Cursing, I stopped behind a tree and looked at my left leg. I knew it could only be one thing. I saw the tiny dart sticking out and cursed. “Fuck.”
“You can run all you want, Dylan, but that poison will only kill you faster. Come on out and let me have my fun. I’ve missed you.”
Ignoring the sick bastard, I yanked the dart out of my thigh and head due west. Fuck the nearest town. I was going home. Now, I just needed to make it there alive and pray my Aunt Roxy still kept the antivenom on hand.
So much for keeping a low profile.
Reaper was going to kill me.
Nineteen
Aariaani
The sun was peeking over the horizon as I woke to Balthazar’s arms around me. I loved waking up like this. I wondered if it would always be like this.
Their meeting ran longer than anyone thought, and when Balthazar came out, he looked angry. I wanted to ask him if everything was alright, but he just picked me up and carried me to bed. I wish I could say he made love to me all night long, but nothing happened. Instead, he just mumbled a lot and held me until I fell asleep. I’m not complaining. It was nice. I enjoyed it very much, but deep down, I kinda wanted more.
I was still getting used to being my new self. Learning new things and having new experiences was terrific, but I was still having a bit of trouble when it came to asserting myself, especially with things I wanted and didn’t want. How did women make decisions that would affect their daily lives day in and day out? I guess growing up in the community was a bit easier. I mean, I didn’t have much to think about. My clothes were all basically the same, a white shirt with a long beige skirt. I was never allowed to cut my hair. No make-up whatsoever. As for my daily duties, that was simple, I cooked, cleaned, did laundry. For leisure time, I read and studied the bible.
That was it.
That was my life.
Now, my life was so much more. I’d spent the previous day with Momma Roxy and the rest of the girls. They took me to Chattanooga and to a place called the mall. I’d heard of them from Remi, but I’d never been. It was a glorious place, with so many little shops of clothes, shoes, accessories. I even saw a business that sells coffee, candles, and games. There were numerous food shops where I could try different kinds of delicacies like sushi, steamed dumplings, and chicken nuggets. The place was amazing. The whole time the girls talked while Momma Roxy showed me what some of her favorite stores were. We shopped, laughed, and had a perfect time. I couldn’t wait to go back someday.
Everyone here had been so wonderful, welcoming me into their home and lives. I wanted to do something for them. Smiling to myself, I got out of bed, went to the bathroom to do my morning business, then quickly got dressed.
Making my way downstairs, I wasn’t surprised to find everyone still sleeping. I couldn’t help but wondered if the men in this club actually had jobs? What did they do all day? Heading for the kitchen, I turned on the lights and smiled.
This I knew.
This I could do, and I couldn’t wait to get started.
Over the next hour or so, I emersed myself in one of my delights. Cooking. I didn’t know what it was about cooking that soothed me, but I loved creating new things, experimenting with different spices and recipes. Creating new dishes just because I thought they would work well together. I never tired of being in the kitchen.
I had already finished quite a bit of dishes when a brother groggily walked into the kitchen and headed straight for the coffee pot. I somehow knew that would be their primary destination, and I wanted to make sure it was fresh and hot for them.
Watching him, I wanted to giggle. He looked so tired. I didn’t know what woke him up, but I was happy for the company. Taking a better look at him, I tried to remember his name, but for some reason, it eluded me. That was one thing I really needed to work on. I was terrible with names. I could remember faces, but names, not so much.
I watched as he took a long drink of his coffee, noticing the table that was dressed appropriately with a white linen sheet I found in one of the cupboards and covered with hot dishes ready to eat. In the next instant, he grabbed one of the plates I had set out and started filling it with the many dishes I made. Once he was seated, he wasted no time digging in.
Gradually, more men and a few of the women came into the kitchen and, without saying a word, got their coffee, grabbed a plate, started eating while I still continued to refill dishes, and took baked items out of the oven. When Momma Roxy and Moonshine walked in, they both smiled at me. “What’s all this?” Momma Roxy asked as she looked at the table. Walking over to me, she gave me a hug.
She loved hugs, and I quickly realized I did too.
“I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for being so kind and nice to me. For welcoming me into your home.”
“Awe, baby girl,” Roxy grinned, hugging me again.
“Did any of you assholes tell my daughter thank you?” Moonshine asked as he sat down at the table, filling his plate.
Instantly, several men raised their heads and said, “Thanks, Ari!”
Roxy laughed. “Ignore them, baby girl. They all live in a barn. They have no manners.”
“I have manners,” Ravage said, taking a bite of his bacon. “And this is really good, Ari. I haven’t had food like this since I was a little kid visiting my granny. She loved to cook too.”
Several of the men murmured and nodded in agreement.