by L. Ann Marie
She laughs. ‘It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. Thanks, Christian, for teaching us.’
I go through all of them and end with a happy Mucimi. He’s so fuckin’ cute throwing me pictures of Jeremy and Jacob dancing with Aubrey. “We did it little man. Thanks for the heads up.” He giggles and I laugh.
Chapter Nineteen
Dean
I’m going to die. It will be deliriously happy and well satisfied, but I’ll be dead just the same. “Do not stop!” I moan at him when I feel his hand shift.
He laughs like I’m kidding. “Never babe.”
The hat falls and he stops. Dammit! Once it’s back on my head his mouth and hands are back in place and I roll my hips grinding against his mouth. “Please, you’re killing me here.”
“Oh, baby we need to make our anniversary a day to remember.”
I feel him inside and think I’ll never forget it. My whole body has fire running through it when he does that. He moves fast flipping me around and sliding in way too damn slow. “Christian! Harder.”
“Mmm. My demanding Little Pixie.”
My arms fly out to the side like I put them there. Holy crap that’s hot. He’s everywhere and slamming into me. I don’t even care how. I feel him inside again and whimper.
“Push my beautiful Little Pixie,” he says against my ear.
Oh, my God! I scream and push.
* * *
Christian
I grab onto her and fall on the bed cradling her in my arms. She’s fuckin’ killing me. Falling back, I hold her on top of me and laugh while trying to breathe. At least we were over the bed. Shaking my head I calm down and get more air into my body. Jesus, I’ll never forget our anniversary. Holding her I feel her heartbeat against me and take it all in. Every place she’s touching me, every movement of her breath, it’s all mine. My sweet Little Pixie. After fuckin’ forever I feel like I can move again.
Lifting us I stand and feel my leg. Shit. I hold her tighter and walk feeling every step. As soon as we’re clean and dry, I get the brace on and bring my girl back to bed. There’s shit everywhere. I send the toys to the bathroom to clean them and move the sheets off the bed. Watching clean sheets cover the mattress I’m smiling. We never made dancing last night, but hit the adult store in town three. Boxes and wrappers are all over the floor and nightstand. Since she doesn’t like anything but me in her ass I send the plug, beads and vibrator to the trash. I have no need for the furry cuffs, but she wanted them so I put them in the drawer with the rest that come back clean and dry. It strikes me again that it’s good to be me.
I move the hat back to the tree remembering the look right when she came. My dick swells and I shake my head moving Dean back to the bed. Once she’s covered I get dressed and get Nekanis his walk. It’s just past six when we head back and I feel Prez. ‘Coming up the beach,’ I throw.
‘Coffee’s ready.’
I smile and keep walking. He walks out when I hit the top step. “Here.”
I take the coffee and sit. “They have some time before the next wave hits.”
He nods. “We’ll be hit first.” He got it from the boys.
“Not the way you’re thinking. The religious nuts are gathering, but HS can handle it. We have no major threat to us for a while. We’re watched, but with Security running they aren’t getting close enough to get at anyone. We just need to keep ahead of them and shut down their plans.”
He laughs. “Oh, that’s all.”
I smile thinking about it. “Yeah.”
“The reservation?”
I look in on Aiyana and Co. “Peaceful at the moment. The pipelines are going to push for legislation to block the protestors. There’s already a suit against the federal government for right of way access. With the contaminated water and oil leaks finally publicized people are noticing and fighting against it. Baxters help with that. Ben and Mitch threw in.” I look to see if he’s interested. He is. “More communities will be hit with contaminated water which will be bad for them, but good for the cause. Some are in areas that oil is a main source of income, so it will be a hell of a fight, but one that’s known nationally. There’s another issue that’s brought to light with all this publicity on water and oil. Natural gas is running pipelines down south. Pretty much the same scenario as the oil.”
“Fuckin’ people. Oil kills the water and gas kills the air. When the fuck will everyone wake up and see we only have this planet to live on. Whole countries are switching to natural resources. We need fuckin’ help in Washington.”
I put my hand up to stop him. “Baxters didn’t move for the reasons everyone thinks. They’re all in with the MC, but have some plans for change. We’ll see the beginning soon. It’s just what we’re hoping for. This is why Aiyana and Mucimi calmed. It’s in the distance, but will happen.”
He’s looking, but I know he can’t see it. I’m glad when he doesn’t ask. “Your readers are learning fast. I saw Mase moving like you and Elizabeth is as fuckin’ Badass as it gets.”
I smile because she is. “Mase has some work ahead of him. He’s got the ability, but he still needs to work on reading. They’re all still growing. In time, they’ll be unstoppable. Between technology and abilities, I think the vision of the Clubs helping more communities is safe.”
He spends some time thinking about all I said. I’m happy to watch the dogs play in the yard while he does.
“The readers?”
I’ve thought about this and don’t see where anyone can be hurt. “We’ll get more, but I don’t think they’re here to help right now. I see some as working for the cause to keep all readers safe, but no one stands out as helpful to the Club yet. The kids will bring more.”
He rolls it in his head again. “Helpful to the Club yet? The kids?”
“Yeah. The kids are growing too. Aquyà is keeping Mucimi on a tight leash. I don’t say it because it’s bad. Right now, Mucimi needs to learn to follow a chain of command even when it’s Aquyà and Phoenix. These are lessons he needs to become who he’s meant to be. With everyone growing in ability, the last thing we need is another Jeremy running wild. Aquyà is making sure that doesn’t happen.” He wants to ask about them, but I can’t give him anything else. I let him see it and wait.
“Jeremy made a cuff. Can it help so you can get the surgery?”
I look at the water. “No Prez. It’s for Dean. She’ll be able to handle initial contact for at least a minute.” I breathe deep. “I don’t come out of the surgery. That’s why they didn’t say. Mitch is bringing me a new brace and having new pants made so the brace fits under them.”
His hands are in his hair, but I keep my eyes on the water. “Sorry Brother. If there’s a way, she’ll find it.”
I nod. “I’m okay with it. Dakota says I won’t always have pain without the brace, but I’ll limp. I just haven’t told Dean yet.”
“You think she’ll care?”
His tone has my eyes meeting his. “I can’t read her and it drives me fuckin’ nuts. What if she gets sick of me and all this fuckin’ needy shit?”
He laughs and I’m pissed. “Since Dakota told us what you needed and gave you the tools, you are the most un-needy Brother we have.” He laughs. “Just between us. Jessie, always feels inferior because he has no abilities and doesn’t feel as smart as the rest. Taylor, thinks his PTSD makes him weak. Dakota, feels he’s making everyone work harder dealing with his visions and no touch shit. Darren, thinks he’s missing shit all the fuckin’ time.” He waves his hand. “Darren.” He shakes his head thinking Darren’s crazy then he thinks we all are. “Everyone in inner circle carries a bag Brother. Once we figured out what you needed, yours fuckin’ emptied. I know Pres hurt you, but I’m not seeing that. It’s not your load to carry anymore, now it’s his. That leaves you with a brace Brother. Not fuckin’ bad for what you went through.” He’s so passionate I smile.
“Yeah. She won’t care.”
“No, she won’t. Do you have anything else for me?”
I shake my head no feeling better now that I dropped this all here. I guess that’s why he’s the Leader and we’re all working to keep him alive. He’s a good Leader for us.
“Go tell your girl so she can laugh at you for worrying Brother. I need to get Lily up.”
I smile putting the cup on the table. “She’s up. Thanks, Prez.”
“Shit.” He goes through the slider fast.
“Nekanis. Let’s go see Dean.”
He comes right to me and I wonder why until I feel Uncles Steve and Danny. Jesus. A day without them wouldn’t hurt me.
I walk in the side door and shake my head. “I would have put the coffee on if I knew you were coming.”
Uncle Danny laughs and I roll my eyes. Before he opens his mouth, I push to check on Dean. She’s still out. I come down the stairs and make another coffee.
Uncle Danny kicks a chair out for me. “How do you do that?”
I shrug. “I push.”
He waits for more, but I’m done with meeting time today. Uncle Steve laughs. “Got her dog.”
I look and see a pretty husky by Nekanis. How the fuck did I miss that? “Thanks, she’s for touch and protection like Nekanis?”
“More Hawk or Max. Fierce Protector. Nekanis don’t need that, but protects her too.”
Ricky’s words play through my head and I translate. He’s like Hawk and Tess’s Max when we first got them. They were fierce protectors. Nekanis doesn’t need that with me, but he’ll protect Dean too. I nod. “Thank you. With the cuff, it should be easier, but she’ll need everything I can give her.”
Uncle Danny’s surprised. “It works?”
I smile. “She touched a cashier last night handing money over. She took the hit reading, but the contact didn’t hurt her and Nekanis is a help. With all the fuckin’ ability you’d think healer would show, but I’m still waiting.”
They laugh. “Leaves somethin’ for the rest of ‘em.”
“Yeah.”
“She still can’t block?” Uncle Danny is looking at me as if I’m not doing my part. “She’s getting better, but a crowd is too much still. She’ll get it, but never be freaky kid level.”
He nods and Uncle Steve stands. “Need to see my boy. Got shit to do.”
I smile pushing my seat in. “Might want to give him some time. He’s busy.”
Uncle Danny doesn’t move. I see everything going through his head and just throw him answers to what I can. “He’s in line. That’s why my dad took lead. He was ready to move and is still pissed, but working to make it better. Baxters isn’t my story to tell, but you may want to keep Kaleb in your sights. He’s got some reader ability that works for good. Tiny comes around soon and so will Digs and Bob after a while. They never had to work with leadership struggles so this is new for them. They will learn from it and appreciate it more when it settles. I’m not talking about fuckin’ surgery again. I’m getting a new brace and I’m good with it. Not explaining shit means to you too. I’m not repeating shit either.”
“Fuckin’ little Badasses. If you wouldn’t hang me from a roof, I’d shoot your foot.”
I laugh watching them leave. I hear her bracelet and spin toward the stairs then drop my head. I need to stop saying shit out loud. “How much did you hear?”
“I’m never going to be freaky level? Are you going to get sick of shielding me?” Her tears fall gutting me.
I move and lift her up cradling her against my chest. I like her right here, but could live without tears. “No baby. I’ll always do everything I can to make that easier for you.”
I sit and she looks up at me. I hate the fuckin’ tears and wipe them away. “Why me? I’ll need help for the rest of my life. That’s a long time to put up with my damn baggage.” Her eyes fill again and I kiss them.
“You know my schedule. Whenever the fuck I’m needed is too much for some women to handle. I’m about as freaky as it gets with abilities. Talking to people in my head is normal for me. I found out yesterday that I’ll be in a brace forever or limp my way through life. I have dead ancestors that I visit regularly and a live family that’s as fuckin’ freaky and crazy as they come. If I get too much energy I’m helpless and need a dog and at least one from the freaky farm to help me move again. I think you’re getting the short end of the stick here babe. I count myself lucky that you’re willing to wear my cut.”
“Your leg never healed?” Fuck.
Everything I said and it’s the leg she’s worried about. I want to just jump, but she needs to know what this will mean. We may not be having an anniversary after all. “I can’t have the surgery. Jeremy got a vision that I don’t recover and saw it through Dakota. I can’t have someone’s hands on me that long, so it’s either the robotic brace, or I limp. Limping isn’t Badass so I really only have one choice. The brace.” I hold my breath.
“I’m so glad you know all these people and can get the brace. You don’t limp in the brace and I like your Badass.” She smiles.
My breath comes out in a whoosh. “You don’t care that I need it?”
I get the look. Shit. “Seriously? You’re like a damn super hero in real life. Iron Man has a whole suit. Captain America has his shield and you have a robotic brace. I can live with a brace as long as it brings you home every night.” Her arms are flying and her bracelet is making sweet chime sounds as she talks.
I crack up and hug her to me. “Fuckin’ love you babe.”
She giggles and life is perfect.
* * *
Dean
I can’t believe he doesn’t know. I might be able to surprise him yet.
"What do you want to name your dog?” he asks while we're cleaning the kitchen.
Really, it's cleaning itself. I only put my plate in the sink. I smile thinking women around the world would be so jealous of my self-cleaning kitchen. I kiss his lips for making me the luckiest woman on the planet and look at the dog. "I don't think she likes me. She hasn't come near me yet." Of course, the dog walks to me because I said it. I put my hand out tentatively.
"She's trained babe. She won't ever hurt you."
She puts her head under my hand and lifts it up. I laugh. "I never had a dog. The others don't really come near me and Nekanis is more human than dog." I pet her head then bend down and pet her body. When she leans into me I fall on my ass and laugh. "Pretty girl with the bright blue eyes. What's your name?" She sits right on my lap. "You're almost bigger than me." I look up at a smiling Christian. "She's sweet." I feel all through her silky fur and she moves so I get her belly. "Nekanis is my brother. How about my sister?"
"Ituksq, my sister. She'll protect you by keeping people away and she helps with energy. Between the cuff, Ituksq keeping people away and her healing, you should be safe in the towns."
This is the best day and I'm not even married yet! "I should take her for a walk. Do you think she can play Frisbee like Delta and Nekanis?"
He nods watching me love on my new dog. I already love her. "Let's take them to the reservation. We can see all she knows. Uncle Steve is crazy with the training."
This day just keeps getting better. "I need to get a hat and boots. Come Ituksq." She jumps up and is waiting like she’s at attention. "How cool is that?"
He laughs and we run up the stairs. I get the perfect hat and cowboy boots and meet him back in the kitchen.
He hands me some tiny bones that he gives to Nekanis. "When she does good you give her a treat so she knows. You don't give them for everything, but when she listens and it's the first time you command something, she should get a treat. Later you give them a couple times a day, but it's just showing she's doing good and deserves the attention. Just like we do with Nekanis. Yeah?"
I put all, but one in my pocket. "Yeah. I got it." I look at those pretty blue eyes. "Out Ituksq." She walks to the door with Nekanis and I smile. I love it. I hand her a bone and pull one for Nekanis. "Good job four-legged family."
I open the door and see Frisbees float to the truck. Shaking my h
ead I think, it's never going to be boring that's for sure. He opens the back door and they jump in. I feel like we're on our first family outing and giggle. On the way, we talk about the house his dad will help build. I have no idea what houses need, but I want a gym for him and room for my hats. He thinks I'm funny, but says he'll make sure the hats have room.
I hope the people blocking him have an easier time while we're away. They were worried because he sees everything. Once we get to the Rhode Island reservation I'm too excited to worry.
We play Frisbee and my dog is awesome! She can do everything that Nekanis can. Like they're twins. Sister is a good name. After we play he brings us to the water and we lay on a rock looking up at the sky. The dogs lay down together and I can't help, but smile.
"You like your new dog."
I giggle. "I love my new dog. It feels like a family."
He smiles and moves my hat off his chest so he can see me. "We are."
I guess we are. The best damn day yet.
* * *
Christian
“Old lady party. Get out!” Sheila yells as if that scares me.
I laugh and sit at the table.
“I need a pen! Dean where do you keep the fuckin’ pens here!”
I’m out the door and across the street before Dean answers her. Fuckin’ women. It’s a fuckin’ party. I smile. It’s her old lady party. She deserves to have them make it special.
Nekanis catches up to me and we walk the beach. We have some time. It’s been another good day. Nothing is coming in that’s a threat and everyone is relaxed. It dawns on me that everyone has been quiet today. I’m glad they are. I needed the time with Dean to just relax.
She likes the Rhode Island reservation, but my dad will help me build a house in Connecticut. I can’t wait to start. She’s easy with everything we went over, making me smile. She’s pretty easy with most things now that I understand her better. I still wish I could read her.
Coming back up the beach I see the next chopper land. One more and they should all be here. A vision of Aiyana and Co hits me and I smile. Them showing support for her means everything to me.