Page 170 of The Satyr's Guilt
“And if all portals fail?”
“What’s the saying? Bend over and kiss yourass goodbye.”
“I do notkiss my own ass.”
As Alarik unfolded his large frame from thechair, Cadmon spoke. “It’s my turn to share with you, Director. Thecommanders are confronting a strange occurrence.”
“Which is?”
“Many recruits are appearing at theirstrongholds. The Phoenix is busy creating a Firebrand army. Wewonder how we will train them.”
“What do you mean bymany? I likenumbers.” Alarik’s brows tightened.
“Commander Nace reported twenty-five thisweek.”
Alarik shook his head. “More mysteries. Idon’t enjoy mysteries.”
****
Denim tapped the toe of herboot on the wood porch outside the door. She knew the protocol.Someone was spying on them through the peephole.
When the door opened just a crack, a womangrinned. She slipped the chain off before re-opening it wide.
“Denim. We’ve been waiting.” The youngmother, much happier than the last time they had met, balanced theboy on her hip.
“Hi. This is my … um … husband and daughter.Ram and Jonquil, meet Leslie and Jeffie.”
The mother’s jaw dropped when she spottedRam. He had that effect on women.
Secure in their relationship, Denim knew heonly had eyes for her. Green eyes. Sexy eyes.
Marta came on a run from the kitchen, wipingher hands on a stained apron. “Denim.”
They clasped arms around each other,squeezing in a giant hug.
Backing away, Marta raised brows at thegirl. “You must be Jonquil. I’ve heard many good stories aboutyou.” She pinched the girl’s chin between a thumb and forefinger,tilting her face from side to side. “Such anange.”
“Nice to meet you, mam.”
“No, child. I’m Marta to everyone. Or toyou,tante.” She winked when she saw Ram. “You’d look realnice in a Speedo.”
Denim laughed as the skin around her satyr’snarrowed eyes crinkled. “Private joke. I’ve pictured him in onealso, Marta.”
“Come on, folks. I hope you’re hungry. I’vegot cookies for dessert, child.” Marta patted Jonquil’s back.“We’re a noisy bunch. I hope you don’t have sensitive hearing.”
Ram chuckled. “Marta, I love noise. I lovefood. And I hope those cookies are for adults, too.” He slipped theshelter owner’s arm through his and caressed her hand, escortingher into the kitchen where he pulled out a chair for her.
“Laudy, what a gentleman you are.”
He took care of Denim and Jonquil after hecautioned the others to wait for him. “None of the ladies sitwithout my assistance.” He winked.
Her satyr was in his glory. After all, hewas the only man among so many beautiful females. When he wentaround the room, seating each woman, they stared at him inwide-eyed adoration. He whispered something special in each ear ashe pulled out a chair. They laughed when he kissed the backs oftheir hands. Most of them had had so little joy in life. Denimworshiped Ram anew for the attention he paid them.
At last he sat down, and the passing of foodbegan. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, a gumbo withAndouille sausage and shrimp, seasoned okra, collard greens. Onceall the plates were full, loud chatter overflowed the room. Martablurted out a question. “So, tell me. Since you are married, aremore children in the future?”
Denim turned ash white, but Ram didn’t missa beat. “Of course children are in our future. We owe Jonquilbrothers or sisters. And you gotta admit, with my brains andDenim’s looks, they’ll be dynamite.”
Before Denim responded, she glanced atJonquil, whose eyes widened as she mouthed aplease.
