Gabriel grumbled but couldn’t bring himself to frown at her. “I like to keep my feet on the ground, thank you. Just like a woman to do things the hard way.”
Gabriel’s grin only made Tianna more determined. This was her boar and she planned to keep it. “It’s my kill. Whose arrow do you see in it?”
A piercing whistle rang through the trees, breaking up the argument. Without taking his eyes from the huntress, Gabriel responded with a whistle of his own. Within moments there was movement in the trees and Marcus’ voice could be heard. “So, which of you gets to serve our evening meal?”
Both Marcus and Seth stepped through the trees, but they stopped dead in their tracks as they observed the scene.
Tianna still had her arrow at the ready and she wasn’t backing down, no matter how many men showed up. She again spoke calmly and with complete determination, “Okay gentleman. Just turn around, head back the direction you came from, and go find your own food. This pig is mine.” Her eyes were locked on Gabriel’s and her arms were still holding the bow perfectly steady.
After a moment’s silence, Marcus asked, “May I ask who you are and that you put your bow down? We mean you no harm.”
“I’ll put mine down once that mountain…” She nodded toward Gabriel. “…puts his down first.”
Marcus glared directly at Gabriel, who hadn’t taken his eyes off Tianna for a second. “Gabriel, put your bow down. It isn’t polite to point a weapon at a woman.”
Gabriel growled. Despite Tianna’s appeal, he wasn’t about to drop his weapon when an unknown enemy was pointing an arrow at his face. “I think not. She about took my ear off when she shot that pig.” He was getting a little angry.
Tianna laughed. “Ha! So you admit that I shot the pig, therefore he’s mine. And, if I had wanted to take your ear off, it would be gone.” She gave Gabriel a smirk. “This wouldn’t have been an issue at all if you had just left my prey alone.”
Gabriel whispered several words that should never be said in the presence of a woman and stood fast.
Marcus gave Gabriel a deep growl and said, “Put. Your. Bow. Down. Now.” His glare should’ve burned a hole through the side of Gabriel’s face.
Gabriel cursed again. Lowering his weapon went against all of his warrior instincts, but had vowed to honor Marcus’ leadership, so he started to lower his bow. Once it was about half way down, Tianna began to slowly lower hers.
Nathaniel, who had been admiring how the archery stance accentuated Tianna’s feminine charms, let out a mock cheer and said, “You see, Gabby Boy. This is why you sleep alone while I sleep in more pleasant surroundings.”
Marcus shot Nathaniel a silencing glare. Once everyone was quiet, he relaxed the tension that had been building up in his body and said, “That’s better.” He regarded the woman in front of him. “Now, may I know your name and what you’re doing in these woods?”
Tianna sighed deeply and rolled her shoulders, causing an effect that all four men noticed. Nathaniel took particular interest and murmured, “mmhmm.”
Tianna seemed unaware of their reactions, saying calmly, “I’m Tianna of Trille and I’m in the woods hunting down the wild boar that has been destroying the herb gardens in my village.”
Seth questioned, “Don’t you have men to do your hunting?”
That’s the question she knew these men were going to ask her and she responded scornfully. “So typical. Women should be at home, barefoot and pregnant. Right?” She caught Nathaniel’s lascivious look and then glared at the rest of the group. “Big tough men like you are supposed to do all the hard work.” Tianna got a disgusted look on her face. “You would fit in perfectly in my village.”
Marcus tried to keep the peace, saying in his most respectful tone, “Seth meant no disrespect, my lady.” He gave her a slight bow. “It’s just rare to find a woman who’s gifted with a weapon, as you so obviously are.”
Tianna blinked in surprise at the unexpected courtesy and Marcus took the opportunity to introduce the members of his quest. “We’re travelers from Haven. I’m Marcus.” He gave her another bow. He pointed at his companions as he said their names and each bowed as they were introduced. “Beside me is Seth, that ‘mountain’ in front of you is Gabriel, and the man to your other side is Nathaniel.”
Tianna nodded at each as they were presented. When her eyes met Nathaniel’s, unfamiliar warmth began to spread in her chest again. Although she found him attractive, there was something very different about him that called to her. She had to force herself to look back at Marcus.
After a brief pause, Marcus added, “My men and I have ridden far and haven’t had a decent meal in days. The boar you killed is quite large. Would you consider sharing it with us? We would be delighted to have you join us for the meal.” Marcus pointed at both Gabriel and Nathaniel. “These two louts would be happy to cook and serve you tonight, as you won their wager.”
Gabriel cursed again. Marcus’ eyes flashed and gave him another low, deep growl. Gabriel cleared his throat and apologized.
Nathaniel scanned Tianna’s body up and down one more time, not able to hide his interest. “I’d be happy to offer any services that this lovely creature would ask of me.” When Tianna glanced back at him, he gave her his most charming smile and a deep bow, never dropping his gaze from her eyes.
As before, Nathaniel’s eyes caused Tianna’s body to react. She was able to hide her reactions from any onlookers, but her lack of control over her body’s responses was unnerving. After she broke their intense gaze, she thought about Marcus’ offer. Although she didn’t know these men, for some reason that she couldn’t explain, she felt comfortable with them. It was as if she already knew them from somewhere else. She needed to find out more about them.
Tianna nodded and, without responding to Nathaniel statement, told Marcus, “There’s plenty for all. I’d be happy to share my kill with you.” She stared at Gabriel when she emphasized the word ‘my’. She couldn’t help but give the large man a smile. He smiled in return and gave her a slight bow.
Nathaniel straightened, looking puzzled at the ineffectiveness of his statements on this beguiling woman. Normally by now, his targets were swooning at his feet, but this woman stood firm.
Tianna added, “I’ve already been in the woods a few days, so I have a camp established. Why don’t you come join me instead?”
The men all shifted their attention to Marcus and waited for his answer. Marcus nodded. “That would be fine.”
Tianna expertly flung her bow over her shoulder and unsheathed a knife strapped to her thigh. “Let me prep the pig here so the blood doesn’t attract other animals to our camp.” She walked over and started to field dress the animal.
The men watched in shock, never having seen any woman so comfortable with the realities of hunting. Gabriel was the first to speak. “Let me help you.” He called over to Seth and commanded, “Get over here Seth and help. You need the practice.” Turning back to Marcus he added, “Don’t worry. I’ll play nice.”
Marcus grunted and turned to Nathaniel. Given the look in the younger man’s eyes, he needed to get him away from Tianna. “Nathaniel, you come with me to help gather our horses and supplies.”
Nathaniel protested and was about to offer Tianna assistance with stripping something other than the carcass. Seeing the look in Marcus’ eyes, he decided to keep his thoughts to himself. He hated to leave Tianna’s side but started walking back to the clearing with Marcus pushing from behind.
When Gabriel approached and stood next to Tianna, she was hit by his scent. It reminded her of fresh leather, swimming in cool waters, and fiery strength. She inhaled deeply, a smile appearing on her face. She thought that maybe it was just a one-time occurrence but that theory was dashed when Seth moved to her other side. Seth‘s scent was fresh and clean, like the smell of grass in springtime or newly sprouted plants. His scent was also pleasant, except her body didn’t react to it as strongly as the tingling from Gabriel.
S
he had never noticed a scent in men before. Given her body’s lack of control, she was going to have to concentrate hard to remain focused.
With Gabriel, Seth, and Tianna all working together, they had the boar prepared in record time. Gabriel had to remind Seth at a few tricky points, however, he was quite impressed with Tianna’s knife skills. “Where did you learn to use a knife like that?” he asked.
Tianna shrugged her shoulders. “My father is the village butcher, and I helped in his shop since I was very young. It seems I have a talent for it.” She spun her knife over her knuckles, smiling.
Gabriel nodded in complete agreement. “Did he teach you how to hunt as well?”
“Actually no. The men in my village don’t believe a woman should hunt. When I was young, I stole a bow and some arrows from one of the local hunters and practiced on my own out in the woods. Without their knowledge, I followed them on hunts and watched from up in the trees and slowly learned.” She added, “To this day they don’t know that I can hunt and I’d like to keep it that way.” She glared at Gabriel.
Gabriel smiled. “They won’t hear it from me or Seth. I’ll make sure my other brothers follow our lead as well.”
Tianna thanked him. The three of them wrapped up the meat they had carved from the boar and began to head back to the clearing.
Chapter 4 - Camp Out
On the way back to the location where the horses were tied, Gabriel and Tianna compared their bows. Gabriel found himself sharing some of the tips he had learned over the years in bow design. He was a seasoned hunter and Tianna was always eager for knowledge, so she couldn’t help but listen intently, taking mental notes on everything he said.
Seth tried to listen to his mentor, except he kept losing mental focus when he saw Tianna’s brilliant blue eyes. Gradually he moved back until he was walking behind the two archers. That angle wasn’t much better. From his new position, he was staring at Tianna’s long, braided hair and curvy figure. As the late afternoon sun peeked through the trees, it caused her hair to glisten like it was covered in silvery diamonds. He caught himself reaching out to touch it to see if it felt as soft as it looked.
After a short walk they arrived in the clearing. They all mounted their horses, which Tianna noticed were some of the largest steeds she had ever seen. Her horse was still back at her camp so she planned to walk back. When Marcus reached down and offered his hand to let her ride with him, she hesitated only for a moment before deciding to trust this stranger.
Nathaniel watched, grumbling under his breath, “Smooth move, Marcus.”
As she reached for his hand, she said, “I’ll accept the ride, but let me sit in front so I can lead the way.” Marcus agreed and pulled her up onto the horse with so much ease it was as if Tianna weighed nothing.
Marcus’ senses were hit by her sweet, earthy scent, and he felt almost dizzy.
She also noticed his pleasing scent, which reminded her of new books and crisp evening breezes. Without even realizing it, she found that she had leaned back in the saddle against Marcus’ chest. She was drawn to the heat radiating from him and his naturally calming presence. Once she realized this, she quickly sat forward. She thought she heard a low chuckle from Marcus and decided to focus all of her attention on getting to her camp.
Tianna confidently led the way, and they arrived in just a few minutes. Gabriel pointed out to Seth that her choice of location for a camp was excellent. It was easily defensible and close to water. Once again he was pleasantly surprised by this unusual woman.
“Gentlemen, welcome to my camp. Make yourself at home.” Tianna pointed to a small make-shift paddock she had her horse in. “You can put your horses over there.”
Marcus helped her dismount and walked his horse over to the paddock. Everyone took their saddles off and unloaded their supplies.
“Okay boys,” Marcus announced to Gabriel and Nathaniel, “You get to cook tonight.” The cooks started a fire and began to cut up the meat, inevitably starting a competition over silly things like who could cut and chop faster.
Tianna noticed that all the men, especially Nathaniel, couldn’t seem to help glancing at her outfit, especially where her bare skin peeked through. She decided it would be best if she changed out of her hunting clothes. She had designed the clothes with functionality in mind and hadn’t planned on being seen in them by anyone. She also noticed that she had blood splattered all over herself.
Tianna announced, “Since I get the night off from cooking, I’m going to walk over to the river and get cleaned up.”
Without missing a beat, Nathaniel jumped up and offered to go with her to ‘keep her safe’ and assist in her bathing task.
Gabriel interrupted Nathaniel by punching him in the shoulder. “Although I apologize for Nathaniel’s, well, everything, he’s right. The sun has gone down now, and I don’t think you should go to the river alone.” For some reason, he found himself feeling very protective of her and wanted to keep her safe.
Tianna sighed. “I thank you for your concern but, since I was little, I’ve spent many nights in these woods alone. These trees are my family. Besides, I’m not going unprotected.” As she spoke she reached behind her head to move her hair out of the way, pulling something up and out.
To the shock of the entire group, she produced a thin knife that resembled a short sword. It hung about half-way down her back and was hidden in a sheath sewn into her shirt. It had been completely camouflaged by her long hair. “I never leave home without it,” she said with a huge grin, obviously pleased with the effect of her surprise.
Gabriel acknowledged her respectfully, saying, “Impressive.”
“Oooo. If I had known you liked something long and hard rubbing your back—”
Before the sentence could be finished, Marcus roared, “Nathaniel!”
Nathaniel glanced at Marcus and shrugged his shoulders. “Just wanted to offer.”
Tianna wasn’t sure how to take Nathaniel’s comments. She had to deal with unkind stares and veiled threats daily in her village, but she had no experience with flirtation. She asked no one in particular, “Is he always like this?”
Marcus, Gabriel, and Seth responded in unison like they were a practiced chorus, “Yes.”
Tianna chuckled, which eased the tension that had sprung up in the men. “Thanks for defending my honor, but I think I can handle Nathaniel.” She turned and stared directly into Nathaniel’s eyes, holding his gaze for a moment. She felt the now familiar warmth begin to roll through her body. With a little concentration, she pushed it aside and said, “Thank you for the offer, but I’ll have to graciously decline.”
This was driving Nathaniel crazy. Women never turned him down. Her scent was definitely human and he knew he should keep his distance, but his dragon had other plans and desperately wanted to be closer to her. Both he and his inner dragon were determined to find a way to attract this woman.
Tianna walked out of the camp saying, “I’ll be back shortly.” As she left, she heard a loud thud. She turned to see Nathaniel sitting on the ground with a lecturing Marcus standing over him. She smiled to herself, realizing that she felt very safe in her newfound campmates.
Gabriel didn’t like her leaving alone, but accepted it, so he continued to help prepare the meal. He turned to his fellow cook and said, “Give it up Nathaniel. I think you’ve finally met your match. It’ll take more than wielding your magic to win this one over.”
“I don’t give up that easily,” he said with a look of pure determination, brushing himself off and getting back to work.
“You don’t have to give up, but you will keep a civil tongue. We’re civilized folk, perhaps you should act like it.” Marcus was infuriated and ashamed of Nathaniel’s behavior.
The jingle of harnesses reminded them that the impressionable Seth was listening, and Nathaniel muttered an apology to Marcus.
While cooking, both he and Gabriel resembled prairie dogs, standing up periodically to look toward the river before crouching
back to the fire. The river was just far enough away they couldn’t hear her, but they could see her shape in the moonlight.
After popping up yet again, Nathaniel exclaimed, “I missed it! She’s in the water.”
Gabriel stood up quickly also, but unlike the younger Draak he was actually making sure that she was still there and not in danger.
Marcus was disgusted. “Would the two of you leave Tianna in peace and focus on our meal, please?”
Nathaniel turned to Marcus and said, “Don’t tell me that you’re not curious about her.” He stared back toward the river. “I just want to find out if she’s hiding anything else in any other ‘interesting’ locations. I’d love to do a treasure hunt.” A devilish grin appeared on his face.
Unquiet Slumber Page 4