Imprinted Tattoos (The Lost One's Book 1) Page 8

  "I'm in. And it doesn't bother me either" Maverick says.

  "I want to try, and I agree with the others for some reason it doesn't affect me" Hunter states.

  "I agree with all of you" Levi adds "so it's settled then" he looks at us all and we nod.

  "Now how do we bring this up to Sage?" I ask.

  "Well we can't just walk up to her and ask if she has had a new Imprint Tattoo show up, can we? They're a private thing or they should be. Besides only a small amount of the population even get Imprint Tattoo’s and most of the people that do get them don’t usually get one until after the turn sixteen and even then it's rare to get one before they're eighteen. It's not like with us, we each got one a lot earlier than we should've. If she hasn't had one before then the chances of her believing us, when we say it's not an Imprint Tattoo, but a Soulmate Mark are pretty fucking slim" Kai points out.

  "He makes a very good point" Maverick says. “Hang on, she mentioned something about an Imprint Tattoo when she was telling us about that bitch mother of hers, but it sounded like she got it when she was a lot younger.”

  "That’s true but we still can’t just up and ask her" Levi sighs heavily. "How about we forget about this for now. She needs to trust us completely and we need to get to know her better. Let's not forget we still have a job to do."

  "Yeah I can agree to that" I agree and one by one all of my brothers do too.

  "Unless something happens that means we have to talk to her sooner, we will temporarily forget about the Soulmate stuff and focus on getting to know her instead" Levi adds.

  Again, we all nod our agreement.

  "Have we got any leads on the guns case Mav?" Hunter asks effectively changing the subject.

  "Not much no. We are still looking into the back grounds of the students and faculty." Maverick tells us looking towards Levi who is our tech guy and unofficial leader.

  "So far there are a couple of people who stand out."

  He pulls out two folders from the bag by his chair and passes them to Hunter to read and then pass on.

  “The first is a faculty member called Mr Teller he teaches our chemistry class, there's some things that don't add up in his bank statements. He was heavily in debt until three months ago when untraceable amounts of money started to appear in his account like clockwork each month." He glances around at us then resumes, "the second is, surprisingly, that blond girl that knocked Sage down" several of my brothers growl me included. "I know. The students have been gossiping about how she wants to be Brent's next girl. As you all know Brent is the mob boss’s son and the one, we are after. I'm unsure how much she knows about his profession, but we need to keep an eye on the situation. Also, if possible, find out who the ex is. She may be willing to help."

  "So, it's just recon for the time being?" Kai asks.

  "Yes, but stay alert. This is still dangerous, and we want to stop him as quickly and quietly as possible."

  "Yes, boss" we agree.

  Sage

  We've run out of booze and I have no money until the beginning of next week. Considering it's Friday that spells a lot of pain for me unless I can get mother some alcohol. I stretch from side to side testing my ribs. Surprisingly, they seem to be ok there's only a slight twinge of pain.

  They've healed abnormally fast. I rub at the spot on my chest over my heart and the ache that I felt last night with Kai. It hasn't lessened in fact it's gradually getting stronger again. I have no idea what it means, it's another strange development, they seem to be occurring more regularly recently.

  I sigh heavily before grabbing my school bag and quietly making it out of the house, once again a bottle smashes against the front door, I barely managed to shut it in time. Thinking over the money predicament I curse heavily; I'm going to have to go to the club tonight. It's the fastest and only source of income I have but I try to avoid it if possible. I can only hope that he won't be there tonight.

  I'm so lost in my thoughts that I don't notice the black SUV parked a little ways down the road from my house, that is until it honks scaring the shit out of me and almost causing me to face plant the concrete. Just as I start to tip forward strong arms band around my waist from behind me stopping my fall. I tense for a brief moment before the smell of spicy musk registers and I relax again.

  "Hunter" I say out loud.

  His arms tighten around me for a brief moment before he sets me upright and takes a step back.

  "Want a lift Sweetheart?"

  "Sure, thank you."

  The ache in my chest is becoming almost unbearable and is pulling me in the direction of the car. I know Kai is in there. I stumble, almost drunkenly towards the car. Hunter looks at me concerned but before he can say anything I practically jump into the back seat of the car. My only thought is that I have to get to Kai. As I land inside, I notice that Kai is sat on the opposite side of the car his jaw clenched and his body straining towards me. I try to move towards him, but something holds me back. I glance behind me to see that Hunter has wrapped his arm tightly around my waist.

  I didn't even notice.

  "Let me go" I growl.

  Four shocked sets of eyes stare at me, but I can't seem to care right now. My eyes are locked back onto Kai. I notice for the first time that Maverick has an arm wrapped around Kai's chest from behind restraining him.

  "Let me the fuck go now" Kai's deep voice growls, sending shivers down my spine and causing heat to pool in my stomach.

  Unlike last night Hunters touch is doing nothing to take the edge of the burning ache lodged in my chest. I'm vaguely aware of the guys sharing looks before I'm suddenly let go. I launch myself across the seat and onto Kai, straddling him. In a normal situation this would have embarrassed me but at the moment I simply don't give a flying fuck.

  Kai's arms wrap around me protectively almost crushing me to him.

  I don't care, I need him closer.

  My arms wrap around his neck, my fingers diving into his hair and clenching, pulling gently. His head buries into my neck as I hold him to me, breathing in the scent of cinnamon. He groans quietly slipping his hands under my shirt the skin on skin contact is almost too much and I tug his hair harder. He growls and places a kiss on my neck just below my ear.

  The sparks of electricity blaze through me so much stronger and infinitely more delicious than last time.

  I moan and buck my hips forward before biting down on Kai's neck. His hips jerk forward into mine causing us both to moan at the fierce pleasure coursing through us. I bury my head into his neck as our breathing becomes ragged. Just as quickly as the feelings took us over, they gradually start to dissipate.

  Slowly my heartbeat calms and I start to become aware of the sounds around me.

  I lean back looking at Kai.

  "What the fuck was that?" I question my eyes wide.

  "We have a theory but either way me next" Jax chimes from somewhere outside the car.

  I look back at Kai expecting to see anger or jealousy but he's just grinning cheekily over my shoulder at Jax. Turning around I spot all of the guys now getting back into the car. My cheeks heat at what they just witnessed, I have no way to explain it.

  I wriggle off of Kai's lap causing him to growl lowly.

  Levi starts the car and we make the short journey to school.

  Siting between Jax and Kai, I'm grateful that the ache in my chest has gone. Although the ache elsewhere has not diminished, I clench my thighs together trying to ease it and glance at Kai quickly.

  "Are you alright Beautiful Girl?" A deliciously naughty smirk curves his lips and I inwardly curse.

  He knows exactly what my problem is in fact sending a quick glance around the car at the matching smirks tells me they all know what my problem is, and they are enjoying it. I’m not going to lie, the sight of the deliciously indecent smirks on all of them has heat rushing through me all over again. I bite my lip hard trying to snap myself out of my lust filled thoughts. I watch as all of their eyes dart to my lips their
eyes darkening with desire almost simultaneously. Even Levi glances in the mirror.

  Huh looks like I affect them as much as they do me this knowledge gives me a giant confidence boost causing me to say something, I wouldn't normally say out loud.

  "Since you all seem to know what my problem is you could offer to take care of it for me" my voice is low and breathy, a smirk tilts my lips.

  Levi slams the brakes on just before the turning into the school lot and turns around in his seat his shocked look turning more heated by the second. I glance around at all of them my eyebrow raised, noting their looks of utter shock quickly morphing into something hungrier.

  I sigh heavily, exaggerating.

  "No? Oh well I'll just have to take care of it myself then" I shrug nonchalantly hardly believing I spoke the words out loud.

  Before they can recover and determined to get them back for thinking my need was amusing. I lean forward planting a kiss on Levi's cheek enjoying the sparks and lingering to feel them a bit longer he groans as his eyes close and he shifts uncomfortably in his seat.

  I grin, turning to Hunter whose sat in the middle at the front, I do the same earning a deep growl. Quickly losing my determination I place a kiss on Maverick's neck which is the only place I can reach from this angle, my insides clench as he growls my name in warning.

  I smirk before sliding across the seat and straddling Jax in order to hop out of the car he groans deep as I hop out. I deliberately left Kai out knowing that if I were to do the same to him my control would snap completely.

  I salute the guys who are still staring at me.

  "See you inside" I say cheerfully, walking in the direction of the school.

  "Dammit woman!" Hunter yells from the car and I look over my shoulder and back towards them smirking.

  Happy to see that they all look highly amused.

  I've made it just inside the school before a strong-arm wraps around me bringing me against an extremely well-muscled chest.

  "You're playing with fire, Darling" Levi growls into my ear sending shivers down my spine and heat pooling in my belly.

  I glance up seeing them all crowded around me with those damn indecent smirks across their handsome faces, their eyes blazing. I turn around, deciding it's easier to deal with one at the moment. I have no idea what has gotten into me it seems my hormones have decided to go into overdrive. I lean up as Levi bends down for me, his hands landing on my hips to steady me.

  "I know exactly what I’m doing, Levi. I’m pretty damn good at playing with fire" my lips brush along his ear as his hands tighten on my hips and his body tenses.

  We are all snapped out of our haze when the bell rings loudly signalling the start of class. I step back finally getting my hormones under control before frowning.

  "What the fuck is wrong with me? I'm not normally like this."

  They all share a look before Levi nods.

  "It appears we are going to have tell you our theory on what's happening sooner than we thought, we can't tell you here though" Maverick explains.

  I stare at them confused.

  "Why didn't you want to tell me yet?" I ask.

  "Because we aren't sure the theory is correct, and we don't know if you'll believe us." Levi replies.

  "We don't want to scare you off Beautiful Girl" Kai tells me linking his hand with mine.

  "You mean too much to me, to all of us" Hunter says sincerely.

  My throat closes up with emotion.

  "We care about you a lot, Little Star. Even if you are a minx" Jax adds eyes shining in amusement.

  I grin around at them unshed tears in my eyes.

  "I care about all of you too" then to lighten the mood and since my new found confidence is apparently staying I add with a wink,"I'll try to keep my hands to myself, I make no promises though."

  I walk off towards my class giggling when I hear Hunter call me a devil woman, nothing but warmth and amusement in his tone.

  Jax catches up to me quickly, swinging his arm over my shoulder and causing butterflies to take flight in my stomach.

  "Do you want to come over to ours tonight so we can tell you our theory on what's happening with all of us?" Before I can answer he continues "although if you ask me it's spot on. Levi insists on calling it a theory until we have absolute proof though" he rolls his eyes jokingly.

  My body tenses slightly and I hope he doesn't notice it. I'm so curious to learn what's happening with us but I have to go to the club tonight so I can get money for mom’s booze.

  By this point we've entered the classroom and I get settled in my seat as I think of a way to answer him without making him suspicious. I know the guys wouldn't want me to go to the club. I also know that my amazing guys would offer to give me the money themselves and I refuse to be a charity case. Besides the reason why I don't go often is not because I don't like it, it's because I like it a bit too much and it scares me. I like that I can block everything else out whilst I'm there.

  "I can't tonight. Can I come over tomorrow instead?"

  He looks at me curiously but just as he's about to reply the teacher enters and he simply nods.

  I breathe a sigh of relief.

  Now all I have to do is hope that they don't ask questions. The rest of the morning passes in a blur. I'd like to say that I was listening intently to the teachers but the truth of it is I'm not even sure which lessons I had this morning. Even though I've made the decision to wait until tomorrow, my need to know why I feel like I do about the guys and why I feel the sparks, even though I've never felt them before, is causing me to have conflicting feelings.

  I have to go tonight though; I need the money.

  The rest of the day passes fairly quickly, the guys all give me curious glances but obviously decide to leave it alone as none of them questioned me. I say my goodbyes to them outside of school giving each of them a kiss on the cheek and having to force myself away from Kai. It was extremely hard to walk away from him and I can't wait to find out what is really going on with us.

  It's pretty obvious it's not normal.

  I walk home, after refusing a lift from my guys. My newest Imprint Tattoo burns with each step I take away from them and I can't help but wonder, yet again, if they have something to do with it. I've never been that fortunate though so I don't know why my luck would change now. I arrive home and rush up to my room without incident.

  Thank fuck.

  I grab a pair of tight workout shorts, black sports bra, black tank and a black hoody.

  Sense a theme?

  I pack a loose, knee length pair of black shorts with a blood red stripe down the side into my duffel bag along with a spare change of clothes and my wraps. As I'm changing, I check my ribs, I'm surprised to see that there's only slight yellowish bruising and hardly any pain.

  They have healed incredibly quickly, and I don't know how. Maybe that's something the guys will know about? I'll have to ask them tomorrow. Regardless of how it's happened I'm grateful I have my full movement back. Especially since I'm going to need it tonight.

  I change quickly and grab the measly amount of change I have left, which is thankfully just enough for the bus ride into town. I grab my duffle bag and make my way to my door just as I reach to open it, I hear my mother start screaming from downstairs.

  "Sage, you useless little slut" she screams before predictably, there's a loud crash. "Where the fuck is my vodka?"

  I don't stick around to hear anymore, if I stay, she's going to hurt me and then I won't be able to make the money to get her precious alcohol. I walk as softly as possible to my window and pull it up, taking a steadying breath I jump across to the tree and make my way down ignoring the screaming coming from the house.

  The bus ride into town is short and smelly. By the time I arrive the sun is beginning to set. I jog to the club to help me warm up and take a deep breath before opening the door to the large squat, single story building.

  The main gym area is silent, which isn't surprising since it's after
hours. Two large men approach me, dressed in black, carrying concealed guns that you'd never know were there. After spending so much time with my ex I can spot concealed weapons a mile off.

  "Rebel, it's been a while" the first large bouncer with dark blond hair, cropped short and a body built like a tank greets me using the name Brent chose for me, I’m going to have to change that.

  "Hey Tommy, I know it's been a long time. I had to take care of a few things" I reply, before looking at the guy with surfer style red hair who is somehow even bigger than Tommy.

  "Hey Bradley. How's it going?"

  "Good little Rebel, are you fighting?"

  "Hell yes I am, it’s Nyx now though" I grin savagely as the name whispers through my mind.

  We start walking towards the offices at the back of the gym. At the end of the long corridor we enter a door that leads to what at first glance appears to be a standard storeroom. Tommy moves some of the giant shelving units out of the way to reveal a steel door, with a keypad to the side.

  He keys in the code and then pulls the doors open and as soon and as he does the noise level, raises exponentially and a sardonic grin stretches across my face. The sounds of the jeering crowd make me feel sick. This is the type of crowd that are so filled with bloodlust that they cheer when someone loses a life. The smell of blood mixed with sweat and bodily odour has become incredibly familiar to me. We walk down the corridor to the locker rooms where Sam is already waiting for me.

  "Rebel, good to see you back. Your opponent is Night Stalker. Since you've been gone, he's become the top fighter. I thought you'd like to claim that title back" he looks at me and I simply nod once.

  “It’s Nyx now.”

  He's right. I may I only fight when I have to now, but I still pride myself on being the best it gives me a sense of security.

  "Good, you should know that Eric is here tonight."

  I stiffen momentarily before continuing to wrap my hands, the fight is bare knuckled, but we are allowed to use hand wraps. Eric is my ex's right-hand man. If Eric recognises me, which he will since I am well known here, he will tell my dickhead ex where I am. I can only hope that he won't give a crap either way.