Bear woke up sometime in the middle of the night. He’d heard something but wasn’t sure whether it was an animal or human. Tala had heard it too. He tickled the dog’s ears acknowledging his warning but trying to tell him to be quiet. He didn’t want to wake Sarah. He made his way slowly but painfully to the front of the cave. Looking out, he couldn’t see anything but his senses told him they weren’t alone. He kept still, only his eyes moving, and finally he saw it. A lit cigarette. Someone was out there. He didn’t know if it was a party looking for them but just a random traveler. He moved slowly back into the cave and shook Sarah awake, keeping his hand over her mouth to stop her from making a sound.
“We have company.”
Sarah’s eyes widened, as she stared over his shoulder.
“Do not make a sound.”
She nodded and he took his hand away. She moved quickly to her feet as if to go outside the cave. Instinctively, he put out his arm to stop her. The pain caused a wave of blackness which almost floored him. She must have sensed it as she put her arm around him and helped him back to the furs he had lay on.
“We need to put out the fire. Can you do that?”
She nodded.
He watched as she covered the fire slowly with dirt rather than using water. He was impressed. She had been listening when he had explained various tricks to remaining on the run without being seen.
She looked to the cave entrance a few times but made no move to go outside. Instead, once the fire was covered, she picked up Tala and, putting him on her lap, she sat so close to Bear, her shoulder was touching his.
He put his good arm around her and drew her close.
“We will be fine. The cave is well protected. They should pass on without seeing us.” He hoped she believed him although he wasn’t at all confident in what he was saying. If it was a random stranger they stood a good chance but if it was someone tracking them, they were in big trouble.
Chapter 31
They sat in silence for what seemed like days, but it was barely more than a couple of hours from when he had seen the light of the cigarette. Tala whimpered a couple of times but Sarah cuddled him close. Bear kept his ears open, trying to sense whether the stranger was coming closer. Finally, they heard voices. Bear motioned to Sarah to get him his knife which had been sitting on the rocks near the fire. She reached for it and handed it to him without a word. He winked at her, trying to reassure her everything would be fine. His mind raced at how he could protect her. There were at least two of them out there. Why were they looking in the caves if not searching for them?
He felt Sarah tense beside him at the same time as he recognized the voice. Morgan. Tala growled before Sarah covered the dog’s mouth with her hand.
“Did you hear that?” Morgan asked his companion, their voices carrying into the cave.
“I didn’t hear nuthin’. You’re real jumpy Morgan. What’s eatin’ya?”
“Shut up, Dyer. I know I heard something. Where’s Billy and Jack?” Morgan’s voice carried into the cave.
“They headed out earlier than we did. Where did you tell them to meet?”
“Baker City. That should be far enough. Nobody knows any of us there.”
“Morgan, you sure nobody saw you with Faulkner’s stuff?”
“What do you think I am? Of course nobody saw me. They were too busy speculating over what happened to him. They were too dumb to think about what he had stacked away in that safe. Only that whore knew and she ain’t talking to no-one.”
He heard Sarah’s intake of breath and only hoped it was not magnified in the cave. He squeezed her closer willing her not to give them away.
“Tim, I think we got company,” Morgan said. “Go into that cave and check.”
“You go and check. I didn’t hear nuthin’. Could be bears or lions or snakes in there. I ain’t movin’.”
“Are you yeller?” Morgan taunted.
Bear pulled Sarah closer. He didn’t think the argument would end well. What if Morgan was hurt? Would she care?
“Who you callin’ yeller? You chicken livered son of a bi—”
The gunshot bit off the end of the sentence as Tim howled with pain. There was another shot and then silence. Bear could feel Sarah shaking but whether it was with fear or distress he didn’t know. He hoped that Morgan would continue on his way to meet his other friends. He didn’t want the man hanging around. If he had to kill him he would, but then what would Sarah think? She had loved Morgan once. Loved him enough to leave her family and friends behind. That type of love didn’t just die, did it? He closed his eyes. What would he know? He had never paid much attention to women. The ones at camp were forbidden but none of them had intrigued him. Not like Sarah. She kept his brain and body occupied from morning till night. When she was near him, he wanted to gather her close and kiss her. Her smell tantalized his senses, she made him laugh when he wasn’t furious with her. She had a way of looking at him that made his blood boil with frustration. He wondered if she felt anything for him. Her attitude toward him was like that of a friend, but sometimes he caught her looking at him with a wistful expression on her face. But it never lasted.
Now, with her head buried in his arms, it felt so good. So right. As if they were destined to be together. He realized his injury must have done something to his blood. How could a white woman and a half Indian be meant to be together? Theirs was not the type of love affair written about in the stars. He had never heard the elder women tell their children of grand love affairs between white women and Indian braves. It was not accepted by either culture. Neither his nor hers would welcome them or any children they might have with welcome arms. But why was he thinking about children when he hadn’t even bedded her.
Chapter 32
She sensed him stiffen beside her. It made her wary. She knew he had tried to play down the danger a little. It was his way of protecting her, but she wasn’t a child. Or an innocent. Morgan being this close would only lead to trouble. He didn’t want her, she knew that now. He never had. He just wanted to bed her and maybe use her to get back at Almanzo and Rick for perceived insults to the Morgan family. It wasn’t love, but a deranged sort of lust. How could she have been so stupid not to see him for the villain he was? Bear had shown her more consideration and kindness in the short time she had known him than Edwin had ever done.
She had never felt as safe as she did when in Bear’s arms. He had a way of making her feel protected. He had shown he cared about her well-being in the way he had nursed her after she lost the baby, but even before that too. When she was living in the village, he had brought her food. He had watched out for her the night Edwin had beaten her up and he was there to protect her when Faulkner wanted to hurt her. He was like her guardian angel. But he only did it out of loyalty to Walking Tall. He wasn’t interested in her as a person. As a woman. Yet, he sometimes looked at her the way a man would look at a woman. Or maybe she was imagining it. He didn’t have a good opinion of her so how could he be interested in her in that way? She caught herself. What was she doing thinking like that? There was no future for a couple such as them. Not even her parents, who were good people and accepted everyone for who they were not the color of their skin, would appreciate Sarah taking up with an Indian.
“Sarah.”
She looked up, startled at his whisper. She had been miles away. He looked at her, concern written all over his face. “Are you alright? I don’t think it was Morgan who got shot.”
He thought she was worried about Edwin? How could he believe she felt anything for him anymore? She hurried to correct him but before she could get a chance, they heard another gun shot, and another and then a horrific scream accompanied by an animal’s growl.
Tala was desperate to get away from Sarah but she held onto him tightly. Whatever was out there would hurt all of them.
Bear dragged her down and pushed her head into his chest as he tried to cover her ears. Edwin’s screams echoed in her ears. She cried, not because it was him,
but because nobody deserved to be in that much pain. Then, mercifully, the screams stopped.
She stayed where she was, not wanting to face the reality of what had probably happened. Here in Bear’s arms, she was safe. She closed her eyes until her heart stopped beating so frantically.
“Do you think it’s gone?”
Bear grunted. She looked up at him to see his eyes tense in pain. She had been lying on his bad shoulder.
She jumped up. “I am so sorry, you should have said something. What can I do?”
He pulled her back, closer to the other shoulder this time. “You did nothing. It is not your fault.”
She sat near him but tried not to lean against him. He didn’t look too well. She pushed the hair back from his face, saw the sheen of sweat on his forehead.
“I need to get you some water.”
“No Sarah, you cannot go outside. It is not safe.”
“I have to. I won’t let you suffer like this.”
“There is some water in the can. Later I will get some more. Promise me you will not leave the cave.”
She crawled over to the can and brought it back to him. He refused to drink until she took some. Then he put the can down and pulled her down beside him. Shuddering, she thought about what must have been a wild animal that had attacked Morgan. But with determination she pushed that fear from her mind. Bear needed her. And she needed him.
Chapter 33
Bear held her as she shivered, forcing all thoughts of his pain out of his head. He may have disliked Morgan intensely but he wouldn’t have wished his kind of death on anyone. He wondered if the man had mortally injured the other cat and he hoped he had. He didn’t have the strength to fight off another wild animal. Sarah moved closer to him, her body almost lying on his. Now he had another problem to worry about other than the pain. Her nearness was having an effect on his body. He didn’t want her to become afraid or uncomfortable. He thought of all sorts of things in order to distract himself. The woman in his arms was mourning the loss of her man. And he was behaving like an animal.
Sarah looked up at him at that moment, the expression in her eyes made him blink and blink again. He stilled, not wanting to even breath. He stared at her, waiting for her to do something.
* * *
Sarah’s breath caught in her throat as she caught the expression of tenderness in his gaze. Instinctively, she reached up and placed her mouth against his, sensing it was what they both wanted but sure he wouldn’t make the first move. His body went rigid and for a second she thought she had misread the signals, but then his arms moved around her, pulling her closer. They kissed tenderly for a moment before he pulled away.
* * *
“You are a beautiful and amazing woman, but now is not the time for us. Sleep, my tiger.” He closed his eyes so she wouldn’t argue with him. He hated giving up the opportunity but he knew this was the wrong time. She put her head against his chest and melded her body as close to his side as possible. There they lay until her breathing told him she was asleep. He had to get outside before she woke up to make sure it was safe. God only knew what the scene looked like and he didn’t want Sarah hurt any more than she had been. But he knew he wasn’t in a fit condition to do anything about it tonight.
“Tala, keep guard.”
The dog barked as if he understood. Bear smiled as he cuddled the woman who had captured his heart closer. It wouldn’t last, but for now he was going to enjoy the feel of her in his arms.
* * *
Sarah woke to find herself alone, covered in furs. Where was Bear? She looked around noticing Tala was missing too. Rubbing her eyes, she got to her feet warily. They must have gone outside. But why? Tala, although improving, wasn’t able to defend himself and definitely wasn’t up to protecting Bear. The man had regained some of his strength but it would take time for him to recover properly.
She made her way slowly to the front of the cave, her stomach churning at what she might see. Edwin’s screams came back to her and she dreaded seeing his body, but as she walked out into the light, covering her eyes against the sun’s glare, she didn’t see anything. She was tempted to call for Bear but that would put them both at risk if anyone were around. Instead she decided she had to wait patiently in silence. She sat trying to enjoy the warmth of the sun, but in reality her heart was beating faster than ever. Where was he? Was he hurt? Would Tala come to get her if he was? Maybe Tala was…
Barking interrupted her thoughts as Tala came bounding through the bushes and into her arms. The dog licked her face in welcome. She ruffled his fur before asking him where Bear was.
Chapter 34
Sarah put her hand up to shade her eyes to see if Bear was coming, but there didn’t appear to be anyone. Yet Tala wasn’t upset; the dog was playfully nipping at her toes. She continued to pet him, wondering at herself. Not only was she sitting outside a cave waiting for an Indian to come home but she was playing with a dog. If Almanzo could see her now, he would be struck dumb. She had never shown much interest in animals.
Bear had shown her how men should treat a woman. He had been nothing but kind and protective, never taking advantage of her. Even last night when she was scared and kissed him, he had held back. He had behaved like a perfect gentleman whereas she had behaved like a harlot. Her cheeks glowed as she thought of how forward she’d been. She had kissed him, not even waiting for him to make the first move. She had enjoyed it too. He had been gentle and tender, not demanding like Edwin. He had kept his hands on her shoulders, instead of pawing at her. She’d wanted him to do more than he did, and even thinking that thought scared her.
Bear came from a totally different life to hers. He would never be able to live in Portland, not happily anyway. So they didn’t have a future together. The thought of never seeing Bear again, never having him hold her was too much to contemplate. She cried, even as Tala licked the tears from her face. Her distress was so overwhelming, she didn’t see or hear Bear return until he called her name. Softly. His expression full of concern for her.
“Sarah, what is it? Is it…”
“I was thinking about when you take me home. I will never…”
“You still don’t want to go home? But I have to take you. I have to pay off my debt to Walking Tall.”
“Is that all I am to you? A way to repay your debts?”
He didn’t answer but his expression turned stony.
“Last night, I thought you cared,” she ventured. “Did I get that wrong as well?”
Silence.
“I’m talking to you, darn it. The least you can do is respond.”
Bear sat down, putting two guns at her feet. She eyed them for a second before looking at him. He shrugged his shoulders.
“What do you want me to say?”
“Something. Anything.”
“Sarah, you know there is no hope of anything between us. You will go back to your family. I will…”
“So you don’t care.”
“Please do not talk for me.”
“So you do?”
“Sarah, stop behaving like a child. It doesn’t matter how I feel. I will never be allowed to live with a white woman. Can’t you see? If we tried to do that in any village you know, they would hang me from a tree. You would be an outcast. Our children...”
Sarah’s heart sang. He did have feelings for her. He had thought about their children. She moved so quickly, she almost caught him off guard as she threw herself into his arms.
“I don’t care about any of that. I want to stay with you. I’m never going home.”
He held her at arm’s length. “You must. You owe it to your parents. And to yourself.”
“I am a grown woman. I can make my own decisions. I’m staying with you.”
“And still you behave with a selfish heart. I thought you had changed, but you disappoint me.” He pushed her away, not roughly, but moving out of her reach. “We must leave here. Morgan’s friends may come looking for him.”
“Can’
t we at least talk?’
“What is there to say? You still think you can make decisions without considering other people.”
He walked away, leaving her staring after him. What had she done? She had tried to show him she didn’t care what people thought, that she would live with him. But instead of making him happy, she had angered him.
Chapter 35
Bear walked slowly back to the cave, his anger mounting. How dare she make decisions about him and his future? He had a debt to pay to Walking Tall and after that he intended on…what? What was he going to do? Before he met Sarah, he had considered tracing his mother’s people and taking revenge on them for how they had treated her. But now his heart was no longer full of anger. He didn’t care about his mother’s people. All he cared about was Sarah. But even thinking about her irritated him. She couldn’t just decide she was going to live with him without even considering her family or his obligation to Walking Tall. Couldn’t she see that any relationship between them was out of the question? First, she had a duty to go back and see her family, her parents. Then she had to grieve for all she had lost over the months she had been gone. She wasn’t in any fit state to decide her future, let alone his. She was behaving like a spoiled brat, just like she had when she’d run off with Morgan.
He packed up in silence. Sarah stamped around the cave, but he refused to look at her. When he was ready to go, he suggested she take one gun and some water with them.
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