Ford's Rise - L. Ann Marie Page 0,17
better. “I’ll talk to Cort. Alexia is already doing the video classes. We could set her up like the school.”
He smiles. “Better to her not with trainees. Alpha-Bits good to her. Trainee...” He shrugs.
I nod liking the thought of Alexia not in a class of trainees and feeling better that Alder agrees. Dinner is uneventful. I’m glad when Major takes Alder back to the greenhouse.
Harper makes me laugh. “He’s a nice guy but asks way too many questions. You’d think Alder is new to him. He’s known the little guy longer than me. I’m fuckin’ exhausted and all I did was listen.” She never said a word.
“Alder learned Brotherhood and knows nothing else. Major is always looking for lessons to teach the rest of us.”
Brekan laughs. “He’s taught me a lot and I thought I had it down. The Brother knows his shit and points out new ways of thinking all the time. Now I know where he gets it from.”
I shake my head. “He gets it from everyone. Every Brother has stories, lessons, new viewpoints. Major talks to everyone. Alder must be like a good book to him. He has reasoning and views Major doesn’t get with Brothers from other Clubs. He dogs Cort like that too. I’m sure you get asked a million questions. He’ll give it back when you need it.”
Harper stands. “More fuckin’ lessons. I won’t play dead when he talks tomorrow.”
I laugh watching her kiss Brekan. “I’m in our rooms.”
He watches her walk away. “She’s a good woman but tough.”
“I like Harper. She reminds me of Freedom.”
He nods. “Is everything okay? You were texting during dinner.”
“Yeah. The Alpha-Bits, Michael and Garren checking in. Lukas is new at Elan and had a question Cayden couldn’t answer. He didn’t know I was out of the yard. They all hit together tonight. Rostya said Ranger tonight. Anton was excited and didn’t care that I’m out of the yard.”
He smiles. “I can’t believe they’re seven.”
“You should see the two year olds.”
He nods. “Harper sent me pictures. They’ll grow faster with the new diet and vitamins. She was happy. She’s going to see them tomorrow while she’s down there.”
I smile. “Maybe she’ll want to raise a couple.”
His smile is telling. The Brother wants kids bad. “Maybe.”
I get up wanting to talk to my girl and little Brothers. “Go talk to her, Brother. You want kids, you’ll love them no matter where they come from.”
He’s up and walking in front of me. “Yeah. You know where your room is?”
“I do, go, Brother. I’m heading out back.”
He’s gone and I pull my phone walking out. I’m not surprised a Security Brother follows me to the back deck. The views here are beautiful. I can’t wait to take Alexia to the new house. She’s going to love it. We all do.
I send her a picture then open the chat. “It’s a beautiful night here too. The stars are just getting brighter. I love seeing so many but miss you seeing them with me. We just got out of the pool. Allen said I did good. Are you having fun?”
“I’m glad you’re still taking the lessons. I had dinner with Brekan, Harper, Major and Alder. It was good. They all scattered so I’m alone. I miss everyone there.”
Her eyes show compassion. How can people think she doesn’t feel anything? “I was always alone and you always had so many people around. I bet it’s hard to be alone in a new place.” She’s right.
“Yeah.” I don’t like being alone. It’s like living at the orphanage. I was alone more than with the other kids. We didn’t have much in common.
“Do you want to stay for the spirit party?”
I smile. “No, go be with your friends. I’m going to my room. I have some work to do. Call me when you get home.”
“I will. I miss you more than I think is normal. Télia said it’s because I love you.”
My heart skips a beat then beats hard. “I feel it too. Alder said the same thing on the chopper.” I’m holding my chest hoping my heart doesn’t beat right out of it or stop all together. She loves me.
She looks confused. “He said I love you? How does he know how I feel?”
I laugh. “No, that I love you. I’ve never felt like this. It feels good, Alexia. More now that I know you love me.” The smile that I get settles my heart.
“It does feel better knowing you love me back. I didn’t know