by Connie Mason
He could hold on no longer. All the demons of hell were driving him to climax. But he was a stubborn man. He wanted to take Dawn with him to ecstasy. He eased his fingers between them, into the soft damp folds above that place where his manhood filled her, and found the pebbled source of her pleasure. With thumb and forefinger he plucked and massaged the tiny nub, until her hips were lifting against his beguiling fingers and explosions racked her body. He waited until her body’s movements subsided before climaxing explosively.
Consumed with unspeakable pleasure, Dawn felt Cole harden and thicken inside her, heard the harsh rasping of his breath, and welcomed the warm spill of his seed against the walls of her womb. If she never experienced Cole’s love again, she would always have this night to remember.
A sudden coolness seized her when Cole rolled off her. But it was blessedly short-lived as he dragged her into his arms.
“I didn’t hurt you, did I? I’m not an animal like Cobb. Sweet Lord, Dawn, you sure know how to make a man forget he’s a gentleman.”
“You didn’t hurt me,” Dawn said with a smile. Her heart was still pounding, and she felt flushed all over. She had never imagined that making love could be such an earth-shattering experience. Billy Cobb would have made it an abomination had he been able to perform the act with her.
Cole settled her deeper into his embrace. “You should sleep. Pueblo isn’t far, but the Red Cloud Agency is a good fourteen days’ ride to the north. You’ll need your strength.”
How could she sleep with Cole’s arms around her, his warm body pressed against hers, and the memory of the splendid heights he had taken her to still so vivid in her mind she could taste them?
She tried to sleep, truly she did. So did Cole. Unfortunately, their two healthy bodies made a sham of their good intentions. When Cole’s body had recovered itself and clamored for another taste of Paradise, he turned to her in the night, and she welcomed him. They made love again. Slowly this time, savoring each other like fine wine. Even then they weren’t sated. Shortly before dawn Cole turned to her again and she responded eagerly. He lifted her atop him, and she rode him like a stallion. The end came abruptly, carrying them to ecstasy. They fell asleep in each other’s arms.
“Time to get up, love,” Cole said as he nudged Dawn awake. Dawn muttered groggily and pulled the blanket over her head.
“Come on, Dawn, I’ve been up for hours. The rain has stopped, and I need to take the bodies and money to town and make a report.”
Grasping a corner of the blanket, Cole whipped it away. Dawn screeched as cool air hit her naked flesh. She jerked upright. She was still flushed from his loving, and he noted places on her body where his mouth had marked her golden skin. Just thinking about their night together made him instantly hard. He turned away with regret. As much as he wanted Dawn again, there wasn’t time.
“There’s water by the fire. Wash and dress while I take care of the bodies and the money. There’s food by the firepit. I’ve already taken the horses from the cave and staked them outside.”
“You’ve done all that while I was sleeping?” Dawn asked, amazed that she had slept so soundly.
Cole gave her a cocky grin. “You were tired.”
Dawn’s gaze slid over the length of him, realizing that he looked different than he had last night. “You’re no longer dressed like an Indian, and the war paint is gone.”
“I don’t want to scare the townspeople when we ride in with two dead men. I’m Cole Webster now, Pinkerton detective assigned to the railroad. But you haven’t seen the last of Shadow Walker. There are times when it’s both more practical and more comfortable to travel as Shadow Walker.”
“Shadow Walker frightens me,” Dawn admitted.
His eyebrow shot upward. “And Cole Webster doesn’t?”
“Sometimes he frightens me too.”
“Neither man would ever hurt you, Dawn.” He cleared his throat, fearing he had admitted too much. “Will you be all right alone?” She nodded. “I’ll return shortly.” He hefted the saddlebags containing the gold and disappeared through the passageway.
Dawn washed and dressed quickly. She wished she had her split leather skirt for riding, but it had been left behind on the train. She didn’t realize how hungry she was until she spied the plate of beans, biscuits and bacon resting beside the firepit. She ate ravenously, aware that she had barely touched her food the night before. While she waited for Cole to return, she braided her long hair into some semblance of order.
“All set,” Cole said when he returned a short time later. He retrieved a flaming branch from the fire and kicked out the dying blaze. Then he picked up the sack of food he had purloined from the outlaws’ stash, directed Dawn to bring the blankets and led the way through the passage.
Midway down the tunnel Dawn saw the faint light from the cave’s entrance and felt a welcome relief. She was more than eager to leave this cold, dark place of death. If not for Cole this cave might have become her tomb.
They came out into sunshine so bright that Dawn had to close her eyes against the nearly painful burst of light. When she opened them again she gawked in awe at the stark splendor of the landscape. The surrounding mountains, hills and valleys held a desolate, fierce beauty all their own.
“The horses are tethered nearby,” Cole said as he extinguished the torch and tossed it aside. “Follow me.”
They found the horses contentedly munching grass. Dawn recoiled in revulsion when she saw two blanket-clad figures draped over the back of one of the horses.
“There is nothing to fear from dead men. I can’t leave them here to be devoured by carrion, although Lord knows they probably deserve it.”
He helped her mount the spare horse and tossed the saddlebags containing the stolen gold across Warrior’s withers. “We should reach Pueblo before nightfall.”
That was what Dawn feared. They would be that much closer to the place where Cole intended to abandon her.
When they reached Pueblo, the town was already aware of the train robbery and derailment. The stranded passengers and baggage had been transported to town, and the animals in the stock car had been taken to the livery.
Cole dumped the bodies and gold off at the sheriff’s office, made his report and promptly left. But when he tried to engage a room at the town’s only hotel, he found it filled to capacity with stranded passengers waiting for the next train through town.
“What do we do now?” Dawn asked when Cole informed her of the situation.
“No sense waiting around town for the next train. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover to reach the Red Cloud Agency. We’ll find Running Elk camped somewhere in the area. I’ll buy supplies for the trip, then retrieve your horse and our baggage. We’ll keep a spare horse to carry our supplies. Had there been room at the hotel, we might have waited, but it will take some time to clear the tracks and I see no reason to delay.”
No reason at all, Dawn thought but did not say. The sooner Cole got rid of her, the better he’d like it. It didn’t take a wizard to know that.
The sun was slanting low in the western sky when they left Pueblo. Cole had purchased a two-week supply of food and sturdy riding clothes for Dawn. Everything was packed away on the spare horse. Dawn was happy to be mounted once again on Wally. She did wish, though, that she’d had time to take a bath in town. When she mentioned it to Cole, he told her they would camp tonight on a fork of the Arkansas River, where she’d be able to bathe.
Cole found a perfect campsite just as the sun disappeared behind the mountains. The night was warm and balmy, since they hadn’t climbed into the higher elevations yet, and Dawn hurried to the shallow pool Cole had pointed out to her. While she bathed, Cole hunted small game for their supper. When Dawn returned from the river, Cole had a plump rabbit cooking on a spit.
“Shall I make biscuits?” Dawn asked as she sat beside the fire to dry her hair.
“Relax, I’ll do it.”
“You can cook?”
“I’ve d
one my share.” He mixed biscuit dough while Dawn ran her fingers through her long hair to work out the tangles. Her sinuous motions mesmerized Cole, making his fingers itch to take over the chore for her.
Unaware of his intent perusal, Dawn arched her back, fanning her hair toward the fire. The simple motion pushed her breasts forward against the thin cotton of her shirtwaist, drawing an involuntary groan from Cole.
She has no idea how seductive she is, Cole thought as he watched her stretch like a cat. Firelight played upon her skin, turning it to warm honey, and her ebony hair gleamed like black satin. She looked delicious enough to eat, and Cole knew from experience that she tasted sweet all over. They had shared incredible passion in the cave the night before, and Cole yearned to experience it again. He tried to justify his hunger for Dawn by calling it lust. His mind accepted that explanation, but his heart was more difficult to convince.
Dawn fell asleep with the coffee cup in her hand. She awakened briefly when Cole took it from her and carried her to her bedroll. The urge to join her beneath the blanket was strong, but he resisted with admirable restraint. Each time he made love to Dawn he realized how imperative it was that he find a place for her with Running Elk. Cole couldn’t handle a permanent relationship. He wanted freedom to live with his memories of Morning Mist.
They traveled north through eastern Colorado. The weather remained hot and dry, with occasional cloudbursts cooling things down when the heat became unbearable. They kept to the eastern slopes of the Rockies, riding long days and usually finding adequate campsites near rivers and streams. They encountered few travelers, but those they did meet repeated rumors of a huge army of Indians gathering for battle. The battle was in retaliation for General George Custer’s expedition into their lands. They claimed he’d started a gold rush into the Black Hills in direct violation of their treaty.
Cole despised the White man’s greed and began to have second thoughts about thrusting Dawn into an unsettled and dangerous situation. But until he spoke with Running Elk, his plans would remain unchanged. He prayed that Running Elk would not join his allies. Running Elk was a wise and compassionate leader and would do what was best for his people.
Dawn knew little about Indian troubles. Billy had mentioned them from time to time, but she’d never paid much attention. Until now. Hearing about a brewing war sent fear spiraling through her. How could Cole endanger her life like that?
They had stopped for a cold lunch and were resting with their backs against a tall spruce tree. Dawn ate in thoughtful silence, then blurted out, “Perhaps you should leave me in the next town.” Earlier that day they had encountered a traveler who spoke in hushed tones about a huge gathering of Indian nations at the Little Big Horn. “I don’t want to be caught in the middle of a war.”
“We’ve come too far to turn back now,” Cole replied. “I trust Running Elk. I’m counting on him to remain cool and not rush off to join something that could mean the end of his people. I won’t leave you if danger exists.”
Dawn snorted derisively. “I don’t believe you. I know you want to be rid of me. I don’t blame you. I’m not your responsibility.”
“If I wanted to get rid of you I would have left you at the cabin.” He stared at her, wanting to kiss her but knowing what it would lead to. He seemed to have damn little control where Dawn was concerned. He took her hand and pulled her to her feet. “Time to go. I want to make our next campsite before dark.”
Dawn sighed. No matter what Cole said, she knew he wanted to be rid of her. She wished that the fierce, handsome Shadow Walker would return and make love to her the way he had in the cave. For some unknown reason Cole Webster avoided her like poison.
Chapter Ten
One morning Dawn awoke to find Shadow Walker staring at her. He was dressed in breechclout, moccasins and deerskin leggings. His chest was bare, covered only by a thick mat of curling red hair. The breechclout barely concealed the taut cheeks of his buttocks and the thrust of his sex, and Dawn found herself blushing.
“Why are you dressed like that?” she asked, unable to remove her gaze from his powerful masculine form. This half-naked savage was Cole Webster; however, he wasn’t the Cole Webster she knew.
“We’re in Indian territory. Shadow Walker will be familiar to the Indians we may encounter. I rode with the Sioux long enough to gain a reputation. Our safety may depend upon that reputation. From now on, it would be wise to think of me as Shadow Walker. Does my Indian guise bother you?”
Dawn swallowed reflexively. Bother her? Yes, in more ways than one. Didn’t he realize how his very presence affected her? Didn’t he know she never would have given herself to him if she hadn’t felt it was right? He hadn’t made love to her since that night in the cave, and she could only assume that he was trying to impress her with the fact that he didn’t need her.
“If you think transforming yourself into an Indian is necessary, then I have no objection. I rather like you this way.”
Two days later they encountered their first Indians. A small tribe of Oglalas passed them on their way to the Little Big Horn River in Montana Territory. Shadow Walker spoke with the chieftain and learned that the rumors about a huge army of Indians gathering on the Little Big Horn were true. He was greatly relieved when he learned that Running Elk had not yet joined the rush to the Little Big Horn.
They camped in a small glade that night. The long days of riding were taking their toll on Dawn, and Shadow Walker had begun stopping earlier each day to allow her ample time to rest. She usually fell asleep over their meal, which helped Shadow Walker uphold his vow to keep his hands off her. No matter how desperately he wanted to make love to her, he knew it would complicate their lives. The sooner she forgot him, the better off she’d be.
The following morning Shadow Walker became aware that they were being followed. When he saw a band of garishly painted Indians crowning a nearby hill, he hissed a warning to Dawn. “Don’t look back, we’re being followed.”
Dawn resisted the urge to turn her head toward the danger. “Are we in trouble?”
“I’m not sure. Until they ride close enough for me to identify, I won’t know. They could be renegades.”
Dawn paled at the word “renegade.” Did the Indians mean them harm? Would Cole’s guise as Shadow Walker save them?
“Here they come,” Shadow Walker warned as the renegades charged down the hill toward them. He calmly drew rein and waited. Dawn pulled Wally in close beside him.
The renegades surrounded them, whooping and eying the packhorse with interest. Shadow Walker brought Warrior around to challenge the leader. He recognized the squat Sioux renegade immediately. He and a group of Dog Soldiers had left Running Elk’s tribe when the chief took his people to the reservation. Speaking fluent Sioux, Shadow Walker boldly challenged the leader.
“Why do you stop us? Don’t you recognize me, Horned Owl? I am Shadow Walker, brother-in-law to Running Elk.”
Horned Owl stared at Shadow Walker, his ugly face revealing surprise. “It has been a long time, Shadow Walker. I heard you had left the People.”
“I have returned,” Shadow Walker said. “I seek Running Elk’s village.”
“Bah, Running Elk is a cowardly old woman. He hides on the reservation instead of fighting for the right to live free.” He thumped his chest with his forefinger. “Horned Owl will not let the White-eyes take our lands without a battle. Will you join our fight, Shadow Walker?”
“I sympathize with your cause, Horned Owl, but I have important business with Running Elk.”
Horned Owl’s dark gaze settled disconcertingly on Dawn, liking what he saw. “Is the woman yours?”
“The woman is called Dawn. She travels with me to Running Elk’s village. She carries Sioux blood in her veins.”
“A half-breed. No matter, I will buy her from you. I have many horses; name your price.”
Dawn moved closer to Shadow Walker. She was surprised at her ability to follow most of the conversation. It had been many
years since her mother had taught her the language, but little by little the words took on meaning.
“Dawn is not for sale.”
Horned Owl gave him a malevolent look. “We will discuss terms over a pipe. Come, you will accompany us to our campsite.”
Horned Owl spoke to his men, who immediately surrounded Shadow Walker and Dawn.
“What are we going to do now?” Dawn asked, trying not to panic.
“We’re going to go with them,” Shadow Walker said. “Don’t worry, I’ll not let them hurt you.”
Surrounded by the renegades, they rode a good two hours before arriving at a small encampment consisting of a dozen tipis. A few women and children moved about the rather decrepit village as several skinny dogs ran out to greet them. Shadow Walker thought it a pitiful example of the Indian villages he had known during his years with the People.
Horned Owl dismounted. Shadow Walker slid from Warrior’s back and helped Dawn to dismount. They followed Horned Owl to a lodge decorated with paintings of deer and elk. He ducked inside. Shadow Walker and Dawn followed.
“We will discuss terms now,” Horned Owl said without preamble as he lowered himself to the ground and settled against a backrest covered with skins. Shadow Walker and Dawn sat crossed-legged across from him.
Dawn shifted uncomfortably beneath Horned Owl’s avid scrutiny. She trusted Shadow Walker to get them out of this fix, but Horned Owl’s interest in her was worrisome. Why had she allowed Shadow Walker to drag her into this wilderness? She felt no kinship with Indians despite her mixed blood.
“There is nothing to talk about,” Shadow Walker said. “Dawn is not for sale.”
“You are my captives,” Horned Owl reminded him. “I have the power of life or death over you.”
“I am of the People,” Shadow Walker declared. “I was adopted into Running Elk’s tribe and earned my name through acts of bravery. Killing me will bring no honor to you.”