The question catches me off guard. Most people don't ask. Most people see tattoos as decoration, not stories. But Tank is watching me with that patient, observant expression that makes me feel seen in a way that's both terrifying and wonderful.
"The butterflies symbolize freedom," I admit, rolling up my sleeve to show him the delicate wings scattered across my forearm. "I got my first one the day after I turned eighteen—the day I was legally allowed to make decisions about my ownbody without my family's approval. It felt like... like claiming something that was mine. Something no one could take away from me."
Tank's expression softens almost imperceptibly. "And the phoenix?"
"Rising from ashes." I trace the colorful wings that climb up my back. "I got that one after I left my ex-pack. A reminder that destruction isn't the end. That sometimes you have to burn down the old life to build the new one."
He nods slowly, like he understands more than I'm saying. Like he recognizes the need to mark your body with the battles you've survived.
"What about you?" I ask, gesturing to the intricate designs covering his arms. "Those aren't just decoration either, are they?"
"Traditional Samoan," he confirms. "Got them during my deployment in the Pacific. They tell stories—my family, my service, the brothers I lost." His jaw tightens for a moment. "Every mark means something."
Every mark means something. Maybe that's why this feels so significant. We're not just getting matching ink—we're adding a new chapter to the stories our bodies tell. We're choosing to mark ourselves with something that represents... us. Whatever "us" turns out to be.
The line moves surprisingly quickly. Within twenty minutes, we're stepping through the door into the parlor itself, and I'm immediately overwhelmed by the sensory assault.
The smell hits first—ink and antiseptic and the faint metallic tang of blood, layered over incense that's probably meant to be calming but just adds to the intensity. The walls are covered in flash art and photographs of completed pieces, a chaotic gallery of other people's permanent decisions. Tattoo machines buzz from multiple stations, their mechanical hum creatinga constant background drone. Music plays from somewhere—rock, something with heavy guitars—competing with the chatter of artists and clients.
Valentine's decorations are everywhere. Paper hearts dangle from the ceiling. Red and pink streamers wrap around the exposed pipes. Someone has strung fairy lights around the waiting area, casting everything in a warm, romantic glow that feels incongruous with the industrial aesthetic.
It's chaos. Beautiful, creative, completely overwhelming chaos. I love it.
"Couples consultation?" A woman appears at the reception desk—Beta, with sleeve tattoos covering both arms and piercings glinting in her nose and ears. "Sign in here, grab a book from the wall, start looking at designs. An artist will be with you in about ten minutes."
Tank handles the paperwork while I drift toward the wall of design books. There are dozens of them, organized by style and theme—Traditional, Neo-Traditional, Japanese, Watercolor, Minimalist, and a special section labeled "Valentine's Specials."
I pull the Valentine's book and settle into one of the worn leather chairs in the waiting area. Tank joins me a moment later, his massive frame dwarfing the furniture as he leans over my shoulder to look at the designs.
We flip through pages of hearts and roses and infinity symbols, couples' names intertwined with flourishes, matching puzzle pieces and lock-and-key sets. Some are beautiful. Some are cheesy. Some are both.
And then I turn the page and stop breathing.
The design is simple but striking. Three hearts in a vertical arrangement—not cutesy Valentine hearts, but elegant, stylized ones with clean lines and subtle shading. Above them, a butterfly hovers with wings spread wide, its delicate form contrasting with the solid shapes below. And crowning the entire piece, asmall tiara decorated with black stars that glitter against the darker background.
I can't stop staring at it.
Three hearts. Three Alphas. A butterfly for freedom. A crown for... what? For being chosen? For being claimed? For finally being treated like I'm worth something?
"That one?" Tank's voice is close to my ear, warm breath ghosting across my neck.
"I..." I trace the design with my fingertip, afraid to commit, afraid to want something this much. "It's perfect. But maybe too much? For a matching tattoo?"
"Let's ask the artist."
We're called back a few minutes later, led past the buzzing stations to a corner workspace decorated with plants and crystals and what appears to be an extensive collection of cat figurines. The artist waiting for us is—surprisingly—an Omega.
She's small and fierce-looking, with a shaved head covered in intricate geometric tattoos and enough piercings to set off a metal detector. Her scent is subtle but pleasant—lavender and something earthy, overlaid with the professional smell of ink and gloves. She introduces herself as Sage and immediately takes the book from my hands, flipping to the design I'd been admiring.
"This one, huh?" Sage studies the page with a professional eye. "Good choice. It's one of my original designs, actually. I'm always pleased when someone picks it—it's not the most popular option, especially with these trendy holiday rushes. Most couples go for the basic heart outlines or the infinity symbols."
"What does it mean?" I ask. "The symbolism?"
Sage sets the book down, leaning back in her chair. "I designed it for pack bonds, actually. The three hearts represent connection—not just romantic love, but the different types of love that exist within a pack. The butterfly is transformation,freedom, choosing your own path. And the crown with stars?" She smiles. "That's sovereignty. Ruling your own destiny. Being the queen of your own story, regardless of what anyone else thinks you should be."
Being the queen of your own story. God. It's like she reached into my chest and pulled out everything I've ever wanted to be.
"We'll take it," Tank says, his hand settling warm and heavy on my lower back. "Let's do it."
