Aiyana: Book 2 (The Protectors) Page 4

  “Mase, get up there and show them how a threat would throw that energy. Aiyana, being easy on her isn’t respect, it’s holding her back from learning more.”

  I look down at him and nod. He is, of course, right. When I look back at Aubrey fire is coming at me and I put my arms in front of me holding it still. A warning would have been nice, but there is another field of energy coming at me from Mase. I roll the fire with it and send it back fast. They are crazy with fire here. We move much faster, defending in different ways until Christian calls us to stop.

  I work with Judy on suspending and realize she does not have the fire gift, but shields very quickly like Aubrey. She moves quickly too and surprises me by showing up behind me when I throw fire at her. “I don’t do the fire thing.”

  I laugh. “It is good that you are behind me then.” I stop the fire and let it burn away.

  We talk on the mat and Mase shows everyone suspending fast again, but with objects. This is a much happier group of young ones than at the reservation. They laugh at everything, even if it is done wrong. I am unhappy when training ends.

  “We’ll be back. I like you working with Judy. She’ll be a help to the readers at Princes,” Christian says as we walk out.

  “I have a vision of her helping.”

  He nods walking to the helicopter. He saw it too. He sits and I try to read him. It is impossible, but he smiles — he felt it. “No one reads me any more except the kids.”

  Thinking about them I smile. “To think I am replaceable by children is not good for my ego, Christian.”

  He laughs. “No one can replace you, Aiyana. Nunànuk would bring the wrath of the ancestors down around me if she even heard the words. A woman with your abilities is unheard of within the tribe.”

  It brings up a question I had earlier. “Will Kaya be training as I am?”

  I watch his face change then clear of all emotion. “No. She stays on the reservation.” Does that mean she shouldn’t learn? “You can teach her what you know, but she doesn’t come into Security for training.”

  “I understand. I will teach her all I know. She does not have all the abilities, but enough to be helpful to us.”

  He relaxes making me wonder why. “Yes. Teach her how to harness and use the abilities she has.”

  He says no more during the flight, but stops me as I’m getting on the Security mot—bike. “Jared has your bike done. I’ll drop you there.”

  Aaron follows us without a word. I see he is still not happy with me training, but I ignore his thoughts, instead wondering how the new motorcycle was built so fast.

  Alex and Jared are outside the Lab and it looks like Jared is programming something on his tablet that is connected to the mot—bike. He smiles when we pull up. “Just in time, Wuyituwôk. I need your thumb print so you can start it up.”

  I give him my hand and he pulls me in for a kiss then puts my thumb on the tablet. “It is a very beautiful bike, thank you, Jared and Alex.” Christian rides away, but Aaron stands watching the road.

  “We put special lights on for you, Aiyana. Jared said you like blue so we put three different colors or they can change while you ride it. Right, Jared?”

  Jared smiles while he’s typing. “That’s right, Alex. She has a choice or she can let them change on a relay.”

  Alex is so happy. “That means you can have them all at once.”

  I laugh and take his hand giving it a squeeze. “Thank you, Alex. I like having choices.”

  He nods bobbing the top half of his body. “Jared said women like choices too.”

  Aaron makes a noise, but I ignore him. Jared gives him a look that does not look friendly. I do not want to cause problems between them, but I do not think I should say anything to Aaron in front of Jared. I will have to wait until we are alone or at Security.

  Eliza pulls up smiling. “Cool ride, Aiyana. I’m with you to the reservation then the Compound. Christian says you need to be there tonight because HS has something going on.”

  Aaron rides away without a word. I look at Jared. “Can I ride this now or are you still working on it?”

  “It’s done. Dakota let us know you were on your way when Abe landed so we were waiting on you.” He man hugs Alex making me smile. “Thanks, Brother. Can you put this in my office on the desk?”

  Alex takes the cord and tablet and turns to me. “Have a nice ride, Aiyana. Me and Prince will come see you at Jared’s house.”

  He is so cute, I squeeze his hand again. “I am looking forward to it, Alex. Thank you for building my new bike for me.” He waves and calls Prince to him walking up the stairs. “He is a very special man.”

  “He is,” both Jared and Eliza say.

  Jared takes my hand and I get on the new bike. It is black like theirs, but has blue Protector logos. The Protector bikes have black logos. I am excited because he made it special for me, but also because I can reach the ground easily. “Let’s ride, Wuyituwôk.” He hands me a matching helmet that fits perfect. I pull him down and kiss him making him smile.

  Eliza laughs as I pull away, excited to ride my new bike. I even remember to call it a bike in my head, making me smile more. Eliza thinks we make a cute couple when he pulls alongside me. I think so too, but brace for the questions I know will come as soon as we pull through the reservation gate.

  At the back road to the reservation Jared speeds up and I follow, feeling the wind hit my face faster is exhilarating. Chevy opens the gate for us, but he is not happy. I ignore his judgmental thoughts and ride to my house fast, taking the curves and dips laughing. The bike is light and takes the changing terrain well. Jared stays by my side as if the roads are known to him. Turning into my driveway I slow and feel my parents at my house. It was a good day until now.

  Jared is watching me, but does not ask questions. When he sees my father under the overhang he smiles making me want to laugh. We stop and my father watches as Jared takes my hand while I get off. Eliza stays on her bike, but is turned and looks down the driveway.

  “Jared made a bike that fits me better than the Security bike,” I tell him unsure of what to say.

  Jared offers his hand to my father. “Jared Baxter, sir.”

  I am surprised when my father takes it, but he does not speak. “Lond Waters,” I tell Jared. He nods. My father wants to speak with me, but will not talk in front of Jared or Eliza. “I need a minute to speak with my parents, Jared.” He lets my hand go and sits on the top step while we go inside.

  My mother is furious. “This is not how you were raised, Aiyana. Shame is brought on us today.”

  I walk by her. “The ancestors are happy with my choice and I am happy, Mother. That matters to me.”

  “An Anglo? You could have picked a LaPonte-James since Blackhawks are taken or too young!” my father yells.

  “My choice is Jared Baxter and I am glad it is MY choice and not one of your arranged, ridiculous, husband material, Warriors,” I yell back.

  I do not wait for an answer, and pack clothes in my bag. “You will not leave here with him without bringing shame upon us,” my mother says from the doorway.

  I walk by her and into the bathroom. “I will leave with him beside me, not in front or behind me. He believes in all that I value and I will proudly ride beside him. The shame you speak of is yours alone. The ancestors are happy, I am happy. This does not have to be a fight. Be happy for me, Mother.”

  “Your choice is him or your home.” My father speaks low and slow letting me know he means this.

  I stop in my tracks and look for Co. ‘Co, I need a truck at my house right away.’

  ‘What is in your head, Aiyana?’

  ‘My father is making me choose Jared or my home. I will not be forced to choose. Today it will be Jared, tomorrow it will be for another reason.’

  ‘I will have your things moved to the apartment over the garage. Do not be quick to jump, my Warrior Princess. I will speak with your father.’

  I open the door and turn back to my pa
rents. “Co will move my things. You know my number if you want to see me.”

  Stepping through the door I know that Jared not only heard, but understood every word my father spoke, even though it was in Mohegan.

  “Now I know what racism feels like.” He watches the door with confusion in his eyes.

  I take his hand and pull his shirt so he bends for me. “Co will speak with them and move my belongings to an apartment right here on the reservation. Are you ready?” I kiss his lips.

  He is surprised. “You’re going to leave?”

  Why would I stay? “I will not be dictated to or given ultimatums for every choice I make. If I let them do this today, tomorrow will be worse.”

  His eyes clear and he nods. “Yeah, but this is fucked up.”

  I have to agree. “It is fucked up.”

  He shakes his head and hands me my helmet. Eliza watches, but does not add to our conversation.

  Chapter Three

  Two weeks

  Aiyana

  I run, dropping behind a tree. Damn he is very fast. Hearing a twig break, I lean around the tree, aim, and fire three shots in a row. I laugh at the shock on his face.

  “Son of a bitch!” Kaleb says, as he walks away.

  I turn smiling and duck back behind the tree. I see Jessie coming from my right and shoot, then get shot by Dakota.

  “Damn that hurts!” They laugh at me, but my shoulder is burning. I sit at the base of the tree rubbing my shoulder under my shirt and the yellow paint.

  Jared comes from behind them and shoots Dakota. “Distraction.”

  I jump up and run to him. “You won again!”

  He throws Dakota chin while Jessie mumbles about beginner’s luck, making Dakota laugh. “She has been hunting since she was a little girl, Jessie.”

  We meet up with Kaleb, Jess, Darren and Eliza.

  “The only one without paint on him again?” Eliza laughs.

  “Let’s go, Brothers. We need to get moving if we want to make dinner,” Jessie growls at us. Jess laughs and hugs Jared. She is not intimidated by Jessie at all.

  We take our painted shirts off and head back to town.

  This has been another very good week for me. Kaya and Meban had my new apartment set up when I made it back for the elder meeting on Sunday. Jared stepped in front of me when my father started in about Anglos again. He made Co and some of the elders smile, telling my father he was no longer allowed to speak to me as if I were a child. My father said no more, but I could see his anger over being told his place by someone so young. Since some of the elders spoke to, and genuinely like Jared, I relaxed and ignored my father’s angry gaze.

  Training with Christian has kept me busy, and Ops are easier now that I know how everyone reacts to situations. I am very excited to be helping and making a difference in small ways for the Princes and MC. The men and women do not spark fear in me, and I am comfortable defending with a gun as well as my abilities.

  My time with Jared is limited, but has been enlightening and also very exciting. He is interested in all that I do and questions everything that I tell him to get a better understanding about abilities and how they help in Ops. Not knowing what I can tell him, I keep ability information to a minimum. I hold him tighter as I think of our time together. He is a very good man and treats me well, without trying to put me in a box of his making. Falling in love is exactly what I am doing. I laugh thinking it is too late for the falling part and he looks back at me. I lay my head on his back and he relaxes.

  At the restaurant, everyone is talking and laughing. I watch how they all interact and think that they are positive people without agendas or constraints on their affection for each other. It is good to see and I wish I grew up like they did. Everyone does not shield their true thoughts here.

  Dakota looks at me. “It is very different than what we had, but we learned the same lessons that they did. You are here now, Aiyana, celebrate that. In the end, it is what will matter.”

  I nod noticing everyone looking at us. “He is right. Being born female is not an easy life in the tribe, but I have made it here now. I love being part of the Protectors where I am able to share my gifts in a meaningful way.”

  “Nunànuk doesn’t seem to have a problem being a woman in the tribe,” Jess says.

  Dakota raises a hand stopping me from answering. “She is of the Connecticut tribe. They are more relaxed than the traditional we grew up with. Aiyana has always had a strong will. Other women will not leave the reservation, even with the new relaxed views the elders of Rhode Island have adopted. They still believe women should be in the home teaching the children traditional native culture.”

  This is why Kaya will not be trained here. The thought bounces in my head and Dakota nods at me. Damn. She seemed happy that I am free to come and go. I will have to ask her and give encouragement if it is a choice she is struggling with.

  “It is not, Aiyana, she is happy to stay in her place on the reservation as the other women are,” Dakota says, then a picture of Kaya and Chevy appears in my head.

  He is married! I do not say a word, but push it out and talk with Eliza about our day tomorrow.

  As we get to the bikes for the trip home, Jess tells me she will hug me then she does. “I’m proud of you, Aiyana. My mom always says everyone deserves a future. I’m glad you get the chance to have yours on your terms.”

  I laugh and squeeze her then step away. “I am too. Thank you, Jess.”

  The ride to Jared’s is uneventful and quiet. Everyone is lost in their own thoughts. Mine is about Jess riding with Dakota on the way home. She switches when she is out with them and I find it endearing.

  The gate is open before we turn in. Everyone throws respect to the guard then each other as we stop. I find the words and the act amusing, but notice they all put thought to the gesture. Brotherhood is a very good way to live.

  “Awesome day, Wuyituwôk.”

  I take his hand and get off his bike. “It was and I am proud of you for winning today. Where did Kaleb go?” He did not meet us at the restaurant.

  “Date and he’s sleeping at the Club. He has clothes there too.”

  I nod and he guides me in the house. “Thank you for taking me today. Paintball is painful, but fun.”

  He looks serious. “Are you still in pain?”

  I pull him down. “Only my ego. I should have felt Dakota behind me.”

  “Dakota can shield like Christian. He’s like a ghost.”

  I nod, there is a danger to both Dakota and Christian that is hidden deep.

  We decide on a movie, but Jared is not interested in it. He turns and focuses at the window then back to the screen. The third time he does I ask, “What is wrong, Jared?” I shut the movie off because I am not interested either.

  He turns and lifts me onto his lap. “I want more, Aiyana. I want to see you more than the weekends and once or twice a week.”

  I would like more too. “With training, my schedule is full, all my tribal obligations fall at night until I am finished. When training is done, I will have that time.”

  “You have two more weeks?”

  I nod happy that he feels like I do.

  He has something else on his mind and holds his breath for a second. I have seen him do this before and wait. “I know it hasn’t been long, but I love you, Aiyana, and I want you to know where my head is. I’m looking at forever and you are the biggest part of that.”

  He means every word. He loves me. I am stunned because I just thought this today. He loves me without trying to change me.

  “Too soon?” he asks and I laugh.

  My heart feels light and my head is a jumbled mess. “No, I am stunned because I thought the same thing today while we were riding to the restaurant. I love you too, Jared, but do not know what my future holds because I am on shaky ground with the tribe.” I intend to tell him about Co’s warning about the unhappy elders when his mouth crashes down on mine and I lose all thought.

  * * *
r />   Jared

  She loves me. I want to show her what that love looks like, but can’t get past she loves me. I kiss her lips when she moans in my mouth. “No matter what happens, we’ll get through it together. Yeah?”

  She’s surprised, but nods. “I like that. Thank you. I am not an easy person like you, Jared.” What? “I am headstrong and opinionated and throw a fit when I don’t get my way.”

  I can’t help, but smile. “I’m not looking for easy, Aiyana. Love isn’t easy. It’s work. It’s funny. It’s sad. It’s happy. But it’s rarely easy. I honestly believe that we need to work every day for us. My mom says it all the time. They’ve made it this far and are still happy.”

  “But I myself am not easy.”

  “That’s coming from the men that are holding their women down on the reservation. Here, in the real world, you’re just like everyone else. Sheila and Eliza are HS, Jess is an engineer, Lily runs the Women’s Center and every program they have, Beth is a nurse, Holly a teacher. You’re no different. Do what you want to make your future what you want it to be, Aiyana.”

  “And the reservation? You make it sound so simple when it is anything, but.”

  I watch her eyes. “What about it? Do I need to move there?”

  She smiles. “You would move to the reservation?”

  “Of course, if that’s where you’ll be happy, that’s where I’ll be.” Why is this so hard for her to understand?

  “We would need a place to live. My family’s homes are not an option for me any longer.”

  I know she's being shunned by her family and some of the other members of the tribe, but she hasn’t mentioned it so I leave it alone. “I can build a house, Aiyana. Where we live isn’t important to me. The reservation is forty minutes from the Lab or a couple by chopper.”

  She laughs. “You would fly to work?”

  “Yeah, if I need to, I will. We can put a hangar behind the house.” I’m thinking of what kind of house would work on the reservation. Maybe a log cabin.