“Does it really?” Bellamy asks, chuckling.
“It’s so dumb,” she laughs. “I was admiring their tattoos, and told them I wanted something done. I didn’t want it to be where people could see, so we checked out a new tattoo shop that had opened up. I think they’d have freaked out if it was a male artist, but Seren was amazing. She grinned when I told her what I wanted, and it’s done in pretty script, with lips at the end of it. I got it right when she opened, and I love it.”
“Cass got ink to feel included since we all have it, but she didn’t have to,” I say. “Our parents are really conservative, so my tattoos are easily covered. I have a half sleeve on both arms, so no one can see them when I wear a suit or quarter length sleeve t-shirt. I don’t give a shit when we’re alone though, which is why I’m shirtless often. My mother is fussy about appearances.”
“And my parents are all about how society sees me as well. I love them, they did the best they could, but we aren’t as close as we could be,” Cassidy shrugs.
There’s a lot more to this, and I know it best. Her parents do love her. The problem is that the pressure they put on her led her to cut and restrict calories to “look her best.” We try not to see her family very often, just like I check in on my mom occasionally.
Cassidy isolates when she’s feeling big emotions, and it’s another sign something was wrong when she started taking long walks alone. Abbott, Ansel, and I agreed we can’t fuck up like that again. She’s too important to us.
Cassidy is our heart. She’s the light, the calm, and our pack’s soul. We can’t leave her alone in her pain.
“We made the family we wanted,” Abbott rumbles. “We fight and bleed for each other. When everyone is equal, there aren’t any power plays or jealousy. We already considered you as part of our pack, courting is part of the fun.”
“Like our silly photo for Winter,” I chuckle, wrapping my arm around Bellamy’s waist as I lay my head on the pillow we’re sharing.
“I didn’t know a body could be turned into a human candle,” Winter murmurs. “It was quite the science experiment.”
I snort-laugh at her incredulous tone. That’s not even the coolest thing we’ve ever done, but it was fun.
“Winter, do you want to get a tattoo with me?” Bellamy asks, circling back to the topic at hand. He’s facing her in bed, and links his fingers with hers. “I could design something for us. Then, we’ll have a new core memory instead of a reminder of Clara’s brand on us.”
My eyes shutter as I think of how dehumanizing her brand is. Who the fuck does that? I can’t wait to find that bitch and make her scream. She ran for a reason, but I bet she doesn’t even understand the shit storm she’s unleashed yet.
We are the scourge and karmic revenge wrapped in one. We will not stop until she’s dead.
“Hmm,” Winter says. Ansel pokes his head up behind Abbott, waiting to see what she decides. “I like this idea. Think Seren would do it for us?”
“Oh yeah,” Ansel chuckles. “She’s phenomenal and getting really good traction with the community. Her shop may be newand small, but she’s a single mom and hard working. Her art is beautiful, snarky tattoo or not.”
“I like telling you what to do, it felt fitting,” Cassidy purrs. God, she’s adorable when she’s being a brat.
“We’ll work on it together,” Bellamy decides. “Your fine details are better than mine, Winter.”
“Are you sure you’re not interested in pursuing an art career?” I ask her.
Cassidy says she’s amazing, and I trust her judgment.
“No,” Winter says sadly. “I’m worried I won’t love it anymore if I’m being paid for it.”
“That’s fair,” I admit.
Winter yawns wide, signaling that the zoomies may be wearing off.
“It’s late,” Cassidy says. “Let’s get some sleep. Your first lesson in self defense is tomorrow. I think it’s a good idea to do a little muscle toning too. Too much time being unable to move can cause long term damage.”
“You’re fucked now,” I tease. “Mommy Dom is a hard ass in the gym.”
“Rude,” Cassidy mutters. “Fuck you very much.”
“Anytime, Precious,” I say, blowing her a kiss.
Bellamy chuckles, his ass pushing against my cock as he gets comfortable before freezing.
“It’s community cock, baby boy. You can rub against me any time in bed. It won’t lead to anything unless you want it to.”
“Jesus,” Bellamy breathes.
