Today was more for Samara than anything, so that she could have a little fun while celebrating with Nova as well. Nova had requested it so that my little sister would feel included, and I’d let the twins plan it out—with a few suggestions of my own thrown in.

After the meal, we went bowling, which was a recent addition to Creswell Springs. The alley was close to the university and within walking distance of Lyric Thornton’s Ink Shoppe. Nova, Ciana, and Samara kicked our asses—twice—and then we played a round of laser tag. It was childish fun, but none of us cared. Nova’s giggles were nonstop the entire evening, and that was all I needed to have a good time.

It was twilight when we stepped out of the bowling alley, but when Nova started to walk toward the limo, I captured her hand and lifted it to my lips. “This is about to get more PG-13, my heart.”

Her brows lifted toward the heavens. “What do you mean?”

“You’ll see.” Keeping her hand in mine, I turned us toward the Ink Shoppe.

The twins, Ciana, and Samara fell into step behind us, their excited chatter growing louder the closer we got.

“Who is getting ink?” Nova asked when Pietro opened the front door.

Rock music was playing quietly in the background. Lyric’s masterpieces hung on the walls, along with a few pictures of the work his brother-in-law had done over the years. Lyric ran this location, while his father-in-law was over at the other across town, leaving Maverick to go between the two shops as needed. Nova had confided in me that Spider Masterson was talking about retiring in the near future, however, which meant his only son would take over his original shop.

All three tattoo artists were exceptionally talented, but it was Lyric who had drawn in more and more clients. Not only was he the son of a famous drummer, but his work was ranked some of the best in the country. And I only trusted the best to put ink on not only my body, but especially on Nova’s.

Mila came out of the back when the chime over the door alerted her to our presence. Seeing our small party, she grinned and rushed over to embrace Nova. “I’m so happy we get to be the ones to take your ink virginity!”

“I’m getting the ink?” my angel asked in shock. “I honestly thought it was going to be the twins.”

“Nope, you and Ryan have been on my books for weeks now. And don’t worry. I had Uncle Jet and Aunt Flick sign all the paperwork already since you are still technically underage,” her honorary cousin informed her. “Ryan and I have been emailing back and forth what he wants you two to get.”

“Matching ink?” she whispered, her green eyes lifting to me.

I lifted my hand, fingering the necklace around her graceful neck. She never took it off, not even to shower, but it wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to mark her more permanently.