Aiyana: Book 2 (The Protectors) Read online

“Tell me and I’ll explain.”

  He’s a stubborn pain in the ass and rolls his eyes surprising me. It’s not a normal reaction from him. “The Rhode Island reservation, a lake that has the sun shining so bright the reflection looks like a picture in a picture. The colors are so bright like a painting. The rock is orange and looks like it’s glowing with such bright flowers around the base, but the flowers are darker or brighter than real. I guess it’s a picture of a lake in vivid color. Why is it so important to you?”

  The jump to the ancestors. I replay her words and smile, the ancestors are happy with our union, she’s giving me our connection. “She’s stuck on the reservation for another twenty-two days with no contact with me. The picture was a reminder of our connection.”

  He sits back. “Stuck with no contact, like in jail?”

  “Yeah.” We give our order to the waiter then I fill him in on what’s been happening. He was in D.C. the day she left, making this the worst week of my life. With no one to talk to, I’ve been focusing on keeping busy and making it through the days.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  I shrug. “You were on a job.”

  He shakes his head, but doesn’t say anything as our food is put in front of us. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me. I knew something was wrong. You should have called. I wasn’t busy every minute of that time, Jared. What do we need to do?”

  I wish it were that easy. “There’s nothing to do. She needs to do this her way. I can’t imagine life without my family, my home, or knowing I’d never be able to go back. Even with the tribe’s crazy thinking it’s still all she knows.”

  He throws questions at me as we’re eating. I imagine people just see us intent on the meal, but he wants to know everything. I answer until Aaron is standing at the edge of the table. I throw what happened and Kaleb glares at him.

  “I know you’re still pissed, but Christian just brought Aiyana dinner. He’s pissed and not talking, but she lost weight and looks like hell.”

  My heart stops. He brought her dinner? She’s lost weight? It’s only been a week. “Where is he?” I want to ask what the fuck Aaron was doing anywhere close to her, but I’m not asking him anything.

  “The Compound.”

  Kaleb stands throwing money on the table. I’m up and heading for the door without looking back. Security is waiting by the bikes. I wait for Kaleb and sigh when Aaron follows him. Fuckin’ great.

  At Christian’s, Dean opens the door and her smile falls to a sad look. “Hello, Jared, Kaleb and Aaron.” The tone of her voice changes when she says Aaron. I shield because I’m glad to hear it. He’s the reason Aiyana is being held there.

  Prez and Darren are at the table with Christian. “Your fuckin’ mouth, Aaron. Dakota should have let him beat the shit out of you.” Christian never looks back, I guess when you see shit like he does you don’t need to.

  I sit across from Christian. Aaron stands looking at him. “I put her there, I need to fix it and she’s Jared’s, he deserves to know.”

  This surprises me, but I want answers from Christian. “Why did you bring her dinner?”

  He looks at Prez so I do. His hands are in his hair. “They closed her account. She’s eating what she catches off the land.”

  How many times can your heart stop before you die? I hold my chest hoping for a regular rhythm. “I’ll give you a card. Can you get it to her tonight?”

  Prez shakes his head. “She can’t take money. She’s afraid they’ll send her out in disgrace. Christian thinks she’s right.” He pauses, “They’re trying to break her.”

  This is bullshit. “Co and Nunànuk can’t get her fuckin’ food? How long has this been happening?”

  “Since she got there,” Christian says looking at the table.

  A fuckin’ week! She hasn’t eaten in a week. I hold my chest harder and try to breathe. Prez stands and starts pacing. “She’s a hell of a shot, but she’s eating only the meat and fish she catches.”

  “Co and Nunànuk?” They have to be able to help.

  Prez stops and looks at me. “Nunànuk can’t show without an invitation from Co and Co isn’t talking to anyone, in the tribe or out.”

  “Oh my fuckin’ God. Her friends can’t help her?” My heart is beating fast now that I’m pissed.

  Christian lifts his head holding my eyes to him. He’s livid. “She’s taken a vow of silence with them. The only one that showed was Kaya and she just wanted information. Aiyana saw it and gave her nothing but silence. The women are afraid to do anything that would cause them to be treated the same. They won’t go against the elders to help her. The elders believe she deserves to be stripped of all her comforts.”

  I shake my head. Kaleb puts his hand on my shoulder. “Doesn’t she help these people regularly? She’s their midwife, treats them and shit?”

  Christian answers, “They believe her abilities are the ancestors’ gifts to them. Women don’t have abilities like Aiyana.”

  Darren moves drawing my attention. “Dakota does. He wasn’t held, not that I imagine they could hold him, but they didn’t try to keep him on the reservation.”

  I look at Prez. “How do we get her food? She’s there, she’s staying for three weeks, she needs to eat.”

  He’s surprised. “You aren’t demanding she leave?”

  Darren laughs, “I wanted to kidnap her.”

  I shake my head no. “Her life is made up of those fuckin’ crazy beliefs, her home, her people. She deserves to have a life that she can go back to when she wants to. She’s not a quitter, she’ll fight until she has nothing left to fight with. How do I get her food?”

  Christian laughs. “You’re perfect for her. I’m glad Mitch is your mom. Aiyana is a lot like her.”

  Prez starts pacing again. “They have too many seers to get shit by. We need to be smart. Since Nunànuk can’t get there, we need a reason and way on the reservation. They aren’t going to let Christian in every day with Co not talking.”

  Christian shakes his head no. “I don’t need to be there every day. I can get her food, but it has to be in a way that no one sees. She can catch her meat so it’s the other shit she needs. There’s not one thing in the cabinets, fridge or freezer, but dry spices.”

  There goes my fuckin’ heart racing again. Kaleb’s hand squeezes my shoulder. “Call Mom, Kaleb.”

  “NO!” They all yell.

  Prez puts his hand on the table leaning toward us. “We need the pipeline guarantee, Jared.”

  “You think she’d jeopardize that? She’s fuckin’ Mitch Baxter!”

  I stop Kaleb raising my hand. “I need a way to get food to Aiyana. You’re all talking, but I need the plan starting now. She would give that to me and help the fuckin’ lawyer with whatever the reservation needs to stop the pipelines.”

  He nods knowing it’s true. “Before we call her, how can we do this without her starting a women’s movement on the reservation?”

  That I can’t guarantee, so I wait.

  “I can show maybe once a week. I’ll bring dinners for her then. Getting food to her will be tricky. She needs a way to find it,” Christian says.

  Now we’re getting somewhere, my heart can beat normally. “I got that covered. How often can you get her food?”

  “Twice a week. Too much and she’ll be caught.” He’s serious.

  My heart starts up again. “What about other people? Can Jess show there? Dakota, Josiah?”

  Prez smiles. “We could get them to drop things like potatoes and vegetables every couple of days.”

  “They let me in with no problem. Some old guy even asked my name and smiled,” Aaron says and Kaleb’s hand holds me down. I want to hit him again.

  Prez looks at him like he’s crazy. “No.”

  “Hear me out, Prez. I can go when you’re out of people. The Chief wasn’t happy with what her father pulled, but the others liked the idea. I can drop her food and take a walk or something.”

  “No. We can all read y
ou, Aaron. She’s not up for grabs and I’m not putting you anywhere close to her.”

  “She’s not interested. She’s coming back to Jared. She told me, but I could see it too. She’s not staying on the reservation, she moves here and they’re happy together,” Christian says and I relax.

  Aaron leans against the wall. “If you need me, I can do it. I’m not trying to take advantage of her. I’m just trying to fix what I fucked up.”

  I dismiss him and his thoughts. We get a plan in place. Christian is sending eggs and milk tonight. Prez warns about small amounts so she can eat without anyone seeing she’s getting food from outside the reservation. From there we get a schedule going to get food to her every couple of days. I’m not happy with the amount, but it beats her slowly starving.

  “I’ll get the food for her and make sure it gets to the right people. If you tell me where you’re dropping it, Christian, I’ll let her know.”

  He’s surprised. “You talk with her?”

  “No, she looks at the kitchen table every day. I leave pictures or song titles there.”

  He laughs. “Smart, they’d pick up on the talking.”

  With everything set I thank them and follow Kaleb out. At the house, I decide I can make her food and send it in small bags.

  Kaleb watches me look through the cabinets. “This is so fucked up, but I’m glad they’ve got her back. They were going to figure it out anyway, but Darren wants to bring her home.”

  “He’s Kate’s son and Eliza was a slave for the Outlaws. He can’t understand why she’d stay.”

  “Women go through some shit. Jesus, I’m glad Eliza is here.”

  “Yeah. She’s a good Brother and partner for him.” I pull out rice and a pan. She likes rice and broccoli. While the water is set to boil, I cut up broccoli and wait. “Mom expects us for dinner. I can’t tell her what’s going on and holding her off for three weeks will be impossible.”

  “She’ll show up here.”

  What the fuck am I supposed to tell her? She’ll see a lie right away. “I can’t tell one of the Dads, she’ll get pissed that they knew.”

  “The kids will tell her before that. Justice and Aquyà see like Jeremy. The only good thing is they haven’t said anything yet.”

  “Oh shit. Maybe Jess can talk to them.”

  He laughs. This is so fuckin’ complicated.

  Before bed I leave her a picture of eggs and milk in the fridge. Christian said he’d get it there. I don’t know how if he doesn’t show up, but he said it will be in the fridge.

  Chapter Six

  Aiyana

  As soon as my eyes open, I jump out of bed to look in the refrigerator. I checked last night, but nothing was there. Today there are three eggs and a plastic cup of milk. I laugh and then cry. He did not storm the gate and demand that I leave with him, he is making sure I have food. He understands and is giving me what I need so I can make it.

  I drink the milk right down and wash the cup then boil two eggs and put the last in the bottom drawer of the refrigerator. I can use it for frying or if I get hungry on another day.

  I tamp down my excitement before someone picks up on it and open my laptop. Christian has everything for the Protectors on a secure website. I have been reading the procedures book so I can finish my last week of training as soon as I get back. Princes Ops’ book is similar, but the Protectors’ is more realistic for anyone with abilities. Christian had me read the Princes’ book first. I have not re-read it since, but I have read the Protectors’ twice now.

  I have been practicing suspending fast with a chair, but do not want to alert the elders by moving around with the bike. Being stuck here has not been so bad. I have decided I am using my abilities for everything. When Christian left last night, I finished my laundry without touching the water or the clothes. I will continue that until I have mastered them all. I can project myself short distances without alerting anyone that I am close. I saw Kaya and Meban talking about what will happen to me as if I was in the room with them. They are the ones that removed the food from the house on my father’s order. Kaya was smiling, so I left them and thought about the positive thoughts of the Princes. I have not seen Kaya having such negative thoughts, so I was surprised to see them directed at me. I am glad for Christian’s warning, but wonder again how I am being shielded from those thoughts.

  Focusing on the book, I start reading again.

  * * *

  A knock at the door surprises me. No one has been here, but Kaya on the first day and Christian. I put the knife down and wash my hands.

  Josiah is smiling at me when I open the door. “Heard you could use a friend.”

  I laugh and give his hand a squeeze. “Always, my favorite Warrior. Come in.”

  “So, the sign is for the tribe.”

  “Yes. I have nothing to say to them. I am glad you are here. How is your father?”

  He stays at the door, but leans in. “He’s doing good, still working and all that. He’s too stubborn for his own good, but it works for him.” He pulls a bag from his pocket and hands it to me then a big potato and stands straight. ‘Your man loves you, Aiyana. Save the potato for tomorrow,’ he says in my head then takes my hand and squeezes. “I just wanted to see you before I left. I have a shift in Ops tonight. I’ll stop next week when I see my dad.”

  “Thank you, Josiah. I will look forward to then.”

  I close the door smiling. Rice and broccoli with my fish. I love my man too. I picture him holding my hand and put the word ‘together’ over it. Deciding it is not enough I make the ‘o’ a heart. When I am happy with it I send it to Mucimi.

  Chapter Seven

  One week

  Jared

  Brantley calls me into Security. Since I’m only ever here for meetings I wonder what the problem is. We got his tunnels squared and fixed the glitch at the stairwells that weren’t registering the dogs. This has to be new shit he’s got going on.

  I’m told he’s in his office and head on up, but meet him in the hall. “Perfect timing, Prez wants us in his office.”

  I follow without asking what’s up. They won’t talk until they’re ready so there’s no point. Prez is talking on the phone, but motions for us to sit. I look around taking in his pictures and Indian artifacts a little surprised. I know he’s Indian, but didn’t realize he recognized that culture, like at all. He doesn’t really show it. I wonder how Aiyana would like to change things in the house. I like the mix here. It shows a depth with respect to — as Dakota would say — what is.

  Prez hangs up and writes something, then closes the file and looks at me. He’s deciding what to say. Fuck this isn’t good.

  “It’s not. Nunànuk called Brantley today with a warning. They’re paying attention to the people in contact with Aiyana. Apparently, she’s eating enough that she doesn’t look like she’s starving anymore.” I go to stand and Brantley holds my arm. There’s more? Prez nods. “There’s more. Her Internet is off, since her phone was taken, she has no way to call for help and Dakota thinks they're blocking them. Everyone got a new password but her, so she can’t log on. Not that it’s a concern considering she’ll have no electricity by the end of the week. Co is leaving and a new Shaman is taking over. The guy is a dick and feels Aiyana is being treated too leniently. Dakota opened his house and is at the reservation right now to move her. Jess is with Aiyana and the kids having a picnic.”

  I’m holding my heart again. No one reacts anymore, so I guess it’s my new thing. “How will I get her food? She’s got thirteen days left.”

  “Dakota will talk to you about that, he said he had some ideas. Hopefully she’ll be able to live in his house and they can leave it stocked. If not, we’ll figure it out.”

  I look down thinking about her living in a tent. They’re fuckin’ mean spirited at best. She has thirteen days. We can find a way to get her through the thirteen days.

  “Since you took all that and are looking for ways to help her stay, I need to tell you the res
t.”

  “I’m not sure I want the rest. What more can they do to her?”

  He looks at Brantley so I follow. “Nunànuk said Aiyana should be the Shaman. She’s more than qualified and has the abilities on top of it. The jerk they picked is a reader, but not even a good one. He shares the belief of a few trusted elders in the traditional culture so he got the job. They’ll try to keep her there pushing the ‘women don’t leave unless they’re married’ shit. She won’t get tribal money until she is and her husband controls that. They will hold her money so her father doesn’t spend it, but she won’t see it until she’s married.”

  I nod thinking about how this can work. I don’t want her marrying me just to get tribal money, but she’s mine already. I told Kaleb I’m marrying her and I will. I need to get her to agree.

  “Finish, Brantley,” Prez says and takes a deep breath. My girl is as strong as they come, but Jesus, more?

  “Nunànuk said if she walks out the gate before she’s married, she’s out. She’s got Co coming to her at the end of the week and she thinks they’re blocking Co, Aiyana and Dakota. Christian agrees.” He watches me as if I’m going to blow up.

  I look at Prez. “How do I get her food?”

  He laughs shaking his head. “Fuckin’ Brothers. This isn’t what I expected, but I’ll take it. We’ll figure the food out. We just need to keep her safe for the thirteen days and figure a way to get her out.”

  I nod. “I’ll call my mom. She’ll figure the ‘get her out’ thing. When is Dakota expected back?”

  “He’ll let me know soon. He was just moving her without asking. He’s pissed and isn’t in the mood to play nice.” He’s smiling so it’s good.

  Devan pops on his screen. “Prez, we need you in Ops. Brantley, we could use your help too.”

  Brantley pops up and runs out the door. “I’m on my way,” Prez says laughing.

  “You might as well come down. I’ll tell you when Dakota throws to me.”

  I follow and smile when I see Brantley typing at a console. “You need any help?” I ask sitting beside him.