Wings of the Walker - CoraLee June Page 0,204

board. "So they created network extenders. Towers connected to one computer which extend the range, thus keeping everyone here."

"Ah, once again, another person wants to take the glory for my finding," Jules scoffed before going back to the couch and plopping down in the leather seat with a pout.

"The towers all feed to a signal station. If we can shut down one of the towers, or even the signal station, we can get out of range," Kemper said excitedly while rushing over to a book and frantically flipping through pages.

"So how do we shut it down?" Maverick asked. I looked around, and for the first time, realized that Patrick was nowhere to be found.

"I'll need to see what kind they use," Kemper began before looking at a smug Jules. "You gonna be okay to show me where it is tonight?" he asked.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, no need to thank me or anything, no one ever does," she said darkly. She started coughing then wiped spit from her bottom lip .

I looked to Cyler, expecting him to say something—anything, but he was lost in thought and staring at the drawing board—already in fix it mode.

"Ahem, Cyler," I coughed out while scooting closer to Jules. "Anything you want to say to Jules?" I asked, hoping the obvious meaning of my tone came across.

"I don't need your pity," Jules growled out, and I flinched.

Cyler snapped his head towards us and stomped until he was facing Jules.

"Don’t talk to her like that." His voice was steady and calm but held the ferociousness I knew and loved.

"Cy, it's okay," I offered, but my words fell on deaf ears.

Jules looked at me then back at him, I saw the wheels turning in her mind. "Is that what I must do to get your attention, brother? Insult your little Walker?" she asked.

Cyler tried to calm down, his muscles flexed and released a few times before he replied. "Jules, a good leader doesn't do good deeds for recognition—"

"Oh, fuck that. I want recognition. I want you to grovel at my feet and thank me for figuring out what Kemper couldn't. I was resourceful and brave. I snuck out at night—"

"Which wasn't safe! You could have gotten hurt."

"Like you give a shit!"

I felt Jacob's grip tighten on my shoulders, reminding me he was there and keeping me planted on the couch. I'm not sure why he felt like I should be there, but I trusted him. He knew the Jules dynamic probably better than anyone else.

"Fine. Good job, Sis. You figured it out."

"Well, that was a poor excuse for recognition," I muttered, and once again, Jules snapped her head to mine. At first, she opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it again as if thinking better of it. I looked to Cyler and crossed my arms over my chest. “Well?” I asked.

“Okay, maybe I didn’t handle this well. But I won’t sit by while you insult Ash, either. Thank you for doing this. Thank you, Jules. You’ve always been the smart one out of all of us. Figures you’d be the resourceful one, too.” Cyler forced a smile, and I relaxed a bit.

Jules looked to me and rolled her eyes. “Years. It’s been years . I’ve been begging for recognition and respect for years. She just crosses her arms, you suddenly hear me? I’m so over this. I can’t wait to be out of here. I’m done with this family. Done with this bullshit.”

“What do you want from me?! You ask for recognition then get mad when I give it to you!” Cyler yelled.

Jules took her drink and tipped it over so that it spilled on the floor of the lab, splashing all over Cyler’s boots. She then stood, squared her shoulders, and let out a shrill scream before speaking. “I want you to treat me like an equal. I want you to see how toxic our relationship is. I want you to want me to find fulfillment. I want you to want me to feel safe and treasured. I wanted a birthday party. I wanted to stay at home with you all, not go off to boarding school. I want Maverick to stop distancing himself. I want a fucking family. I want a purpose. I want Tallis to be safe and back here with me because he’s the only person in this entire empire that cares!” she cried out before crumbling in on herself and sitting on the floor.

She sobbed loudly, and Maverick dropped what he