The Damned

Tattoo

Nix POV

“Oh.  That.”  I know he of all people should know the truth.  “Well, Phoenix is my middle name.  My real name is Persephone.  However, my father chose Phoenix for me because he didn’t want people to know me as Persephone.  So, it’s always been Phoenix or Nix.”  I explain.

“Well, I like Nix.”  He says and I can hear him smiling.  “However, I think that since everyone calls you Nix, then my nickname for you—that only I can use—will be…Nixie.”  I smile.

“Then my nickname for you will be…Darry.”  Darian chuckles.

“I like it.”  He says kissing the top of my head.  “So, out of questions?”

‘Nix.  Nina.  Time for dinner.’  Mom mind links.

“For now.  Mom says it is dinnertime.”  I reply.

“Ok.  I should check in with my mom anyway.”

“Ok.”  I uncurl myself and look at Darian with a smile.  We walk to the door.  He stops just before opening the door.

“Can I have a kiss goodnight?”  He asks smiling.  I smile and nod.  Darian puts his hands on my cheeks and my eyes instinctively close.  Soon I feel the sparks ignite as our lips meet.  Slowly, Darian pulls away.  “I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that.”  He smiles as I open my eyes.  I smile too knowing that neither of us will tire of the sparks.  I watch him get on his motorcycle.  As soon as he drives off, I close the door and head for the dining room.  My family is already seated, waiting for me.  I sit in my usual place.  Once seated, everyone begins dishing.  Dinner this evening is meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and broccoli.

 “So, I’ll have a Beta and a Luna as daughters.”  Mom says excitedly.

“Lucian called not too long ago and asked me to prom.”  Nina smiles at me knowingly.

“Darian asked me to be his date.”  I chime in.

“Well, why wouldn’t he?”  Dad chuckles.  We all chuckle along.

“Lucian says he and Darian are already planning on renting a limo.”

“I can only imagine.”  I smile.

“Well, we will have to go to Miss Dorothy’s tomorrow after school so we can discuss dresses with her.”  Mom says.  Nina and I both smile.  “Have either of you thought of what kind of dress you would like?”

“I’m thinking a corset bodice with a sweetheart neckline and flowing skirt.”  Nina says.  “And I’m thinking it should be red with gold filigree.”

“That sounds pretty.”  Mom smiles.  “What about you, Nix?”

“I was thinking a replica of Lily James’s dress from Cinderella.”  I reply.  “But I think it may be too much.”

“I don’t think it’s too much.”  Mom says.

“I agree.”  Nina smiles.

“Okay then.  That’s what I want my dress to be like then.”

“I’ll call Miss Dorothy in the morning to get us an appointment.”  Mom says.  We finish dinner and I go upstairs to my room after dishes are done.

‘Is dinner over?’  Darian asks through mind link.

‘Yes.’

‘What was for dinner?’

‘Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and broccoli.’

‘Yummy.’

‘Yeah.  It was very good.’

‘Good.’  Darian replies.  ‘What’s on the agenda now?’

‘I was thinking a bath while reading.’

‘Nice.  What book?’

‘The Count of Monte Cristo.  It’s an assignment.’  I reply.

‘I see.  Well, enjoy your bath.’

‘Thanks.  I’ll see you tomorrow.’

‘Can’t wait.’  Darian says.  I go into my bathroom and start the water for a bath.  As the water fills, I go into my bedroom and grab my pajamas and The Count of Monte Cristo.  Although I’ve read it multiple times already, I want to refresh my memory of the section we are to read.  I read the four chapters and get out of the bath.  I dry off and dress in my pajamas.  I go back into my room and to my desk.  I do the homework for the four chapters.  I then work on the rest of my homework.  I get all my homework done and decide to check in with Darian.

‘Darian?’

‘Yes?’  He says almost instantly.

‘Tomorrow my mom, Nina, and I are going to Miss Dorothy’s to get our measurements.’

‘Awesome.  Do I get to know what your dress will look like?’

‘Nope.  But we’ll get a swatch of the color so we can try and match color for your vest and tie.’

‘Works for me.  Lucian and I will be renting a limo for that night.’

‘That’s what Nina said.  What other plans have you and Lucian already made?’  I tease.

‘Not really any.’

‘I see.’

‘So, tomorrow I thought I’d pick you up and we can ride to school together.’

‘Only if you pick me up on the motorcycle.’  I say.

‘Really!?  You want to ride the motorcycle?’

‘Yes.  I’ve never been on one.  I would like to experience it with you.’

‘I will gladly pick you up on my motorcycle.’

‘Great!’  I smile to myself.

‘Can’t wait.  I should get some sleep now since I’m going to have precious cargo with me tomorrow.’  Darian says.

‘Sounds good.  I should get some sleep too.  Haven’t been sleeping well the past few nights.’

‘Goodnight, Nixie.  Sweet dreams.’

‘Goodnight, Darry.  Sweet dreams.’  I crawl into bed, rub some lavender lotion onto my hands, and settle in for the night.  As I drift off, I think about prom.  Prom is supposed to be a special night.  I lay there thinking of how to make it extra special.  Darian could get us a room at the hotel that the dance is at.  My thoughts are that after prom ends, Darian and I can go be alone and let him mark me.  I know we’ve only just learned that we are mates, but I don’t want to rush into anything.  And, I have a feeling that Darian won’t rush me.  I soon fall fast asleep thinking of all my plans.  It’s a peaceful sleep.

Nix POV

Yesterday, I found I have a mate.  Darian Darkas, the future Alpha, is my mate.  It’s exciting yet nerve wracking to think that I will be Luna one day.  This morning, Darian is picking me up on his motorcycle.  I can’t wait.  I’ve always wanted to ride on the back of a bike.  And now, I get to.  With Darian.  I’m so excited.  I am nervous too, though.  What will people say when they see Darian with me on the back of his bike?  Maybe I should have him pull over just before school so I can get off and walk the rest of the way.  I don’t know.

I begin getting ready for the day.  I go into my closet and pick out the perfect outfit for riding on the motorcycle.  I go with dark skinny jeans, a light green blouse, and my feminine combat boots.  I take a quick shower and get dressed.  I throw my hair into a ponytail and make sure to put my jewelry on.  I go downstairs and grab a granola bar.  As I am throwing away the wrapper, I hear a motorcycle stop in front of the house.  I grab my bag and meet Darian at the door.

“Good morning, beautiful.”  He says with a huge grin on his face.  I smile in return.

“Good morning, handsome.”  I look up into his gorgeous blue eyes.  Darian is looking back into my eyes.  I feel my cheeks flush, so, I look down.  I see he’s wearing a fitted black shirt, ripped blue jeans, and a black leather riding jacket.

‘Damn!’  Isla says.

‘He’s like s*x on a stick!’  I giggle then realize it was out loud.  I look down at my shoes now.  My cheeks must be as red as a tomato right now.  I feel the tingles as Darian lifts my chin so that I’m looking at him.  He still has a huge smile on his face.  He leans down and kisses each cheek before finding my lips.  After a minute, he pulls away.

“You don’t need to get shy because you were checking me out.  I’m all yours now.”  I smile at his words.  “But right now, we should probably get to school.”  He moves his hand from under my chin and runs it down my arm before taking my hand in his.  He leads me to his motorcycle and I get excited to finally ride on the back of one.  Darian gets on first then helps me onto the back.  He wraps my arms around his waist and I can’t help but rest my head between his shoulder blades.  The tingles are intense, but amazing.  I smile into his back as he starts the drive to school.  When we arrive, he helps me off and I see a lot of people staring.  Girls with jealous stares and guys with confused stares.  I lower my head to avoid the stares.  Darian takes my hand and leads me inside and straight to my locker.

“How did you know where my locker is?”  I ask.

“I’ve been keeping an eye on you since the first day of school.”  Darian smiles shyly.

“Why?  All because I accidentally bumped into you?”  I say looking down embarrassed.  Darian lifts my chin so that I am looking at him.

“Because ever since I looked into those beautiful silver eyes, I have felt a pull towards you.”

“Oh.  Is that why your favorite color is silver?”  I ask shyly.  Darian leans down and his lips are right next to my ear.

“Maybe.”  He whispers and a chill runs through my body.  Darian chuckles then plants a kiss on my lips.  The bell sounds letting students know that it’s time to start making their way to class.  I blush and begin getting my things from my locker.  Darian takes me to my first class, plants a kiss on my cheek again, and then heads to his first class.  During morning classes, I get a lot of weird looks.  When lunch rolls around, I take off for my spot beneath my tree.  I watch as Darian comes out of the cafeteria with a handful of pops.  He looks straight at me and his eyes light up.  Just then Rebekkah comes up to him and puts her arm through his.  A small growl escapes my lips, but no one is around to hear me.  Rebekkah continues to pull Darian to the pop table and sits down right next to him.  I watch for a bit as he tries to ignore her, but when she puts her hand on his thigh, I can’t watch any more.  I look away nauseous.  I shove my lunch away and pick up my book.  I can feel Darian watching me, but I don’t look up.  Just before the bell is to ring, I dart inside, grab my things from my locker, and dart to the art studio.  I put my headphones in and get right to work because today and tomorrow are the last two days to work on our first paint project.  I feel a tap on my shoulder and quickly give Lucian a slight smile.  He smiles in return, but with a bit of hurt in his eyes.  I go back to my work and I think Lucian got the gist because he doesn’t bother me all class.

~

Darian POV

‘Dude, what the hell did you do?’  Lucian asks through mind link.

‘What do you mean?’  I ask confused.

‘Nix has her headphones in and won’t even look at me.’

‘s**t!  I don’t know.  She wouldn’t even look at me during lunch.’

‘Do you think she saw what Rebekkah was doing?’  Lucian wonders.

‘Maybe.  But then she should’ve seen me trying to push Rebekkah away.’  I reason.

‘I don’t know, dude, but Nix is not in a good mood.’  Lucian says cutting the link.

‘Nix is definitely avoiding us.’  Xavier says to me during our last class of the day.

‘Dammit!’  I say frustrated.  But he’s right.  Nix hasn’t looked at me since lunch.  ‘I have got to talk to her.’  I say to Xavier.  Class lets out and I race to my bike hoping that Nix hasn’t come out of school yet.  I stand there waiting and watching.  Then I see her.  She has her headphones in and head down.  She starts walking in the opposite direction of me.  I quickly get the bike going and race over to her.  I know she heard me come over by the way that she flinched slightly and started to walk faster.  ‘Nix!’  I say rather loudly in mind link to her.  She ignores me.  ‘I just want to talk.’  I’m starting to get frustrated.  ‘Please, Nix.’  I plead.  Nix stops dead in her tracks.  She slowly turns to me with a death glare.  ‘Please!’  I plead again.  Nix takes out her headphones and walks over to me.  I think she is about to slap me when I notice tears in her eyes.  I turn off the bike, get off, and envelop her in a hug.  She tries to push me off, but I just hold her tighter.  I start to feel her shaking and notice my shirt feels wet.  I hold her while she cries.  After a couple minutes, she calms down.  I keep her in my hold, but lean away so that I can look at her.  She looks like she’s in pain.

“Will you please tell me what’s going on?”  I ask gently.  Nix just looks away from me.

“If I’m supposedly your mate then why were you hanging all over Rebekkah at lunch?”  Nix finally says still avoiding looking at me.  Xavier lets out a small growl which causes Nix to look up at me shocked.  She tries to get out of my hold again, but I won’t let her.

“I’m sorry about the growl.  Xavier became angry remembering.  Rebekkah was all over me.  I tried pushing her away and ignoring her, but she wouldn’t quit.  I wound up moving to the other side of the table just to get away from her.  You are my mate!  I’m all for you and nobody else.”  I say the last two sentences with some force so that Nix would know that I’m telling the truth.  She stops fighting me.

“I’m sorry I overreacted.  Isla just got so upset seeing it that I was on edge all day and didn’t know how to handle it.”  She says stepping further into my arms and resting her head on my chest.  I slightly tighten my grip around her waist.

“It’s okay, baby.  If I were in your shoes, I would probably react the same way.”  I say running my hands up and down her back soothingly.

“Well, lucky for you that you won’t ever have to be in my shoes.”  Nix says.

“Why is that?”

“Because aside from you and Lucian, no guy has ever paid much attention to me.”

“Well that is unfortunate because you are gorgeous.  Guys should be flocking to you.”  Nix giggles.  “I’m serious.  Have you ever looked at yourself, baby?”  She nods into my chest.  “Well, then you know how beautiful you are.”  I smile.  Nix looks up at me now, so, I lean down and kiss her.  It’s a very passionate kiss.  The first we’ve had.  We pull away from each other after a couple minutes to catch our breath.  “Will you let me take you home now?”  I ask.

“Please.”  Nix smiles.  I get on the front of my bike and then help her on.  I start the drive to her house.  I help her get off, give her a goodbye kiss, and watch her enter her house before driving to my own house.  ‘Oh, don’t forget tomorrow after school I have auditions for the spring play.’  Nix says through mind link a little while later.

‘I’ll stick around until you’re done.’  I smile to myself.

‘Sounds good.  Dinnertime so I’ll talk to you in a bit.’

‘Okay.  Enjoy your dinner.’  I then go downstairs myself and start making omelets for me and my mom.  She really likes my omelets.  I don’t know what I do differently though.  After dinner, I talk to Nix on the phone for about two hours before she starts yawning.  We say goodnight and I take a shower.  I crawl into bed and fall asleep with a smile on my face.

Darian POV

Today is the day.  Today I get my first tattoo.  I will be getting it on my right shoulder blade.  It’s the drawing that Nix dropped on the first day of school when she bumped into me.  I can’t wait to see her reaction to it.  Unfortunately, she won’t be able to go with me because she got a callback for the spring play and those take place during my appointment.  But still, I can’t wait.

I start getting ready this afternoon by showering then making sure I eat something because that’s proper etiquette when getting a tattoo.  I say goodbye to my mom and head for the tattoo studio.  We only have one tattoo artist on the island and she is amazing.  Her name is Sheila.  She’s the best.  Some of those who have tattoos from her that leave in the States or Europe will actually come back to her for a new tattoo rather than going to someone near them.  Of course, because we are shifters, our tattoos scab and peel within a day then are fully healed two days after receiving the tattoo.  It’s quite nice actually.

“Hello, Darian.”  Sheila says greeting me at the door.

“Hi, Sheila.  Thanks for squeezing me in.”

“My pleasure.”  She smiles.  “Shall we?”

“Yes!”  I say excitedly.

“I copied it exactly how you gave it to me.”  Sheila says showing me the paper she’ll use to transfer the design.

“That looks perfect.”  I smile.  I take my shirt off and lay down on my stomach.  It takes a total of four hours from start to finish plus a couple breaks.  I feel her wiping off the excess ink and cleaning it.

“Alright.  Take a look.”  Sheila hands me a small mirror so that I don’t have to try and crane my neck to see it in the full length mirror.  I gasp.

“It looks just like the drawing.”  I smile.  “Thank you so much, Sheila.  It’s perfect!”  I go over and give Sheila a hug.  I get my wallet out.

“Nope.  First tattoo for the future Alpha is free.”  Sheila says stopping me.

“Sheila!”  I scold.  “Well at least take this tip then.”  I say and hand her a hundred dollar bill.

“No.”

“I’m not taking no for an answer.”

“Fine.”  She scoffs and takes the money from my hand.  I tell her thank you again then head home.  I get home and make some dinner.  I wonder if Nix is home yet.  I send her a quick message and she soon replies.

‘I am home now.  How’d your appointment go?’  She says.  Nix knows I had an appointment today, but not for what.

‘It went well.  Will tell you more on Monday.’  I text back.

‘That doesn’t sound very convincing.’  I chuckle.

‘No really.  It went very well.  But I’m still healing from it until Monday, so, I don’t wanna give anything away until then.’  I send.

‘Okay.  But now I’m worried because you said you’re healing from it.’

‘No need to worry, baby.  I’m fine.  Really.’

‘Uh-huh.’

‘Well my dinner is ready so I’ll text you later.’

‘Okay.  Enjoy your dinner.’  She sends back.

I eat dinner then work on some homework before texting Nix again.  I wind up just calling her and we talk for two hours before I am the one to get sleepy.  We say goodnight and I crawl into bed.