Dentelle (9 page)

Eventually, we situated ourselves at the head
table with Dakota’s family. Her grandparents and parents seemed like very warm,
sincere people. They involved Ash and I in their conversations and seemed
genuinely interested in hearing about our backgrounds. I immediately hit it off
with Dakota’s grandfather, Ahanu. Literally, his name meant “he laughs.”
Sitting on my left, Ahanu’s warm, wrinkled eyes sparkled as he spoke proudly of
his heritage and their involvement in the Blackfoot Confederacy.

He offered a history of the ranch, and I quickly
learned why his grandparents had named it the G.O.L.D. Bar Ranch. The letters
stood for “Gathering of Linked Defenders.” Evidently, before the term Guardians
had been adopted – back in the days when his grandparents had built the Ranch –
they’d originally referred to themselves as Defenders. The Ranch’s name was a
double entendre, referring not only to the Defenders who gathered there, but
also to the gold medals the first place competitors would receive. Ahanu
promised to take me down to the library, where they had a 400 ounce gold bar –
worth about $640,000 – on display in a thief-proof case. An investor in rare
coins, he couldn’t wait to show me his collection. He was a kind-hearted,
intelligent man who reminded me a lot of my own grandfather.

While eating my spicy wagon-wheel pasta dish, I
listened intently to the conversation at our table and tried not to be
distracted by all that was happening around me. But the cafeteria was loud with
voices, clanking silverware, and chairs scraping the floor. A lot of people
took small servings and then excused themselves so they could sample other
cuisines. When Ash finished eating, he sat back in his chair and rested an arm
around my shoulder as if it was the most natural thing in the world. He smiled
and chatted with Dakota’s parents while I talked more with her grandparents.
The moment I started to rise and excuse myself, so I could get another glass of
ice water, he jumped to his feet and said, “Let me get that for you, babe. You
stay here and enjoy yourself.” He was a natural born gentleman when he wanted
to be, but it was so strange, because I was used to that from Jason, not him.

Eventually, Dakota came over and gave her
grandpa a kiss on the cheek, and said good-humoredly, “Grandpa, if you’re done
monopolizing Lexi with your historical tales, I’d like to introduce her and Ash
to some more people.”

I touched his arm and said, “It’s been a real
pleasure, sir.”

Sitting a little straighter with arched brows,
he said, “The pleasure was all mine. And while I’ve heard the rumors about your
Essence, I must say they don’t do you justice. Your Essence is unparalleled.
You’re also a wonderful listener, and your company has been much appreciated this
evening.”

“Thank you. I’ve enjoyed our conversation very
much.”

“And Lexi,” he said, motioning me closer as I
began clearing my plates. I paused, leaned down, and gazed into warm, dark
eyes. His ruddy skin was dark and layered with wrinkles, probably from summers
spent outside in the hot Montana sun. “When it comes time for your meeting with
Senior Council, know that I will be on your side.”

Surprised, I could feel my eyes rounding and my
mouth forming a gentle “O.” Once my tongue finally untwisted itself, I said,
“You don’t know how much that means to me. I have a feeling I’m going to need
all the help I can get.” He nodded thoughtfully, and I departed with Dakota and
Ash, thanking my lucky stars I had at least two advocates on the Senior
Council: Ahanu and Jason’s dad, Mr. Walker.

Dakota marched us all over the cafeteria,
introducing us to members of the Great Falls Circle and then to other, what I
imagined to be the more influential Circles, like Chicago, New York, Dallas,
and Los Angeles to name a few. It was really awkward, because while Ash and I
had received numerous invitations to join different Circles over the last few
months, I had no idea we’d be so heavily solicited.

“We’ve got
the whole world vying for our attention,”
Ash said, but he sounded bored.

“I thought
you’d be eating this up. You do love the spotlight.”

 
When we
met the members of the San Diego Circle, everyone at the entire table rose and
crowded around us. Carlos, their Senior Guardian, a short, stocky man with a
moustache and goatee, approached, and their entire group quieted down
instantly. “Lexi and Ash,” he said, respectfully, with his hands fastened
together in front of his body, “we are honored to finally meet you. We are
hoping you’re seriously considering our invitation to join the San Diego
Circle. As you know, we are a large group and therefore rarely accept new
members. But we would be most honored to have you. We have several beautiful
homes available for you to choose from, and you wouldn’t need to worry about
living expenses. We also have connections to the University of San Diego and
could get you full rides there, assuming you wish to continue with your
educations.”

I suspected Dakota was going to faint, so I
nonchalantly held her arm for support and blasted her with Essence just for the
heck of it. Afterwards, I touched Carlos on the shoulder and said in a loud,
clear voice, “We appreciate your very generous offer.” Glancing around the
group, I made direct eye contact with each of the members, hoping that would show
a measure of sincerity, even though I didn’t feel it.

“But not
necessary,”
said Ash.
“I’ve got more
money than their entire Circle put together.”

I almost snorted but realized he probably did. “
Why do I feel like a free agent in the NFL?”

“Because
you are, Lexi. And you’re the number one pick. So, just for fun, let’s keep
these incentives rolling, huh? See how high he’s willing to go.”

 
Carlos
smiled, displaying slightly crooked teeth. His sharp, black eyes pierced though
my skin, and I felt all prickly. There was even a hint of pressure inside my
head, like something was prodding at my brain. Spontaneously, without any
directive from me, my Essence seemed to gather in waves around my mind, as if
forming a shield. Instantly on edge, I dropped my hand and wondered what
exactly his Flair was. If Hannah could erase memories, did he have some kind of
mind manipulation Flair? Could he manipulate someone to do what he wanted? My
instincts told me Carlos was not a Guardian I wanted to mess with.

His jaw twitched, but he carried on pleasantly,
“Lexi, I know being a Dentelle makes you highly sought after because of your
extraordinary talents. Please know that we do not have an Amethyst in our
Circle, and you would be a wonderful asset. San Diego is a hugely populated
area and there are plenty of Innocents who need our help. I can promise life
would be busy and fulfilling.”

“And
that’s supposed to be appealing?”
Ash snorted.
“I don’t see how an invitation to work overtime is any kind of
incentive. Now, maybe if he started talking about hanging out at the beaches,
because surfing accidents are on the rise…”

Still on edge, I ignored Ash and replied, “Thank
you for the kind words. Ash and I are flattered and appreciative of all the
invitations we’ve received, and when the time is right we will carefully
consider each one. I can’t say that we are ready to make any decisions at this
point, because we are very happy in Bellingham. But please be assured that, if,
and when, we are ready to look at our options, yours will be at the top of our
list.”

To Ash I said,
“There is no way we will ever be joining his Circle. He is Creepy with
a capital C!”
I proceeded to fill him in on what had occurred and then made
a mental note to have a conversation with Jason about Carlos – and about Flairs
in general.

After making the rounds, Dakota steered us
towards the dessert area, where I smothered a piece of warm apple pie with
vanilla ice cream. As if exhausted and starving from all the socializing, Ash
filled his plate with a piece of chocolate cake, a piece of key lime pie, two
peanut butter cookies, and a fresh fruit tart.

“What?” he asked when I smacked him across the
back and gave him a nasty look. “I need to be fully satiated if I’m gonna kick
butt at the competitions tomorrow. You better eat up, too. I want you at your
best, because I plan on us walking away with the gold medals in the linked
competition.”

“Ash, there’s no way that’s gonna happen.” I
nodded and smiled as we passed people on our way back to the table. I noticed
the lights had dimmed and there was a spotlight on a corner stage I hadn’t even
noticed being there before.

Balancing his dessert plate in one hand, he
twirled me around with the other and looked me straight in the eye. “Oh yeah there
is. You know I live for a fierce, adrenaline-packed competition. With my
attitude and your Dentelle abilities, we are gonna rock our events. Make no
mistake, Lexi. We are in it to win it.”

I started cracking up at his serious expression.
“I don’t know if I can take a whole week of this…of you, me, and your attitude.
You’re gonna drive me crazy.”

As we took our seats, I noted the one next to me
was empty. That’s about the time Ahanu’s voice came over the speakers, and I
realized he was up on the platform. He addressed the entire crowd, welcoming
everyone and talking about the expectations for the week. As he spoke, I
gobbled down my apple pie. The scent of cinnamon and nutmeg always reminded me
of my grandma’s kitchen. Candles flickered on the tables, and the crowded room
remained surprisingly quiet as Ahanu’s deep, accented voice filled the room. At
one point he invited all the Amethysts up to the stage, along with Ash and
myself. Introductions were made in a similar manner to how Mr. Nelson had presented
us at the New Year’s Eve Party at the Retreat. With Ash on one side of me and
Jessica on the other holding my hand, I smiled and followed her lead. I was
grateful Ahanu didn’t make a big deal about me – just introduced me as Lexi
Adams, Dentelle from the Bellingham Circle and Ash as my linked partner, also
from Bellingham. After we all sat down, Ahanu explained that while the games
were to be the highlight, there would also be times when members of the Senior
Council would be absent. They had several scheduled meetings, all which
required serious discussion before decisions could be made.

Yeah, I thought, biting down on my fork. I’m
sure they’d already made their decisions, and the meetings were really just for
handing down orders. I glanced in the direction of the Bellingham Circle but
couldn’t see over all the heads. I wondered if Jason was thinking the same
thoughts I was and if he was just as cynical. Sometime during my reverie, the
microphone was handed over to Dakota’s parents. They explained the procedures
for the competitions and reiterated the importance of good sportsmanship. At
one point, we were asked to grab the sign-up sheets and pens from the center of
our tables and fill out which competitions we’d be taking part in.

Ash and I decided that for the linked
competitions we’d be strongest in kayaking, archery, and the 10K. He really
wanted to do mountain climbing but knew my experience was limited to the
Bellingham YMCA’s 67 foot climbing wall. I’d been passed several times by kids
and seniors alike. I felt bad for Ash, because he rocked extreme sports on a
weekly basis. I wouldn’t be surprised if he took first in the individual
competitions, but I just wasn’t as practiced as him.

 
“Sorry, I’m afraid I’m the weakest link here,”
I said to him.

He chuckled.
“That
is really very funny.”
Then he grabbed me by the chin and said,
“But really, we have the strongest link of
everyone here, so why don’t you feed off that positive energy for a while
.”

 
Eventually, the evening program ended and
Dakota wheeled Ash and I outside so fast, I never got a chance to catch up with
my friends. Before long, I’d donned a helmet and was sitting on a bright yellow
ATV, holding onto Ash as we zipped along mountain trails. Dakota and Luke lead
the way on their own ATV, and I wondered if this little escapade was just an
excuse for them to spend time together. Earlier in the evening, Kohana had
mentioned something about him and Dakota showing us around, but we’d flown out
of the dining room so fast, I figured Dakota had always planned on ditching
him.

The property was expansive, and we explored many
areas with Dakota pointing out the locations for the different competitions.
There were open fields for archery and contests where Guardians like Ash and
Madison could try to hit long-range targets utilizing their Flairs. I was
surprised that a stream-fed, freshwater lake was the destination spot for the
swim meet. While the setting sun bounced off its surface and insects gathered
in swarms above the water, I shivered to think how chilly this black void would
feel in the early morning hours. As we traveled through a natural avenue of
trees, Dakota pointed out a heavily forested area where the paintball
tournaments were held. At one point, our ATVs got a workout as we made our way
along some very muddy, rocky terrain. Surrounded by huge rock formations and
deep ravines, I held my arms clasped tightly around Ash and wasn’t too excited
to hear this was the setting for the obstacle course – an individual event he’d
signed up for. After exploring for another hour or so, the sun finally dropped
behind the hills, and we made our way back to the Lodge.

Bumping along with the loud roar of the engines,
I leaned my head against Ash and yawned continuously. I was ready to get some
sleep. The first events were set for the crack of dawn, and I didn’t want to
miss one bit of the action. Individual schedules were going to be delivered
sometime in the middle of the night and slipped under our room doors, but I
already knew none of mine started that early. Due to the fact there were so
many competitions, many would take place simultaneously. I felt sorry for the
people who were going to be up all night arranging these schedules.