Aiyana: Book 2 (The Protectors) Read online

  “I’m pulling the reservation feeds.”

  I watch the boards. They have reservation feeds? I push it out of my head and suck in a breath when I see the people around a house. Dakota and Aiyana are standing in front of it. She did lose weight, but she’s beautiful. Shit, they aren’t going to let her stay there. Rocks and sticks are dropping in front of them. They’re shielding. She told me about this, but actually seeing it work is cool.

  “Dakota, show them the abilities up close and personal. Maybe they’ll leave her the fuck alone.” Prez is pissed.

  Aiyana steps forward looking just like the princess she is. That quiet dignity almost rolls off her. She stands proud and points to her father then a fire ball is rushing toward him. Holy fuck, she’s not playing. It stops right in front of him and she says something, but there’s no audio here. People are running scared as two men are lifted up in the air. RS pulls in and runs toward Aiyana and I stand up. They better not put hands on her. They fly back and fall, rolling as if they were caught in a blast. “Good job, baby. Don’t take their shit anymore.” The Chief gets out of a truck with Co. Co is smiling, but the Chief looks pissed. I watch Aiyana and see she’s shaking. Christian appears beside her. “Holy shit. He just appeared.”

  Brantley laughs. “Yeah, he’s good at it.”

  “Christian, hit your mic,” Prez says as if Christian just appearing is normal. We hear the crowd yelling.

  Christian steps forward with Dakota. “What has she done to deserve you taking her food and cleaning out her bank account? She hunts for her food, every day you see her bringing her catch home. What more do you want from her? She can’t work and earn money, she can’t live in her own house, she can’t even spend a fuckin’ day without people making her life more miserable than it already is. You wanted her here, so she’s here, now leave her the fuck alone!”

  A shot is fired and Christian turns his head. I watch Aiyana. She’s watching a man fly then hit a truck head first. Shit.

  Dakota steps forward. “All RS are dismissed. As of three you will not be paid. Return your badges, equipment and vehicles to Lightfoot. You no longer work for me.” He’s fuckin’ pissed.

  The Chief moves forward. “Dakota, this is not necessary. We do not have the equipment to keep the reservation safe. Give us some time and we will replace your equipment.”

  “As long as Aiyana stays safe you have my support for thirteen days. If Aiyana comes to harm I will personally burn every house on the reservation down and I will do that from home. I will not put another dime into a tribe that would teach this level of hate. Aiyana did nothing different than I did, yet she is subject to hate for wanting to help people?”

  The Chief is pissed. “She is taking her abilities off the reservation and not supporting her tribe.”

  “With support like this can you blame her?” Christian says making me smile. Aiyana is smiling. “You won’t pay her for her work, you won’t give her tribal money, you took her food. Why the fuck she wants to stay is beyond me, but that’s up to her. Kaya draws a pay and she doesn’t have even half the ability Aiyana does. Every baby born here is born here safe because of Aiyana and she gets nothing for it. Why isn’t she paid?”

  I see tears run down Aiyana’s face. She’s looking right at Kaya. “No, Wuyituwôk, she’s not worth your tears.” I wish she could hear me.

  “They get paid?” she asks Christian.

  “They all do since they turned eighteen, they’ve been drawing a regular pay for the work they do for the tribe. They also get tribal money direct deposited to their accounts. I had Brantley check.”

  I slap Brantley’s back. My Aiyana is crying without a sound and I can’t look away. She can’t be held to get even that comfort and I wish I was there for her. Dakota touches her shoulder, but she turns to Christian. “Take me to Little Ben. I need a job.” The whole room explodes.

  “Tell her she is HS starting Monday and Jared is right here watching.” Prez smiles at me.

  Dakota tells her with a smile then looks at the Chief with a fierceness that I can almost feel. “You have one week to get my vehicles and equipment to Lightfoot. I will send Blackhawks to collect my cameras and computers. If anything is damaged I will develop the land that abuts the reservation into an amusement park that would make Walt Disney proud. The money from the casino and boat will go to Aiyana until she is fully paid for her years of service to my former people.”

  I smile at the Disney comment, but feel bad that he’s walking away from his tribe. He wears his culture in everything he does. That’s a fuck of a decision to make so quickly. I look at Prez. “He owns the casino?”

  He nods smiling. “And the boat that gives them the money for the school,” Brantley throws in.

  The Chief moves to Dakota, but I watch Aiyana hold Christian’s hand then rise up in the air fast. Holy shit, she told me about some abilities, but it’s nothing like seeing them.

  * * *

  Aiyana

  Christian takes me to the Security building, but I cannot walk in the door. “I am nervous. I did not do what I set out to and have left in disgrace.”

  “What the fuck are you talking about? They treated you like shit for fuckin’ years because you’re a woman with more abilities than they’ve ever seen. The disgrace is on them. You worked for them for years in good faith, with a pure heart, and they were punishing and shielding that from you the whole time. You walk into Princes with your head held high knowing you did nothing wrong. Let’s go before Jared sends out a fuckin’ search party.”

  I almost bow my head, but catch myself and nod. “Thank you, Christian.” I walk through the door he has been holding open for me with my head held high. I am still nervous, but also excited. Jared is here.

  At the Ops door, Christian thumbs us in, and Jared pulls the door open. I cry putting my arms around him. He holds me tight then lifts me up and carries me out. “Wuyituwôk, it feels good to hold you again.”

  He sits and I put my hands on his face. “I do not want to be away from you again. Ever.”

  “Marry me.”

  “Yes.”

  People are yelling and I look around amazed that they are all here. This has to be the whole HS department.

  “JesusfuckinChrist a Mitch wedding,” Jessie says and everyone laughs.

  I smile at Jared. He shrugs. “They’re crazy, but they’re my Brothers.”

  I laugh and cry for the connection I lost and the new connection I am offered here. I will find a new home with my new people, the Princes of Prophecy and Jared.

  * * *

  Jared

  She’s been teary eyed on and off all night, but she’s finally asleep. The old ladies showed making dinner a huge welcome home for her. I could see her relaxing and accepting them, but the tears were never far from her eyes. Lily offered to help her transition from reservation life to here and Aiyana looked relieved to take her up on it. She had so many questions about normal life shit, I’m struck by the differences in our ways of living.

  My Brothers are pissed for what she went through, but are trying to cover it. I’m glad that it wasn’t brought up and talked about all night. They seem to understand she’s working at looking forward. Dakota said Nunànuk is coming to see her tomorrow to talk about the future with her and I should wait to bring up my future plans. This makes me a little nervous. I hope she doesn’t have more shit waiting for her tomorrow.

  I hear Kaleb come in and let him know we’re in the room. He just got in from Mass, so he has no idea all the shit that happened. He opens the door smiling. “I’m happy for you, Jared.” I throw to him that she’s done with the tribe. He smiles bigger and tells me to marry her.

  I nod. “She said yes.”

  ‘Mom is going to love her. Is she okay?’

  ‘Dakota said Nunànuk will talk to her tomorrow and made it sound like she will be.’

  He nods. ‘He would know. Congratulations, Jared. I’m glad she came back early.’

  I throw him chin. I fee
l it as he’s saying it. ‘Night, Kaleb.’

  I text my mom asking about dinner this weekend. She texts right back they’ll be here tomorrow. I just shake my head. Kaleb has been running interference for me, but she’s getting impatient. “Lights off,” I tell the room.

  I kiss her head again taking a deep breath, loving her wrapped around me. Aiyana is right here. I think about what she’s lost. That’s got to be a lot to get your head around. Maybe that’s why Dakota wants me to wait to talk about future plans. He must feel that loss too. Fuck. I’ll wait to see what Nunànuk has to say, but I think the Baxters and Princes can help her feel connected. We’re not all Indian, but we know Brotherhood. I hold her a little tighter and smile. I can’t wait until she has her first girls’ night out.

  Chapter Eight

  Aiyana

  I push down with my fingers and smile. Jared. Opening my eyes, I look up at him without moving my body to alert or wake him up. He is a beautiful Warr—biker. In sleep, he looks younger. Yesterday comes back to me and I wonder if he will still want to marry me today. I am banished, I have no home, no family and no people. Do I still have ancestors? They celebrated our union, but I am no longer part of my tribe. I close my eyes and breathe slowly. I must speak to Dakota about what I am allowed to use of my history. What happens when you do not have a tribe? I have never known anyone that was banished.

  If Jared will still have me, what will happen with our children? I bring nothing to a marriage of my people or my culture.

  “It’s way too early for that puzzled look, Wuyituwôk.” He touches my forehead running his thumb across it.

  I smile. “I am trying to decide the best way to wake you up, Jared.”

  He laughs and I watch the beautiful smile with his amused eyes. “Nice save. It was good to sleep with you right where you belong, but better to wake up with you. I missed your quick wit.”

  “In the past, my quick wit, as you say, has been the source of tension.”

  He rolls me over so he is half on my body. “Maybe they just couldn’t keep up. Quick wit is a sign of intelligence, personally, I find it sexy as hell.”

  “Still the source of tension, but perhaps this is a tension I will like.”

  He smiles, but his eyes grow darker. “I think I’ll like looking for the source of this tension, Aiyana. So many places it could...” Knocking interrupts him. Just when it was getting interesting too. He groans. “Yeah, Kaleb.”

  “Dakota’s ETA is five.”

  He growls. “It’s not even seven.”

  “Turn your fuckin’ phone on so he calls you.”

  I laugh. “Thank you, Kaleb.”

  We hear him moving away. “Glad you’re back, Aiyana,” he yells as he’s walking down the hall.

  Jared rolls off of me and his arm covers his eyes. I can’t help but smile at the pose that strikes me as a pout. “Dakota could have called to me,” I tell him smiling.

  “He wanted me up and dressed, calling Kaleb would ensure that. Nunànuk is coming. He didn’t tell me she would be here this early though.”

  I laugh at his monotone voice. “Neither one of them sleep much. We should dress and be ready. I am happy to speak with both. I have many questions that require the experience and wisdom of a Shaman and Prophet.” I sit up and lean over him, moving his arm away from his beautiful eyes.

  When I get close enough to kiss him his hands go to my face. “Anything more than quick and Dakota and Nunànuk are waiting.” He kisses me on the lips and sets me straight. “Let’s get my Wuyituwôk some answers.” He is a very good man. My mind is at ease while I dress knowing he is not angry.

  Kaleb is making breakfast when I walk into the kitchen and my stomach makes a loud noise embarrassing me. “Glad you’re hungry. I made enough for a small army. Jared lost some weight too.”

  I get juice from the refrigerator. “Thank you, Kaleb. You are a good brother to Jared.”

  He turns from the stove. “I love him. He’s like my other half, the part that keeps me sane in this crazy world. He has the patience and foresight to see more than right now and he gets it all so fast. Like Dad J.”

  Jared laughs from the hallway. “He’s like Dad K. I think we’re both like Ben too. They’ll be here for dinner. Mom isn’t playing anymore.”

  Kaleb makes a groan sound and I smile. I am excited to see Mitch again. I met her at Christian’s party, but did not speak with her for very long before she was directed away from me. She is a woman that fascinates me.

  Jared kisses me as he walks by to open the door. I feel them close too, but I am surprised when they walk right in. “Is someone shielding me?” I ask as they step through the door.

  “I did not want you nervous, my Warrior Princess. I believe the tribe is also still shielding thoughts. They are nervous and have tried to shield that from me as well.”

  Dakota pulls a chair for Nunànuk, but she comes to me. Her hands hold my face. “For many years, I have asked the ancestors for the chance to guide your way, Aiyana. Today is ours to write our new alliance with the blessings of all of our ancestors.” Tears fall at her words and I hold her as she kisses each of my cheeks. “Sit, my great Warrior Princess. We have much to speak about and settle within you and your Warrior Jared.”

  She has asked to guide me and was granted that today. I feel my heart soar at her words as she is a gifted Shaman. I am humbled by her presence and the comfort that she offers. Many years. I look at Jared and see his smile. He is touched by her words too and hugs her before taking my hand.

  As soon as I am seated, Kaleb serves us breakfast. Dakota does not wait for him to sit. “Co is at the Connecticut reservation right now. He will be joining our tribes of other nations in protecting our sacred land, water and air. The ancestors are pleased with his decision and offer encouragement and strength for him to carry out such an important mission with our people.”

  I sit back in my chair surprised at this. “I do not know what to think, Dakota. He did nothing to help me when I needed him. They were paid and shielded that information when I was not.”

  Nunànuk takes my hand. “Co was a good Shaman for you and the tribe, Aiyana, he was shielded from information too. He was staying until you were safely away.”

  I bow my head — then remember I am not worth less here — and lift it looking at Nunànuk. “I will seek him out and apologize when we are finished here. How are they able to shield from us?” I believe Co to be a very powerful Shaman, even Dakota was surprised and he surpassed Co’s reading ability many years ago. This is very concerning to me.

  “The reason abilities are not being gifted to the tribe is because they shield from those with a pure heart. It is as it will be, my Princess Warrior. The shield they hold is the last of the gifts they will ever know. There is not one child that you birthed with ability. There are no tribesmen gifted with any more than the basic gifts bestowed by the ancestors before their hearts turned to greed, pride and selfishness. I wish to speak of you, Aiyana. You are a gift to me from the ancestors that brings me great joy. Let us eat our feast in that joy. We celebrate the new day, and our new beginnings, with your new tribe and family.”

  I smile feeling relieved. I wish I could run through the reservation feeling the ancestors’ approval and comfort. “As you will, Nunànuk.”

  Dakota smiles. “I am excited to be chosen as your guardian, Aiyana. I have never had a sibling and look forward to our new connection. It will give us strength to share when we are unsettled by our doubts over what was.”

  I laugh. He is my guardian. “I am excited and honored as well, my wise Prophet.”

  Jared squeezes my hand. “I’m happy for you, Wuyituwôk.”

  Nunànuk reaches for his hand. “My tribe are welcoming and excited for our new people, Jared and Kaleb. They are making blankets and planning a celebration for the ancestral gift of tribal additions. You must come with your people to feel their joy in spirit and through the gifts of peace and welcome they are planning to drown you in.”
br />   We all laugh and I am happy to notice Kaleb understands Mohegan as well. I lean over and kiss her cheek. “Much has been settled in my heart, my wise Shaman, but I have many technical questions.”

  She nods. “Eat. You have much to make up for.”

  While we eat, we talk about the Princes and the natural energy that the reservation switched to just recently. Jared is excited to show some new technology to the elders that will not draw from the collected power that they sell now. I am lost, but listen closely trying to understand. Our entire conversation is in Mohegan and I am comforted by it.

  * * *

  Jared

  Dakota and Nunànuk take Aiyana to the bank to open an account. She has the card and ID from me and Dakota seemed happy with it, but he said they need to start the first day of their allegiance settling doubts and making familial and tribal decisions. In my head, he said it will be a few hours because they do not have a sweat lodge or teepee available close. Figuring they will never take the Indian out of him, I just smiled and kissed my girl telling her to be happy and have fun forging her new bonds.

  Nunànuk included herself in our dinner tonight along with Dakota saying, ‘It is the way’. As soon as they leave I call my mom. Kaleb hasn’t stopped smiling. I want to hit him, but my mom answers so excited. “Jess told me Dakota is Aiyana’s Guardian!”

  “Yeah, Mom, I wanted...”

  “She has abilities like Jeremy, Mase and Ricky?”

  “Yeah, Mom, I...”

  She’s clapping and I realize I’m on speaker. “I am so excited. Kevin was worried, I can’t wait to tell him. Can we go to the Connecticut reservation? They’re using some of our products, but we have so much more since then.”

  Holy shit, she talks fast. “Yeah, Mom, they’re planning a welcoming party for us, but...”

  She’s clapping again. “I need the small application solar station. Did you have any time to look at the transfer in that? They will love it! Cloud said they’re almost completely green!”