Love Me Always (I Hate You...I Think)

by Davis, Anna

  "Ever," Oliver growled into my ear, "Remember what happened last time."

  Sticking my tongue out at him, I grabbed my bowl of ice cream. "It's nice to see you happy, Ever," Taylor smiled. "What memory did you get back this time?"

  "All," I told her taking a bite of a brownie.

  "All?" she questioned startled.

  "How did that happen?" Jake asked handing Taylor a bowl of her own ice cream.

  "Harper punched me in the head."

  "What?" Jake snarled looking at Oliver.

  "Harper Jackson,” Oliver nodded, “Ever and him have been "hanging out"."

  "Why the hell would you do that?" Jake frowned at me. "HEY! I didn't know who he was....and well he was helping me get back some memories," I muttered side glancing at Oliver. He was scowling at the floor. I had told him about everything that happened with Harper and me.

  "But, Harper is....he's pretty messed up right now," Oliver told Jake.

  "Why don't you and Ever head down to the warehouse?" Jake asked Taylor. She nodded.

  "Come along, Rabbit."

  I narrowed my eyes on her, "Yes, Tater Tot, let’s go."

  Her cheeks flushed. The warehouse wasn't that long of a walk from Oliver's. I had my wooden spoon stuck in my back pocket.

  "So about this morning. What all happened with the gang?" "Oh well the police raided the warehouse but they didn't find anything. While that was going on there was an attack from a rival gang. Oliver thinks the two things are related."

  "Related? How? Oliver mostly controls the police. He's the top gang of this city. Why the hell would people be attacking when they know there is an ass whooping in their future?"

  Taylor burst out laughing, "I like the old you. You're funny."

  I rolled my eyes at her. "But, I heard Oliver and Jake talking before Oliver took off to find you. He thinks that someone is paying the lower gangs to attack."

  "Again, I reiterate. Why? They will get there ass kicked?" "Maybe someone more powerful is controlling them. Maybe there is someone scarier than Oliver is. But, that don't seem possible."

  Frowning I let the words sink in. Actually, that was very possible. Harper's dad, Weasley. The man had trained Oliver, but Taylor didn't need to worry about that. If she needed to know, Jake would tell her.

  The warehouse was blasting with music and the two garage doors were open wide. There were all kinds of voices coming from inside. Taylor and I stepped in to the building and we looked around. Mostly all the gang was there. The build wasn't packed like it usually was at the parties but there were a lot of people.

  "Ever! I see you're done sexing up the house!" Logan exclaimed as he came to my side. Whipping out my spoon I wacked him across the stomach. He gasp startled while I laughed at him. The warehouse went silent.

  "You got your spoon beating memory back I see," Kimmy smiled coming through the people.

  "Nope," I told her. Taylor was snickering beside me.

  "No?" Kimmy questioned looking at the spoon I had put back in my back pocket.

  "All." Kimmy stood there for a moment then her eyes widened. "ALL! ALL! You got all your memories back!"

  I nodded. The warehouse erupted in yelling and whistling. It’s insane to think all of these people were excited about me getting my memories back. Making my way through the crowd, I headed for the back where the ring was. Tyler was inside the ring with Leon, they were waiting for me.

  "I figured you'd make your way back here eventually," Jet told me rolling up in his wheel chair. I gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

  "I missed you Jet," I told him softly.

  "Did I go somewhere?" he teased. "It's kind of like coming out of coma for the first time all over again. This time I know everyone though."

  "Well, it's good to have you back. Have you learned anything?" he raised his eyebrow.

  "Yeah, don't jump in front of a bullet," I joked. He rolled his eyes and glanced over at a bench where Taylor and Kimmy had moved off too. With them sat Angie and Lauren, the girl Leon had met in the coffee shop.

  "Hey you," Alex told me throwing his arm over my shoulder.

  "Hi there," I hugged him. Leon and Tyler came down to give me a hug as well. "So what now? You remember everything?" Leon asked a shadow of guilt passed his face.

  "Yep, I'm back to normal. Everything is all good."

  "About damn time," Jet laughed.

  Tyler was silently staring at me. Going to his side, I wrapped an arm around his waist. "So Leon you brought Lauren? How's that working out?" I asked looking over my shoulder at the blonde in question. The four girls were talking like they were best friends.

  "Yeah, she's a keeper," he chuckled. "Now to find little Tyler and Logan a girlfriend," I pinched Tyler's cheek. He swatted my hand away.

  "Loser," he muttered with a smile.

  "We missed you. I know Oliver missed you a lot," Alex told me solemnly. "I know but everything is great now. Nothing is going to come between us again. That I promise," I vowed. Things were different now. I was going to make sure nothing tore us apart ever again.

  "So, Tyler. You going to teach me something. I mean you’re supposed to be a trainer right. I shall be your student," I mock bowed to him. He thumped me between the eyes.

  "Get in the ring, youngin. We'll teach you to be a badass just like us," Leon laughed. Looking around at my family, I smiled. It was good to be home.

  ~Still Swinging~

  Leon frowned as I swung another punch at him and he easily dodged.

  “Ever, maybe you need a break,” he told me.

  I shook my head, “We haven’t even been going at it for like ten minutes,” I breathed. Inhaling a breath, I tried to control my breathing but I have to admit it’s taking everything I have to not cringe in pain.

  “Everlyn, I’m not fi ghting you anymore. I can tell your shoulder hurts. You almost fainted when I grazed you earlier. Besides Oliver is going to start soon.”

  I sighed, “Fine,” I grumbled. I climbed out of the ring dodging a few people who had been watching.

  The warehouse was packed now. Apparently, Oliver was calling a meeting.

  “When is he going to start?”

  “Soon,” Tyler spoke appearing out of the crowd. “He sent me down to get you. He wants you with him when he announces a few things. He thinks it’ll help if you’re with him.”

  “Me why?” I asked confused. “Well little Mother,” an older boy started in from my left, “You keep Oliver from wanting to murder us all.”

  I laughed,” Little Mother? I’m no one’s Mother and I doubt Oliver would kill any of you. You’re his family,” I grinned.

  “True, but when you’re in trouble he’s pissy and wants to burn and kill everything. When you two are together, he has his head on straight.”

  “I’m sorry; I don’t think I’ve met you before?” I smiled shaking the man’s hand. He had to have been older than Oliver was but you couldn’t really tell until you looked at his eyes.

  “Zane,” he grinned.

  “Sorry to hurry this along but you know how Oliver gets,” Leon poked me in the ribs.

  “Alright, alright,” I waved my hand at Leon.

  “Nice to meet you Zane,” I called out as Leon ushered me away.

  “Have you seen him before?” Tyler asked Leon.

  “No, I was wondering who he was. You think he’s a new recruit?”

  “I have no idea,” Tyler frowned looking around the room. “Can people be getting in that don’t belong?” I asked looking over my shoulder to where we left Zane but I couldn’t find him in the crowd.

  “They’re not supposed to,” Tyler shook his head, “That could be dangerous.”

  Oliver was talking to with Jake when we entered the room. They both looked up and put a smile on their faces. I knew they had been talking about something important before we walked in.

  “I headed back down,” Leon told Oliver.

  “Alright, if I don’t see you guys afterwards I’ll see you at h
ome,” Oliver told them.

  Tyler pecked me on the cheek and him and Leon headed out.

  “So you’re sticking around Jake?” I asked hoping up on Oliver’s desk.

  “Of course, I’m third in command,” Jake grinned. “Third? I thought you were second?” I asked looking at Oliver with a frown, “Why would you demote him?”

  Jake and Oliver laughed.

  “Because, you’re second Rabbit,” Jake flicked my forehead.

  “I don’t do anything?” I laughed.

  “You make me look good,” Oliver winked. “Jake is still really second but if anything happens to me you become leader, with Jake’s help of course.”

  I blinked at Oliver, “What do you mean if anything happens to you. You honestly think I can take over the gang without you. Are you crazy?”

  “We’ll talk about it later baby girl . Right now I kind of have a meeting to do,” Oliver smiled offering me his hand.

  “You’re doing it from the balcony?” I asked as Jake slide the door open. “Of course, the gang can see me better, and I’m not letting you get near any knifes, guns, bats, or chains.”

  “Oliver, I was just down stairs?” I scrunched up my nose, “And I doubt any of the gang would let anything happen.”

  “He’s in overprotective mood, Ever. Just let him be the weirdo that he is,” Jake said patting my head.

  Oliver stepped out on to the balcony, Jake and I followed. A few people in the crowd whistled to get everyone to shut up.

  “Alright guys, I know there have been a lot of rumors. Like am I given up my leadership, about Ever not getting her memories back, and about all the attacks. I’m here to clear all that up.”

  Oliver wrapped his arm around my waist and I sank into his side looking down on everyone. “ First, Ever has all her memories back and I’m sure as hell not giving up my leadership,” Oliver shook his head.

  There were a few whoops from the crowd then it fell silent again. “ Now about the attacks, not everyone knows that Tavin Jay’s house was attacked yesterday by the Lafina La Vega,” Oliver paused as chatter started.

  He held up his hand and they went silent. “He’s fine, but while that was going on there was a raid here at the warehouse. Many gangs have attacked us in these last few weeks. Right now, they think we’re vulnerable and I’m here to tell you guys that we’re not. Things have been rough in the past months, I’ve told you all to lay low on the race scene,” Oliver gripped the railing.

  “ These bastards are going to fuck with us no matter what we do and I think it’s about damn time we did something about it. Every street race, cage fight, or tournament there is you get yourself in it and you fuck these assholes up. We’ll remind them why we are the Shadow Stalkers; they won’t know what bit them in the ass.”

  The room erupted in cheers and yells. “When is Ever getting her tattoo!” Someone yelled from the crowd. It sounded at lot like Logan but I couldn’t see him in the mass of people.

  “Right now,” Oliver chuckled, “Hughes get your ass up here.”

  “Wait What?” I asked wide-eyed looking at Oliver. “Your second in command baby girl and everyone who’s in my gang gets the tattoo,” he smirked.

  “Oliver, I’m not getting a tramp stamp,” I glared at him.

  “It’ll be on your shoulder. I promise it won’t hurt.”

  “Oliver?” someone yelled up.

  We looked over the railing; it was the guy name Zane who I had met earlier. “Is it true that you are going to the tournament in Nework and going to face Harper Jackson? I heard he called you out.”

  Oliver pulled his eyebrows together and the room went dead silent.

  “Where did you hear that?” Oliver asked confused.

  “Around,” Zane shrugged. “Do you know him?” I asked Oliver quietly, “Leon and Tyler said they’d never seen him before.”

  “I don’t think I know you,” Oliver spoke frowning deeply, “And I know all my gang, so that means either you’re new and no one bothered to tell me. Which isn’t likely. Or you don’t belong here.”

  Zane grinned, “I also heard that Ever has been sleeping around with Harper Jackson too.” Oliver narrowed his eyes. Jake motioned his hand to a few people around Zane. The rest of the room watched silently.

  “Maybe we should have a little talk,” Oliver told the man as he was grabbed and hauled down the hallway.

  Oliver dismissed everyone and no one asked questions. None of them seemed to believe what the guy had said anyways. It wasn’t true so there was no reason to get worked up about it. We headed back into Oliver’s office as the door opened and Zane entered.

  “ Ever why don’t you go hang with the girls for a bit,” Oliver told me kissing me on the forehead.

  I nodded and patted Jake roughly on the cheek. He swatted me away.

  I went down stairs to hang out with the girls for a little while.

  “Have you guys got your tattoos? Or do you have to?” “We don’t have to we’re not really part of the gang. You on the other hand my dear are very much a part of it,” Kimmy told me.

  “But you are with guys from the gang. You should be getting ones too,” I huffed.

  “I’ll get one with you,” Angie grinned, “I’ve been wanting one anyways.”

  "What the hell is going on in here?" Logan asked as he came up next to us. "What have you been doing?" I asked Leon and Logan, as they were covered head to toe in mud.

  "It's raining outside," Logan grinned jerking his thumb over his shoulder.

  "Well no shit," Jake spoke popping up behind him. Oliver wasn’t too far behind. "We've been playing mud football," Leon offered as Jake took Logan in a headlock and began wrestling with him. Ignoring the fact, he was getting filthy.

  "I wanna play," Tyler popped up next to me. "Lauren, wasn't really into play with us cause she was the only girl. Angie, Taylor you two want to play with us? We could use a lot more players."

  “I was wondering where Lauren had gone,” Kimmy muttered.

  "I'm in," I chimed.

  Oliver frowned looking down at me. "You sure?"

  "Yeah?" I looked at him confused.

  "They play a bit rough, baby girl."

  “I can play just like one of the boys." "Yeah, I know but..." Oliver frowned again his eyebrows arched creasing his forehead. The others took that as a hint and inched away quickly.

  "But what?" I asked.

  "Well, baby it's just that," he ran his hand through his hair. "I haven't brought it up but since you got shot you've lost a lot of weight and you haven't been able to use your muscles. I mean I noticed how it hurts you get up the stairs and-"

  I stood putting my finger over his lips. He instantly stopped his rambling.

  "I'm just fine. The more I use my muscles the better off I'll be," I reassured. I didn't think anyone had noticed how I went up the stairs. It's getting easier but at first I gritted my teeth a lot. I imagine my dentist I rarely seen wouldn't be happy about that.

  "Also, you just look...fragile. I mean you've gained weight back but you just look...breakable," he sighed running his hand over my cheek.

  "Why didn't you mention this before? And, I'm not breakable, Oliver," I laughed. He shrugged. "I felt that if I got all bossy about you not eating enough it would push you away more than you already were."

  My heart ached, "I'm sorry."

  He shook his head, "Don't be. If you really think you can play I won't hold you back."

  I grinned at him brushing his hair out of his eyes.

  "Let's go kick Jake's ass."

  "I heard that, “Jake called. It was pouring down rain outside when we all got lined up. The ground was slick and my boots were sinking in the mud. My hair was tied up in a ponytail but my bangs were plastered to my forehead.

  Oliver was kneeling next to me, Logan on his right. Angie and Lauren on my left. Lauren looked nervous. Across from us were Jake, Leon, Taylor and Alex. Some of the other boys from the gang were split between our sides as well.

/>   "You're going down Rabbit," Jake grinned kneeling down in front of me.

  "You wish." The ball was hiked and I instantly went after Jake. He scrambled backwards. Jumping up I tackled him into the mud both knees in his chest.

  "You're not doing it right!" He exclaimed.

  "I vote no rules!" I yelled out.

  "I second that," Taylor laughed taking Angie to the ground. So much for football. Slowly our game of football, which wasn't football to begin with, turned to tackle tag. I was it and I was going after Oliver. He was running full speed but with the slick ground, he slid giving the perfect opportunity to slam him to the ground. He turned over in time and I landed on his chest.

  Mud splashed up around us but it didn't matter we were already filthy. Mud was dripping from my hair. Oliver had it smeared across his face, but it was sexy. Our faces were inches apart.

  "Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?" Oliver muttered.

  His eyes blazing with so many emotions, lust, passion, adoration. I was dazed by the look. The rain seemed to fall in slow motion and the people running about us were like shadows. His gaze burned into me raising many emotions of my own. My chest swelled.

  " Promise me you’ll love me always? Even if I go crazy again and forget who you are," I whispered.

  "I promise." Pressing my lips to his, I clung to him as if at any moment he would disappear. Never could I ever imagine being away from him. Not again. Not ever.

  ~Harper~ The crack of his fist connecting with my face echoed through the dead silent room. Over and over again he beat me. I knelt in front of him holding my tongue and refusing to crumble to the ground.

  "Worthless," He cursed crunching his knuckles into my head. My head jerked to the side momentarily before I turned it back my eyes locked to the floor. If I dared look up I would find myself in the hospital, just like the countless other times before. Weasley grabbed my hair forcing me to look at him.

  "One simple job. Watch the girl. Get her to trust you, and don't be seen by Oliver. How fucking hard is that? She can't even remember her own name. How hard is it to lure a mouse into a cage?"

  "She knows her own name," I croaked out.

  "What?" He hissed. "What was that?" I cleared my throat holding back a cringe. My jaw ached. "Everlyn knows her name. She went back to Oliver. He showed up at her apartment while I wa-"