Imprinted Tattoos (The Lost One's Book 1) Read online

  "Can I walk you to your next class sweetheart?"

  Any thoughts of denying him fly out the window as soon as I see the uncertainty in his expressive blue eyes. A section of his deep black hair falls in front them obscuring my view and my hand slowly raises to brush it out of the way. The sharp stabbing pain in my ribs from raising my arm forces me to catch myself just before I make contact and of course I blush furiously, mentally face palming myself for being so damn awkward.

  "S-sure" I reply quickly hoping he didn't notice my earlier slip up.

  The smirk on his face says otherwise though.

  He places his arm behind me, not quite touching just guiding me as we walk down the hall towards my next class. I can't help but notice that it's a lot easier for him to navigate the halls than it is for me. The other students seem to automatically move out of his way. Which means that I'm not getting jostled at all and I’m incredibly glad for that. My ribs are already protesting loudly, and I fear that with one small knock I’d be out for the count. We arrive at my classroom and it occurs to me that I never told him where it was.

  I turn to ask him how he knew but I’m shocked into silence when he leans in and gently kisses my cheek. Warmth and what feel like actual sparks caress my cheek seeming to accumulate at my sternum.

  Right where my newest Imprint Tattoo is.

  I inhale sharply at the feelings swirling inside me.

  Searching out his eyes he grins cheekily at my shocked expression, although I can see a small amount of shock hiding behind the mischief in his eyes and it causes me to wonder if he felt what I did.

  "See you later, Little Star" he says, still grinning at me.

  I just stare after him as he walks down the hall, my god he has a gorgeous ass. I’m shaking my head to rid myself of such inappropriate thoughts when the warning bell rings, and I quickly hustle my way into class. Going towards the back and my usual seat, I spot a familiar figure sitting in the desk next to mine. I am certain Levi wasn't in this class yesterday, I would have definitely remembered him.

  Even though I like to stay invisible I always make a habit of knowing every detail about my surroundings and the people in them. So, I know for a fact he wasn’t in here. I take my seat, anyway, being extra careful to avoid jostling my ribs. I can see Levi giving me a curious, almost calculating look like he’s trying to figure out a complex mathematical problem. His green, gold eyes studying me intently.

  My cheeks heat, I’m sure he knows something is wrong, he just can’t figure out what it is and from the slight frown on his face, I can tell that it’s frustrating him. Call it intuition if you’d like but I get the feeling that he is incredibly intelligent and really could figure out a complex math problem within a couple of minutes.

  “Hey” I say quietly as soon as I’m seated.

  I’m hoping that if I talk to him it will distract from his thoughts. Judging from the concentration on his face, they were probably heading in the right direction. If anyone can figure out what’s wrong with me, I have no doubt that it would be him.

  “Hi Sage, how are you?” his question is asked casually but I pick up on the underlining curiosity in his tone.

  “I’m good thanks Levi. You? I didn’t see you in this class yesterday?”

  “I changed my classes this morning, my other one wasn’t working as well with my schedule.”

  The way he holds my eyes briefly before looking away and down tells me that what he just said is only part truth. It’s not my place to ask though, so I won’t.

  “Well I’m glad you’re in my class” I reply. I don’t know what possessed me to say that out loud, but I quickly duck my head to hide my embarrassment.

  For fuck sake, Sage, you’re trying to not be awkward. I mentally roll my eyes at myself and hearing a quiet chuckle, I peek up at him through my hair to see that he has a lazy grin gracing his gorgeous lips, his eyes full of amusement.

  “I’m glad to hear that Sage.”

  I smile at him then turn to face the teacher who’s just walked in. For the whole lesson I am completely distracted by Levi’s presence next to me. He makes me feel safe and excited all at the same time. Actually they all seem to have that effect on me.

  The feelings are foreign to me but not at all un-welcome. I just need my ribs to hurry up and heal so I can start talking to them properly. At one point during the lesson I see Levi tense slightly then pull the latest iPhone out of his pocket. He glances at the screen. A beautiful smile graces his handsome face as he types out a quick reply then glances at me, momentarily blinding me with his smile.

  I smile back shyly wondering who could have text him and wishing that I was the one that could make him smile like that. I frown slightly at the strange feeling swirling in the pit of my stomach before coming to the startling realisation that it’s jealousy that I’m feeling, for the second time in two days. I quickly dispel my thoughts and try my hardest to focus back on the lesson.

  Soon the bell rings signalling the end of class and waking me up from daydreams about the guys. I slowly gather up my things feeling stiff from sitting so still for the entire lesson. Levi gets up with me and follows me to the door and down the hallway. I glance at him curiously.

  “Is it ok if I walk you to your next class Sage?” he chuckles.

  “Erm, yes, sure” I answer my voice slightly suspicious.

  We make our way towards my final class before lunch. I turn to say goodbye when Levi leans in and kisses my cheek, the opposite one to the one that Jax kissed. Electric tingles shoot through me, warming and exciting me before, just like with Jax they gather at my sternum.

  I stare at him wide eyed and in shock.

  He gently brings his hand up to my face slowly stroking his fingertips across my unbruised cheek.

  "So beautiful, Sage" he murmurs quietly before spinning on his heel and walking back the way we came.

  He thinks I'm beautiful.

  This amazingly gorgeous and clever man thinks I'm beautiful. I feel a smile pulling at my lips.

  "Hey Beautiful Girl, what's got you smiling?” he grins his eyes twinkling before continuing quietly, “we’ve gotta get you smiling more, it's breath-taking."

  My eyes snap up, coming face to face with a grinning Kai. My smile widens, butterflies dancing in my stomach as his words register and blush decorates my cheeks. I’m going to be permanently red at this rate.

  He really thinks that?

  "Of course, I do, Beautiful Girl. I don't call you that just for shits and giggles. I use it because it fits you. You are incredibly beautiful." He stares into my eyes, letting me see the truth in his bright green eyes.

  "Did I say that out loud?" I question my eyes widening.

  "Yes Beautiful, you did" he replies chuckling.

  He turns to lead us into the classroom, but I reach out and take a hold of his arm turning him back to face me. Before I can lose my courage, I go up onto my tip toes, keeping my arm tucked in tight to avoid jostling my ribs. He automatically crouches down a bit, thinking I'm going to say something to him that I don't want other people over hearing. As soon as he's close enough I peck him lightly on the cheek, lingering when the same electricity that sparked with the others, sizzles through me.

  He inhales sharply and turns slightly so his cheek brushes against mine. His strong-arm wraps around my waist bringing me tightly against him.

  "What was that for Beautiful Girl?" His voice deeper and husky, his breath whispering against my ear sending shivers through me.

  His arm tightens around my waist slightly, fortunately not causing any pain to my ribs and bringing his fingers to rest on a small sliver of skin that has been exposed by tank top riding up.

  "I just wanted to say thank you" I murmur breathily.

  Slightly embarrassed that my voice is betraying how much he’s affecting me my eyes close. He turns a small fraction more and places a light kiss on my cheek lingering just like I did. The electricity seems stronger this time and we both inhale sharply.


  We are lost in our own world; I never want to leave.

  "If you two are done, I suggest you get in my classroom or I will be forced to give you both detentions."

  We both jump apart forcefully at the interruption. My ribs painfully protest the abrupt movement and I duck my head feigning embarrassment, which isn’t hard, to hide my grimace of pain.

  "Sorry Mr Bell" Kai says confidently before taking my hand lightly and leading me into the room. He leads me towards the back, and I take my seat glancing around to try and distract me from the pain. My eyes collide with Hunter and Maverick.

  They definitely weren't here yesterday; something is going on.

  I send them both smiles and receive a warm smile from Maverick and a tiny smile from Hunter in return.

  I focus on the teacher not wanting to get in trouble again. Before I know it, it's lunch time and I'm walking the halls to the cafeteria with Kai, Hunter and Maverick.

  Several of the girls who are in the same group as the bitch who tried to threaten me yesterday are staring daggers at me, but I just can't bring myself to care. They don't scare me I've dealt with worse. Actually scratch that, I'm still dealing with a lot worse than anything they could possibly do to me.

  My thoughts are circling around the fact that I’d told myself I wasn't going to get close to them yet because of my ribs. The guys though have completely blown that out of the water. Not letting me distance myself from them and for that I'm glad. I will just have to be a bit more careful; my ribs will heal fairly soon and then I won't have to worry.

  Sitting down at the same table that we sat at yesterday, I say hello to the other guys. As if it were choreographed, they each take an item from their lunches and place it in front me. Leaving me with half a sandwich, some chips, a banana, a fruit yoghurt and a small chocolate bar.

  "Is this for me?" I ask the obvious. Wanting to make sure as no one has ever done something like this for me before.

  "Of course, it is" Levi says with his signature lazy grin, making my heart pound.

  "We didn't want you to go hungry again today" Kai starts.

  "So, we packed extras for you just in case you didn't bring anything" Maverick continues making me smile at the ease that he continued what Kai was saying.

  Is it a triplet thing or a family thing?

  "Thank you so much guys" I gratefully reply and embarrassingly enough my eyes start to tear up and I chuckle awkwardly.

  They stare at me for a moment before Kai swings his arm over my shoulders making me jump at the unexpectedness of it. I hate myself for the reaction. I know in my soul none of these men would harm me.

  Kai ignores it, thankfully but as I glance around, I catch them all sharing another a look, seeming to have a conversation with just their eyes again just like yesterday. I try to catch onto the meaning but have no luck.

  "Well damn, Little Star if that's your reaction to us simply sharing our lunch I can't wait to see your reaction when we take you out for a meal" Jax says enthusiastically.

  The water that I’ve just swallowed goes down the wrong pipe, causing me to splutter unattractively. Hunter leans over from my other side and gently rubs circles on my back. I smile appreciatively at him as soon as the spluttering stops.

  "Are you ok, Sage?" He asks concerned.

  "Fine, thank you Hunter." I take a deep breath "what Jax said just shocked me that's all. Please don't spend money on me."

  They look at me confused, so I breathe in some courage and add quietly, "I can't afford to pay you back."

  Understanding crosses all of their features.

  "Sweetheart, if we’ve invited you out for a meal, we wouldn't expect you to pay" Hunter tells me looking sincere.

  I glance around at the others and see that they’re all staring at Hunter in what appears to be shook although I can't work at why. As soon as they notice me looking at them, they all snap out of their shock and nod at me grinning.

  "Well if you're sure" I hedge and they all nod again, I take a deep breath of courage "then I'd really like that."

  They all grin at me, even Hunter has a slightly larger smile than normal. We continue eating and the guys go into separate conversations with each other. I soak it all in not really paying attention until I overhear Levi and Jax talking.

  "Fucking hell, did you hear what he said?" Jax questions Levi.

  "Yeah. I never thought I'd see the day when Hunter gave a girl a pet name" Levi chuckles.

  "Maybe pigs do fly" Jax replies chuckling.

  "I'm not surprised in the slightest it was Sage who got him to though. She's special" Levi says thoughtfully and my cheeks heat.

  "I know what you mean, man. I feel it too" Jax replies.

  My heart is going a thousand miles a minute at what I've overheard and a warmth spreads through me causing me to grin. Deciding I need to do something so they don't realise I heard them, I start to gather the trash from the table and make my way over to the trash can.

  I can feel eyes on me as I walk towards the trash can, but I resolutely ignore the stares. I'm just placing the last of the rubbish in the trash when someone shoulder checks me, hard. The force put behind it sends me crashing to floor. When I land my whole left side erupts in a fiery pain leaving me gasping for breath as black dots start to dance in front of my eyes, fuck, not good.

  I glance up and spot the blonde bitch from yesterday. I shouldn’t be surprised.

  The black spots dancing in front of my eyes are starting to get bigger as I hear a rush of heavy footsteps heading my way and Jax falls to his knees heavily next to me.

  "Are you ok Little Star?" He asks, his concerned eyes running all over my face.

  I'm trying to concentrate on breathing, so I can answer him but the pain is so overwhelming that I’m not successfully. Somewhere near me I can hear angry yelling although I can't make out what's being said over my rasping breaths.

  "What's wrong with her?" I hear Kai ask panic evident in his voice.

  My heart melts slightly at the sound of it.

  "A fall like that shouldn't have caused her to have a reaction like this should it?" Kai questions again, looking around at what I can only assume are the other guys.

  Any small movement is causing me an enormous amount of pain. I can't even turn my head to check to see if I'm right. The only reason I can tell who is talking is because I already recognise their voices.

  "No, it shouldn't" Levi states quietly before something seems to click. He leans forward to say something before being interrupted by Hunter.

  "What the fuck is wrong? Why hasn't she gotten up? Is she alright? Sweetheart, are you alright?" The questions are fired rapidly at whoever will listen.

  The others are in shock for a few moments seemingly unprepared for the amount of words that just came out of the man who usually says so few.

  "Sage, were you hurt before she pushed you over?" Levi questions me. His question earns the immediate attention of the rest of the guys.

  He knows.

  Levi stares into my eyes and I know I can't hide this from them, I really can't. I very slowly nod my head. All of their eyes widen and they stare down at me with worried expressions. Even Kai's usual mirth isn't present in his eyes, I miss it. The black spots have started to take over completely.

  "No hospitals" I rasp, panicking, I know I'm about to fade into unconsciousness and I cannot risk them taking me to a hospital.

  I see Hunters eyes go wide; he must see something in my eyes that tells him of the importance of my request because he slowly nods. It seems that was all I needed to let the darkness overtake me completely. I vaguely hear panicked shouts as I go under.

  Levi

  We’re all watching Sage walk away when I spot a fake blonde with far too much make up on, make her way over to her. She's also the same fake blond that Hunter has said no to over a dozen times since we started at this school yesterday.

  Dumb blonde will not take no for an answer.

  I watch as if in slow motion as the blonde
violently shoulder checks her. I'm about to get up and rush over to her when a sudden and intense pain erupts in my left side, leaving me breathless for a few moments before it fades, the phantom ache still there.

  Glancing around at my brothers, I see that they too are clutching their left sides with various looks of pain and shock. Why does this keep happening? I don't understand and it's driving my analytical brain crazy. I have to know the answer.

  I'm jolted out of my thoughts as I see Jax sprint past me heading for a crumpled Sage.

  She still hasn't gotten up and should have by now, something is wrong.

  I sprint over and seeing that Jax is taking care of Sage, I head towards Hunter who is currently giving the blonde a glare so fierce it surprises me that she hasn't already run away. Kai isn't much better and is currently cursing her out and extremely colourfully at that.

  "Calm down. Come on Sage needs us" I place a hand on both of their shoulders.

  As soon as my words have penetrated their anger they turn back around a sprint towards Sage, not giving the gaping blond a second more of the attention she so obviously craves.

  "A fall like that shouldn't have caused a reaction like this should it?" Kai asks his worried gaze flitting over each of us as he kneels on the other side of her opposite Jax, I frown.

  "No, it shouldn't" I say simply. I stare down at Sage my mind spinning with thoughts.

  She’s kept her left arm close to her body at all times today. In our class together, whenever she moved a flash of pain would pass over her stunning features. She tried to hide it, but her beautiful, normally bright grey eyes were dulled with pain. It's then that it all clicks together, and I lean over to ask her if I’m right but before I can say anything, I'm interrupted by a panicking Hunter.

  "What the fuck is wrong? Why hasn't she gotten up? Is she alright? Sweetheart, are you alright?"

  The questions are fired rapidly at us. I just stare at him in shock.