by Deanna Jewel
“I want you,” she said, watching his eyes.
Taima stopped; smoldering desire looked back at her through his heated gaze. “To hear you say that is important to me. My need for you has increased with each day we spend together.”
Kate’s heart sank. His need increases, yet he doesn’t love me. She pulled her lower lip between her teeth. At least she had the moment...and him.
He knelt and laid her in the grass, then his gaze torched every inch of her naked body from her shoulders to her toes. The sound of her racing heart beat steadily in her ears as she forced herself to lie still beneath Taima’s scrutiny. She felt so sensual knowing he wanted her with a desire that nearly equaled her own.
The warmth of his hand against her abdomen startled her from her reverie.
“You are so beautiful, but what is this small scar?”
His finger traced the area near her right hipbone. “I had surgery several years ago.”
“The cut and stitch are perfect. It must have been done with a sharp quill.”
She ignored his comment as he moved to lie between her thighs, his hands on either side of her waist. Excitement spiraled through her, swirling from her woman’s center up to her head with every breath she took. Resting his elbows near her waist, Taima cupped each breast. His mouth covered one nipple, then the other, his tongue circling the hardened tips. Kate grasped handfuls of grass and closed her eyes, but couldn’t stop the moan of pleasure that escaped her parted lips.
“Hearing your desire deepens my own,” Taima said, kissing a path between her breasts, moving to her neck, over her jaw until his mouth covered hers.
Kate curled her toes, her abdomen tightened with anticipation of their lovemaking. She caressed his sides, still careful of his wound, then gently raked her nails down his back. Sinewy hips met her fingers as she pressed into the taut muscles, pulling him into her, eliciting another groan from him.
“Your heat consumes me,” he whispered, his fingers threading through her hair, his breath moist against her cheek. Kate raised her hips, taking in the length of him and wrapping her legs about his hips.
The groan that escaped his throat satisfied her questions of whether she could please him again. Raising himself onto his hands, Taima moved deeper within her, slowly thrusting to tease and tantalize. She tightened her inner muscles around him. Suddenly, the hungry look in his blue eyes touched every fiber of her being. Kate stroked the length of each of his calves with her toes, stretching beneath him, moving her hips in sensuous circular movements.
“Woman, continue with this behavior and you will still be awake to see the sun rise.”
“Then it will be a beautiful morning.” Kate threaded her fingers into Taima’s hair and hungrily pulled his mouth to hers. She drew his tongue deep into her mouth for a kiss that lasted the entire night.
Chapter Nineteen
Taima woke to sunlight filtering through the spaces around the hide that covered the lean-to entrance. Kelee slept facing the wall. The warmth of Kate’s body reminded Taima again of last night beside the river. They’d made love until well into the wee hours of the morning before returning to his lean-to. Her dark lashes dusted her tawny cheeks. A leather cord around her neck caught his attention and he lifted it to find a small pouch attached. Holding it in the palm of his hand, he turned the pouch over several times, until it was suddenly snatched from his grasp.
Shocked, he looked into Kate’s face. Eyes darker than he’d ever remembered stared back at him with contempt. Icy fingers gripped his heart, nearly squeezing the very life and breath from his body.
Kate sat abruptly, shameless of the fact that she wore only the pouch around her neck, clutched desperately within her hand. Short, angry breaths seethed between her clenched teeth.
“Kate?” Taima asked, his eyes wide.
She tipped her head back as she laughed wickedly, the sound filling the lean-to. Then she slowly crawled toward him, a smile curving menacingly on her lips. “Kate is nearly lost to you forever, Taima. I am taking her place and you will love me from now on. Her empty soul begged for my takeover. It was easier than I thought. She will soon belong to me, body and soul...and so will you.”
Her heated mouth covered his, and she pressed him onto his back, her nails painfully digging into the flesh of his biceps.
Just as abruptly, she sat up again, her icy gaze drawing him in. “Don’t interfere...or you will never see Kate’s lovely green eyes again, nor touch her silky flesh. I will see her devoured by the claws of a grizzly first. Her ring you wear around your neck may soon be all you will have left of her.”
Taima sprang forward and gripped the woman’s bare shoulders. Now his fingers dug deep into her flesh. “Mai? I know it’s you!”
The woman smiled and glanced down at his hands. “Yes! Mark her flesh. That is more than I am able to do to her right now. But in time, my work will be done and this body will be mine. Your desire for her will not be sated just because I will inhabit her soul. Because you want her so badly, you will crave and seek me out!”
He released her, tossing the stranger backward onto the furs and stood over her. “NEVER! You will never succeed!”
“Your anger helps me take control. Let it out...yes! My magic is nearly complete.” With the pouch clutched in her hand, she shook it and stated, “If you try to remove this from Kate’s fragile neck, her neck will break, rendering her useless...to you or Kelee. Heed my words, Taima. You will be mine.”
Taima spun on his toes and left the lean-to. The cold morning cleared his mind as he drew in deep, cleansing breaths. Standing in only his breechcloth, he raked his fingers through his long hair; his heart raced.
There had to be a way to end this evil madness. As Taima caressed Kate’s ring at his throat, ice settled around his heart. His breath caught in his lungs. He could feel the evil all around him. When he looked up, Mai stood before her lean-to across the meadow. Even at this distance, her dark gaze held him motionless where he stood. Unable to look away, he stared into her eyes, hoping to overpower the madness that consumed her.
Wicked laughter filled the valley. “You will never win,” she called out, then stepped behind the hide at the entrance of her shelter.
Taima strode toward her, clenching his fists. If the source of evil no longer lived, Kate would be safe. Taima entered Mai’s lean-to, nearly tearing the hide from where it hung. He allowed his eyes to adjust to the darkness and noticed the lean-to was empty. Tossing furs aside, he searched the small hut, then stepped back outside.
The caw of a blue-black raven drew his attention. Perched upon a huge boulder, the bird cocked its head to one side, then cawed several more times. Its screech echoed against the surrounding mountains, as though laughing at him. Taima stealthily made his way toward the bird...or was it actually Mai? Skin walkers were also known to be shape shifters. His fingers itched to strangle the raven, whose dark eyes could easily be Mai’s.
The raven tipped its beak up in a mocking gesture, cawed one last time, and flew into the wind before Taima reached the boulder. He leaned against the rock and watched the bird ascend toward the red painted mountains.
Could the Great Spirit help him in his plight against the evilness of skin walkers? Sakima would have to be told. Perhaps he would have a solution.
Sensing the approach of another, Taima spun around. Kate had taken a step backward and stopped some distance from him. He held up a hand to ward her off, unsure of whom she might be at the moment. Staring at her bright emerald eyes, he waited for the drastic change to an evil black gaze.
He continued to wait.
No change occurred.
“Taima? Are you all right? What’s happened?”
Still he didn’t trust her. Or rather, he didn’t trust Mai to stay out of Kate’s body. Taima could see the pouch where it hung between her breasts beneath the doeskin dress.
She took a step toward him. He took a step back.
“Taima, what’s happened?”
“N
othing,” was his curt reply.
“Why were you chasing that beautiful raven? I was feeding her bits of dried meat yesterday. It’s amazing the way a raven makes eye contact with humans. Almost scary. The bird’s eyes were so black they nearly hypnotized me.” Her gaze searched out the raven as it glided on the wind.
Taima turned her around, and with his arm about her shoulder, led her toward his lean-to. “Do not feed another raven! Don’t even go near one.”
She laughed. “Don’t be ridiculous. They’re harmless.”
“Trust me. They are considered evil by my people and bring bad luck.” He would tell Kate anything to keep her away from the shape shifter if indeed that’s what the bird was. Taima prayed there would be more time to get to Mai.
Kate’s eyebrows drew together. “Fine. If that’s what you wish, though I don’t understand.”
He kissed the top of her sage-scented hair, wishing their problems gone. “You don’t need to understand. Just obey me on this.”
She didn’t object and placed her arm about his waist. Taima knew he had to figure a way to get that pouch from around her neck.
“Noshi!” With his bow in hand, Kelee came running toward Taima. Excitement lit his bright blue eyes.
Taima bent to lift Kelee into his arms. “Nechan, you are nearly too big for me to pick up anymore.”
“I know,” he said proudly. “I’m growing fast.”
The sound of Kate’s laughter mixing with his touched Taima’s heart.
“Can we go hunting with Ahanu and his son today, Noshi?”
Taima glanced at Kate the same time Kelee did.
“What do I have to do with your decision?” she asked and laughed.
“We don’t want to leave you by yourself,” Kelee said. “Aiyana wants to take you to the waterfall today. You’ll love it there.”
Taima tried to calm a squirming, excited Kelee in his arms. “Now Nechan, perhaps Kate would rather hunt with us.”
Kelee tipped his head back and let out a deep laugh. “Noshi...she is a girl!”
“I bet I can hunt as well as you,” she said and teasingly poked her finger at Kelee’s stomach.
Taima couldn’t help but laugh as he held tight to Kelee so he wouldn’t fall from his arms.
Kelee’s eyes widened. “But Aiyana wants to show you the waterfall. You can’t go with us.”
Laughing, Kate teased, “How ‘bout I hunt at the waterfall and we’ll see who brings back the best meal?”
Still worried, Kelee stared at Kate as Taima carried him back to the lean-to.
“Nechan, she is only teasing.”
“But Noshi, she thinks girls hunt.”
“Some girls do hunt, my son.”
Kate smiled and gave in to Kelee. “Today, I will go to see the waterfall with Aiyana. Okay?”
Taima ruffled Kelee’s hair and set him down, watching him run toward Ahanu with the news. The clear sky overhead promised a warm day for their hunt.
Taima looked at Kate. Her green eyes melted his heart, and he hugged her close; her warm hands caressed his bare back. Dare he let her out of his sight today? Especially after what had just happened with Mai. His heart still beat heavily in his chest.
Threading his fingers into Kate’s soft hair, he breathed in her sagebrush scent. Memories drifted back of their lovemaking last night, and he tightened his embrace, never wanting to lose her. Something had to be done about Mai...today. He would speak with Ahanu and Sakima later.
Kate’s lips pressed against his chest, and he closed his eyes, wanting more. She molded so well to his body, her warmth penetrated his flesh.
“I wish you luck in your hunt today.”
“I would rather be hunting you, woman. Wild animals on two legs present more of a challenge.” He released Kate enough to look into her eyes; eyes he dreamed about, eyes he got lost in. “Besides, wild animals on two legs are more fun to take down.”
Her nails playfully raked over his back. “But we can be dangerous if not taken down properly.”
A beautiful smile curved her lips, igniting embers that would only distract him later today. “When I return, I will take great care in taking you down, woman. Until then, have fun with Aiyana.” He playfully patted her bottom, then turned toward a smiling Ahanu and Aiyana who watched them as they strode closer to the lean-to.
“It is good for my heart to see you two enjoying each other instead of arguing constantly,” Ahanu said, hugging his wife beside him.
Aiyana’s face beamed with happiness. “Kelee tells me you would like to visit the waterfall near the lake today. We can go as soon as we break our fast,” she said.
Taima glanced around one last time for any sign of Mai, but she didn’t show her face again...nor her wings.
* * * * *
Kate watched as Taima and Kelee rode away with Ahanu and his son. The restless horse beneath her took a step sideways and she patted his neck. She hated being away from Taima, but knew they needed to replenish the food supply.
“Are you sure your daughter will be all right while we’re gone?”
“She plays often with the other children. Going to the waterfall doesn’t interest her yet.”
Kate nudged her horse forward to follow Aiyana along the narrow Wind River, shading her eyes from the morning sun. The valley they lived in was protected from the mountains on all sides, the river meandering lazily though the valley.
“The waterfall is at the north end of the valley, over that ridge.”
“Past the lake?” Kate asked.
“No, just before the lake, to the left.”
Kate marveled at the peacefulness that surrounded them. Three elk drank at the stream up ahead, not caring a wit about the two of them riding nearby.
She thought of people bustling through crowded city streets, cars rushing past one another, buses taking on new passengers. A twinge of pain settled in her temple and traveled to the back of her head. She closed her eyes for just a second and shook off the lurking city life. Opening her eyes, the bright sun only worsened the pain. Another memory; more pain. When would the headaches cease? Perhaps being at the waterfall would take her mind off the ache in her temples.
Atop the ridge, Kate turned to look behind her. Lean-tos dotted the area along the water. The winding river only added to the beauty of the valley, the snow-capped mountain ranges, and the painted mountains at the south end.
“It gives our people the same joy to sit up here and look over the valley,” Aiyana said. “Come. There is more.”
Eager to see the rest of the valley, Kate directed her horse with the leather reins. Riding bare back certainly differed from riding with a saddle.
“You are not the only one who has found peace in this valley.” Aiyana’s friendly dark eyes met Kate’s as she turned to glance at Kate. “Taima has finally found peace in loving you.”
Kate gasped at Aiyana’s mistake. “Taima doesn’t love me. I am merely a replacement. Something he needs, as does every man.”
“There, your thinking ends. You must pay closer attention to the way he watches you. Even from a distance, regardless of the activity he’s doing, he knows where you are. The look in his eyes softens when his gaze captures you. He watches you for long periods of time. Ahanu has even had to nudge Taima to get back his attention.”
Aiyana’s warm laughter drifted to Kate as she continued, “I’ve told Ahanu he should not tease Taima, but it has been so long since Taima has shown interest in a woman that Ahanu says he cannot help himself.”
“Taima truly has not been with a woman for three years?”
“Not until you. It has also helped Kelee to have you around. You are all he talks about. And that is good.”
Kate dodged tree branches as they followed a trail into the woods. The earth smelled of damp pine needles. Patches of bright red and purple flowers dotted the forest floor.
Aiyana pointed to the right. “That path leads to the lake.”
Following Aiyana for a few more minutes
, Kate listened intently, hearing the roar of rushing water. Her gaze darted about in search of the source of the beautiful sound.
Aiyana dismounted, so did Kate, leading her horse to a small clearing at the edge of the cliff. She gasped. The view was the most breath-taking sight she’d seen thus far. Between the steep walls of the cliff, white water dropped hundreds of feet below, frothing into a turbulent stream filled with rocks. The stream wound its way into the forest to be lost somewhere up ahead.
Kate sat down and looked at Aiyana as she did the same. “Have there not been women among your people who have been attracted to Taima?”
Aiyana smiled. “The problem is not with women being attracted to Taima, it is him not wanting to be with another woman after my sister died.” She paused, staring off into the distance. “They had a love that would last through time, or so everyone thought.”
A sense of loss tugged at Kate inside. “Not often does one find such happiness.”
Aiyana looked her again. “And the Great Spirit does not often send a second love into one’s life. It is to be cherished when that happens. Taima has found that in you...I have seen it in his eyes.”
“But is it in his heart? My feelings for Taima are strong, but I will not love alone, and he told me he can’t give what I ask.”
“What is it you have asked of him?”
“I have asked nothing. He has told me how much he loved your sister, and I understand that. I don’t want to take her place, only to be loved also.”
Aiyana twisted the leather reins in her fingers. “Taima is slow to show his feelings for anyone. Perhaps it is a man’s pride. Witashnah told me many times of how he refused to tell her of his love when they were first joined, but over time, they became inseparable.”
Breathing in the scent of the frothing water below, a sense of renewal came over Kate. “Maybe there will come a time when Taima will be able to say he loves me.”
“Don’t give up on him, Kate. He’s good man, a brave warrior, and they hate to admit they have a soft heart. In time, his mind will admit to what his heart feels.”