Painting Hooves
Author's Note: Hey all, I'm new to the fanfic world and thought I would give it a try. It will be G/P fic and while I'm not all that familiar with this, I will do my best to portray this with sensitivity the best I can. Just a couple things I must cover:
I REPEAT: THIS WILL BE A G/P fic (don't like don't read)
This chapter will have child neglect and abuse (only in the Flashback) if you are uncomfortable with that then skip it. I can send you a lighter version.
First couple chapters are in Emma's POV until she meets Regina. Then I will be switching back and forth
This story falls into the line of the supernatural creatures
Other pairings will be in this story as well but endgame is SWANQUEEN and it's SLOWBURN (and I mean SLOW)
IF I have haven't lost ya yet...please continue reading.
This idea has been swimming around in my head ever since I saw the show Claws. So I will be borrowing some names and a little bit of the story line (the nail salon, money laundering, and the name Uncle Daddy) from the show because they are just too good to pass up. Everything else will be my own. The first chapter is a little heavy but I wanted you guys to understand Emma's background. It should get lighter from there, but of course, whats a story without drama. All mistakes are mine. I don't own any characters, blah, blah, blah...And yea...I think that is it. On with the story.
Title: Painting Hooves
Rating:M
Chapter 1.
Emma could smell it in the cool October air as she stepped through the doors.
Freedom
Standing there with a huge smile on his face and arms wide open was her brother, her best friend Killian Swan. She picked up her pace which earned her a grin from him.
"Swan Song, good to see you" he said as he engulfed her in a hug.
Immediately she felt the warmth cover her body.
"I missed you so much."
Emma smiled as his thoughts pushed through her minds barrier.
"I missed you too Killi."
He looked down at her and grinned.
"Come on. Time to go."
He grabbed her hand leading her to his car. A beautiful Audi S8, all black paint, red interior, with black rims. She gasped at the sight.
Fucking gorgeous, I think I'm drooling
"She's great isn't she? I call her J.R" he said proudly.
"J.R?"
"The Jolly Roger." Killian replied with a smile as big as his face.
He popped open the trunk and signaled for her to throw her stuff in. All Emma had was her red leather jacket that she had when she was brought in, a broken phone, and some change. She put her jacket in and shut the trunk. Jogging around to the front she pulled on the handle to the door and slid in.
oh how I have missed the smell of leather
Killian got in after her, started up the vehicle and off they went. 20 minutes had passed and the silence they shared was consuming. Awkward. Thick. Emma could sense he wanted to talk but didn't know what to say. So she started.
"Did you take good care of Big L while I was gone?
He smirked.
"Big L is doing well, I drove her twice a week like you asked too."
Emma smiled she missed her jeep.
"Well thank you, you better not have fucked up the clutch though."
They shared a laugh, but it came to an end all too soon. The silence still there. Suffocating.
And Emma couldn't take it anymore.
"Just spit it out Killian." She said turning her head to face the passenger window.
She heard him let out a breath.
"I didn't want that to be the first thing I asked, but...how was it in there?"
The blonde shrugged.
"You want the clip notes version?" she asked.
"Sure." Killian said with sympathy in his voice
"The good days were really good, and the bad days were really bad."
"Bad days?" he pressed
Emma hesitated.
Could he handle this?
"The bad days were mostly in the beginning. The medication the gave me cut off my wolf. It didn't allow me to shift. For the first 6 months I was consumed with aggressive out lashes, terribly night sweats, and raging fever. I couldn't sleep and I couldn't eat. I was having nightmares. I honestly thought I was gonna die."
Emma laughed to herself.
"I think they changed my room a total of 13 times since I was there just so I wouldn't scare the other 'patients' with my screams at night." she said using air quotes. "I knew what it really was...I was losing control of it. Of her."
She could feel the guilt streaming off him.
"...But then I met a friend..of sorts."
"A friend?" Killian asked
"...Of sorts. Somehow he could tell I wasn't like the other patients. He started talking to me during lunch. He seemed so nice, and I was vulnerable. He asked why I was there and I told him."
"You told him you about your wolf? And what happened?" asked Killian surprised.
Emma nodded and continued.
"And he...believed me. He helped me. Taught me how to get away without taking the pills so I could heal my mind. He taught me how to calm myself again. He taught us how to breath again. After 8 month of being helped by him, it paid off. The nurses told me if I kept up my good behavior I would be released early. Deemed a person fit for society. And well now I'm here."
"What happened to your friend of sorts?" Killian questioned.
Emma paused at this.
"I...I'm not sure. I went to look for him one day in the lunch room to tell him the good news and he wasn't there. I asked the nurses and they said they have never seen anyone here with that description."
"No name?"
"No name." replied Emma.
"Wait...so you worked with this guy for 8 months and never asked him his name?" Killain said in disbelief.
"It wasn't really on the top of my list. I needed help and someone willing help me. To believe me. He did."
Killian took his eyes off the road to look at her. She knew he blamed himself for what happened with Neal. He shouldn't. It wasn't his fault.
"I'm really sorry Em. I feel like shit for what went down. I promise I will always protect you."
He paused to take a breath.
"And you don't have to worry about that bastard Neal anymore. We took care of him. I will always be there for you. I will move the earth to make sure nothing like this happens again."
WE took care of Neal? Do I want to know? No I don't want to know, as long as he is gone
Emma let the air out from her lungs that she didn't realize she was holding.
"I know Killian, I know." was all she could muster up. "Enough of the heavy though, I don't want to talk about him or what happened I want to talk about other things. Like where are you taking me?"
He turned to face her again
And again she felt heard his voice in her head.
"it's a surprise"
She rolled her eyes.
"You couldn't just say that out loud like a normal person?" she asked.
"Oh Ems, we are anything but normal." Killian answered.
He turned back to the road and a cocky grin planted on his face and stepped on the gas pedal. This time the silence that overtook them was comfortable. Fresh. Light.
Just like old times.
Emma propped her elbow on the center console and rested her head in her hand. She let the memories of their past flood her.
(FLASHBACK)
Ever since she could remember they grew up in foster care together. Emma was the first to realize she was different. She always had painful headaches growing up, and because of it she was always the first one to get kicked out, whether she was 'too sick' to take care of, or her 'anger' issues. Or her favorite...they just didn't want her anymore.
Most siblings don't see each other after moving from house to house. But as luck or fate would have it, they did. Where she went, he went. Like someone was making sure they had each other. Always looking out for each other. He was her family. Her only family. From Colorado, to Phoenix, and finally ending up in Washington state, where they remained, until it happened.
Emma could never forget that home. Those fosters. Most parents would just take the money and give the kids the bare minimum. But these people..these people were the worst. They were evil. These foster locked them in a basement. They treated the siblings like animals, locked them up in cages. Fed them dog and cat food. Made them use the bathroom in it and wouldn't clean it out.
One night Emma was having a really bad headache. The worst she had ever had at the age of 16. She couldn't stop crying and the fosters had enough. However instead of going after her, they went after Killian. Wrong move. They started beating him...telling her they wouldn't stop until she 'shut the fuck up'. She started screaming even more, telling them to stop hurting him. She could hear his cries and pleas running through her head. And then felt it. She felt the energy swirl in her belly, she felt her hair stand on end, electricity running a rampage in her body. It was overwhelming. It was painful, and then she let out a blood curdling scream. The was the last thing she remembered before blacking out.
When she came to, the first thing Emma noticed was that is was quiet. Too quiet. When her blurry vision dissipated she was able to take in her surroundings. She was shocked to find blood splattered all over the wall. Broken glass everywhere and the basements windows were blown out. Emma could smell blood and followed the scent. She didn't look very far because there on the ground were two bodies with their throat ripped out.
To say Emma was scared was an understatement.
'oh my god, oh my god, oh my god what happened
She scrambled backwards until she hit the wall. Stretched out in front of her were huge long hairy legs with sharp toenails. Emma blinked a couples times to make sure she wasn't dreaming. She wasn't. Lifting what she thought were hands to her face she saw matching black fur as her legs, and claws where fingernails use to be.
'what is happening to me' she thought.
Emma looked around the room. Her senses were so clear. She saw the grooves of the wood in the basement. She heard the crickets chirp outside and train horn in the distance. She could smell the powerful scent of blood that clung in the room. The smell of iron was so strong she could taste it. It made her stomach nauseous and she felt dizzy. Emma knew she had to get out of there.
Standing up she found Killian curled up in a ball not moving. She panicked, ran over to him and felt his pulse making sure to be careful of her new found fingernails. He's alive. Emma grabbed his lifeless body easily picking him up with strength she didn't know she had, yanked the basement door open and fled the house. They ended up in a park close by when Killian finally began waking up.
'how am i gonna explain this one'
She looked down at her brother who started opening his eyes.
"What happened?" he asked
Emma paused. How should she approach this? She waited for him to fully register what was towering in front of him. Her brother's blue eyes met hers and she saw it. Fear.
"What the-get away from me!" he yelled stumbling backwards over twigs and rocks in the grass. "EMMA!" he yelled loudly.
She put up her hands up and started slowly advancing towards him
"STAY BACK! EMMA! EMMA!" he yelled again.
Emma tried to calm him down but there was no use. She was a big ugly creature that he wanted no part of. Then a sudden impulse to tackle him came over her body. Her legs started to move uncontrollably in an almost instant sprint towards him.
'wait, wait whats happening. I don't want to do this!' she screamed internally. Instead her legs pumped harder.
Killian widened his eyes. He got up off the ground and began to run. Emma heard his pounding heart pushing blood through his body. She saw the beads of sweat dripping down the back of his neck. For a moment everything slowed down and she zeroed in on him. Poor guy never had a chance. He took 3 more steps and was slammed to the ground. Emma flipped him over and pinned him down with her arms. Killian tried to wiggle free but she was too strong for him. She tried to move off of him but her body wouldn't let her. Killian started hyperventilating, and all Emma could do was stare at him.
'it's me Killi, It's ME!" she shouted, but a long howl came out instead.
As if he read her mind Killian stopped shaking and started to calm down. He looked at her, really looked at her and she looked at him.
"Emma?" he asked to the wolf.
It was then her body finally let go of her brother. Emma stood up and so did he. Killian looked up at her and smiled.
"Is that you?"
She nodded her head.
"You're...you're a wolf." he said astonished.
Their blue eyes met. And Emma searched his again looking for any signs of fear or anger but all she got was compassion from her brother. Then in silence of the night Killian broke out into high wales that sent chills down her spine. Her eyes grew wide as she saw him collapse to the ground withering in pain. He screamed over and over again. Emma didn't know what to do, she tried to get close to him but could hear his bones cracking. She could see his limbs elongate, sharp claws protruded from where his nails were. His nose stretching out. His ribs changing. His legs breaking. She closed her eyes and covered here ears. In a second she felt a pain shoot to her head. It was sharp, like knife slicing through her brain. The stabbing pain kept coming. Growing stronger each wave. And when she thought she couldn't take it anymore it abruptly stopped.
Uncovering her ears and opening her eyes she looked down at what was her brother, and instead saw a creature. It was covered in white fur, heaving, hunched over in the fetal position.
"Kill? Is that you." she asked realizing she could finally talk.
The creature covered it's ear's and looked up at Emma. She watched as he slowly got to his feet. He was tall now. Had at least a good 4 feet on the blonde. With jet black eyes piercing her soul.
"I think so..."
A loud voice boomed through her head and she jumped at the sound. She recognized that voice. It was Killian. The creature/Killian stood up and observed it surroundings.
"Everything is so loud. Why is it so loud? "
Her eyes met his all blacked out ones and she felt herself smile on the inside.
"How did you know it was me?" she asked.
"You're eyes." he replied.
"Why can I hear your voice in my head?"
She shrugged her large shoulders.
Emma could sense the confusion. And she watched as he did a once over, first looking at his hands, down to his chest, then his legs and his feet. Killian shot his head back up and made a noise that sounded like a whine and a growl.
"What in the hell happened to me. how can you hear me? I can't...I can't speak."
He tried again and a long howl came out. Emma couldn't help but laugh at that.
"I can hear you in my mind or something." she simply stated. Killian looked at her. Seeming to accept her answer nodded his head.
"This is crazy...what ARE we?"
Emma wasn't sure how to answer.
"I don't know...I mean we are obviously not human. I guess that means we are something different...special?"
He huffed sending a blast of air at her along with some spit.
"Your special, you look an awesome black panther, i feel like i look like a polar bear."
Emma laughed again. That's there where their lives had changed forever. They couldn't go back into foster care. She was 16 and he was 17, nobody would want them. And they couldn't control, whatever this was, enough to ensure they wouldn't make another mistake...and if someone found out...well she didn't even want to think about it.
"Hey Em, when i changed i got a flash of visions. It was you, or this you ripping out the throats of the fosters. Did you...did you kill them"
She wasn't sure if she should tell him because Emma couldn't remember doing it. But there was a strong feeling in her gut that seemed like an ugly truth. She did, and she knew it deep down.
"I think so..." was all Emma could say. She dropped her head and heard whimpers coming from her mouth.
"Hey, look at me..."
She couldn't though. What did this mean for them?
"We will figure this out. They got what was coming to them. If they weren't beating us and treating us like shit they would be doing it to some other poor kid. We will figure this out. We will move on and learn to live this new version of us. You protected me and I will always protect you Em. We. Will. Figure. This. Out."
His voice calmed her concerns. He was being honest and Emma could tell. He didn't hate her, it seemed like he almost thanked her.
Everything happened so fast that Emma felt like she wanted to freak out. She wanted scream, she wanted to be scared. But she wasn't. Surprisingly neither of them of were. They were oddly calm for the situation that just unfolded...because deep down apart of them always knew they were different.
"Do you think we can change back?"
Her brother shrugged again.
"Wanna try?"
They closed their eyes for what seemed like forever. When they opened their eyes they were still in their wolf form
"It didn't work." she heard him say with frustration in his voice.
"Okay, well we can't stay here all night, lets head to the woods"
She began picking up his shredded clothes, tossed them in the trash and walked toward the beginning of
"Want to see what these new legs can do?"
Without hesitation Emma and Killian started off with light jog through the trees.
"Let's go faster" Emma said.
He picked up the pace leading them through the woods. Faster and faster they went and pretty soon everything was blur as they rushed passed the trees. Emma relaxed into her new body, she felt connected to this wolf version of herself. This was the real her. Emma heard Killian laugh care free and clear in her mind, she felt how happy and content he was in that moment of running.
"Where are we headed?"
"How do sandy shores and wavy beaches sound?"
Excited Emma howled into the night.
"That sounds amazing."
They ran for hours before the siblings felt their bodies slowly ware out and had both experienced a painful shift back before dawn broke. They found a freeway and walked along it, until they hit a sign that said 'Welcome to California'.
And the rest as they say is history. From then on they looked out for each other. They learned what their abilities could do. They learned that they were connected more than blood. It seemed since the incident their bond became stronger on a physiological level. If she was mad, he felt it. If Killian got hurt, Emma could feel the pain. If she was happy he felt happy. They learned what made them tick. Learned they could only shift freely when there was full moon, however Emma and Killian were both surprised by the fact their wolf capabilities were still accessible in human form. Speed, vision, listening, and strength. The older Emma got the stronger she was, the faster she was. She built a muscular but lean form.
They squatted in big empty houses on the beach. Killian always promised that they would own one of these some day. They stole from grocery stores so they could eat and swiped clothes they could wear through their constant growth spurts. One night, Killian had an idea, to sneak into the library to see if they could learn anything about what they were. Once the siblings were in they went to the mythology and folklore section. Killian found a section on werewolves and found out they were apart of an older generation of wolves that could not only run on 4 feet it could stand on 2. Believed to be stronger than a werewolf. They called them lycans. He showed Emma the book and pointed to a sentence. There on the bottom of the page read lycans have the ability to read the minds of the people in their pack. Which explained the reason they could read each other's minds And in every folklore book Emma and Killian read their abilities could only be passed down through genetics.
"Our parents-"started Killian
"Must of been like us.." finished Emma
"And if our parents were like us then-" he continued
"-There must be others like us too.." the blonde finished.
Unfortunately nothing could be fact checked. These stories were only myths because at the end of the day they weren't suppose to be real. There weren't suppose to exist. They were nothing but stories in a book.
When Emma was 18 and Killian was 19 they decided they wanted an education more than breaking into a library and reading on their own. So instead they would sneak on to college campus's and drop in on classes. Killian learned that he really like woman and coincidentally so did Emma. Not only was she attracted to men but she also learned that she was very very very attracted to women. They studied literature, art, music, physics, astrology all types of math, and history. They learned how to pick up chicks together. He took culinary classes and learned how to cook, Emma took up on some cosmetology, she loved making people feel beautiful. They could do anything they wanted. And their abilities made it that much easier to learn and understand what was being taught to them.
Emma and Killian were happier than they have ever been. Until she met Neal. A man with so much charm and charisma he managed to sweep her off her feet. A person she trusted too much that in end she didn't even feel the knife being stabbed in her back. Emma couldn't blame it all on him though. It was her fault for opening up to him and trusting him with her secrets.
The car slowed down which brought the woman out of her thoughts.
"Swan Song, you're home." he whispered.
She came back to the present and slowly took in her view. The sun was turning itself over the moon and stars began to twinkle. There sat a huge 1 story house. Big bay windows, a 4 car garage and the ocean...she could smell the ocean.
"So how are we gonna get into this one." Emma asked while opening the door and walking to the back of the car.
Killian followed.
"With a key." he answered popping the trunk
She got her jacket out and rolled her eyes.
"I'm serious."
"So am I. Watch."
He walked to the door with Emma quickly behind, flashed the set at her, stuck the key and presto, the door unlocked. She was stunned and her mouth hung open as she walked through the door. The house felt warm and loving. There was a grey L shaped sectional sofa, with 2 matching recliner chairs on either side. A huge 60 inch flat screen t.v hung on the wall opposite from the furniture. She walked in the living room and noticed he had a couple pictures of them hanging on the wall. She looked out of one of the big bay window that led to a large wrap around porch and over looked the ocean. Emma couldn't believe it. This place was completely furnished to fit her brothers contemporary style.
"Is this your house?" she asked still astonished.
"Well, it was...it's yours now." he said shyly.
She swung her head around so fast she almost gave herself whiplash.
What the fuck? Mine?
"What do you mean my place? Did you actually buy this house? How can you afford something like this?" Emma asked. She couldn't contain the excitement in her voice.
Killian chuckled to himself. He hadn't felt this much happiness radiate off his sister in a while.
"Yes, yes, and I got a job."
"A job. Did you study day trading while I was away." she asked jokingly.
He paused.
"Um no, I run security for a couple of businesses here in town."
"Security for a couple businesses. How did you get that?" she pressed.
"I met some people while you were away, they were looking for someone to fill a spot that had opened. I was curious and I was tired of life without you. I felt like like something was missing and I wanted to fill it anyway I could. So I offered. They gave me a test run and found out I was really good at it. Apparently I'm intimidating. It's a pretty sweet gig."
She eyed her brother carefully.
"I feel there is more you are not telling me."
Killian put his head down and walked further into the house. He took a seat on the couch and motioned for her to sit next to him. Emma could tell the he was nervous. She took her place next to his.
"Ya see Em, it's not security for regular business's, these business's they play in the gray area of the law. I am security but I also do other stuff"
"What is the other stuff?" replied Emma.
She took a deep breath.
Killian what have you gotten yourself into now?
"Its money laundering. Its totally legit...kinda. Its real business's that help real people...who are welcome if they can pay in cash. During the day I work at the strip club and at night I pick up the cash-out's close of business and check the log books to make sure everything is good to go so we don't get hit with any red flags."
The blonde could feel her brother looking at her. She could tell he was scared of her reaction. Emma answered the only way she knew how.
"So to soften the blow for your confession of being a part of an illegal money laundering crew you bought me a house?"
He could hear the smile in her voice but his frown did not fade.
"That not all..."
"Oh dear god, what else..." she said meeting his blue eyes
Killian looked visibly uncomfortable.
"One of the business's is a salon with an opening, nail tech to be exact, and we need to fill it ASAP, I thought your cosmetology background you would be perfect. The first week is a test, to see if whoever fills the spot can handle what's going on. If the person likes it and the crew likes them. Then there's a chance for a permanent position." he said weakly.
"Annnnd let me guess. You already offered your baby sister up as tribute."
Emma smiled again letting her brother know she was still joking. Killian let his shoulders relax the rest of the way when he saw it.
Was she surprised? A little, but realistically any 'normal' job they got would have to be under the table. They had no experience in anything and while they were extremely smart, they had no education or job history on paper. So he did what he thought best. And it seemed like he was happy. What more could she ask for.
"Listen this is a big house, and you are gonna have to fill it with groceries, clothes, and feng shui the shit out of this place." he replied jokingly. "I helped you get started, but I'm sure you'll want to add your own flavor to this place. You will have to make some money somehow." he continued to tease.
"This is true." Emma said joining in on the joke. "But seriously? Putting on fake nails and listening to catty girls whine is not my idea of job I want to it's been forever since I have done anything like that."
He laughed, his voice echoing in the house
"You would be fine. Especially with your abilities. You will make people feel beautiful again. Remember how you use to say 'nails are window to the soul, so what do you want your nails to say'"
fuck he has a point.
"Plus its a low profile. You're only job is to be an awesome cheerful nail tech. You are not making runs, not making any deposits, you are not communicating with the big boss upstairs. Everything on your end would be 'normal'. Who knows maybe you will meet someone and fall in love. And then you would so owe me big time. Oh and the best part is you get paid weekly."
"How much money?" asked Emma completely skipping over his comment about love.
"Starting at $800 to 1k a week. Also the more clients you bring in...the more money you make the big boss Uncle Daddy. Which mean the more money you make. Some girl's are bringing in up to 2 grand a week working here. "
Emma eyes bulged out of her head.
Not because her brothers boss is named Uncle Daddy, although she made a mental note to come back to that comment. But because of the money.
"Up to 1k a week? For painting hooves?"
All Killian did was flash his pearly white teeth.
"Welcome to the world of money laundering. Oh! I have one more surprise." He quickly got up and dragged her off the couch. She was dragged out a door and in the garage.
"Say hello to Big L" yelled Killian
Emma almost came at the sight of her Jeep. It was still deep blue and she could tell he repainted it for her. Taped to the driver door was a set of keys. Her body filled happiness and excitement. She heard Killian sigh with contentment.
"Its been awhile since you have felt like that." he said to her mind.
She looked over at her brother, his voice still lingering in her head. She couldn't deny it. Officially, Emma had a fresh start. They say 3rd times a charm. She hoped this new beginning wouldn't end like the rest. She walked back to her brother and gave him a big hug.
"Em...Can't...Breathe." he squeezed out.
She blushed a little and let him go. He put his hands to her face and turned her back to the jeep.
"I put in a new engine, clutch, struts, changed the rest of the breaks, and installed a new sound system in." confidently the words flowed out of his mouth.
"Thank you Killian. For everything. The house. The car. The job even if it is a little sketchy."
He looked at her with love in his eyes. She missed that look. The protective big brother.
"I told you I would take care of you. This time I'm doing it right. Getting you set up to get your life back on track. If you decide you really can't stand the salon, I'm sure I can find something else for you."
She considered the offer.
"No, I will try it. But only for you. Its just a test week right? 1 week?"
"Right, unless you like it."
"Why do you keep saying that."
"Because Em, you might like it."
He threw his arm over her shoulder they walked back into the house and he took her to the kitchen...It was amazing. Killian made sure to teach Emma how to cook when they were younger in case she ever found herself in a situation where he wasn't there.
It had marble counter tops, stainless steel appliances and an island with hood over it. It was making her drool.
"Sooo, is that a yes?" Killian whispered in Emma's ear.
"It's a yes." she said. "I just have one question. You said they found you intimidating. How? I mean, what was so intimidating about you."
In the back of her mind she knew the answer. She hoped she was wrong. But they were connected, it's hard to hide stuff from each other. Not being able to contain herself she answered the question on her own.
"Your boss, he knows doesn't he?"
"SHE does yes..." he said putting emphasis on the word she.
Wait Uncle Daddy is a she?
"But it's not what you think Em-"
"It's exactly what I think, you told them...about us…you were suppose to learn from my mistakes not copy them. Do you wanna end up in a mental hospital too."
Emma pinched the bridge of her nose with her thumb and pointer finger as she took a deep breath in trying to calm down. She hadn't phased in over a year and her wolf was scratching, if Emma wasn't careful she was sure to fuck up this brand new house.
"Please listen to me sis."
Emma didn't answer and he took that as a sign to go on.
"They already knew. I don't know how, but they knew about me"
"How?" she countered.
"Like I said, I don't know. But they smelled different than a normal human. Emma, I'm trying to say that they have people there, like us. I'm not sure what Uncle Daddy's is but she brought us together. I would say at least half of us are...whatever we are."
Killian reached his hands out to turn Emma around.
"People like us." she repeated
"Yes, special people. People who welcomed me instead of trying to hurt me. They became my second family. Like us, most of them were raised in shitty situations. They understood what it felt like to be cast aside. They understood the loneliness that I felt, how scared I was. They picked me up, gave me a job and through them I found my place in this world. And they will do the same for you. All they want is for people like us to get our place in this insane universe. The odds have always been stacked against us, but they changed that. With them I truly feel like we can get the lives we always wanted. Just give it a week. If you don't like it I won't bother you about it again."
Emma knew he was trying to do what he thought best. She was gone and he needed something to do and people to be with. She knew her brother didn't do things like this extreme unless he had a reason. Although, it could be worse.
Emma let the information settle. All this time they thought they were alone. That they were the only ones like this. And suddenly here in sunny California a whole slew of people like them, lurked in the shadows. What else did she have to lose. She was sure she won't be able to get a job anywhere else. And now she was a 30 year old, single, lycan who had just been released from a mental institute, with nothing. It wouldn't hurt to try it for a week.
"Okay. One week. But if I get any bad feelings about this you and I...we are both leaving. I don't need something happening to you."
Killian thought about it and seemed to accept the answer.
"Deal." he replied. "Alright, here is your new cell." he pulled it out of his back pocket. "My number is in there. Also you will find a woman named Ruby in your phone. She owns the zone of salons down near Oceanside. That's where you will be."
"How far is that from here?" asked Emma
"About 15 minutes from your house. The name of the salon is Ambrosia Nails. Be there at 7:30AM, find Ruby and she will get you set up." Killian finished.
The blonde felt her brothers emotions when he said Ruby's name.
Does somebody have a crush?
Again making a mental note to ask him about that.
Everything overall seemed too perfect. Emma's life seemed to be falling into to place. She felt fingers lift her chin and saw nothing but love from the eyes above hers.
"You are gonna be fine, sis. Trust me...this will be good for us. I'm gonna go, I have to be up early tomorrow. The fridge is filled your basic needs. Bacon, eggs, fruit, meat, vegetables, etcetera. Pots and pans in cabinets. You can run on the beach if the wolf needs to be tamed. It get's low traffic, you should be fine. If you need ANYTHING you call me okay? My house is just couple blocks down the street."
"A couple blocks down the street? You own 2 of these houses?" sounding astonished at her brothers accomplishments even though it blended into the laws of what was legal and what wasn't.
"Like I said, welcome to the world of money laundering." he replied kissing her on the cheek and started backing up. "I picked out a couple of outfits for you. I hope they fit, I had to guess your size. And I put some left over lasagna in the fridge for you for dinner tonight. We can go shopping tomorrow at the end of your shift to buy all the things you need. Will you be okay by yourself tonight?"
Emma nodded yes and flashed a crooked grin to him.
"I will definitely be okay. Thank you again Killian. For real. I don't deserve you." she said.
"Oh Em, you deserve that and so much more, and together we will make sure we both get what we deserve. You always took care of me. Now it's my turn." he kissed her on the cheek
"Love ya sis." before he walked out the door he turned back around to her. "Oh one more thing...we are going out tomorrow."
Emma looked at him.
"Like out, out. Like with friends." she asked.
"Yes with friends, well my friends or we could hang just us. Its your birthday its up to you."
Of course! her birthday was tomorrow. How she could forget. That's right because she doesn't care. Killian always made a big deal about it.
"Dude, we don't have to-"
"No." he interrupted her. "I missed you turning 30 last year. I will be damned if I miss another one. You are NOT talking me or yourself out of this. We are going out and that's that." Killian said with such demeanor that she felt she couldn't say no.
"FINE!" she groaned pushing her own thoughts into HIS head.
Killian smirked at that and with a final goodbye he was out the door in a flash.
Emma flopped down on the couch. She wanted to run but she also felt tired and needed to catch up on some much needed sleep. The blonde leaned her head back and closed her eyes. A wave of peace passed over her body and she sank into the cushions. For the first time in awhile she felt like everything was going to be alright. She felt that maybe things would work out. That her and her brother weren't doomed for bad things. She trusted Killian, she felt how sure he was of this new group of people like them. That they would welcome Emma with open arms.
And as sleep crept up on her Emma found herself thinking of this Uncle Daddy person. Who was she? How did this woman know about Killian? Would they ever cross paths or was Emma starting so low on the food chain that there wasn't a chance. She smiled at herself happily anticipating what tomorrow was going to bring her.
TBC? Love comments both good and bad. Hope you guys enjoyed the first chapter!