Chapter Nine

Teach Club

There are too many people in my head. I breathe deep. “ Asgina .”

I feel him before my eyes open. “Yona. Did Atohi save Jane and White Wave?”

A giggle has my head turning. “Dyani, you’re safe.”

“Yeah. Your crazy light or whatever that was saved them. Cort said the nuts from here and all those international people just fell. They were on Guardian and Zion and all just dropped at one time, Pres said. It was weird and impressive. Axe is mad because he didn’t get to shoot his bow.”

I stare at her wondering if freaky made her lose it for real this time. “They fell and he’s mad he didn’t shoot his bow?” Why is she smiling about that?

Justice appears on the bed. “Focus, Citiali. What did you do?” His energy clears my head.

My mind rolls back. “The sound layers. The scream had me push hard. The dark was too close but not near me. It was the women. They needed the shield but they weren’t here. I pushed but felt me draining. Atohi, I told him to save them. Was he healed?”

Yona touches my arm. “He’s fine. The light you threw did something. You fell and I didn’t know if I could let the shield go. The girl at the Club was helping but Atohi was yelling. Your President and Dyani had to calm him.”

I push to sit up and feel dizzy. “He’s okay?”

“Yeah, Brother. You healed him before you fell. What did you do? The light, what was it?” Justice wants answers.

I shrug. “I just pushed. I don’t know, Boss. I needed to stop the dark. It was too close but I wasn’t near them.”

“You’re clear now.”

“I was dizzy sitting up, but I’m clear.”

He nods. “Whatever that was dropped pussies all over the place. Alder has reports of dead people everywhere.”

Oh shit. “The light did that? Is Putam close? Jeremy said I’d get more. Was that the light. A shield from dark?”

He shakes his head. “I don’t know, Brother. Luke Rayne said you knew you’d get hit. How did you see you?”

“I don’t know, Boss it was a feeling. We all felt it.”

Dyani shakes her head. “I did but Pres said he just trusted your feeling. I was unsettled when I woke up yesterday but didn’t know why. When you talked, your paint showed. I knew it was right.”

I look at Yona then Justice. “I don’t know. It was a feeling. I don’t feel the paint or my eyes flashing and I never see me.”

Dyani giggles again. “You’re wearing your paint and your eyes aren’t flashing, your pupils are rimmed in gold.”

My eyes bounce from her to Justice. He nods and holds his hands up. I see a weird me looking back. “ Asgina , tell me it’s going away.”

“I don’t know so it may be a lie.”

I close those freaky eyes. “Is it too late to ask for the fire?”

They laugh at me.

***

I stand feeling like my legs might work. The door and voices have my hand reaching for the dresser. Closing my eyes, I ask for strength and breathe it in as if the very air is carrying it into me. With more energy than I started with, I open my eyes and take a step. Yep, they sent me energy. I make it to the door and throw appreciation to the ancestors for sending energy on demand and not blasting me.

I’m smiling until the voices stop. “What happened?” Why the hell is everyone here packed in like sardines?

Cort takes a step from the front door and the Officers move out of his way. “We came to find out what happened.” They all came? Cort stops walking and Justice shows putting a hand up.

“It’s the ancestors. They’re throwing energy to him. He’s not pissed, Boss.”

What? “Why would I be pissed? I’m just surprised everyone is here. The chosen and Alpha-Bits are safe, right?”

Cort smiles. “Yeah, your eyes changed. They look like Jinx’s zooming eye when he does the gold color.”

I have no idea how Jinx’s eye color works but it was blue when I saw it. I shrug. “No casualties?” I don’t really know what to say but that may get us to why they’re all here.

“Brekan’s affiliates had two hurt bad just before everyone laid down to die. Princes had three civilians a truck plowed through. What happened?”

I shake my head. “I need to sit. You’re saying people at Princes just died?”

Dyani walks to me and takes my hand. “I was making coffee for when you woke up. Come sit, drink your coffee.”

I follow because it’s easier than people at Princes died because of flashing light and my eyes changing to a weirdo cyborg color. Everyone moves around the island to the table and couch.

I spot MB and Harky against the wall by the door.“Thanks for sending the dogs. Did they get back okay?”

MB smiles. “Yeah. You’re a hell of a shot, Brother. If you get tired of training, we have a position in Elite for you.”

Dyani laughs as my head shakes.

“No thanks.” I take the cup from my girl and feel pride as she kisses my head.She’s always close and steps in when crazy is happening. Teller said she’s my Protector. I didn’t ask a single question after that. I like it but never heard of such a thing.

“I’m going to work. Protectors worked to clear the gazebo last night. The trainees were asking about classes today. Rocko said they’re ready. Pres said they’re finishing the schedule.”

I smile. “I’ll be…”

“You’re off. Axe took your class.” Cort has me nodding. He’s like Hemy, if he says no, I agree.

“I’ll stay here and wish I was there.”

She kisses my lips. “With them all here, nothing is coming close to you. Relax and have fun.”

They all laugh.

Once she’s gone, Cort sits by Justice. “What happened?”

“I don’t know, Boss. The dark was too close to White Wave, I saw Jane and her and threw everything to stop the dark from touching them.”

“The aura thing?” I turn surprised Putam is here.

“No, or maybe. The trucks had dark. I felt it and when the door opened, I saw it. I know dark but never felt it like that. When I saw the women, I pushed. I don’t remember much else. It’s not much of an explanation but it’s all I have.” I’m relieved when Cort nods.

“How did you shoot like that?” Ranger asks.

“Like what?”

“Brother, we have your cams. Every suit has cams. Akai got your whole Club online for us.”

I look at Ranger. “And?”

He shakes his head while the Brothers laugh. “He’s jealous, you shot like him but better.”

My head turns from Falcon to Justice. “Why are they here?”

His energy flows to me. “Relax. The light stopped everyone at once. Were you protecting the BSC?”

I love when he’s close, it calms me. “I want to say the women but the east was in a war, it sounded like the west was fighting it and some pussy had a grenade launcher aimed at me. Cuyler was shooting her bow without shielding. It was too big for me to shield buildings and land from so far. Our people did nothing to warrant a war.”

Justice nods understanding my frustration. “So, you threw energy to cover our people.”

I shake my head. So much happened so fast I see it and just tell him. “I don’t know. The dogs were trying to protect Cuyler, the Bits were shooting from the windows and Naaki was covering them. A dick aimed his gun at Pres. I needed to cover White Wave…”

His hand on my arm stops me. “Focus, Brother. Don’t relive it, focus on the intention.”

Intention. The feeling. I give him the gist. “I had to cover us so no more of our people died.”

He nods. “You did it. Before the light, you covered with your gun and rolling fire. With the light, you stopped the dark.”

“I had to. White Wave, Jane, the kids, Presidents it has to stop.”

His hand moves and I’m surprised again by everyone here. It felt like we were alone. “I don’t understand what happened but what I wanted to happen did. Our people were shielded. No more casualties.”

Cort laughs loud while Falcon is shaking his head behind him. “No BSC casualties, Brother. Hundreds dead with no apparent reason. The news loves us.”

My eyes snap to Justice. “Hundreds?”

He nods. “Nationwide. All BSC areas and no cause of death but they’re doing autopsies. The news had panic erupting then someone stuck a mic in my dad’s face. He said, ‘ Prophecy, it’s not just a name ,’ and the panic died. News has people no one was close to on camera falling. They just died.”

“ Asgina .” That’s freaky. “You sure I can’t ask for fire? Maybe speed or something small.”

He laughs and leans into me. “You’re a shield, Brother. It’s not like you’re turning buildings into dust. You shield and keep people safe.”

I nod not believing it’s that simple. Badass is never that simple and the ancestors are crazy.

He laughs again and kisses my head. “That’s from Mucimi. He’s healing with Zeke at Bravo.”

Our people were hurt. I close my eyes and ask for strength for the healers.

“Stop, Citiali. You’re vibrating again. Don’t throw strength, think it and it will happen.”

My eyes open on Justice. “This is the new? Just think it?”

“He dropped a Prospect in a coma when he got new. Trust him, Brother.” Falcon has my eyebrows raised.

“Oh fuck.” I never heard of Justice struggling with anything. He’s a doer. “I’ll think it. What else? Is Atohi here?” I need to remember all this before I fuck someone’s life up or hundreds of lives up.

“Relax, Brother. The abilities don’t come with directions. We figure them out and learn for the next. Yona and Atohi needed to get back. They’ll meet you at the reservation later.”

I relax and nod. My brother was scared when I fell and there wasn’t anyone close to help him heal me. It was energy but it hasn’t happened since I was little. He just doesn’t remember. “Okay, so now what? I’m not getting charged with murder, right?”

Cort shakes his head but he’s smiling and his creepy eyes are hidden behind happy. “No, Brother. I think we need to keep you with the eyes and paint right here for a while but no one knows why anyone died.”

I smile. “I’m locked to the compound?” I fuckin’ love the Brotherhood.

He laughs. “To BSC West for a while. Learn your abilities here. The paint and eyes are a little much to be showing civilians.”

“Roger, Boss.”

Falcon laughs. “He’d happily stay on the compound like a hermit.”

I nod. “I would. I have a job, food, my girl and no parties.” We just had the union ceremony. Aiyana was cool about it and did it with just Protectors in their circle that is actually square, but it worked. The party at Phoenix lasted long after we left so it was a great day.

Cort laughs at me. “The party is here today. Ben is down in a couple of days to thank you. Hemy will show but doesn’t have a day. They’re covering the east until the Northern Clubs are settled.”

I look at Justice. “The war I saw?”

He nods. “Mass and Princes took some hits to their towns but the others had some major damage.” Fuck.

I stop myself from throwing strength but think it.

“Good job.”

I shake my head at Justice. “Get the hell out of my head, Boss.”

“Brother, you need me there. You’re up but not settled. I’m just a calm voice of reason right now. It beats the crazy advice you’d get from the Badass Brothers.” He’s got a point.

They laugh when I nod. This is getting old. “Can we do something besides stare at me? I need to eat.”

Cort is up. “Let’s go eat.”

***

My girl smiling at me has got to be the best part of this day so far. “You made it with less than twenty Brothers.”

I laugh, bending to kiss her. “I did. Aylen switched out for Justice. She’s the…” I stop with her eye roll.

“President of the Zion Club, a Knight and standing beside Walker.”

I laugh again. “Yeah, that. She wanted to meet you in person.”

She turns, forgetting me and talks to Aylen about the Indian meets. I shake my head and step back. At least her class is over.

Walker throws me chin. “It’s the way, Brother. She got the classes and Aylen likes knowing if they’re working.”

I nod and turn. “The kids aren’t here.”

“All kids are on their compounds and Bits are back to their base Clubs. Choppers did a round up last night. I didn’t ask but the pussies were dead.”

I smile but it’s forced. “Security protocol.”

He watches me. “Let’s walk.”

Looking back, I nod to him. Nothing is close and she can take care of herself. We walk toward the little lake.

“Is this a real lake?”

“Yeah, we’d call it a watering hole. There’s a spring under it.”

He nods and sits on the low wall on this side. I sit a few feet away. “What happened yesterday isn’t on you, Brother.”

My eyes close. Hundreds. “Who else? It’s not like a few dicks I rolled fire in.” I knew every one of them were bad, killers meant to kill more.

He doesn’t answer until I look at him. “A few months ago, White Wave was throwing energy to shield on an Op. She fell like you did. Michaels was ready to lose his mind but kept it together. It turns out that the ancestors overstepped and worked through her. No one is saying it now, but Aylen thinks they gave an ability they can’t carry out anymore. You’re the messenger of truths she said. If an ability like that can be given, it should go to someone like you, a messenger of truth.” His eyes and mind say he believes that. Aylen’s face and voice in a sentence with my grandfather’s words shows.

I think of Walker’s words, then my grandfather’s. “The stories of my brother and me are from the abilities?”

He shrugs. “I’m not Indian and don’t know about a culture I’ve never lived. Aylen believes that the stories are like prophecies. We heard one about the kids but they’re still young, Aylen sees them older. Those stories aren’t of right now and may not show until you’re fifty, but they’re out there for a reason.”

I nod. “We heard of Justice in the West before he moved. You think what happened was right?” I watch the water while he thinks about that.

“Justice said you shielded our people. It’s the words he used, our people. The news shows more than half were international. Why are they here beat the why are they dead questions everyone has. Those people were sent to hurt our people. You stopped that. I don’t know how and don’t need it. You shielded our people is enough for me, Brother. I almost lost Aylen to an Op, I’m not willing to lose her or anyone else to another. Thank you for being that shield and using it with the truth you carry. Our people would all thank you if they knew.”

“They’ll never know.” I hope.

He nods and stands. “They don’t need to. Your story lives forever with the people who need it.”

He sounds like Yona. “Thank you.”

He throws chin.

We walk without much more to say. He’s a Brother that’s comfortable in the silence like me. “Do you know when the party is?”

He smiles and points to a field between Guardian and us a couple miles away. “They’ve been setting it up all day. We weren’t here earlier but saw the tents and food trucks when we flew over.”

All I see is white above the grass, I’d think it a lost sheet if he didn’t say tent. Badass crazy is running wild here. I’ve seen it in Virginia.

“At least it’s not on our compound.”

He laughs. “They have some kind of training pool from Alder over there and I saw zorbs in a corral.”

All I can do is smile. Anton must be close. “In Virginia it would be a three-day thing. I’m glad it’s not here.”

We make it around the building. “You know Ben is coming with his Officers. Danny and Knight parked at Zion until they show.”

Fuck. They might make it a week with shit like that.

My girl’s smile falls when she looks our way. “What’s wrong?”

I shake my head. “Nothing. Walker told me about the party that may well last a week.”

Her pretty eyes get huge. “Here?”

I smile. “No, between us and the big Club. Why’d you think something’s wrong?”

“Paint.”

I nod. “I almost asked for protection for them and strength for us but just thought it instead.”

Aylen laughs. “You’re getting good with that. You’re more settled?”

I nod. “I am. Stopping myself without a reminder helps. I know the consequences and believe it or not, that helps too.”

She nods. “We learned that one young but abilities have grown with me. Mase needed time to get his fire under control. You know, even though he didn’t know it, the fire wouldn’t burn Brothers. Alder was on his back when Mase was on fire and never got burned.”

My eyes snap to Walker. “The ancestors should give us directions. I get it though. The ability has to be used with a pure heart. I’d never kill without it being in defense of a life. Hell, I love the laser because it’s not an automatic kill.”

He nods. “The ability with the truths you carry has my vote. I wouldn’t give it to everyone but you’re not everyone.” He smiles. “The stories prove it.”

I laugh. “Thanks.”

He shakes his head. “That circus they’re planning is to celebrate you, Brother. Not the ability but the Brother that understands Lead, Teach and Enforce with the Protector insight that sees how your actions will impact everyone.”

I breathe that in feeling the strength I didn’t ask for. “I feel it and understand.” That’s a hope.

He watches my eyes, then nods. “We’re here until you’re settled.”

Dyani takes my hand. “We appreciate it, Walker, Aylen. We’re going for a run. The paint tells me he could use one.”

Aylen is going to stop me but Walker puts an arm around her waist. “We’ll be here when you get back.”

My girl pulls me away. I breathe in the ancestors again.

Ability, consequences and trust don’t leave my mind for the hour we run. My family was traitorous. I am not them. I didn’t even know them but of them. My path was written in light. Atohi’s path is written in light. I see it in him and know it to be true. Brothers seeing it in me wasn’t a standard I strived for. I am me and hope they see it but I never needed my name in lights or on plaques. Doing the job right is and was my goal.

‘Celebrating your job to shield your people is not a slight to Indian heritage. The celebration is of trust. It is a trait you show daily and leaves the Brothers in awe. Accept the trust of you to do that job with a Badass attitude and Indian insight that it is merely an excuse for the Brothers to show off and replay Ops. Be fuckin’ Badass in your response to their antics.’

I stop and bend to laugh. It takes me a few seconds to calm. Dyani is watching me like I’m losing it. I shake my head. “Your counsel is obviously needed and I will use it to get through the week-long Ops gossip sessions, Warrior Princess. Thank you.”

She doesn’t answer. I smile at my girl. “Aiyana will be here again. She gave me tips.” I almost laugh again but hold it in.

She nods with her little, ‘ I’ve got a secret ’ smile on. “The paint is gone. Whatever she said worked. Let’s go shower and find out where dinner is.”

I smile walking back with her. “I can always cook.”

“Nope. Aylen said they have a whole tent city up. I want to see it. I hope dinner is there.”

Asgina . My hopes…wait, shower is on her list of favorites.

***

Badass tent city

They’re fucking crazy. I hit Axe. “What the fuck is that?”

“Dog park. Where did Nash go?”

I point hoping to lose him so I can see just how fuckin’ crazy they are. My name has me turning. “Putam, I’m glad you’re here. Anchor, Brother, it’s good to see you again.” I hug Anchor and throw chin to the big Brother beside him. Walker stands by me but never talks.

“That’s Keylan.” Anchor has pride in his voice.

“I’ve heard a lot about you, Brother.”

He nods once. “Same here. Thanks for what you did. We had a shit load of Germans with no idea what to do with them.” Fuck. I look away for a second.

“Glad it worked out.”

Anchor and Putam laugh. “I’m just glad you’re okay, Brother. Dad Jay said you’d be fine but no one knows this shit.” The Protector of the Three would know.

I nod. “Thanks for showing. Axe said that’s a dog park. Why?”

Keylan laughs and snags a Brother walking by. “Harky, what’s up with the dog park? This is all new for Citiali.”

Harky turns my way with his hand out. I take his arm. “I was looking for Loki. Let me know if you see Zeus.”

I nod not knowing Loki. I know Zeus. We follow him to the dog park that’s like an amusement park for dogs. Some Bits help us out with who built what and how they sell this shit.

“They’re crazy too.”

Harky and Keylan laugh. Harky points. “That’s Loki. This is small compared to the park they put on for dog day or whatever they called it. I need to stop him from stealing their treats.” Harky runs. “Loki, leave them alone! Bully will get you thrown out of Badass, Brother.”

We all stand here watching a big dog shoot an aqua blue light at the dog that’s now playing dead on the ground, then laugh. “Nike has his number. They have stun lasers.”

I look at Keylan and see he’s not kidding. “What’s that?” I point to shipping containers.

“Training pool for Rescue was for us. I don’t know what that has in it but the Bits liked Nemo, Alder said.” He’s walking that way so I follow. Sure enough, there are huge fish watching a movie on the underwater screen or more than likely, hologram boards.

I smile at the ingenuity.

“Did you have a vision park in Virginia?” Keylan asks.

Putam answers. “They were putting it north of the Club when I was there. I saw it here. My dad said Princes have them everywhere now. The kids love them.”

It’s cold up there. “I thought it was just a water park but Cai showed me drone feeds of the Bravo park.”

Keylan nods and explains about the Vision and the Alpha-Bits. I check out the water slides and fountain feeling let down that they don’t have the museums. “I want to see the real park.”

Anchor nods. “We can go with the Bits and elders. They make the trip once a month. Well, they did it twice but it’s on their calendar.”

I smile, loving the Brother. “I’m in.”

Walker hits my arm. “Cort is looking for you.” He points and I duck getting a laugh out of him.

“Being in the six-foot range is good around here. I blend in. Why is he looking for me?”

“Maybe because you saved Clubs across the country, or it could be he needs a beer and no one can find it.” Anchor’s serious face changes to a smile.

I give him a shove and walk toward Cort and a bunch of Officers. The Brothers behind me are still laughing. I smile, Anchor is a good Brother, he got me over to Cort.

“Preses, Brothers.” They’re all staring at me.

Cort waves his hand and sits in a lounge chair. Looking around, I see all the tents but this is organized. “This is your compound away from your compound?”

They laugh. “Yeah. They set it so Hemy and Ben are points on a triangle. I like being on the edge. The center gets crazy. I visit that crazy but don’t live there.”

I throw him chin while everyone else disagrees or laughs. “I’m the same, Boss.” I don’t mention he’s the center of our triangles.

Putam laughs sitting at the bottom of my seat. My eyes search through the crowd. Cort is talking but it’s not to me. I focus on the sound and watch then I’m up.

“VP!” Their feet are coming right toward me, I bend and stop the messenger run. “VP! Pres Ari say meet one hour. Boss Rocko take us. He no bring us to you. He point.” Gregor is pissed.

I nod looking for Ari but close that shit down fast. “Pres is busy but will be here soon. Why are you pissed at Rocko?”

“He point! No Security to us, we stay to Boss Rocko!” He shows me his phone with tracking up. So I don’t laugh at his little tantrum, I look at my dot and see Rocko’s moving, he must be on a bike. Under control, I finally look at his glaring pink eyes.

I nod. “You’re right and I’m glad you always keep you safe. The thing is, this is all covered. You’re on high but everyone here is covered. Every kid and Alpha-Bit has surveillance on them.”

His eyes go big and cheeks stretch out. “Here?” This kid is cute.

I hug him hiding my smile. “Here, you’re free to run but I haven’t seen many Bits.”

“Nike, get the Alpha-Bits to their Brothers.” Keylan says from behind me.

His dog makes a soft bark sound and stands by Gregor and Cai. “There’s a little tent city for you and your Brothers, it’s not the next but in line with this one. You have Protectors on both sides of you.”

“Thanks, Boss Keylan!”

They’re running but Cort stops them. “Wait. Gregor, why doesn’t the Club have pieces?”

Gregor turns fast and almost falls. The dog holds him up. “No pieces to list. I check, Pres Cort. I order today.” His accent is thick, he must be nervous.

My eyes go to Cort. “Ari said we aren’t an Ops Club.”

Cort’s head angles. “I said that but every Club gets pieces. How the fuck do you train teams without them?”

Raid is up and moving fast. “Lorelei is calling me!” He runs putting distance between him and Cort.

Brothers are laughing.My head falls fast. He told Ari we didn’t need them.

“Thanks, Gregor. If they don’t show, call me.”

Gregor is moving again. “Roger, Boss.”

“He’s the Lead here?”

I sit. “I think they share it but don’t know. Cai was a Lead in Virginia. He’s quieter than Gregor but gets shit done before I need it.”

Cort settles back. “He’s the one that makes the bread?”

I smile. “Yeah. He’d come home with me after shifts and cook with my uncle. He liked learning our ways. He made a shirt like mine and Hemy ordered him breeches.”

He likes that. “They love learning. Does he like the breeches?”

I shrug. “He wore them in Liberty. I haven’t seen them here. I’ll ask. They’re tiny, we can make them.” I stop when a paper bundle drops on my lap. “Got ‘em, Boss.” I smile at Cort. Freaky is a little too freaky.

Mucimi shows beside me. “Gregor too. Cai won’t wear them if Gregor doesn’t have them.” He’s gone. Fuckin’ Brother.

I stand. “I’ll be right back.”

Walker stands and walks with me. “I’m settled, Walker.”

“Yeah, but I have this ol’ lady that would give me shit if I didn’t stay close. She said partner, so we’re partners. She’s freaky.”

I laugh. She is that. Keylan is right, they have a whole tiny tent city wedged in between bigger tents. Bits are roaming but I don’t see Cai and Gregor so I call them getting everyone’s attention. A little Brother points. “Guardian there.” We walk to the two little tents. “Cai, Gregor.”

Cai pokes his head out of the one to the right. “Teach tent Boss. You see?”

I smile. “I’d never fit, Brother. I have something for you. I told Cort about your shirt and breeches. Mucimi dropped these off for you and Gregor.”

His eyes light up. “Gregor have breeches?”

“Yep. For you and Gregor. He may need some help with the leg but I can’t fit in your tent and you can’t be alone with a Brother.”

He turns and speaks in Russian. I laugh at Gregor’s cheer. “Protector tent, Boss?” Cai asks with a hopeful look.

I look at where he points. “That works. Let’s get you comfortable.”

Walker laughs when they run. “I’m glad he got the skeleton.”

I nod and watch a Brother look up from the Bits and nod. “Boss, I know VP. You’re Guardian?”

I shake my head and point to the logo on my shirt, Mucimi thinks of everything, I’m glad it’s there now. “Teach. I’m Citiali and thanks for checking on that.”

He stands fast. “Sorry, Boss. Thanks for what you did. They don’t explain but it’s big.”

I smile at Walker. Not even the Brothers know. I throw him chin. “Thanks for the tent.”

I step in and look back at Walker. “At the opening with it open? I never did this. We made a shirt.”

He laughs. “Go ahead, he’s already undressed.”

Shit. I bend and tear the paper pulling the clothes out fast. Cai is smaller than Gregor. I stop that and smile seeing the names. “Cai, you got two sets each.” The little Brother laughs making me smile and relax. I snap the pants out seeing right away the wider leg. “This can go over your leg, Gregor.”

He sits in front of me and I get his legs covered. I float him up. “Just watch the foot and knee joint getting them on but they didn’t snag too much.”

He nods looking for a zipper. I laugh. “Nature made would mean metals, but we’re simpler than that. Here.” I show him the bit of wood and loop. “Slide it through and you’re done. It’s to the side on purpose.” We get his shirt on and I fold their clothes while they get moccasins on. Gregor has this.

When they stand, I hold their folded and second set of clothes out to them. Cai doesn’t take his but walks in between my arms and hugs me. I kiss his head then Gregors. “You look ready to have some fun or relax after a hard day’s work. Proud you’re mine, Brothers.”

They take their piles and run. Walker laughs.

We head back to the Cort tent compound. “Will Gregor be able to get it over the foot himself?” Walker doesn’t talk much so this must bother him.

“Yeah, it didn’t snag when he put his hands at the bottom like I did. He had it.”

“Cai looked like he was going to cry with that big smile on.”

I nod. “They’re thankful for everything. Cai told me about his time as a slave. He loved learning from us but I think it was the time we spent. He was terrified of being in the middle of a crowd of Brothers. Hemy saw it and had him on Little Brothers with me, then he became my little Brother.”

He puts his hand on my shoulder. “You’re a good Brother. I never helped an Alpha-Bit dress either.”

I laugh and sit a couple down from before. Cort throws us chin.

“They like them?”

Walker tells him about Gregor able to get the breeches on and Cai almost crying happy. We settle in and I don’t mind the crowd tonight.

“Where are the ol’ ladies?” Walker isn’t stressed so he knows they’re here.

I point to the next tent city that’s just a couple of bigger tents. “They got nail stuff and mirrors and house shit in there.” A full dining room set is in there but he doesn’t need that.

He nods, not at all surprised. “I’m glad they’re close.”

People watching is always good but I’m done. “I need to jump.”

Cort holds his hand up to Brinks and turns. “The other side of ol’ ladies. The Protectors have dogs guarding them.” He points the way we’re headed.

I don’t point out that I can feel the energy,I just nod, not surprised he heard me while talking to Brinks. Walker follows me like a good partner. I feel the shield and laugh. Mucimi is sitting here smiling. “I like the shield, Brother. Does it keep the din out?”

“Yeah, the kids are inside. I’m on the shield so they stay good. Too much and they’re all sleeping. They just got food so we need them to eat.” I love the coparent shit coming from him.

I push the shield with him and sit.

Walker does too. “I like this better. The dogs won’t let anyone close.”

I smile at the line of dogs. “Nope.”

“You’re staying, your paint is showing, it makes your eyes glow like Aiyana.”

I look at Mucimi. “Can you stop pointing that out every fuckin’ time you see it?”

“No. You’re here. Let them eat. We have games in an hour.” He’s gone.

Walker laughs. “You’re an easy partner. We got an hour then we’re playing games.”

I shake my head at him. “I’m jumping. You’re on duty.”

“You’re on the shield.” He doesn’t like the partner duty, I guess.

I smile at that. “I do have ancestors for that shit. Don’t let anyone touch me.” I jump hearing him swear. I’m holding the shield and it will be better from the reservation.