Dentelle #3 Guardian series

by Bowhay, Heather

  “We’re waiting, Miss Adams. Are you trying to come up with a good cover story?”

  That did it. I wanted to decimate Mr. Sanchez. I slammed my water glass onto the table, and it shattered into pieces. That raised eyebrows. “Oops,” I said cynically, “I sometimes forget my own strength.” Blood oozed from a cut in my hand, so I held it up for show and allowed the red stream to pour onto the table.

  Mr. Moore said, “Oh my, can someone get her bandages? She’s bleeding all over the place.”

  “Oh, don’t bother,” I said with a wave of my hand. “I got this.” Leaving my hand out on display, I healed the cut, and the bleeding stopped immediately – the wound sealing right before their eyes. My anger was still bubbling on the surface, and I was afraid another explosion might be looming. As calmly as possible, I walked around the table and leaned against it. “I would like to remind each and every one of you that I am not an Amethyst. And…I am not a Guardian. I. Am. A. Dentelle.” I sauntered over to the Council table and pounded on the large book sitting in front of Mr. Wright. “Can you please tell me where in this Guardian Code book it shows the rules for Dentelles? More specifically, where they must live or who they can or can’t have relationships with?”

  Mr. Wright’s mouth dropped. “Well, there isn’t a specific section about Dentelles. This was written before…”

  “My point exactly. This was written before I came into existence.”

  “That is just a technicality,” Mr. Sanchez broke in. “We’ve already decided the same rules apply to you as apply to –”

  “To what?” I countered angrily. “To Amethysts? Or to Guardians? Which is it? Because I don’t think you can have it both ways, or either one of those ways, for that matter.” Glancing back at Ash, I said, “And just so we’re clear on another point, you don’t know that Ash and I are forever linked. That could change at the next full moon.”

  Mr. Sanchez rose. “That’s hardly likely since it hasn’t happened in the last six months. And we decided months ago you would follow the Amethyst rules – with the exception you and Mr. Merrick can pursue a relationship. I hope you understand that if you are romantically involved with another person, he would be in violation of policy and would be disciplined accordingly.”

  That comment brought my anger to violent levels. He seemed so sure, like he had evidence of my relationship with Jason. I wasn’t sure if he wanted to catch me in a lie or just wanted to strike back with a debilitating blow. With my adrenaline running at full sprint, I grabbed the book, walked over, and slammed it on the table in front of Mr. Sanchez. “You are unbelievable!” I said. “Until this book contains clear-cut rules, which have been specifically designed for Dentelles, I don’t see how I am under any obligation to follow ones written for Amethysts one day and Guardians the next. Or the ones that are being sloppily thrown together to coalesce with this underhanded scheme of yours.” I turned on my heel and walked back over to Ash.

  “Wow! Guess who’s mastered the art of intimidation.”

  “Yeah? Well, sometimes it takes supreme arrogance and harassment to deal with big bullies.”

  Mr. Wright spoke into the mic and the room quieted down. “Miss Adams, while you have brought up several worthy arguments against your relocation, we have already made our decision. And while it is obvious we still have some kinks to work out, you and Mr. Merrick should still plan on relocating in two months’ time.”

  “I don’t agree with that decision,” Ahanu declared in a loud, firm voice.

  “Neither do I,” said Miss Palo.

  Suddenly, everyone was on their feet, wanting to voice their opinions. Some members were shouting, others were shaking their heads adamantly. Tension began mounting like a geyser about to burst.

  “Well, looks like you’ve split the entire Senior Council. Way to bring the chaos right to their feet.”

  I was still shaking from Mr. Wright’s comment that Ash and I should be prepared to move in a couple months. What a pompous ass. There was no way I was leaving Bellingham. And there was no way I was going to allow Carlos to screw with my parents’ minds.

  Picking up a broken shard of glass, I banged it against the microphone and said loudly, “It’s obvious you are not united in your thoughts.” People stopped talking mid-sentence and stared at me. Stepping back, I scanned their faces with a hardened expression. “It seems to me there are some underhanded dealings going on between some of your members, and you may want to get to the bottom of it. And until you do,” I said, clasping Ash’s hand, “we have no intentions of moving.”

  “You heard the lady,” Ash reiterated. “And when she speaks, I listen.”

  “No, you don’t.”

  “Sometimes I do.”

  I snorted. “And you might recheck your rules and regulations, too, because I’m pretty sure you can’t make a newbie, such as myself, who has no family members in, or even aware of, the Network’s existence, just pack up and move. Besides that, I am a Dentelle, and as I see it, there are no rules indicating where I must live or who I’m allowed to date; although, I’d be happy to help you write a few.”

  “This is a Senior Council meeting,” Mr. Sanchez declared angrily. “You can’t talk that way here – with such blatant disrespect for our…”

  “Oh? Well, I just did, Mr. Sanchez. And you know what, despite all the blatant disregard for my feelings and my life here today, I do respect the Senior Council – well, eighty percent of you anyways. But I think some of you were blindsided – presented with several so-so reasons of why my relocation would be beneficial. I believe I’ve clearly shown why those points are invalid. What this really boils down to is intimidation and greed. There are a few in this room who want me out of Bellingham, away from parents, and away from anyone who may hinder Ash and I having kids. In my opinion, your decision – as a group – was made in haste and needs to be reversed.”

  “Lexi,” Ahanu said in a firm but soft voice, “I truly hope the accusations you are making against some members of this Senior Council are false. But I tend to agree with you that something isn’t right.” Rising from his chair, he turned and addressed the members. “Until we can get to the bottom of this issue, as well as discuss the other arguments Miss Adams has made against her relocation, I move that at the present time, we rescind our decision. She and Mr. Merrick shall remain in the Bellingham Circle until such time as we are all in complete agreement as to what is best, not only for the Network,” he peered over at Mr. Wright and Mr. Sanchez, “but also for Miss Adams. Please raise your hand if you agree.” I breathed a sigh of relief when I noted that a good majority of the Council raised their hands.

  “Are you saying Miss Adams is not bound by Amethyst or Guardian rules at all?” Ms. Johnson squawked, barely able to contain her disapproval.

  Ahanu raised his head and spoke loudly. “I am not saying that at all. I believe Miss Adams takes her oath to protect the Innocents and support her fellow Guardians with conviction.” He turned and nodded once.

  “Absolutely,” I replied. “I am committed to our cause and will continue to honor my oath to serve and protect the Innocents and to heal and offer my Essence to fellow Guardians.”

  Mr. Sanchez slapped the table, his bright red face stretched to the limits, like a balloon ready to pop. “Are you saying she is also free to date anyone she wants?”

  “Let me comment, here,” Mr. Wright interjected, and Mr. Sanchez actually relented and held his tongue. Mr. Wright turned and looked at the entire Council. “I believe until we establish these ‘Dentelle’ rules as Miss Adams has requested, she should continue with our original directives when it comes to dating. As we do not know the full extent of her abilities or the potential risks involved were she to become romantically involved with another Guardian, or an Innocent, for that matter, I suggest she wait until we have discussed the matter further. But in the meantime, since she and Mr. Merrick are linked and seem so tight, they should be allowed to continue pursuing their relationship. All in favor please ra
ise your hands.”

  My heart sunk as I witnessed almost the entire Senior Council, including Ahanu, Miss Palo, and Mr. Walker vote in favor of this proposal. My expression must have given a glimpse of my weeping soul, because Mr. Sanchez smiled viciously and Ash tried soothing me.

  “They’re just scared, Lexi. They’re scared of the unknown. You and Jason will just have to stay incognito a little longer. Until we come up with a plan or until our link breaks.”

  “I know. But it just sucks. And Mr. Wright isn’t scared. This is his and Carlos’ way of maintaining control.”

  “At least we don’t have to move. You shook them up good, and you can bet there will be some heated discussions as soon as we leave the room.”

  “There, you see, Miss Adams,” Mr. Wright said sweetly, turning toward me, the traces of a smile upon his lips. “We aren’t as selfish as you claim. We do want what’s best for you, and your happiness is important.”

  Choosing to ignore him, I gritted my teeth and smiled kindly at the Senior Council members. Pleasant but businesslike, I said, “Thank you all for hearing my arguments today. I know I have given you much to think about and consider, and I would be more than happy to meet with you again and possibly answer questions or offer details as to what it’s like being a Dentelle. I would be more than willing to assist you in writing fair rules for Dentelles.”

  “Absolutely not!” Ms. Johnson shrilled, leaning forward so fast she hit her chin on the mic. “Senior Council members are the only ones allowed to make decisions or establish rules. All of us have either endured a vigorous election process by our peers to get here, or we’ve been specifically appointed to the Council because of our dedication and outstanding contributions to the Network.”

  Tapping my foot, I said coldly, “I was only trying to be helpful. But that’s all right; you can take it or leave it.” With a bright smile and wide eyes, I added, “If you change your mind, you’ll know where to find me – in Bellingham.” I gazed haughtily at Mr. Wright and then Mr. Sanchez. “But for now, it looks like our business has concluded. And if it hasn’t, I’m truly sorry, but Ash and I are late for the archery finals. So, until next time…” I waved once, grabbed Ash’s hand, and we marched out of the room. I thought maybe I heard Mr. Moore cry out and say something about a pain in his leg.

  “You should have hit Carlos, too.”

  “Oh, I will…when the time is right.”

  CHAPTER 7 – BLINDSIDED

  “This is awfully risky,” I said nervously, tracing a finger down Jason’s cheek. His skin was soft, and he smelled like aftershave – a rich combination of sandalwood and birch leaves.

  “Clandestine meetings always are.” His blue-green eyes reflected a turmoil of emotions.

  Having snuck a few miles away from the Ranch, we sat side by side, atop a tall vertical cliff face. The turbulent Missouri River roared below us, and the view from our vantage point provided grand vistas of the canyon and surrounding country – from the green grasslands and rolling hills to the distant mountains.

  Resting my head against his shoulder, I relished in the sensation of his Essence – so soothingly familiar. Tender and true. Just what I needed after my confrontation with the Senior Council. Regardless of the risk, I couldn’t turn down a stolen moment with him. I’d needed to see him and share what had happened as much as he’d needed to see me and hear about it. When I’d told him I was not moving from Bellingham, all the muscles in his body had gone slack, indicating his overwhelming sense of relief. But the reprieve was only temporary. What brought him to his feet with clenched fists and a bright red face was knowledge that a group of conspiratorial Guardians had been planning to manipulate Ash and I into marrying and having kids. That’s what ignited his rage. Had Carlos or Mr. Wright been present, I think Jason would have attacked them.

  After much discussion, he finally calmed down. We decided he should approach the subject with his dad – maybe gain a little inside information. In order to level the playing field, we needed to know if the Council was investigating my allegations, and if so, had they found out anything or identified who was involved. Mr. Walker still had no idea Jason and I were in love, so Jason needed to tread carefully. We hated lying to his parents about us, but if they knew the truth, it would place his father in a compromising situation and could jeopardize his position on the Senior Council.

  “I still think this is dangerous,” I said, staring over the canyon. The sky was ablaze in red and orange hues, and the sun, sinking fast, was barely peeking over the Rocky Mountains. I frowned; our time together would be over too soon.

  “No,” he said. “You’re what’s dangerous.”

  “Me? How do you figure?”

  I could feel his head shaking next to me. “Alex, you were phenomenal in the archery competition,” he said, admiration evident in his voice. “I knew you were good, but I had no idea you were that good. What’s that all about?”

  I smiled at the memory. A couple hours before, Ash and I had run a course through rocky terrain and heavy timber, launching arrow after arrow at moving targets. The event had been scored on speed and accuracy and had been ten times more challenging then the stationary targets used in the early rounds. While Ash and I hadn’t won, we’d been all smiles when we placed second. An added bonus – instead of competing in the individual archery event, I could use my personal score from the linked competition. And that score was high enough to earn individual gold. Mostly though, I was happy the games were ending, and the award ceremony was set for the following day.

  My shoulders drooped a little as I thought about my family. At times like this, I wished they were Guardians and belonged to the Network so they could share in my life. Especially this one, because my dad had been the one who’d encouraged me to take up archery when I was a kid. Despite my melancholy thoughts, I smiled. He would have been proud today. Actually, I felt a bit of pride myself. Well-earned after my embarrassing screw up in the kayak when I’d put us in last place. Being a Dentelle wasn’t easy. Not only did everyone have high expectations for me, I felt compelled to live up to those high standards, too. When I didn’t, I had a hard time not feeling like a total failure. I just needed to remember that failure was inevitable. I couldn’t run from failure, so I’d have to embrace it, knowing it would breed persistence and make me wiser, eventually leading me to success.

  “Persistence and skill,” I finally answered Jason’s question, a big smile spreading across my face. “Skill that only came after years of practice.”

  “Years of practice? When the heck did you start shooting?”

  Leaning into him, I relaxed. “I started target practicing with my dad and uncles when I was around eight. You know they’re bowhunters, right?”

  “You mentioned that before. I just didn’t know you were a hunter, too.”

  Abruptly, I sat up and pummeled his shoulder. “I am not a hunter. I am just an archer who loves shooting for the sport.”

  “Ouch! Okay. Stop already.” He laughed and moved back a few inches. “So your dad and uncles must be pretty good, too?”

  “Are you kidding?” I slapped him playfully one last time. “They suck. But don’t tell them I said that.” I pulled my knees to my chest, clasping my arms around them. “They’re not bad; they’re just not great. For some reason, I really took to the bow. There’s something amazing…something tranquil and Zen about shooting an arrow 150 miles per hour and connecting with a bull’s-eye 100 meters away.” I focused on the streaks of yellow weaving between the red and orange hues in the sunset. “After you train your body, then you train your mind. Then you practice, practice, practice.” I averted my eyes back to his face. “And just so we’re clear, I’m a purist – instinctive shooting only.”

  “Huh?”

  “Ah-hah, Mr. Walker,” I teased, “So there are some things you don’t know.” I bumped my knee into his.

  Sheepishly, he shook his head. “There’s a lot of things I don’t know, Alex. But I can honestly say, I’m so
ooo looking forward to the ones you’re going to teach me.” He winked, and I’m certain I blushed. “Now, tell me what you mean.”

  I sighed and glanced down at the raging Missouri River, which cut its way around large rocks and twisted through the canyon’s sharp bends with ease. “Okay. Well, first off. I prefer recurve bows. That’s where the bow limbs curve gracefully toward the archer but then turn away at the tips. That’s to increase the speed of the bow and the smoothness of the release. They use them in the Olympics, too. When I say I’m a purist, all I mean is that I don’t use any other gadgets, like a sight, to help me.” I pulled my arm back, as if I was shooting my bow. I took careful aim at a red columbine growing out of the cliff face across the ravine. “I want my shot to be 100 percent the result of my effort and technique. As an instinctive shooter, I allow my subconscious to guide my movements. It really takes a lot of practice and some serious concentration to get to that stage.”

  I stopped talking and stretched my legs out, accidentally scraping myself on a pointed rock.

  “Do your uncles know you’re better than them?”

  Laughing, I rubbed my leg. “Oh, yeah. They’re jealous, but proud, too. Here’s a funny story for you,” I said, leaning back. “One time, I think I was around 12 years old or something…they were all talking smack about who was the best shot. My Uncle Jerry started bragging he could hit a target with his eyes closed, and pretty soon they were all convinced they could do that. In order to prove their prowess,” I chuckled, “they decided to conduct a little experiment – something they’d read about in one of their hunting magazines. I tagged along just for fun. I mean, I knew they were all going to make fools of themselves, and I didn’t want to miss it.”

  “Sounds like a competitive group.”