Chapter Seven

Anchor

Setting my phone down quietly, I smile. Getting Drew out of the party wasn't fuckin' easy, but I did and took her to her new home. She laughed because she loves it then cried some more seeing the bedroom that matches her colors. It's marine blue and gray with yellow here and there, while hers is more yellow with blue and gray here and there, but to her it's a sign that she's going to be happy. I don't get her crazy but it isn't hurting anyone and it led to her all but ripping my clothes off. I think I took that over too soon but we got to the same place in the end.I feel my smile grow. My girl isn't clueless and told me about her new women's classes. I love women's classes.

While I've had a fair share of women around the world, I can't say even one captivated me like Drew does. There is something so completely different and unusual about her that has me watching her every move. She's confident where I thought she'd be shy and shy about the most unremarkable and common things. The woman has me hooked and I love that she's mine. She does and knows shit I don't that will amaze me for life. Like being shy for weird shit.

She's not shy about the important things.

My phone beeping an alert has her turning.

"It's almost climb time, Dainty Drew." I tell her.

She turns looking tired with her shy smile. I'll never forget that look as my first waking up with her.

"How long before we have to get up?"

"Forty-five minutes."

Her hands move right toward my dick. I shake my head grabbing her talented hands. "Every fuckin time last night you got your fast. To quote Sam Hunt, " I'm gonna take it slow just as fast as I can ," giving us seven minutes to wash and dress."

She puts her hands up looking more alert than a minute ago. "I need to look up Sam Hunt. I'm guessing he's a singer because you know a lot of songs. Go for it, Anchor." Her hands above her head is another one of those amazing shows of confidence.

I smile and go for it kissing down her body throwing out bits and pieces of the song, changing words to fit her. Her giggle stops when my mouth hits the lady garden. I don't know where she got that but her crazy renamed body parts, with the adorable shy, isn't stopping me from pleasing them.

When I look up as she moans, I'm surprised her eyes are on me. "Please," is all she says. I get to work and please.

She breathes my name and I'm moving, but wait when she flips over. Since I like her idea, I position above her and kiss down her back throwing out more of the song. I nip her ass, then bite it as she shakes it. More unexpected. I smile and lift her up sliding her onto me. " On a high with heaven, headed south of her smile, get there when we get there, every inch is a mile ." I throw real words out not able to change anything with her ‘lady garden' gate open and welcoming my dick home again.

My hands cup her ‘girls' and she moves in perfect rhythm with me. Heaven and getting there really happens slow just as fast as I can. Since she's helping that with her hands under mine whenever I move, we get there together this time.

I love women meetings and today, maybe even Sam Hunt.

***

Drew

He's proud of himself for getting nine minutes for us to shower and dress. I let him wash me again because he does it faster than me and doesn't miss anything. I would have. Shooing me away as soon as I'm clean, I don't even try to wash him. Equal time on his body would be fair. Oh, my my, just thinking it has me wanting to go back in the shower. I can't say I've ever felt like this and don't have a problem seeing the crazy thoughts as crazy, we just made love and I want more. I shake it out of my head. He's mine, I'll get more regularly and I better tame the batshit crazy down or he's going to lose his mind because I mess with his schedule. This is not a stand I plan on taking when he's got a clock to run against and people counting on him to show up. I'm dressed as he comes out of the bathroom.

"Shit, your hair is wet. I didn't plan on that one."

I smile bending to tie my boots. He never planned for a woman's hair to dry. "It's thin and will dry. No ice on the ground means it will dry fast."

He pulls clothes on quickly and methodically. I busy myself making the bed but I'm watching his beautiful body moving. He's not as big as the Commander but he's bigger than Racks or more solid than Racks. They're about the same height but Anchor has that oooh lah lah and oh my my look to him.

"You're sure it's okay? I'll remember for next time but it must be uncomfortable hanging down wet like that. How long do you need for hair drying?"

I smile again. He doesn't know much about women. Grabbing a clip, I hold my hair as if I'm making a ponytail and wind it in a circle then clip. "Done. Did you add coffee time?"

"Your hair will be curly drying like that. I've never seen it curly. I set the coffee last night. I'll pour the coffees and you need to make a list of what you don't want here for the Prospects. They'll be moving your stuff while we're out today."

I spin around still smiling because he doesn't know women. Well, he knows intimate things that I didn't. But he hasn't been close to anyone if he doesn't know people in the house will freak women out and the hair clip isn't staying in my hair, neither is the curl once it dries. My hair is pin-straight no matter what I do to it. Older, I like the pin-straight because it's easy. As a kid, I hated it and didn't mind it being short.

Walking by me at the kitchen, he points to the counter. "The tablet syncs to my phone. The Prospects sent a chat earlier that you can answer. You came with just the clothes Aurora ordered. I don't know what else is in your house. Racks dropped your pictures and papers here last night."

I nod and open the chat. "Aurora bought me a coffeemaker that makes one cup so I don't screw it up."

"This one does one or the bigger pod for a pot."

I look up. "I just have little pods for one cup but I like the coffee. Zeke said they make it from beans in a machine."

He smiles looking back at me. "We all get the same here. I think the Bits are supplying the Clubs."

"They do everything." I type just clothes and bathroom supplies then close the chat. "What should I do with the coffee maker?"

He hands me a cup and walks toward the door with his hand on my back. "Ask around, we may have someone that needs one for their house. Pres hooked us all up. I know Lopez didn't have a coffeemaker at home."

"Wait, I need my bag." I move to get it from the rack that I assume will hold normal coats in the winter.

He stops. "We're climbing."

I smile again. "We're driving first. We may stop and having ID, money or a comb may be necessary."

"Okay. I carry my wallet unless I'm on a job. We all have ID cards."

I pull his arm and kiss his cheek. "My Badass card is in there too. I'm a girl, I don't carry a wallet in my pocket. The sunscreen will end up all over me so I don't carry it on me anymore."

He nods and guides me out. "I'll remember. I have sunscreen in my truck and under my bike seat so you won't have to carry it. I'll get yours in with them."

The man is too cute. "You're sure we'll be back for lunch?" I'm not doing the mad dash again. I owe the elders lunch after taking off yesterday.

"Yeah. We should be back by eleven. We do team building exercises once a month. This is just a climb for whoever wants to go. I give five hours but plan for four. We're going to the ridge by the Vision so it's minutes away."

"Good. I'm making lunch and can't be late."

"I'll make sure you're back and even help if I get lunch." He pulls me closer before opening the gate.

I can hear his smile. "It's just the women today. The men are at Bravo."

"I'll get you back and eat in the dining hall."

I giggle and hit the keypad.

He's kissing me before my body is turned. Oh my my. It's going to be an interesting day indeed if the batshit crazy thoughts like sex in the truck is not only an option but a dire need keep hold of my brain. That of course leads to cave, behind a rock, swinging on the ropes. Holy mackerel. I remember the list. No one watching. Batshit will have to wait.

***

Anchor

Alder, Prometheus and Asa are waiting with Ari. "LP, VP, Brothers. Do you have gear for Prometheus, Alder?" I put my fist out to Asa. It's the first time I've met him and all the Bits do it.

"Boss Bowser lend to me. Pres Ari put in truck."

I nod and turn, hearing Brothers behind us. Bret, Miller, Bobby and Jet are carrying gear bags. "Brothers." I throw them chin. "Are any more coming?"

"Us." I spin and smile. "Nash, Putam, glad you're tagging along."

"Larry was downloading lyrics, Boss. I tried to tell him it's no fun when he's the only one that knows the songs." Jet is tired of the weird music too.

"Rock, newer country or the dog music. I was a pilot on the politician-web op. He's fuckin' crazy with the same song over and over." Nash isn't into the redundant shit either. He's going to hate the techno shit.

We all turn toward the walkway hearing feet pounding. "I almost didn't make it.

"Leave your music if it isn't rock, newer country or the dog music." Nash solves that right away.

I nod in approval. Putam laughs.

"I just got climbing songs." Larry looks devastated.

"By who?"

"Ella Fitz…"

"No." Alder isn't up for it.

Drew giggles. I hold her hand tighter trying not to laugh at Larry's shoulders dropping.

"Can I climb, Anchor? They said it was open."

I turn with a nod. "Yeah, Nance. Drop gear in the truck. We're parking at the far side of the Vision and climbing the ridge off the parkway. Prometheus, you're in the truck, Brother. LP, Asa, you can ride or jump in."

Prometheus barks at me. I look at Ari. "Go in the truck so I'm not hooking the side car to my bike. Alder has a lunch meet we aren't making it back for if we waste more time."

Drew is squeezing my hand this time. Alder gives his one nod and everyone is riding but Drew, me and Prometheus.

As soon as we're out of the gate, she's giggling. I can't kiss her when I'm driving and already miss the chance. "Security is behind us."

"Yeah, for you. Ari and Prometheus for the Alpha-Bit Officers. Nash and Putam are Protectors too."

"I didn't know that. I meant Racks. He's behind Nash and Ari with Putam."

I look through the mirror on her side and see he is.

"Do you do this often?" I love her questions.

"Every other week unless I'm bored, then I climb with whoever is around. Some Brothers are new to climbing and climbed walls, not real terrain."

"Who is new to climbing today?"

"I'll ask when we stop. I need it for what gear we're carrying. Bret, Larry and probably the Princes are experienced. Miller is new to it but good in the simulator. Prometheus, Alder and Asa have been in the simulator and all score high."

"I've been climbing but not like you guys. You do this for a living. I learned from YouTube." She makes me laugh.

"Not all our jobs involve climbing. My last four weren't. We got a lot of experience climbing in the Marines and all seem to find time to climb away from the job."

I park and everyone grabs their bags. "Any newbies?"

"I am. I did the simulator yesterday and went back with Lewis last night to climb the wall." Nance did okay in the simulator.

"This is just like any other training. Bring it up and follow the procedures until they're ingrained. I need a partner for Nance."

"I'll take him, Boss." Nash volunteers.

"If you stop calling me Boss, you got him."

He looks embarrassed. "It's a habit, Anchor. Pres said you're all Presidents, I see it before the names I think."

I nod, understanding what he means. "I'm not a President and don't plan on ever running a Club, Brother. Cort already tried."

"He tell all Officer, you whole team President. Badass fuckin' crazy." Asa is disgusted.

"We're not, so unless I'm your boss, I'm Anchor. Drew is new, she learned on YouTube."

"She's my partner, Boss. I get to say it because you're my boss." Bret has Drew giggling.

I look at Drew getting a nod. I owe a kiss for that giggle. "Thanks, Bret. I have Prometheus below Alder and Asa. Putam, Ari can you take lead for us?"

Putam nods to Ari. "I'll take it. Ari has climbed but only with the Protectors. I've got more experience climbing but you'll have Prometheus. I've never climbed with a K-9 Brother."

I nod. "I will. Make sure anchor lines are solid."

"Roger, Anchor." He pulls his bag off and starts inventorying what he's got. I drop the Lead bag with him and get geared up while Ari gets Prometheus' gear on.

Racks shows with a smile. "I got Drew popcorn."

I smile. "You know she doesn't eat it, she sniffs it."

He shakes his head. "Batshit crazy is right. You need me on Lead or Prometheus?"

"Take Lead, Brother. I'll partner with Ari." Putam makes that easy.

I nod and look at Racks. "Ari is another President. It would be good if we don't let him get hurt or dead."

He laughs. "Cort will have us in his new Club."

Putam and Alder laugh. Drew and Bret look back wondering why I bet.

"This is an intermediate climb. Nance, Nash would fly around to catch you but follow his lead and your procedures." They laugh but it's true. "Everyone else, have fun and ask for help if you need it."

I get a roger. Racks and Bret are climbing fast for those anchor lines. Hooking my fingers on Drew's harness, I pull her back from her first step. "Have fun. Racks has popcorn for you in his bag."

She giggles and I kiss her. She looks up but isn't moving. As I knew she wouldn't.

I turn with a smile. "Let'sdo this, Brothers."

Asa points at Drew standing still. I nod. "Bret needs time to set the anchors. Larry and Jet are behind her."

He smiles. "Smart."

I point to his helmet. "You climbed in the simulator. I'd say you're good without the helmet."

Alder doesn't like that. "No time to real climb."

I nod. "He logged more time than you and you're a President. I point at Ari. "Presidents have full gear with activities like this."

Asa smiles big. "No helmet to me."

Ari laughs and Alder glares at him. "LP, I'm in a helmet and have more hours than you. Let'sget you up there so you can make your meet. The point was experience and fun. Let's have some fun."

A line falls close to me causing me to look up. Nash is at the top with anchor lines run. "Thanks, Nash." He's gone.

He laughs from the side of me. "Now we don't have to wait." He points to Racks hooking onto the line.

"Thanks, Brother. Alder has a meet he can't miss."

He nods with a big smile on. "Me too."

Putam laughs.

This has got to be the happiest bunch of Brothers I've met yet.

"You may be right, Andro David Stone. You seem to know all the good ones."

I smile hearing my new name. "I do, don't I? Thanks, Putam, now go."

He laughs throwing a roger at me.

Finally, I get to climb.

***

Alder had us sitting on the top of the ridge for a good twenty minutes of ‘sightseeing'. This was added to the fifteen I scheduled for, so I dropped Drew at the elders compound, unpacked gear at the Club with Racks and get to lunch starving. My bar and fruit went to Drew since I didn't feed her breakfast.

Racks laughs when the smell of food has my stomach growling. "Fuck off. You ate the popcorn and gave Drew the empty bag." She handed me a bag of power-bar wrappers.

He shrugs. "You claimed my sister and never asked if you could."

He's nuts. "You didn't want to hear it unless I was sure. Claiming her was me saying I'm sure. You're her brother not father and she's twenty-four not seventeen."

The Commander laughs. "He's right. You told us you don't want to know their news, that's why it's news to you."

I elbow Racks. "See. I did what you asked. You should have given me the popcorn."

"You should have fed my sister real food."

Wolf laughs. I shake my head. His hands go up. "You didn't eat last night, didn't eat breakfast and he didn't share popcorn. It's funny. He's your closest Brother and left you hungry because he didn't want to hear about his sister being an adult, happy and living free to make her own choices."

I give him that. "I guess it is but I'm hungry. She had granola and fruit that was a decent meal."

KC throws me a roll.

"Thanks, KC." The Prospect comes over as soon as I bite into the roll. I put three fingers up.

"Healthy?" He asks like I ever order anything else.

I nod and he moves to Racks.

"Why was Drew crying last night?" KC and his timing.

I swallow some water. "Aurora told her she's going to be happy." I shrug. "She's psychic. Drew said all she's ever wanted was to be happy and she got me in the deal."

They laugh. I eat the rest of the roll.

"Why didn't you eat after she calmed down?" Wolf asks.

I swallow more water. "I was going to but my room is the same colors as hers, so it was meant to be and she started crying before the house tour ended."

The Commander is watching me then smiles. I nod because he probably guessed right.

"Women are fuckin' crazy," he says when Racks says, "Fuck. I picked her colors."

Everyone is laughing so I go for more water from the drink station. When I get back, Racks is telling them about batshit crazy again. I roll my eyes and notice Putam smiling at me.

"Mucimi sent her a picture of you two older. She's not a good baker but you're happy."

I smile. "Thanks. Don't tell me more vision shit."

He shakes his head. "What are you doing after lunch?"

"I was going to find a store that has wax. There's butter oil I can make a candle out of but I need wax."

He laughs. "She'll get her popcorn smell from it. I'll ride with you if you want company."

I nod. "We got Racks too. You need two to be off the compound, right?"

He shakes his head. "No, BSC territory."

I nod and turn toward Racks. "I'm Drew's ride time partner today. I'm going to do two hours. She only has four left."

I nod and look at Putam. "Just us."

They laugh. Whatever.

Racks pulls my arm.

"What?" I ask moving more for the Prospect.

"You're wearing it." He taps the cuff he made me.

I smile. "Always, Brother."

"I should have given you the popcorn. I dumped it over the side." He's a shithead.

I shake my head but I'm smiling at him. "Batshit crazy runs in the family. I'm good with it."

Everyone is laughing again so I eat.

Walking out, the Commander surprises me with an arm over my shoulder. "You settled?"

I smile. "Yeah. I understand better now. Drew is pretty easy even when she's overwhelmed by new emotions."

"Good. Ma is claiming her and wants you at the family dinner. It's the first of the month. Day depends on my schedule so I guess yours too."

I nod but can't talk.

He isn't finished so I breathe deep when he goes on. "Give Wolf your notes or book or whatever you have for the job."

"It's the same as Lead procedures. I just used yours."

He laughs. "I'll get him on that. Thanks." He turns toward the Club. I head to the lot. Wolf must be struggling.

"I could answer that." Putam reminds me he's here.

"I'd never figure anything out for myself if you answered everything for me."

He nods. "You're right. There's a rule at Princes about it."

"If it's not here, or a rule I need, keep that too. Badass and the fuckin' rules are crazy." I throw my leg over.

He agrees. "There are a lot of them and different Clubs have more than others. You should see the amendments the Princes have because of ability."

"I don't think I will ever look that up. I don't even know about abilities besides disappearing, floating food and Mase can throw fire. The other day his arms were on fire. I don't ask so it's never explained."

He laughs. "You're better off. Nothing surprises you so you don't need a warning for it."

"There's a hobby store in town two."

"Lead the way, Brother."

***

A second stop at the grocery store for butter oil has me back later than I expected. I'm surprised to hear the back door open. I roll my eyes seeing KC come down the step, then smile when Joe comes out the door.

When I see the little mohawk I laugh. "Brothers. I'd ask why you're in my house but I don't want to know."

Putam laughs dripping wax on the jar.

"Watch it, Brother. You're going to have to clean them before you can give it away."

He looks down and the wax is gone. I shake my head and turn toward the Brothers. I don't want to know. "What's up?"

KC holds my eyes. "You got a minute for me?"

"Always."

"Joe and Asa wanted to see the candles. I told them about the popcorn."

Putam throws me chin.

"Putam got a bunch of oils from the hobby store. You may find something you like. He made a cedar citrus one for my office."

They're into it and asking Putam questions like we're not still here.

I walk toward the front with KC. "What's up?"

"What did you use to learn the second position?"

"The Commander already asked. I used the Lead procedures for Badass but it's pretty much Commander from Marine."

He's surprised and sits on the front step. "You learned Commander in the Marines?"

I just said it. "Yeah. How the fuck would I know what he needs if I don't know his job? I never had a job before Marines and no one told me what I was supposed to do. It was logical and no one ever complained."

"Why didn't you say?"

"Say what and to who? I was eighteen and learning how to drive and fly. Thank God, they taught me water on base. I was an officer before I took the first fuckin' test to get me to the officer training. All that shit happened while we were training from Racks and his million classes in every fuckin‘ thing, physical, MEU new protocols, day and night jumps, training exercises, sniper and whatever the Commander came up with. You all just did it, so I did. No one asked my opinion. No one asked me anything."

"Holy fuck, Anchor."

I don't know what to say. They all knew my age and included me in everything they did without asking if I knew what I was doing.

"I don't know how you made it through. You went to the army training and was an officer on base." He's reaching for something.

I shrug. "The Commander made sure I had everything I needed for the jobs we went out on and Racks had directions for everything. I made it and I'm here. I got the Officer training when we were in but the Commander had Racks set me up with everything I needed to keep up."

He shakes his head.

"Was the training what you wanted to talk about?"

"Yeah, but I was in the Army classes with the Commander."

I start walking back. I know Wolf and Level were too. Racks was in a class after them. I was almost a year after him.

"I guess there wasn't anyone to ask but we could have helped if we knew, Brother."

I stop and smile at him. "Everyone knows more about me now than they did when we were in. Every one of you just did the job. I learned that from the team. If I was anywhere else, with any other team, I wouldn't be here now. I saw the world, KC. I've helped people around the world get back up after disasters. I did some shit work but most was good, we did a lot of good for people who wouldn't have made it if we didn't show up. Badass says when you have the shit jobs you balance it out with the good. We did more good than bad. I am proud of us for that. We earned something for that good and I think this is our reward. We're all still together and we're all still doing jobs we can be proud of."

He puts his arm on my shoulder and turns me to walk. "You're a hell of a Brother. I'm honored you're mine Andro David Stone. You make me proud to be yours."

I smile proudly. "I love my new name, KC. I can't believe he gave me his."

He pulls me in tighter. "He's just like his mother, he'd adopt us all but we're too old."

I laugh hearing a laugh behind us. "I think you're right KC. Anchor, can I talk to you?"

"Always, Level." When KC lets me go, I turn, surprised to see Wolf with Level. "Wolf."

He throws me chin. I walk with them to the trail. "What's up?"

"You lived in a home?"

I said it yesterday so I answer. "Yeah. You knew I was in care."

"I thought you had a family," Level says.

"I don't know why you would. I never said anything about family. I don't know anything about family to talk about it." They don't need to know about dreams of a family that wasn't ever real.

Wolf agrees. "You didn't talk about anything before boot camp. I wrote the journal thinking about those years we worked together but didn't know who you are."

Jesus, they're all going to do this? "You always knew who I was. My past made me who I am but it isn't who I am. I got that from Drew." I smile hoping we're done.

Wolf laughs. "She's a smart girl. Bret said she climbs like she was born in a harness." Bret does too, but he already knows.

I nod. "She surprised me too. She learned from YouTube videos."

They laugh. It's true so I wait for what's next hoping they get to the point so I make it back to put labels on the candles for Drew. I close my eyes. This is what the Commander was talking about. I breathe out the impatience to get to the next thing and focus on Level and Wolf beside me.

"I told you you're a good man and saw it hit you. I should have included that we weren't the best at raising you. I was always just trying to keep up. I was relieved when you showed because I wasn't the only one seeing that shit for the first time. We didn't have supplies and you'd always throw out ideas. I was terrified I'd kill someone and you'd be right there cleaning oil residue with alcohol or making me clamps and IV bags. I wrote the journal remembering how scared I was and there you were, the youngest on the team, teaching us all how to be better prepared and better Marines. It was eye opening and enlightening, Anchor. Like KC, I'm honored you're mine and proud that I'm yours."

"Thanks, Wolf. You heard I feel the same. I think you all did a good job. I'm here and we're still helping people. Racks thinks it's divine intervention but I think Badass and Indians had something to do with it too."

Level laughs but Wolf looks at me. "I believe that. We were drawn together for a reason. I lost my parents when I was at college. I saw no reason to go on once my brother committed suicide. I was alone, then I was recruited. A professor introduced me to an obviously Native Marine. He told me about Luke DeSeville and how dedicated he was. I didn't know anything about the military besides what I saw on TV. Looking back, I was looking for anything or anyone that could give me a piece of what I had lost and this guy showed up. I jumped on it with gusto, Brother. I wasn't afraid to die, I wasn't afraid of anything until I had no way to save someone." He hooks my head bringing me close. "Then you showed up. The jobs got tougher, less and less supplies showed and there you were. Here, I met Luke Rayne. I don't know how the Indian knew him but he's like a year older than me and he's Badass born and raised. Something was intervening and Badass had something to do with it."

"That's fuckin' crazy, Wolf. Why didn't you tell us?" Level asks him but I answer.

"Because it's crazy and no one talked about their life before the Marines. KC says it was shit and there's no point. I think he's right, we can't help how we started. It's where you end and how you get there that matters. All we know about each other is based on experience while we were living it. I don't care or need to know the how. You've all shown me everything I need to know."

Wolf laughs. "You're right but wrong. I took your old job, I think out of jealousy. I did nothing to prepare for it and now I'm just trying to keep up again."

"You of all people shouldn't be jealous of any of us, Wolf. You're the Commander's closest Brother."

"You're wrong, I'm the one he talks to but you're his closest."

"You all are. Every one of you for different reasons but you've been part of me for years. You can't seriously think I could do the jobs we did with any other team." The Commander has Wolf and Level looking at each other.

I laugh. "I just said that to KC. I wouldn't be here if I was put with anyone else. Someone knew we'd work together and we did. It took every one of us but we're here."

"We are. What's going on?"

"We were talking about Anchor teaching us. I thought he was your closest Brother and he thought I was. I think I was jealous of him but think it started here." Wolf surprises me.

The Commander smiles. "Good. It's the perfect time to tell you about how he trained. Since he's right here, I won't feel like shit talking about him."

I smile and walk with them, listening to how the Commander had them all teaching me what they know and me teaching them what I know.

"I need how he got to second for you for years." Wolf is Wolf.

"I learned his job. Here it's Lead but it's the same as Commander and there's less paperwork here."

The Commander laughs. "There is. I didn't know but Racks had all our jobs listed. He learned them all."

Level stops and looks at me. "That's how you know what everyone will need."

I nod. "That and experience. All but the Commander are pretty predictable."

Wolf laughs. "You're not."

I shrug. "He raised me too. Use what you got and get it done quick. I think Cort wrote the book he read."

They laugh.

We get back to a full yard. I stop for the Prospect carrying a box of wax. "They're all batshit crazy."

"What's going on here?" The Commander asks.

"I was making candles for Drew. I don't know why they're all here." I bust out laughing when I see Ari. He's in Marvel trunks matching Prometheus and Alder. "Asa called Alder."

They all laugh getting the finger from Ari. "We were in the pool."

That's obvious but I don't say it. Putam laughs but he's looking at the newest candle he's pouring.

"Where are my candles?" I ask Putam but look down when I'm hit on the leg.

"I put label, Boss Anchor. Too many Brother I move to you kitchen. VP Asa spill fruit to Boss Putam candle. I have table to no spill. Small station to label. " Oliver is good at fixing shit.

"Thanks, Brother. I appreciate you keeping it organized. Drew is due back soon."

"Boss Drew to Boss Racks." He points and I see the white heads together bent over a line of candles. "She make candle to you."

I smile. "Thanks, Oliver."

"Pres Stan."

I turn fast. "Pres."

"Raiden wants to make a candle."

The Commander turns away. I nod and hold my arm out. "You've come to the right place."

Wolf laughs. I swat him across the stomach. My life is crazy lately.

Putam is laughing at his newest candle again. Jesus. I walk toward the table seeing Nike chuffing at Locke. The dog is making a candle. I wonder if his room will smell like rawhide and laugh scanning for the Commander. He looks at me over Wolf's head and I point, then laugh when his eyes are rolling.

I can't decide if Drew or Badass brought crazy into my life but it's got me smiling.

***

Dinner has more tables and people in my yard. I'm glad it's all Officers and their families. Clay, Nance, Lewis and Jock sit with us on the chairs that appeared here while the women sit around the tables with the kids.

I smile at Putam. "Did you do this?"

"Asa called Alder, then Prospects showed with every oil known to man, food color packets and more wax. Oliver is like a little general and organized tables, the printing station for labels and the cooling racks. I just kept poring whatever they handed me into jars. It reminded me of home. Nothing is ever small or simple there."

Pres laughs. "Raiden told me about the candle making party. It's one I was on board with because it was at a Lead house. There's no way Cort and his entourage would fit in a yard."

The Commander laughs. "We barely fit."

Lewis finds that funny. "EROP was like this. The Commanders were crazy when they got together. Ford made a bowling alley in Commander Graywolf's yard and was playing the day before he married Harper. I thought Commander Graywolf was going to deck Ford but he was bowling with him a little while later."

Nance laughs. "Commander Miguel wasn't home when we showed at his house party and they spray painted targets on his fence. He was ready to blow a gasket. Commander Saber helped us put the new fence with real targets in the next day while Commander Miguel was at work."

I look at the Commander. "They sound as crazy as Badass."

"Brekan seems calm. Ford is a little crazy but he works for the FBI. Marks and the woman Brother are sane."

"Attiquin?" Lewis asks.

"Yeah, she's in the Squared Club too. I don't know many Brothers from the FBI but I know Luke Rayne and Marks. Attequin showed here for Firefly."

Nance laughs. "Luke Rayne was DEVGRU he was never FBI."

I look at Wolf seeing his surprise.

"He runs FBI Ops for the country," Pres tells Nance.

"Are you kidding?" Nance doesn't believe it.

The Commander nods. "He does. There's a building he runs out of by the BSC Ops Center. All he does is FBI Ops. He got the FBI housing BSC Teams. We've got a Brother that worked the first job out of Georgia for him."

Lewis smiles at Nance. "Saber is really doing it."

I can't believe it but I'm the one asking, "Doing what?"

"Teaching through Badass. He hates the politics screwing with jobs. He was our Commander before Commander Miguel. Miguel Saber is his brother and Commands EROP now."

I calculate all this on a loose timeline. "EROP was the first FBI Op Center?"

"Yeah, we were on the first teams." Lewis answers.

"Luke Rayne was never on a team?"

"No, he would have been running a territory. They should have kept him for Virginia but he was Mass Badass. He worked or was seen at Princes after that but I left and didn't see or hear about him until now."

Wolf smiles at me. "There's that intervention again."

I shake my head. Putam laughs. "Luke Rayne is the planner for the Justice League. His old lady is Crow's granddaughter. Mase's old lady and son are related to Cort and his uncle. Michaels', from Guardian, old lady is Crow's granddaughter and related to the human trafficker Cort shut down. It's a small and scary world we live in but it's amazing too."

I sit back. I know some of the names but not the Brothers. "Was Crow a Marine?" I ask, wondering if Wolf met him.

"No." Putam looks right at Wolf. "The Vice Admiral was Luke Rayne's down-time Officer. He died not long after he met you at the college."

"Was he sent to meet me?"

Putam looks down. "I can't answer more. Everything I've said is known but not spoken of."

Pres scans around. "Not spoken of means it isn't repeated by anyone to anyone."

"Roger, Pres."

"Putam, don't give what can't be said out."

Putam nods. "I didn't, Pres. It's not spoken of but known to all Officers. I repeated what I was told, when I was told."

Pres nods. "Good job then. Brothers, don't repeat what you heard so it's not spoken of here."

I roger again but don't get why we heard it. Putam helps me out with that.

"You were all meant to be here and someone thinks you should know it."

Since he's looking at me, I throw him chin.

I stand when Drew's pretty eyes turn my way. Her smile says she's ready to be done here. This is my house so I don't know her plan and think of what we can do in the twenty steps to her. Walking and talking to her had me hooked. I like the feeling so that's our plan.

"Walk with me, Dainty Drew." Putting my hand out gets a bigger smile.

"Yes. I like the normal mixed in with the crazy. The candle party is new to me. We made candles outside too, but never like this. It was a job only some liked doing with big metal molds. I can tell you, it never smelled this good." Her giggle has me stopping to kiss her.

"It wasn't meant to be a party. I was making yours and Putam got oils for his mom and aunts. Everyone else just showed up. With Alder in the mix, orders were thrown and the activity drew more."

"I love it here. I love you for going out of your way to do something like make a candle so I get my favorite scent everywhere I want it." Her hand squeezes mine.

"I want you to have everything your way, Drew. That's what love is I think. When I can do something that fills a dream it makes me happy. I did it right and you'll have your popcorn without the bag and popcorn." I smile while saying it.

She giggles and I stop to kiss her the right way. "I missed this today. It surprises me but I knew I'd get a kiss for the candle so there was an ulterior motive and some expectation."

"Thank you for telling me but I didn't care about the motive. Kissing you was missed by me too. There were too many people around all day to do what I wanted to but I got new information and positions to try for the questionnaire." She was asking for pointers?

"Questionnaire?"

"Best positions. I rate them one to ten. Top is shower. I knew I should have gone back in this morning. Flame said not to miss it tomorrow."

I shake my head realizing all women are crazy. "We were sitting in the backyard and you were talking about sex." I sit her on a bench. I love the walkways for this reason above all others.

Her giggle has me pulling her to my lap for that kiss. "What, oh the yard. Sex was like a minute. We talk about everything. Really, they talk and I listen. Firefly asked about my night and Flame said to get on the questions. It's a women meeting thing. It has new happening in different Clubs, books or video links to share, dances we like or don't and the bottom has sex positions. I never went to the bottom before so I didn't know. I'm new here." She shrugs.

I'm not sure I want to know about books and videos but I've seen the dance and don't have a single complaint so I don't say anything about her questionnaire. "Do you have questions?"

"Yes. Do I do your laundry? Cook for you? Who cleans what? You have a whole house."

I smile. We go over everything and she looks relieved she isn't my maid.

"Those questions were on the list but I asked the important ones. I guess your important questions are different. Do you have other questions for me before we get to the full list?"

"I do but want to say I don't expect you to do everything for me. I never did laundry because the women did it and I want to learn to cook so I can feed myself when I get older. Malcolm said it's important to know the mundane things. Everyone but Firefly knows how to cook. She's going to learn with me from Ma Stone and some elders. She went to stores and bought food when she lived in Maine. She said here we don't need to do that but I should go for the experience. There's a store that just has food she'll take me to when she's off."

"I love your independent streak. Do whatever makes you happy, Drew. I was at the store today with Putam. It's bigger than the one he went to in Rhode Island and smaller than the Costco Teller took him to. They didn't buy anything because you need a special card but they got to walk around and see it. He said it was massive and everything in it was too."

She nods seriously. "Aurora took us to a store like that. They had clothes, shoes and lawn mowers right there with food, alcohol and toilet paper. I don't know how anyone has time to see what's in the stores like that. I'd be like Putam and need to see it all before I could even think about buying something."

"You make enough to buy what you want, Drew."

She nods. "I do now and always had Racks buying me stuff or the women getting me new gear from my stipend account, but I don't need anything here. Flame ordered me uniforms and Firefly showed me how to order from the Prospect. There are stores right here for clothes, she said. I send Prospects the pictures and they get it. Aurora ordered me a bunch of neon tank tops. I don't do neon, I was raised in camo. I like that I get choices and now have a way to get what I want, but stores with so much means I need a plan and purpose for what I buy or we need a shed for junk. I don't like junk and our yard is small. There is no back forty to bring crap to, Anchor." She takes a breath to list more I bet.

I held it for as long as I could but I laugh stopping the big store tirade. "Shop how you want, where you want and for what you want. You're not a hoarder or shopaholic. I'm good with that."

Her eyes hold mine for a beat then she nods once. "Thank you. I don't spend more than I make. I never carried a balance owed." She owned the land. She was sitting on millions and never bought anything for herself with it. I'm not worried.

I smile. "Your questions?"

"Every business makes money and I get all that but there's a quote about the impact on society…"

Her need for in-depth answers amazes me. I listen, then explain Badass reasoning starting with water as my simple example, then go into wages, bills and the cost-of-living touching all of us even if we get the good pay, benefit of Badass backed inflation guards and expansion to more communities that don't get our benefits. The expansion cost covered by businesses she knows dawns and I see it. I love when the switch is flipped for cause and effect that isn't noticeable on the surface. A new passion sprouts up right in front of me.

"You make money that's helping people outside the Badass world. Holy mackerel, the parts. Locke said you're making parts…

All I can do is listen and smile. She finally stops with the land Racks sold Cort.

"Will they build a Badass world there?"

"Cort is building everywhere. The Commander's build team is now teams and they're working to get more up in all the states Cort is President of Territory of. Montana is in there. They already have a Club there so the land is a free ticket for him to get more up. He's not a Brother that does anything small and one Club means he was already planning for Brothers at their back's. With that, he'll move onto the sheriffs, PD and cleaning towns around the Clubs."

"That means medical, jobs and fair wages going further, they'd get the lower bills and Holy mackerel! They'll live like us. Everyone here gives to groups. For Alder, I gave to women but for Cort, I gave it to Banks because I don't know all the things Lorelei said. It sounded like he fills needs for everything from Brothers getting hurt to food for hungry people."

I nod. "It's what I've seen and heard. They bet for little things but the important bets are broadcast to all the Clubs so Alder was able to get cancer help to the public on bets from across the country."

She shakes her head but she's smiling and her pretty blue-pink eyes are lit. "You think they left yet?"She's crazy but I love her.

I stand and set her down with a kiss to her head. "Let's go in the front. I'll lock the doors and we don't care who is where. We have a list to finish and position to try out in the shower."

She fist pumps making me laugh. The woman is unusually adorable.

We get back to Lopez, Asa and Aurora making candles in the back. The yard is clean and they're quiet. I flip the lock without opening the door and meet my girl in the bedroom. Stopping at the door, I watch her undress while singing softly. The song is old but familiar. I smile as she folds her shirt then pants singing, " Oh, I want to dance with somebody, somebody who loves me. " The high notes that follow are cute.

"Will I do?"

Her jump has me smiling. "You're beautiful, with a pretty voice, Drew. Let's dance."

Her shy eyes and red face show. "I'm in panties."

"And they're sexy as hell." I don't give her time to back away, taking her hand, I raise it and spin her away from me, then pull her back. That soft giggle gets me but I don't stop, knowing we'd never finish the dance.

When she's close, she pulls my shirt up without missing a step. "You're overdressed."

I reach back and pull it off. While the next steps are with steps knees wide and hands moving, I lose my pants to another soft giggle as they drop to the floor with my knees wide. I laugh and swing her around.

The dance is one I learned in the Philippines at a swing Club. It's old, timeless and fun. I'm surprised she knows it but don't ask. Racks knew it at the Club. I had never danced but Racks wanted to hook up with a woman that had a wallflower friend. They taught me the steps and I spent two hours dancing and laughing with the girl. She was good and showed me more while Racks and her friend went missing. It was a fun night that ended when her brother came to pick her up. I walked them out seeing Racks kiss the friend's cheek at another car. It was a good night for him too.

I learned to dance and get to give my new ol' lady somebody to dance with who loves her.

I catch her when she trips on my pants. "Holy mackerel." She's laughing hard and relaxes against me. "I love dancing. The elders get pooped fast."

I hold her closer while carrying her to the bathroom. "Anytime you want to dance with someone who loves you, find me. I learned a few years ago and love it but don't know anyplace that has dancing like that." The clubs we went to never had dancing like that.

"Where did you learn?"

"The Philippines. We were there for a few days getting supplies. Racks dragged me to a dance hall that was right out of the fifties. I loved it." I set her down and she slides my boxers off quickly.

I smile. "Very efficient time management skills." I lose the smile when her hands are on my dick. She's got a lot of skills that start with very. My dick is hard in seconds and in her mouth with me moaning within a minute. Very good skills. "Holy shit, there's nothing Dainty about you swallowing my dick." I breathe through it and hold onto the shower door frame. I read the book she got and can attest to how quickly she learns shit but this isn't getting her the position she wanted.

Lifting her, I get a pop and pout on her sexy swollen lips. "You're lethal. Three, four minutes is all I can take. My brain can't even keep time right now."

Her giggle has me kissing her. I make up for the three I missed while turning the water on. Keeping a list of next in my head clears it enough to actually make it to next. I set her down at the edge of the water spray and stand behind her deep breathing through next steps. Soap on hands, slowly sliding down every inch of skin gets my focus on her. Bending to reach her legs, I bite her cheek getting a soft moan. I love the sound and try for more. More soap gets me that when I reach around and move from the bottom up. The front has more sound effects but they drive me crazy with a need to be a part of them as I knew it would.

With my hand on her neck, I turn her face with my other hand and nip at her ear. "Your position?"

Her glazed blue-pink eye looks confused. She takes a second then shakes her head. "I don't care."

I don't either. Bending her forward I order, "Hands on the wall."

She moans.

Lifting her she moans again. "Use my thighs, hips, whatever, but grip me with your legs."

She does without a word and I slide in with a moan. She's ready and I'm all out of control. Once I get a rhythm going, her hips gyrate and I'm fascinated with the spiral motion. My eyes never leave her ass. The movement can only be called sensual. Jesus.

"Anchor," her whisper snaps me out of it and I pull her up against me moving closer to the wall.

"I get lost in your sexy. Love you, Drew."

Her hand moves below mine on her pussy and her fingers moving sends us both over. The woman is lethal.

"Fuck," I growl out to her whispering my name.