Chapter 39: Chapter Thirty-Nine: A Milkshake to a New Job
Evelyn:
Sitting up against the headrest of our bed, my hands rested on my bump. Once again sleep had evaded me, the gifts resting on our bureau. Why did they all have to care so much? Hudson slumbered away next to me, Latia popped her head in. Her fluffy lilac robe emphasized her bump, a tired smile on her lips. Whatever she had in her hands smelled so good, her brows raised in suspicion. A bit of drool dripped from the corner of my lip, quiet giggles tumbling from her lips.
"I was a little hungry, and couldn't sleep. Meet me downstairs, and we will watch a horror movie or something. " She whispered softly, attempting not to wake anybody up. "Get dressed and hang out with me just like old times. Meet you downstairs." Bouncing downstairs, Hudson stirred awake. The mattress squeaked as he sat up, his hands rubbing his eyes groggily.
"Why are you up?" He groaned with a yawn, his arms stretching towards the ceiling. "I am going back to bed. Have fun with Latia." Laying back down, my fingers wrapped around one of Hudson's many black t-shirts. Tossing it over my head, my bare feet pounded downstairs. Skidding into the living room, a blanket already covered her lap. Leaping onto the couch, she lifted up the bowl. Stealing some of her blanket, a horror movie waited to be played. Pressing play, images flashed across the screen.
"I miss you. You haven't been around as much. Do you want to have a girl's day out?" She asked happily, my fingers gripping the blanket. That certainly sounded nice, but Marie had her damn tentacles out looking for me. She had declared war on me after all, my lips pressing into a thin line. Tears welled up in my eyes, the sensation of not being safe washing over me. Laying my head down on her lap, her fingers played with my hair. Biting her lips, she knew that I wasn't okay.
"Tell me what you saw." She sighed calmly, setting the food aside. "I can always tell when something is wrong." Shaking my head, she didn't need to know quite yet. Unfortunately, she wouldn't relent until I caved into her demands. I suppose only good friends pressed on until their goal was achieved.
"The leader of the hunters declared war on me, and I have to save six other people now." I wept softly, sobs escaping my lips. "I only put everyone else in danger, but I made a new friend. Her name is Peony, and she is the new queen of the vampires. I feel like an idiot who just keeps screwing up." Pressing her forehead to mine, teardrops splashed onto my face. Soft cries burst from her lips, her lips quivering. Not sure of what was going on, a stunning admission broke me.
"I saw everything they ever did to you and I did nothing." She wept brokenly, banging her fists on her legs. "I saw all of the bruises on your skin, and did nothing. I am terrible. You know what makes it worse is that you would put it all away to hang out with us. At night I would hear your screams, and bury my head into the pillows. I hated my parents my whole life for doing nothing. I begged them to help you and they said that you deserved everything. I was there every time they bullied you at school. The walls hid me well, and I didn't do anything then either. I am a terrible friend. Instead, I took and took. I am so selfish. I love you like a sister." Sitting up, my arms clutched her to my chest, her tears soaking the shirt. Rubbing her back, Hudson's scent was just around the corner.
"You did the right thing." I promised sweetly, confusion dawning in her eyes. "You guys made my day. Every second I spent with you made it all worth it. You were even younger than us. There was nothing you could have done. Now don't be silly. You did more than everyone else. You begged for them to do something about it, so thanks for that. I am sorry for being so loud." Wiping away her tears, the feeling of pity only made the pills of my past harder to swallow. What did she expect to do? The alpha always had the final say, and his say was that everyone was to turn a blind eye to the abuse.
"I feel like I could have done something." Hudson said shamefully, bowing his head. "I could have done something." Both of us looked up, his empty footfalls entering the room. Sitting in front of the couch, the same look dimmed both of their eyes. Leaping off the couch, I danced in front of them. Surprise rounded their eyes, my hands offered out to them. No one deserved to be this sad for me, the mood needed to be lifted. Ignoring their rejection, my feet bounced upstairs. Shifting through the room, my fingers curled around the edges of a wooden box. Sprinting down the hall, the cool air rushed around me as I slid down the railing. Skidding into the living room, both of them were just staring at each other. Slamming the box on the coffee table, my trembling fingers opened up the lid. Shoving a couple of barrettes in her direction, the pink strawberries twinkling in the flashing light of the television.
"You kept these." She stammered quietly, her trembling fingers scooping them up. "I put these in your hair a long time ago. I only did this because your bangs had grown too long." Smiling warmly to myself, a blue butterfly bracelet shimmered in the bottom. Picking it up, my heart fluttered at the memory attached to it. Sliding it over to Hudson, his fingers spun it around. Resting on my haunches across from them, the biggest smile grew on his face.
"I kept the bracelet you bought me from that butterfly sanctuary." I confided proudly, his strong arms sweeping onto his lap. "Stop being such a dork." Grayson stumbled in rubbing his eyes, his hand fixed his hair. Jumping onto the couch, Latia kissed his lips hungrily, rolling on top of him. Her laughter twinkled in the air, his fingers wiping away her tears. Touching the scars on my face, his arms scooped me up.
"I am stealing my wife away." He announced gruffly, sticking out his tongue at his sister. "Don't break the couch." Snuggling into his chest, he carried me upstairs. Throwing me on the bed, my thighs rubbed together. A snarl curled on my lips, a white and black striped sweater dress landed on me. Taking a deep breath, he was already tugging on a fresh outfit of his usual black t-shirt and dark jeans.
"Why are we getting dressed when I want to jump your bones?" I whined bitterly, peeling off the t-shirt to throw on the outfit he picked out. "I am pissed now." Clipping my favorite scarlet bra on, the wool of the sweater dress felt nice on my skin as I yanked it over my head. A loud gurgle echoed in the oppressive silence between us, a fit of laughter bursting from my lips. Climbing on top of me, he pinned me to the bed. Great, now he was teasing me.
"You sound hungry, and I want a milkshake." He teased lightly, his face inches from mine. "So quit complaining and just come with me.' The adventurous twinkle in his eyes won me over, the look matching how he looked when we would sneak out as teenagers. Tossing me over his shoulder, his head peeked out the door. Grappy had just barely pulled Bloodsworth into my old room, bangs and thuds coming from under the door. Holding my boots in his hand, he slid down the railing. Opening the door cautiously, he locked it behind him. Dragging me to my car, he guided me into the passenger's seat, clicking my seat belt. Sliding into the driver's seat, the engine roared to life. Motioning for them to open the gate, the tires squealed on the way out. Folding my arms across my chest, surely Grappy wasn't too far behind us.
"Won't Grappy be on our ass?" I growled through gritted teeth, still rather annoyed with him. "Besides, this isn't safe! I feel like I have half the hunters on my ass!" Low growls rumbled in his throat, a snarl curling on his lips. The leather on the wheel cracked, his grip nearly snapping the wheel. Unable to look at me, anger burned in our eyes. A small whine squeaked from my lips, his temper rarely flaring this high.
"So do you plan on living in hiding for the rest of your life!" He shouted venomously, his thunderous voice causing my quills to stand up. "This isn't the Evie I know! The Evie I know wouldn't care! She would taste any bit of freedom she can get. I haven't had any alone time with you and it's driving me nuts!" Narrowing my eyes in his direction, his words only infuriated me further. How selfish could he be? This was the first time in my life that I actually had friends, and he was jealous.
"You didn't see them tear that poor girl apart!" I retorted bitterly, fresh tears flooding from my eyes. "I have so much to do and you are in my way. I am sorry that I am not glued to your fucking side! Screw you. Let me get out of this car right now!" The wheel snapped in half, the car squealing to a halt. Silent tears streamed down his cheeks, the tension growing in the air.
"It's not like that! But if you want to leave, then go!" He roared thunderously, my trembling hand undoing my seat belt. Hopping out of the car, my fingers wrapped around my boots. Shoving them on, the dirt crunched with each step into the woods. The engine rumbled away, the moonlight bathing the thick forest. Wandering deeper, the Northern Lights stole my breath away. Wait, something was off. An unimpressed expression dulled my face, several hunters charging at me. Several silver muzzles of long black rifles pressed into the back of my head, cold sweat dripping off of my brow. The safeties all clicked at once, a six foot five man in a simple black mask stepped forward. Dusting off his black business suit, he pressed the sharp tip of his silver skeleton walking cane into my forehead. Cold energy swirled off of his back, ice traveling up the sleek surface. A sneer curled on my lips, his voice sending chills up my spine. Everything about him was as cold as his powers, my hands trembling violently. Don't call Grappy, you can get out of this on your own. A lump formed in my throat, my face paling. Kicking my heel into his wrist, the bone snapped in half. Getting lower to the ground, my leg knocked his unit to the loose dirt. The bullets splayed into the sky, my heel slamming into his cane, the weapon shattering to icy shards. Running deeper into the woods, they weren't going to catch me. My vision blurred, my fingers wrapping around my dagger. Spinning it in my palms, the dagger grew into its true form. The scythe felt lighter than before, the lenses of my glasses shattering. The tortured wails of Hell echoed in my ears, fresh blood poured from my ears. My reaper's eye twitched wildly, every cell in my body burned. Ignoring the screams, storm clouds brewed above us. Snowflakes floated aimlessly, an intense sadness clouded my thoughts.
"Hudson! I need you!" I screamed out desperately, the empty frames crashing to the ground. Fright paralyzed me, the cloudiness stealing my ability to think things through properly. Ice spread underneath my feet, a golden light shimmered above me. Swinging my scythe, a golden light the shade of a garnet flashed towards me. Golden flames that were hot as the sun melted my ice, dual curved blades with carvings of the sun running up the blade. The worn black leather hilt creaked tiredly, the garnet catching my eyes. Blocking his attack, the golden haired man my age only leaned further into his attack. Rocky yellow claimed his left hand, his steel gray eyes narrowing in my direction. His height matched mine, his black robes fluttering around him. Hudson skidded into view, the hunters not far off of his trail. The stranger and I turned in his direction, his bare feet thudding down next to me.
"I can't stand hunters." He growled hotly, his long silky hair fluttering in my icy gust of snow. "I am Garnet, the wielder of the Flames of the Sun. You must be the Reaper's Angel, the one us death stone holders are seeking. I vow to serve by your side, Master." Confusion dawned on my face, his eyes rolling.
"Do you not know what you are holding?" He groaned in disbelief, rubbing his forehead. "You have the master key of all the stones. Can you seriously be this stupid? It was supposed to go to someone smart, kind and a perfect leader. You seem to be a bit of an airhead." Punching my fists into his shoulder, a steady stream of curse words flooded from his lips.
"Shut the fuck up!" I snapped hotly, watching the hunters begin to run in the opposite direction. "Who the hell do you think you are to call me stupid? I have been through Hell to get to this moment and a brat my height dares to insult me like this! Get off your high horse and swallow a whole fucking humble pie!" Hudson raised his hand in the air, both of us looking up. The man in the suit was flying down towards us, ice shards smashing everywhere.
"Two of you in one." He bragged gleefully, the heel of my boot smashing into his jaw. "Nice kick. Too bad I didn't feel it. I am numb to pain, you fucking idiot. Taste some of this." Slamming his fist into my forehead, the crack of my skull blended with the wind. Stumbling back, blood dripped from my forehead, the snowstorm changing into a raging blizzard. Touching my forehead, red painted the tip of my finger. My vision blurred, a dull migraine throbbing away. The hunters charged at me, my scythe cutting them down in one swing. Collapsing to my knees, the snow slowed to a stop. Wail after wail exploded from my lips, the myriad of screams straining my eardrums. A black box popped up at my hands, Hudson ripping it open. Throwing on a fresh pair of glasses looking like a fresh reprieve to my current hell, his shaking fingers sliding them over my nose.
"Cover her." Garnet ordered sharply, the two of them looking like flashes of golden flames and ice in the midnight sky. "This will kill her if you don't protect her." Cupping me in his large body, golden flames torched the trees to blackened sticks. His gem covered hand tapping my shoulder, his other hand pulling on a thick black leather glove. A triumphant grin spread across his defiant face, scarlet pouring from his ears as well.
"You must be Hudson. Luckily you have a long life ahead of you. I am Garnet Smith, your new ally." He introduced himself politely, Hudson shooting daggers in his direction. "All of this is my fault. You had better put your dagger away before someone sees it." Passing me my dagger, his sunny aura was nearly angelic. Such an odd fellow, my eyes watching him intensely.
"I will be hiding in your little town. If you just tell me the location of it, I will fly myself home so you two can have alone time." He promised blithely, his pleasant smile never leaving his lips. Telling him the address, flames shot from his feet. Watching him fly into the distance, my trembling fingers tucked the dagger into my boot. Embracing me desperately, salty tears soaked the top of my head, sobs wracking his body violently.
"I am so sorry." He wept softly, clutching me like his life depended on it. "I should have listened to you, but I miss all the time we used to spend together. I am just a jealous idiot." Bowing his head in shame, my finger lifted up his chin. Flashing him a bright smile, my fingers wiped away his tears.
"Can you hold on until I wrap up the mess I keep creating?" I pleaded softly, kissing his lips lustfully. "Can we get the milkshake you promised me? The diner is safe after all. By the way, you owe me a new steering wheel." A fit of laughter burst from his lips, shock rounding my eyes as he pinned me to the ground. Lifting up my dress with his teeth, shivers of pleasure up my spine. Running his hands over my bump, his lips brushed against the smooth surface. Pulling it back down, a thunderous growl rumbled in my throat. Why was he teasing so much? Hopping to his feet, my lips pressed into a thin line. Offering me his hand, my fingers wrapped around it cautiously.
"You can destroy me all you want in a minute. I have a surprise for you." He announced excitedly, spinning me around. "I brought you out for another reason. So shut up and just come with me." Rolling my eyes, the choice had already been stripped from me. Placing me on his back, dismay dimmed my eyes at the sight of the black tape holding my steering wheel together. Fury boiled in my veins, the loose dirt crunching underneath my boots as I stomped into the driver's seat. Confusion dawned on his face, my brow twitching irritably. Clicking my seat belt aggressively, he slid into the passenger's seat anxiously. The engine rumbled to life, my inner wolf equally as annoyed with his teasing. All day I simply wanted to jump his bones, the constant denials eating at me.
"Are you okay?" He asked cautiously, drumming his fingers on his lap. "You look a little angry." Cracking my fingers, the silence should have been enough of an answer. Peeling onto the road, the trees flashed by my window. Embarrassment colored my cheeks, a loud grumble shattering the silence. Chuckling under his breath, his hand covered his mouth. Chewing on my lip, his presence was annoying the shit out of me.
"What so funny!" I barked furiously, my fuming face only making him laugh harder. "What the hell is wrong with you!"Sighing blissfully to himself, he tilted his head back. Opening the window, his hand waved out the window.
"You are really fucking adorable when you are mad." He chortled cutely, glancing back at me. "Come on, you know you love me!" Taking a deep breath, his expression broke my foul humor. A fit of laughter burst from my lips, the diner just ahead. My brakes screamed to a halt, my mind making a mental note to fix those when I got back. Jumping out of the car, Marie's steel gray SUV hung out in the front. Shoving the door open, the bell clanged a little too loudly for my taste. Her severe face met my nervous grin, a foaming mug of beer sweating in her hands. Her slicked back hair hung in her face, Hudson stepping in front of me.
"Jesus Christ, I am simply here for some food and a drink. This is neutral ground isn't it." She groaned bitterly, gulping down with a large swig. "Besides, your werewolves have been killing my hunters left and right." Shaking my head, she was wrong.
"That's not us." I protested icily, biting my lips. "You are probably dealing with a rogue, you idiot. No one does anything without consulting me. Check your facts before you falsely accuse. What about the men you sent after me today?" A picture of her daughter rested under her palms, my expression softening. Wet spots dotted the photo, guilt chewing at my heart.
"I didn't send them either." She admitted honestly, tucking the photo into the pocket of her dull gray blazer. "No should be doing anything without my consultation. I apologize for my men's inappropriate behavior. I can safely assume you killed them." Her tired expression warned me of a depression buried deep within her tainted soul, the next words making me want to puke.
"I will get rid of your rogue werewolf problem, but only if you give me a freaking month off of your insane hunt." I offered kindly, Hudson sulking over to our usual booth. "I realize that you wish to hunt me down until I die. Don't even try to lie to me about that. No, we can't work together. I can't have you learning my secrets. Do we have a deal? Just to let you know, I pleaded for your daughter to live. Stew in that." A thoughtfulness reduced the severity in her face, an agonized sigh pouring from her lips.
"Fine, but once that month is up the game is back on." She retorted sarcastically, downing the rest of her beer. "They were last seen in the mountains three miles from here. I hope you brought good hiking boots." Slamming a couple of twenty dollar bills on the counter, she shoved her hands into her gray trousers. Pausing at the exit, her head turned back towards me.
"It is such a shame we can't see things the same. I would have loved to have you as my number one bounty hunter." She complimented seriously, a tiny smile gracing her lips. "Too bad you see the light in everyone. I can't wait to battle you." Black energy curled off of her back, her shiny pumps clacking onto the bustling sidewalk. Frozen in both places and thought, her aura told me that her plan was absolute. Yet knowing that she wouldn't budge somehow poisoned a bit of my heart. Sinking down next to him, my head rested on the table. So much had to be done.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone