Page 34 of Axton

I curled in a little tighter to him. “What’s it like at Creed’s Lake?”

He scratched his beard again and I looked up to see he had some dry skin. He probably needed to shave it. Unlike most men I have seen, Michael is beautiful, and I can’t help but wonder what’s under that beard.

“I’m not sure what your community looks like, probably not like mine. It’s kind of like a military base and has very good security. We have to protect the people inside, most are people we’ve helped run away from terrible people that hurt them. So, when we pull up to the gates, you’ll be searched and so will the motorhome. They’ll even search me and I’m the Vice President. Inside we have family homes, a community center where residents can enjoy seeing a movie, playing sports, swimming and there’s even a salon where a lot of the ladies do the most of their gossiping. When the weather gets better, you’ll see a lot of motorcycles, and we have a lot of celebrations. This is a weekly thing. When we are sending operatives out, which are the people that go out to help people, we throw them a going awayparty then another one to celebrate their return. Morgan, who is Creed’s wife, has transformed everything into a Christmas wonderland. They even built a skating rink. Everyone is like family, but we all belong to different beliefs. Not all of us are religious, in fact most believe in God, but don’t go to church or subscribe to a certain religion. It’s seen as something that’s private and respected if they don’t want to share their beliefs. Nobody is judged for not attending services and nobody judges the ones that do attend. Our mission is to save women and children from sexual and physical abuse, but also to end human trafficking and slavery around the world. We have a school for the children, but most kids go to public school. We also help victims of abuse obtain an education and learn trade skills. Creed’s Lake isn’t permanent for everyone. We are just the first stop to people gaining back their freedoms.”

“It sounds wonderful.” I said.

He sighed. “I needed to talk to you about something, and it might make you uncomfortable.”

I almost panicked. “What is it?”

He scratched his beard again then swallowed hard. “Most… well all single people at Creed’s Lake engage in sexual activity and they’re not married. I think my sister might be the only adult woman that’s a virgin to step on to the property. She’s saving herself for marriage. Anyway, there is a club there and it’s very progressive, so if anyone invites you maybe you should decline. They all joke and talk about it too, so please don’t think everyone is a sinner and freak out over everything.”

“But that is what a sin is, Michael.” I was confused.

“Just because people don’t share your beliefs, doesn’t mean they are trying to pollute your mind and tarnish your soul. They wantthe best for you, and you have to keep in mind that you will be the only one out of everybody to hold those beliefs. It is not a sin for a man and woman to engage in sexual acts.”

I sighed. “Okay.”

His head turned to quickly look at me. “That’s it? You just accept it?”

I reached for his hand and flipped it over, then ran my finger up his arm until I got to his birthmark. “I have reason to believe that my papa wasn’t really a good man. I love him dearly, but I’m open to new ideas. That doesn’t mean he didn’t get prophecy’s right.” I softly drew a circle around his birthmark. “Actually, they were always right. He knew about Jeremy before he was even born. He knew when my mama was pregnant that I wouldn’t look like them, but God had a plan for me. He knew when his wives were going to die, and he was never wrong when he laid his hand on a woman’s swollen belly and said if the child was a boy or a girl. He never saw marriages coming, and he never claimed to know because that was a law made by a different prophet. He knew when Koty’s mama was pregnant with him that he would not be a believer. Just like he knew a soldier with a birthmark that matches mine would someday come to me. That is why I was never married to anyone.” I could feel the goosebumps on his arm as I lightly ran my finger along his skin. “He said this soldier needed to be heard, and would lead me to where I was supposed to be. You have the mark of God, see it’s the hand of God, just like mine. I am to trust you and not question what you lead me into.”

“Belle, that’s just…well that’s just not something me or anyone else would believe. Out here in the world, people will judge you for those sort of thoughts, maybe even suggest therapy.” He said, but he wasn’t angry.

“Nobody but us needs to know. If you weren't here with me, I wouldn’t be able to survive this trip. I’ve been raised my entire life to fear the outside world. I can’t explain how much fear runs through my body when you’re not near me. Please tell me you’ll still be near me during my stay with your community. I don’t think I’ll survive if you’re not near.”

He was looking down at me as I continued to run my finger up and down his arm.

“We have an apartment you can share with Koty. You’re going to be safe, I promise. Everyone at Creed’s Lake wants you to be safe and they want to help.” He said.

My nose tingled because the thought of not being with him frightened me. “Will you also stay in an apartment near me?”

He reached over and lifted my chin. “I have my own house, Belle. I also have responsibilities that need my attention. I’ll introduce you to some wonderful people and they’ll keep you busy as well.”

“What if they don’t like me because I’m different and I don’t know how I will react to their sins?”

He studied my eyes. “Is laying in a bed and talking with a man a sin in your fathers eyes?” He asked.

“I don’t know, probably.”

“Does it feel like a sin?” His eyes moved from mine to my lips then back up again.

“No.” I softly breathed out.

“Does my touch feel like a sin right now?”

“No, but you’re different.” I said.

“I am not your husband.” His lips lowered toward mine. “Will it feel like a sin if I brush my lips against yours?” He lightly brushed his lips against mine.

“No.” I wanted more.

He pulled back. “That was not a sin, and neither is wanting more. You’ll be just fine, I promise.”

I was in a daze, looking up at him and unable to make a clear thought. All I could do is look at those lips and wish they gave me more. My heart pounded against my chest so hard it almost scared me. All I could do was look into those beautiful eyes and try to control my breathing.

“I’m awake, so I better wake everyone up and we should hit the road. We’ll be at Creed’s Lake by tonight.” He turned away from me then stood to leave the room.

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