Here is another chapter, hope you all enjoy. Please review…
It was still dark out when slowly and reluctantly, I uncover my face. I blink, close my eyes, and blink again. Streaks of moonlight penetrate the window. I sit up, dragging my feet off the bed, and rub my knuckles into my eyes. I stretch my arms above my head and yawn. I watch my legs dangle above the cherry wood floors, seeing it was not even two in the morning, but now sleep was beyond me even as fatigued as I was.
I stood feeling the chill as my bare feet touched the cold floor, but without hesitation, my feet moved to the bathroom. The house was warm as I washed my hands and brushed through my tangled hair, maybe I could read by the large open window and relax. So, with a book on Mythology in hand I curl up with a blanket and set about to reading, the bright moonlight shone on the book as the words came to life. I felt a chill up my spine making it tingle, I stood faster than normal looking out the window as massive as it was. On the outskirts was a tall figure there was no mistaking it, not as tall as those from the brotherhood.
I bolt for Jesse, his door next to mine.
A single knock before his footfalls are heard, he was in disarray as I woke him from his slumber but his eyes wide and worried as he saw it was me. "Jesse, a man is out there," like that he shoved me into his room and walked out, leaving me in there alone. I was not weak so shaking off the fear, I followed him the door was wide open as Angus was rushing out and Mae just pulled me to her in a hug her hair as wild as mine when waking.
"I am nothing but trouble," whispering but she gave me a look. "No you're not, never think such a thing, ever." Her voice so soft and warm as another ten minutes passed Jesse walked in with his father, a body in their arms.
Jesse groaned dropping him to the floor, "SWEAR," he yelled as his own pa shook his head.
"Mae, its Hun Ling. Guess he got the word and came, well guess he spooked Finley and she got Jesse, who sot to protect us. He should wake soon," oh, no. I had a friend of theirs killed.
"I am so sorry, I just saw a man and panicked,"
"As you should, he shouldn't have come in the dead of night scaring us. Not like we haven't got troubles with the hood," Jesse moved closer trying to reassure me.
The man woke like he had been asleep his black eyes matched his raven hair. He was Asian and maybe a little older than Jesse and I. But he smiled at Angus, "Your boy, he shot me such a hospitable man," his voice thick with an accent.
Jesse didn't care, "Do it again too, come here at four in the morning. We have been attacked and you gave Finley a scare," now Hun's eyes bore into mine as he moved closer taking my hand in his bestowing a kiss to the back of my palm, just as Jesse had done.
His voice sweet, "My most sincere apologies, never would I scare such a beautiful young immortal as yourself. My name is Hun, it is a pleasure to meet you, Finley," he was laying the charm on, I was not used to people paying me attention.
"I am sure you're sincere," was heard muttered by Jesse as I spoke. "I am sorry I caused you to be shot, Jesse is so protective, and I run to him," now out of the corner of my eye Jesse was smiling at Hun, his chest puffed out. Now I noticed the lack of shirt and pants, he was in boxers only now my heart racing once again.
"Angus, shall we talk," he spoke now to Angus as Jesse followed along with Mae as I cleaned the area that I had been reading in. It was Monday, Celia would be back tonight, her and Miles.
Pathetic Finley.
I moved to the leather sofa taking a seat just watching them, Jesse was red in the face and so was Hun, Mae was shaking her head her hand on her mouth as Angus gave me a weak smile. I was a problem, nothing less and a problem as the clock struck five did Mae sigh, "we're going to get another two hours sleep. Hun, you have the spare room, Jesse and Finley please get some more sleep," she had this mothering tone as Jesse flopped down next to me, Hun smiled.
"See you in the morning, Měilì de yīgè," the last part was in Chinese and by the snarl, Jesse understood just fine. Hun smiled wider, "Jié xī, nǐ méiyǒu yāoqiú tā,"
Jesse snapped back his long hair touching his shoulder, "We will see, Hun,"
I was not tired anymore, as Mae and Angus are back in bed same with Hun. Jesse just fumed next to me. "I am sorry again, Jesse,"
"Nothing to be sorry about, you did what was right. You always should come to me, I am always here for you. Come on you need rest, " pulling me up when my own sigh escaped. "I have been up since two, trouble sleeping,"
"Come here, maybe we can just talk," but now we are in his room, books scattered on his desk, journals too. He pulls me down, "I don't bite, unless asked. I promise," his bed was warm and so comfortable.
I curled into him, maybe he and meemaw cuddled at one point. "What were you all talking about?"
"Seems the hood are immortals, but they are a dying breed. Which Hun found out was due to the water mutating them. They found a way for young female immortals to have their offspring,"
"Oh no, they want to impregnate us, I would love a child but not with them," my nose scrunched up as Jesse laughed. "I won't let them, ever," the promise was laced into his tone.
Like that we fall back into silence until his breathing has evened out, his face was so peaceful as he slept. I whispered, "I know you won't," leaving him to sleep, I was going to cook, I have been doing so well and everyone would wake in the next hour. So, with her recipe box in hand, I make muffins, eggs, sage sausage, bacon, and last was the buttermilk biscuits and country gravy. The table set as I brought food to it, "My dear, thank you so much. You are such an angel," Mae beamed at me with Angus and Hun behind her, each smiled.
"She sure is," Angus boosted when I chimed in. "I will go wake Jesse,"
I walked in without knocking, placing my hand on his bare chest, feeling the slow rhythm of his heart while my own was about to burst from my chest. I gave a faint shake, "Jesse," his body moved as a low growl was heard, again I shake his chest my voice louder now. "Jesse, come on I cooked," his cocoa eyes blinking back the very small amount of sunlight he allowed into his room.
"Sorry, wait you cooked?"
"Yes, couldn't sleep," my smile plastered on as he helped me from his bed before pulling on a gray long sleeve thermal and dark jeans, last was his socks and black boots.
I spoke, "I will just go," he smiled up at me, I felt the heat in my cheeks.
"No need to rush off, all done. Let me escort you to the table," his tone amused as we walked out and I slapped his arm. "You're cocky,"
"I have to be," he laughed as we sit with the others, at this point Hun pulls me into a conversation about ancient cities. It was all very fascinating he had such experience and was about forty years older than Jesse and Miles. Throughout the day it was seemly each trying to have my full attention, my refuge was Mae who would smile.
Her words wise, "You have had such a life you look not to understand the male specimen. Seems my Jesse has finally found you, but seems like Hun has taken a shine too,"
"They like me?" innocent was the tone, naïve was the truth.
Mae smiled still, "Oh yes my darling, they both do,"
Jesse liked me…Hun liked me…
I just stayed close to her as she baked some granola, and fruit bars she could freeze for snacking. I felt myself sink into a state of ease, for I knew what was coming next. The impending was inevitable and I could sense it nearing. Thunder rumbled in the distance and a bolt of lightning cracked the midnight blue sky into two. Jagged flashes of pure light cast a glow against the monochromatic background. Torrential rain attacked us in sheets, impenetrable gunfire. Hun was in deep conversation with the boys, every so often Jesse or Angus would look at us girls. I just plated up some hot tomato soup with a dollop of sour cream and a grilled cheese cut in half for Jesse and Hun, as Mae did the same for her husband. I was able to take the large tray to the table where they sat talking amongst themselves, I heard a few words. "Protect them," and "over my dead body"
"Well I think us females should be listening to this conversation, seems it is about us," setting the tray down giving them all a firm stare.
"Not Mae, but you yes. They need young girls, you and Celia fit their desire,"
Panic, as my eyes darted out the window, a breathless whisper came, "Celia?" she wasn't safe out there, only two walking in this weather with the Brotherhood after us.
Jesse sighed, "Hey now, Finley. Celia is just fine with my brother, they're due home soon. After this she and you will be safe, I promise," his hands rubbing my arms as I give him a pitiful look.
Hun upped him, "If it appeases you, I will personally go meet them by the river and make sure Celia comes back. I heard how you have taken to her due to your childhood,"
I spoke, "No thank you, I shouldn't risk anyone due to my own worries. Miles is so strong he can protect her, and Jesse is right they are due home soon," my words failed in any emotion as my eyes lingered on the window.
They all eat but my stomach was churning with worry, I was always like this and nothing would change this about me. I help with laundry, helped with any cleaning, I walked into my own room making sure it was tidy, next was Celia's and Miles, adding fresh flowers and mopping the floors for them. Next was Jesse's room, his bedroom wasn't just a mess, it was a disaster zone. It looked like a drunken cyclone had erupted in his closet strewing his clothes across the floor, then made its haphazard way across to the desk to do the same to his books and such. The only clues that this uber-chaos was human-made were the partially drunken cups of tea littered about the floor and bedside table in various states of mold growth. I set to work clearing the mason jars and mugs, taking them to be cleaned once done they hang to dry. Next was using polish on every inch of space after his clothes are in a basket ready to be cleaned, they had a washer and dryer but only used them during the winter. His room smelled of orange polish as the floors are finally cleaned. Now his dirty clothes are in the washer as winter has come, while they wash I go back to helping Mae cook supper. "You my dear are such a help, thank you for all you do," she mused handing me the peeler.
"Thank you for taking me in," starting on the potatoes while she snapped green beans dropping them into salted water with diced ham. I added the cut spuds into the water, next I added eggs and buttermilk to a large bowl dropping in the drumsticks for her.
"Going to add his clothes to the dryer," alerting her before walking off with the wicker washing basket on my hip. Leaving it on the dryer going back to shift flour and her own seasoning as the batter for her fried chicken, I couldn't wait. "Should we do some rolls or buttermilk biscuits? I have made both and froze them after molding them," she mused as I added in.
"Think the biscuits would fit the meal better, I will go get them for you," like that leaving her snapping beans as I found the first bag half filled with her uncooked biscuits.
"Thank you, angel," patting my cheek before taking the bag from me, the large cast iron skillet was filled with oil as it was warming up.
The laundry room was next to Hun's room, so he just stood chatting with me while I folded and hung Jesse's clothes. "You have an old soul, I know it has been only a day. But I feel you are one, not only an old soul but a kindred one,"
"Yeah, I like it that way being an old soul makes us unique and in this day of age it is needed," I open my eyes wider, keeping the smile. He nods and takes a sip of his coffee before he looks at me once again.
He asked, "Would you care to one day come to China, I could show you so much," he had this smile, it was strong but there was something about it.
"I would love to, we can talk later. My apologies, I am helping Mae with supper and doing the laundry, if you have any just leave it on the washer and I will get it done really fast," trying to avoid a talk right now with much to do.
"I have, and thank you dove," he vanished to his room as I took Jesse's basket and hung clothes to his room to set them on his bed.
I enter when behind me I hear Jesse, "Having fun with him?" his tone was sour.
"I am having fun, helping and talking. You could always talk to me, Jesse. You seem off today, is all okay," the black tee clung to his body showing his muscles. "Just worried, I am sorry. Thank you for this," his hand moving around his now clean room.
"No trouble, here are your clean clothes," offering him the filled basket leaving him to put his belongings away. Dinner was nearly done when Jesse walked in, "Smells great, how about I set the table,"
"Thank you, son," his ma smiled at him, the love was seen when she looked at us.
I smiled as well, handing him the bundle of silverware and plates, "Thank you, Finely. After dinner care to talk with me, alone," his eyes now on Hun who wasn't smiling.
"Of course, you can also help me with the dishes," I made sure to add a plate for Miles and Celia. The food was done as we brought it out just then the door opened and Miles walked in, like that I placed the large plate piled high with chicken on the table and rushed him.
"Miles," with that damn smile he held his arms out and like a child, I flung myself into them as Celia walked in. Miles laughed a little, "Miss me?"
"Sure did, oh Celia," helping her with her wet coat, placing a fleece blanket around her. "Let me get you both some warm cider, Mae and I made it not long ago. Please sit," dashing into the kitchen where Mae was.
"They're home, and chilled to the bone," taking to mugs filling them with the warm cider as Mae rushed to her family with me behind her. Celia and Miles are smiling as they talked, "Here you both go," before Hun pulled my chair out, I gave a pleading look to Celia, who gave me a nod.
"So good, and warm," Miles kissed my head once again. It was supper time, talking and eating as Jesse filled my own cup up with cider while Hun offered me a buttered biscuit.
Miles just sighed, "Now boys, leave my daughter be. You are overwhelming her," it was silent now, Miles just gave me a nod. I just ate and vanished to the kitchen to start the washing, after I had folded Hun's clothes and set them in his clean room.
Mae and Celia came in with the dirty dishes along with Jesse, "Now Ma and Celia go have a sit we got this," he jumped into helping me. "Sorry," he offered.
"Why, Jesse?" shocked he said it to me.
"Being over baring,"
"It wasn't you, not used to having any guy give me attention, now two were it was all very confusing,"
Jesse, bless him looked confused.
"No guy ever liked you or gave you some attention,"
I sighed, 'No, I was too skinny, too sick. My grandpa did, my father never saw me hated girl children. My butler loved me, he helped me so much."
"Well get used to it, you can have all my attention. If you want it,"
Before I could answer, Mae, cut in. "Hurry up, we are having a family talk,"
Not long later he hung the last pan up and lead me from the room, "We are done," but now we sit on the sofa, I was sandwiched between the two boys. We talked of the brotherhood, Miles was very angry as Jesse took him outside in the rain to calm him down as Celia hugged me, and I her.
"You girls will be safe, no one will harm my family, ever," the venom was so unexpected from Mae.
Hun added, "I can take Finley back home with me, we have many to guard her. Celia, is also welcome to come they will be safe. But I must leave tonight,"
Angus gave a look to the open door, "No, Hun. We thank you, but like we talked they can't come during winter, and we are coming to you as soon as the snow clears," Hun looked upset but relented.
"Agreed, I will be back in February. Dove, I will show you the world then," but Jesse just flew at him as I let out a scream falling to the floor as the boys fought.
Celia just snapped out helping me from the floor. "Act like men not little boys fighting over a girl,"
Miles and Angus looked on, as Jesse and Hun stopped.
"Angus care to walk to the tunnel, I must go my plane leaves soon," Hun just placed a kiss to my lips as Jesse walked out fuming, the rain was overwhelming. I followed Hun, Miles, and Angus out seeing Jesse on the log his long brown hair plastered to his face. I just walked to him as the boys vanished into the darkness.
"Jesse, talk. Tell me what wrong," making my voice pleasant when I was upset they acted like fools. "I…I think I fell in love with you. I couldn't leave you to go to California,"
"I like you too,"
He kissed the droplets from my lips, and I felt his lips smile against mine. Jesse swept my hair aside and kissed me just over the collarbone. He nibbled at my ear and then sank himself into my arms. I hung my fingers on his waistband, dragging him closer. Jesse buried his face in my shoulder curve, his hands flexing around my back. He gave a reduced groan. "I love you," into my hair. "The happiest moment that I actually remember being." The insane rain had the most lovable gesture embracing me in the chilled gust of wind reminding me of my grandparents.
"You have all of me, only if I can have all of you," his words so low, his hands braced on my face. "If you think you want it, then it is yours,"
"Finally," Celia laughed.
When your world explodes from the inside Jesse's the man you want next to you. He feels the shockwave and stays on his feet. Whatever he had to do disappears and as he refocuses on what needs to be done. He'll cover every angle and stay right there until you can breathe, walk and talk at the same time. Then he stands back and lets you get back on with your life, never mentioning your crisis again and not wanting to discuss it further.
Měilì de yīgè(Beautiful one)
Jié xī, nǐ méiyǒu yāoqiú tā(you have no claim to her, Jesse)