Page 8 of Citiali: Teach
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.”
