Bayou Bishops Box Set: Books 1-12

CHAPTER 8

Bishop decided he wanted to watch the physical test up close and invited the husbands to tag along. “We’ll be conducting the skills test which comes after the strength test. We’ll dress to stay out of sight,” he said to Lesion’s question.

After seeing their reaction to the first test, he knew there was no way they could handle not being at a rescuable distance for the physical tests which were to take place over the bayou. There was just too much that could happen. Spar and Juliette could never be phenomenal enough at what they did when it came to this. With the husbands there, the women would each have a hawk protecting them nearby.

“Any ideas on what the test is?” Lesion asked as they climbed on an airboat. He wanted to get to location way ahead of them and set up.

“I just know it’s over the bayou. He’ll probably use the rope trials to test stamina and endurance. We know those are his favorite.”

Lesion nodded as he strapped in and Bishop patted his back, eyeing the sheer relief and eagerness on his face. It didn’t take seeing powers to know just how glad they all were to be going. It was amazing. Such tiny little things had a stranglehold on the might and self-control of The Twelve. But he thanked God for his treacherous, beautiful little woman as I’m sure they all did.

****

Cherie eyed the giant shirtless man towering before them. “Welcome to round two of The Gauntlet Trials, ladies. I’m Spar. Leader of the fighting hatch. I’ll be testing various areas of physical strength. Namely stamina and endurance. Your stamina trial will test a set of muscles near full capacity and your endurance trial will test a set of muscles for a length of time.”

He turned and eyed the giant rope stretching across the bayou. “That is your test. For endurance, you will be taken by boat to the center of that rope. You will grab onto it with your hands and hold on until you can’t. When you let go, you will fall into the water. I’ll be nearby with the boat to fetch you. You’re being scored on that test by how long you last. Right after this, you’ll do your stamina test with the same rope. You will be required to traverse the rope from this end of the bayou to the other. You’ll be graded on speed and tactic. Once you reach the other side, those who will be conducting the skills test will escort you to the next facility for that.”

He turned and pointed to a set of tables under the tree. “Those are the Gauntlet tables where you will roll the Gauntlet Dice and pick your mated tools according to your roll. Any questions?”

Cherie glanced at the women finding them in the same predicament as the last time they were asked that. They all shook their heads as a hundred questions hid from her thoughts. Not that she’d ask them. But thankfully she did understand the tasks. They were all straight forward. The last ones were too, just a tad complex. She was still rattled over it. They all had been. But, Lord, that gumbo. She felt like a mother after giving birth and that food made her forget all about the labor of childbirth. For thirty minutes they laughed and cut up like a bunch of teenagers. Cherie hoped there were no cameras about. How embarrassing that would be if they were all being watched by The Twelve.

She followed them to the Gauntlet tables, the fall sun still hot enough to make her sweat. But thank God it wasn’t full blown summer.

They all stood before the Gauntlet Dice table. Lord, please let us all get a favorable roll.

****

Maggie resisted the urge to look around again. They were being watched, she was sure. He did say people waited for them on the other side to take them to the next test. Who was it? She wanted to bet Spook was among them. His gaze had a real presence when he locked it on her.

Great. She was shit when being watched.

She remembered the blindfold training with Spook and her world suddenly refocused. She’d just have to find that mental place again. She couldn’t fail. Spook had all but told her to fail if she could. Did he know something about her that she didn’t? Her intentions to oblige him were being shot down every time that GO button was hit. Her mind took over and it knew nothing of losing or giving up. It knew fighting, surviving, conquering. And she couldn’t find the off switch for that.

Beth was the first to roll the dice and hell if she didn’t get a two. Dammit. Having her to worry about was like its own weight. Maggie rolled and swore under her breath. A fricken one? Wow.

Cherie came forward and rolled then. A five. That was middle, thank heavens.

Maggie watched the Tully girl go up, her guts tensing. That poor girl had ten kinds of scary shadows clinging to her and yet she was sweet as could be. She reminded her of Beth in many ways. Immune to evil by the power of sheer oblivion to it. There was no denying the need to try and protect her from the shadows at her heels even while not having a clue how. Her years at the hospital taught her a lot and yet kept her ignorant on many social fronts. But she’d never resent a second of it. Without them, she would’ve never met her Spook. Her perfect, sexy husband. Who was so good at fucking.

“Yes, you got an eight!” Cherie rejoiced, sending a wave of relief through Maggie. Judging by Beth’s reaction, Maggie wasn’t the only one who felt responsible for the girl.

She embraced her sister tightly. “I’m so proud of you. Our BelleEveque,” she added with a giddy joy, laughing at the hard blush that got her.

“Alright, time to pick your items,” Spar said, turning to the three small tables filled with odd things. “Belle Eveque and Miss Spook will pick from this table and Miss Seer and Miss Lesion from this table.”

Maggie eyed the selection. Two sets of those sandbag ankle weights, one bigger than the other. Then a blindfold and a pair of rubber boots. Beth regarded Maggie and she wished they could discuss which might be best for her. She chose the smallest ankle weights. Maggie eyed her then went to the table and picked the single thing that might actually help her.

“The blindfold,” Spar muttered next to her, sounding intrigued. “Brave pick.”

Cherie went next and picked from the good table. Maggie eyed a pair of black gloves, a water bottle, some matches and a bandanna. She went to pick the gloves then selected the bandana instead. Tully went next and studied the items. She finally picked the gloves and Maggie was sure she heard collective sighs of relief. The gloves would serve her in this trial. She was sure Cherie skipped over them, so she’d have them to pick. Seer had himself a good woman.

“Alright ladies, follow me,” Spar muttered, heading towards the bayou.

Maggie placed the blindfold around her neck, feeling like she’d overlooked something obvious that made it a very bad choice.

Too late now.

****

“Why would she pick a blindfold?” Lesion asked from their hiding spot.

“I’m glad she did,” Spook said. “Hearing is her super power.”

“The question is why did Ma Petite pick fucking ankle weights? Surely there was something better on that table” Knowing her, she did it so the others had a better chance. Selfless to a fault. Which confirmed his skills test he had planned for her was exactly what she needed.

“How long do you think a woman can hang from a rope like that?”

“Less than a minute,” Bishop said. “Even if they know to lower an arm to allow blood flow back into the hand I doubt much more than a minute.”

“This will be quick,” Seer said, sounding glad.

“Very,” Bishop assured, ready to get to the skills test since it allowed him to be alone with his Petite. He was sure the other men were just as eager for the same.

They watched as Spar hung a sliding rope ladder and allowed each woman to climb it and grab hold of the rope stretching across the bayou. There they hung like four little dishrags while Spar waited nearby. “Keep a lookout for gators,” Bishop said, even though Juliette did that up in a tree across the bayou. “Can’t have too many eyes on that one.”

“There goes Tully,” Lesion said as Bishop looked to see the splash. “Sweet little tiny angel.”

Bishop had to grin at the dreamy tone in Lesion’s usual monotone voice.

Next to fall was Maggie, followed by Beth three seconds later then Cherie another five seconds later.

“Now for the endurance,” Spook said, crossing his arms with a fresh sigh of impatience.

“I feel you,” Bishop said. “With all my heart.”

They watched as the women latched their limbs to the rope at the opposite side of the bayou. “Let’s go,” Bishop said, heading to the area the women would end at. Halfway across he heard his Petite laughing.

“I feel like an overgrown inchworm.”

Maggie joined in the laughter followed by Cherie inquiring what was funny.

Beth answered in more laughter and Tully joined in.

“Everybody’s laughing,” Cherie muttered, perturbed as she inched her way.

“Ouch!” Beth cried.

“Would you hurry,” Maggie laughed. “How much farther? About twenty feet?”

“Uhhhh, yeah, something like that,” Beth huffed, back to grunting her way along.

“How are your weights?” Cherie asked.

“Feeling like fifty pounds,” Beth blasted. “Are you using your bandana?”

“Yes, I wrapped it around my right hand. Tully, how are your gloves?”

“Too big!” she huffed. “God this is so hard! I don’t think I can make it.”

“You can, just keep moving. Keep your blood circulating,” Cherie said. “Movement is key.”

“Now where’d she learn that one?” Seer muttered.

“From one of her Uncles no doubt,” Bishop said.

“Ah yes,” Seer nodded. “Indeed.”

“Getting a little tired waiting here,” Bishop called getting his Petite’s gasp and angled head.

“Bishop!” she whispered. “Going as fast as I can! Oh my arms.”

“You all get a thirty minute break before next trial. I’ll fix you up.”

“Oh boy,” Spook chuckled. “That worked like magic.”

“Let your Maggie know you’re here,” Bishop said.

Spook gave his whistle and Maggie gasped. “I knew you were here! I knew it!”

“Ten more feet. Hurry up already.”

“How embarrassing,” Cherie muttered.

Seer called out in French, “Nothing at all embarrassing about my caramel goddess.”

Maggie sucked in a breath. “Your Seer is here and he called you a caramel goddess.”

“Shit, I keep forgetting Maggie knows French,” Spook laughed quietly.

“Is Lesion here?” Tully grunted, fighting to angle her head to see.

He moved into view. “Here and waiting,” he called.

“Yaaaaay,” she rejoiced then screamed as she dropped into the water.

Lesion swam out to her, helping her stand where she was.

“Oh!” she said, surprised then smiled up at him. He kissed her right there in the bayou while the women all craned their necks to see and sing their praise of approval.

“Maybe Ma-Petite is ready to drop too?” Bishop suggested.

She let go and fell into the bayou and Bishop laughed, diving in to meet her.

“I can’t quit,” Maggie said above them like she was trying and couldn’t find the brakes.

“Then finish it. Just hurry,” Spook muttered.

Cherie screamed her way into the water with a splash.

“My cue,” Seer said, diving in.

Bishop kissed his Petite, their moans of hunger clashing. “Not sure if I can walk,” she announced, breathless.

He lifted her in his arms. “I can.”

“Oh yes, thank you,” she whispered, not fighting him as he carried her to the bank.

“We’ll take it from here, Spar,” he called over his shoulder as Maggie made it to the other side.

“Grades recorded,” he yelled back. “See you ladies at the final destination.”

“What happens now?” Beth wondered when they were all on the bank.

“You all get that thirty minute break before your skills test. It’s the only private test and will be conducted by the leaders of the hatch you’ve married into at an undisclosed location nearby.”

“Nearby?” Beth wondered, looking around.

“This area of the swamps have quite a few hunting shacks scattered about. We’ve all claimed one for the skills tests.” Bishop looked at his watch. “We’ll meet up at the final testing rendezvous in two hours.”

****

“Tully,” Lesion admonished even as he returned her repeated kiss attacks she launched along the way. “We’re nearly there. Look behind you.”

She turned, looking.

“See it there? Let’s hurry. I have a surprise for you.”

They ran the rest of the way and finally made it to the porch where he stopped her. “Hold on, I have to make sure everything is in order.”

She squealed in excitement and the sight of her, soaked to the bone with her jaw trembling had him torn with the need to take her in his arms.

“Don’t move. Give me one minute.”

“Go!” she cried, covering her eyes with a hand. “I won’t peek.”

He hurried inside only to run into a dozen second guesses. He was supposed to test Tully and after pounding the proverbial pavement for ideas that linked to his Hatch, he’d come up wanting. He’d broken down and asked Madam Hag and through that, the plan was formed. As a chemical compound specialist, and her as his apprentice slash first female subject, her test should include in depth data collection. Not only did it kick-off their union as husband and wife, but as scientist and apprentice in training.

He looked around the room, finding it the way he left it. As per Madam Hags instructions, he’d made it romantic. Because his work was his love and now she was part of that so it made sense. So what was the problem?

“Are you almost done? I need to pee.” The tiny plea jerked on that place in his chest that only she was able to reach and touch. He hurried to the porch and kissed her deeply.

“Tully, listen to me. I have to…explain what we’re doing here.”

“Can I pee first?” she asked, dancing around. “I’ll close my eyes.” She covered them with a hand, jaw still trembling.

“Okay. Cover your eyes.”

He led her through the small shack to the bathroom. “Ohhhh what smells so good?” she whispered as they went.

“You’ll know soon enough. There’s a shower in there and I want you to use it. Quickly,” he added.

“Okay.”

“You can open your eyes now.”

She lowered her hand and looked around. “So tiny,” she said, smiling before looking at him.

“What will I wear?”

Yes. That. “I’ll get it for you.”

“Is that the surprise?”

He hesitated. “Part of it.” She removed her overall strap and he quickly stepped out before he couldn’t. “I’ll be in here if you need anything.”

“Okay,” she called, like it was his terrible loss.

It might have been if he didn’t plan to use special compounds in the creation of his very first female pleasure map.

****

Cherie exited her shower, butterflies so fierce in her stomach she worried they’d carry her off. Entering the one room space, she looked around finding it empty. Closing the terrycloth robe provided for her tightly, she made her way to the small table with the burning lantern. She realized there was something on it. An envelope.

Her heart fluttered as she hurried to it, looking around. Were there cameras here too? She kept her robe tight just in case as she sat at the table. Before she could wonder if she was supposed to open it, she caught side of the fancy Open on the front of it.

She took it in her hands, her pulse hammering as she opened it. The second she read Dear Cherie, her fears and dread slammed her.

From the moment I was told I had to conduct a test for you, I prayed non-stop about what to do. Being The Seer for The Twelve, I was clueless how to prepare you for that position. And then I saw what needed to be done. Next to the sofa there’s a small table with a drawer. In it are the contents that will determine whether or not this position is something you can fulfill.

I’ve spoken to Bishop about this. If you can’t fulfill the contracts I’ve drawn up, I’ll be stepping down and leaving The Twelve. I will take another wife so that you are free to pursue whatever life and path you feel you need to. I love you with all my soul. That will never change no matter what you choose.

Samuel

Cherie couldn’t breathe as she read the P.S.

There are cameras at all the testing locations. I’m not supposed to tell you but don’t feel right not disclosing it. I’ll take any consequences for it.

Cherie bolted out of the chair and found the small table next to the couch. She stared at it for many seconds before opening it and pulling out another sealed envelop only larger. She brought it to the table, not caring about cameras or where they were as she ripped open the top and pulled the stack of papers out.

She recognized his handwriting on the cover letter.

In this envelope you will find contracts that allow you to sign over everything toyou’re your life and your sons life are to be completely mine and no other. Your son will have my legal last name as would you. There is also a sexual contract you are to sign. It will give me complete ownership of your body to do with as I want, when I want, how I want and why I want in all sexual matters.

Your body will not be your own.

Your son will not be yours, he will be mine.

If you ever decide to leave, he stays with me.

Read the documents carefully because once you sign and it’s entered into the Swamp Courts, there will be no law made by man in this country that can undo it. Even if it means hiding my son for the rest of our lives.

Love Samuel

Cherie ran to the bathroom and puked her guts up. This wasn’t real. It was just a test. That’s all. Just a test to see if she’d… Oh God what did he want her to do with this? Did he want her to sign it? Burn it? What was the right answer? If she signed it and it wasn’t a joke, then what? And if she didn’t sign it and it wasn’t a joke, then what? Was it all a test to see if she’d trust?

She went over the letter, looking for clues. Take another wife? That was laughable. But in order for her to be free made it possible. That was just like him. Take her son and hide him? Test or not, that boiled her blood just thinking about it. Take her son. That’s exactly what Marcus had done to her. Tried to own her and her son. How dare he ask something like that for a test?

Unless it wasn’t a test but real.

She sank back in the chair, dizzy with the realization. Oh God. It could all be very real and be a test also. A real test.