by L. Ann Marie
“As you will Nunánuk. Thank you my all-seeing Shaman.” I throw her my appreciation getting a smile before they walk down to the pathway. I look at Prez. “I’m ready. I got this Prez. Thank you, Protectors.”
The boys nod and we jump. Nick has a stretcher waiting and Prez and Dakota move me. The boys climb in the ambulance with Dean and Dakota and I close my eyes seeing Hawk with Nunánuk.
***
Dean
I stand back with tears in my eyes, but not where he can see. The guy got run over and lost his dog. Now he’s here and has to fight the mind-numbing feeling of being touched by the doctor and Beth. This day can’t possibly get any worse. I broke my wrist when I was fourteen and passed out from doctors touching me. He’s so much stronger than I am, but damn!
“Dean?”
I wipe my eyes and move forward so he can see me. “Here.”
He puts his hand out and I look at where the boys are touching him. I can’t handle all that. “It will be okay.”
I look at his eyes. I can actually see his pain and my heart breaks all over again. Moving closer I take his hand. “I am so sorry Christian.” I see Hawk with an old woman.
Dakota laughs. “Nunánuk, his grandmother, Shaman of the Connecticut reservation. Hawk is with the ancestors of Christian’s tribe. He will be a source of comfort and peace for Christian, always and forever.”
“Mucimi,” I say amazed by these people. Holly told me that’s what Mucimi’s name actually means. I like the thought of Christian having Hawk forever. When I look back at Christian he’s smiling with that pain still in his eyes. “I’m so glad you have that. What can I do for you Christian?” With these incredible people around him, I doubt I have anything he needs. I could have lost him today. I throw up doors and decide I’m not wasting a minute with him. Every minute we have should count. My dad always said that, make the small things count as much as the big things. I’m doing that.
“Keep his hand Nadine. The relief of seeing Hawk with Nunánuk does not shield him from the loss of him in our world.” Dakota squeezes our connected hands and steps away.
I see it on his face and decide they’ll need more than the Security they have here to move me. Jessie’s face floats through my head. Okay so he would be enough, but he’s not here. The kids laugh. “Stop reading me.”
“My dad would help you hold on Dean. He wouldn’t take you out,” Aquyà says so serious.
I can’t believe such sweet boys came from the scary looking guy, but I nod hoping he’s right. Dakota walks out laughing.
Christian passes out when Nick and Beth’s hands are on him and I feel their touch. I have to let go, but don’t move away. Beth puts a heavy shield on me while they X-ray his chest, but doesn’t ask me to leave. It takes hours to get everything X-rayed and his leg in a cast. Dakota stands right with the kids helping with the energy, but Christian still passes out a couple of times worrying me.
When we are getting ready to leave, Prez walks in with Jessie. I almost stick my tongue out at him for being too late to move me, but catch it and smile. He has no idea what I’m thinking. I blame it on nerves. Prez smiles at me. “We need to get him to the Club for status. You’re welcome to join us.”
The Club? He got run over today. He nods. “You can always read me?”
“Yes.”
“Then you know I’m not leaving him. If Jessie couldn’t move me, you have no chance.”
They all laugh. “Glad you’re with him,” Jessie says surprising me. “Someone needs to keep his fuckin’ stubborn ass in line. He doesn’t listen to me.”
I smile. Maybe he is a big teddy bear. While they’re laughing Prez and Dakota get him in an SUV. He isn’t saying a word and I wonder if it’s the loss of Hawk or if he’s in pain. With his leg stretched out on the seat and bruises everywhere, it could be pain. Since they do things so different than anyone I have ever met, I don’t know what to do, or say. Demanding they bring us home doesn’t feel right and the scary guy is right here this time. I hold his hand and sit quiet. Christian isn’t afraid to say what’s on his mind. I’ll wait until he says different. Then I’ll pitch a fit.
Christian laughs drawing my eyes to his. “Prez threw what you’re thinking. Shield Dean.” Damn! I nod. “I need to have a beer and the shot in honor of Hawk.” The pain is there. I don’t just see it in his eyes, but feel it too.
I just nod. This is important and I thank Prez for making sure he gets what he needs. They know more than I do. I need to keep my thoughts to myself so they don’t see how stupid they are. I move lifting off the seat and kiss him.
His hand lets mine go and he’s holding my cheeks kissing me back. Holy Cow! “Thank you.” He doesn’t say anymore and I have no idea why he’s thanking me so I nod again.
The Club is loud, the guys are huge and the women are so sweet. Except for Sheila—she isn’t scary, just funny. I think she’s sweet too, but I can’t say it. Apparently, the reasons are a mystery, but the word can’t be used with the Brothers or Sheila and Eliza. I learned that too. All men are Brothers and Sheila and Eliza think they are Brothers too. Jess said they aren’t, but I don’t want to ask and cause trouble. They have a lot of rules for bikers. I thought bikers didn’t have any rules and that’s what made them dangerous.
“We live by a different code than other people. So, all the Brothers are governed by those rules, but not the rules of society. Thank fuckin’ Christ because society is going fuckin’ crazy.” I look at the guy. I’ve seen his picture. “Mase, Christian’s favorite Brother.”
Everyone around us laughs. “I’m Dean. It’s nice to meet you, but I thought Brantley was his favorite.” His smile falters and I smile. “Just messing with you. Stop reading me.” There’s more laughing, but I don’t care. If I don’t tell them it’s not cool, how would they know?
“Touch affects her,” Christian says to Mase then hugs him and leans back against the bar. “Thanks for saving our asses Brother.” I feel the emotion flowing from them. They’re a close family like me and Serenity.
Mase shakes his head. “It was all you Christian. I’m just glad I got called to help.” He looks at me then back at Christian. “Are we clear now?”
“For a while. Is Dad picking you up?”
“They had some losses so he needs to be there. He’ll be here tomorrow morning. I’ll stay at Jacob’s.”
I can’t read him. He must be one of the Protectors like Christian. He laughs and looks at me. “I’m not even close to him, but I’m working on it. I am a Protector, but we’re all different with different abilities and focus.”
I nod and think he needs to stop reading me if I can’t read him. He laughs again. “Christian needs to teach you how to block better.”
“With all the readers here, I’m not learning fast enough.”
Everyone cheers and I look at what they’re cheering for, but I only see a wall of men looking at the door. I rise up in the air for a few seconds and see Prez walking toward the middle of the room then I’m lowered again. This is so cool! I step on the rung of a stool and kiss my biker boyfriend for being so nice. “Thank you.”
He laughs. “Anytime baby. I’m shielding for you right now. If it gets to be too much tell me.” I nod, but look around. A war cry goes out and I’m stunned. Christian squeezes my hand and points to Dakota. “Just getting everyone to quiet down.”
“Brothers, we have had a day! It seems this month has been riddled with one fight after another. Thankfully the Protectors are standing with us from the MC and the reservation. For those that haven’t seen them in action I’m sure Brantley will have some video floating around.” Everyone laughs, but I look at Christian. He’s really going to show the abilities. I want to see.
Mase laughs and kisses my head giving me a zap. “Don’t fuck it up. I like her.”
Prospects are handing everyone a shot glass. Christian takes two and gives me one so seriously I don’t even try to tell him I’ve never had a shot. When everything quiets down Prez goes on.
“The vision had Security hit with the Officers, kids and two old ladies inside. We were supposed to lose all of us, another old lady, Aubrey, Jeremy and Christian. With the Protectors knowing the trucks held explosives we lost one. Most of you have seen Hawk with Christian. He’s been a constant companion and Security for Christian since he was eleven. The loss cuts deep Brothers. To our Security Brother Hawk.”
Everyone says, “To Hawk.” I take a sip and think this is not making it down my throat. I hand it to Christian and he swallows it in one gulp. I guess that’s how you do it. His arm goes around me and I think about my parents. All I wanted was someone to hold me. I hold onto his arm across my stomach hoping it’s a comfort for him.
After a minute or so Prez goes on. “We have Done on the injured list. He took a shot to the leg and Nick just told me he’s doing fine. Christian got hit by a car shielding the Officers, kids, old ladies and Brothers in the Security building. As you can see he’s here and will be fine after some down time. Outside of Security is a mess. It took two hits, but did not get close enough to damage the building. Thanks again to the help of our Protectors.” A cheer goes up. Prez holds his hand up.
“Brothers.” Everyone quiets, but the Prospects are handing out shots again. I never finished the first. “The MC did not fare so well. MC-Baxter’s sustained some damage to the corner of their building, but I’m told it’s not too bad. They had loss as well and quite a few injuries. BS26, name is Johnny, was lost today. Also, a Security Brother, Hank Mello. After the run Saturday, Hawk will be buried in Mass and we have some Brothers showing for Johnny and Hank’s family. You can get the details from the website tomorrow. To our Brothers Hank and Johnny.”
“To Hank and Johnny!” everyone says again. They must do this a lot.
“Today we kept our towns safe. Nothing touched the town’s people. Your training and skill made sure of it. Pres sends his thanks to us for sharing Christian’s knowledge and training. He said today would not have ended quite so well without either. Please remember the Brothers that have passed and our injured. Have a drink, go home to your families, hang with your Brothers. Whatever you do be happy knowing your skill and training got us through another one. I’m proud to call you mine and will be happy to see you all tomorrow.”
Everyone grumbles, but it isn’t heartfelt by the smiles they’re wearing and Prez laughs. “Whatever you decide to do, have a good time Brothers.” A cheer goes up and everyone is loud again.
I turn toward Christian. “What an awesome thing to do. I’m so proud of you Christian!” He hugs me and I hold on.
“Brother.” I step back and turn, but Christian keeps me against his side with an arm around my back. “There is no way for me to thank you for what you did today. You made sure everyone in my family made it out alive. I am so fuckin’ proud of you Christian. You had no time to get what you pulled off today done, but you did it. Brace yourself Brother. It deserves more than the hug I’m giving you, but that’s all I thought of so far.”
Christian laughs and lets me go leaning forward. “It’s enough. Thanks Prez and thanks for handling Hawk.”
“Love you Brother.” Prez lets him go and steps back.
Jessie steps close to us. “I’m on watch. Dakota said you’re not a hundred percent. If they get too close, I’ve got it.”
I smile. He is a big teddy bear. Mase laughs and bends to my ear. “He’s a deadly Brother, but for his family and Brothers he’s always got their backs. No one will get close to Christian and he can relax, drink or just leave. Jessie will make sure he gets what he wants.”
“Teddy bear,” I whisper.
He nods. “Whatever the fuck you want to call him Shorty.”
Christian laughs and Jessie turns. I stop talking and smile at him. He does the chin thing and smiles. He’s not so scary when he smiles. People come by and talk to Christian about Hawk and thank him for keeping the Officers safe. This is the strangest group of scary men I have ever seen. Considering I was home schooled and never went out much, I haven’t seen many scary guys so what do I know? Some buy him a shot, some beer. I wonder how he’s still standing. The people and their thoughts are smashing through my doors, but I stay by his side. Some of these guys are scary.
Mase moves back toward us and something passes between them. Christian touches Jessie’s arm. “I’m out Brother. There are too many people and I can’t focus.” I’m so relieved I squeeze his hand.
Jessie nods and presses something on his neck then talks to someone. They’re like Secret Service. He’s got a radio in his ear. I bet it’s got the squiggly cord to it.
Mase leans toward Christian. “Don’t fuckin’ lose her. It’s like Holly all over again. Mom and Joey will love her.”
Aww. What a nice thing to say. I look at him. “Stop reading me. I’ve never seen any of this and I don’t need you reading my stupid.”
He stands straight. “Yes ma’am.” He’s smiling so he probably doesn’t mean it. He laughs and I know he doesn’t. Damn readers.
Christian holds my hand and hobbles to the door. People are moving and look back, but no one says anything. “Are you moving them?”
“Yeah.” He doesn’t stop or even turn around.
At the stairs, Jessie and Dakota put an arm under his shoulders and carry him down. Dakota holds on, but Jessie walks to the SUV and opens the door. “You are still full of energy Brother.”
Christian nods. “I’ll jump when I get home.” That’s what he does with the kids. I hope he’s okay.
Dakota looks at me and smiles. “He will be fine Nadine.” Damn readers.
At the house, they help get Christian up the stairs and into the bedroom. “Call if you need anything Brother,” Jessie tells him.
When they leave, I help him undress. His pockets are full of bullets, tie things that they use for cuffs, wire, tape, a small dream catcher and he has two guns with a knife in one of the holster. He is ready for anything and that was only one leg. I dump everything into his nightstand drawer and help him undress trying not to look at his package. Not an easy thing to do.
“Babe.” I look up at his eyes. “I can’t take a shower with a cast and that look requires a shower.” I turn fast and get him shorts. He laughs. I am so embarrassed. I tell him to sit and get the shorts up to his knees. He smiles, but stands and pulls them up.
Before he lays down he gets his laptop. “I need to order your SUV.”
I kiss him. He’s a really good boyfriend. “It can wait. Do you need anything?” He shakes his head no and pulls his leg up on the bed. I watch him move pillows and wonder again why he picked me. Everyone here could be models, but Christian has a soulful look to him. You know as soon as you see him that there’s more than what you’re seeing. He has secrets that will never be told, and a body that’s like a picture of the perfect male specimen. Even banged up he’s gorgeous. I want my cheek on his chest every day. Then I get to see those abs. I shake my head trying to erase where those thoughts are going. As if that’s happening. Damn I have it bad. He settles and looks at me with a question in his eyes. “I’m taking a shower.”
He smiles and I want to sigh. Thank God I don’t. I think I’ve embarrassed myself enough for one day. “Looks like you’re still standing here looking at me. Do you want me to help you shower?”
Oh. My. God. I actually feel my eyebrows move to my hairline. “I don’t know and now I can’t think.” I’m going to hell for lying. My brain is thinking of his hands everywhere. Like everywhere. And his lips. A shiver runs down my whole body at that thought.
He smiles and I want to climb on the bed with him. “Go shower babe. I’m going to jump and order your car. We can think together when you’re done.”
Oh, dear Lord. I want to think together now. He needs to jump. I throw up doors in my head and turn toward the bathroom then remember the clothes. I need a lobotomy to get rid of the package and lip pictures going through my head. At twenty I’m an expert on packages and I’ve memorized his and all the ways it moves whe
n he does. In the shower, I regain some control over my thoughts. I never thought I could have someone’s hands or mouth on me. My parents never had to worry about me and I hated that. While it must have been a relief to them—it’s not normal for a teenage girl. Now Christian is right here and he’s got no problem touching me. And oh, how I want him to touch me. I slam doors again. I need to act my age. I chuckle. I’ve always been older than my age, but teenage raging hormones is exactly what I’m feeling here. Giddy with excitement and scared to death is a horrible feeling when they’re mixed together. How teenagers get through this is a mystery to me. I wash my hair and get me out, trying to think like an adult. I know what I want. I need to be brave enough to take it.
* * *
Christian
I jump back feeling settled. Just seeing Hawk waiting for me settled me. I shake my head. The ancestors may not like that competition, but just the sight of him had my mind and heart working together again.
I hear the water shut off and wonder about the little spitfire in there. While she was watching me, I got a glimpse of her head thrown back and ecstasy etched on her face. I’ll never lose that picture. I pushed it away and fixed fuckin’ pillows. If she wasn’t right there, I would have gotten the relief I need. Jesus she’s fuckin’ beautiful when she comes. I shake my head. I need to go slow here.
Pushing thoughts of her out, I connect to Jeremy. ‘Je, you did fuckin’ awesome today. How is Aubrey doing?’
His laugh hits me and I smile. ‘Perfect. She can fight.’
I can see him shaking his head and laugh. ‘She can. You did it Je. I’m proud of you.’
‘Thanks for making me teach her. I couldn’t do it alone.’ He sounds embarrassed.
‘We need all of us Brother. The old ladies have always worked with the Brothers, this is no different, her job is different, but the purpose is the same.’