Southern Comfort: Chandler's Story (The Southern Series Book 1)

by Shelley Stringer

  “Yes, Bebe, and it is a dangerous thing. That is why the civilized, the Aldon, of our kind have to stay a secret, those who no one knows about. They would never accept there are two worlds. They would target us all. It would be one massive witch hunt, pardon the expression. And there are some in our circles, who believe the military would want to try to harness us, use us as a weapon.”

  “Why would you worry? Aren’t you invincible, I mean, super-human strength, immortal, all that jazz?”

  Everett laughed. “Maybe one-hundred and fifty years ago, we could be that arrogant. Your next question? I would imagine, are you cold-blooded? Are you immortal? No, we are not. A long time ago, a single shot rifle was no match for us, or a bayonet. Not anymore. Mankind has weapons in their arsenal now that can destroy the whole world, and every living organism including us. We heal extraordinarily fast, and are immune to human diseases and ailments of old age. But use an automatic weapon on us, blast us full of so many holes that you can cut us in pieces, or a flame-thrower, and no amount of super-gene can overcome that.”

  I shuddered at the imagery. “What about Banton and others who have this gene that blocks transformation?

  “You know about Banton?”

  “Yes, he told me.”

  “Our eyesight and smell can pick up the trait. It would be hard to explain to you. Let’s just say it’s like an aura, a cloud around the body that seems to glow out of those with the gene. My kind can detect it.”

  “So you’ve known about Banton all along?”

  “Yes, and John and the other SEALs. And you too, Bebe,” he said quietly.

  “What? What do you mean?” I asked warily.

  “You have the gene too. I knew it the minute you walked into my shop that day. You were so charming, and I liked you immediately. I knew you were an innocent, and I needed to know more about you. The minute we became friends, and then I saw where you lived, I could smell where the vermin had been around your house. I had to protect you. That is what attracts them to you, to your house, you know. They are attracted to your scent, your aura. We don’t know why. But there are three of you living there now. You are drawing them in.”

  I whispered now. “What would happen to us if we are bitten? What keeps us from wanting blood? Turning into one of the undisciplined?”

  “You’ve been around Banton’s father. He seems like a normal human, yes?”

  “Yes.”

  “That is what the gene does. It blocks the total transformation. You would go through the pain, the hypersensitive nerves, senses, but you wouldn’t totally transform. The venom slows the aging process, speeds the adrenaline production and muscle development, but does not turn you. You would be super-human, but not immortal. You would be on the same level with them, able to fight them without fear of being transformed.”

  Chills covered my entire body. My mind was swirling, and I wasn’t sure which worry to address first.

  “This is all so overwhelming. Let it soak in. I have to caution you, you have to be extremely cautious. There are those in my circles who would have you killed just for knowing, to protect our way of life. There are a few humans, like Banton and his father, and the good doctor, who know. Even more suspect, but say nothing. Be one of those people, my dear friend.”

  Everett paused, and we watched the fire licking up the chimney in silence for a few moments. I suspected he was letting me digest all he had revealed to me.

  “I have told Banton all I have told you. I suspect the military is two-fold in its interest in Banton, as his father suspects, also. He would be wise to keep his eyes open to all possibilities. I do not think of the military as an enemy, I am first, and foremost, an American patriot.” He said it with so much conviction, I could imagine him in a revolutionary war uniform. “I have family who fought in the military, from the Revolutionary War, to the Civil War, to World War I. But there are those who would use this knowledge, knowledge of our world, to further their own ambitions. Knowledge is a dangerous thing.” He smiled at me then, and touched my cheek.

  “Can I ask you another question?”

  “Fire away.”

  “You told me the first week we met you were thirty-two. Is that correct?”

  “Well, I pass for thirty two. I figure I can pass for anything from twenty-five to fifty, with the right makeup…”

  “You aren’t going to tell me how old you really are, are you?”

  “I was born to a half-breed human mother and Aldon father, before the Civil War.”

  “Oh.” That one, I couldn’t begin to wrap my head around. “But you said you are close to your mother, she is still alive? And your grandmother?”

  “My mother and grandmother carried the gene, as you do. They were bitten, and became half-breeds. But they do age slowly, unlike me.”

  “What about your sister? You said you have nieces…”

  “Her husband’s daughters. They were young when she married him. He is human, so are the girls.”

  “I’m sorry, I’ve really been so rude. I am just so full of questions, and I still can’t process it all.” I couldn’t help it. I began to run over in my head all the conversations we’d had since we met, and how he’d come into my home, all this time…

  “It’s perfectly all right, Bebe. You are part of my family, my circle now. Now that you know you have to keep our secret. Please, don’t let the fact I’ve been keeping this from you, and that I’ve been watching what happened with the operation here, don’t let that make you doubt for a second my motivation for befriending you. That, ma cherie, would have happened no matter what your genetic makeup.”

  “Okay, now you are really scaring me,” I gulped. Then I asked, “Can you read minds, too?”

  Everett laughed, and answered me with a grin. “No, not in the way you mean, Bebe. We have a super-sense, like a sixth sense. We can sense apprehension, fear, we can almost taste the turn of your thoughts. It’s like we are really, really good at guessing, and reading emotions. But no, we can’t read minds. Come, let’s get cleaned up and settled in your room. And after this morning, I want to go through the house, and stay with you for a while.”

  After getting me squared away for a bath, Everett scoured the entire house, checking rooms, windows, and securing doors. I heard him as he returned to the hallway and sat down outside the bathroom door.

  “Everett?”

  “Yes?”

  “I feel badly you have to babysit me. Don’t you have somewhere else you need to be?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. There is no where else I’d rather be. Besides, some of us, we live for this. Many of us see ourselves as the protectors of humans, you know. We take pride in what we do. That is what Aldon means. The literal translation means old friend, or wise protector. And we are fighting the scum giving us a bad name.”

  “You are too good to be true.”

  “Oh, darlin’. You are so right!” He laughed, and it was the old Everett again.

  “Thank you again, Everett,” I sighed.

  After my bath, I took the time to dry and roll my hair, and fix my makeup. It was the least I could do, to stop scaring everyone around me. I sank down on my bed, and gathered my books and computer around me, and spent the next four hours studying while Everett whipped us up something in the kitchen, and then hung out with me on my bed. I shuddered once, thinking, I’m hanging out alone in my house, with a vampire…Then I looked over at Everett and he laughed out loud, pulling me to him and kissing my forehead. The funny thing was, I still couldn’t bring myself to ask him if he was gay.

  “Okay, that is it. I can’t cram another bit of information into my head. I’m ready for my exams, master yoda.”

  “If you promise you are ready, then I guess I’ll take you back to Mr. Wonderful. Your cell, sweet Bebe,” he said as he handed it to me. “He’s called you about four times.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” I asked, a bit irritated.

  “You needed to concentrate, and he can’t go anywhere. Now, cal
l him back.” He smiled impishly at me.

  I dialed Banton back when we were in Everett’s car, speeding back to Dr Lane’s.

  “Chandler, are you all right? Did you let your cell die?”

  “No, my jailer wouldn’t let me have phone time until my homework was all finished.” I answered, in a petulant tone.

  “Oh, that’s good, I guess. I should have known. I was torn between hoping you would pick up, and hoping you were sleeping. Did you get some rest?”

  “Well, not sleep. But I lounged as I studied, and strangely, I feel refreshed. We are on our way, so we’ll be there in ten.”

  “Perfect. See you then.”

  As I flipped my phone shut, Everett patted my hand. “Darlin, I need to ask you a question.”

  “Ask away. Anything.” I used his phrase from earlier.

  “Why do I keep smelling the scent of gardenias in the front hallway at random times, and on the stairwell, and as I enter your room? I’ve searched and searched, but there is no source. Who is the orb I see on the staircase?” He searched my face. I was shocked into silence. It never occurred to me he could see the presence in my house. Hearing him put the vision and the smell together, I finally could admit it to myself.

  “The beloved.”

  He shot me a confused look.

  “My mother.”

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Everett sat quietly for a few moments, and then spoke to me softly. “Chandler, darling’, how long have you known it was her?”

  “For a while now. I only recently accepted that it could be her.”

  He patted me on the hand as I changed the subject. “How can you afford to be away from your store so much? I mean, you drop everything at a moment’s notice, every time I need you!”

  “I’m independently wealthy, sweetie. The shop is a hobby. Wealth is usually abundant for the eternally bright and hard-working.” He winked at me.

  When we arrived at Dr Lane’s, Banton was in a strange mood. He seemed impatient and highly agitated. I attributed it to being cooped up and not able to tie loose ends with his team. He shoved his food tray away and jerked the bedclothes back, attempting to stand.

  “Whoa there, Cowboy, where are you off to? Are you supposed to be up?” Everett asked as we entered.

  Banton turned, and then his expression softened as he focused on us. “Yeah, the Doc says I can start moving around. I just need to get my bearings and work some soreness out.” He smiled at me warmly, and opened his arms to me as I hurriedly crossed the room. When I hugged him, he winced a little.

  “Oh, I’m sorry.”

  “It’s great. Don’t worry. Best pain I ever had.” He beamed down at me.

  “You two visit for a bit. I’m going to talk with the good doctor. Chandler, I’ll take you back at bedtime. You need to rest in your own bed tonight, before your tests.” He peered at me over his reading glasses like a mother hen.

  “Okay, fine,” I answered petulantly.

  Banton pulled me over to the bed and reclined back into his pillows, pulling me down with him.

  “So,” I asked, placing my hand around the back of his neck, and rubbing my thumb on his jaw line, “what is the verdict? Do you get to go home tomorrow?”

  “If I promise to take it easy for a couple of days, I’ll be home when you get out of class tomorrow. I’m calling John to come and get me, so I can fill him in on what has happened. I’m…going to need his help with some things.”

  “Of course. We’ll all help you, Banton, till you’re well again.”

  “No, that’s not what I meant, I mean…” He paused, then changed the subject. “The doc says I’ll be able to go to the officers’ ball Friday night. Do you have a dress yet?”

  “Of course. We ask, Everett delivers. It’s beautiful! I can’t wait for you to see it.”

  “It will be on you.” He leaned in, and kissed me. All at once, he was hungry, grasping my upper arms and pulling me into his body forcefully. He turned in the bed, and swiftly I was under him, and his iron grasp began to hurt. It didn’t make sense, he was still recovering and we certainly wouldn’t do anything here. I pulled away from him to look at his face. He scowled, and released me, turning from me.

  “Banton, what is it? What’s wrong?” I asked, alarmed.

  “Nothing. I’m sorry, I’m not myself tonight. Are you okay?” He suddenly looked tortured. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just, I just want you so badly sometimes…” He trailed off, not making any sense.

  “I’m fine, it’s okay.” I studied him in the awkward silence that ensued.

  “I think I’ll get something to drink, do you want some water?” I got up and went into the bathroom.

  “Yes, thanks.”

  I turned around to go back into the room, to ask him where the kitchen was so I could get some ice. He was sitting up on the pillows, and had pulled his hospital gown up, looking at his stomach. The unmistakable jagged outline of vampire bite marks shone red against his skin.

  “Banton,” I called to him quietly from the doorway.

  He looked up at me abruptly, and a cloud of anger masked his face. “Chandler, get out!” he shouted at me. I stood like a statue in the doorway, unable to move. “I said, get out! I don’t want you to see me like this!”

  “Banton, don’t do this. It’s okay, I understand.”

  “No, it’s not okay! I can’t…I’m not in control…I can’t stand…” He ran his hand through his thick hair.

  “Chandler, what’s wrong?” Everett and Dr. Lane came running down the hallway behind me.

  Without turning to them, I answered, “He’s been bitten. He’s been infected.”

  “Banton, why didn’t you tell me?” Dr. Lane admonished him. “Don’t you realize I can help you? There are things we can give you to calm you down, make this easier,” he tried to reason with him.

  “NO! NO WAY! I don’t want any drugs! You’re not going to make me a zombie! I can get through this on my own!”

  “Banton!” Dr. Lane shouted at him to get his attention. “Don’t you know? I’ve been through this! So has your father, you are not alone. You aren’t feeling anything we haven’t experienced firsthand. We know so much more now than we did forty years ago. I’m not talking about major drugs. One valium will work wonders on your nerves, just to take the edge off. A mild anti-depressant. That’s all I’m talking about. It will just help the transition. With some educated help, you won’t feel much worse than an adolescent boy, I promise. Just let me use my knowledge to help you. The longest this will last is three to six months. Then you can lose the sleep aids, and extra pills. Will you let me help?” he asked, in a calmer voice.

  Banton calmed a bit, but seemed embarrassed at his outburst. “I’m so sorry, I can’t seem to get control of my emotions.”

  “Join the rest of us, sweetheart, I’ve been like this all my life,” Everett declared, examining a fingernail. We all burst out laughing, as Dr. Lane produced two pills for Banton to take.

  “I’m beginning to like having you around.” Dr. Lane put his arm around Everett, as they left the room.

  I eased around the end of the bed and sat down beside Banton. He slowly put his arm around me, and watched me warily.

  “It isn’t that easy to run me off, Banton. You’re stuck with me. For better or for worse.” I smiled down at him, and bent to kiss his lips softly. “We promised each other, two days ago, we would always share everything, never keep secrets from each other.”

  “I know. I’m so sorry, Chandler.”

  “Shhh. Just don’t let it happen again.” I kissed him deeply this time, running my hands down his chest, and slid my fingers across the bite mark I’d discovered. I wanted to let him know I wasn’t afraid of him, not one bit.

  Everett took me home early, determined I would get a good night’s sleep. He stayed with me that night and slept on Ava’s mattress on the floor. I didn’t know if he was afraid of what might come into my house again and was trying to protect me, or if he
was just keeping me from being alone and frightened. Whatever the reason, I was grateful. I slept fitfully, my mind not turning completely off for sleep. I ran through test questions, worries about Banton, worries about Ava, and then the alarm went off.

  I hurried to campus early, and caught three of my professors in their offices to make arrangements to take the rest of my tests early. I only fibbed a little, claiming a family emergency that necessitated my taking my exams today. By three o’clock that afternoon all of my finals were finished, and I felt good about the results. They had all seemed rather easy after all the studying I’d done.

  I rushed to the grocery store, having made a list of things I hoped to cook Banton this week while he was recuperating. By four o’clock I was pulling into the driveway. John’s pickup was already parked out front.

  “Hey, Andie girl, you’re home!” John met me on the front porch, and took the bags of groceries from me. “Banton’s home, I got here with him about an hour ago.”

  “Thanks for going to get him, John.”

  “No problem. He’s really a bear, isn’t he?” he asked, placing the groceries on the table in the entry hall. He pulled me into a warm hug.

  “You know?” I asked softly

  “You mean about the bite? Yeah, he told me. We’ll have to have some patience with him, Andie.”

  “I know. I plan on being the most patient girl on the planet!” I smiled at him.

  “I’m taking him in to N’awlins Wednesday afternoon for a de-briefing with the group. He and I have talked, and he doesn’t think it would be wise to let them know just yet about his…about his condition. So we won’t tell Ty or the others if they come over, all right?”

  “Understood. You and Everett, you are the only ones.”

  “Everett knows?” he asked cautiously. I realized I’d already slipped. He didn’t know Everett was one of the creatures, an Aldon.

  “Um, Everett was around the past two days. He knows a little, and he’s wise, John. He won’t say a word. He’ll act as if he knows nothing.”

  “Good. So, what’s all this?” John asked, picking the groceries back up and carrying them down the hallway.