White Wolf

by Susan Edwards

  And now he’d nearly fallen into the same trap. Had he learned nothing? Calming his ragged breathing, Wolf vowed not to succumb to Jessie’s sweet innocence and fiery passion again. It could only lead to heartache. He ignored the pang of regret this decision left in his heart. It was better this way.

  For long moments they stared at one another wordlessly. The harsh sounds of their breathing seemed loud in the sudden lull of the storm. Jessie blinked rapidly, her eyes filled with a combination of wonder and desire. Wanting nothing more than to take all she offered in her gaze, he hardened his voice.

  “You’re a fast learner, Jessie, but don’t think a few kisses are going to get you off the hook. You lied and used me to further your own purposes.” Wolf expected his words to send Jessie into another rage, but they didn’t. Instead, hurt replaced the desire in her eyes. His gut tightened painfully. Damn. He didn’t want to care, yet he did.

  Her hand lifted toward him, then fell helplessly to her side. “Please, Wolf, don’t take this out on my brothers. It wasn’t their fault. It’s mine. I’m sorry that I deceived you, truly I am, but I would have done anything to go with them. Please let us continue to Oregon.”

  Wolf lowered his brows. “Anything? Does that include kissing me?” Hurt sharpened his voice. The thought that she’d responded to his kisses only to keep him from kicking her and her siblings out burned a hole in his gut.

  Jessie took a step toward him, her fingers bunched into tight fists. “How dare you suggest that I’d—that I would—” Her voice broke suddenly, and she turned around to hide the tears running down her face.

  Wolf heard her muffled sob and swore. Guilt nipped at him as he recalled that James had turned down his initial offer to drive Able’s cattle. Not wanting to lose Able’s most experienced men, he’d made his next offer to James far too tempting for the other man to refuse. James would have been foolish to turn it down. He sighed, envisioning the difficulties that lay ahead. There was no way he’d abandon this woman and her family to the unpredictable whims of the trail. Besides, he needed James and his brothers. He would see to it that they reached Oregon safely, no matter the cost to himself. And the cost would be high. Jessie wasn’t a cold-blooded schemer as Martha had been. But on some subconscious level, he knew she could hurt him, devastate him.

  He now acknowledged that with Martha it had been a case of wounded pride. With Jessie he feared for his heart, and as much as he wanted this green-eyed witch, he wasn’t free to pursue his own happiness. Saddened by the sense of loss, he sighed. “You and your brothers will continue on one condition.”

  Like the sun coming out after a storm, Jessie’s expression brightened. “Do you really mean it? I’ll do anything, I promise.” She bit her lip and waited.

  Wolf tipped her chin up with one long, lean finger. “Careful what you promise, young Jess.” Before she could give in to the angry words he saw in her eyes, he stepped back. “Here’s the deal. You’ll do as I say and don’t, I repeat, don’t ever put your life in danger like you did tonight. I’m warning you here and now that if you ever pull another stupid stunt like that, I’ll put you over my knee and give you the spanking James should’ve given you a long time ago!”

  Jessie’s eyes narrowed with resentment. “I did what I had to do, Wolf, and would do so again. If I’d truly been a boy, you wouldn’t be upset,” she accused.

  Wolf studied Jessie. Her eyes flashed with emotion, but her lips still trembled. She was a wild she-cat, but beneath her spit and fire he saw the vulnerability she tried so hard to hide. He just couldn’t remain angry any longer. She was right. She’d done exactly what he or any of the other men would have done. His lips twitched and he shook his head. “You never give up, do you, Jess? Let’s get one thing straight: I’m the boss. What I say goes. Agreed?”

  Jessie didn’t look happy, but she nodded. “Now can we go? I’m cold and bone-tired.”

  Wolf grinned a sly grin. “Maybe you’d like to thank me with another kiss, Jess? Or should I now call you Jessica?”

  Jessie scowled. “Jessie or Jess is fine, and you’ve had enough kisses already. I’d rather have the extra chores, thank you,” she stated primly.

  Wolf threw back his head and roared with laughter. “Wise choice, Jessica.” He grew serious as he ran the pad of his finger down her wet cheek. “Fear me, beautiful Jessica, for I want more from you than a few kisses. Heed my warning and keep your distance.”

  Jessie’s eyes widened with comprehension when he released her. “Wolf?”

  He turned back, lifting one brow at her mischievous grin.

  She stepped close, placing her hands on his shoulders. Standing on tiptoe, she pressed her parted lips to his. When he did nothing, she slanted her mouth over his and kissed him until his groin tightened. White-hot shards of heat seared him. He shuddered, then felt her lips curve over his. She nipped his lower lip none too gently, then stepped back, leaving him to deal with his longing. “Maybe you’d better keep your distance as well,” she suggested smugly, then stalked away, swaying her hips unconsciously.

  Wolf watched her go, his hands planted on his hips. Damn! He should never have kissed her. He knew better than to play around with innocent virgins. He let out a piercing whistle. When his horse came trotting out of the stormy darkness, he mounted, rode up to Jessie and held out his hand. She reached up and placed her hand trustingly in his. She was foolish to trust him. She was an innocent, he reminded himself. Wolf knew an unreasonable urge to wipe out her smug, self-satisfied look—both for her sake and his. “Not a bad kiss for a virgin, but I prefer my women experienced—like Rosalyn. Now, the things she can do with her tongue…”

  Jessie gasped. With regret, Wolf watched her eyes flare with resentment, denial and anger, but before she had a chance to lambaste him, he pulled her up behind him, then sent his mount into a full gallop toward the wagons.

  The night had grown silent; the thunder of the storm had gone. When they neared the circle of wagons, two riders rode out to meet them. Wolf stopped. Jessie’s brothers had come to find her. She jumped down. Wolf followed, ignoring her reproachful glare. He tried to convince himself that it was better this way. He had nothing lasting to offer her. Someone like Elliot would be better for her. However, the thought of another man kissing her or taking what he wanted for himself left a bitter taste in his mouth.

  James and Jeremy dismounted and ran to their sister. “You all right, Jess?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine,” she replied, her voice tight with suppressed anger.

  “Wow, Jess, you did that real good. Didn’t she, James?” Jeremy slapped his sister on the back, his eyes wide with pride.

  James rocked back on his heels. “Scared me good, Jess, but ya did good.” Wolf’s fury grew with each bit of praise they sang. How dare they encourage the very behavior that nearly killed her? His hands clenched as he relived those moments of horror. If James had taken Jessie in hand long ago, she wouldn’t be such a wild tomboy, wouldn’t be the feisty woman to whom he was in danger of losing his heart to.

  He stormed over to James and slammed his fist into his jaw. “That’s for lyin’ to me and putting your sister in danger, you bastard. Her name is Jessica. Use it, and while you’re at it, start treating her like a woman.” Wolf mounted his horse and rode off.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Slivers of sunlight streaked through the flimsy mantle of clouds to kiss the waterlogged earth. The warmth and light lured the emigrants from their damp shelters. Within minutes, the seemingly barren prairie teamed with life. Birds of all sizes, shapes and colors flitted about, calling to one another as they preened themselves in the warm rays. Prairie dogs emerged from burrows tunneled twelve feet beneath the matted green grass to scamper, play and sit on their haunches. Their high-pitched yek, yek, yek rang across the prairie as they scolded the group of emigrants camped nearby.

  By noontime, the last of the gray clouds were gone, leaving a blazing sun set against a bright cobalt-blue background. Traces of wispy, cotton-
white clouds drifted lazily by, while far below, tendrils of steam rose from wagon covers, tents and clothing to ascend toward the heavens. Weary men, women and children eagerly embraced the new day, which held the promise of being fair and warm. They were grateful to see the end of the stormy weather that had plagued them since crossing the Big Blue and were thankful that none had been seriously hurt in the confusion of the terrifying stampede.

  Inside her wagon, Jessie shivered in her damp clothing. She wished she had something dry to put on, but everything she owned was damp from the previous days of rain. Drawing her damp quilt tightly around her shoulders, she shifted her position to take advantage of the rays of sunlight filtering into the wagon. Sneeze after sneeze racked her body. She grimaced and blew her nose. She’d come down with a damn cold after last night.

  Alison, Kerstin and Hanna ran past. Sadie followed, barking at the exuberant children as she chased them. Jessie stared out into the gleaming-wet prairie, amazed that just a few hours could change the landscape so dramatically. Puddles of water, chunks of churned-up earth and grass, along with a dozen dead cattle, were the only reminder of last night’s close call.

  Just thinking about those hair-raising, terror-filled moments gave Jessie the willies. She never wanted to go through another experience like that! Then she recalled her confrontation with Wolf. A sigh of longing escaped. Closing her eyes, she relived the soul-searing kisses they’d shared. Her cheeks grew warm just thinking about Wolf’s kiss and what he’d done with his tongue. She sighed and ran her fingers over her mouth, imagining the firmness of his lips, the rough texture of his tongue as it mated with hers. Her breathing grew erratic at her thoughts, and waves of heat washed over her, warming her from the inside out.

  She clasped her hands across her breasts and felt their hardened tips. Her body instinctively yearned for what it knew Wolf could give her, but if he had his way, she’d never share any of those wondrous feelings with him again. An empty void opened in her heart. Somehow she had to convince him that she, Jessica Jones, was woman enough for him. But when she recalled his comments about Rosalyn’s kissing abilities, she felt sick inside.

  How could she compete with that woman? Rosalyn had the kind of curves men liked. Jessie’s hands fell back into her lap. Sticking her head out the back of the wagon, she glanced around. Her gaze found and narrowed on Rosalyn. As usual, the Nortons and their driver were off by themselves. Rosalyn mounted her horse and rode off toward the cattle—toward Wolf. Imagining Wolf kissing her the way he’d kissed Jessie last night sent a surge of furious jealousy whipping through her. The pencil in her hand snapped. Startled by the depth of her emotion, Jessie stared at the two pieces, then stuffed them into a pocket sewn into the inside of the canvas cover.

  With her chin resting on her fist, she stared glumly outside, forced to admit that Wolf was free to kiss anyone he liked. That thought settled like a hot rock in her belly. Previously she’d refused to examine her feelings for Wolf too closely, refused to acknowledge that it went beyond attraction. But after last night, she could no longer deny that she was falling in love with a frustrating and formidable man.

  There was no wrapping Wolf around one’s pinkie. With Wolf, it would be all or nothing, and she wanted it all. “This is ridiculous,” she muttered. “So he kissed me. Big deal, fine. Forget him, ’cause he isn’t interested in you. Not looking like you do, anyway.” If only she had some nice dresses to wear, or had long, flowing hair.

  She ran her hands down her chest and sighed deeply as all hope faded. “What you need is more, lots more,” she grumbled. There wasn’t a chance in hell that she’d attract Wolf. Not with Rosalyn and her generous hourglass figure prancing around in front of him.

  But he’d kissed her, a small voice full of hope echoed in her head. She grimaced. So what? She knew enough about men to know a kiss didn’t mean squat. Jessie shoved the memory of her first kiss into a special place in her heart, then forced her attention back to her journal.

  Even though her mind felt fuzzy and her body ached, she was determined to finish committing the account of the stampede to the pages of her journal. Her pencil moved across the page, adding line after line of neat script until her fingers cramped in protest. Flexing her fingers, Jessie closed the hook with a snap. She’d finish the account later. It wasn’t as if she’d forget those harrowing events anytime soon!

  Though she felt tired, drained and weak, she was too restless to remain confined. Jumping out of the wagon, she winced in pain. Her tailbone was bruised from the fall she’d taken last night. She leaned against the wagon, soaking up the warm rays. Around her, the camp bustled with activity as each family unloaded their wagons to air them out. Jessie glanced inside hers and made a face. The inside reeked of mildew, and she too needed to unload everything to allow the fresh air to dry the dampness that lurked in every nook and corner. A small breeze swept across the prairie. Jessie shivered, then sneezed.

  “Thought I told ya ta stay abed this morning, lass.”

  Startled, Jessie opened one aching eyelid to see Rook standing in front of her in worn buckskin trousers and a plaid shirt that had seen better days. He narrowed his eyes. She groaned. His body might be time-worn, but woe to the fool who thought his mind had dulled. There wasn’t a sharper mind around than his—as they’d all learned over the last twenty days.

  “Well?” he demanded, his bushy brows drawn together.

  Jessie eyed the noon sun and sent him a sassy grin. “I did. It’s well past noon.” But when he only gave her his don’t-mess-with-me look, she wrinkled her nose in distaste. “Come on, Rook. It’s damp in there. I need to air it out and dry my bedding. Smells too.”

  Rook harrumphed and jabbed his unlit pipe at her. “Don’t ya go gittin’ all sassy with me, lass. I’ll git one of them boys to take care of it. You finds yerself a dry spot and sit. You’re not ta lift a finger today, and that’s an order.”

  Jessie grinned when Rook stalked away, his voice booming across the prairie as he shouted for Alberik and Nikolaus Svensson to lend a hand. It didn’t matter whether the boys were busy or not. If Rook wanted something done, no one stood in his way, and after last night no one else would mind either. Her brothers had come to check on her first thing that morning to make sure she didn’t get any grief over her deceit. They’d made it clear that the Jones clan stuck together.

  However, it was unnecessary. Most of them had long ago determined her gender, and all morning, her fellow travelers had stopped by to praise her quick actions of last night. She grimaced. All but Rosalyn and Wolf, anyway. Rosalyn’s husband, Hugh, had mumbled something that had sounded vaguely like thanks when he’d passed her earlier, but his wife had pointedly ignored her.

  Jessie set her jaw, refusing to allow the woman’s surly attitude to sour her mood. But thinking of Wolf left her feeling depressed. Even though he’d been furious at her for risking her life, the least he could do was come check on her! And the way she felt right now, she’d even welcome his high-handedness and anger. It would give her an excuse to argue with him. Now that her secret was out, she didn’t have to worry about drawing attention to herself.

  Her emotions seesawed. While part of her was relieved that Wolf wasn’t around to give her grief, still she felt neglected. Clenching her jaw, she told herself she was glad he was keeping his distance. Who’d want the company of a hard, stubborn, frustrating man like him anyway? She’d be better off setting her sights on someone like Elliot, who was gentle and kind. But her lips curved downward and moisture gathered in her eyes.

  But she wanted Wolf. Wanted and needed whatever he’d give her. After last night she knew she’d never be able to settle for Elliot or anyone else. The shared kiss with Wolf was forever etched in her mind, heart and soul. She wanted it all—or nothing. Frustrated and angry at his stubbornness, she kicked a stone.

  “Sakes alive, Jessie. You nearly hit me,” Anne said in a startled voice.

  She sent the older woman a sheepish smile. “Sorry, Anne. Didn’t s
ee you.”

  Anne clucked her tongue. “You look downright tuckered out.”

  Rook joined them with Alberik and Bjorn in tow. He issued orders for them to clear out Jessie’s wagon. After heaving himself inside the wagon, Rook glanced down at her and jerked his thumb over his shoulder, silently ordering her to leave.

  Anne grabbed her arm. “Come with me, Jessie. I’ll fix you a nice cup of tea. You look like you could use one. The boys will take care of your wagon.”

  Sighing with relief that she didn’t have to exert energy she couldn’t muster, Jessie fell in step with Anne. Though she was too tired and depressed to visit, a cup of hot tea sounded heavenly. “Don’t go to any trouble. It’s just a little cold.”

  Anne clucked with motherly concern. “We need to find a nice warm spot for you to sit in. Too bad the wood’s too wet for a big fire. I’m lucky my Lars was able to get a small one going just to heat water. Good thing too. Need the water for Rickard.”

  Jessie watched Anne put on another kettle of water and frowned. Rickard had been injured during the flurry of shooting last night. “How’s he doing? Rook said he’d been shot. How bad is it?”

  Anne put her arms around Jessie’s shoulders and guided her to a box, then gently pushed her down. “Not bad. The bullet passed through his calf. He’ll be up driving me crazy in no time.”

  “Honest?”

  “Honest. The boy’s too ornery to stay abed long.” Anne smiled reassuringly. “Now, you just sit there while I fix you a cup of my grandmother’s special herb tea. It’ll soothe your throat.”

  “Jess, is that you out there?” a boyish voice called out. “Ma, is Jessie here?”

  Jessie craned her neck toward the wagon. She wanted to see for herself that her young friend was going to be all right. “Do you think it would it be all right if I said hi to him?”