Chapter Seventeen
Belle
M y eyes were glued to the television. Michael, on the other hand, was laying his head back and looking at the ceiling. I picked up the remote and hit the back arrow button like Michael taught me and paused it on the billboard. “I still don’t get it. It’s a portrait of a brother holding his sister up, so she doesn’t fall into the creek while getting water. He’s happy to see new visitors and he’s waving. The billboard says Shitt’s Creek and in small writing it says where everyone fits in. What’s the problem with that?”
Michael didn’t take his eyes off the ceiling, so I looked up and didn’t see anything.
“Does your brother stand behind you like that?” He asked without looking away from the ceiling. We had been in that conversation for several minutes.
I took my eyes off the perfectly fine ceiling and looked at him. “No, but we don’t get water from the creek either. We have plumbing in our houses.”
“Again, what would they be doing if they were naked?”
I scrunched my nose. “My brothers don’t ever touch me while I’m naked, and that guy is just helping her. It’s a lovely painting.”
He shut his eyes, and I thought maybe he was tired again. “Have you ever seen animals breed?” He asked.
“Oh no, my papa always told me to look away when it was happening on farms when we were driving by them. What does that lovely painting have to do with animals breeding?”
He groaned. “It reminds people of what sex looks like and the problem being the girl is his sister.”
“That’s not what sex looks like.” I blushed.
He turned to look at me. “How do you know what sex looks like?”
“Because the woman lays on her back and the man puts his seed in her. Its unpleasant but mama says it’s worth it for the reward of a child. That’s his sister, they can’t have a child. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, they’re just doing God’s work.” I explained.
“Jesus.” He muttered.
“That’s not Jesus.” I said and he gave me a blank stare. “What? It’s not, and that’s not what you think it is, he’s just a very kind brother.” I argued.
“Just forget it and play the next episode.”
Two hours later, I paused it again and looked at Michael. “I don’t think not being able to sell the town is their biggest problem.” I leaned in closer to Michael and whispered. “I have a bad feeling David might be one of those homosexuals.”
He blinked at me a few times. “Also, not a sin.”
I tilted my head. “Wow, really? That’s great news for David, but I’ll still pray for him and ask that his papa doesn’t shun him.” I hit the play button again.
“That doesn’t happen all that much anymore. Most parents seem to just want their kids to be happy.”
I blinked at him that time. “Well, that was an hour of my life I won’t get back.”
He chuckled. “What does that mean?”
I nodded. “I suspected there was something special between Josiah and Larry…well we tried to call him Larry, but he made us call him Lawrence. Anyway, they disappeared one day, and my papa ordered everyone to the church parking lot. We had to kneel in the gravel for one hour and pray for God’s forgiveness. Kneeling in the gravel was so we could feel an ounce of the pain the boy’s sins caused God. I’m learning new things every day that papa got wrong.”
Michael sat forward. “You had to kneel in gravel for someone else’s sins and ask for forgiveness?”
“Of course.” I looked back at the television and unpaused it before I laughed at Alexis. She was always doing something funny.
“Axton, Creed is sending Magnus and Drakos to meet us along with a team. They’ve been following us via satellite, and there is a suspicious convoy of trucks following us about a mile back.”
“Shit, Koty switch me and get buckled in with Belle.” Michael ordered.
I started to panic, but Michael pulled me into him and kissed the top of my head. “Everything will be okay, I promise.”
“How did they find us?” I was trembling with fear.
“My best guess is they know who you are with, and our stop last night gave them a chance to catch up. If they know who we are then they have an idea where we are headed. They were probably stupid enough to show up at Creed’s Lake.”
Koty headed toward me. “Get buckled in, Belle.” He ordered and Michael let go of me.
“Same orders as last time. Stay buckled in unless we stop then go to the bedroom and lock the door.” Michael ordered as he stepped to the front and took a seat next to Valerie. I could hear their conversation and there was a deep male voice coming from the speakers up front.
“Try to lose them. It’ll take longer to get home, but at least they aren’t close enough to see you exit I-64. Take exit 57B and head north. From there, I’ll direct you toward home using the back roads. You’re only ninety minutes out, so it won’t be that bad.”
I wished I could look out the back to see if they caught up to us. It was scary knowing they might have been so close. The motorhome veered off the highway on an exit that looped around in one big curve, then we didn’t even have to stop because it sent us off on a different kind of highway.
“They’ve still got about a quarter mile until the exit and then we’ll know if you’ve missed another tracker, or someone is closer and guiding them to you.” The man said.
“There’s definitely no tracker, I’ve scanned everything.” Michael said as he looked at a gun and shoved something into it.
“Take a right on County Line Road, then take South 200 West.” The man’s voice was giving directions.
“Dammit Creed, I hate to meet them in Cold Springs. If they make it before us, there’s no doubt they’ll spot us.” Michael said.
I presumed the man talking was Mr. Creed. “They stayed on I-65, you should be good from there. You won’t be on East Two Hundred West long before you need to take a right on St. John’s Road. Stay on that for about an hour then you’ll turn on County Road Four Hundred and that will take you out by the state park. They won’t make it to Cold Springs. Magnus and Drakos will intercept them in about thirty minutes.”
“Keep a visual on them as long as you can. Have Security let us inside the gates before they do our search, and remind them that Bellamy Ashford does not have any identification and that’s okay. We’ll be headed straight to your place and tell Morgan Bellamy needs clothes to borrow. She doesn’t have any undergarments and will need a winter coat. Did you send a prospect to Clarity to get the clothes for Koty, the brother? We can’t have him walking into the community center wearing Bolton’s clothes.”
“It’s already been done.”
Michael turned and looked back at me. “Are you okay?”
I nodded, but I was holding on to Koty for dear life and he was whimpering.
“It’s over and they won’t get to us before we arrive, and once we drive inside the gates of Creed’s Lake, you’ll be safer than the President.” Michael assured us, so I loosened my grip on Koty.
Michael turned back around, and he talked to the man like we weren’t just being followed. They talked about Morgan having twin babies soon, and they mentioned Addie, who I remembered Michael said she was his niece.
“She brought home a gold star every day this week. I’m proud of her, and I think she’s getting some control over her temper.” The man said.
After a bit, the man said the convoy was intercepted.
“Magnus and the team have them surrounded and they’re not going to let them exit the interstate. We're running the plates now.”
“How many?” Michael asked.
“Seven trucks. Here we go, the trucks are registered to these individuals, and they’re all registered in Arizona. We have Joseph Ashford, Franklin Ashford, bingo on Jeremiah Brown, Jessup Lane, Randall Ashford, George Brown, and a William Collins.” The man said.
Michael looked back at us, but Koty responded. “Joe and Randy are our brothers, Frank is our cousin, of course you know about Jeremy, and George is his brother, but I don’t know the names William Collins or Jessup Lane.”
I didn’t recognize those names either.
“Did you hear that, Creed?” Michael asked.
“I’m doing a search for Jessup Lane and William Collins now.”
We waited a moment to hear more from Creed. “Jessup Lane works for Jeremiah Brown, he’s also the grandson of a judge in Utah. William Collins has a colorful criminal history. I’m guessing he’s part of one of the MC’s and I’m sure they have more club members with them.”
“Does Magnus have a rough idea of the head count?” Michael asked.
“At least four in each truck.” Creed answered.
“Holy shit, that’s at least twenty-eight men. They must really mean business. Can you ask Sniper if he has ever heard those names before?”
“Yeah, but hold on a second.” The line got quiet. “The convoy tried to take the exit for I-71. Magnus has them boxed in and it’s getting a bit rough. Why did they try to take 71 and not Waterson to turn themselves around?”
“What’s between Louisville and Cincinnati? Any affiliations to the cult or an MC?” Michael asked.
“I put someone onto finding out. The only MC I can think of is the Golden Eagles and they are allies of the Fallen Angels. They’re in Covington, but it still wouldn’t make sense. That’s over ninety minutes away from us. The best route there would to have been to come from the north west through Indianapolis. I don’t think that’s it. I would have expected them to try to back track and take I-65 North to cross over to Indiana.”
Axton
It was intense the closer we made it to Creed’s Lake. I didn’t expect my heart to race the way it was, and I wasn’t new to ending a mission. I wasn’t sure if it was because Belle felt like the most important mission of my life, or if it was because she would have been settled into her apartment by nightfall and she wouldn’t be near. It also could have been the final moments until I had to face my past again and learn if I received a summons.
Belle was so damn cute earlier while we watched television. Everything in the world was new to her, and for some reason I didn’t see her lack of understanding as a flaw, but more of something intriguing. She was innocent and usually nothing turned me off more, but it felt different with her. I never thought I’d be drawn to the fact that no man had ever touched her, tasted her, or sank deep inside her.
Typically, my dirty thoughts were far from anything considered vanilla. But with Belle, they were as simple as her soft skin under my fingertips, burying my face into that delicate neck, and cherishing her warmth as it welcomed me deep inside her. I never wanted anything more than I wanted to hear my name whispered softly from those lips. I daydreamed about kissing them, and holding her body tight to mine as I slowly made love to her. God, just the thought of her body under mine drove me about insane. Warning bells went off in my mind when I imagined those brilliant innocent eyes looking into mine as she came for the first time with a man. For fuck’s sake, please say she at least came by herself. She masturbated before, right? Holy shit, she was probably taught that it was a sin.
I realized my hands were in tight fists as I thought about her. I needed a glimpse of her, just to make sure she was real and not a figment of my imagination. I turned and my eyes met those breathtaking deep blue eyes, and I couldn’t look away. I gave her my best smile. “We're about to turn into Creed’s Lake, and you’ll never have to fear Jeremiah ever again. He can’t touch either of you.”
Magnus kept the convoy busy, and there were a few intense moments of some rough driving. He attempted to push them off to an exit, but saw a highway patrolman and had to ease off. As soon as we made it through security, he would either stop them or let them go. Creed wasn’t too enthused with the idea of confronting them on the interstate or doing anything to make the news. He would probably have to let the bastards go and we would deal with them another way.
She looked scared. “There’s nothing to fear, I promise.”
When I turned back around I saw Creed’s Motorsports and shut my eyes. “Bolton, for the love of God, please tell me my imagination is playing tricks on me.”
Bolton laughed.
I opened them again and saw one huge as hell blow up Santa on a motorcycle tied to the roof. It was probably taller than the building itself. “That’s embarrassing.” I hung my head in shame.
“There’s nothing wrong with the Christmas spirit, Axton.”
“There is when I’m wondering how many bikes we had to sell to buy that eyesore. Look, he’s waving at us, and if you look close in the windows, she has elves sitting on our bikes.” I gasped. “Christmas sized sales going on now? What the fuck?”
Belle gasped and I ignored it.
Bolton turned the motorhome into Creed’s Lake, and I nearly blew a gasket. We drove into a manmade tunnel of Christmas lights and garland, then when we pulled up to the gates, I almost jumped out and went on the warpath. She made the guard shack look like a gingerbread house and the gate had more lights and wreaths. There was even fake snow on the ground. Then the guards walked out, and my blood boiled. Bolton was laughing so hard she was crying. “What the fuck did she do to them?” I growled.
Two elves walked out of the gingerbread house with pointy ass ears, while holding their AR-15’s, and even the guard dogs were wearing reindeer antlers and little elf’s clothes. They opened the gates and gave us a wave as we drove inside.
“When that gate closes, you’re officially free of Jeremiah.” Bolton announced.
“I’m going to kill Morgan.” I growled under my breath. Those men were soldiers, not Santa’s fucking elves.
Bolton waited for the gates to close, and she shut off the engine. “Congratulations you two, and welcome to Creed’s Lake.”
“I don’t understand.” Belle said. “Those men look so angry.”
“Wouldn’t you be angry if your boss made you dress that way?” I asked.
“I might find a new job.” She said.
“Exactly my point.” I agreed. “I’m coming back there to help you out.” I unfastened my seatbelt and went to the back while Bolton stepped out of the motorhome.
The first thing I did was grab a blanket and wrap it around Belle. “They can search you inside, it’s too cold out there and you don’t have a coat. When we return from missions, we also get searched so it’s okay. Don’t be afraid of the angry elves.”
I glanced outside and saw Bolton being searched. “See, they’re just patting her down.”
“I don’t like this, Michael. They have guns.” She looked frightened. So, I did what I had to do and wrapped her in my arms. “Koty can go first, but also don’t be scared of the dog. He will sniff inside here for anything harmful.”
The side door opened, and one guard stepped in while the other checked out the outside of the motorhome.
“Welcome back, sir.” He did not look thrilled.
“Koty, give him your Identification.” I ordered as I let go of Belle to be patted down. When he was done with me, he patted down Koty.
“She won’t have any Identification, but she’s been vetted.” I said. “Fingerprints and DNA. They will need orange access badges.”
“What?” Belle asked.
“Your fine.” I told her.
The guard tried to remove her blanket, and she quickly jumped behind me. Then I remembered those nipples.
“Where is Bolton, she can do the pat down.” I was annoyed.
“I need to pat her down.” The angry elf wasn’t backing down. I looked around and Bolton was talking to the guard outside and she looked like she was freezing. Then I remembered she shut the motor home off, and it was already getting cold inside.
“I’ll do it. You’re not touching her, I’m activating DV protocol.” I spoke quicker than I thought and heard Koty make a growl type noise.
“Protocol says I’ll have to watch.”
“From behind.” I growled. There was no way in hell he was going to see what was brushing against that blouse of hers.
I turned, then turned her to face away from the guard and Koty. “I’m sorry I have to do this but it’s a strict rule.”
She gave me a nod then dropped the blanket. I knelt in front of her and searched her shoes, then patted the outside of her skirt and up her legs. “I’m not wearing anything…you know…under here.” She whispered.
I looked up and her face was bright red and mine might have been too. “I’ll be respectful.” I might have said it, but I didn’t want to mean it.
My hands ran up the outside of her skirt, being gentle with her right side. Then I started feeling the inside of her legs, then thighs and there I was getting hard again, dammit. I reluctantly avoided her more private areas. I stood and did have to touch her ass cheeks, but it made me smile when she whimpered. “Almost done.” I looked down at her as my hands felt up her sides then her stomach. I may have gotten carried away when my thumbs caressed the outline of her breasts, and I smiled down at her and her lips parted. Jesus she was going to drive me crazy. I skipped her actual breasts then went for her underarms, shoulders then arms, and finally I decided to run my palms up her neck then clasp her face. “See, it wasn’t that bad, was it?” I winked and she looked like she was just about to melt right into me. I leaned in and brushed my lips across her cheek and her breath hitched. “It’s smooth sailing from here, you’re safe.” I whispered.
“Please don’t leave me tonight.” I could hear the fear in her whisper.
I shut my eyes and cursed, because I didn’t want to leave her either.
“All is clear in here. I'll go get those badges.” The guard said then opened the door and it was freezing.
“Hang on a second.” I walked over to the bedroom and reached into a cabinet where my coat and Bolton’s hung. I grabbed mine then walked to Belle and put it on her. Although she was tall, and beautifully curvy, it was big on her and her arms weren’t long enough.
I ran my hands down the arms of my coat. “The worst part is over. From here we will go see Creed’s wife, Morgan. She will take you upstairs and get you some clothes. After that, we will go to the community center where you will sign some paperwork and our intake counselor will give you a packet that explains everything, and she will start working on ordering things like your birth certificate, social security card, and a copy of your driver’s license.”
She blinked. “I don’t have one and I’ve never driven a car. It’s not appropriate for women in our community to drive.”
I smiled. “Well, you learn here. We do everything we can to help people become independent and prepare for the outside world.”
I saw a little glimmer in her eyes as she gave me a slight smile. “That’s wonderful.”
I studied her eyes, and dammit I wasn’t ready to be done with her. Then I felt eyes on me and turned to see Koty glaring at me. I understood, since I was born with the burden of protectiveness because of a sister.
“We’re all set.” Bolton stepped inside. “These are your resident badges. You have to wear them at all times, unless you are at home. Do not step out of your apartment without them. They are your apartment keys, your money, and your Identification. Our intake case manager will explain your security access and where you can and cannot enter. You can, but are not expected to socialize for the first few days. We understand if you want to adjust to your new home before venturing out and having dinner at the community center.” She put the lanyards around their necks. “Well, let’s go see our niece, it’s been days now.” Bolton sat in the driver’s seat and started the motorhome.
Belle was amazed as we pulled up to Creed’s place and I made it clear that my house was a lot different. When we walked up to the house, the door flew open.
“Uncle Mike!” Addie squealed then jumped into my arms as soon as I walked over the threshold.
“What did you bring me?” She gave me big puppy eyes.
“Sorry, we were on a very important mission to bring some special people home with us.”
Her eyebrows drew together. “You on my list now.”
Oh right, her shit list.
“That’s not nice, Addie, but I heard someone got five stars this week.” I said as I held her.
“Don’t tell daddy, but Gwiffin didn’t tattle. It’s a secret.”
“Addie, will you ever stop punishing boys?” I asked.
“When day stwop being dickheads.”
I gasped. “Adeline! Where did you learn that word?”
“Mewissa day Uncle Scott is a dickhead because he won’t gwow up like you and uncle Twabis or daddy.”
“Addie, we’ve been through the bad word alphabet, and you know that’s a bad word.” I scolded her.
I glanced at Belle and her jaw was dropped.
“But it fun when I see you face look dat way.” Addie giggled then looked down at Koty and made a little growl noise.
“Addie, this is my friend Koty, and he’s a grown up.”
She giggled. “He widdle, not like mewissa, but still widdle. Like a widdle man.”
“That’s not nice, Addie. This here is my friend Belle.”
Addie turned and looked at her and her eyebrows drew together. “We don’t want no more pwincesses, mommy’s going to be mad.” She looked Belle up and down then looked at me. “Not you too.” She pouted and I chuckled.
She looked at Bolton then squealed as she squirmed out of my arms, so I put her down. “Aunt Vow!” She ran for Bolton.
I looked at Belle and she looked both frightened and concerned. “Is Morgan mad I’m here?”
“Little man, my ass.” Koty muttered.
“Morgan isn’t mad. There is something you should know before…” I was cutoff before I could finish when Belle gasped.
“Princess Emelia.” She whispered.
Yep, that’s what I was going to tell her but forgot. She watched the Princess Chronicles in the motorhome, and I didn’t tell her then because I didn’t want to make her more nervous.