I am under direct orders to take Master Nuit in for custody." The demon barked venomously, knocking her into a nearby tree. "He also said that he would promote me if I bought back your head on a stick." Struggling to her feet, she spun her scythe in her palm. A defiant grin danced across her determined face, a web of ice trapped him in his spot. Raising her scythe over head, the demon began to panic, the web spreading out. Shrill shrieks echoed in the air, my reaper's eyes catching the demons trapped in their spot. Just what was she planning!

"Spider of my ice, devour those who are trapped! Be a doll and bring me Master Nuit. He isn't yours to eat." She commanded boldly, wiping the ruby dripping from the corner of her lips. "This is going to hurt." Slamming it down into the needle thin line connecting them, the tip quivered. Floating up in the air, Grappy shielded me with his wings. Blustery winds fluttered his feathers, shrill screeches filled the air. The wind died down, Grappy landing on the ground. Evie rested against a tree, snow falling from the sky. Holding a shaking Master Nuit, the pure terror in his eyes scared me stiff. Her dagger quivered in her hands, inky sludge stained her cheek. Ash covered the ground, teardrops soaked the top of his head. Only concerned about her friend, she couldn't help but to fuss over him.

"You are so powerful." Master Nuit choked out, scratches covering her skin. "Why did you protect me from the aftermath? I tried to kill you." Shrugging her shoulders, she caught an ice shard in her palm. Dropping it to the ground, the forest had been destroyed. Staring into the blue sky, her bright smile illuminated her features.

"I need to make you the king of Hell, right?" She chirped cheerfully, wiping away her tears.

"Besides, having you as an ally assures the safety of my people. No more demons attacking me all the time. I could go for a walk without worrying about something attacking me. I also think of you as a friend. You wouldn't be my friend if you didn't try to kill me or claim me. It seems to be a running theme as of late. I protected you because my armor is designed for the backlash. What good would rescuing you have done only for you to get killed in the aftermath." Hiding something behind her smile, she helped him to his feet. Draping his arm over her shoulder, a silent spell healed the surface wounds. Helping him walk back, she paused on an empty lot on the outskirts of town. Sitting him down on a stool, golden energy swirled around her hand. Curiosity twinkled in our eyes, her grin making us both wonder what was coming next.

"Any preferences, your majesty?" She queried with a tired smile, rubbing the back of her head. "I said that you could stay here. The only thing I ask for is constant security. Can you promise that? Oh, never mind." Crouching down to the dark dirt, a series of A-frames built themselves. Dark wood dotted the large lot, tears welling up in Nuit's eyes. Spinning around, this type of magic was nothing to her. The different colors stunned me, the fully stocked homes waiting for their owners. Popping to his feet, he saluted her. Seeing him salute her confirmed their friendship, this alliance bonded for the rest of their lives.

"I vow to serve you until the crown is on my head." He proclaimed graciously, his hand lowering to his side. "Then I will protect you after that if I have to. I owe you everything." Whistling, his small army landed behind him. Various faces grinned in her direction, her hands crossing. Clearing her throat, they snapped to the attention position. Straightening her posture, her genuine smile relaxed their nerves.

"Patrol my territory for me." She chimed warmly, pressing her palms together. "There is furniture and you can bring your families. I vow to give you a safe place to live. Welcome to the pack." Scratching the back of their heads, ruby eyes glistened with joy as the women and children joined their families. The sea of different hair colors and clothing reminded me of what Evie was capable of, the little demons bouncing up to her. Crouching down to their level, she answered their questions. Rising to her feet, she placed her hands behind her back. A golden sack swayed in her hand, the children crying out with excitement the moment she brought it to the front of her. Raising her finger in the air, Grappy took the dagger from her hand, his slender hand popping it back into place.

"Reach in and pick out your toy." She announced with a bright smile, opening up the bag. "It is my gift to you all." Reaching in, they pulled out stuffed animals matching their personalities. Laughter twinkled in the air, the kids hugging them to their chest. Nuit coughed up blood, Evie laying a hand on his shoulder. A bright light blinded me, any wounds he had healing up in seconds. The kids lined up to thank her, each of them receiving a warm embrace. My heart fluttered at the sight of being herself to total strangers, an inky wolf appearing on all of their necks.

"A bond has been formed between us and we are now a part of your army." Nuit promised sincerely, shooting her a creepy smile. "Let's treat Miss Evie with respect and listen to her rules." Excusing herself, her elbow hooked around mine. The smile fell from her face, the tears flowed freely from her eyes. Chewing on her nails, Aly ran up to her with her wolf picture under her arm. Holding it out in front of her, her chest huffed up and down. Her bangs obscured her eyes, her words snapping Evie from her train of thought.

"You did this. My other aunt gave it to me after it won first place. It just appeared on my bed after I thought it was gone." She huffed, hugging the framed image to her chest. "It gave me hope for years. It told me that I wasn't alone. There were more people like me. Then I heard that the winner gave the full ride scholarship to the runner up. All I could think at the time was how amazing that person was. Did you know that was my friend's big sister? Her family didn't have the money to go to art school but she got to. My friend was so happy for her. Thanks to you, she is still alive and not with the rest of them." Tears flooded from her eyes, Evie pulling her into a loving embrace. Kissing the top of her chest, her love for Aly couldn't shine any brighter.

"I am glad someone got a future from it." She expressed serenely, taking her hand. "Shall we hang it up in your room? If you want I can call her to see if she is alright." Nodding her head, Aly gripped her hand like her life depended on it. Smiling to myself, the two of them had a bond like no other. Hanging back, I thanked Moonie for everything in my life.