“If it weren’t for Eira, we probably would.”
THIRTY-FIVE
RAWLING
I didn’t want to hand Eira over to someone else.
But it made sense. It was moving day, and my in-laws had arrived to look after our daughter because we weren’t just leaving Sombertooth. I was getting a tattoo, and so was Jack.
Like Phelan, I was having my wolf etched on my chest. Jack had sketched my beast for me and the tattoo artist rather than taking a photo. I didn’t want a pic of my wolf, fearing that recreating his image would steal something away from him. He had waited so long for the moment to push through my “I’m a human” mindset that I couldn’t bear to have his ability stripped away.
“What about putting your bear on your back?”
Jack had been dithering about the placement of her tattoo. She’s considered putting it over her heart, but her bear said because they held one another’s hearts in their hands, it didn’t matter where the tattoo was.
That was so sweet, and I cried.
I was overly emotional because we were leaving the place where I’d mated, become pregnant, delivered our daughter, and almost died. We’d had offers from three colleges to start in the fall. Until then, we’d stay with Phelan’s parents and do whatChannon did, online learning through Sombertooth, for the remainder of the academic year.
Scottie would come with us and stay in their in-law apartment, and I’d take my time deciding what to do with Rawlins’s house. I didn’t want to sell it because it was the one connection I had with him and my parents, Charlie and Arnie.
“Bye, baby girl. Be good for Grandpa and Granny.” I kissed Eira and held her tight.
They were going back to the hotel, and the security guard was going with them. As soon as our tattoos were complete, we’d join them for the night and leave for home in the morning. Home. That was new.
Phelan kissed Eira, but Jack took her and howled, and her tears spilled over our daughter’s face.
“You’ll see her on FaceTime and on weekends when you come to visit.” We’d already arranged to spend part of the Christmas vacation with Jack’s family.
I was doing my best to concentrate on practicalities and not how I was leaving part of me behind with Jack.
Jack followed Phelan’s folks to the top of the stairs, waving to Eira and saying, “I’ll see you soon.”
I led my friend back to the infirmary that was so bare, with suitcases and boxes waiting to be collected. This had been my home for less than six months, but I was tearing up at leaving the space behind.
When I’d first decided to get a tattoo, I’d assumed it would take weeks and multiple sessions to complete. But I still had a lot to learn about shifters, as shifter tattoo artists worked much faster than humans and one session would be enough.
“I’m thinking a small tattoo.” Jack gripped her wrist. “Maybe here.”
I sent Phelan a look, but he was checking the box numbers against what was on his digital list.
I raised a brow. “Wrist, huh? Are you sure there’s something you’re not telling me?”
Jack tilted her head. “Yes, I’m sure there’s not. And no, it’s nothing to do with Atticus.” She rolled her eyes. “Just because his tattoo is in the same place has nothing to do with anything.” She sat down and put her feet up. “But since you shared so much of your backstory and what’s been happening with the professor, I’ve spent more time with him than I ever have.” She giggled. “Not counting… you know.”
“Don’t fall for his ‘I’ve reformed’ routine, assuming that’s what he’s doing.” Phelan strolled over.
Jack laughed. “He’s not, and I wouldn’t believe it if he did.”
The tattoo artist, Regina, arrived, and she showed us the stencils, based on the images we’d sent her. I removed my shirt and glanced at Phelan.
“You ready?”
I nodded, and he blew me a kiss. My eyes welled with tears because this tattoo would stay with me until I took my last breath. Though I didn’t want to think of it crumbling to dust along with my bones.
“Check the placement before we commit to this, because once I start, this is where it lives.”
I stood in front of the mirror with Phelan looking over my shoulder, and I remembered our first time together when I’d glimpsed his sprawling tattoo but had no clue about the significance.
