Suddenly, she wasn’t sure. Oh, he wouldn’t openly challenge Jeremy. This she knew. She’d grown up with the troublemaker. Acting in an underhanded, sly manner was more his style. He thought only of himself and his own wants, and he’d made it clear that he wanted her. When all other warriors had given up, only he persisted. How far would he go to claim her?
Truly worried now, Dove chewed on her lower lip, unsure what to do. Anger rose to dispel her fear. How dare he? She was the daughter of a great chief. Her grandfathers had been wise, respected and brave chiefs. No one intimidated her. No one. If she chose to marry Jeremy, no one would stop her. Especially a coward. Nor would she feel pressured into marriage. She would marry only when she felt sure that she’d found the man her grandmother had foreseen.
In the meantime, she’d deal with both Jeremy and Waho. As she’d told her brother, she’d expect no less of Jeremy than any other. The sooner he learned what was involved in becoming a warrior, the sooner he’d give up and leave her in peace. And what better time than now?
Filled with purpose, she guided her horse forward, toward Jeremy and his family. When she saw him hugging Jessie, she slowed, unable to banish a yearning to be the one standing in his arms.
* * *
Jessie held on to Jeremy, hugging him tightly. “You get yourself killed, I’ll hunt you down and give you what for.” She stepped back with a sniff. Though she understood what drove him, she couldn’t help but worry. They’d never been separated. It was hard enough to be away from James and Jordan and their families, but she’d had Jeremy. Now he was leaving her.
He grinned and ruffled her hair. “Come on, Jess. I’ll be fine.”
“I know. Just don’t do anything stupid, okay?” She winced when he drew himself up and glared at her.
“Why does everyone think I can’t take care of myself?”
At her pointed look at the cubs, he shut up and stuffed his hands in his pockets. Beside her, White Wind and Sofia chuckled, which made Jeremy go redder in the face.
White Wind stepped forward. “Your brother will be fine, daughter.”
“I know. I’ll miss him.”
“No, you won’t.” Wolf and Rook joined them, each leading two horses.
Noting that two of the horses wore a harness with a loaded travois dragging behind, and that her black mare had been saddled, she frowned. “Are we going as well? I thought we weren’t visiting until summer when Star and Grady would be there?”
Avoiding her eyes, Wolf’s own crinkled slightly at the corners, warning her that he was bracing himself. “What is going on, Wolf?” she asked. She rested her hands on her hips, fearing she knew what he was about. They’d argued before about her going with him to Westport in her condition. Taking a steamboat could take up to two months, depending on river conditions. Right now, with the snow melting, the water ran unpredictable, and the river was swollen and fast-moving.
Wolf put his hands on her shoulders, his bright blue eyes intent as he stared at her. “Take our children and go with my family. Rook and I will make faster time on horseback if we don’t have to worry about you or the children.”
Jessie shoved away from her husband. “You’re not going without us. We’re family, and family sticks together.” Deep down she feared him going off alone. There were hostile Indian tribes along the Missouri, not to mention unscrupulous trappers willing to kill for the load of furs and horses Wolf planned to sell and trade for supplies. And she could be useful to him; her skill with a rifle rivaled his.
“Think of the babe, lass,” Rook added.
She glared at him. “The baby isn’t due until the end of summer.”
Wolf turned to adjust the load. “You’re going with my family. It’s final.”
Before Jessie could argue, Sofia laid a hand on her arm. “I agree, Jessie. The men will make faster time without the children.”
“Then I shall stay home. Someone has to look after the livestock and these cabins.” Defiantly, she glared at her husband.
“No!” Rook commanded. “Yer not ta stay here alone.” His ruddy features had paled.
Sighing, Jessie knew that Rook would not allow her and Sofia to stay alone, unprotected. He’d lost his first wife and their daughter to rogue trappers who’d raped and killed his family when he’d left them to check his traps.
“Come, it won’t be so bad, Jessie,” Sofia said. “I’ve been told I’m going with you as well.” She jabbed a finger into her husband’s flannel-covered chest. “Though next time, old man, ask first. You hear me?”
Rook glowered right back. “Some decisions belong to the man, woman. Didn’t want no dang arguin’.”
Sofia shook her head. “When you get back, you and I will have a nice long talk, Roxbury Seymour Thorndike. Only reason I’m going is I agree with you and Wolf that the trip is too much for Jessie and the babies.”
“Go, Jessica. Please. I’ll worry less.” Concern shadowed Wolf’s eyes.
She swallowed her hurt and anger. She couldn’t blame him. Tears of worry slid from her eyes. “You’ll be careful?”
Wolf pulled her into a tight hug. “Always. I’ll see you soon.”
Jessie pulled back and used her apron to wipe her eyes dry. “What about the animals and the cabin?”
“I rode out to see Old Pete. The winter took its toll on him. He jumped at the chance to stay and watch over the cabins if I agreed to take his furs downriver to trade them. His boy will help with the horses.”
Jessie glanced at Jeremy, realizing that now she’d be able to keep an eye on her impulsive brother and make sure he didn’t get himself killed. “Looks like you’re stuck with me,” she said to him with a laugh.
A tug on her arm brought her back to Wolf. He led her to her horse. “Don’t interfere, Jessica. Jeremy has to do this on his own. Any help from you will shame him. If I didn’t have to leave, I would not allow you to go.”
“Allow…” She sputtered, narrowing her eyes.
“My father and brother will watch over him. Cut the strings and let him learn for himself who he is.”
“He knows who he is.”
“Does he? Has Jeremy ever made any decisions? Has he ever left home and gone out on his own? I think he’s always relied on others.”
Staring up at her husband, she realized he was right. Though Jeremy was older, at times she felt as though she were. At times she even felt like his mother, when he needed scolding or to be taken to task. But no one could say he didn’t work hard or give his all. She glanced over at her brother. He’d said he wanted adventure. Since arriving here, he’d fallen back into the old routine of daily chores and living. Nothing very exciting. Nothing much different from their old life on the farm outside of Westport.
The brightness of his eyes, the firm set of his shoulders all radiated inner excitement. Yes, it was high time he took charge of his own life and learned for himself what it was he wanted. It was past time for the remaining Jones sibling to leave the nest. She just prayed his exuberance wouldn’t land him in a nest of hornets.
* * *
Golden Eagle motioned for them all to mount. Jeremy jumped into the saddle, glanced over his shoulder at the bears and eyed the ropes lashing the contraption behind him together. It would hold. If there was one skill he had, it was knots. He grinned when he recalled the time he and Jessie had been playing cowboys and Indians—funny he should think of that now. She’d always insisted on playing the role of the Indian. Once, he’d caught her and tied her to a tree, then ran off gleefully pleased with himself. Later, James had snagged him and taken the belt to him, because he had gotten sidetracked and forgotten to go back and release her.
Yep, he’d been whupped but good that time. And Jessie, not satisfied by his punishment, had retaliated by sneaking into the room he shared with his brothers and dumping rice into his bed. He coul
dn’t help shuddering at the memory. He’d thought they were maggots and refused to sleep on the mattress for a week.
When Jessie, White Wind, Emma and Sofia rode past with the children, he chuckled, wondering if Jessie recalled that episode. There were so many memories, and now he was on his way to making more.
With a soft cluck he started his horse forward. Behind him, the cubs let out startled cries, but they settled down after a bit. The creaking of his saddle, the smell of leather were welcome traveling companions. He loved being outdoors, and loved to ride. Most of his life had been spent on horseback, whether raising cattle or sheep in Westport or traveling all the way to Oregon on horseback while driving Wolf’s herd of cattle. He felt at one with a horse. Reining up, he waited for the signal to ride to be given.
Drawing another deep breath, his gaze swept the rest of the large crowd. It was truly happening: he was leaving his world for the unknown and rather than being nervous or scared, he felt incredibly alive. Nothing could destroy his good mood. Well, maybe. From the corner of his eye, he spotted a horse and rider coming toward him. White Dove. Dared he hope she planned to join him for the ride? He didn’t feel comfortable traveling with his sister, surrounded by women when all the other single warriors rode alone or among other warriors.
He didn’t know anyone but Jessie’s family, and he hadn’t been invited to ride with Golden Eagle. For now, he’d just take it a bit at a time and watch.
“Hau, Hunkuya Mato.” Dove greeted him, guiding her mount alongside his. She sat, back straight, arms relaxed and chin slightly tilted as if she were royalty. Maybe she was. Her father had been chief. And her grandfather. In his world that would make her a princess. He sighed. He was the pauper, not the prince.
Caught by the beauty of her long neck, exposed throat and delicate profile, the crowd around them faded. There was only the two of them. Silky strands of long, brown hair escaped her braids to swirl around her face. A strand fluttered out to taunt him, tempting him to reach out and catch the flyaway silk. Instead, he fisted his hand around his horse’s reins and kept the other resting lightly against his thigh.
Fresh determination and confidence in the saddle made him sit as tall. “I will earn myself a new name.” If it was the only thing he achieved, it would be seeing pride in Dove’s eyes, and hearing it in her voice. More than anything, he wanted to be prince to her princess.
“You do not like your name?”
Jeremy glared her, irritated by the amusement lurking in her eyes. “You know I don’t. You laughed when the children first started calling me that.”
Dove shrugged. “There is no dishonor in the name. Are you not the mother of the cubs?”
Jeremy waited for a sneer, scorn, the mockery she seemed to delight in reserving for him, but to his surprise, she remained silent. What game was she playing now? “Warriors are not mothers,” he said, reminding her of her own words. He wasn’t in the mood for her games.
At that, she turned to face him. “No, they are not. Mothers are respected. You have not taken that role lightly. Taking care of the cubs, raising them, is an honorable task, one considered a great deed among my people, for Mato is to be respected. You are to be respected in this regard.” She glanced away as if embarrassed.
Jeremy flushed with pleasure, yet he didn’t trust that she wasn’t toying with him. “You thought the name silly and said so. Why are you trying make me feel better? You didn’t care how I felt before.”
Dove tossed her head. “The spirit of Mato presides over love and hate, bravery and wounds.” She paused, her blue eyes wide as though she’d just recalled something. “He is also the friend of mischief and fun. You may be more like Mato than you realize.”
Rolling his eyes, he grunted. “Now you’re pulling my leg.”
Dove speared him with a stern glare. “Know this, White Man. I do not say things that are untrue. Our people take on names that tell others of that person. Like it or not, your name says who you are. In time, someone in my tribe may publically change your name. This is your first lesson. The smallest event is often given importance through a name.”
Calling him a white man had the effect of reminding Jeremy that he was the stranger, the one who didn’t know the first thing about living as a Sioux. And it also served to emphasize the cultural differences between him and Dove—a gap he sought to close, not widen. He decided to accept her explanation on names. In truth, the way she explained his name made it seem not quite so bad. Especially the mischief and fun part. Had Jessie been with them, she’d have agreed.
“I apologize, Dove. I’ve never known you to lie. You’re more likely to rub my nose in the truth than spare my feelings.” The minute he said the words he realized their truth. She’d never led him on or catered to his ego. She didn’t snigger, chortle or giggle behind gloved hands. She didn’t pile him with flowery compliments or flaunt herself. She didn’t even go out of her way to make him notice her.
Dove was…Dove. There was no one like her. She hunted. She rode. And no doubt if it ever came to it, she’d fight. She didn’t need a man. She didn’t need him. Not yet, anyway. The thought that she might never need him was depressing. What could he, a white man, offer her? Even if his skills matched hers, she still wouldn’t need him—or any other warrior, for that matter.
But she was a woman. Women needed men. It was that simple. For children. For companionship. For kisses. He grinned—a silly, stupid grin he was grateful she didn’t see. Kisses. Passion. Love. Life would be lonely without a mate. Didn’t she care about that?
Though Dove exercised control over her emotions and actions, held herself apart—aloof, like a princess trapped high in a tower, waiting for her great warrior to come and rescue her—she was no different than most women.
She needed him. She just didn’t realize it. Glancing around at all the mounted Lakota warriors, Jeremy knew she’d spent her life proving herself to be as good as any of them—and succeeding.
But, he realized with sudden insight, that could be the reason why she couldn’t relax around him or any other man. As soon as she let down her guard, she was challenged, had to prove herself all over again. He had a feeling he and Dove were more alike than anyone realized. People had always expected him to be like his brothers, but no matter how hard he tried, he always fell short. Only now was he beginning to understand that he’d been fighting to release himself from a mold that didn’t fit.
“Jeremy!” A slap on his arm made him realize he hadn’t heard a word Dove had said. Fine way to woo her, he thought with disgust. “Sorry. What was that?”
“I was trying to apologize.” She looked uncomfortable.
“You? Apologize? And I missed it?” Seeing her features tighten, he reached across. “I’m only teasing. Go on.”
She gave him a puzzled look. “I should not be so mean to you. For that I am sorry.”
Jeremy gave a low whistle. He indicated the Indians around them. “Not only have we not snapped at each other for nearly an hour, we’ve each actually apologized. Maybe we should celebrate.”
Her head whipped around, her eyes narrowing suspiciously. “I’m teasing, Dove. You know, trying to lighten things up. You’re supposed to smile and laugh.”
“I don’t have time for such silliness.”
Jeremy stared at her, struck suddenly with the truth. Dove seldom laughed, nor did she just let go and have fun. She took everything so seriously, as if afraid to let down her guard—like now.
He chuckled. The answer had been there all the time. Here he’d spent the summer acting like all the other warriors in challenging her, forcing her to prove herself. All he’d done was force her to keep on guard. Fun and a bit of silliness were exactly what she needed in a man. He chuckled. Kisses wouldn’t hurt either.
“What do you find so amusing?”
“You, Dove. You need to relax.” He studied her
profile. Yep. She needed someone with whom she could relax. Be herself. Someone she could have fun with and not always be guarded around. Hadn’t she just compared him to the spirit of Mato? He wondered what she’d say if he told her she’d given him the key to winning her. For win her he would—by freeing the part of her she kept tightly reined in, by tearing down the walls of her insecurity until he could free the princess from her tower.
Yep. And to help him bridge that gap, he’d use passion—for when they were together, when they stared into each other’s eyes, touched or kissed, something connected. It was the beginnings of a bridge. As sure as he was on his way to live with the Sioux, Jeremy knew love would set him apart.
“If you are ready, we will begin.”
“Begin what?” Jeremy knew what he’d like to begin, but didn’t think she’d appreciate him dragging her off her horse to ride with him.
“Your lessons.”
“You are going to teach me the ways of the Sioux?”
“I was not given a choice.” She sent him a sharp look. “I will do as my father asks. But only because it is only fair and honorable that I do this. You and Jessie spent many hours with the children of my people teaching them your world. I will give back to you what you and your sister gave to us.”
Some of his pleasure died. For just a moment he’d hoped she’d joined him because she wanted his company. Their gazes met. Though she said she was willing to teach him, her eyes said she’d love to take a slice off him, then ride away and leave him bleeding.
“Thanks, Dove,” he forced himself to say. “I appreciate your help.”
“I will instruct you while we travel. Lesson one: The Sioux do not overuse names. If you listen to the others talk, you will find they refer to each other by relation. I call my brothers, brother, not by name. To use their names carelessly, without being aware of it, is to show disrespect.”
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