Chapter Twenty-Nine: A Tattoo and a Day Off

Evelyn:

Pinning him down, a knock interrupted us. Both of us sighing in defeat, James tossing me the keys to my car. Grinning ear to ear, the two of us sat up. Clearing his throat, he tossed me a paper with the address on it. Cocking his head, he was already plugging it into my phone which was charging on the side table.

"You are going right now to the tattoo guy, so he will get better right away." He chirped cheerfully, spinning a bag in his hands. "I put it in your phone in case you forget to bring the paper with you. I know how forgetful you are. Off you go, my lovely friends." Bowing in our direction, he ducked out. Peeling off my dirty clothes, I pulled on a black lace blouse and black leather skirt. Zipping it up proved difficult, but oh well. Hudson simply threw on another one of his black t-shirts, and black jeans. Must be nice to be a guy and have less to worry about than us poor ladies, the expectation proving to be that we were required to be flawless at all times. Placing me on his back, his scent drifted up my nose. Sniffing it, all of my tense muscles relaxed. Carrying me down the stairs, a promise came to mind. Leaning in close to his ear, my fingers played with his hair. Shivering under my touch, his hand cupped mine.

"I promise to park and ride with you." I whispered sensually into his ear, tracing my fangs on the nape of his neck. "Now who is a good master." Chuckling softly to himself, a sinister glint twinkling in my eyes.

"If that is what you wish, mistress!" He teased playfully, kissing the top of my hand. "There is no one I would rather serve." My eyebrows twitched, not sure if he understood the basis for my comment. Shaking my head, sometimes he really was clueless. Setting me down outside, dirt crunched underneath my boots as I ran for the driver's side. His arms wrapped around my waist, his nose sniffing my neck. Writhing under his touch, sliding his hand up my thigh.

"I meant what I said, mistress." He growled hungrily, James clearing his throat from the front porch. "Let's put me through endless hours of pain." Helping me into the driver's seat, he passed me the keys. Sitting down in the passenger's seat, he smiled to himself as the engine roared to life. Saying nothing for a few moments, he looked so free right now. His hair blew in the wind, Grappy flying above us.

"You really are something." I teased lovingly, reaching for his hands. "Hudson, I am so glad you are my mate." A tender blush rose to his cheeks, my laughter twinkling in the car. Flashing him my real smile, his hand rubbed my bruised hand. Turning on the music, our favorite song came to life. The song 'Can't Take My Eyes off You.' began to play, the two of us belting it out loud and proud. The song ended, the two of us gazing lovingly into each other's eyes. The ride passed with us saying nothing, but everything at the same time. Our years of friendship already allowed us to have the perfect silent friendship, his hand resting on my bump.

"We are here!" I sang jovially, practically dragging him out of the seat. "It will just be a few hours." Dark energy swirled off of his blackened wooden hut, a younger man greeting us at the door. His white t-shirt barely hid all of his tattoos, a confused look dawning on our faces. His long black was twisted into a man bun, his hand waiting for me to shake it.

"I am Dantu's grandson Liam Sometown. I am running his tattooing business now." He introduced himself warmly, holding the traditional tattooing tool. "He had to retire because his hands started shaking. Don't worry, he trained me in all of his wise ways. Miss Evie, you can't come in though. This is a sacred process. There is a town, maybe ten miles from me. Go shopping and be sure to pick up some stuff to take care of his tattoo like a good wife." Nodding with a pleasant smile, I didn't want to leave him. Shooting me a go look, he mouthed for me to go have some fun. Getting back into my car, Grappy plopping into the passenger's seat made me jump ten feet into the air.

"Could you let yourself be known." I growled through gritted teeth, sadistic laughter bursting from his lips. "I take it Gabrielle is watching Hudson." Nodding happily, Theros popping into the back. Throwing a water bottle at his head, he caught it midair.

"Take it easy wolf sister." He teased lightly, adjusting his simple black business suit. "We are getting along okay. We even came to an agreement. He sits in the front all the way there, and I get to sit in the front all the way back." Smiling warmly to myself, their kind smiles turned dark. A plan sat on their minds, and I was the unfortunate victim. Punching in an address, my heart sank into my stomach. Great, we were going to a mall. I hated the mall, too many people just mulled around. Yet, they both looked happy. Giving into their plan, at least protection wouldn't be a problem. Trees turned into highway, my phone telling me to get off at the exit. Pulling up to the white mall, the morning sun blinding me. Parking on the bottom garage, the engine died down. Tossing my purse over my shoulder, Theros sat in the back messing with a black umbrella. The two of them looked like twins, Grappy's suit nearly identical to Theros' suit. Stepping out of the car, the umbrella popped up. Locking my car, my trembling fingers slid my keys into the purse. A picture of my grandmother fell out, my fingers wrapping around the photo. Her kind eyes gazed up at me, her wild hair curling around her head. Tears welled up in my eyes, both of them asking if I was okay.

"Yeah." I whispered softly, remembering the fun times I would have with her. "Let's have some fun, 'kay! I don't want to ruin your day." The two of them followed closely behind me, the boys getting a bunch of lustful eyes watching their every move. Going in and out of every store, nothing impressed us until we happened upon a goth clothing store. Black lace and Victorian style suits lined the walls, it all makes sense now why we're here. Theros waved nervously at us, silently apologizing. The wall of corsets caught my eyes, a delicate hand touching my shoulder. Leaping back, a red haired woman smiling politely in my direction. Her black lips pursed together, Grappy spending most of his time trying to calm Theros down.

"Those are lovely, but not great for your condition. Might I suggest this?" She grumbled irritably, her face falling. "The maternity rack is over there." Rolling my eyes, she kept following me. Scanning the rack, nothing really jumped out at me. Turning to leave, the saleswoman's eyes flashed red. Fangs grew over her lips, Theros running to my rescue. Clenching her fists, her reaction reminded me of a child receiving a pile of broccoli. A devious grin danced across his lips, him slamming his umbrella onto her head. The umbrella snapped in half, her fingers wrapping around my neck. Kneeing her in the crotch, she fell to the floor.

"I don't care who you are, but you need to calm your shit." I growled through gritted teeth, pinning her onto the floor with the heel of my boot. "I am not in the mood for this." A dark smile danced across her lips, claws growing from her fingernails. A whimper of pain poured from my lips, her claws sinking into my legs. Grappy ripped her out from underneath my foot, her claws ripping up my legs. Theros caught me before I fell back, the snap of her neck shattering the still air. A couple of Goth girls were heading our way, my fingers slamming the metal down before they could come in. A distressed red headed boy burst from the closet, his green eyes swimming with tears. A scream was seconds from exploding from his lips, all of our glowing eyes watching him. Sprinting over to him, my palm covered his lips. Tears streamed from his eyes, the vampire turning to black ash.

"We don't mean you any harm, but do you think you can give my friend Theros an umbrella?" I attempted to comfort him poorly, his body trembling in my arms. "Do you promise not to scream or tell anyone that we were here?" Silent tears of pain slid down her cheeks, her claws lined with venom. Releasing my palm, his black spiderweb suit brushed against my skin.

"How can I serve you? I am Nigel Roseheart." He queried politely, gathering himself slowly but surely. "I can't thank you guys enough for saving me. I was just shocked that a werewolf came into my shop. I am used to vampires. It was the dark angel that scared the shit out of me. He is rather handsome though. Let me give you an outfit, and you will essentially be in a disguise for the rest of the mall. How does that sound?" The two next to me bubbled with excitement, shoving me towards him. Tapping his chin, he pulled out a black lace Lolita dress. Unable to focus, the cream wallpaper with ravens on skulls began to sing to me. Shoving me into the changing room, the silk felt soft against my skin. Stepping out cautiously, Nigel zipped up the back. Adjusting the velvet bow around my neck, he jammed a black side hat onto the side of my head.

"Thank you." I mumbled awkwardly, my fingers tracing the black rose lace. Grappy and Theros nodded, cold sweat dripping off of my brow. Looking in the mirror, my breath hitched. A hot breath bathed the back of my neck, a decaying version of my grandmother ripped my head back. Maggots fell from her lips, her gray skin dropping into my mouth. Her tight gray curls dropped from her head.

"Eat the death you gave me, you little bitch!" She cried out shrilly, her bony fingers wrapping around my throat. "You deserve to rot with me! It was all your fault, all your fault! If you just protected me in time that day, I would still be alive!" Unable to hold my own, fresh tears flooded from my eyes.

"I am sorry I didn't get to you in time!" I cried out desperately, cupping the sides of my heads. "I did everything I could have!" Theros rushed to my side, his palm smacking into his face. Shaking his head, Grappy was busy healing my legs. Clutching me close to his chest, my rotting grandmother hovering in the corner just out of my eyes.

"Oh shit, I forgot that this is the anniversary of your grandmother's death." He comforted me softly, petting the top of my head. "Let's get you back, or how about we get something to eat." Biting my lips, my past was not going to ruin their day. Looking back fearfully, her presence still stalked me. I just needed to make it through today, and she would go back to Hell. Most of my memories were excellent and warm, but every now and then she would turn more monstrous than my parents.

"Don't worry about it." I urged pathetically, Grappy's eyes falling on my dead grandmother's. "Let's get something to eat, and I want to get something for Hudson." Grappy opened his lips to ask me, my numb look telling him not to say anything. Life had been so great that I forgot about today as well, the three of us walking into the food court. Not really being hungry, a single purple smoothie sat in my hand. People stared at us, several flashes blinding me. To be honest, I understood their obsession. We looked like characters in an anime, the two of them dragging me onto the escalator. No one followed, the death glare from Grappy shutting them down. Nursing my smoothie, her dark spirit wasn't leaving me alone. The urge to pee scared me, meaning that I would have to be alone.

"I have to pee." I whispered barely audibly, running off before I had an accident. Fear paralyzed me, the lights flickering in the bathroom. Alone, I didn't want to be alone right now. Rushing into the first bathroom stall, the door barely shut in time. The light's flickered out, peeing in the bathroom's pitch blackness. My grandmother's sweet voice echoed in the bathroom, the stall doors opening one by one. Trembling with fright, my face paled.

"Come play with your sweet little grammy." Her voice crooned menacingly, her dark spirit one stall away from me. Sobs wracked my body, my trembling hands wiping myself real quick. Feeling my way to the sinks, the lights flickered back on. Running over to the sink, the soap dispenser refused to work. A sigh of relief poured from my quivering lips, her spirit getting closer to me. Washing them seemed to take an eternity, her squirming hand pulling on my hair. Slamming my head into the corner of the sink, the crack of my skull shattered the still air. My vision blurred, blood dripping down my forehead. Flying towards me, my boots pounded back into the thriving mall. Breathing erratically, Grappy held me tightly. Shielding me from my grandmother, a steely look gazed down at me.

"I need the story, so I can take the proper action." He begged pathetically, his hands wrapping around mine. "Please tell me about the day she died." A lump formed in my throat, but this needed to end. Clearing my throat, he wiped away my tears. Shame dimmed my eyes, his hands cupping my quaking hands.

"Okay, but don't hate me for this." I said numbly, trying not to look at her death glare. "I was twelve years old, and it was my duty to bring the medicine for her up the mountain to her home. I overslept, and didn't make it in time. Her magic had gotten infected when I was nine, and it was up to me to make her potions to keep it at bay. My parents would make me spend all summer up there, and she was getting worse and worse. She actually beat me all of the time when she was sick which leads me back to this day. She woke up, and the venom had claimed her heart. Her good side was gone forever, and I had to kill her that day. I will never forget what it was like when the silver blade slid into her brain. Blood covered my face, and I had to bury her all by myself. No one ever loved her, and banished her into the woods. They were going to do that to me. I am a monster." Grappy shook his head, his gaze locking with hers. His next words sent shivers up my spine.

"It is time for you to let her go." He warned icily, raising his hands. "I think that you should leave her alone now. She did nothing wrong, but end you from your pain. What say you?" The daggers from her eyes challenged him, a golden arrow striking her in the heart. Shrill shrieks mixed in with the crying babies, her spirit going up in flames. Gabrielle landed next to us, disguised in a black business dress shirt and black jeans. Running his hand through his hair, a triumphant grin brightened his face. His eyes smiled with his grin, his chest puffing with pride.

"That should take care of her. She was so hard to find, always eluding my capture." He uttered simply, turning towards Grappy. "It was your fault that she escaped Hell anyways. Are you okay, Evie? Oh dear, she must have smashed your head on the sink." Grappy rolled his eyes, his brother healing my wound. Ruffling the top of my head, he winked as he disappeared.

"Thanks for taking care of her guys." I thanked graciously, hugging them both tightly. "Now let's have fun for real." Smiling weakly, Theros embraced me like his life depended on it. Rubbing my back, his cautious smile told me that he wanted to have a quick word.

"You can't just brush something off like that." He pointed out earnestly, letting my tears soak his shoulder. "I know how you operate, so I will let you handle this on your own. Just let me know when you want to talk. You will never be a monster in my eyes." Sliding out from underneath his grasp, my fingers dragged them with me through the rest of the mall. The rest of the day passed with ease, all three of us collapsing into the car. Tossing the bags into the back, Theros sat next to me. Offering me the candy bar I had purchased, his sympathetic smile made everything better. Breaking the bar in half, Grappy observed it oddly. A fit of laughter erupted from my lips, Theros hiding his laughter underneath his hand.

"Take a bite, dummy." I exclaimed jovially, taking my own bite. "It is just chocolate and nougat. Nothing more. Enjoy!" His eyes widened with wonder, the candy gone in seconds. All of us laughed, the three of us having a conversation the whole way back home to the tattoo shop. The stars twinkled in the sky, a blue moonlight bathing the forest. Theros and Grappy hopped out, waving goodbye. Hudson stumbled out, my inner wolf yipping with excitement. His whole back was covered with gauze, my hand holding his favorite ice cream. Leaping out to greet him, his lips pressed against mine sensually. Guiding him to the car, he collapsed into the passenger's seat.

"I bought some ice cream for my lightning boy." I offered sweetly, his grateful hands holding the chunky monkey. "I thought you might have needed a little boost in your mood." Cupping my face, his lips kissed mine feverishly. Scarlet burned my cheeks, he hadn't been this cheeky since he was drunk that one time.

"You are amazing Evie!" He sighed with a huge grin on his face, his hand ripping off the top. "I am so hungry." Scooping a spoonful, he fed it to me. Scrunching up my nose this certainly wasn't my favorite, swallowing it down to not hurt his feelings. Chuckling to himself, he ate the whole thing by the time I pulled up to our village. I loved my Hudson with all of my heart. Oh boy was I lucky.