Chapter 41 Phoenyxx
Phoenyxx
Morning greets me amongst a tumble of limbs, and the heavenly scent of coffee and bacon. I crack open my lids, smiling to see most of my guys around me, in various stages of waking up.
Trikk and Hunter aren’t here, but I bet they’re seeing to breakfast. With Trikk cooking, I know I’ll be getting my favorite thing ever—pancakes.
I yawn and stretch, greeting my husbands with kisses. “I’m going to hop in the shower while we’re waiting for breakfast.”
Ghost mumbles a complaint. “I’m coming with you.”
“Dude, so unfair,” Razor complains.
Shaking my head, I purse my lips to keep from laughing. “I’m still sore from last night, my loves.”
I get up, feeling their eyes following my every movement. I stumble my way to the huge bathroom, eyes widening when I see the enormous standalone clawfoot tub, and the huge shower, with nozzles on the walls and the ceiling.
Smiling, I relieve my bladder, then start the shower to heat it up. I jump in, groaning at the intensity and heat of the water. Damn, this shower is the shit.
I'm so busy washing, I don’t hear anyone come in, until the door slides open, and Ghost is there.
“Ghost!” I snap him playfully with my soap sponge.
My eyes eat him up. God, he is so smoking hot. I love his body—lean but fit. He's perfect in every way, from his messy black hair to his black eyes, to his gorgeous cock.
The latter body part rises to the occasion. Though I’m sore, I can’t help the burst of arousal thrumming between my legs.
He moves toward me so quickly, I don’t have time to react. He shoves me against the bathroom wall, hitching one leg up to his waist. Grunting, he pushes inside me, fucking me fast and hard.
Ghost jostles me, and my back bangs on the wall, but I don’t care. "Do it, baby,” I rasp, needing him despite the soreness.
I moan loudly when we both come together.
“Hey,” I hear, seeing Synn's silhouette through the frosted, glass door. Then, “Nope,” as he plucks me right out of the shower.
I sigh, his caveman instincts once again turning him into my favorite alpha hole.
Synn carries me to the bedroom, tossing clothes toward me. I get dressed, waiting on the others to pull on clothes.
“Breakfast is ready,” Hunter calls up to us.
We sound like a herd of elephants rushing downstairs. I'm starving after all the delicious sex.
We all take a seat at the beautiful dining table. It's just big enough for all of us, done in chrome and glass, which I love.
Trikk brings out plates of food, serving me first. I salivate seeing banana pancakes, bacon, and eggs piled high on my plate.
I drown my pancakes in syrup, and dig in.
We all eat in silence for a while until a thought comes to me, which I voice eagerly.
“I want a tattoo, to match all yours. Can we do that today?”
Frost's eyes meet mine, emotion shining in the icy blue depths. “Absolutely, Killer. I would love that.”
“We need to go by the compound, anyway,” Ghost speaks up. “Our mothers need to be sorted, and we need to check on the cannibal.”
I roll my eyes. “His name is Michael,” I tut.
“And we need to pack our shit,” Synn adds.
“I also want to see Cynthia, and the ZYGOS guys to thank them for all their help,” I say, leaning back in my seat.
“That’s settled, then. Let's head out after breakfast,” Hunter announces.
“I’m going to take you to the artist we had do our tats, Iskra. He’s really good. He also made an opening for us,” Purge takes a bite of food, nodding as he swallows.
“How did you know to set that up?” I ask in confusion.
“I know my wife,” Purge replies, his eyes sparkling.
We all finish up, and I grab a coffee to go.
We head out in the borrowed car, since we need to return it. The guys have one of our new cars already waiting at the compound.
Damn, I can’t fucking wait to drive my dream car. Soon. I've already been told I’m not touching the wheel until they know I’m ready and have a legal driver’s license.
In no time, we pull up to a small tattoo shop. A bell chimes when we enter.
I look around, taking in the designs on the walls, the clean smell, and the heavily tattooed and pierced guy heading toward us.
Damn... he's sexy...
I yelp as Razor smacks my hand. “Be good,” he growls.
These fuckers can read my mind, I swear.
“Hi, guys. I take it this is Phoenyxx?” the artist says.
“Yep,” I answer.
“I'm Cole, nice to meet you. Now, do you know what you want, and where you want to put it?”
Nodding, I say, “I do.” He motions to me to follow him back, and the guys try to follow, but I stop them. “Wait out here. I want it to be a surprise.”
Razor devours my face, then growls once again, “Be good, Fiasca.”
I don’t bother to respond, so I just go back to where Cole is waiting.
“Have a seat,” he points to a large chair. “What are you thinking?” I explain my idea, and he smiles. “Sounds perfect. I can do that. Where do you want it?”
“Right over my heart,” I say.
“That will hurt more,” Cole cautions.
I shrug. “That’s fine.”
He walks away for about fifteen minutes and returns with a paper. “This is just a transfer. I'll apply it to your skin, and ink over it.”
He tells me to raise my shirt, and I laugh out loud. The guys would flip over this.
I pull my shirt over my head, removing my bra while Cole discreetly turns his back. I take my discarded shirt and hold it over my nipples the best I can.
Cole carefully applies the transfer, an utmost professional not trying to ogle my chest.
He nods toward a mirror on the wall. “See what you think.”
I get up and go look, and tears spring to my eyes. “It’s beautiful,” I whisper reverently. “You are very talented.”
“Thank you,” he smiles, then turns his back to ready his workstation.
I sit back down, watching in fascination as he gets the needle loaded with ink.
“I’ll do the outline first, then fill it in,” Cole explains.
“Got it.” I lay back, readying myself the best I can.
When the needle finally touches my skin, I yelp, causing a ruckus in the waiting area.
“Chill!” I holler to the guys. “I’m fine!”
Cole chuckles. “A queen on her throne.”
“And they know it,” I quip, giggling.
I lay back once again and close my eyes. After a while, I get used to the feel of the needle. Until he starts filling it in, anyway. I wince, and he apologizes.
“It will be pretty tender. Hang in there, it won’t take me too long,” Cole says kindly.
I take a deep breath, letting him finish.
After about another hour or so, he declares he’s done.
I jump up and rush to the mirror, tears streaming down my cheeks.
“Oh my God, it’s perfect. Thanks, Cole.”
Cole rattles off after-care instructions, and hands me a paper to take with me. He goes to bandage it, but I stop him. He understands why, so I slip out of the room, shirt still off.
I count down in my head. One, two...
“What the fuck? Where's your shirt, Em?” Sam stomps over.
God, my other husbands are rubbing off on him.
I raise a brow, crossing my arms under my breasts.
“Take a close look, boys,” I purr, waiting for them to come to me.
Gasps come from them, and I explain. “It’s a phoenix, rising from the flames.
It's me, gaining my strength and identity,” I say, but get choked up.
“The red and orange are to compliment my hair. See this here?” I point to small letters surrounding the image.
“Each of you, around my heart, lifting me up with your love.” All eight names are there—Synn, Ghost, Trikk, Frost, Razor, Purge, Sam, and Hunter.
“It’s breathtaking, Pretty Girl,” Hunter says, emotion thick in his voice.
They go to rush-hug me, but I step back. “I have to get it bandaged. Be careful of my chest.”
I grin all the way back to the room, hearing their curses the entire time.
Hunter
I sigh in contentment as we enter the compound, for the last time for a while.
I'm painfully aware I'm leaving my sister behind, but I trust Jax and the others to take good care of her.
We all need to be alone for now, as newlyweds.
Never did I think I would share a wife with seven others... but, here we are.
I find Cynthia exactly where I thought I would—in the computer room, on Thor’s lap. Bill keeps shooting dirty looks over that way, and Maverick is in there for some reason.
“Hunter!” Cynthia cries, flying into my arms.
“Hey, little sis. Are they taking good care of you?”
“Oh, yep, sure thing. Thor is perfect, and... uh...” Cynthia blushes madly, as her gaze darts over to Bill, and Maverick, who’s just leaning against the wall.
“Guys? Explain,” I say to the three of them.
“We all like her, man,” Thor blurts out.
“I am quite fond of her,” Bill says next.
“Who says fond, BILL?” Thor fires back, making me laugh.
Bill shoots Thor the bird, and of course, Thor returns fire with, “Fuck you, BILL.”
“I’m enjoying getting to know her,” Maverick confesses, rolling his eyes a bit at Bill and Thor.
“Fuck,” I mutter. “Here’s the deal. Me and the others are moving into our house today. We need some time to be together with no interruptions. Cynthia, are you okay staying here? Jax already approved it.”
“Hell yes. I won’t leave my harem,” Cynthia pouts.
I am kicking Pretty Girl’s ass later; I’ll make her crawl for me.
“I’m not crazy about this, but I trust you three. Please care for her as much as I do. You have my number if any issues come up,” I tell them, proud of myself for not forcing them apart.
“I promise she will be well-loved,” Thor says, crossing his arms.
“As do I,” Bill answers, with my sister skipping over, and plonking into his lap, earning a rare smile from him.
“I will look after her, Harris,” Maverick agrees.
“Alright. I'm going to go pack my things.” I move to Cynthia's side, giving her a big hug. “I love you, sis.”
Cynthia beams at me, that smile melting my heart. “Love you too, brother.”
I head out, going to my room to pack.
Frost
Walking into my room, I take a good look at my mother, who is still frail and shaky, with dark circles under her eyes. She looks better than when I got her out, but she has a long way to go.
“Mom,” I say, moving slowly to her bed. “Remember how I told you I was getting married? Well, we’re moving into our new house today, but I want to make sure you’re going to be okay.”
My mother waves her hand through the air. “Yes, son. I'll be fine. The leader of this place, Jax, told me I could stay here and heal. He said he would provide a therapist, for me and for Svetlana Petrov.”
Ghost’s mom. It's crazy the only two to chooses their children were our mothers. My mother, Oksana, is a strong woman, but she does need therapy.
I give her a huge hug. “I love you so much, Mom. You have my number if you need anything. I'll be checking in daily, and once we’re all settled, we can discuss longer-term plans.”
“I love you too, son. Please don’t rush. As I said, I will be fine. Getting me away from that dreadful man is the best thing you could have done.”
Tears fill my eyes as I kiss her cheek.
I quickly grab my stuff, tossing it all into a duffel bag.
I’m happy to have her still—I need her.
Ghost
“Mother? Are you awake?” I stand over her prone form curled up in her bed.
She turns over, eyes swollen from crying. She's not doing as well as Frost's mom is, and I’m worried.
“I’m awake, and I’m okay. That Jax filled me in on the plans, and it’s alright. Therapy is exactly what I need,” she says.
I toss my arms around her, squeezing my eyes shut, just as I did as a child.
There is something powerful with coming full circle.
“Please call me for any reason, okay? I'll check in every day.” I caress her soft cheek affectionately. I love my mother, and knowing she’ll be looked after eases my mind.
“I am so blessed to have such a loving son,” my mother whispers softly. “I love you very much. Enjoy your time as a newlywed.” She gives me a watery smile.
I really don’t want to leave her behind, but it’s the best option for now. Upending her and Frost’s mother to send them to a hospital would be even worse.
I pack my shit, tossing my bag over my shoulder.
With one last look, I leave the room, looking for my Malishka. My wife.
Phoenyxx
I've already grabbed all my stuff and am waiting for my husbands.
My name is called, and I look up to see Jax coming my way. He's got Michael with him.
“Phoenyxx, I wanted to check in about your plans for Michael here,” Jax says.
I cringe inwardly, embarrassed I haven’t even thought about it.
I go to open my mouth, but Jax keeps talking.
“He can stay here for now, until you have a handle on your business, and what place he’ll have in it. I think training is best right now.”
I look to Michael. “How do you feel about that?”
“I’m good with it. I had to promise not to eat anyone, though, which sucks.” Michael shrugs. “It’s cool, though. I don’t need human meat; I just prefer it.”
Chuckling, I pat his shoulder. “I have some ideas on where to put you. But you do need the proper training.”
“Thanks, Phoenyxx. You totally saved my ass, and I owe you. You're a cool chick. I like you.”
“Good to hear. I like you, too. I'll be in touch soon, okay?”
Michael salutes me, then he and Jax turn to leave.
“Jax?” I call. “Thanks for everything. You're awesome.”
He shoots me a thumbs up, making me laugh. I wonder if Cynthia will be able to get him. I hope so; they could use each other.
It's only a few before my husbands join me.
“All set?” I ask them.
Yeses go around, so we all go to get our car; to go home.
Home. What a fucking concept.