Page 118 of Ranger's Rise

Another commotion and I see Cort coming toward us. He’s like a celebrity walking in. Victory jumps up and runs for Seren. Freedom follows then pulls her off Seren after a minute. Cort waits smiling. The woman is crazy with the hugging shit. “I’m glad she doesn’t hug me.”

Falcon laughs. “She hugged Cort one day. The next day he pulled his gun and she stopped.”

I laugh picturing that. When Seren sits, Cort walks our way. “It’s fucking packed tonight. I didn’t tell anyone I was coming either.”

“Military trainees and Nomads in the house tonight,” I tell him.

“I’m glad Security is here. Shaggy was at the door when we came in. When he saw me, he turned like I wouldn’t notice him. He’s bound to piss someone off tonight.” Cort smiles. “We’ll get front row seats.”

I look over and he’s slinking his way to the women. Scraps is right behind him. Scraps bends and kisses Harmony’s cheek, then says something to her. As he steps away, his foot stops from taking a step and he turns.

Falcon laughs. “Here we go.”

Shaggy is talking to Seren. We all move meeting at the side and step up so we’re behind Shaggy. I look at Cort when I hear his words. Plastic surgery? Freedom stands up and Cort holds my arm. Scraps stands behind Freedom and the Prospect, Miter is behind Seren, who is now standing. Victory and Harmony look shocked.

“First, I’ve never had plastic surgery. Second, if I did, it would be none of your business. Third, coming up to a stranger and lecturing her on your asinine assumptions, makes you the biggest dick on the planet.”

Shaggy steps forward pissed. Freedom moves a step, but Seren reaches out, pulls the moron forward then down and lifts her knee, slamming his head into it. “Fourth, don’t ever think you can intimidate someone because they are weaker than you. Another assumption that you got wrong, asshole.” She looks around while Shaggy’s busted nose drips all over the floor. “Can you get Security to pull him out of here? Who is this jerk?”

Cort laughs. “Ask Victory, Kram. Good job with the dickass.”

I turn before I get shit for smiling over here. “Security!”

Freedom watches me then winks. I laugh. She hasn’t said much about him, but her jab in the Training Center told me enough.

Seren sits. “Who is that?” She’s pissed. Victory looks down, but Security blocks my view. Freedom sits and we go back to the bar.

Cort zeros in on Miter. “That Prospect stepped over.” He has approval in his tone.

I nod. “His name is Miter. I like him. He’s looking at Ops IT or Admin.”

“He’d be good in Security, he’s not big enough for Enforcer, but he’s protective.”

I swing my head. “He had a bout with cancer. He took computer.”

“That’s too bad. I’ll watch for him.”

There are Prospects that Officers take a shine to. Protecting Seren would put Miter on Cort’s list. He’s still on mine.

Raid comes in smiling. Today he told me I can call him Raid. I never called Officers above me anything but Pres or VP, but we’re different here. I’ll go with the flow. It’s been working so far.

The women see Lorelei and all get up. We follow and watch them dance. When the music changes, Freedom and Seren stand still and look our way. My feet move knowing they’ll get the order anyway. I dance with my sexy ol’ lady and laugh when I see Seren doing the dance for Cort. Raid dances with Lorelei, but it’s a traditional slow dance. When the music changes, I’m surprised.

“Brother, come sing a song for me!” Cort yells and holds a mic out.

Fuck! I look at Freedom and she’s surprised. She didn’t tell him.

I walk to him, but it’s as slow as I can. “Why amIsinging a song for you?”

He’s got a fucking smile like he’s running for office on. “I took Seren for a walk and heard you sing by the lake. I liked the song. It was about a car. Seren found it for me and likes another he does.”

The music starts and I’m swinging my head. “You dance with her and I’ll sing it.”

“Fuck.” He’s surprised and going to order me to sing.

I jump in before he can.“You’re putting me out there, you should be out there with me. Never alone, Brother.”

Freedom is laughing. Seren pulls Cort to the middle of the floor.