Page 26 of Bones’ Firefly (Pagan Souls of Cherokee MC #6)

A month, that’s all it had been since my life changed completely and for the better.

I never honestly expected I’d find someone.

After what happened with Petra, I distrusted women.

Sure, I knew the old ladies of my brothers and friends were trustworthy.

I was happy for them. However, for some reason, I thought I wouldn’t find someone for myself who I could either take the chance with or could trust. With Blythe, I found it easy.

And falling totally in love with her in a matter of a few weeks, while insane to the outside world, was expected for Pagans and our friends.

The only thing marring utter happiness and contentment for us was the dark shadow of Deon.

He had stuck to his story when it came to explaining how he was beaten.

And everything Wire had access to through his work at Deon’s house the night we visited indicated he was moving and had found other employment.

I wanted Deon to hurry up and leave. I didn’t feel comfortable allowing Blythe out of the compound.

We’d made a few trips to town, always with me or another Pagan with her.

She felt hampered, and I knew it was wearing on her.

Plus, I’d kept her from returning to work at Treasures Down South.

Well, that was over. Blythe had demanded she be allowed to work before she lost her mind.

The work she did for Austin on Tessa’s antiques was almost complete.

He was selling those he chose, and they were snatched up quickly.

Tessa had a lot of treasures that other collectors coveted.

Austin insisted that Blythe be paid a commission for her work.

She declined it, but he was adamant. I thought it was only fair.

So today was her first day back at Treasures with Alfred.

I insisted that I take her and I’d pick her up.

I wanted to check out the store and meet Alfred in person.

I wanted him to be aware that if they caught a glimpse of Deon anywhere near the shop, I was to be called, and so were the cops.

I usually would say no cops, but I’d live with it if they could get there first. I wouldn’t risk him harming Blythe or the babies.

Thinking of the babies, I glanced over at her.

She was eighteen weeks and three days along.

Her tummy had popped finally, and though she wasn’t huge, she bemoaned it.

I thought she looked fucking adorable with that little belly.

I rubbed it all the time and talked to the babies.

I wanted them to know their father’s voice before they were even born.

We were going this week for her monthly appointment.

I was hoping we’d find out what we were having.

I didn’t care one way or the other, but it would help with shopping and decorating the nursery.

Now that she was close to halfway there, Blythe was becoming itchy to do it.

I was, too. Pulling into the convenient open parking spot in front of the shop, I shut off the vehicle. Blythe glanced over at me.

“Remember, if you feel threatened or unsafe, you call me. If you can’t reach me, which should never be, you have the numbers for the others. If that fucker comes in the store, you lock yourself in the office and make the calls.” I reiterated.

“Jagger, I will. We’ve covered this several times.

I even had a phone conversation with Alfred about it.

You went over it with him. I love you, but you need to relax.

I highly doubt Deon is lurking around waiting on the off chance I come back here.

He’s packing and has a new job in Little Rock, Arkansas.

He’s stayed away. Hopefully, we have a few weeks, and he’ll be gone for good. I need you to relax,” she said.

Her seatbelt was off, so she leaned closer. I met her in the middle and kissed her. I had to have her kisses repeatedly to get through the day. When we parted, we both murmured, “I love you.”

“Let’s get you inside,” I told her.

I got out, slipped on my cut, then rounded the car to open her door and assist her out.

She beamed her megawatt smile at me. I also helped her to put on her property cut.

It had come last week, and I’d presented it to her one evening at the clubhouse, so everyone saw it and celebrated with us.

She’d blushed but kept rubbing her hands over the leather.

I knew she was happy to have it. It made my claim official.

It gave me a jolt every time I saw Property of Bones on the back and Firefly on the front.

At first, when I said I wanted her to wear it at work, she balked.

She said that Alfred wouldn’t like it, and she didn’t want to scare any customers.

People could be funny. I knew she was right, but I was more concerned with the protection it gave her.

When someone wore a property cut, most people hesitated to mess with them.

Finally, I’d gotten her to agree. She said if Alfred said she couldn’t, she’d wear it to work, take it off while working, and then put it back on when it was quitting time.

I wasn’t happy with it, so I hoped Alfred would be understanding about it.

I held her close as I walked her inside.

The store was beautifully arranged, but it was filled with antiques.

The smell told you that there were a lot of old things in there.

It wasn’t an unpleasant odor, just one that reminded you of age.

The store opened at eight o’clock. Alfred had told her to wait until nine to come in.

She would work until five, and then I’d be here to take her home.

The distance between Cherokee and Bryson City made it about a half-hour ride.

She was worried about me making the drive twice, but I was fine, even if it meant driving my car every day. It was only for a while.

She walked us toward the back, where I saw a counter. As we got closer, an older man popped out of the back area. He was smiling ear to ear. He rushed over to meet us, his hands out. When Blythe placed hers in his, he kissed both cheeks.

“It’s so good to have you back, Blythe. You’ve made an old man happy. Thank you.” He turned slightly toward me. He let go of her to hold out his hand to me.

“And you have to be Bones. I would know it without your name on your chest. You protect her like the treasure she is. Good. It’s wonderful to meet you in person. Let’s go to my office, please. We’ll hear if anyone enters.”

We followed him. He was right. They would.

There was a bell that sounded every time the door was opened.

His office was directly on the other side of the wall that backed the cashier’s desk.

He waved us into chairs at a small table he had.

Sitting, I noted he had two pots and three cups on the table, plus sugar and creamer. I smelled coffee.

“May I offer you a coffee or tea, Bones?” He asked.

“I’ll take black coffee. I’m not a tea drinker. Thank you.”

He nodded, and as he poured, he chatted. “Blythe and I will have our favorite tea. I’ve been waiting to share it with you again. I had a bit of a time getting more two months ago.”

“Alfred, thank you. I do love it. Bones, Alfred is something of a tea aficionado. He’s greatly expanded my palate for tea. I never knew how different they could be until him.”

Blythe eagerly took the cup he handed her.

After serving her, I got my coffee, and he took his tea.

I heard her sigh after taking a sip. I’d have to find out from Alfred what her favorites were and stock them at home.

She couldn’t go wild right now with caffeine, but a cup or two a day wouldn’t hurt her.

We drank for a minute or more before I raised my concern, even though we’d spoken on the phone.

“Mr. Pennington, I know I told you on the phone my concern about Blythe’s return at this time.

Her ex is still in Nantahala. According to Blythe, he frequently comes to Bryson City.

We’ve heard that he’s planning to move to another state.

We hope it’s not just a rumor. However, until he does, he poses a risk to Blythe and the babies. ”

Alfred held up his hand, and I saw Blythe sigh. I wouldn’t apologize for ensuring her and the babies’ safety. I waited to hear what her boss would say.

“Please, call me Alfred. As for her ex, I never liked him. I’m sorry, my dear.

I knew you could do so much better. But to find out what he did makes me furious.

I understand your worry, Bones. And until he’s far away, we can’t be too careful.

I will accompany her on any appraisals that require her to leave the store.

And while I may look like a weak old man, I assure you I’m not.

I’m a former US Marine. I carry and know how to use a firearm.

I practice routinely. If he dares to approach her, I’ll send him on his way.

If he tries anything more, he’ll find himself with holes in him. ”

The genial elderly man had morphed before my eyes into a force to be reckoned with. His gaze was steely, and his expression fierce. I had no doubt he’d do what he said. My concern was, what if Deon surprised them or overpowered Alfred?

“I appreciate that. And I thank you. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but what if he surprised or overpowered you? It can happen, even to the best of us.” I hoped I didn’t hurt his pride. I liked the old fella.

“It could, and I have prepared for that. If you’ll give me a moment,” he said, taking out a cell phone and typing on it. After he was done, I wondered who he sent it to and why. We were drinking more when I heard the doorbell ring. I shot to my feet.

“It’s fine. I asked someone to join us. That should be him.”

To be safe, I remained standing. Moments later, a man came around the corner. He’d been extremely quiet. At first glance, he appeared to be in his thirties, in peak physical form. He was tall and buff and carried himself in a way that shouted he’d served in the military. He nodded to Alfred.

“You wanted to see me, Alfred,” he said in a deep, booming voice.

“Yes. I did. I want you to meet Bones and Blythe. I told you about the situation she finds herself in. Bones is her…what do you call it? I don’t recall the term,” he asked me.

“I’m her old man, and she’s my old lady,” I replied. I wondered who this man was and why Alfred told him anything about us.

“Yes, that’s it. He’s a Pagan Soul from Cherokee, as you can see.

Anyway, Bones is concerned about the ex-boyfriend causing issues or harm to Blythe.

He’s already done it. And as you see, she’s pregnant.

She’s having twins. I assured him I was armed and could defend her, but he’s worried about me being overpowered or surprised,” Alfred explained.

The man gave a brief dip of his chin, and then he met my gaze.

“My name is Leon. Alfred has hired me to stand guard outside the shop to provide extra security for your woman in case the man makes an appearance. I have his photograph and know what he drives. He won’t be allowed to cause trouble.

If they leave the shop, which sometimes is required to appraise items, I’ll accompany them. ”

“Alfred, no! I don’t want you to spend money on this. Sorry, Leon, but it’s unnecessary,” Blythe protested.

“Blythe, hold on,” I said. I wasn’t sure I could trust a stranger.

“I can and will. It’s not only for you. There have been some robberies around the area.

They target mostly businesses. And while we’re vulnerable at night, they seem to strike during the day when there are few customers in the stores.

They’re bold, as if they’re daring someone to stop them.

If you’re wondering about Leon’s qualifications, they’re impeccable.

He served twenty years in the Corps. He recently retired and is deciding what he wants to do next.

Though younger than me, his father served with me and is a close friend. I can vouch for him,” Alfred explained.

Knowing this eased my mind, but I wouldn’t relax until Wire checked him out and approved him.

“Don’t take this wrong, either of you, but Blythe is my life.

If anything happened to her, I’d lose it.

As much as I appreciate you guarding her, I have to know you’re a man I can allow to watch over the most precious thing I have.

I need to know your full name. I have to have you checked out,” I told Leon.

He smirked, then held out his hand. In it was a piece of paper. “That has everything you need on it. I knew if you were any kind of protector, you had a way to do it and would.”

I took it and glanced down to find everything, including his Social Security number. When I looked back at him, his hand was still out. I shook it and grinned.

“I can’t believe you guys. This is too much. Deon isn’t that stupid,” Blythe grumbled.

She tried to convince us not to do it for another twenty minutes and got nowhere.

Knowing it was time to leave, I kissed her and reminded her to be careful.

I touched her belly, then said goodbye to Leon and Alfred.

When I got to my SUV, I called Wire and gave him the information.

I drove away slightly less apprehensive about her safety.

I planned to spend time at Souls’ Soak today and then return to pick her up.

I knew she’d probably still be protesting.