Page 58 of Citiali: Teach
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. Iam 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
