Rebecca and Windrider parted and exchanged smiles. “Come, we must return to camp,” he advised cautiously, his breathing ragged. “I must not take you until you are my woman,” he vowed with difficulty. Hand in hand, they walked to his tepee. Before entering, he squeezed her hand, then released his grip on it.
Bright Arrow glanced up at them. Hope surged through him, for he knew there had not been enough time for them to have made love. He should have known they would not betray him behind his back. He realized both were waiting for him to relinquish his hold over Rebecca before Windrider claimed her. He prayed there was reason to hope and dream. He could not free her until there was absolutely no other choice. If they loved each other, why couldn’t she live here in her own tepee, waiting for his visits, waiting for Grandfather to find a path to send her home to him? He could supply all of her needs; he could make gifts to Windrider and others for her protection. He smiled to himself confidently, now doubting he would ever release her.
Early the next morning, Windrider and many others went hunting. Bright Arrow remained in camp to prepare himself for his journey and mission. Sucoora was occupied with the children and with preparing food for the men’s trip, while Rebecca spent her time doing the chores—gathering wood, fetching water, collecting vegetables, and washing garments. She told Sucoora she was riding over to a secluded area not far away to gather elm caps, spider lilies, and leeks for their evening meal. She said she also needed to collect yellow pond lilies for the men’s medicine bundles; the plants were used to stop bleeding. Bright Arrow announced that he would put aside his own tasks to accompany her.
She gaped at him in astonishment. “You want to go with me? Why?” she asked skeptically. As if mesmerized, she remained immobile, her eyes wide and her lips parted.
With joy, Bright Arrow observed her reaction. His gaze went to those soft lips that Windrider had tasted the night before, lips he longed to taste for perhaps the last time. “I ride away on the new sun. Do you not wish my company and last words?” he inquired, a lump in his throat making it difficult for him to utter the torturous question.
With honesty shining in her eyes, she responded, “You have not sought or desired my company or words in many suns and moons. Is there some reason why you do so today?” she ventured in dread. Did he plan to sever their relationship before he left? If so, how could she stall Windrider until Bright Arrow’s return, when she could fight for him and for their life together? Was he going to end her final hope?
Bright Arrow noted her hesitation, which seemed to be laced with fear and torment. “Do you reject my presence?” he probed anxiously.
“It is you who have rejected mine,” she accused softly. “If you think to protect me from enemies, I’m not afraid to go alone. A warrior does not ride with a woman when she does her chores. Is there something you wish to say before you leave?” she queried nervously.
“There is much danger and great honor in obeying Grandfather’s commands. If I do not return, there are things I wish you to know from my lips. If I do return in honor, my deed could win great favor with my people. It will earn my return to them. It could influence their vote for you,” he added.
Shock registered on her face. Was he leaving to attempt some perilous deed in order to keep her? She was confused; his current behavior didn’t match his past words. “I don’t understand, Bright Arrow. Are you saying you haven’t given up hope for us?”
Her tone and expression said that she believed he had. He suspected that it was the reason she was turning to Windrider. He quickly reflected on his recent behavior and realized why she was bewildered and doubtful. In his turmoil, he had been sending her false signals. Even if he were ordered to sacrifice her, that didn’t mean he agreed with such a decision or accepted it. It didn’t mean that he was relieved to have Windrider take his place. She doubted his love and loyalty! She felt betrayed and rejected! How foolish and rash he had been. He had to clarify these matters before he departed.
“If you believe such words, then we must talk,” he stated gravely. “I have clouded your mind and injured your heart. I will ride with you, and we will clear this haze between us.” He took her arm, leading her to the horses, and together they rode from the camp.
Rebecca gathered the leeks and stored them in a parfleche. She mounted again and rode to another location. There she collected the lilies, one for greens and one for medicine. Then she guided the horse to a grove of elms to collect the mushroom caps. When all of her tasks were completed, she turned and observed Bright Arrow. He had followed her moves without speaking or interfering. She wondered if he had changed his mind. “I’m ready to return to camp,” she informed him.
“I am not,” he casually replied. “Do you still love me?” he asked, stunning her, his dark eyes drilling into her startled gaze.
“I don’t follow your meaning,” she stammered.
He stepped to within inches of her, watching her gaze roam over his features and body. He noted with pleasure the sudden flush on her cheeks. Clearly she was disturbed by his nearness. “I love you, and I need you, Rebecca. I want you and no other woman. I will battle to keep you. I will not free you until I am certain there is no hope for our life-circles to join. Do not ever doubt such feelings,” he implored her.
Rebecca turned her back to him. She wondered why he was doing this to her. How could he tempt her this way, then leave? Damn! she raged inwardly. He knew he was going to choose his people and rank over her, so why was he tempting her with a prize she could not win? Did those words and emotions mean so little to him? He was ready and willing to end it, so why did he play with her in this brutal way? He couldn’t have her, but he couldn’t stand for another man to do so! What did he expect from her— to be bound in heart If’not in life?
Bright Arrow’s pulse quickened. Was it too late? he wondered in silence. Had she given up on him, on them? Had he hurt her too deeply for her to forgive him? Was she afraid to respond to him, to reach out to him? Did she fear she had lost him? Did she wish to punish him, to hurt him as she was hurting? The cold knife of fear entered his gut and twisted painfully. Was she in love with Windrider? Was she afraid she would lose Windrider if she revealed any love or desire for him? Was she trying to protect herself, her new future, by withdrawing from him?
Bright Arrow gently captured her shoulders and turned her to face him. “I have hurt you deeply these last moons. I am unworthy of you. You sacrifice all for me; yet I seek my honor above all else. How do I explain I am not a man without my honor? How do I explain I cannot survive without my destiny? What good is half a man to you? I am only a lowly man. I have a man’s flaws. Do not expect me to be perfect, to be strong and wise at all times. It is impossible. Two voices cry out to me, and I cannot answer and follow both. How do I make you understand that I wish you to be part of both? It is easy to say I can release you, but the doing brings pain beyond endurance. Even the sun dance does not hurt as much as losing you. How can I free you and return home? How can I return home if I do not? Is there no end to this torment? I love you, Rebecca Kenny.”
Bright Arrow meshed his mouth to hers in almost savage desperation, as if the urgent kiss and embrace would stress his feelings and thoughts. She was dazed by the potency of his unleashed desires and clung to him ardently, matching his eager kisses. His arms tightened so much that she lost the air in her lungs. His lips eagerly plundered hers. He feared he would be consumed by the fires that raged within his body. He knew he could easily rip the garments from her body and make fierce love to her. As he tried to master his searing passion, he leaned away from her and longingly memorized her face.
It was a look she had not seen in a long time, but one she recognized. Her heart sang joyfully as she saw that the exercises, practices, hunts, raids, and Indian surroundings had been extremely good for him. He radiated such tremendous strength, such dauntless courage, such utter masculinity. She marveled at his arresting appeal, his undeniable prowess, his stimulating virility. Once again their pas
sions kindled as they had when first they had met; he was a potent magnet that her iron will could not resist. He was a copper-skinned male animal with bold onyx eyes and a predator’s skills and instincts. She acutely sensed and smelled his heady proximity, and overwhelming desire invaded her body and mind. He was beguiling, disarming. He was masterful and magnificent; he was the legendary Bright Arrow once more. Tremors of anticipation passed, over her tingling flesh.
Bright Arrow observed her just as intensely. Was it her beauty, her compelling aura, or some other force which irresistibly drew him to her? She was breathtaking and vital. She was fragile, yet she was strong. Her amber eyes were compelling, caressing, adoring. Her voice was as soft as the petals on a flower, as was her sun-kissed flesh. Tenderness and desire filled his body. He fondled a flaming curl, then grinned as it clung to his finger. Skillfully he enticed her with his deft hands, his stimulating lips, his alluring smile.
“How I do love you and want you,” he repeated seductively.
“As I love you, Bright Arrow.” The words helplessly slipped from her lips as she flung herself into his arms. “I will love you until the day I cease to breathe,” she murmured against his flesh before spreading kisses over it and swirling her tongue around the two brown peaks on his chest. It thrilled and tantalized her when he shuddered and groaned. She could feel the straining hardness of his manhood against her and knew that he was as deeply aroused as she.
When his hands wandered over her quivering body, she whispered raggedly, “If you do not make love to me, I shall surely die from need.”
Without inhibition or care, Rebecca responded to him with a fever that spread its fiery warmth to Bright Arrow. He unfastened her dress and removed it, tossing it over a fallen limb. Her bloomers quickly followed, and his garments were cast aside with a matching swiftness. They sank into the grass and wildflowers, clinging fervently and urgently. The time was right for them to declare their love and share their passion.
His mouth greedily sought the points on her breasts, encompassing and stimulating each one in turn. She closed her eyes and enjoyed this long-denied pleasure, these blissful sensations that sensually attacked her body. As if he wanted to sample every inch of her delectable body, his exploring tongue roamed the willing territory that his hands traveled. She was like the newborn fawn, and he, the attentive doe. His mouth roved her silky skin until it glistened with his loving moisture. Every so often his lips would find a special place, causing her to writhe and moan in exquisite pleasure. He would linger there to tantalize her until she pleaded for mercy.
To give such rapture was intoxicating. It inspired a heady feeling of power in him. Suddenly she joined his tempting game. Hundreds of tiny kisses flickered over his bronze frame, stirring his senses to a higher level of arousal. His respiration became labored and uneven. Through passion-glazed eyes Bright Arrow watched Rebecca ecstatically torment his throbbing shaft. The tension mounted until he squirmed in the grass. Undeniably, her hands and lips were as skilled at giving pleasure as his!
He pushed her to her back and lifted her legs. Gluing his ravenous attention to an enticing sight that threatened to steal his control, he delivered several more kisses to her inner thighs, then locked his lips to a quivering peak that pleaded for relief. His experienced tongue circled the tiny mound, then nibbled teasingly at it. “Please,” she whimpered in great need to end this sweet agony.
He smiled, then drove into her moist and receptive body. As he set a regular pattern, he watched the erotic and titillating vision. Her body was greedy for his. Each time he entered, her womanhood locked around him, almost refusing to release him for another blissful plunge. From her reactions and dampness, he knew it was time to increase his speed and carry out his intent. Pressing his weight to her breast, his mouth fused to hers, he pounded his groin against hers. He worked swiftly and deliberately, guiding her over the point of no return, then quickly followed. Their spasms blended together as each reveled in the staggering explosion of passion.
Bright Arrow mastered his breathing, then propped an elbow on either side of her neck. “No matter what power says otherwise, you are mine. No matter where our bodies are, our hearts will beat as one. Whatever the future holds for us, my true heart, there can never be another love as powerful, as perfect, or as passionate as ours,” he murmured tenderly.
“Where are you going, my love? What did the vision tell you?” she inquired apprehensively, believing she could now ask these questions and receive the truth. Her fingers playfully teased the toned muscles on his back. She looked up into his yearning gaze, which altered rapidly at her queries. Instantly she realized he did not want to discuss those crucial subjects, for tiny lines of resistance had furrowed his brow.
Despite his obstinate expression, there was almost a note of pleading in his voice when he said, “Do not ask. I must keep this mission secret from all. If it slips past any mouth, I will be in grave danger. I have told no one but the council and Windrider. Remain here and wait for my return. If all goes as planned, my people will be unable to reject either of us.”
“What if something happens to you? I won’t know where you are or why you went away,” she protested. “If the Cheyenne can know of your mission, why can’t I? Am I not closer to you than all of the Cheyenne combined? I will not try to sway you from this quest,” she promised, thinking that this might be the reason for his reluctance.
“My life depends on secrecy,” he insisted refusing to explain further.
“I would tell no one!” she declared angrily. “Do you no longer trust me? Besides, who would I see to tell such a secret?”
“You must trust me, Rebecca. I cannot speak of the quest until it is over,” he replied, firmly standing his ground.
“But you told others,” she argued. “When will you return?” she delved, trying another approach to this vexing quandary.
“I do not know,” he replied. He rolled to his broad back and placed his hands beneath his head. Though it appeared he stared at the leaves above him, his thoughts were far away in Yankton, where the two white-eyes whose exposure could expedite his freedom from this life of nothingness were camping. If he had not been living as half a man in the white tepee of logs, Grandfather might have sent him this message sooner! The white dogs would have been stopped before they entered the Sioux territory. It riled him to know how the whites were deceiving his Yankton brothers and many other tribes with their false words and blinding gifts. He was glad Grandfather had waited until he had recovered himself before sending this critical vision to another warrior. Surely there was some vital reason why Grandfather had chosen him! Surely this meant Grandfather wanted him returned to his people—and in great honor. Yet, Rebecca had not been in his vision; or if she had, he could not recall it. Perhaps Granidfather would send a message about her later, after this victory had been won… for Bright Arrow could not envision defeat or failure.
Rebecca rolled to her side and observed him. He was tightly ensnared by his tangled thoughts. Now that he was sated, she realized, he had returned to his remote world where she was not permitted entrance. She should have questioned him while he was trapped in the throes of wild desire! But she had been too distracted by her own urgent passion to think about anything but him and her needs. It was too late to provoke information now that his wits and will had returned. “Where do you ride tomorrow?” she asked.
He inhaled deeply, then flexed his agile body. “Wherever the quest leads me,” he responded distractedly, closing his eyes as if to take a nap, or to sink deeper into his private domain.
Rebecca shook him to gain his attention. She was tired of being left out of everything! She had a right to know where her husband was going and why! Her husband… He wasn’t and might never be her lawful mate. Yet, for all the years and emotions and hardships they had shared, he owed her an explanation; he owed her some consideration and loyalty! “If you loved me, Bright Arrow, you would trust me,” she challenged frostily. “No doubt you can hardly wait to
be gone from me and your troubles! Go then!” she shrieked. “But don’t give me another thought, for I might not be around when you return. I might be tired of waiting in the dark alone,” she warned. “If you truly loved me and wanted me, there wouldn’t be this wall between us.” She pushed him aside and sat up to retrieve her garments.
“That is not so, little heart,” he replied, sitting up quickly.
Tears stung her amber eyes, and she sniffled to control them. She reminded him as she yanked on her clothing, “There was a time when we shared anything and everything. That day is lost forever, and it pains me deeply. Your enemies know more of you and your plans than I do. You are forcing me from your life as surely as if the council had already voted against me. Go if you must, but torment me no more.”
Rebecca raced for her horse and mounted while Bright Arrow was still struggling to dress. Without glancing back, she galloped to the pond where she had collected the lilies. Sliding from the horse’s back and tying her reins to a small bush, she brazenly yanked off her clothes and cast them aside. Then she flung herself into the pond and splashed around, needing to wash off the clinging feel of Bright Arrow and their passion. As she rubbed her hands over her body, she inwardly cursed her weaknesses and his obstinate pride.
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