Barely Winging It
Page 18
“Ouch, that’s cold. And they call me a predator? Just dayum!” Kace said.
“Against his own kids? Parental betrayal is one of the worst,” Enzo added with obvious bitterness.
Alphy agreed. “Thank you for sharing that with us. We have promised the councilman we would protect you and your sister, and we stand by that promise. You and your sister are most welcome here.” Alphy smiled to himself. And he’ll know just how welcome here shortly.
“Okay, on to other matters. There is a reason I have asked the rest of you to join us.” Alphy indicated all the non-officers, “We have created a new rank. Each tracker is allowed to create a team consisting of two sentries. Each of you have been handpicked by one of the trackers to be their sentries. This is a ranking position with pay and privileges, but it is optional, so if you feel you need to decline, it will be fine to do so. Each tracker had to run their choices by me first, so know that I have already approved all of their choices. Nix chose Henry and Peter. Do you two accept the positions?”
“I accept, thank you,” Henry said. Alphy noticed Peter paused for just moment from shock before he agreed.
“Good, stop by the infirmary after the meeting to let him know your answer,” Alphy instructed before continuing. “Kace, who did you choose?”
“I chose Marley and Marek. I would like both of you to be my sentries.”
Both men smiled at Kace and answered in unison. “I accept.”
“Good,” Alphy said with a smile.
Ryker was bouncing on the balls of his feet, unmistakably excited. Alphy couldn’t hold back his amused grin at his excitement. “And last, but not least, Ryker?” He said.
“I chose Gavin and Neto.”
Gavin gave a quick smile and accepted, but Neto looked positively confused. “Me? But you only just met me yesterday. I don’t understand. Why would you trust me with a rank?”
“Oh easy peasy. You sacrificed your life and rank in a herd, and went against your own father, to do what’s right. And you took care of your sister this whole time. And then, without even knowing who the Webbers were, and still fresh from being chased by bad guys, you still stopped to help them when you saw they were parked on the side of the road. In doing so, you recognized another problem they had, saving them. You’re heaps worthy of, at the very least, a chance. If you want it, that is.”
Neto glanced his way. Probably doesn’t believe that I approved it. “Ryker is right in that you have gone above and beyond.” Alphy watched the play of emotions that Neto tried to hide. They were the same looks he imagined Enzo had had when he offered him beta. Neto didn’t seem any less grateful for a place to be accepted, and offered to be a part of protecting it. This was what Alphy loved about what he was doing. He loved that hope at a better life he gave others.
“Yes, I accept. Thank you.” Neto’s words were clearly heartfelt.
This brought a bright blush rush over Ryker’s face. “You’re welcome,” he answered.
Alphy cleared his throat. “Ok, everyone, I need some rest, so take off with your trackers. They’ll tell you what your jobs and perks will be.”
Everyone said their good-byes to Alphy before exiting the room. He leaned back and closed his eyes, letting those good feelings wash over him. He was glad he’d saved the good news for last.
The End
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