Seven- Bea

Seven- Bea
Bea lay across Zabrina’s bed and the two stared at one another. “I’m sorry,” Bea said. “I’m sorry for abandoning you.”

“I’m sorry for abandoning you,” she replied. “I’ll never leave your side again.”

“Ditto.”

A soft knock on the door caused them both to look upward. Peeking his head in the door, Grayson smiled at them. “My love, can I speak with Bea for a moment downstairs?”

Zabrina nodded. “Yeah, I think it’s time, anyway.”

“Time for what?” Bea asked, confused.

Instead, Zabrina grabbed her hands. “Whatever you decide, I meant it when I said I’m not leaving you again.”

Unsure of what to say, Bea nodded and stood. Leaving the bedroom, she trailed behind Grayson, who led her to the dining room. He pointed at Hudson’s picture. “It’s time we had a chat, wouldn’t you agree?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He smiled. “I’m talking about you being in love with my brother, and him being in love with you.” Her eyes rounded, and he laughed. “Come on, as if you didn’t know. From the moment he saw you at the funeral, he couldn’t stay away.”

“H-he was there?”

Grayson tilted his head back and forth. “In a way.” His eyes flashed in color again, resembling Hudson’s and she backed away.

“You know, when I came to Earth, it did something to my brothers. Being the eldest, it left them curious as to why I would want to be here. But when they met Zabrina, and felt what I felt for her, they understood, and each started to desire it for themselves.”

He sat at the table and beckoned for her to sit. “The reason that Zabrina is able to provide gifts is that each of us has gifts of our own. I’m the strongest, and most volatile if pushed too far. My gift is combat, which is also why Zabrina can turn into… well, you saw. ”

“Zabrina,” she whispered. “She’s like you?”

“Mhm, her anger is what immediately attracted me. She also balances me out because I know if I let my rage go, so will she. I would never wish her to be truly how I am. Not when I know her heart, and can feel her love for me and others… like you.” Her throat dried, somehow knowing Hudson’s gift. He laughed. “By the look on your face, I guess you’ve figured out you two are one in the same as well.”

“I’m not like that anymore.”

“So that wasn’t you watching Zabrina and me in the kitchen that day?”

Mortified, Bea looked down at the table. “I-I don’t know what came over me.”

“Hudson,” he replied nonchalantly. “Hudson can seduce anyone and get them to do anything their heart truly desires. Which is why his gift is sight.” He rolled his eyes. “It can be quite annoying too. He often uses his sight on us as well so he can see even when he can’t physically be there. He gave you his sight. The ability to see the truth of what you’ve been running from; the truth of those around you. You needed to see so you could take off the rose-colored glasses and see the true horrors of the world around you.”

“Why are you telling me all of this?”

“Because you need to decide.” Waving his hand, he produced Bea’s slip of paper and placed it in front of her. “You need to decide if you wish to tame the untamable. If you want to be tied to him.” Standing, he grabbed a pen, handing it to her. “Whatever you decide, Bea, just know it’s permanent, so think long and hard.” Leaving to give her some privacy, he paused in the doorway. “Zabrina and I will be there for you either way,” he said before he left.

Bea stared at the paper, terrified. Looking up at Hudson’s portrait, she shook her head. “I can’t do this. I can’t turn into that. I’m so sorry.” Her lip quivered at the sight of his mischievous grin changing into something of pure sadness. Her own eyes tearing, Bea let go of the breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding.



One week later

For the second time, Bea and Zabrina found themselves at a funeral. “She can’t rot in hell,” Zabrina whispered to her, and they stood at Evelyn's closed casket.

“Technically, she is,” Bea replied, and Zabrina nudged her. “Can’t believe they believed that she killed herself after writing a letter admitting that it was her who aided in Riley’s death.”

“They didn’t even bother looking for a body,” Zabrina said as they walked away. “Things would have gotten pretty hairy if they had not .”

Bea smirked. “Do you feel bad about missing the others' funerals?”

“Nah. I think the aftermath was good enough. I’ll relish watching the new documentary about Kamryn. They really shredded her on the hypocrisy of her death. And Riley?

Well, Steven is having a field day milking the story of the tragic boyfriend, and I think Robert and her sister really have a shot at something real.” The two exited the church and waved at Johnny and Felix, who were deep in conversation. Approaching them, they gave them a hug. “How are you two holding up?”

“Best as I can,” Johnny responded first. “Losing Kaiden was hard, and Anais, I still don’t know what to feel. Nor about the money we got in the wrongful death suit for her death.”

“Use the money, Johnny. It can’t bring anyone back, but it can help you give Damien and Justine the life they deserve, and yourself too.”

He nodded. “ Thank you,” he said as he gave her and Zabrina a hug again. “I’m going to find them. Please don’t be strangers.”

“Of course,” Zabrina replied, as they watched him walk away. She turned her attention to Felix. “And you?”

Hugging them both again, he whispered, “She can rot in hell for all I care.”

“Technically she is,” Bea repeated, causing them all to stifle a laugh.

Pulling away, he adjusted his suit. “Okay, I’m going to go play the part of the grieving husband.” He paused and gave them a small smile. “Thank you,” he said before walking away.

After he left, Zabrina gave Bea a serious look. “How are you? I mean, really?” she asked.

Bea nodded. “One day at a time.”

“Do you regret your decision?”

“No.”

“Well, that’s all that matters,” Zabrina said as she patted her shoulder.

“You two need to work harder at looking sad,” Grayson said as he approached, smirking. “Else others may start to think you’re actually happy about your sister’s death.”

“I have to agree. Look at the little hellions we tied ourselves to,” Hudson said, joining them. He pulled Bea closer. “You two are worse than us, and we’re from hell, remember?” Leaning down, he kissed her on the lips. “I adore you,” he said.

“Show me later,” she replied and her eyes slightly blackened.

“Of course,” he said. “But then we need you ladies to take a trip.”

“To where?”

“Alabama to meet a very nice woman. Apparently, Mateo is completely smitten after spending two magical dreams with her prior.”

“Really?” Zabrina said, chuckling.

Grayson nodded. “Mhm. Apparently, their nights together consisted of nonstop sex and eating a shit ton of food.”

“Oh my!”

“I know. He really is an interesting one. Though she called again, so I guess she’s just as interested. She even did a whole segment about it. I’ll never understand humans and their need to share everything.”

He placed her hand around her waist. “So, you two little hellions, will you help our baby brother? He specifically asked if you would.” Before she could respond, Zabrina's entire body froze. His senses just as heightened, Grayson leaned down and kissed her. “You two go wait in the car,” he said low.

Remaining silent, Bea grabbed Zabrina’s hand, and the two walked off together. Hudson joined his brother’s side. “He made this easier than I expected.”

“Mhm.” Approaching Davis, Grayson tapped him on the shoulder. “Davis?!” he said, trying his best to temper his anger.

David looked at him, confused. “Do I know you?” he asked.

“Oh sorry. I’m Grayson and this is Hudson. We’re part of Eta Delta Sigma. We are kinda Sigma Xi Phi rivals.”

Davis chuckled. “Oh, yeah, I think I kinda remember that. College was a bit of a haze for me,” he smirked. “Got into a lot of fun with the boys.”

Grayson clenched his fist, and Hudson stepped forward. “We were actually thinking about getting together in a few days and connecting with everyone.” He smiled. “Just because we’re rivals doesn’t mean we can’t party together.” He placed his finger on his lips. “If I remember correctly, there were about ten of you in your pledging class.”

“Y-yeah, but I don’t know about a pa–” Davis's words halted as he continued to stare into Hudson’s eyes. A hidden emotion poured through him, and his face reddened as he looked away. “I’d love to come,” he said meekly.

Grayson clapped. “Great! Make sure you invite your brothers, too.”

“Okay,” Davis replied, still confused about what was happening to him.

Grayson placed his hand on his shoulder, and for a moment Davis swore he saw his eyes change. “This is going to be fun,” he said with a grin. “After all, nothing is more important than brotherhood, right?”

\[END\]