Southern Secrets

by Shelley Stringer

  “The Orcos are active tonight. Evidently, they aren’t going to be deterred, just because our husbands are home.” I looked at Brie sympathetically.

  “What are we going to do?” Constance asked, whirling back toward me.

  “Ev said the Aldon are coming back. Maybe when they see the reinforcements they’ll give up.” I sighed, not believing my own assessment.

  We all grew silent, listening to the lowered voices of the SEALs in the other room. Brie played with her food while Constance paced around the table. Her cell buzzed in her pocket, and as she retrieved it, she exclaimed, “Oh, crap. Mom’s calling again. She’s suspicious. I keep lying to her, and telling her I’m at the apartment. I don’t want them to come checking up on me, not now!” She flipped her cell open, and hurried up the stairs with it.

  Olivia sat silently, watching the three of us and mimicking our actions. She was trying so hard to blend in. I watched her as she broke a piece of cornbread, and dipped it in the roux. But as she popped it in her mouth as she’d just observed me doing, she made a face, and then placed her napkin over her mouth as she got rid of the bite. Evidently, she hadn’t acquired a taste for anything other than raw meat. As she raised her eyes to mine, I smiled sympathetically at her.

  John and Ty rejoined us in the dining room and proceeded to finish their meals with hearty appetites. After several bites, Ty looked up at Constance as she came back downstairs, then pulled her over into his lap, rubbing her arms in an apparent attempt to calm her fears. She lay her head over on his shoulder as he kissed the top of her head.

  Everett and Philippe joined us soon after and began to fuss about serving seconds, and getting dessert, as though their conversation in the other room had never happened. Banton, Sam and Patrick were the last to return. Sam walked over and leaned in to speak softly to Olivia.

  Banton placed his hands on my shoulders as he began. “Well, it seems we are going to have one big sleepover, campers. There is safety in numbers, and we’ll work out sleeping arrangements later. But everyone needs to stay here for the next couple of days until we can get a feel for what’s going on. The Aldon feel its best we stay together, John and Brie included. They are sending reinforcements back to stay with us, and Colin and Ben are coming over as well.”

  “We have to go to class,” I began as I looked up at him.

  “I know, Andie. Ev and I will escort you. Mr. Philippe will go with John to help protect Brie, and so on. We just have to keep the outings to a minimum, and stay alert. We’ve got some firepower, and with numerous eyes and ears watching, I think we can deter them,” Banton explained.

  Then Everett spoke up, “In the meantime, we have other Aldon working to clean them out from the outside, so it might be good they are concentrating on trying to get at us.” He glanced at me as I shuddered.

  “We’re the bait,” Constance began as she looked at me for confirmation.

  “Sort of, yeah. But we’ll NEVER let them get that close,” Sam interjected. “NEVER.”

  “It’s going to be fine, and then at the end of next week, we all travel to N’awlins for Mardi Gras. Maybe by the time we come back, the Aldon will have solved our problem.” Mr. Philippe finished as we heard someone on the porch. Banton walked over quickly to glance out the window, and then nodded to Everett, confirming the arrival of the first of the Aldon.

  After cleaning the kitchen up, I hurried upstairs to make sure we had blankets and pillows enough for everyone, and to figure out sleeping arrangements. Everett soon followed me, and assured me the Aldon would need nothing other than a chair. Two were to be stationed on the landing upstairs outside our bedroom doors, two in the foyer, one in the kitchen, dining room and living room, and several scattered around outside. Someone would even be stationed close to Mr. Jackson’s apartment, to watch out for him as well. John and Brie were to stay in his room, Ty and Constance took Banton’s old room, and Ben and Colin came with their own sleeping bags, racking out on the living room floor as they’d done when they were running their nightly routes back in the fall. Sam took the inflatable mattress and placed it in a corner in the dining room. Olivia required no sleep like Everett, but Sam still made the gesture, making a place for her to rest beside him.

  Chapter Twenty

  I stood in our bedroom, watching out the window as rain swirled around the streetlight between our property and Mr. Jackson’s. The wind howled, and I shivered. Silently, Banton’s hands slid around my waist, warming me through the thin negligee I’d donned to celebrate his homecoming. I leaned my head back on his massive shoulder and sighed.

  “I’m so happy, you have no idea…” I turned in his arms, and brushed my fingertips across his cheek.

  “About what?” he asked.

  “Are you serious? You have to ask? I’ve missed you so much; I don’t even want to leave our room. I can’t believe you’re home, and you’re mine.” I stood on my tiptoes, and kissed his lips.

  “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Man, you Texas girls sure are easy to please!” He grinned as his gaze fell to my lips, and then kissed me passionately. Time slowed as he moved his lips gently over mine, breathing intimately into my mouth, our tongues teasing each other in sweet reunion. The only sound intruding on our moment was rain pattering on the antique pains of the glass in the bay window.

  He pulled away first, and looked down at me intently. “I feel so guilty, Chandler. I can’t stand it.”

  “About what? What’s wrong?”

  He pulled away, and ran his hands through his thick mane of hair. “This!” He waved his hand around the room. “Having you on lockdown, your life in danger, all because of me. If anything happens to you, it’s because of my selfishness. I had to have you at any cost. I knew what I was involved in, and I involved you. Brought you in, fell in love with you, and kept you involved knowing it threatened your life. Now I’m responsible for three lives. You’re a prisoner in your own home, hunted, because of me.” He turned back to me and his gaze was tormented.

  I silently walked over to him, and pulled his face down to mine. “I don’t care if my life ends tomorrow, it’s worth nothing without you. I’m so in love with you I can’t even imagine my life without you in it. I don’t care about the danger or anything else. Just you. You’re worth every second. None of this is your fault. If you had walked the other way when you met me, I would still be drawing them in. I’d probably be dead by now without your protection. And my life would be devoid of love, of passion…You’re my whole world. I love you, for better or for worse.”

  I was lost in his eyes. Everything else ceased to exist, except our bodies, one heart, one soul. He grabbed my face with both his hands, pulling me up to his lips as his mouth sought mine. He slid his hand down my back, coming to rest on my hip, pressing my body forcefully into his. My breath quickened as I felt his passion hard against my belly. He brushed my hair away from my neck and his lips found that sweet spot just under my ear, his warm breath caressing as his lips moved over my skin. Before I knew it, we were both undressed. He pulled me down into his lap on the bed. Grabbing my leg forcefully, he turned me so I sat astride. I wrapped my legs around his waist as he gently eased me down. I gasped at the fullness…throwing my head back as his warm lips worked up and down my neck. We made love with a passion we’d never experienced before. We were desperate, sensing the danger, the fragile nature of our lives. There was a danger lurking outside each of us knew could take anyone of us at a moment’s notice. All the Orcos needed was someone to drop their guard, to lose concentration for a second, and they would have their opening.

  We spoke no other words, none were needed. The passionate responses were an indication of the desperation of our feelings. His eyes were fixed on my face; he stared deeply into my eyes as he held my hips firmly in his hands. He moved his hand up to run his fingers into my hairline, holding my head as his mouth sought mine once more. He moaned as he found his release, and after I joined him he slowly turned me and lay me gently down on th
e bed beside him. His thumb caressed my temple as he gazed at me, seeming to study every line in my face. He relaxed his jaw as I traced the outline of his lips, smoothing over his tense muscles in his face with my fingers.

  “Chandler…”

  “What is it?” I moved my head to place my cheek on his warm chest.

  “I want to get you out of here, far away someplace.”

  “You took me all the way to Colorado and the Orcos followed us. It won’t matter where we go. We are safest here, where you, Everett, the SEALs, you can protect us. I know you and Ev, you’ll figure something out.”

  “I just want some peace for you, for the babies…this can’t be good for you.”

  “I’m fine as long as I’m with you. That’s all I want, for us to be together. Quit worrying and snuggle down here,” I whispered as he folded me into his arms.

  * * *

  The following days passed quietly, the Aldon changing the guard like clockwork, without drama or fanfare. Banton and Everett hovered over me, walking me to the doorway of my classes, sitting with me in the library. They were never more than two steps away from me. Everything was running smoothly until Sunday morning at seven o’clock. A wiry little vampire of an Aldon, Everett’s friend named Stephan, came bursting through the front door downstairs. I sat upright in bed, Banton’s arm slung loosely around my waist.

  “That’s it. I draw the line at being used for target practice! Someone put a leash on that old man down the street!” his voice boomed from the foyer downstairs.

  “What’s going on?” Banton asked huskily as he turned over and yawned.

  “Something’s up,” I whispered in his ear. “Go back to sleep, Darlin’, I’ll go see what the matter is.” I slipped out of bed, and donned my robe. Pulling the door open quietly, I slipped down the staircase just behind Everett.

  “Stephan, what seems to be the trouble?” Everett inquired. “It’s awfully early to be making such a ruckus.”

  “I will pull all the protective duty you want. I’ll follow anyone in this house to the ends of the earth, and do it proudly. I’ve grown quite fond of the inhabitants here, and their little band of Navy SEALs. But I won’t stand for being shot at with a twelve gauge shotgun by a self-appointed neighborhood watchman. It’s a little demeaning…for an Aldon.” He stood at the foot of the stairs, with his chest out.

  “Who is shooting at you?” I asked warily.

  “The little old man in the apartment. I fail to see how he needs protection. He is quite capable of protecting his own property as he clearly demonstrated this morning. Look!” he exclaimed, turning to show us the holes in his jacket.

  I giggled, I couldn’t help myself. Mr. Jackson had evidently noticed his presence, and had introduced him to Ole Betsy. Riddled with buckshot, the back of Stephan’s jacket resembled a cheese grater.

  “I’m sorry, Stephan, I’ll go and visit with Mr. Jackson and let him know what’s going on. We should have done that already.” Everett patted him on the shoulder and donned his jacket to go outdoors.

  “Mr. Stephan, I’m so sorry, can I get you anything? I’m going in to make some coffee,” I inquired as I rounded the bottom of the staircase.

  “I might as well. I’m acquiring lots of human habits hanging around this place. I might even acquire a taste for pizza and take up watching baseball,” he grumbled as he followed me down the hallway.

  After I had the coffee brewing and a large pan of biscuits in the oven, the troops began drifting into the kitchen.

  “Andie-girl, you don’t have to keep cooking for all of us.” John came bouncing into the kitchen, fully dressed for the day. He’d already been up for a couple of hours, working away on some project outside. His energy and industriousness never ceased to amaze me.

  “There is nothing I’d rather do. Besides, what else is there when we’re all cooped up here together. We might as well make the best of it.” I pulled a large carton of eggs out of the fridge as Sam shuffled in, rubbing his eyes.

  “Hey, do I smell coffee?” he asked, pulling the refrigerator door open and taking inventory of the food.

  “Yes, and it’s ready. Help yourself and pour me a cup while you’re at it,” I said as I began cracking eggs into the large bowl on the counter.

  “Do you want some help? I’d be glad to fry some bacon,” Sam commented as he emerged from the fridge with a large package.

  “Sure, I already have a griddle out,” I gestured over to the stovetop.

  Sam began placing strips of bacon on the hot griddle as I began whisking the first dozen eggs. I poured the first small skillet full of eggs, and then added onions, peppers, cheese and crumbled sausage, letting it set, and then flipping it in half, producing an omelet.

  “Wow, you’re pretty good at that, Paula Dean!” John placed a kiss on top of my head as he worked his way around me to take the biscuits out of the oven. Brie came out of the bathroom and made her way into the kitchen. She’d turned the radio on, and ‘50’s rock and roll music drifted down the hallway with her.

  As every head bobbed and swayed to the tune, the whole kitchen began to rock. Pretty soon, everyone was singing, spoons and spatulas became microphones, and we were all in lip-sync heaven.

  John grabbed me around the waist, and as Constance and Ty came into the room, they quickly joined in, jitterbugging around the kitchen table.

  “What the heck, did everybody start drinking without me?” Banton strolled into the kitchen, in his usual low-cut jeans and no shirt. Constance turned into him, catching sight of the muscles across his chest.

  “WOW. Holy Crap! Andie, Sister, that’s a whole lotta muscle and male you’re sleeping with every night!” she exclaimed. Banton smirked, glancing over at me.

  “What the hell do you think you’ve got here, Baby, chopped liver?” Ty exclaimed as he pulled his t-shirt off and flexed his muscles. I grinned, thinking she had nothing to complain about.

  “Brie’s got you all beat, check it…” John pulled his t-shirt off, and flexed his pecs.

  “Wow, John, those are bigger than Andie’s are, and she’s preggers!” Constance exclaimed as Brie slapped her on the arm. John was right, he had everyone beat. I’d never seen him with his shirt off, and I began to blush.

  John whirled and bent down, arching his arms around down in front. “These aren’t man-boobs, Baby, they are pure muscle, ripped, and ready to…”

  “What on earth are you boys doing in here? Boredom has definitely set in, if you can’t think of anything better to do than compare your manly titties. Here, Bebe, let me help you with breakfast, these guys are useless,” Everett said, stepping around all the testosterone in the room. Stephan sat in the corner on a stool, watching the show with one raised eyebrow.

  Banton chuckled, and moved over beside me. “Man, something smells good. You’re cooking omelets for everybody?”

  “Yes, and biscuits, gravy, and bacon.” I smiled up at him as he leaned over to kiss me.

  “Nothin says loving like something from the oven!” John pulled the oven door open, and retrieved a second pan of biscuits.

  * * *

  After breakfast, we all lounged in the dining room, enjoying our coffee.

  “Ev, have the Aldon reported anything from outside the perimeter we’ve set up?” John asked, playing with his coffee cup.

  “There has been some activity, and it was taken care of.” He glanced over at Brie and Constance, letting John know he wouldn’t elaborate any further.

  “How much longer do you think we’ll have to do this?” I asked as I glanced up at Banton. He was staring out the dining room window, studying something far off.

  “I’m not sure, Bebe. But we aren’t taking any chances until everything is resolved. And this place is Fort Knox, but with better cooks!” Everett exclaimed, purposely changing the subject.

  “Amen to that, breakfast was great, Andie. Thanks.” Ben commented, patting my shoulder as he walked past into the living room.

  “Hello, troops! How ar
e all my guys and dolls, today?” Mr. Philippe came bursting through the front door, with dress bags in tow. “I thought since everything has quieted down a bit, we might have our dress fitting and little picture session with these beautiful girls. I don’t think there will be any danger to staging our little photo session on the front porch, with all the Aldon we have here. Banton, would that be all right with you?” he asked as he draped the dresses across the settee in the foyer.

  “Um, yeah, I guess so. What photo session?” Banton asked, running his fingers through his hair as he snapped back to the present from wherever his mind had drifted.

  “Mr. Philippe asked Constance, Brie and me to model our dresses we picked for the masque ball. He wants some photos to advertise his boutique,” I explained as he studied my face. He pushed a strand of my hair back behind my ear.

  “Sure. I think we can stand guard long enough for you to snap some pictures out front. You’ve sure got some beautiful models to work with,” he complimented as he grinned, pulling me in for a kiss.

  “We need to freshen up a bit, do our hair and makeup…can you give us some time?” I asked. Brie, Constance and I retrieved our dresses and headed upstairs to get ready.

  “You take all the time you need. Ev and I will be up shortly to help with your hair and the fittings,” Mr. Philippe answered up to us.

  After I showered quickly, I pulled my makeup bag and rollers out of the bathroom, so Constance could have the bathroom to herself. As I sat at my dressing table finishing up my makeup, Banton’s voice drifted up the staircase, and I detected a serious note to his voice. I reached over and pulled the door open so I could hear their voices clearly.

  “How many have you taken out?” Banton asked. Everett answered him. “Twenty or so, all total. The Orcos have stepped up their recruiting efforts; they are bringing more in from somewhere. There aren’t this many of them in the city!”