Page 25 of Beast of the Bayou

My eyes finally move to the men and land on the ringleader. The man who sat back and allowed his friends to defile me. My hand begins to shake as I point at him. He sees my finger and turns to run out.

Solomon moves fast and swift. Setting me down, he grabs him by the throat, lifting him completely off the ground. "Is this one of the bastards who hurt you?"

"Y-Yes," I stutter.

Solomon's grip tightens around his neck. His legs kick uselessly. His eyes bulge, filling with blood as he fights desperately for air. There's a sickening crack—then he's still. Solomon tosses his body and he lands in a folded heap against the wall.

Even with his terrifying appearance, he manages to soften his face for me. "Go get in the car, my love. If you hear sirens…pull off and head home."

"Solomon—" I protest.

"Go, Lila."

With a nod, I run out the door. Stumbling to the car, I get in the driver's side. My entire body shakes as I wait. I can hear the raised voices, followed by several heavy thuds that make me flinch. And then an eerie quiet.

My eyes frantically search the doorway, barely breathing. Finally, Solomon appears. He grabs his shirt and leaps off the porch. Throwing the door open, he jumps in. I don't wait; I pull off just as the sound of sirens are heard in the distance. I can see him out my peripherals transforming back into his human form but I keep my eyes on the road.

We're a few miles away when he finally speaks. "Pull over, my love."

Still trembling, I pull over and park. Solomon unclips my seatbelt and lifts me up, settling me on his lap. His arms encircle my body and his lips press softly against my temple. "Relax for me, please." He rocks me gently. "I know it's scary, but I don't hurt anyone who doesn’t deserve it. And they deserved it. You're mine to protect now, Lila. All mine."

Slowly, I lift my head to meet his watery eyes.

"All mine," he repeats.

With shaking hands I cradle his face in my hands. "Yes, baby." I nod, tears now streaming down my face. "All yours." Thumbing the tears under his eyes, I kiss him. "Forever."

Chapter 11: Solomon

One Month Later

I'm standing in the hallway again. Only this time—I'm not stuck. I look down and see Edgar at my feet looking up at me with a smile. He gestures his head towards the door at the end of the hallway. "She's waiting," he purrs.

Letting out a slow breath, I walk towards the door. As I near it, it opens wide. Instead of the darkness, a blinding light pours out. I pause at the door. Edgar nudges my foot. With my hand on the doorway, I step in.

My mother is at the vanity—beautiful and young with her back turned to me. My heart clenches in my chest and tears spill from my eyes.

She turns with a smile on her face. "Hello, my love."

"Mama?" I choke out.

She stands and opens her arms wide. I stumble into them, wrapping my arms around her in a tight embrace. She feels so small and fragile, but the strength in her hold matches my own. I cry into her hair. Years of grief pour out of me.

She rubs my back gently. "I'm so sorry I had to leave you. But it's okay now, my love. Everything is going to be alright now." Pulling back enough to look into my eyes, she gives me a warm smile. "Listen to me, son. I'll always be here for you. But you can let me go now and go and live your life."

"You're leaving me?" I choke out.

"Never. I'm always right here." She touches my chest, the warmth of her touch radiates through my body. "But you have a full life to live. This isn't the end of the Mournes. This is just the beginning." She tilts her head, eyes crinkling in the corner in amusement. "Name one of the babies, Lucinda after me. And name the other…Solomon III."

Understanding hits me and my shoulders drop in disbelief.

"He's so proud of you. We both are."

Taking her other hand, I press it to my cheek. "Thank you, Mama."

"I love you, Solomon."

"I love you too."