Page 102 of Beyond the Darkness

“Not too long ago something was said about the three of us getting some sort of permanent symbol to show we’re mated,” Connie started.

“I mentioned something about a tattoo,” Kit said, gently putting down a vase he was looking at. “Why?”

“I liked the idea.” Connie glanced at Hudson. “What do you think?”

“I have no problem with it if that’s something the two of you want to do.” Hudson made his way through the priceless artwork and piles of coins to Connie. “Is it?”

“I think so, yes. I like the idea of wedding bands, but a tattoo would be permanent,” Connie said.

“That’s very true. There’s no reason we can’t have both,” Kit said. “Right? Can paranormals have tattoos even?”

“We’d have to have a magic user spell the ink.” Hudson pursed his lips.

“Huh. Is that not something either one of you could do?” Kit asked.

“We are magic, and we can cast spells, but I would rather have someone who specializes in something like this,” Hudson said. “Susan is a magic user.”

Connie nodded. “I was thinking of her too. Plus, she’s part of Kage’s clan.”

“She can spell the ink, but she’s not a tattoo artist,” Kit pointed out.

“True. But maybe she can recommend somebody who is and is part of the community,” Connie said.

“So? Are we doing this?” Kit asked enthusiastically.

“I don’t see why not. I guess all that remains is coming up with some sort of design and decide where we want it.”

“Oh, I already know the design. I want a dragon stencil type, and I want the dragon to almost be abstract in design. I want two small ones on my right wrist. Two because that would represent the two of you as my mates, and on my right wrist because my wedding band will be on my left ring finger.”

“I’m not exactly sure what you mean by stencil—”

“Just a sec.” Quickly Kit scrolled on his phone. Then he held it out to Hudson. “Something like this. Not necessarily that particular one, but something like this.”

“I see.” Turning, Hudson looked at Connie, who was staring at Kit’s phone over his shoulder. “Sweetheart?”

“I like that too. And I actually like having it on the inside wrist also. It’d be visible there,” Connie said.

Kit nodded. “Exactly. Visible, but also very simplistic. Also, I wanted it done in red.”

“I actually like the designs of the dragons you found,” Connie said. “All we need to do now is find someone to do the tattoo once we have the ink.”

“A good tattoo artist can reproduce this design, I think, and put their own twist to it,” Kit said.

“So? Are we decided?” Hudson asked.

Connie looked at Hudson and then at Kit. “I think we are. Since Susan is part of Kage’s clan, and you are Kage’s best friend, why don’t you make the request?” Connie asked.

“I would be more than happy to.”

SEVERAL PHONE calls later, not only had Susan agreed to spell the ink for them, but she also knew of someone, a paranormal someone, who would do the tattoos.

The shop was nestled deep within an alley in San DeLain and shimmered with the muted glow of enchanted lights, casting eerie, dancing shadows on the outside walls. The sign above the door was a simple, elegant script that read “Eternal Marks,” and it glowed faintly under the moon’s light.

Connie tried to keep his excitement under control as they walked inside. The shop’s walls were adorned with sketches of mystical creatures and spellbinding symbols that seemed to dance under the flickering lights. A gentle hum of a needle buzzed in the background, a lullaby for those accustomed to the ink-stained path of permanence.

“Welcome.”

They turned to see a figure emerging from behind a beaded curtain, his hair a cascade of silver waves, eyes twinkling with an impish delight. “You must be the trio Susan sent over.”

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