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“Look, I know it’s not ideal,” I said. “But it might not be all bad. We don’t know anything about him yet.”
“Except that he abandoned you and our mom and probably killed her,” Kyle pointed out, his throat tight with anger. “Think about it. We never found out who did it, right? What if Mom told him about you, and he wanted to avoid the responsibility, then shut Mom uppermanentlyso she couldn’t tell anyone? Definitely gives him motive. And he’d have the means, being part of the supernatural world and all.”
I gritted my teeth, trying to shake off the uneasiness that settled over me at Kyle’s suspicions. “You know, I’ve been worried about the same thing. But that vampire seemed pretty insistent that it wasn’t possible.”
“Vampires aren’t exactly known for their honesty, Tori,” Kyle reminded me, rubbing the back of his neck.
“True,” I said. “But if it turns out Jaxon Hyde did have something to do with Mom’s death, I’ll make sure he pays for it. You can count on that.”
Kyle’s eyes flashed, mirroring my own resolve. “Damn right we will. We’re two vindictive peas in a pod, sis.”
“Always have been, always will be.” Our shared desire for vengeance was oddly comforting. It was a dark bond, but it was ours, and it had seen us through some of the worst days of our lives.
“Good.” Kyle crossed his arms over his chest, nodding decisively. “Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from all this supernatural crap, it’s that you can’t trust anyone who hasn’t earned it.”
I knew that all too well. Trusting people outside our little circle was hard, especially when it came to the supernatural world that seemed hell-bent on tearing us apart.
We stood in silence for a moment, our shared past settling between us as it so often did. Kyle was thinking about something, his gaze drifting over my scattered art supplies.
He finally broke the quiet. “Have you ever thought about tattooing other people?”
“Actually, yeah,” I said. “I have been considering fixing the tattoo on Audrey’s hip.” I waggled my eyebrows at him. “Why? Do you want a front seat to the show? You’d have to fight off Matteo.”
Kyle scowled. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it. I was thinking about getting a matching heather flower tattoo like yours as a reminder of Mom. But if you’re going to keep bringing up that damn bartender, then never mind.”
“Aw, c’mon, Kyle. I was just kidding. I’d be honored to give you a matching tattoo.”
“Really?” His eyes softened, the vulnerability from earlier still lurking beneath his tough exterior.
“Of course. We’ve been through so much together, and I think it would be a great way to honor Mom’s memory.”
Kyle looked off into the distance. “I really miss her sometimes. I don’t have any pictures, just my memories. And I feel like having something permanent to remind me of her would help.”
“I get it. And don’t worry, I won’t let you forget about her.” I was excited to tattoo another person other than myself, and so happy my brother had asked me to tattoo a copy of the memorial inspired by our mom.
He grinned at me. “Good. Because I’d hate to go through all that pain for nothing.”
“Speaking of pain.” I raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you can handle it? I mean, I know you’re all big and tough.” I gestured to his muscular frame with a smirk. “But tattoos are no joke.”
He scoffed. “Please. I’ve been through way worse than a little needle. Bring it on.”
“All right, you asked for it. Once we get everything sorted out...” I glanced around my makeshift art studio. “We’ll set up an appointment for your new ink.”
He grinned at me in thanks.
“That little needle is no joke, so be prepared,” I warned. “Go. Leave me to my art.”
“How bad can it be? It’s one needle. You’d better be willing to eat your words.”
“Challenge accepted.” I grinned as he left the room. “Good luck!” I called after him. “You’ll need it.”
As the door closed behind Kyle, I smiled. Despite our teasing and banter, I knew just how much this tattoo would mean to both of us. I picked up my pencil and began to sketch out the design. A connection to not only my brother, but also to the mother we’d lost so long ago.
The warmth in my chest blossomed. It was touching that Kyle wanted a matching tattoo to remember our mother, and Iwas going to make sure he got it. I’d need to get some proper equipment, but I’d find a way.
With Kyle gone, I turned my attention to making dinner for Ridge. He’d been working tirelessly, doing everything in his power to protect the town and the new packs. The least I could do was whip up something healthy and delicious for him.
Twenty minutes later, my paint-stained hands moved deftly, chopping vegetables and tossing them into a large salad bowl. This was definitely rabbit food, but he enjoyed these meals. And secretly enjoyed the teasing, too.
