Chapter 10
Ezra
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“This is a terribleidea; I love it,” Vyrian complements, lying on the table near me.
It started as just a small tattoo on my arm that has quickly expanded into a full sleeve. Roses, skulls, tribal; I eventually just let Harley go to town, trusting the artist’s instincts for what would look good blended in there. Every time the needle drives into my skin, it’s something to focus on besides burning my brothers’ faces off. The longer I sit here, the more I’m able to calm down.
I swear to all that is holy, if I find out Soren and Vyrian left anything out or my brothers have one more big revelation for me, I’m going to burn this entire town to the ground. I will march my ass to the sanctuary and find a way to turn dragon on my own. I will take go fuck yourself literally and then tear the heads off of everyone that claims to ‘only have my best interest at heart.’
“What are you getting?”
“Ouroboros around my bicep,” he replies easily.
“Well damn, that’s pretty badass. Soren?” I toss out over my shoulder, “You sure you don’t want in on the action?”
His grey eyes glint with amusement, but he speaks with conviction. “Those things are pretty permanent, little dragon. The day I get one, it will be because it means something; not just spur of the moment.”
Harley takes a minute to stretch and I take the opportunity to get more comfortable on the table, lying down instead. “Here that, Vyrian? I think Ren’s calling us impulsive.”
Even his voice carries a smile. “You say that like it’s an insult. I just so happen to think it adds to your personal flair.”
I shrug before realizing he can’t see it. “Touche’, newblood. But hey, it worked; I no longer think I’m a fire hazard.”
An hour later we walk out of the tattoo parlor and I now have a bandage around my entire arm to match the one on my ribs. We decide to go get something to eat because, despite the fact I’m not pissed anymore, I’m not ready to forgive my brothers just yet. The wounds are just too fresh for that. I have no doubt I will, but I just want some space for now.
I’m just surprised it’s as easy to get along with Vyrian as it is Soren. We make it through lunch and are just wandering around since we have no pressing matters and nowhere to go. The downside is I wasn’t lying; this town is boring as all get out. I now recognize that I should be grateful for it, but still, I’m restless by nature.
“I’m glad I didn’t sleep any later,” Vyrian says as we walk, “I didn’t realize you were going to be nearly a week early for our date.”
I give him a look. “I don’t think that counts as a date.”
Soren clucks his tongue and I tilt my head up to look at the massive man. “As you established at the diner with Vince, a date is as simple as doing something together and talking about yourselves.”
I snort. “Well I’ll admit, it was way less painful this time; even having a needle constantly jabbed into my skin.”
At Vyrian’s confused look, Soren and I fill him in on the awkward failure of my previous date. While he looks mildly amused, he appears just as upset about the fact.
“You think he would have really grabbed her if you weren’t there, Ren?” he asks quietly.
I stop walking, replaying the incident in a new light now that I have all of the facts. The way Soren seemed so upset and refused to take his hand off my shoulder or leave the shop, how cold he got.
Fuck, this is exactly what they meant. Now I’m going to think everyone is trying to bag and tag me. I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to look at anyone without harsh scrutiny again.
“He came there looking for her and tried to manipulate her hoarding instinct. I wouldn’t put it past him,” Soren rumbles.
I really need to make that list so I can scribble a note next to Vince’s name. Maybe it can serve a dual purpose; eliminating mates and potential hit list.
I try to bring back the easy air we had going. “That mean you want to cancel next week, Vyrian?”
He looks horrified and I wrestle back my huge grin at how charming it is. “Excuse you, young lady, but today was a bonus day. I still get my turn. And Yri’s fine, barely anyone actually calls me Vyrian.”
