Eventually, Dakota came over and gave her grandpa a kiss on the cheek, and said good-humoredly, “Grandpa, if you’re done monopolizing Lexi with your historical tales, I’d like to introduce her and Ash to some more people.”
I touched his arm and said, “It’s been a real pleasure, sir.”
Sitting a little straighter with arched brows, he said, “The pleasure was all mine. And while I’ve heard the rumors about your Essence, I must say they don’t do you justice. Your Essence is unparalleled. You’re also a wonderful listener, and your company has been much appreciated this evening.”
“Thank you. I’ve enjoyed our conversation very much.”
“And, Lexi,” he said, motioning me closer as I began clearing my plates. I paused, leaned down, and gazed into warm, dark eyes. His ruddy skin was dark and layered with wrinkles, probably from summers spent outside in the hot Montana sun. “When it comes time for your meeting with Senior Council, know that I will be on your side.”
Surprised, I could feel my eyes rounding and my mouth forming a gentle “O.” Once my tongue finally untwisted itself, I said, “You don’t know how much that means to me. I have a feeling I’m going to need all the help I can get.” He nodded thoughtfully, and I departed with Dakota and Ash, thanking my lucky stars I had at least two advocates on the Senior Council: Ahanu and Jason’s dad, Mr. Walker.
Dakota marched us all over the cafeteria, introducing us to members of the Great Falls Circle and then to other, what I imagined to be the more influential Circles, like Chicago, New York, Dallas, and Los Angeles to name a few. It was really awkward, because while Ash and I had received numerous invitations to join different Circles over the last few months, I had no idea we’d be so heavily solicited.
“We’ve got the whole world vying for our attention,” Ash said, but he sounded bored.
“I thought you’d be eating this up. You do love the spotlight.”
When we met the members of the San Diego Circle, everyone at the entire table rose and crowded around us. Carlos, their Senior Guardian, a short, stocky man with a moustache and goatee, approached, and their entire group quieted down instantly. “Lexi and Ash,” he said, respectfully, with his hands fastened together in front of his body, “we are honored to finally meet you. We are hoping you are both seriously considering our invitation to join the San Diego Circle. As you know, we are a large group and therefore rarely accept new members. But we would be most honored to have you. We have several beautiful homes available for you to choose from, and you wouldn’t need to worry about living expenses. We also have connections to the University of San Diego and could get you full rides there, assuming you wish to continue with your educations.”
I suspected Dakota was going to faint, so I nonchalantly held her arm for support and blasted her with Essence just for the heck of it. Afterwards, I touched Carlos on the shoulder and said in a loud, clear voice, “We appreciate your very generous offer.” Glancing around the group, I made direct eye contact with each of the members, hoping that would show a measure of sincerity, even though I didn’t feel it.
“But not necessary,” said Ash. “I’ve got more money than their entire Circle put together.”
I almost snorted but realized he probably did. “Why do I feel like a free agent in the NFL?”
“Because you are, Lexi. And you’re the number one pick. So, just for fun, let’s keep these incentives rolling, huh? See how high he’s willing to go.”
Carlos smiled, displaying slightly crooked teeth. His sharp, black eyes pierced though my skin, and I felt all prickly. There was even a hint of pressure inside my head, like something was prodding at my brain. Spontaneously, without any directive from me, my Essence seemed to gather in waves around my mind, as if forming a shield. Instantly on edge, I dropped my hand and wondered what exactly his Flair was. If Hannah could erase memories, did he have some kind of mind manipulation Flair? Could he manipulate someone to do what he wanted? My instincts told me Carlos was not a Guardian I wanted to mess with.
His jaw twitched, but he carried on pleasantly, “Lexi, I know being a Dentelle makes you highly sought after because of your extraordinary talents. Please know that we do not have an Amethyst in our Circle, and you would be a wonderful asset. San Diego is a hugely populated area and there are plenty of Innocents who need our help. I can promise life would be busy and fulfilling.”
“And that’s supposed to be appealing?” Ash snorted. “I don’t see how an invitation to work overtime is any kind of incentive. Now, maybe if he started talking about hanging out at the beaches, because surfing accidents are on the rise…”
Still on edge, I ignored Ash and replied, “Thank you for the kind words. Ash and I are flattered and appreciative of all the invitations we’ve received, and when the time is right we will carefully consider each one. I can’t say that we are ready to make any decisions at this point, because we are very happy in Bellingham. But please be assured that, if, and when, we are ready to look at our options, yours will be at the top of our list.”
To Ash I said, “There is no way we will ever be joining his Circle. He is Creepy with a capital C!” I proceeded to fill him in on what had occurred and then made a mental note to have a conversation with Jason about Carlos – and about Flairs in general.
After making the rounds, Dakota steered us toward the dessert area, where I smothered a piece of warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream. As if exhausted and starving from all the socializing, Ash filled his plate with a piece of chocolate cake, a piece of key lime pie, two peanut butter cookies, and a fresh fruit tart.
“What?” he asked when I smacked him across the back and gave him a nasty look. “I need to be fully satiated if I’m gonna kick butt at the competitions tomorrow. You better eat up, too. I want you at your best, because I plan on us walking away with the gold medals in the linked competition.”
“Ash, there’s no way that’s gonna happen.” I nodded and smiled as we passed people on our way back to the table. I noticed the lights had dimmed and there was a spotlight on a corner stage I hadn’t even noticed being there before.
Balancing his dessert plate in one hand, he twirled me around with the other and looked me straight in the eye. “Oh, yeah there is. You know I live for a fierce, adrenaline-packed challenge. With my attitude and your Dentelle abilities, we are gonna rock our events. Make no mistake, Lexi. We are in it to win it.”
I started cracking up at his serious expression. “I don’t know if I can take a whole week of this…of you, me, and your attitude. You’re gonna drive me crazy.”
As we took our seats, I noted the one next to me was empty. That’s about the time Ahanu’s voice came over the speakers, and I realized he was up on the platform. He addressed the entire crowd, welcoming everyone and talking about the expectations for the week. As he spoke, I gobbled down my apple pie. The scent of cinnamon and nutmeg always reminded me of my grandma’s kitchen. Candles flickered on the tables, and the crowded room remained surprisingly quiet as Ahanu’s deep, accented voice filled the room. At one point he invited all the Amethysts up to the stage, along with Ash and myself. Introductions were made in a similar manner to how Mr. Nelson had presented us at the New Year’s Eve Party at the Retreat. With Ash on one side of me and Jessica on the other holding my hand, I smiled and followed her lead. I was grateful Ahanu didn’t make a big deal about me – just introduced me as Lexi Adams, Dentelle from the Bellingham Circle and Ash as my linked partner, also from Bellingham. After we all sat down, Ahanu explained that while the games were to be the highlight, there would also be times when members of the Senior Council would be absent. They had several scheduled meetings, all which required serious discussion before decisions could be made.
Yeah, I thought, biting down on my fork. I’m sure they’d already made their decisions, and the meetings were really just for handing down orders. I glanced in the direction of the Bellingham Circle but couldn’t see over all the heads. I wondered if Jason was thinking the same
thoughts I was and if he was just as cynical. Sometime during my reverie, the microphone was handed over to Dakota’s parents. They explained the procedures for the competitions and reiterated the importance of good sportsmanship. At one point, we were asked to grab the sign-up sheets and pens from the center of our tables and fill out which competitions we’d be taking part in.
Ash and I decided that for the linked events we’d be strongest in kayaking, archery, and the 10K. He really wanted to do mountain climbing but knew my experience was limited to the Bellingham YMCA’s 67 foot climbing wall. I’d been passed several times by kids and seniors alike. I felt bad for Ash, because he rocked extreme sports on a weekly basis. I wouldn’t be surprised if he took first in the individual competitions, but I just wasn’t as practiced as him.
“Sorry, I’m afraid I’m the weakest link here,” I said to him.
He chuckled. “That is really very funny.” Then he grabbed me by the chin and said, “But really, we have the strongest link of everyone here, so why don’t you feed off that positive energy for a while.”
Eventually, the evening program ended and Dakota wheeled Ash and I outside so fast, I never got a chance to catch up with my friends. Before long, I’d donned a helmet and was sitting on a bright yellow ATV, holding onto Ash as we zipped along mountain trails. Dakota and Luke lead the way on their own ATV, and I wondered if this little escapade was just an excuse for them to spend time together. Earlier in the evening, Kohana had mentioned something about him and Dakota showing us around, but we’d flown out of the dining room so fast, I figured Dakota had always planned on ditching him.
The property was expansive, and we explored many areas with Dakota pointing out the locations for the different competitions. There were open fields for archery and contests where Guardians like Ash and Madison could try to hit long-range targets utilizing their Flairs. I was surprised that a stream-fed, freshwater lake was the destination spot for the swim meet. While the setting sun bounced off its surface and insects gathered in swarms above the water, I shivered to think how chilly this black void would feel in the early morning hours. As we traveled through a natural avenue of trees, Dakota pointed out a heavily forested area where the paintball tournaments were held. At one point, our ATVs got a workout as we made our way along some very muddy, rocky terrain. Surrounded by huge rock formations and deep ravines, I kept my arms clasped tightly around Ash and wasn’t too excited to hear this was the setting for the obstacle course – an individual event he’d signed up for. After exploring for another hour or so, the sun finally dropped behind the hills, and we made our way back to the Lodge.
Bumping along with the loud roar of the engines, I leaned my head against Ash and yawned continuously. I was ready to get some sleep. The first events were set for the crack of dawn, and I didn’t want to miss one bit of the action. Individual schedules were going to be delivered sometime in the middle of the night and slipped under our room doors, but I already knew none of mine started that early. Due to the fact there were so many competitions, many would take place simultaneously. I felt sorry for the people who were going to be up all night arranging these schedules.
Ash and I said our good-nights to Dakota and Luke and walked up to our rooms. Decorative and attractive, the recessed floor lights were a nice touch, lighting our way without blinding our eyes. We walked in silence and I skimmed over the antler art and horse paintings on the walls without really seeing them. When we made it to our rooms, Ash said, “Get some sleep and douse yourself with that Essence. We’ve got a big day ahead of us tomorrow.”
Feeling grumpy, I said, “I know. I’ll try my best, but don’t get mad at me if I screw up. I’m not as competitive as you are.”
Walking quickly to me, he engulfed me in a big hug. “Lexi, I could never be mad at you about something like that. Let’s just have as much fun as we can. Okay?”
I stared into his green eyes. “Okay.” I hesitated and said, “You know, Ash, you’re not so bad after all. Thanks for playing your part. I love ya.”
A wide smile spread across his face and he raised one brow. “Oh, really? Does that mean you’re gonna unlock the door between our rooms tonight so I can come over and show you my cowboy hat?”
Tongue-tied, I gave him a playful shove. “I shudder at the thought.” Stepping into my room, I turned and added, “FYI, the door between our rooms will be double-bolted and booby trapped.”
He laughed. “Good to have the old Lexi back again. Sleep tight.”
CHAPTER 5 – LET THE GAMES BEGIN
One shot! That’s all I needed. If I connected with the bull’s-eye, Ash and I would be on our way to the archery finals. The target was 100 meters away, 30 more than was standard in the Olympics. Then again, we Guardians had exceptional strength and better than average accuracy, so maybe shooting from this distance wasn’t saying much after all. I knew Jason, Ash, and many of my friends were silently cheering me on. But I also knew there were many curious eyes, several doubtful eyes, and a ton of eyes with unrealistic expectations. Being a Dentelle didn’t make me flawless or superhuman, but in passing comments I’d overheard while at the Ranch, people seemed to think I would be perfect. I shook off any feelings of self-doubt and situated myself accordingly.
Standing upright in a comfortable but firm stance, I nocked the arrow and gripped the string in a Mediterranean draw – index finger above the string with middle and ring fingers below. I raised the slender bow, drew my elbow high, and anchored my trigger finger knuckle against my cheekbone, just below my shooting eye. My dad always said, “Besides practice, the key to hitting your target is a consistent anchor spot.” Inhaling ever so slightly, I stared down the spine of the arrow with quiet concentration, focusing only on the ten point gold center ring.
The tall amber grasses standing between me and the target remained a hazy blur on the edge of my peripheral vision. The hot mid-afternoon Montana sun beat down on the open prairie and was probably responsible for triggering the strange blended scent of hay and Alyssum that flourished around me. Despite wearing shorts and a tank top, the dry heat was taking its toll. Sweat trickled down the small of my back, but I ignored the tickle. So respectfully silent was the large crowd of Guardian spectators, that for a moment I forgot I wasn’t alone.
Maintaining tension in my back muscles, I held my draw with confidence and certainty. I could do this. I needed to do this. Especially after my epic fail in the river kayaking competition. Unbelievably, I’d lost my grip on the paddle and dropped it in the water about halfway through our timed adventure. Although Ash was strong and skilled, he didn’t have enough power to do the work of two – not when we faced steep Guardian opposition. Needless to say, our final time stunk and I felt horrible and humiliated. Afterwards, I’d overheard several snide comments about what a disappointment my skills were or how being a Dentelle wasn’t so special after all. Ash must have caught the comments as well, because he’d quickly stepped in to show his support.
Having swept me up in his arms, he’d said loudly, “No worries, babe. We all make mistakes. We’ll get ‘em next time around.” Spinning me toward the crowd, he’d smiled and said, “I love this lady. So glad she isn’t perfect all the time or I’d have quite the inferiority complex by now.” He’d set me down, kissed my nose and continued, “Besides, wait until you see her in the archery competition…she’s badass.”
I didn’t know what it was about Ash, but people loved him. Several Guardians came forward after his little spiel and commended him on his good sportsmanship and reassured me that we all made mistakes. One guy even told a similar story of how he’d managed to flip his kayak a couple years before and come in dead last. Another girl talked about how she’d freaked out in the rapids, closed her eyes, and forgotten to steer. By the time we went to lunch, we’d made several new friends and sat with a group of college students from the Denver Circle, who were big time whitewater rafters. Of course, I was in seventh heaven, because I could finally talk Denver Bronco football with p
eople who really understood my passion and loyalty.
Taking a deep breath, and having held the bow solidly on target for several seconds, I was ready to prove to the onlookers I was as good of an archer as I knew myself to be. I relaxed all three fingers at the same time and released.
“Thwish.”
After the arrow was away, I remained still – intent on maintaining the position of the bow until the arrow hit its mark. Patience…patience…
“Thunk.”
As the arrow hit the gold mark, the crowd went wild. I expelled a huge breath as relief washed over me, and a monstrous smile took possession of my face. As I lowered the bow, Ash was suddenly beside me, sweeping me into his arms for the second time that day.
“That was beautiful!” he exclaimed.
“That was nerve-racking,” I said as he put me down and our friends crowded around. Jessica and Izzy engulfed me in big hugs, and everyone else offered words of praise. I caught Jason’s eye, and he winked. I nodded, smiled shyly, and winked back. I hadn’t really exchanged any private words with him since we’d been on the airplane, and that tugged at my heart. I mouthed the words, “Miss you.”
And he mouthed back, “Me, too.”
Dentelle #3 Guardian series Page 8