“Don’t move, Lilly. I’m still healing you, and I don’t need you to open what I’ve done. I’m Red Hawk. We met yesterday.”
Wetting her lips, Lilly met Kizzy’s gaze. “We have bigger problems right now, Red Hawk. They’re coming.” At once the heat was gone and Red Hawk scooted back. She knew he was staring out the back window, when he started to cuss.
“There is an old abandoned place up a head, we’ll have to make a stand there,” the driver yelled.
“Lilly cannot be jarred right now. Get the others to cover us when we carry her in, Two Eyes,” Red Hawk snapped.
Lilly took a deep breath. “Stop the van and let me out, and you all go. You know he wants me.”
Kizzy placed her hand on her shoulder. “Do not move. We are not going anywhere. You are not sacrificing yourself for any of us.” Kizzy bent down, her gaze meeting hers. “Believe me, I know how you feel, but these men won’t hear of it, and it will just piss them off more. You really don’t want Dark Horse mad, he’s already close to the edge, right?"
The van stopped. “I should be able to help,” Lilly mumbled as the door opened next to her.
“You do help, Lilly. You’re Dark Horse’s reason for going on,” the driver, Two Eyes told her. He helped Red Hawk lift the board she was on, moving into a small, almost empty storefront. Kizzy and Emma ran in front of them, crouching down behind an old freezer.
Lowering her to the floor, Red Hawk leaned over and whispered. “We have plenty of men to keep them at bay till the others show up. Your job is to stay still and rest.”
, Red Hawk and Two Eyes moved to the front of the store, waiting when she felt a small, cold hand slide into hers, Emma. The girl smiled at her, trying to be strong, but fear filled her gaze. “He’ll come,” she mouthed to the little girl, but did she really believe his promise?
Lilly couldn’t blame him on the shooting. A sharpshooter could take out anyone.
“Down,” Red Hawk yelled right before an explosion rattled the building and shattered windows.
“All those things that were in there,” Emma whispered, glancing up to where they had come.
“We can replace things, Emma, but we can’t replace you,” Lilly mumbled and coughed.
Kizzy nodded and squeezed her shoulder right before bullets started to hit the sides of the building.
“You know, I’m so glad I didn’t join the army like I was planning to.” Lilly tried to smile. Kizzy and Emma lay plastered on the floor next to her. “I think we’re going to have to come up with some major protection for these tunnels they’re searching for, because after this…”
“I think a few tigers to prowl around would be nice,” Kizzy growled.
Emma smiled. “How about a moat with alligators in it?”
“Hell, we’re going to have to get that special bulletproof glass, too,” Lilly grumbled as a few shots flew over their heads, coming close. “I think it’s time Dad called some of his army friends and start gathering stuff.”
A few minutes after the shots started to die down, Emma started to lift her head, but Lilly tugged her down again. “Don’t. They can be waiting for us to move.” She tried to forget about the new pain in her lower calf, from what she had no idea.
“Soon, ladies. Our men are starting to pick a few of them off, and I hear bikes coming,” Two Eyes yelled to them. “You okay back there?”
“I think I was hit in the thigh, and if I’m not mistaken Lilly was hit again,” Kizzy growled.
She sighed, “Yeah, lower calf, but it’s not like I’m not in pain anyway. Just call me a human pin cushion.”
“I know we could get a metal detector.” Emma smiled at her.
“I’m afraid that wouldn’t work. Every warrior would set it off with the knives and things they carry.” Lilly grunted, when she felt someone behind her.
“Easy, it’s me. I want to check you both out. Dark Horse and Running Wolf are out there, so we’re safe for now.” Red Hawk carefully turned her leg. “A piece of wood caught you from where the bullet hit, sending it up in the air. Hold still while I pull this out and then I’ll check on Kizzy.”
“I hate to say this, but why does it seem they have more men than we thought?” Kizzy growled, what she had been thinking.
“That’s because they do, and from what I’ve seen out the window it’s someone that shouldn’t be there.” Red Hawk yanked the piece of wood out of her leg.
“Fuck that hurt,” she snapped and tried to lift up, but another hand held her down.
“Don’t move, little flower, and watch the mouth. It’s too pretty to be sprouting such ugliness.” Dark Horse’s voice was like a calming balm to her nerves.
“You’re okay?” she wanted to see him.
“Two Eyes, grab the first aid kit out of Dark Horse’s bike,” Red Hawk yelled.
“You’ll have to use Night Wing’s. My bike is back in town with two sliced tires as is Running Wolf’s,” Dark Horse growled.
“Damn it, I hate lying here,” Lilly snarled. Two seconds later, Dark Horse was leaning over her, placing a kiss on her cheek.
“You will do as Red Hawk says. I lost you once, little flower. I will not lose you again. I don’t like being scared, and you scared the living shit out of me. We will be speaking about your need to place yourself in danger later.” He nipped her earlobe.
“There is nothing to talk about. I wasn’t about to let anything happen to Kizzy or Emma. Plus, I really didn’t think it would be that bad.” Lilly took a deep breath as Dark Horse reached over and squeezed Emma’s shoulder.
“You have done really good, not panicking. I’m proud of you, Emma, and glad to have you in our family. When it’s safe, we’ll go back to your home and collect what you want, but first we get rid of this threat hanging over us.” Dark Horse took the first aid kit from Two Eyes and handed it to Red Hawk who now worked on Kizzy’s leg.
“I’m afraid you got that bullet, Kizzy.” Red Hawk dug in the first aid kit as Running Wolf joined them, kneeling down next to his wife.
“We have any alive?” Dark Horse asked as she felt a cool wet cloth on her leg.
“Three, and one of them was at breakfast yesterday morning.” Running Wolf’s gaze met hers.
Lilly heard Dark Horse jump up behind her, the cool cloth gone from her leg. “He’s a dead man.”
“Sit down and take care of your woman. We will get our women home safe, healed, and secure, then we’ll deal with the traitors our way.” Running Wolf smiled, but it wasn’t a good smile. A shiver went down her spine.
“You are right, but I hate leaving them to breath the same air we are,” Dark Horse grumbled, sitting back down and taking her leg, gently cleaning it. “We have another van coming, but it won’t be here for a little bit.”
“Not to mention Stephan is beyond furious,” Running Wolf grunted, making Kizzy groan as her brother came around the corner.
“What the hell happened?” Mason slid in behind Running Wolf. “You’re so not going anywhere again,” Mason growled, watching Red Hawk pull out the bullet.
“Shut the fuck up,” Kizzy snapped. “Why is every time we get hurt they start throwing out more stupid rules.” Kizzy rolled her eyes, causing Emma to giggle.
“Don’t think I know you just rolled those eyes,” Mason grumbled.
Running Wolf shook his head. “Enough, you two. How is she, Red Hawk?”
“I got the bullet out and shut the wound, but she’ll be sore for a few days. I could heal it fully, but I need to do another round on Lilly’s back.” Red Hawk sat back on his butt and she saw how tired he was.
“I can wait a few hours. Maybe you need to rest? For a dark man, you appear a little white there,” Lilly smiled at the amazing man, Red Hawk with a truly gods-given gift. “You’ll have to explain to me later how your gifts work and how you brought me back because I know for a fact I shouldn’t be talking to you right now.”
Red Hawk put a thick pad of gauze
on Kizzy’s wound. “There are many things in the world that we can’t explain. My talent is one of those things.” Red Hawk sat back against the wall, again. “Kizzy will be fine. Keep a bandage on it and the leg up when we get them back to the house,” Red Hawk informed Running Wolf, before turning back to her. “I really didn’t know about my gift till I was about seven. It feels like another lifetime.”
Lilly frowned. “Red Hawk you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. I didn’t mean to pry, I was just curious, well because being an RN, I know what you did was a miracle to me.”
“It is to me, too, each time I help someone, like Kizzy and you. But the first time it scared the living crap out of me. If it wasn’t for Soaring Eagle, I think I would have gone crazy.” He shook his head and took a deep breath.
“You really don’t have to explain.” Dark Horse took her shoes off and proceeded to rub her feet.
“No, I don’t mind, anyway, and we have time. As I was saying, I was seven when there was an accident on the reservation. We had been having massive rains, and the roofs of one of the stores had collapsed. I was across the street running an errand for my mother when it happened. People were coming out of the place crying, blood all over them, but when they brought out the owner, Mr. Wess, my whole body started to burn, almost as if I was being led across the street by some unseen hand.” He glanced back at her and smiled. "You know what the weirdest thing was?”
She frowned. “What?”
“That it seemed everyone around me knew I could help him. They moved out of the way as I made my way to him. Pulsing energy was coursing through me. I’m surprised it didn’t fry my brain. But as soon as I touched Mr. Wess, it was like I was in a small tunnel, traveling through his body to the areas that need the most help. I don’t know how long I was kneeling beside him when I felt a firm hand on my shoulder. Soaring Eagle caught me when I would have fallen over from exhaustion. It’s not like surgery, more like intense heat surrounding the injured part, if that makes sense.”
“Impressive. Makes total sense, really. It’s one of our bodies’ ways of healing themselves. There are many cases of small incidents of this healing, and it has to do with the fingertips and a warming sensation. Well, I thank you for saving me.” She tried to move just a little and heard the growls.
“Let’s get this second healing done so I don’t have to worry about you moving.” Red Hawk came over to her and pulled the blankets down to expose her back.
“Sorry. I always did have trouble holding still, even when I was small. It drove my dad crazy,” Lilly smiled. “I guess it’s Dark Horse’s time to go crazy.”
Kizzy laughed, glancing behind her. “I have to admit I might have the same problem.”
“Might? You do, and I’m beginning to think the possible solution is to handcuff your cute butt to our bed, but I know our daughter needs you,” Running Wolf grumbled.
“I have a few pairs of handcuffs that would work nicely on you, little flower. Matter of fact, I picked up a new pair on the way here.” Dark Horse moved to her other side, whispering in her ear, “Now, be a good pet. I’d hate to have to spank this cute butt when before I have the chance to worship it.” Dark Horse placed his hand on her ass.
Chapter Twelve
If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles.
Sun Tzu
Dark Horse got in the back of the van, sitting next to Lilly who had finally fallen asleep after Red Hawk’s last healing session.
Red Hawk was resting against the side of the van next to her as they headed back toward their temporary home.
He smiled, brushing her hair away from her face. His little flower hadn’t mumbled a word after Dark Horse had informed her what he couldn’t wait to do. Yes, one day soon he would be burying his cock in her ass, but first he would claim his Lilly, making her his body and soul.
“You keep staring at me like that, I’m going to burn up.” She smiled at him. “Do you think Dad’s okay? What if they went after them, too?”
He leaned down, placing a kiss on her cheek. “Your father is fine. I spoke with Stephan before we left. They are waiting for us and have security all around the property. They’re safe.”
“Why did that group join with Fuzz? You would think they’d hate anything to do with him.”
“We don’t know yet, but we’ll find out. Not to worry. For them to totally ignore what the Great Mother is saying, well there hasn’t to be something we are missing. But I don’t want you to worry about it. We’ll figure it out soon.”
“We didn’t get to help the townsfolk like I wanted. Hell, I didn’t see anyone except for Emma.” She frowned. “You don’t think they have enough men to take the town again, do you?” Lilly tried to rise up, but he held her down.
“Calm down, Lilly. They aren’t going to take the town. Our men are there now, along with the federal agents we called in. Believe me, right now, your town has so many FBI agents crawling around, not even this Fuzz is going to want to show his face, let alone these men.”
She let out the breath she’d been holding. “You’re going after him, aren’t you?”
Red Hawk was staring at him. “Yes, as soon as I get you tucked into our bed, fed, and make sure our new place is secure,” he told her.
“And you’re going with him?” Kizzy sat next to Emma, staring at Running Wolf.
“Yes, they shot at my woman. It’s time to revert to the old days. Plus, you double-cross us, it’s the last time you will hurt anyone. But I have a feeling the Great Mother might beat us to the punch on some of the men.”
Dark Horse couldn’t help but growl. “I hope she leaves me Fuzz. We already have the sheriff. I have plans for each one.”
“So much anger. Tell me, did this Fuzz do something to you?” Lilly peered up at him and covering his hand with hers. “Because you don’t need to do anything dangerous for me. Matter of fact, I’d rather you wouldn’t. If something were to happen…”
Dark Horse knelt down so his nose was touching hers. “Nothing is going to happen to me or Running Wolf, and you alone are enough reason for this hunt, but there are things going on here. You will not worry about this, little flower. The only thing I want you to do is rest and get well, because I have a night out planned for the two of us when this is done. Have you ever been to New Orleans?”
When her eyes got all big, he smiled.
“But do we have time? There’s so much to do,” Lilly frowned and he could see the wheels turning.
Dark Horse kissed her because he had no choice. “Two nights will not make a difference, and I truly believe you deserve those nights. My gift to you, our wedding.”
“Our what?” Lilly sputtered and glared at him. “I’ve known you two days and you’re planning our marriage without even asking me?”
He couldn’t but help laugh at her expression. “Yes, your father has already given you to me, and I’m keeping you.”
“You can’t keep people, Dark Horse,” Lilly growled, glaring at him. Behind him he heard giggling and turned his gaze on Emma.
“And what are you laughing at young lady? Remember you’ll be living with us, and just wait till those boys start lining up.” Dark Horse pulled out his smaller knife, staring at Emma the whole time.
“You can’t be serious?” Emma squeaked and peeked around him. “He’s not serious, is he?”
“I have a feeling he’s very serious, but two heads are better than one, I’m thinking, when it comes to this man,” Lilly said.
“I accept the challenge and don’t worry, I’m quite ready for the job for both of you.” Dark Horse smiled.
“Don’t worry. You are not the only one who is going to have trouble when our daughter gets older,” Kizzy grumbled, facing Running Wolf.
“There will be no trouble. Our daughter isn’t setting foot out of our home unless I approve of who she is with. Simple.” He shrugged.
“Why do I get the
feeling he’s going to be worse than my father was?” Emma groaned.
Dark Horse laughed and patted her leg. “Not to worry. We’ll take good care of you.”
The van slowed, drawing his attention.
“What is it?” They were still a few miles from their home base.
“It seems that we have company, um the good kind,” Jay Bird turned and nodded to the car in front of them on the side of the road. “Looks like your friend from Ohio has found his way here.”
Sliding between the seats, Dark Horse laughed and shook his head. “I should have known Tack wouldn’t allow a little thing like states stop him from coming and getting in on some of the action.”
Running Wolf smacked him on the shoulder. “He reminds me of you so much, but more controlled. At least that was what I thought. But then again, if his brother is here, of course Tack would come.
Dark Horse grunted as Jay Bird pulled over to the side of the road. Opening the side door, he glanced at Lilly. “I can’t wait for you to meet Tack. Next to Running Wolf, Tack is one of my best friends and one of the best detectives around. He and his brother are both here to help us, and it seems they have brought friends too.” He reached over and squeezed her foot. “I’ll be right back.”
Jumping out of the van, Dark Horse heard Kizzy grumbling. “That’s what you call male bonding. I’m surprised they don’t take off their shirts and beat their chests.”
Dark Horse grinned at Running Wolf who was getting out of the van. “Sounds like someone needs a little attention when we get back.”
Running Wolf smiled. The heated stare he gave his wife would make anyone hot. “And I will make sure to take care of that, too.”
“What? You will not touch my ass again. It’s still sore from the last spanking you gave me,” she snapped.
Running Wolf snorted and moved beside him, meeting Tack and his brother Flynn, shaking their hands.
“Does your boss know you’re here?” Dark Horse asked, hugging the man he considered a brother of the heart.
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