#Jack Nelson x Lilith Rose Shelby

[fablesfolklore]

In The Graveyard with Lilith Rose Shelby (and Jack Nelson)

This work is inspired by @zablife and her 2K celebration: An Evening at The Arrow House. The OC of Lilith Rose Shelby is my own. The characters of Scarlet Shelby, Aurora Sabini, Heaven Shelby and Eva Smith belong to @zablife, @evita-shelby and @call-sign-shark. I only mentioned them because they inspired me. Eva is only mentioned by name but I did my best to do Scarlet and Heaven justice. Thank you for inspiring me.

TW: Violence, Sexual Content, Swearing.

Lilith Rose Shelby was all grown up. She’d flown the coop and (unlike most members of the Shelby clan) had miraculously escaped the clutches of Tommy’s schemes. Some suspected that her untapped freedom had to do with her immense luck in life… but for those who knew better….it was because Thomas Shelby loved no one more than his youngest sister. No one held such an influence over the greatest gangster turned MP in all of Great Britain (and its dominions) than Lilith, no one else had the keys to his smile or to his heart. You might ask Why, then, she was allowed to roam free? Not shackled to the Arrow House as Ada had once been to the shithole in small heath. Not obligated to attend every family dinner or family meeting that Tommy threw whenever he felt like it.

       “Why?” The new Mrs Shelby kissed up Tommy’s back as he sat on the edge of the bed. “Will she not meet me?” Of all the people she desired to make a friend of in this family, Mrs Shelby wanted to make the best first impression on her mysterious good sister. Everyone spoke of her with reverence. Lilith’s name was the very essence of sorcery. Once spoken, even whispered in corridors and in dark corners, a shiver danced up one’s spine…or one’s blood spiked with adrenalin and excitement.  

Thomas bristled and stiffened, not responding. Mrs Shelby paused, a pout forming on her nervous lips. In truth, she had expected for Thomas to be eager for his new wife to meet Lilith. The siblings were so close, that she’d expected for her to have been the first person he’d have introduced her to. Instead she was met with a cagey Thomas.

       “Lilith doesn’t like Arrow House.” He deflected easily, lighting a cigarette as he stood up and wandered to the window, looking out into the foggy grey autumnal morning. He exhaled some smoke in the way that had her swooning, before he spoke again. “It reminds her of Grace.” Mrs Shelby’s heart dropped. Grace, the woman whose shadow she was forever enshrouded by. She didn’t openly wish to express her dislike of Grace or Lizzie, but she was beginning to despise them. She knew their spirits were mourned and honoured in this house…. if only by the staff and the children. It was complicated. But she hated being compared to them, hated the way the children refused to acknowledge her but would gaze in awe at the portraits of their respective mothers. It made her feel like a replacement…. nothing more. Perhaps Lilith would think the same of her. She chewed on her lip.

        “She must have loved Grace a lot.” She mused. Tommy scoffed.

        “On the contrary, Lilith hated Grace.” He licked his lips, glancing at his wife. He’d put it politely for her, spared some of the details. No one hated Grace more than Tommy’s beloved little demoness. “She disliked Lizzie as well, but for different reasons.”

        “Oh.”

        “Grace betrayed me. Lilith refused to forgive that. The only reason she refrained from dancing with joy when she died was that she loved me too much.”

        “And Lizzie?”

        “Lizzie broke John’s heart.”  Tommy spoke casually, remorselessly as though he’d had nothing to do with it.

        “I’ve not done anything to hurt anyone.” Mrs Shelby sulked, looking at the floor. Tommy strolled back over to the bed and took her into his arms.

        “Quite right.” He kissed her forehead. “Perhaps it’s not such a bad idea to invite her this weekend.”

        “But she hates the Arrow House.”

        “She’ll come for the family, and for me. The kids will be delighted to see her”

        “She’s good with them?” Her interest was piqued. Perhaps Lilith could shed light on the way to Charlie and Ruby’s hearts.

        “She dotes on them.” He smiled, a real genuine smile. “They’re mine, after all.”

*****

Mrs Shelby skipped towards Tommy, her letter filled left hand raised in triumph. Her sparkling sapphire engagement ring sparkled in the light.

     “They’re coming.” She kissed him joyously. “They’re all coming.”

     “All?” He chuckled.

     “All.” She confirmed. “And they’re all staying. Scarlet and Luca will stay in the room opposite Finn and Aurora. Alfie and Ada will stay in the room opposite Polly and Aberamma.” Tommy smiled as she babbled out her arrangements. He imagined it was a good idea that Alfie and Arthur should stay in separate wings of the house…. otherwise Ada and Heaven would be forced to intervene, and no one wanted a mess. Gina and Michael would go next to Ada and Alfie. John and Tatiana would have to be kept in the room next to Tommy and Mrs Shelby so he could keep an eye on that mad bitch. Speaking of that insane Russian duchess…. she’d have to be kept as far away from Lilith and her beloved husband, Jack Nelson. Last Christmas had been a disaster when Tatiana – having had way too much to drink – announced that herself and Lilith had been lovers for the entire year before Lilith had met Jack. Jack had hated her guts since. The children would have three whole rooms to themselves. Something Mrs Shelby wasn’t sure was appropriate, but something Tommy had insisted was necessary.

     “They all love being together.” He insisted. “And it’s not like we’re giving them the entire house.”

     “I’m still so shocked they’re all coming.” She smiled dreamily up at him. “I’ve always wanted a big family.”

     “Well, now you have one.”

     “You never told me Lilith was married.”

     “Ah.” Tommy looked sheepish. “I didn’t think she’d bring him.”

Two years ago she’d eloped with Jack Nelson, the last man on earth Tommy had thought suitable or good enough for Lilith. Jack Nelson was everything Tommy (ironically) hated. He was unfaithful, violent, a fascistic Irish American and he was the most obnoxious, ambitious, cunning bastard he’d ever encountered…It was like looking in an ever so slightly warped mirror. His dislike of the American hadn’t stopped Lilith marrying him though…And yet somehow, the marriage worked. Jack followed the little Shelby witch round like a lost puppy, salivating whenever she looked at him. It was like she held some sort of magical enchantment over him. The loved up pair made Thomas feel a little bit sick. Mrs Shelby smiled teasingly.

      “You can’t stand him, can you?”

      “He’s not good enough for her.” He grouched. “But for some unfathomable reason, he makes her happy. That’s enough for me.” From the way he gritted his teeth it seemed like that hardest thing he’d ever had to say.

      “Everyone thinks you’re a big bad gangster…but I know you’re really just a big softy.”

      “Don’t go telling everyone, ey.” He laughed, “I have a reputation to uphold.” Wrapping his arms around her waist he hoisted her up onto the table, taking her lips with his own. Someone coughed. Tommy turned to see Mary, the maid.

       “The house is all prepared for the guests, Mr Shelby.”

        “Thank you, Mary. That will be all.” She nodded, turning to leave but not before she eyed Mrs Shelby with frigid, calculating eyes. Thomas didn’t seem to notice though as he shifted his attention back to Mrs Shelby as his fingers slid beneath the hem of her dress.

*****

They were nothing like she expected. None of them. Polly arrived first, gliding in like the image of sophistication, barely glancing at Mrs Shelby. Aberamma following closely at her heels. He grunted in greeting, simply tilting his head after removing his hat. Arthur and Heaven arrived at the same time as Scarlet and Luca. Arthur’s greeting had been sweet. He seemed to like her, spluttering over his words to greet her. His hands shook and his eyes looked a little wild. But he meant well. Heaven waltzed in behind him, looking like an angel in her white fur coat. The snow haired beauty’s presence seemed to ease Arthur’s nervousness. He wrapped his arm around her waist as she held out her hand for Mrs Shelby to shake.

     “You must be Heaven.” Mrs Shelby stuttered, transfixed by her crystalline eyes.

     “Pleasure.” Heaven’s eyes slid to Tommy and her expression instantly shifted to a predatory one. “Bastard.” She acknowledged with a cat like smile.

      “Yes. He is.” Scarlet stated as she sauntered through, pushing her way past them and following Polly into the drawing room.

      “You’re not going to say hello, Tesoro?” Luca paused in the hallway, smiling at Mary as she took his hat and coat.

       “There’s no point in greeting Tommy’s latest victim. Knowing him, she won’t last the year.” Scarlet called back. Tommy watched Mrs Shelby’s confidence dissipate momentarily. Headlights glowed in the driveway.

       “Heaven, why don’t you take Arthur and Luca into the drawing room.” Tommy suggested. Heaven’s icy eyes hardened before narrowing at him. Her lips parted in order to respond in a somewhat poisonous manner but Mrs Shelby stepped forward and whispered to her.

       “I wouldn’t normally agree with Tommy but Alfie’s just arrived.” Heaven observed the mouse like woman Tommy had married for a moment before she nodded, escorting her husband and brother in law to the drawing room. Music blared as the door opened and Mrs Shelby could see the reflection of Scarlet in the large mirror as she turned the gramophone up.

       “SHALOM Thomas!” Roared the bear of a man as he wandered in. Ada rolled her eyes beside him. She hugged Thomas tightly before embracing Mrs Shelby, much to her surprise.

       “I hope they’ve not been too scathing to you.” She whispered. “Don’t worry, they’ll warm to you with time.” She pulled back and smiled. “This is my son, Karl, my daughter, Elizabeth and this,” She brushed her hand over her swollen midsection as Alfie beamed with joy. “Is baby Solomons.” Tommy paled as she spoke, only just noticing the pregnancy.

        “Jesus Christ.” He muttered beneath his breath.  Mrs Shelby held his hand and gave it a squeeze as she spoke.

        “You’d better head on in before he has a stroke.”

Tommy had just about recovered when the door to the drawing room opened and he heard Arthur exclaim.

         “Fookin’ hell Ada! You bloody kept that quiet, din’t ya?!”

Finn and Aurora Sabini arrived next. Polite and jovial as ever, though Aurora didn’t appear to like the way the youngest Shelby boy looked at his new sister in law. John, Tatiana, Michael and Gina all arrived together. Lawrence ran in from the cold, zooming in circles around Tommy and Mrs Shelby before running past them to the drawing room, banging on the door and yelling “Granma, Granma!”

       “My boy!” Polly called in joy as she came out and greeted him, swooping down and collecting him in her arms before slipping back inside. Gina made a noise of disgust.

       “Thomas.” She acknowledged.

       “Regina.” She scowled as he full named her.

       “So this is you’re newest whore?” She studied Mrs Shelby with critical eyes. “She doesn’t look like much, I’m surprised you’re so taken with her.”

        “She’s worth ten of you, Regina.” He snapped.

       “Michael.” Mrs Shelby smiled warmly. “Thank you for coming.”

        “It’s nice to see you again, love. I hope he’s treating you right.”

        “He is. Very Much.”

        “I took the liberty of bringing a wedding gift. It’s out the front.”

        “That’s very generous of you. Really, you didn’t have to.”

        “Yes, Michael. You didn’t have to.” Gina snapped before stalking off to the drawing room and loudly demanding a drink. Michael winked at Mrs Shelby, smirked at Tommy and left them to it. He turned to greet John and Tatiana and froze.

      “Fuck!” He fumed. “What the fuck are you wearing?!” He looked at John. “What the fuck is she wearing John-boy!”

      “Don’t worry, Thomas.” Tatiana purred sensually. “It’s not for you…or your wife.” She stepped around him, the thin scrap of material she called a dress clinging to her figure. “Tatiana Petrovna Shelby, delighted to make your acquaintance.” Mrs Shelby blushed and stepped closer to Tommy as the Russian duchess invaded her space. Grabbing her jaw, Tatiana kissed both of Mrs Shelby’s cheeks.”

       “She’d got a beautiful neck, Thomas. I can see why you like her.” She paused. “And that ring!” She snatched Mrs Shelby’s hand, admiring the sapphire encrusted in diamonds. She tutted. “I would have thought you’d learned your lesson with sapphires.”

       “They’re a particular favourite of my wife’s.”

       “Grace liked sapphires too.” Tatiana smirked, her dark eyes flickering madly in the candle-light. “Is Lilith here yet?” She changed the subject.

       “Is she the reason you’re dressed like a whore?” Tommy took a swig of the amber liquid in his tumbler. “You not bothered by this John?”

       “As long as I’m the only man she fucks, doesn’t matter to me.” He joked.

       “It’ll only ever be you Johnny.” Tatiana turned and kissed him.

       “Aye, John-boy. As long as you’re a Shelby, she’s not picky.”

       “What’s that supposed to mean?” Mrs Shelby asked, nervously glancing at Tommy.

       “It means that before she chose me, she was fucking Tommy…until she got bored of him.” John answered. 

         “Are we interupptin’ somethin’?” Came Uncle Charlie’s deep gravelly voice. He stopped short to shake Tommy’s hand, flanked by Johnny Doggs, Isiah and Curly. Curly smiled bashfully at Mrs Shelby and handed her some flowers. She blushed.

         “Thank you Curly.”

         “How’re you findin’ us so far, petal?” Johnny Doggs asked loudly.

         “So far I’m struggling to find someone who likes both of us. Polly, Aurora and Gina dislike me, everyone else has a gripe with Tommy.” Johnny Doggs barked out a laugh. “Welcome to the clan!”

          “Families.” Isiah scoffed. “Who’d have em?”

*****

Lilith Rose Shelby was the most beautiful creature Mrs Shelby had ever seen. So beautiful, that the air rocketed out of her lungs when she first saw her. They heard Jack first as he escorted her up the steps and held the door open for her. She looked like a goddess, draped in silk. Tommy was fascinated that Jack never once looked away from her. His only greeting to the new Mrs Shelby was a nod and a smirk. He sneered at Tommy before his attention gravitated back to his wife. She had the most beguiling dark eyes Mrs Shelby had ever seen. They were like pools of endless night. Lilith catapulted herself into Tommy, who embraced her tightly and inhaled her scent. Pomegranate and dark amber. She relaxed into him. Releasing her, Tommy cupped his baby sister’s face in his hands and looked at her for a moment.

     “You grow more and more beautiful every time I see you.” He smiled.

     “Brother.” She spoke quietly….and she sounded like magic. Soft and sensual. “You look well.” She beamed at him. And Mrs Shelby’s heart fluttered at her smile. Jack snaked a hand around Lilith’s waist and pulled her back against him.

      “Shelby.” Jack acknowledged. “Married again? You can’t seem to get em’ to stay, can ya?”

      “Nelson.” Tommy spoke evenly. “I can keep women just fine. In fact, I’ve never had to cross a continent and steal a woman away to make her mine. I suppose that means I have better luck than you.” Lilith covered Jack’s hand with her own.

     “Or,” She interrupted loudly, “It simply means that I was special enough that he had to travel all this way to find me.” Mrs Shelby watched, fascinated as both men melted at Lilith words. Jack kissed Lilith’s forehead and Tommy smiled.

    “Could be.” He agreed. Lilith stepped away from Jack and turned her attention to Mrs Shelby. All the noise fell away. She couldn’t hear anything. Apart from the sound of her blood pulsing through her at a rapid speed. She glanced at her husband, and watched his beautiful lips move as he spoke to Lilith and Jack. She watched Lilith study her, eyes raking over her in an unreadable manner. Mrs Shelby’s finger twitched as Lilith’s eyes pause over her engagement ring, her full soft lips quirking into a small smile for a moment before it vanishes. Mrs Shelby gasped, startled when Lilith unexpectedly stepped forward and smiled at her. Lilith took Mrs Shelby’s left hand in both of hers. Her thumb brushed over the sapphire. Her eyes pierced into Mrs Shelby’s hypnotically and Mrs Shelby found herself transfixed as Thomas brushed a hand up and down her back, comfortingly…. obliviously.

      “Sister.” Lilith tested the word on her tongue as she surveyed Mrs Shelby. “You’ll be good to him, yes?” She sounded so innocent. So angelic. Her eyes held no malice. Mrs Shelby stuttered.

      “Y-Yes. I shall try to be all that he deserves.”

Lilith beamed at her and released her hand. Mrs Shelby’s ring finger throbbed momentarily as she watched her fascinating sister turn and enter the drawing room with Jack. She saw through the reflection in the mirror as Polly embraced her niece tightly and was startled to see Lilith’s reflection gazing predatorily through the looking glass at her.

*****

Dinner was a fucking disaster. It had been nothing like she had hoped. Perhaps she was just projecting her own fears but it seemed that none of them liked her…. even the ones who appeared to. It seemed as though they were watching her every move with a pre-existing negative judgement. She was guilty to them, of something. The problem was she didn’t know what and she didn’t know how to change that. Tommy had enough to deal with, especially after Tatiana had goaded Jack into a row and she was swearing at him in Russian. Arthur had had way too much to drink. Scarlet was screaming at Tommy for something he’d done years ago and Luca was trying desperately to calm her down. She turned to look at Michael, who was in a heated discussion with Gina…and Aurora kept throwing her dirty looks.  In the end she’d left the table, claiming to check on dessert. She’d just found a quiet alcove to take a few moments when someone touched her shoulder. She jolted and turned to see Lilith.

    “Feeling overwhelmed?” Her voice was so soft, sympathy swirled in her onyx eyes.

    “A little.”

A lot. I’ve bitten off more than I can chew.

    “I know. We can be a lot to handle.” She looked out into the darkened garden. “Why don’t we go for a walk.” She suggested. “Take a moment to ourselves.” Mrs Shelby’s heart soared at the prospect of having a moment alone with someone who might actually like her and in doing so, might sway the opinion of the others. She nodded and took Lilith’s offered arm as the two of them stepped out into the cool autumn air.

It hadn’t been long since they had returned from their honeymoon and so Mrs Shelby hadn’t yet had time to explore the grounds of the Arrow House properly. In the dark murkiness of the evening she couldn’t really see where she was going and clutched on to Lilith’s bare arm a little closer for security. She smelt dizzyingly alluring. Away from all the smoke and whiskey the magic of her perfumed the air in a wonderful way. 

    “How did you meet my brother, if you don’t mind me asking?”

    “Da’s one of his employees at Shelby Company ltd. I met Tommy when I brought Da his lunch.”

    “How…. quaint.”

Mrs Shelby wasn’t paying attention. She was too bust staring at the purple love bites littering Lilith’s creamy throat. Lilith flushed and giggled when she noticed.

    “I’m sorry, I should have covered up more, Jack can get carried away some times.”

    “He’s very fond of you.”

    “And I, him.” Lilith patted Mrs Shelby’s hand. “I never expected to find Jack. But he’s my better half. As Heaven is Arthur’s and Luca is Scarlet’s. We were worried Thomas would never find someone….worthy.” Lilith stopped her movements and released Mrs Shelby’s arm. For the first time, Mrs Shelby noticed her surroundings. Lilith had brought her to the churchyard close to the Arrow House. She turned, only just able to see the outline of it looming in the moonlight. She shivered, looking back to Lilith who was now staring at something in front of her. “Thomas has very specific needs.” Her voice had lost all of its warmth. Mrs Shelby’s mouth ran dry as she read the names on the gravestones in front of her.

Grace Burgess Shelby.

Daughter, Mother, Beloved Wife.

Elizabeth Stark Shelby

Mother, wife, friend. Lost to childbirth.

Something rustled behind them. Lilith turned and smiled adoringly as Jack stepped out of the shadows. Mrs Shelby wondered how he had known where to find them. “You have to be a certain kind of person to survive in this family. Don’t you, my love?”

    “Ya got that right. It’s an honour to love a Shelby…to be prepared to kill and die for them.”

“Thomas needs a fighter.” Lilith reached out and caressed Mrs Shelby’s cheek. “You didn’t fight tonight. You fled, little mouse.” Lilith tutted and stepped closer, so close, Mrs Shelby could feel Lilith’s sweet, warm breath burning against her flesh. “How can I trust that you’ll fulfil him?” Lilith shook her head, looking sad, disappointed even. Jack brushed his wife’s hair off her shoulder, exposing her flesh. He pressed a kiss into the crook of her neck. Mrs Shelby watched Lilith relax a little. “You’re not good enough for him.” Lilith purred softly, Jack’s lips and tongue trailed down Lilith’s neck as she spoke. “Neither of them were, either.” She glanced to the gravestones behind her. “I was lucky with Lizzie; God took care of her. But I had to intervene with Grace.”

  “B-but we’re happy.” Mrs Shelby spluttered, fear creeping into her voice every second longer that she spent in Lilith’s presence.

   “For now. Until he realises that you’re not enough for him.” She paused, relishing in the look of despair on Mrs Shelby’s features. “Don’t worry. He’ll be happier than ever with Eva. They’ll be perfect together.” Jack hummed in agreement with his beloved and imprinted his teeth in a perfect love bite into her neck as she slid home a beautiful carved and somewhat bejewelled blade into Mrs Shelby’s sternum. Mrs Shelby gasped in pain, a sharp sound leaving her soft lips. “She’s earned him, you haven’t.” Lilith continued as she twisted the hilt, a horrible tearing noise was heard before Lilith let go. Mrs Shelby staggered back and fell back against the willow tree overhanging the makeshift graveyard.  Lilith looked down at her blood spattered fingers. Lifting them to her face she licked one, smearing her lips in the substance. Greedily, Jack took her fingers and painted his own mouth with them. Lilith spun in Jack’s arms, giggling and moaning as their lips fused, unbuckling his belt. She murmured something to him and he acquiesced without question, sitting and leaning back against Grace’s headstone. Lilith slipped her dress over her head until she was wearing barely anything in the coldness of the autumn night. She straddled Jack, kissing him deeply before sliding down onto him in the ghostly glow of the full moon.

Mrs Shelby heaved, opening her mouth. She tried to call for help but no sound emerged. Instead she found herself mute, only coughing and spluttering on the crimson blood as it tried to liberate itself from her mouth. Her vision grew blurry for a moment as tears gathered and obscured her sight.

And then she saw them.

The ghosts of Grace Burgess and Lizzie Stark, both completely drenched in blood and staring in horror, not at her but at Lilith and Jack, as he flipped his wife over and took her like an animal. Lizzie’s expression was melancholic. Her hair loose and wild, eyes ceaselessly spilling tears and her mouth agape in silent cries of agony. Her body had been slit open from chest to lower abdomen and still, even in death, she was bleeding. Grace stood beside her still in the gown she wore the night she was murdered. the bullet wound on her chest still wept even though she didn’t. Her face was curiously, disturbingly calm. The sapphire around her neck pulsed and throbbed and pulsed and throbbed. And suddenly Grace wasn’t looking at Lilith and Jack anymore, her pale grey eyes locking onto her second replacement. Mrs Shelby found herself growing shivery and yet unable to move, unable to scramble backwards as the sapphire whispered to her over and over some kind of spell in Romani. The curse…. she recalled hazily as she forced her limbs in an attempt to move. Tommy believed it had been cursed by the Russians. Mrs Shelby’s fingers dug into the soil as she pushed herself up into a sitting position. Every movement was excruciating in both pain and in effort. Her eyes fluttered closed in exhaustion and the spell of the sapphire seemed to sing louder and louder, it’s feminine voice echoing seductively in her ears. She realised it was coming not only from the necklace Grace’s ghost wore, but also from the ring on her engagement finger. Struggling, she tried desperately to remove it. But to no avail, it was as though it had fused to her flesh, strangling her finger.

Mrs Shelby’s eyes snapped open. Just in time to see the ghost of Grace stood over her.

“I should feel sorry for you.” Grace whispered. “You’re a victim of this family, just like me.” She paused, licking her discoloured corpse lips. Grace heard it too. She heard that it was Lilith’s voice cursing her inside the blue sapphires, not Tatiana’s. “And Tommy does love you.” There was a moment of silence. “But… I’ve come to realise something.” Grace leaned down and kissed Mrs Shelby’s lips, her ghostly fingers coming up to wrap around Mrs Shelby’s throat. “If I can’t have Tommy…” Grace murmured as she pulled back looking deeply into Mrs Shelby’s eyes.

Her grip tightened...and tightened…and tightened. Mrs Shelby choked and spluttered, her body convulsing. The last thing she saw was Lilith’s dark eyes staring at her over Jack’s shoulder, her nails digging into his back as he held her to him. And Grace’s hoarse voice looming over her.

“Then no one can.”  

[call-sign-shark]

So I have a question... I feel like domestic Jack and Lilith would have a doggo. But I can't narrow it down. I know that Tommy has Cyril and Heaven and Arthur have Kaiser. I'm fairly sure John has Spaniels (which makes my heart melt a little). I wonder if Jack and Lilith should have either an akita, malamute, wolf dog, German shepherd, dalmatian or a husky? I'm trying to imagine the playdates the dogs would have. Anyway hope you're having a good start to your week?

This is an excellent question and I sincerely appreciate that you ask for my opinion. Before I answer properly I have to say that Cyril belongs more to @raincoffeeandfandoms Rose and Alfie than to Tommy in my mind. 🤣 Moreover imagining Tommy with Eva’s ( @evita-shelby ) chihuahua Xoco makes me wheeze.

Regarding your OC, the best dog would be the Dalmatian. First of all, it suits your character’s aesthetic one hundred percent. Second, it’s the breed that gives the more “rich and elegant” vibes. Third, Dalmatian are good hunting dogs with a lot of energy. Just look at how badass they are in the movie Cruella. And finally, I know we are all free to do whatever we want but, personally, I like to keep things a bit logical. For example the first version of Heaven was supposed to have a white wolf as a pet. But we are in England in 1920ish — I wanted to keep it a bit realistic*. Similarly, I can’t picture Jack Nelson having a wolfdog in his fancy home in America. I don’t even think it would please him (he’s too busy and it’s too high maintenance).

But this is my opinion of course. So, as a conclusion I’d choose the Dalmatian breed.

Eventually, the play date would be wild I guess? Kaiser is the giant guardian always at his Angel’s feet and he despises most of other humans — especially men. But with the other dogs he’s nothing but a gentle giant.

Hope it helps! Also thank you so much for your kind words dear. I hope you’ll have a wonderful week. 😊

*when I say realistic I know people can come at me and say “yeah but Heaven is a heartrender witch, this ain’t realistic”. True, but I’m not using her abilities to solve every problem and make Deus Ex Machina moves. It’s more a problematic/issue to consider than a solution to all the Shelby’s problem. Moreover I don’t like creating “God mode” characters. + Peaky Blinders AU hints at supernatural forces.

• Heaven is reader in the series Arthur x Reader!OC Heaven in Your Eyes. Why not give it a read?

[fablesfolklore]

Masterlist

Lilith Rose Shelby Peaky Blinders

Pre-Series 1

First Blood

First Kiss

Series 6

Jealous Man

Post Series 6

In The Graveyard with Lilith Rose Shelby (and Jack Nelson)

[fablesfolklore]

Jealous Man

TW: Violence, Bad Language, Sex

The Characters of Scarlet and Heaven belong to @zablife and @call-sign-shark. @zablife's 2K spooky celebration has inspired me to do my own spooky collection of writing based on the seven deadly sins. This is my take on Envy. Sorry for the repost, it needed some editing.

Summary: Jack Nelson doesn't like the way Billy Grade has been looking at his wife.

“Do you consider yourself to be a jealous man, Mister Grade?” Jack asks softly. His voice is low and hypnotic, reverberating through Billy as he stares up at the man standing over him with a garrotte around his balls. “Not possessive? Not prone to bouts of passion?” Jack presses him as he maintains control of the sharp wire digging into Billy’s genitals. Billy, desperate and whimpering from the pain but unable to find words shook his head in the negative, praying to some higher power that the American would cease his torturous ministrations. Jack sighed at Billy’s response. “Then you’ve never been in love.” He stated reverently as he thought of Lilith. That took Billy by surprise. “You’ve been pining for someone, haven’t you Mister Grade?” Jack’s eyes bore coldly into Billy’s “Someone who isn’t yours.” Jack’s accent dripped with green possessiveness, the very prospect of Billy looking at Lilith, sending him into a fit of rage. Billy, victim to the dark expression on Jack’s features shook his head desperately, thinking only of making the pain stop.

“No. No. I don’t kno-.”

     “Don’t fuckin’ lie to me!” Jack snarled, twisting Billy’s wrist and relishing in the crunching sound as it snapped. “You know exactly who we’re discussing. How could ya not?”

     “Lili-”

     “Get her name out of your filthy fuckin’ mouth.” Jack scowled. He hated it. He fucking hated it. When he’d seen the traitor staring at Lilith all the damned way through that pointless black tie event his pathetic brother in law had conned him into attending, he’d made up his mind to end Mister Grade’s life for good.

     “She’s Mister Shelby’s sister. I would never.”

     “But you want her…. I saw the way you watched her.” Not that he could blame the man in front of him. His wife was stunning; she’d looked like a goddess in that form fitting black velvet gown she’d worn. And then she’d charmed all those stuck up aristocrats with that delectable dark humour and intelligence of hers. He’d been so fucking proud that she was his wife. He shouldn’t have been jealous of Grade looking at his wife. but he couldn’t help it. He was. The green rage clawed at his chest and ate away at his insides at the prospect of Grade somehow catching Lilith’s eye. The terror that Lilith would take her love away from him and lavish it on someone else made him inconsolable. And the only thing that could fix his mood was this.

     “I swear I won’t look at her ever again.” Billy pleaded, the whininess of his voice grated on Jack’s ears. What did Grade have to complain about? He’d brought this on himself. Did he actually think that Jack wanted to be here, doing this? Perhaps Mister Grade shoulda thought about that before he’d desired someone he shouldn’t have. “Just please,” Billy begged pathetically. “Please make it stop.” He foolishly places his good hand on Jack’s shoulder and Jack recoiled, pushing Billy away so he stumbled to the floor. Jack had been so consumed with his jealous outburst that he hadn’t heard the clicking of heels grow louder on the tiles as she approached. He didn’t smell her intoxicating scent of pomegranate and dark amber until she stood behind him. Billy’s eyes widened as he sighted Lilith before looking at the floor in fear for his life. He made quite the picture, naked and bloody and marinating in shame. Lilith didn’t even look at him. She was too busy looking at Jack. Perhaps she should have been surprised. But she wasn't. On the contrary, Scarlet had warned her this would happen. Her beloved sister had confided that she'd noticed her brother-in-law's behavior and sudden absences during and after social occasions....and Heaven had gleefully pointed out that there was always a gentleman, or two, who either went missing or never returned to the party....only to be found in unrecognizable chunks the following day. Lilith should have been appalled. But she was a Shelby....instead, Jack's psychotic protectiveness caused her heart to grow three sizes. He spun to see her and he didn’t need to ask how long she’d been there to know from her expression that she’d observed the better half of Billy’s inquisition. She thought it was adorable how she could make Jack look like a deer in headlights.

      “There’s no need for jealousy, Mister Nelson.” She reached for him and he came to her, snaking his arms around her cinched waist. She looked up at him. “Jealousy implies that you’ve not already claimed me.” She cupped his cheek. “Am I not now known as Mrs Nelson?” He closed his eyes at her question and smiled. 

     “Damn straight you are, pussycat.” He gazed into her onyx eyes, hypnotised. She was like magic. Powerful and wicked and everything he could have dreamed of. Lilith caressed her thumb over the scar on his lip. Jack leaned into her touch, kissing the palm of her hand.

     “There’s no one but you, Jack.” She whispered to him and he melted against her. He pressed his forehead to hers, nudging his nose against hers in an affectionate Eskimo kiss. His gloved hand ran along her curves as he held her to him. “But,” She paused, licking her lips. “If this,” She gestured to Billy, still victim to the wire wrapped around his genitals. She felt herself growing wet at the thought that Jack, her Jack - the most dangerous man in the world - had done this for her. She rubbed her thighs together and leaned closer to her husband. “is what you need to do in order to reassure yourself.” She pecked his lips with her own. “Then have at it, my love.” She stepped away, leaving his embrace and taking with her the warmth he had been basking in. She looked at Billy, who stared up at her pleadingly as though she was some kind of angel of mercy.

Besides, coveting me is the least of your sins, little spy.

Billy’s eyes widened in terror as if he’d heard her thought and his whimpers of panic rose to an annoying volume once again. Lilith rolled her eyes and stepped away, moving along to sit further down on one of the benches until she’d found her perfect view. This was probably the best death Billy could wish for. Jack would only torture him out of his needless jealousy. He looked so beautiful, she thought, towering over the traitor and unleashing that monster he’d so often held back as of later. Tommy would torture Billy for his treachery…as well as for coveting Lilith. Really, this was the lesser of two evils. Billy howled in agony, the sound was bloodcurdling as his genitals were completely severed from him.

     “Thou shalt not covet another man’s wife,” Jack growled. “Look at her!” He commanded, grabbing Billy’s face and forcefully angling the traitor to look at Lilith. She stared at Jack, her breath quickening when his eyes locked with her in a predatory manner. The room was suddenly stifling as his lustful expression burned through her. “You can’t have her, Grade. You could never love her…. Not like I can.” Jack released Billy’s head and he fell to the floor, shaking and crying, his head impacting with the tiles beneath them. It seemed as if it would go on forever, Billy Grade’s pained noises grew numb in her ears after a while, and Jack’s knuckles grew bloody.  

      “That’s enough now, my darling.” She spoke so softly. So delicately that if she had been anyone else Jack wouldn’t have heard her. But it was Lilith, and her voice tore through him like a hurricane.

      Lilith watched with doe eyes as Jack finished Billy Grade off, the man’s cries of agony finally halting, his body twitched before ceasing to move and his eyes stared blankly up at the ceiling. Jack unwrapped the garrotte and wiped it on Billy’s towel before pocketing it. He stood, calm and predatory as he relished in the aftermath. A stone cold predator.

I adore you.

Jack looked up at her, his eyes carnivorous….and Lilith relished that these were the only moments she would ever allow herself to be the prey. He stalked towards her and her heart stuttered. She allowed him to push her against the wall, his hand wrapping around her throat in a way that made her knees weak. His lips claimed hers in a frenzy and she mewled into him. Lilith snaked her hands up his arms to push Jack’s coat from his shoulders. He released her for a moment, allowing the heavy fabric to fall to the floor. His lips attacked her neck, littering them with electric love bites, purple, red and blue. She cupped the back of his neck, her fingers delving into his beautiful soft hair and tugging it back ever so slightly. The noise he made was divine, the deep reverberation of the sound settling pleasantly between her thighs. He reached up and took her wrists in one of his hands, pinning them to the wall above her head as his fingers hiked up her skirt and delved beneath the fabric. Lilith smirked up at him when she felt him tear the fabric of her underwear, his long thick fingers delving into her without a second thought.

     “Look at me, keep your fucking eyes on me.” He commanded, calm and controlled as ever when she closed her eyes at the delight she was experiencing. Her onyx eyes snapped open and collided with his. The only show of the effect she had on him was the sharp intake of his breath and the tent in his trousers as he continued to play her like a violin. Her own breath hitched when he released her wrists and she watched him slowly sink to his knees, lifting her leg over his shoulder. Jack buried his face between Lilith’s thighs and she threw her head back, hand cupping his head as he made her see stars.  Billy’s corpse witnessed Jack make love to his wife over and over and over again.

*****

God he loved his little demon so fucking much. He stared, transfixed at her angelic beauty as she clenched around him, her face contorting in a way that tested the limit of his self-restraint. Sharing his life with her was joy, loving her was the most exquisite carnage. She was Paradise and killing for her was bliss. She cried out, digging her claws into him as she pulled him closer to her….as close as they could be and it still never felt close enough. She bit his earlobe teasingly, whispering to him just how good he made her feel, how much she loved him.

     “Look at me, angel.” Jack tugged her hair, arching her head back just enough to take her lips with his own as she clenched around him one final time. Her onyx eyes pierced into his own hypnotic and wanton. “Fuck, angel. No one makes me feel like you do.” His hips stuttered as he found his own release. She pulled back, biting hard into his neck and his pleasure skyrocketed. Lilith embraced him, caressing his back as she felt him relax on top of her. She peppered his forehead with sweet kisses and hissed when he gently retreated from her. Jack looked at her adoringly and pulled her into his side as he settled beside her. Their clothes were strewn everywhere and Billy Grade’s still bleeding corpse was witness to them from the corner of the room. Lilith hummed, contented.

They lay in the aftermath, bodies painted in blood and entwined on the steam room floor. Her head lay against his broad chest and he caressed the skin of her back tenderly whilst placing kisses on her forehead. Lilith shifted, twisting her body into a more comfortable position so she could look at him. Her dark hair framed her face enticingly as she rested her chin on his chest, admiring him. Her dark eyes glimmered with excitement as her finger brushed over the bite mark she’d imprinted onto Jack’s neck. Her own brand. He groaned when she brushed her finger over it, flipping them over so he hovered above her, resting between her thighs once again. She’d bitten him so hard she’d broken the skin. There would be scarring, not that he minded of course. She smiled at him seductively, his blood staining the corners of her lips. He leaned in for more, thrusting inside of her once again.

    “Jack….” She whined in delight, gazing up at him in a way that had his heart hammering against his ribs. The cosmic love swirling in her onyx eyes seemed to consume him and his control snapped, hammering into her. Jack would allow his demoness to do whatever the fuck she wanted to him, so long as she loved only him for the rest of their lives.