Page 98 of Letters to the Lost

“They outdone themselves this year,” Sebastian mutters, his hand reaching out and rubbing the material between his fingers, his tattoo peeking out from his sleeve.

He uses every opportunity he can to rub it in Dominic's face, knowing how much he hates not having something too. When I pointed out that the others didn’t have one either he could have refused to do the tattoo on him. He helpfully replied that it didn’t matter and that he should get one because he’s my favorite.

Something I of course denied even as he called me a liar.

“What would you like to drink?” Zander asks me.

“I’ll take a beer sweetheart. Thank you,” Dominic replies before I can.

“I will hit you,” Zander warns him, a deadly look in his eye as he stares into Dominic's manic ones.

“And I would love it. Beat me Daddy make it hurt,” Dominic fake moans, drawing several looks our way.

“Stop it,” Sebastian reprimands, “What would you like to drink Sunshine?”

“Water with lemon?” I say, not wanting to drink but not looking like I’m just having water.

“You got it. Zander I’ll help you; I’m assuming beer for the rest of you?” Sebastian asks but doesn’t wait for answers, already striding away, Zander following.

“Dance with me?” Atlas asks me, “I want you to myself for a moment.”

“I don’t know how to but sure, I can try. don’t get mad when I step on your toes though.”

“I could never.”

“I call dibs on next!” Dominic states loudly.

“Give them a few dances at least you jealous asshole. We’ll all get our turn,” Tobias glares at him, shaking his head.

“Come on before we have to break them up,” Atlas says, pulling me towards the dance floor.

“You look so beautiful tonight, Pumpkin. I don’t think I’ve been able to look away from you once,” He whispers into my ear as we slowly sway from side to side, my hands resting on his shoulders as he holds me close.

“Thank you,” I reply, ducking my head to hide the blush.

Somehow, I’ve never managed to stop the embarrassment that takes over my face whenever they complement me, but they all love it.

We dance in silence for a few more songs, just enjoying being in one another's arms until Dominic finally gets too impatient and comes over.

“Can I dance with her now?” he whines, “I’ve been waiting foreverrr.”

“I guess so. Have fun Pumpkin and remember to stop dancing soon for some water, don’t want you passing out on us now.” Atlas smiles at me, kissing me softly on the lips before relinquishing me to Dominic’s hold.

“I’ll dance with Dominic for a while then come over for a break,” I promise him.

“I missed you Cupcake,” Dominic groans into my neck as he pulls me into his chest.

“I was right here.” I laugh.

“No, I mean I’ve missed you. I’ve been so busy trying to make you safer by hunting your monsters I feel like I’ve been neglecting you.”

“You haven’t. My nightmares have gotten better, I dream now. Oh! Atlas has also been teaching me how to use a gun, so I can defend myself.”

“You got your knife I gave you?” he asks me, his tone deadly serious.

“Always,” I tell him, moving the material to the side, revealing the slit in the skirt to show him the holster on my thigh.

“Fuck,” He groans, “That’s hot. Are you sure I can’t convince you to run away with me for a while?”

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