Page 9 of Citiali: Teach
Cort’s eyes stay on mine. “You’re from Liberty not the tribe land.”
I nod. “My grandfather raised me and my brother in Liberty. He was the old tribe’s medicine man and Lead for the kids working young. We’re the messenger and teacher. My purpose was to stand with my Badass Lead serving as council.”
His head cocks to the side. “Like Teller or Nash?”
I smile. “I’m honored to be named with them both but think I’m closer to Teller. A keeper of sorts.”
He nods thoughtfully. “I can see that. Hemy sent his personal approval of you directly to me. He doesn’t give Indian purpose or he may think I don’t understand it. Saying I understand it all would be a lie, but I understand that years of being treated as less means you need time to get that, here, you are equal to everyone. Surprisingly, Axe helped Zeke with that. He may be a help for you.”
I nod. “Axe is from Virginia’s first Prince crew and we worked together at times. Zeke wasn’t there for long and is older than me but has always been a guide for the younger Brothers. He is a guide here as well, Boss.”
His eyes zero in on me so fast, I freeze in place. “Good, use your Brothers and trust in your Brothers. You’re young and new here, so everyone will want to know who you are. Keep it in mind so the flashing gold eyes are held to a minimum and we’re good.We’ll keep the crowds down so you’re not feeling like a cornered animal. If you ever freeze me or use any ability against me, I’m shooting you with bullets and you will be revoked from Badass.” He’s completely serious.
Holy fuck! “Roger, Boss. I would deserve it and agree.”
His smile with those steely eyes is scary. “Feel free to freeze Raid when he’s annoying the hell out of you but keep it to that second you used earlier.”
My eyes bounce to Prez Knight who is smiling. Okay then. I go back to Cort. “Roger, Boss, but I’m working for the no freeze, no disrespect, so hopefully it never happens again.”
He smiles bigger and his eyes lose some of that danger. “I like you, Citiali. Make sure you show up at Guardian later. You don’t have to stay, but Brother time is important to all of us.”
“I will, Boss.” Holy fuck, I feel like I just walked a tightrope.
‘He’s calm and happy. Don’t mistake that for not serious. Come see me when you’re done with lunch. I’m reading on a hammock.’ Axe has my jaw clamped tight. Fuckin’ Brother knew we’d be ambushed and didn’t tell me.
Laughing in my head has me looking around. Jacob throws me chin.
“How do you make your eyes flash?” Nova asks.
Ari leans so his shoulder is touching mine.
I got this though. “I don’t know when they’re flashing. I feel anger and people move back, so I’d say when I’m pissed it shows.”
“Good to know.” He moves on, asking Jacob about a Blackhawk niece.
I breathe and hope for a Prospect to show.
Ari relaxes. “Good job. The Vision has a Seafood Shack that does the clam cakes.”
“Where?”
We both look at Prez Knight. Ari answers quickly. “Between us and Zion, Prez.”
Prez Knight is gone. They really are crazy but it’s a good seven minutes before anyone notices.
“Where did Ben go?” Cort’s eyes are on Nova.
“I think he went to get clam cakes, Boss. I just told Citiali about the place at the Vision that Mikey likes.” Ari answers.
“Huh, where are the Prospects?”
“They come in tomorrow, Boss. Guardian sends us help but ours aren’t here yet. The buffet is set up.” Ari surprises me.
“Why are we sitting here?” Raid is up and at the little buffet that’s set on the side.“They don’t have enough for all of us.”
“I got it.” Prez Knight is back with a big box.
My eyes snap to Ari.
