Chapter One

Citiali

“ Asgina ,” I growl rolling out of bed. Before I’m at the door, I’m dressed and have my hair ponytailed. Annoyed as I open the door, I smile when I have to look down to see the small girl with energy rolling off her. “The archer, I’ve heard you’re a handful.”

“You’re the messenger. Do you work for Aiyana, the voice of the ancestors?”

This kid looks like she’s about seven but is touched by the ancestors judging by the energy I feel. “We all work for the great spirit through Badass.”

She rolls her eyes at me making me laugh. I need coffee for this and turn around to make that happen. She follows without an invitation like I knew she would. “You shouldn’t walk into a Brother’s house alone, Cuyler. Where is your Security?”

“Here, Brother. Fuckin’ wait next time, Cuyler.” My new President walks through the open door.

“I will, Pres Ari, but you were already on the walkway. I left the door open.”

I lift a mug up for Pres, getting a nod. He goes right back to Cuyler. “You don’t walk into anyone’s house alone. Where’s Kristoff?”

Cuyler looks down. “Training. I just had questions.” She knows she’s wrong here.

I hand the mug to Pres and sit at the island to watch this play out.

His eyes don’t leave the tiny ball of energy. “Get back to your compound. Citiali is a heavily gifted ability Brother. If he wanted to catch you, he can and I suspect he would. Don’t show up here unless you have your Security with you and never at any Brothers’ house.”

I like my new Pres immediately.That sounds like an order to me, so I’m surprised at the spike in Cuyler’s energy.

She’s pissed and lets it show. “If he wasn’t a Protector, he wouldn’t…”

I stop that and float her out the door then close it. “Go home, Cuyler. When you have Security and I have scheduled time with you, I will answer your questions. Until then, do your homework so I’m not answering stupid shit. Add learning how to talk to a President to that so when Pres says something, you do it, there is no answer needed.” I release her and feel her suspend away.

Ari pulls his phone and sits, after a few seconds, he looks up. “She’s back at Guardian. I’m Ari but you know that. Because we’re a Club within Guardian, she thinks she’s got full rein. Thanks for that, Brother”

I throw chin and take a drink, hoping I got all my hair in the tie. “I rolled out of bed to get the door. I felt her energy but didn’t look for who it was.”

“Ops called when her tracking showed here and my house is next door. Since I’m here, it’s nice to meet you. I’m not full anything but do have New York Pequot in the family. I didn’t know them and have learned from the Mohegan’s. Mase showed and I asked Teller for information about Cherokee so I’m not making your life harder than it needs to be. If you have books or whatever, I’m open to learning.”He reminds me of Hemy.

“I do but Alder was adding to his hologram sheets last night. He’s probably got more than I have. He was with my uncle, Putam and Jacob for elders and references.”

“That explains the chopper. I didn’t hear it lower.” He smiles. “I don’t need details. I’ve worked with Mase in Mass and the Princes when needed.”

I smile at that. “I jumped but don’t make a habit of shit like that. I walk in and out of rooms. I’m from Hemy’s Club. The wilder Princes infected the big Club.”

He puts his cup down and I see his confusion. “I’ve never been to Hemy’s Club. Aaron is the big Club?”

I nod. “Yeah, we worked Aaron’s Ops under Andrew from the big Club but lived and worked Hemy’s from young. They were further apart when we were young, but Hemy said they grew out of the old Club and it’s used for elderly now. They built the big Club south of it and Hemy built his for training closer to Liberty.”

“They’re close?”

“Yeah. Like this setup. I saw Guardian last night. I saw Sentinel and Rescue yesterday but never saw a Club in a Club before that. More accurately, I didn’t know that was what Hemy and Aaron have.”

He nods. “You’re not due until Church. Do you have plans for the day?”

“I had hoped to get to know the Club and you before Church. I thought I could crash lunch, dinner or a night ride.”

He laughs. “You run, Mase said.”

I see it and smile. “Yeah, daily.”

He’s up and walking toward the door. “I need five.”

I’m up and throw one long braid in my hair as I walk to the bathroom. This will be good, Pres is a runner, I feel like I lucked out and I’ve only been here for hours. Life is definitely looking up lately.

***

There’s something to be said for less humidity, but it has me wondering if I need to find a different shampoo. Getting out of the shower, I towel my hair and see the ten days that I’ve been here is taking its toll. My hair is dry and unusually tangled. New shampoo or a conditioner is in order.

I’m not one that usually worries over stupid shit, but years of being seen as a savage, dirty and worth-less human has taught me that I have power in showing who and what I am. That is a proud warrior for my people and Badass. I do that by always being presentable with my Native heritage never hidden behind that Badass.

My grandfather told me how Wall Thunderhawk was shunned by his people and never showed his Native side. I will not hide and put effort into presenting myself with care. We weren’t a rich family and I’m grateful for what we had. Working from young, I learned that I don’t need more than I have, but should always respect what I do have so I never lose those Native traits and fall victim to avarice, sloth and entitlement.

With breeches and one of my new Protector Training shirts on, I throw a thanks to Mucimi for getting me outfitted for this Club. My uncle will pass along the old I left behind in Virginia.

I feel calm from him before I see him. “Thank you, Brother,” I say choosing the black, white and blue feathers for my arm and ear.

Mucimi shows in my mirror. “For battle or cardinal directions?”

I smile. “No north, but they’re all crazy and I don’t need to point that out today.”

“Good plan. They’re getting better but the crazy is in deep up there. I don’t think the elders know what normal is anywhere, but up there it’s worse.”

I’ve seen it and nod. “Do you have words for me?” I’m headed to the new Club for a walkthrough with Pres, who ordered me to call him Ari, so I need him to be quick here.

“I brought you shampoo. Aylen talked to Cuyler at training today. She won’t be here unless she’s training.”

I feel those words. “They’ll be training with our trainees here. Is there a message I’m meant to bring them?”

“A perspective. They’ll move on a circuit to different Clubs but this one is once a week and you’re close for random interactions.” His voice is tinny and I know he isn’t right here.

“Trainees need their perspective,” I reply, seeing it now that he said it. Placing a messenger in a Protector training Club has benefits I didn’t put together.

He freezes, then smiles. “Yeah.” He’s gone.

I laugh. “Thanks for the shampoo, Brother.”

Walking out, I throw chin to Axe. “Brother, I’m glad you’re close.”

He takes my forearm in a Brother’s hold. “Me too. I can’t believe you’re here. Teller said Andrew is open to Atohi.”

I nod and walk with him toward the Club. “Yeah.”

“What’s our new path?”

“Zeke, Luke Rayne or Mucimi should get that question, Brother.”

He leans so our shoulders bump. “Don’t be a dick. You see it.”

I shake my head. “You tell everything you see?” No one does, at least no one I know.

He gives up quickly and asks, “Where we going?”

“The Club, I have a walkthrough.”

“I’m out.” He stops. I don’t turn but feel him suspend away about ten steps later. I guess it’s acceptable since he didn’t just disappear.

Pres is waiting on the stairs with a one-legged Alpha-Bit in a wheelchair. “This is Gregor, he’s my second. Cai will be here tomorrow. Gregor says you know Cai.”

I nod. “He was on the circuit after Oscar but was needed at the big Club. They didn’t have security for them to be split so he stayed up there.”

He’s confused so I explain. “Pres Hemy built a house for them and Cai was with that first group to live in it. He liked our Club.” I shrug, not needing to say more.

“Cai like Pres Hemy, Boss Yona and you, VP Citiali.” The accented voice surprises me but I nod.

“He loved cooking with my uncle Yona and learned how to make our traditional flat breads. I watched out for him when I wasn’t working. He’d ride while I ran and I’d catch my breath while he swam.” At least that’s how I’d word it for the little Brothers. It gave them activity time and I had nothing better to do until the weekends I was on outreach with Little Brothers or late night Brother time with the Indians.

The little guy’s eyes light up. “He say I ride trike you run.”

I look at Pres for that answer not knowing their procedures here. “I ran on the Club roads and always had Brothers at the pool.”

Pres sees it and smiles. “Same as me, Gregor. You’re never alone with a Brother. Drones in the open is okay.”

Gregor nods. “I understand, Pres. Cai say one hour ride to VP Citiali. Good to me I off. I stay to compound.”

I smile at the little guy but freeze when Pres’s eyes whip toward me. “You run ten miles a day?”

Relaxing, I shrug. “Close. I keep to the hour with the Bits so they can get to their next activity.”I see his thoughts and shield.

“So, this is the Club. The book is being updated with my added procedures and Justice said we have the same Bible as Hemy’s Club. There are no amendments.”We start walking behind Gregor who rolls up the ramp.

Ari goes on, “Nothing is added and I don’t want to muck shit up by adding to what we have. I’m from Mass and think the amendments up there give license for crazy shit. I’m not going there. Mase said you’re no-nonsense and have vision, if you see where I’m wrong, tell me, but know I'm going to fight against freaky entitlement every chance I get.”

I smile. “This morning, I thought that I learned how to be put together and presentable without falling into avarice, sloth and entitlement. I’m full-blooded Indian, Ari, one bike, one truck and I have no need of excess anything.”

He nods, walking us right through the first floor toward the back. “Mase said you’re like us. I grew up in the Club and don’t need a U-Haul every time they move me. I asked Mase about you so I do have some basics. Did you ask about me?”

“Yes, Putam doesn’t know you well but he’s a vision kid so he filled me in on your basics. I know you read and suspend but don’t show it often. Do I need more?” I don’t want to ability talk in front of Gregor, but he is Pres’s second.

His head turns my way. “No, I was taught ability is shown when needed. I do that. I know you have a purpose and ability to carry it out. I imagine I’ll see it when I need it.” In other words, he doesn’t need details.

I throw him chin. I was warned about showing all my ability asasafety measure. The importance of the trainees and kids passing through to learn my lessons did not mentionability atall, so I’ll stick to what I was told. “We learned the same lessons. I will say, I received counsel that told of the need to pass those lessons along to our trainees.”

His feet stop, so mine do. “We’ll make sure that gets through.” He continues walking, never having looked at me.

I smile seeing my words replay in his head as a warning. Here, I am heard with no doubt and no thoughts to the traitorous members of my family.

‘It is as it should be.’ Aiyana’s voice in my head is not new.

‘I take comfort in knowing that it shall be, Warrior Princess,’ I send back with a smile as Pres tells me about the locker room at the side of the big training room. It’s a gym but I’ll call it whatever he wants.

An hour of touring was completely unneeded as it’s the same as all the new Clubs - just scaled down for our specific needs.

I do perk up hearing about Alder or Asa coming for a demonstration with every class. It’s maybe two hours every rotation, but Alder wants his Alpha-Bits to take the Protector training if they choose. No discrimination here, at all , works for me just fine.

The dining room has energy I feel before I walk in.

Pres is not enthused by the company he obviously wasn’t told about. “Fuckin’ shit.” He stops a few feet inside the door. “Preses, Brothers, this is Citiali, my new VP. He already sent Cuyler packing and doesn’t have much patience for bullshit. Mase said he’s deadly so there’s that too. Sit, so we can, then you can bombard him with your excess energy, thoughts and just plain crazy.”

I smile and move as Gregor and Pres do. I throw chin to the table and acknowledge Prez Knight, Cort, Alder and Jacob “Preses, Jacob, Brothers.” Getting chin back, I sit. “I didn’t expect to see everyone again.”

“I’m Nova, Michaels is my VP. Axe will show when he shows. I wouldn’t be here but Cort is crazy and I’m hungry.” Nova points at his VP.

“Do I call you Pres?” I ask seeing how fast my life just became complicated. There are dozens of Clubs in close proximity here. That means dozens of Presidents.

“Nova works. VPs call Preses by name or Boss.”

I nod, glad that makes it easier. “Roger, Boss.”

They laugh but I see it’s good natured. Feeling only positive, I don’t look for more from anyone.

“Cuyler is one of mine. You have my number and chat, call, whenever and I’ll come get her. She’s better than she was but she’s still a challenge on the good days.” He puts his arm over the table, so I give him mine.

“Thanks, Michaels. Pres gave her orders to not show at Brothers’ houses so I should only see her in training or the classrooms.” He holds my arm for a few seconds and another Brother puts his arm out.

“Falcon from Bravo. She showed at your house?”

“Yeah, Boss. She has ability and could have shown in it but knew enough to knock and leave the door open for Pres.”

I feel Michaels relax and smile.

The next Brother is another giant but doesn’t put his huge arm across Michaels’ space. “You’re like Zeke?”

I smile. “I’m not sure anyone is like Zeke.” The Brother is brilliant in just about any subject. I’m definitely not that.

“I mean a teacher?”

“No, my brother, Atohi is with Andrew. I’m the messenger.” I show my forearm so he sees. “I was born marked with the signs of the warrior messenger for many tribes. My brother was born with the signs of the warrior and red-tailed hawk. He has the planning and insight Andrew will learn to use.” I explain as I pull for his name.

Raid’s eyes go to my arm. “That’s ink.”

Prez Knight smiles and explains. “He has the marks under his ear and on his back. It’s amazing how it grew with him from birth.”

I nod and look at Ari hoping for a way out.

He shrugs. “They want to meet you before the party. They’re headed to the MC in Colorado for the afternoon.”

What party? I didn’t see that and think I’ll need energy for the new plans.

Jacob laughs. I see it and close my eyes. I am not big on crowds. This is when I notice the Protectors are missing. Fuckin’ Axe. He could have warned me.

Pres taps my arm. “It’s at Guardian, they have more open space, bigger service areas and the Club. We don’t have a bar here and I asked for the smaller pool on the compound. You saw the trainees pool is lane designed and smaller too.”

Prez Knight and Jacob laugh. Nova growls, “You bastard.”

“Pres Ari redesign to smaller recreation to here. Same to Protector compound ABSZ. I make plan to him with stipulation.” Alder makes me smile.

“Thanks for that, LP. Ability Protectors have an aversion to wasting energy on our down times. Personal space, when you’re a reader or have vision, is extremely limited. Less people filling that space helps keep us interacting while not overwhelming our senses.” Turning, I take in that everyone is stopped and listening. I look at Jacob knowing he agrees based on our previous conversations.

“You’re right, Brother. I don’t think everyone gets how reading and vision don’t ever stop. It’s part of us but we’ve learned how to keep it out of conversations, so it’s forgotten by non-ability Brothers.” He looks around the table. “It’s draining. After a full day of work, no matter the job, it’s hard to sit in a crowd. You see the other Protectors aren’t here but don’t know that they’ve been to the reservation already today. I jumped earlier knowing I’d be here for this. Jeremy threw me energy when I sat down. It’s not just lunch or a party for us.”

I nod, watching Cort and Prez Knight.

Cort nods. “Huh. I’ve heard it but didn’t connect the time you’re all on.”

Alder stands on his seat. “Alpha-Bits same. Brotherhood good. We learn important to spend time to Brothers. Too much…” he waves his hand around his head. “I need relax time I kidnapped to more crazy.”

Everyone laughs. Cort smiles at the little President. “You just had a long vacation. I see it, Brother, and will stop bugging you. You said three-hour sleep time. I give you that.”

Alder shakes his head and sits. “More harem, Club, Indian, kid, crazy and freaky Brother mean I raise to four-hour sleep time.”

Cort nods to Alder as the table laughs. He’s a good President of Territory. Hemy would notice the real request in that statement too.

“You read and have vision; do you catch on fire?

I smile at Raid. “No. I can throw fire like most ability Brothers but have never worn it.”

Everyone around the table laughs. Raid isn’t done and asks more stupid questions, one after another as soon as I answer the last. On the fourth, I put my hand up, effectively freezing him. “I understand your curiosity but you’re not hearing me to understand that I am not comfortable answering questions as if I’m your next test.” I release him quickly. “I’m sorry for stopping you. I meant no disrespect but feel myself losing patience. I’m known for being abrupt and quiet. Small talk isn’t my thing.”

His eyes are wide so I look at Jacob to explain why. “Your eyes are flashing gold.”

I nod. “I was getting pissed.” Turning back toward Raid, I feel like an ass. “I truly meant no disrespect.”

He throws me chin and turns away. Shit, he’s the territory VP.

“He is and that was disrespectful as hell. Raid earned his position with years of service to his Clubs and Cort.” Prez Knight is pissed now.

Fuck. My eyes snap to Cort. “My intention was not disrespect, Boss. Being unheard for years, then distrusted by my Club for the traitorous actions of family members, means I’ve spent the majority of my time alone. Because I rank as a Protector, I was used as one without the benefit of inclusion or trust.”

Cort’s eyes stay on mine. “You’re from Liberty not the tribe land.”

I nod. “My grandfather raised me and my brother in Liberty. He was the old tribe’s medicine man and Lead for the kids working young. We’re the messenger and teacher. My purpose was to stand with my Badass Lead serving as council.”

His head cocks to the side. “Like Teller or Nash?”

I smile. “I’m honored to be named with them both but think I’m closer to Teller. A keeper of sorts.”

He nods thoughtfully. “I can see that. Hemy sent his personal approval of you directly to me. He doesn’t give Indian purpose or he may think I don’t understand it. Saying I understand it all would be a lie, but I understand that years of being treated as less means you need time to get that, here, you are equal to everyone. Surprisingly, Axe helped Zeke with that. He may be a help for you.”

I nod. “Axe is from Virginia’s first Prince crew and we worked together at times. Zeke wasn’t there for long and is older than me but has always been a guide for the younger Brothers. He is a guide here as well, Boss.”

His eyes zero in on me so fast, I freeze in place. “Good, use your Brothers and trust in your Brothers. You’re young and new here, so everyone will want to know who you are. Keep it in mind so the flashing gold eyes are held to a minimum and we’re good. We’ll keep the crowds down so you’re not feeling like a cornered animal. If you ever freeze me or use any ability against me, I’m shooting you with bullets and you will be revoked from Badass.” He’s completely serious.

Holy fuck! “Roger, Boss. I would deserve it and agree.”

His smile with those steely eyes is scary. “Feel free to freeze Raid when he’s annoying the hell out of you but keep it to that second you used earlier.”

My eyes bounce to Prez Knight who is smiling. Okay then. I go back to Cort. “Roger, Boss, but I’m working for the no freeze, no disrespect, so hopefully it never happens again.”

He smiles bigger and his eyes lose some of that danger. “I like you, Citiali. Make sure you show up at Guardian later. You don’t have to stay, but Brother time is important to all of us.”

“I will, Boss.” Holy fuck, I feel like I just walked a tightrope.

‘He’s calm and happy. Don’t mistake that for not serious. Come see me when you’re done with lunch. I’m reading on a hammock.’ Axe has my jaw clamped tight. Fuckin’ Brother knew we’d be ambushed and didn’t tell me.

Laughing in my head has me looking around. Jacob throws me chin.

“How do you make your eyes flash?” Nova asks.

Ari leans so his shoulder is touching mine.

I got this though. “I don’t know when they’re flashing. I feel anger and people move back, so I’d say when I’m pissed it shows.”

“Good to know.” He moves on, asking Jacob about a Blackhawk niece.

I breathe and hope for a Prospect to show.

Ari relaxes. “Good job. The Vision has a Seafood Shack that does the clam cakes.”

“Where?”

We both look at Prez Knight. Ari answers quickly. “Between us and Zion, Prez.”

Prez Knight is gone. They really are crazy but it’s a good seven minutes before anyone notices.

“Where did Ben go?” Cort’s eyes are on Nova.

“I think he went to get clam cakes, Boss. I just told Citiali about the place at the Vision that Mikey likes.” Ari answers.

“Huh, where are the Prospects?”

“They come in tomorrow, Boss. Guardian sends us help but ours aren’t here yet. The buffet is set up.” Ari surprises me.

“Why are we sitting here?” Raid is up and at the little buffet that’s set on the side.“They don’t have enough for all of us.”

“I got it.” Prez Knight is back with a big box.

My eyes snap to Ari.

He shrugs. “They’re all crazy.”

I agree with a commiserating look but don’t open my mouth. I will not disrespect Prez Knight. He did get us lunch in record time and I like fish.

***

Guardian Club

This Club is bigger than I thought, especially the pool, it must be Olympic sized.

“It’s as big as the Phoenix pool.” Axe drops in the lounge chair beside me.

“I told Pres I’d stay with Gregor until Michaels comes for the Bits. What’s up with his leg? I see he’s healed but can’t read what happened?”

Axe looks at the pool then zeros in on Gregor. “His knee was bent backward. He had to wait for surgery because of their blood. Aiyana came up with a synthetic, then Alder came up with the machine that grows it or matches it from his own for the surgery, so it was mixed as they amputated. It’s been a few months and he has a robotic and brace waiting. Now he’s just waiting until all his numbers line up or something. Alder can tell you when he shows. Pres said he’ll come every two weeks to check on Gregor.”

I nod. “He was grown with a backward leg? Are there others?”

I feel Zeke before he sits. ‘Yeah, the monastery I check on has a bunch of disfigured boys. Franz at Elan has a short arm and tiny hand that Alder fitted with a robotic. Cooper says it works like it’s part of him. The monastery kids don’t think like these, more than bodies are disfigured there. They are learning basics and I got a couple of videos for Alder when I did the last check. He sent them little wind-up clocks and music boxes but the pinwheels were the biggest hit. One of the Brothers made a bigger one out of metal and put it at the pool. I added solar lights.’

I see it and the walkway. He makes me smile. “The walkways?”

He shrugs. ‘Glow in the dark rocks. The Bits sell them. I thought they’d like it.’ He paid for them after seeing the kids show interest in glowing wristbands. He’s a good Brother.

I’m not on Little Brothers anymore so I need something. “What can I do here for outreach?”

‘I’m a healer, Brother. I’ve never done anything else.’ Zeke looks over me to Axe, so I turn.

“Vets, elderly, Indian, Prospect, something in the community. I got kids so I’m not saying that one.”

I smile. “What do Indians need?”

“Someone to teach them about other tribes. Everything is so fucked up here and some don’t have memories of where they came from. Co is at Delta and works at the Zion and Bravo Clubs, but this one doesn’t seem to have a place with the rest. They have some Mohegans from Rhode Island that just got out of the traditional craziness that they grew up with. Everything here is new to them. They don’t have more than reading ability and that’s a handful of them.”

Shit, this is not good. My family was in a tribe like that and did the unthinkable. “I’ll take the Indians. Who do I talk to?”

He smiles. “Aiyana or the ancestors put Michaels here for White Wave and the kids. However that worked, she’s here and tries to help the Indians but doesn’t know more than stories from her He’emo H?ahno .”

“Sacred shield? She was hidden?”

Zeke smiles my way. ‘She was, then took charge of the younger hidden kids when the old He’emo H?ahno died. She learned stories that told of us and the other tribes and knows tribal languages from here but not much of the cultures. Maiyun has her helping with the books her mom recorded so the intent is not mistaken.’

I get that. “That’s not easy if you don’t know the languages. Here, it must be hard with all the tribes moving and banding together. Maiyun must need dozens of books just to hold the merged slang that would generate.” Cherokee clans all have slang and dialect that merges into other clans.

Zeke nods, looking serious. ‘Maiyun is good with the languages and White Wave the intent based on the story, so they’re making it through. White Wave said they only have a few more to go. Don’t mention White Wave’s name or what it was if you see it.’

Fuck, my brain freezes with the word. The man is dead and I never met him but feel the dark intent as if he’s alive. “A real Asgina . I won’t say a word. What’s the light I feel behind him?”

‘Crow is her grandfather. Maiyun’s too. Michaels and White Wave have the ancestors’ choices placed with them.’ Zeke confuses me more.

The choices were lost according to our stories.

“They were with Crow’s family members as Sacred Shields and Keepers.” Axe doesn’t make that better.

Zeke hits my arm. ‘Read the rest of the board Alder sent you. He added more but White Wave is close to the bottom.’

I nod. “I will. It’s been busy and Pres just gave me the procedure book for the Club and his preferences for all kinds of shit. He’s got a lot of kid shit in there but his take on answers and comments reminds me of Hemy’s training. There are no excuses.” It’s a policy I agree with.

They both laugh.

“He was trained by Knight in Mass.” Axe clears that up.“You’re the same so it’s a match made in heaven.”

I push him off his chair while I stand. “I need a drink.”

They laugh as I walk to the island cooler I saw a Brother get beer from, but I’m smiling. I think it’s the perfect place for me to land in too.

“Water is this side.”

I turn toward Falcon and an Indian with startling blue eyes. My eyes are more a washed out blue because of the tan flecks. His are arresting and his name comes to me with a smile. “Mag Bailey, you’re Meadows clan?” My grandfather told of his clan.

Falcon freezes. Zeke is holding Mag and Falcon’s forearms. ‘Don’t mention that. His son is Tyson.’

Fuck. “I’ll read the rest of the board tonight. Did you take it?” I have to ask because his mind is pure white.

He lets them go. ‘The ancestors did. You’ve got eight seconds.’ He’s gone.

I wait the seconds for a blink from them. “Brothers. Thanks, I’m not much of a drinker.” It’s an understatement but I’m nervous now that I almost fucked Mag’s life up.”

“This is Mag, SAA of Bravo.” Falcon gives me.

I put my arm out and see Mag notice the symbol.

His hand stops. “Are you family?”

“I’m Cherokee from Liberty. My grandfather was a medicine man.”

He relaxes and takes my arm. “My dad had the washer in the same blue. I’ve seen it with different colors in books but you have the exact colors.”

I nod and take a water from Falcon, hoping I don’t draw Zeke back over to wipe more shit away. “Thanks, Boss. It’s the sign of the Great Spirit.” I move my feathers and hair while I turn my head. “The marking inside is a sort of Cherokee Nation symbol. The Great Spirit symbol is known by all tribes.”

“Are a lot of Indians marked?” Falcon asks.

It’s a good question, but I downplay it. “The Native population in the US is eight point seven-five million. Six percent of the global population is four hundred and seven point six million. Mag’s dad, my brother, me and grandfather were marked. I imagine there’s got to be a few more around like us.”

He nods. “Are the Princes marked?”

I look around for help but no one comes our way. “There’s a light we see and feel in the Princes and other tribes. I’m a warrior messenger, my brother a warrior teacher. Our purpose showed on us at birth. My parents saw it as deformity and gave us to our grandfather. In that tribe, we were outcast and my grandfather shunned.” I never speak the evil word they used if I can help it.

“I feel energy around you like Teller. My dad had an energy but not like you. People were drawn to him.”

I nod. “It’s the way with ancestral blessings. Aiyana said we’re touched by them.”

“My grandmother said that. She always knew or felt Indians.” His grandmother Orenda, or in English, Magic Power, is known through stories passed down.

I don’t mention it. “Most with Paleo ties are like that. Paleo were disbursed through many tribes.” I don’t add, that means all over the world.

“Do you have books I can read so I’m not bombarding you with questions?” Making my life easier puts him high on my list of favorite Brothers.

“Thanks for saving me from the questions. I won’t mind answering them when you're done reading. Zeke has a whole tablet full of books. I’ll send you a list. Just Mag Bailey?” I ask pulling my phone out.

His body freezes and I feel distrust. Shit. “I’m a reader but only read what’s open to me. What I mean is, do I need to add Bravo or SAA?”

“No, just Mag Bailey. Thanks, Citiali.” He takes the water bottles from the island and walks.

I breathe deep.

“You know Mag and his family.”

My head whips back to Falcon. He’s a President so I have to answer. “Yes, of them, but I can’t say more.”

He nods looking serious. “I won’t ask more.”

“Thanks, Boss.” I get away from him before he changes his mind.

Zeke waits for me to sit. ‘You answered right, Brother. Falcon won’t question Indian for more than basics. Mag knows Tyson has a purpose but believes it will show when it’s needed. His grandmother and father taught him well.’

I turn from the pool to see him when I see Mag’s eyes on an older Brother. “Grandmother was Indian, father Badass, both with stories passed through our tribe.”

‘Yeah. I sent books to Mag. He’ll bring you his questions.’

“Thanks. Michaels is here. I need to get my class into the hologram board.”

His hand takes my arm. ‘Jump first. You’re in the right place, Brother. Kateri, Tyson, White Wave have cloaks or future purposes. Justice or Teller will explain at the reservation.’

I nod, feeling more settled than I did. “Thanks. I’ll jump first.”

Axe walks back with me. “I’m going to the Club. Meet me there when you’re done.”

I’m not up for more tonight. “I’m good, Brother.”

“Cort and Prez are going. We have Badass coming in from international ops.”

“I need time, Axe. I showed here, been with everyone all afternoon and need time. Atohi is jumping and I need that. Someone is showing with answers when I get home. I need a minute to get all I’ve learned today. On top of that, I need to get my classes up.”

He waves it away. “Classes will take you ten minutes.”

I stop and wait for him to turn my way. “No, Brother. There’s more happening here that I see. More happening in Virginia that ties in, more happening with the hidden. I need time with the ancestors.”

His step back has my brows drawing down.

“Aiyana does that.” He’s seen me pissed so what’s this? “What’s with the paint?”

I shrug and feel myself get annoyed that he’s pissed at me.With a deep breath, I head into my new house. It’s going to be a long night.“What?” I ask since he’s following me.

“War paint across your eyes, but she doesn’t have the other paint, that’s sick, Brother.” His smile is weird here.

I have war paint now? This is all too much. “I’ll see you tomorrow at Church.”

He waits until I’m a few steps in to suspend away. I shake my head closing the door. I can ask whoever shows at the reservation about the paint. I’ve seen Aiyana with blue across her eyes while they flash gold but no one ever said more than the flecks in my eyes flash. Since they’re little flecks, I figured it’s the light. Prez Knight has green eyes that seem to shimmer when he’s mad.