by Aliyah Burke
“You okay over there?” Stone asked.
“I hope so.” She glanced at him. “A bit nervous.”
The grin he gave her melted her insides. “Red Eagle will love you.”
Jasira knew he didn’t believe the small smile she gave him. The vehicle slowed to turn into what she presumed to be Red Eagle’s driveway. He shut off the diesel engine, got out, and walked around to her side of the truck.
Please let me do this without saying something stupid or offensive. Stone opened her door and she put her hand in his, garnering a smile in return. Side by side they headed up the two steps to the old rundown house. He knocked, and they waited for a few moments.
A man opened the door, and she inhaled. Something powerful emanated from this man and it made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. He wore a green plaid shirt, baggy faded jeans, and his hair was a beautiful shade of silvery gray.
“Stone. How good to see you. You stay away so long these days.”
“Red Eagle. It’s good to see you. I know and I’m sorry.” He shook the man’s hand and Jasira could tell there was a strong bond between the two of them.
“Who did you bring to see me?” Red Eagle cut his eyes, very sharp eyes, over to her.
“I’d like you to meet Jasira Graham.” Stone placed his hand on her back and urged her forward.
“Ahh, this is the young woman who discovered the cave.” Red Eagle took her hand. “It is a pleasure to meet you. Please come in.”
“Thank you for welcoming me into your home,” Jasira said following him inside.
“It is my honor to meet you, Jasira Graham,” Red Eagle said.
Out of the corner of her eye she noted the furrow in Stone’s brow. What’d I miss?
There upon the small round table sat three chairs and an equal number of coffee cups. Red Eagle sat first and Jasira found Stone across from her. While he poured them coffee, Red Eagle and Stone talked about some things on the Reservation. After she fixed her drink the way she liked it the room fell silent.
“Tell me how you found the cave, Jasira,” Red Eagle said abruptly.
She wasn’t expecting that question and knew her surprise was visible to the other two men. Her eyes grew wide for a brief second before she lifted her shoulders and drank some coffee.
“I don’t know exactly. We were out riding, and I just keep feeling like I wanted to go in that direction where it ultimately was. I’m truly sorry if I wasn’t supposed to go in it.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Stone opened his mouth, but he closed it with a spearing glance from Red Eagle. Apparently, he’s just supposed to listen. Jasira wanted to shift from the scrutiny Red Eagle gave her. Thank you, Boot, for teaching me how not to flinch.
“There is something more,” Red Eagle said with infinite calm. “We will speak of it now.”
Without asking, she knew what he wanted to know. How, she wasn’t sure, she just did. Jasira told him of her encounter which led to the first meeting with Stone. Then she filled him in on the incident before she found the cave. All the while she could feel Stone’s gaze upon her, offering support.
“And?” Red Eagle looked at her.
She licked her lower lip. “And this morning on my way out to Stone’s I stopped along the road where I had the first thing and I heard drums on the wind. Faint but there.”
“You never—”
“Hush, Stone,” Red Eagle reprimanded. “And the drums sounded like what?”
Jasira closed her eyes and recalled them. Her hand rested along the table and she tapped it out. Tap, tap, tap, tap. Evenly spaced then a pause before it started again. Tap, tap, tap, tap. She opened her eyes to them both staring at her. Then they looked at each other and spoke in a language she didn’t understand but recognized from the incident on the plains. Her belly clenched with unease.
“Why have you come here?” Red Eagle asked in English.
“I’m sorry.” She hung her head and pushed to her feet. “I’ll be in the truck.” Stone had already asked her that question when they had first met in her office.
“Sit down, Jasira,” the old man ordered.
She did so warily. “I don’t want to upset anyone; perhaps it’s best that I leave.”
“I meant to South Dakota. Why did you come here?”
Jasira shrugged. “The Navy sent me.”
Red Eagle was obviously skeptical of her response. His brow lifted. “Which blood of The People do you have flowing in your veins?”
She shook her head in confusion.
“He wants to know what tribe you get your Native blood from,” Stone explained.
“Oh. My great-great grandmother was Comanche.”
“I see,” Red Eagle said. “We are of the ancestral Titonwan branch of the Sioux. And within that Lakota and from the band of Miniconjou.”
To know one’s history like that. “I wish I knew more about my past.”
“Circles have important meaning in many cultures. Unbroken they are infinite. Sometimes it takes a while for a circle to be complete.” Red Eagle looked between the two of them. “It is odd for an outsider to be able to experience something from our past. You, Jasira, are special. Open your heart and your mind, and you will find the answers you seek.”
She didn’t know what to say. The thought she had an unanswered question gave her pause. As did the fact he would know about it. “May I ask you something, Red Eagle?”
“Of course.”
“What do drums mean when they sound like that?”
Chapter Five
Stone met Red Eagle’s surprised gaze. She’d gotten one over on the old man. Leaning forward, he rested his arms on the table and looked back at Jasira. “A lot of things, but also war and battle,” Stone told her, answering for Red Eagle.
“So you’re telling me I’m hearing sounds from some battle long ago?”
Stone picked up on the stress in her tone. He wanted to wrap her in his arms and offer her his strength. But he didn’t; he remained sitting in the seat.
“Yes,” Red Eagle said.
“And the man on horseback, the chanting I can’t understand, the cries of pain—all of that is a part of this?” Her voice began to rise.
Red Eagle got up and walked out of the room. Jasira snapped her gaze to him, concern and worry all over her face. “Oh my God, I didn’t insult him, did I?”
Stone reached across the table and covered her hand with his. “No. Not at all.”
“I should have kept my mouth shut,” she mumbled squeezing his hand tighter.
“Red Eagle would be the one you should tell this to.”
“Is he your Medicine man?” She slapped a hand over her mouth. “Crap. I did it again, didn’t I? Shaman?”
Stone tightened his hold briefly on her hand and ran his thumb along the smooth skin on the back of it. “Either works, although Medicine man is a phrase coined by the white man. For the most part they have become interchangeable. The term Medicine man having to do more with the healing role. Shaman tends to emphasize attributes which are, say, more mystical in nature.”
She released his hand and wrapped both hands around the mug. “Then where did he go?”
Just then Red Eagle walked back in holding something in his hand. Taking his seat, Red Eagle faced more towards Jasira. He spoke in Sioux and when he paused, Stone translated.
“It’s hard for those not of our way to accept the true order of things. If you continue to fight and keep them out, you will impair your opportunity to hear what they have to say to you. Only when you truly accept them in your life will you understand the message being given to you.”
“Why me? And who’s them?” Jasira asked.
Again, Stone waited for Red Eagle to stop talking before he started. He frowned slightly at the words he spoke. “Because you are the final part to the circle. With you, we’ve come full circle.”
More of his cryptic talk.
From the look on Jasira’s face, she didn’t understand anymore t
han he did. Red Eagle opened the tanned skin from around the object and slid it toward Jasira even as he spoke again.
“Red Eagle says this is a gift for you.”
He couldn’t see what it was, but Jasira gasped when the item was revealed to her.
“Oh…I…I…I couldn’t take this.” There was amazement and disbelief in her gaze.
Red Eagle took her hand in his and turned it palm up. His voice was quieter and Stone strained to hear him. Red Eagle used his free hand and again hid the object from view.
“He says the item is yours, not for anyone else. He was merely to hold it until you came.”
Stone longed to see what it was but didn’t move. Jasira covered the pale tanned animal hide with her hand and nodded.
“Thank you, Red Eagle,” she said softly.
The Elder looked at him finally and said in Sioux, “This woman is something special, Stone Black Hawk. You will need to help her through what lies ahead. Help her to listen to the wind.”
Stone focused on Jasira as she stared down at the wrapped object before her. One finger continued to trail over the shape and her lower lip sat caught in her teeth. Damn his messages that make me have to think.
“Now,” Red Eagle said, once again speaking English, “tell me why you waited so long to bring me this lovely visitor, Stone. She is truly a sight for these old eyes.”
Stone smiled knowing Red Eagle was done talking about the other. He did things at his own speed. “I’ve been keeping her hidden. I didn’t want her choosing you over me.”
Jasira lifted her head and he caught the sheen of unshed tears in her eyes before she smiled. Red Eagle took her hand in his and she winked at him before turning her gaze to the man who was like a father to him. Getting to his feet, Stone sighed when neither paid him any mind. While he was in the kitchen putting dishes away for Red Eagle, he snapped his head up when the door shut. Going to the door, Stone peered out the window and watched Red Eagle standing with Jasira pointing out at the horizon.
Stone quickly became mesmerized by the attentive look on her face, the smile curving up her full lips, and the wind blowing through her hair. The woman standing out there was his future, he knew that. What he didn’t understand was the reason she was hearing things and what Red Eagle gave her.
What did he give you, to bring tears and disbelief to your beautiful eyes?
They ate lunch with Red Eagle before heading back to his place. The ride back was quiet and Stone didn’t force any conversation. She slipped out immediately when they returned to his house.
“Do you mind if I change into some jeans?” she asked.
The thought of her removing clothing in his house was a lovely one. “Not at all. Make yourself at home.”
Jasira grabbed a bag out of her vehicle and met him back beside his truck, then they entered the house together. Stone went to his bedroom while she changed in another room. He heard the front door close and moved to his window. She headed back to her vehicle. He didn’t want her to go, but he knew Red Eagle’s words had been powerful in their effect on her. A sigh left him when she closed the back and returned toward the house.
Heart light, he hurried downstairs. “Jasira?” There was no answer. Walking to his study, he cleared his throat then knocked on the door before peeking in. She wasn’t there. Running a hand over his mouth, Stone strode to the front door, grabbed his jacket, and headed outside. He caught sight of her at a corral.
Jasira leaned against the fence, her boot propped up on the bottom rail. She just stood there and watched the horses. Positioning himself beside her, Stone rested his cowboy boot up as well. Silence remained between them until Gypsy and her foal trotted up. Jasira’s soft gasp made him smile.
“Oh, he’s precious,” she said. “Is he a he?”
“Yes. That little guy is Thunder.”
Stone glanced at her and he lost his heart all over again. The late autumn air added a flush to her cheeks. The foal brought a sparkle to her eyes and smile to her lips. She was beautiful.
“Stone?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you for taking me to meet Red Eagle. It meant a lot to me.”
With one hand, he reached out and cupped her cheek, applying enough pressure so her face was towards him. Her big soulful eyes stared at him, framed by thick curved lashes. His thumb moved slowly, drifting lower until it skimmed her full, entirely all-too-kissable lips. Stone used his other hand to brush some hair back from her face.
With slow but deliberate movement, he removed his foot from the fence, faced her totally, leaned in, and kissed her. If possible she tasted better than he remembered. Her sigh filled him as she relaxed into him, her hands resting upon his chest. Immediately, he was hard and wanting her. Stone pulled back a bit and gave her light pecks on the mouth.
“Would you like to go for a ride?” he asked in between the feather-light kisses.
“Yes.”
“Come on then, let’s go.”
One more kiss and he stepped back before grasping her hand in his. It didn’t take him long to call in Tate and Snips, nor to get them saddled. Sliding his rifle into the scabbard on Tate’s saddle, he peered over the worn leather to stare at Jasira. She stood at Snips’ head, rubbing it and speaking to him quietly.
“Ready to go?”
Her head turned to him and there was a huge smile on her face. “Absolutely.”
Like the first time they rode, Stone found himself jealous of the saddle and the horse beneath her. In the spotty afternoon sunlight shining down he watched Jasira and totally enjoyed the day, despite the chill in the air.
We’ll get snow soon. From the looks of these clouds perhaps— He chuckled and urged Tate faster as the first flakes fell.
“How are you holding up?” he asked.
“I’m quickly coming to believe horseback riding is going to be something I love to do.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
They rode for awhile longer before going back. She helped him feed his horses and as he said goodnight to Tate, Stone found her leaning on the half door watching him.
“What are you thinking?” he asked, walking toward her.
“Things I probably shouldn’t be thinking.”
Stone lowered his head to hers. “Do you have any idea how much I like it when your voice gets all throaty n’ your accent is really thick?”
“How much?” she questioned, her drawl even heavier.
He answered her with a kiss. Covered her mouth and thrust his tongue inside. She moaned and slid hers along his. Without breaking the kiss, he inched the door back until he’d left the stall and pulled her close as he kicked it shut with his boot heel.
A possessive growl slipped from him, and he dropped his hands to grab her hips and hauled her tight against him. In response, Jasira slipped her arms around his neck and upped the intensity of the kiss. She tasted so good he wondered if he’d ever get enough.
Stumbling until a wall supported her back, Stone continued his assault on her mouth. He thrust with long thick strokes. When she nipped his invading tongue, he raised his hands to delve into her silky hair, holding her head prisoner. He grumbled and tore his mouth off hers before staring into her passion-glazed eyes.
“What?” she panted.
“Not here, Jasira. It’s cold, snowing, and we’re in a barn. The first time we make love will be inside.”
Her fingers wound around the strands of his hair. “Just inside? Will I get a bed if ask really nicely?” Her other hand dragged down his chest and over the erection in his jeans.
“Not if you keep tormenting me,” he said in a voice which sounded like he’d gargled with gravel.
Jasira tightened her fingers slightly and he shook with the force of his need. She rose up so their mouths touched lightly. “Then I’ll ask nicely later,” she whispered.
His heart thudded. “Come, waštelakapi.”
Without missing a beat, Stone swept her up in his arms and strode to the house. He set her
down on the floor the second the front door closed on the cold evening. Movements were a bit frantic as coats were shoved off. Lips met passionately and he grabbed her hips, holding her tight to his straining erection. They stumbled to the living room, shirts being discarded along the way.
Stone fought for moisture in his throat as he stared at Jasira. Skin bearing a faint flush, she wore a peach lace bra which cupped and lifted her full breasts. Oh my God! His shaft throbbed and he longed to draw a nipple into his mouth and feast upon her.
“Beautiful,” he rasped.
Her flat stomach and low slung jeans made his legs shake. Women just don’t have figures like this anymore! He groaned when she stepped close and slid her hands up over his chest, the feel of her palms on his skin more than he imagined it would be.
He moved nearer to her and trailed his finger down her sternum to her bra. Reaching around, he undid the clasps and the lacy material slipped from her body. Her nipples made his mouth water. Hershey’s Kisses and he wanted them in his mouth.
Stone ran his hand up her arms and pulled her flush to his body before kissing her. She whimpered and reached for the snap of his pants. He responded with a low growl. It didn’t take him long to remove the rest of their clothes and have her laid back on a thick blanket before the fireplace. He kissed his way down her body, inhaling the mix of her arousal and the scent of fresh raindrops and crisp wind. Moving over her, Stone kissed back up her skin which was like silk beneath his lips.
“Stone,” she whispered when their eyes met.
“Waštelakapi,” he responded in an identical low tone. He placed himself at the entrance to her core and with a flex of his hips sank home into her tight heat.
“Ohh,” she moaned.
Stone couldn’t say a word. Her body held him like a glove. And not a bargain bin one, but a custom made glove. Lowering his head by her ear, he sucked the lobe in his mouth. She shuddered around him and he began to stroke within her. Slow at first to allow her body to adjust to his size.
In and out.
Back and forth.
He murmured in Lakota as he moved. Her body quivered, and the air filled with her pants and mewls. She was so tight, hot, and wet Stone thought he may die. Jasira undulated against him, allowing deeper contact. The flames grew between them and he increased the speed of his thrusts. Craving more. Needing more.