Chapter Thirteen
“Miss Hamilton, you have a call on line one,” Katherine Sloane said over the intercom. “It’s Mr. Daniels, the architect.”
“Thank you, Ms. Sloane,” Cara said, reaching for the handset.
She finished telling the architect what color tiles to use in the bathroom and kitchen of the house Raven was building for her on the property in Montana owned by the Nuni Nagi tribe. Then, she leaned back in her cushy leather chair and glanced around her office on the top floor of Isanti, Inc.
The company had hired her as project manager for the new tribal community it was developing. Meeting Raven had changed her life, and she couldn’t be happier. He insisted that she take one of the unused offices on the top floor so he could be down the hall from her. Her commute time was less than one minute.
She was particularly enjoying helping with the design of the new school they would build for the children of the tribe. Katherine Sloane was a godsend and knew just whom to call for what. They had become fast friends, and Cara was still trying to get her to take a chance on Isanti’s playboy, Derek.
But it was almost five on Friday, and this Sunday was her wedding day. Late this afternoon, Gwen and Lindy were coming to spirit her and Katherine away for Cara’s bachelorette party. The building had been in an uproar all week, preparing for the whole tribe and business associates of Isanti, Inc., to arrive for the festivities. In addition, the caterer and wedding planner were driving her crazy with last-minute decisions. One of the offices down the hall was already filling up with wedding presents. It was a little overwhelming.
Quiet Thunder had made and delivered the custom-made, platinum wedding band, and Cara had asked Derek to keep it for her until the ceremony. The ring depicted a raven in flight curved around a ruby on one side and an eagle feather on the other side. It was beautiful. She didn’t want Raven to find it accidently in their apartment.
The night before the wedding, Cara would stay at the ranch with Quiet Thunder and the sisters. Quiet Thunder was going to officiate the ceremony. She couldn’t believe it was finally happening. Sometimes, it had seemed like planning the wedding was going to take forever. It was hard to remember they had started planning only six months ago.
Cara wrote down a memo about the phone call from the architect, before closing the file and putting it away on her desk. Exactly at five, the intercom chimed.
“Miss Hamilton, Gwen and Lindy Quiet Thunder are here for you.”
“Show them in, Ms. Sloane, and if you are finished, you come in too.”
“Give me a couple of minutes. I’ll be there in a jiffy.”
The door opened, and Gwen and Lindy walked in carrying a large white box.
“Hey, Cara. Are you ready for the big day?” Gwen asked.
“We brought your wedding gown. It was really great of you to agree to wear the ceremonial outfit. This dress belonged to Raven’s mother,” Lindy said, laying the box on top of the big desk.
Gwen opened the lid, and all three gathered to peer inside. A white leather dress, embroidered with colored quills and shells, lay inside. There was fringe at the arms, and when Gwen reached in to lift the dress out, Cara saw the fringe on the bottom as well. Underneath the gown were a headband and white moccasin boots, also embroidered with colorful quills in geometric shapes.
Cara lovingly stroked the headband. Raven’s mother had worn this dress. What a wonderful tradition.
“It’s beautiful,” Cara said, her voice suddenly husky from emotion.
There was a knock on the door, and Cara was surprised to see Derek walk in with Katherine Sloane.
“Hey, pretty ladies. So you brought the dress?” Derek asked.
“I was just admiring it, Derek,” Cara answered, giving her future brother-in-law a smile.
“I brought you something,” Derek said, suddenly blushing and dropping his eyes. “I think you need something borrowed and something blue.” He held out a bag to Cara.
She took the bag and looked inside. She found an eagle feather and a blue garter made of lace and ribbons. Derek was so sweet. Why did he hide this part of himself from the world?
“I brought you a gift too. Something new,” Katherine said, handing Cara a small box. Inside was a pair of turquoise earrings.
“Thank you so much, all of you. You guys are the best family a girl could wish for. Thanks,” Cara said, tears finally flowing. She was so happy, she couldn’t help but cry.
“Aww, don’t cry. You’ll ruin your make-up, and I believe you ladies have a party to go to,” Derek said. “So where are we going?”
“We?” Lindy asked. “What do you mean ‘we’?”
“Didn’t Raven tell you? I’m the designated driver. Or in this case, the designated Shadow-walker. You know it’s dangerous to Shadow-walk with your senses impaired.”
“Damn, I didn’t think of that,” Gwen said, shaking her head. “Dad would be terribly upset if we risked Shadow-walking while under the influence.”
“All right, Derek. You can come,” Lindy said, sighing.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, shortcake,” Derek said to Lindy “Besides, I wouldn’t miss Katie’s first trip into Shadow.”
Cara glanced at Derek and then at Katherine. Was Derek hoping Shadow would mark Katherine like it did her the first time she entered? If it did, that would certainly prove she was meant to be Derek’s mate.
“Well, let’s go then,” Cara said. “Katherine it’s important that you hold tightly to Derek. Don’t let go until we’re on the other side. Where are we headed, Gwen?”
“I thought we’d start with dinner in New York City at the 21 Club,” Gwen said. “Then, I know this great little place that has male strippers.”
“Male strippers? Why would you want to do that?” Derek complained. “We men of the tribe will get together and shake our booties for you ladies. Anyone of us has a better body than those strippers.”
“That might be true, Derek. But sometimes it’s good not to know who you are ogling,” Lindy explained.
“Look, are you coming, or not?” Gwen asked crossly.
“I’m coming,” Derek said, putting his arm around Katherine’s waist. “Who is taking the lead?”
“I will,” Gwen said, reaching for Cara and Lindy’s hands.
“Are you ready for your first trip into Shadow, Katie?” Derek quietly asked the woman in his arms.
“I’m a little nervous,” she admitted.
“Just hold onto me. I’ll never let anything happen to you,” Derek said as he held Lindy’s hand and followed the girls into Shadow, taking Katherine with him.
When they came out of Shadow, Cara saw Katherine clutch her chest and stagger a little. Derek quickly grabbed her and held her steady.
“Are there bugs in Shadow? I think something bit me. It burns.”
§
Sunday morning, the sun shining down on Cara’s face woke her. She was lying in the room she shared with Raven at the ranch. She missed him. The young women had come back to the ranch Friday night to sleep off their partying. Derek had escorted them into the house and helped them up the stairs before going back to New Mexico. Saturday morning, Isanti shook his head and went out to his studio, leaving them to moan and complain on their own. Raven had called to check on Cara last night, but she wanted to feel him wrap his arms around her and hold her close.
When she told him that, he insisted that tradition said he couldn’t see her before the wedding. Cara felt guilty about asking him to go against his principles, so when he offered to come anyway, she had said no.
When everyone was up this morning, they would Shadow-walk to New Mexico to get dressed for the wedding. Raven had people coming in to fix their hair and nails. Only a few more hours, and she would be Mrs. Darkwood.
A soft knock on the door sounded, and Katherine slipped into her room.
“Are you excited?” she asked.
“I want to be Mrs. Darkwood,” Cara said, patting the bed beside her and waiting for Katherine to
sit down. “But I would have been happy to elope in Vegas. All this ceremony and people are a little overwhelming.”
“Can I ask you something? What happened to me in Shadow? Why do I have this little heart-shaped mark on my breast?”
“Are you sure you want to know?”
“It has something to do with Derek, doesn’t it?”
“Do you like Derek? Are you attracted to him?”
“Yes. He is so sweet. He has been looking out for me ever since my husband died five years ago. He leaves me little anonymous gifts. He thinks I don’t know it’s him.”
“Katherine, the mark means you are his mate. Shadow marks us, claiming us as a member of the Shadow Walker tribe. I have one, too. See?” Cara asked, opening her pajama top and showing Katherine the mark on her breast.
“That’s why Derek went with us Friday night?”
“One of the reasons, I’m sure. I’m also sure Raven wanted someone looking out for us. In fact, he probably had a whole team following us around in Shadow. That man takes care of his own. Remember when that group of guys approached us at the club? Didn’t you think it funny they all disappeared so suddenly?”
“I don’t think I noticed. I’d had several drinks already by then. But I did notice that Derek was never far away. I don’t think he was more than five feet away from us all evening. Even when we went to the restroom, he was standing outside when we came out.”
“The Darkwood men are possessive. If you give yourself to Derek, he will keep you safe. Never fear.”
“But his reputation. He’s such a playboy.”
“I think most of that is an act. The woman he was with at the awards ceremony seemed more like a friend than a girlfriend. Don’t forget the stuff he does for General Holland. I think they developed a cover for him.”
“He’s never asked me out or even really flirted with me. Are you sure I’m his mate?”
“Derek told me he fell in love with you the first time he saw you. But he knew you needed time to get over your husband. Do you think you could love Derek?”
“I don’t know, Cara. I’m drawn to him. When he was shot, it terrified me. I thought I was going to lose him.”
“It sounds like you already do love him.”
“Yeah, I guess I do. What should I do about it?”
“If you want him, go after him.”
“I’m not good at being aggressive like that.”
“Don’t lie to yourself. The woman who helps run Isanti, Inc., is a tiger when she needs to be.”
“But that’s business. This is different.”
“Not really. Didn’t you help with the latest merger? Think of Derek as a company you want to control. Then, go after him. Don’t let anything stop you. Because I can tell you, love like this is worth it.”
“Thanks, Cara. I came in to help you with any last-minute jitters, but instead you are advising me.”
“That’s what friends are for. Don’t worry. Now that Derek knows Shadow claimed you, he probably won’t wait much longer.”
§
Raven opened the flap to the sweat lodge and stepped out into the morning sun. He was getting married today and had taken time to come and do a purification ceremony. This was a new beginning for his tribe and a chance to be happier than he ever felt possible.
When he’d spoken to Cara last night and she had been missing him so badly, he had almost gone to her. But his closest friends, the men he ran Isanti, Inc., with and would help father the new tribe wanted to celebrate with an Inipi ceremony.
He couldn’t deny them and hoped the blessings given would mean more good in his life with Cara. Now, he needed to get back and shower. Several business associates, including General Holland, would be arriving, and he should greet them. Then, he would need to get dressed in the ceremonial costume his father wore when he married his mother.
“Derek came out of the sweat lodge and stretched his arms wide.
“It’s a beautiful day to get married.”
“It is,” Raven agreed. “You should try it sometime.”
“Me?”
“Cara told me that Shadow marked Katherine. When will you claim her?”
“I’m not sure she’s ready yet. I don’t know if she’s over her husband.”
“Doing nothing won’t find you the answers you seek.”
“Now, you sound like Quiet Thunder,” Derek said, turning and running the few feet down to the lake and diving in.
Raven laughed and was tempted to join his little brother. But as enticing as the lake looked this morning, he needed to get back to Isanti, Inc. Joe opened the flap and came outside.
“If Katherine was mine, I’d pick her up and kiss her like there was no tomorrow,” Joe said.
“They have to find their own way. Are you sure you aren’t interested in Katherine?”
“Yeah, I like her. I even know she’s a beautiful woman, but she’s not the one for me. Besides Derek has been in love with her for five years. He’s the one that got her sent here by the general.”
“If that’s true, then what were all those other women about?” Raven asked.
“I told you, keeping them away from you. I’m not sure he even slept with all of them. He can put suggestions in their thoughts or blur their memories. They may have only thought they had sex. We’ve never made Derek tell us all his gifts. Has he ever confided in you?”
“No, I never thought to ask,” Raven said. “Quiet Thunder would know. He does all the training. Maybe I should ask him.”
“Leave it alone for now. You have a wedding to get to. General Holland wants to thank you for uncovering Kellen. Don’t be surprised if he asks to meet with you in private.”
“Can you keep him away? I don’t want to deal with that today. Today is about Cara.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” Joe said. “David and his wife are coming with him. Didn’t you room with him in college?”
“Just one year. But that’s how I met the general. Thanks for letting me use your apartment to dress. Cara and the girls have taken over mine. They should be there by the time we get back.”
“Well, let’s go then. Red Hawk, come on. We’re heading back,” Joe yelled, waving at Derek.
“On my way, Running Bear.”
Raven, Joe, and Derek Shadow-walked into Joe’s apartment. Derek grabbed a towel and headed for the door.
“Derek, you’re dripping all over the floor,” Joe complained.
“Sorry, I forgot my towel. I’ll see you guys later.”
“Don’t forget to get the horse ready and escort Cara downstairs,” Raven said, as Derek reached for the doorknob.
“I’m on it, Bro. No worries,” Derek said, winking as he shut the door behind him.
Joe glanced at Raven and laughed. “Stop gritting your teeth. Derek won’t let you down.”
“I know he won’t,” Raven said. “I wish he would take things seriously.”
“He does. He just doesn’t show it like you do. You need to stop considering him your little brother and see him for the man he has become.”
“You are a good friend to both of us, Joe. Thank you,” Raven said, walking over to the window and looking down at the catering trucks lined up below.
“Hey, let’s get ready for your wedding.”
“Joe, come here,” Raven said, when he caught sight of a platinum-blond-haired women sticking a baseball cap on and then tucking her hair in. “Does she look familiar to you? It kind of looks like that woman from accounting, Amanda Patterson.”
Joe walked over and looked down, but the woman had gone back behind one of the trucks and was no longer visible. “It couldn’t possibly be Amanda. Her court date is any day now. She wasn’t released on bail.”
“I could have sworn that was her.”
“You’re four stories up, my friend. Come on, you can have the shower first,” Joe said, turning away.
Chapter Fourteen
Cara and Katherine Shadow-walked into Raven’s apartment followed closel
y by Gwen and Lindy.
“See, you’re getting the hang of it,” Cara said. She’d just given Katherine her first lesson in Shadow-walking.
By the time Derek and Katherine get together, Cara thought, Katherine would be well versed in the Shadow Dimension. The women didn’t need to wait to learn from the men. Quiet Thunder had assured Cara that before the tribe got so small, women taught each other a lot of things. Cara hoped to continue that tradition.
If Raven had taught her Shadow-walking before the attack, she would have escaped her captors. Of course, at the time if Raven had started talking about different dimensions, she might have thought he was crazy. Katherine had known for years about the men in the office who appeared and disappeared. So she was taking the new experience in stride.
“Katherine, just don’t try it without a spotter for a while,” Cara said. “Raven says you can get lost in Shadow and even die.”
“I’ll be careful. Thanks for the lesson.”
“You’re a member of the tribe now. We need to stick together,” Cara said.
There was a knock at the door, and Lindy ran to answer it. When she opened the door wide, Cara couldn’t believe there were so many people lined up in the hall. She was amazed to see the apartment start to fill with people. She was introduced to the hairdresser, the assistant hairdresser, the shampoo specialist, the facial artist, the make-up artist, two manicurists and a nail polish artist. There was even someone to give the young women a massage. Everyone seemed to be talking at once, but the hairdresser was in charge.
“When Raven does something, he does it big,” Gwen said, smiling.
“I’ll go get your dress from your office,” Lindy said, slipping out the door.
“Go ahead, Cara. Start with the massage, and the rest of us will be right behind you,” Gwen said, motioning Cara forward.
Cara hesitated a moment. She’d never visited a spa. This must be what it was like. Leave it to Raven to provide the experience. Smiling, she decided to enjoy the moment. You got married only once.
Several hours later, a knock at the door prompted Cara to glance at her watch. The wedding was only twenty minutes away. She was running behind schedule. Sighing, she leaned down to tie the laces on her moccasin boots, before standing and picking up the eagle feather Derek had lent her.
Shadow of My Heart (Shadow-Walker Tribe Series) Page 14