Part One Chapter One Rock Creek 1863 Alyna sighed impatiently as Ms. Fitzsimmons continued to write the weekend assignments on the black board. It was a beautiful clear day outside, and Alyna wanted nothing more than to be outside. Just a few more minutes, she reminded herself. Just a few more minutes and class would be over. Out of the corner of her eye she watched as two of the older boys pointed out the window and excitedly began to whisper. Alyna didn’t have to look at what, or rather who, had captivated the boy’s attention. The whole town knew he was there. “Alyna McAllister!” Ms. Fitzsimmons slapped the thin long yard stick on the corner of the young girl’s desk, missing her hand by a few inches. “Yes Ma’am.” Alyna jumped slightly and looked up at the stern elderly woman. “Pay attention!” The elderly woman walked back to the front of the room and continued writing on the board. Not wanting to be reprimanded again, Alyna diligently wrote down the assignments. Alyna cringed. She didn’t want to clean the erasers, or worse, getting spanked with the paddle in front of the whole class. She detested Ms. Fitzsimmons. It was no wonder the woman never got married, she suppressed a giggle. Ms. Fitzsimmons was the town’s spinster. Everyday she wore the same plain brown dress and pulled her grey hair back into a tight bun that pulled her skin tightly across her face. She reminded Alyna of an old witch in one of the fairy tales her mother use to tell her back in Ireland. “Alyna!” Penelope poked her friend lightly. Her eyes lit up and she grabbed her friends hand hastily. “Come on! He’s here!” “I told you he would be!” Alyna giggled and followed Penelope towards the jail house. “How long is he going to be here again?” Penelope got a dreamy look in her eyes and fanned herself with her hand. “My Father said just a few months, until Marshal Hunter is better.” “Missus James Butler Hickok.” Penelope giggled again. “How does that sound?” The two girls giggled and walked past him slowly and into the general store. Penelope was content to gawk out the window at the temporary Marshal as Alyna browsed through the few dresses that hung near the window. “Good day Mrs. Jameson.” Alyna smiled as she held open the door for the elderly woman. “Oh, you are such a sweet girl.” Mrs. Jameson patted her hand. “You know I use to be almost as pretty as you are. When I was your age, but that was a long time ago.” Alyna giggled and shut the door. “Do you need some help with your shopping?” “No sweetheart. Mr. Tompkins will help me.” “Do you think he’ll be at the picnic tomorrow?” Penelope interrupted as the old woman carried on about her younger years. “I suppose so.” Alyna smiled deviously. “Why don’t you just ask him?” “Noooo!” Penelope blushed furiously. “I will then.” Alyna took a step towards the door. “Alyna! You wouldn’t dare!” Penelope almost squealed as she pulled her friend back. “Alright!” She giggle and rolled her eyes. “I won’t.” “Would you like me to ask him for you?” A deep voice asked teasingly. Alyna broke into fits of laughter as Penelope’s already flushed face became even redder. “I don’t recall asking for your assistance.” Penelope said haughtily then grabbed Alyna’s hand and yanked her out the door behind her, causing Alyna to trip several times on the hem of her skirts. “Penelope! Stop I’m going to fall.” Alyna laughed and wriggled out of Penelope’s grasp. “Stop laughing!” “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean,” “How dare he embarrass me like that?” Penelope’s voice grew shriller. “He was just teasing,” “I don’t care if he is a deputy; he’s just a half-breed.” She scowled. “He needs to know his place in this town.” Alyna was quite as she and Penelope walked towards the east end of town. She just didn’t understand why the people in Rock Creek feared the deputy so much. She knew that the renegade Indians in the area were dangerous, but not him. Not Buck Cross. She smiled and glanced back at the two men sitting outside the jail house. “What are you smilin’ about Buck?” Jimmy raised his head up as his friend walked towards him grinning with a glint in his eye. “Looks like you got an admirer.” Buck motioned to the two girls as they walked out of town. “The Mayor’s daughter?” Jimmy raised an eyebrow as he watched the pretty redhead and her friend walked slowly towards the edge of town. The girls glancing back in his direction, giggling. “Nope.” Buck nodded and leaned against the wooden railing. “The other one.” “Neither of you boys should be looking that long at either of those two girls.” Rachel admonished them. “Rachel we’re just lookin’.” “Jimmy those girls are too young to be gaped at by you.” Rachel turned to Buck who was laughing. “That goes for you too Buck.” “Yes Ma’am.” Buck concealed his smiled and nodded. “Sure are pretty though.” Jimmy waited until Rachel was out of earshot and smiled broadly. “No harm in lookin’.” “Don’t let Rachel hear you.” Buck smiled broadly. “Would you hurry up Penny?” Alyna flung herself dramatically across the pink coverlet and sighed. She had been sitting on Penelope’s bed for at least thirty minutes, while her friend to decide which dress to wear. “Well I want to catch his attention,” “If you don’t hurry he’s going to be gone.” “All right.” Penelope scowled. “Just because you don’t have anyone to look good for.” Alyna bit her lip in order to keep from retorting. She didn’t want to discuss this with Penelope that was for sure. The two had been thrown together since the McAllister’s moved to Rock Creek. For the most part she liked Penelope, but there were times like this when she questioned their friendship. “Well?” Penelope twirled and waited. “What do you think?” She demanded. “You look terrific.” Alyna nodded and smiled. She watched Penelope twirl around in her pink taffeta dress, her long blond hair bouncing around her face. She did look terrific, though she would have said it even if she didn’t; just to get her out of the house. Alyna listened half heartedly to what her friend was saying, though her thoughts were elsewhere. Her thoughts drifted to him, she knew he would be there today; she had taken extra care in pinning her hair that morning. She herself had gone through several different dresses as well, finally deciding on a pale lavender one with white lace trim. “Alyna? Are you listening to me?” “Yeah, uh huh.” “So what do you think?” Penelope’s eyes grew wide as the man she sought came into her view. “Oh, never mind, there he is. I think I should accidentally bump into him. What do you think?” “Sure.” Alyna nodded and watched as Penelope strolled over to where James Hickok was standing. She was as subtle as the working ladies at the saloon Alyna smiled, then immediately chastised herself for the unkind thought. She straightened her bonnet and headed towards the large crowd of town’s people. This was the annual town picnic and it seamed that everyone was enjoying the festivities. It wasn’t often that the townsfolk got together and celebrated, but the town’s anniversary was enough reason. Alyna looked around at all the women in their finest dresses and smelling of perfume, while the men seemed to be in quite jovial moods. She eyed the heaping bowl of fresh ripe strawberries and promptly popped one in her mouth, savoring the sweet juice before adding a few more to her plate. “Let me carry that for you Alyna.” “Thank you Gabe.” She smiled and handed him her plate. “You look mighty beautiful today.” He smiled bashfully and continued to hold both their plates out as she served up the food. Alyna smiled and bit her lower lip softly as she looked up at her friend. A couple years older than her, and a few inches taller, Gabriel Fredrickson was handsome. She had thought so ever since she laid eyes on him. With his blonde wavy hair that always seemed to be just perfect, and his smoky blue eyes that made most girls week in the knees. Most girls, but not her. She found him handsome, and they were good friends, but ever since he had kissed her outside at the church social it had reaffirmed in her mind he was just a friend. “Alyna?” He pulled a chair out for her. “Are you alright? You seem preoccupied today.” “Oh yes, thank you Gabe. I was just thinking.” “Of me perhaps?” “Actually yes.” Alyna smiled and looked into his eyes. “I was just thinking how lucky I am to have such a good friend as you. Why you’re the older brother I never had.” “Oh, I see.” She couldn’t help but notice the look of rejection on his face, but she also didn’t want to encourage him. She knew he had plans of courting her; he had even talked to her father already. After which her father had informed her that he gave Gabe permission to court her after her seventeenth birthday. “Oh Alyna!” Penelope rushed to the chair next to her. “You’ll never believe it!” “What is that?” “He actually said hello to me! Can you believe it? He knew my name!” “Penelope, everyone knows your name. Your father is the richest man in town.” Penelope shot Gabriel a bothersome look and continued on gushing about how James Hickok knew her name. Penelope’s chattering came to a halt when Deputy Cross and Marshal Hunter walked by their table and tipped their hats. “Good day ladies.” The Marshal smiled at the girls the nodded to Gabriel. “Marshal Hunter.” Alyna smiled and quickly looked down at her plate, but not before sparing a quick glance at the tall deputy by his side. “I can’t believe he’s here.” Penelope rolled her eyes dramatically. “He is the Marshal; Mr. Hickok is just filling in…” “I was talking about him.” Penelope pointed one of her perfectly manicured fingernails at the deputy. “Just makes me ill eating in the same place where he is.” Alyna quietly nibbled on a strawberry while she sought out the topic of her friend’s aversion. Unlike Penelope, she was quite glad the deputy showed up. She watched as the breeze caught the ends of his hair and blew them back gently like raven’s wings. As her friends gossiped about different people in town. Alyna made the appropriate ‘mhmm’ ever so often but her mind was defiantly not paying any attention to either of her friends. Her mind was more happily engaged. Chapter Two “Come on Destiny.” Alyna urged her horse through the small stream. It wasn’t often that her father went out of town, so she had to make the most of the time she was given. Garrison McAllister never allowed his daughter to ride past the town’s lines, but today Alyna had raced out of town as soon as the sun came up. She knew to be careful, and not to ride too far away from town, but the lush valley and bright sunlight was just too tempting. It was the first few days of spring, and already the weather had warmed up considerably and the very first wild flowers were beginning to bloom. Taking in a deep breath she closed her eyes and listened to the birds chirping as her horse meandered slowly nibbling at the grass along the way. Alyna sat still taking in the warm sunshine and sweet air of spring. “Are you hungry?” She patted her horse’s mane tenderly. “Me too.” She slipped of her horse and led her to a grassy patch under the shade of a tree and dug through her pouch for the lunch she packed. She laughed and rubbed Destiny’s nose as the horse impatiently whinnied for the large red apple Alyna had presented. “I hope you brought enough for us too.” Alyna turned quickly at the sound of the raspy voice behind her. Two men slowly made their way closer to her. From the looks of them, she guessed either outlaws or mountain men, either way she didn’t want to be there alone. Hastily she ran her fingers to the pouch and felt for the cold steel of the pistol there. Quickly she unsnapped the gun from his holster and within a matter of seconds; she was holding it pointed at the two men. “Well, well, looks like the little lady’s got gun.” The one on the right chuckled and sneered while he wiped the sweat off his forehead. “Don’t worry, she don’t look like a killer to me.” The other man licked his lips and continued walking towards her. “You ain’t a killer are ya lady?” “J-just stay back.” Alyna steadied the gun and tried to sound brave. “I’ll shoot you.” “Ok, we’re staying here.” The other man smiled and waved his hands in the air mockingly. He stood still for a few moments while his friend crept towards the girl. “Stop! I mean it!” Alyna watched as the men crept towards her. She noticed they were filthy, and the closer they came, the more she could smell the stench of their bodies. She shut her eyes and squeezed the trigger, missing them both by at least a foot. However bad her aim she noticed that they stopped momentarily before continuing towards her again. She quickly reached out for Destiny, but found nothing but air. Frantically Alyna looked around; Destiny must have been spooked by the gun and was nowhere to be seen. Alyna panicked, she only had a few more bullets left. She knew she was a terrible shot, but having no other choice she squeezed off another bullet, this time hitting one of the men in the arm. “Damn, she got me Frank.” The man winced and grabbed his wounded arm as the blood stain spread quickly across his filthy shirt. “Don’t worry; this little girl can’t do too much harm.” Frank smiled. They’d barely gotten out of Blue Creek alive after the bank robbery went bad, but it seamed now their luck had changed. “Get your gun out!” “Now we won’t need that will we honey?” Alyna felt her mind race, how was she going to get out of this? She slowly began to back up, and inch her way further from them. She felt something give way under her, and she lost her footing a little. Worse though, her foot wouldn’t move. She looked down quickly and saw her foot lodged between some tree roots. She pulled hard trying to loosen the branches enough to free her foot, but she was wedged in firmly. There was no way out and the two men were advancing quicker. Alyna felt the fear welling up in her stomach. She tugged on her foot again trying to wiggle out of her shoe, but it was useless. She felt the hot tears brimming in her eyes, but her determination to survive won out as she pointed the gun at the man on the right and took aim as best she could. They were closer now and that gave her hope that she had a better chance of hitting one of them. Before he could take another step towards her she fired the rest of the shots. She couldn’t be sure, but it looked like she hit the one man, but it didn’t seem to be fatal as they both loomed towards her. Alyna screamed and waited for the worst. If they were going to ravage her she’d fight them with every breath she had. It had been a long and uneventful day in town, a fact which Buck was grateful for. It wasn’t too often that a day would go by he didn’t have to break up a fight at the saloon or toss someone in jail for a variety of things. The sun was setting slowly sending a brilliant pink burst across the blue sky; he was looking forward to breaking in one of the wild mustangs he roped. A gun shot snapped his attention, but it was the piercing screams that followed that quickened his pulse. He steered his mount towards the screams and as he approached the valley by his house he saw two men move awkwardly towards a young girl. From the distance between them, Buck couldn’t tell who the girl was, only that she was a terrible shot. He nudged his horse down the steep hill and rushed towards the men gun in hand. By the time he reached them the two had the poor girl pinned down, her blouse almost torn away and her skirts around her waist. “That’s enough.” He sat tall in the saddle and aimed the gun at the men. “Get off the girl now!” He breathed heavily from his quick ride. Shocked and startled the two men backed away slowly. He motioned for the two men to move away then he dismounted and pulled a rope out of his satchel. “Aw Deputy, we was just havin’ a good time.” He gave Buck a toothless grin. Buck saw a sudden movement to his left. Before the man could skin his gun Buck had impaled him with his knife, dead center in his chest. As the man gasped for air he quickly fell backwards and after a muffled moan and then silence, Buck stalked over to him and retrieved the knife. “I’m not going to have any problem with you now, am I?” Seeing the look of contempt in the eyes of the other man “Well you can sit here until someone comes for you.” He quickly tied the man to a nearby tree. Giving the rope a last tug to make sure it was tied securely before retrieving his knife. He plunged the knife into the hard soil and withdrew it clean. He turned to help the unconscious girl. It was then that Buck got a good look at the dirty tearstained face of Alyna McAllister. “You can’t just leave me out here,” the man shouted. “Listen here, if you make one more sound I’ll make sure it will be your last.” Buck’s eyes flashed with anger as he attempted to pull her skirts down, trying to replace some of her dignity. “Alyna?” He carefully cut the root ropes away and helped her up. “Deputy Cross!” Alyna opened her eyes and flung herself into his arms and cried. “You’ll be alright.” He wrapped his arms around her tiny frame and smoothed her hair until her crying softened into light whimpering. Buck felt a sudden surge of tenderness flood his senses. “Come on Alyna; let’s get you back to town.” Buck lifted her onto his horse and mounted behind her. He could feel her warm body lean into his as she began to cry softly again. It was already dark by the time he reached his house and Alyna’s sobs had turned into rhythmic breathing, he knew that she was close to sleep. He tossed the reigns over the railing and gently nudged her awake. “Where are we?” “I thought you may want to clean up,” Buck helped her off his horse and looked into her eyes past her wet lashes. “Before I take you home.” “Thank you.” She sniffed and followed him into his home. “You can wash up in here, and I’ll get you a shirt.” He glanced down at her torn blouse and the small roundness that was barely covered. Alyna nodded and quickly crossed her arms feeling suddenly very vulnerable. She waited until he left then poured some water into a bucket and proceeded to rinse off her arms and face. She hadn’t realized until she washed the dirt off her arms that she had a large cut on her forearm and a painful bruise on her shoulder. “Deputy?” Alyna looked up as he walked through the door carrying a shirt. “It’s Buck.” He frowned as he noticed the blood on her arm. “Let me see your arm.” “I don’t think it’s that bad.” “Well, I think we can save it.” He smiled and pulled out a chair. “Sit here, I’ll wrap it for you.” “Thank you.” She watched as he wrapped some clean white cloth around her arm. He grabbed both her hands and looked down at her. She looked so tiny and innocent; he wanted to protect her from everything. “It’s not like you’re use to, but…” He handed her one of his shirts. “It’s fine thank you.” “Go ahead and change, I’ll ready the horses and take you back to town.” Alyna stripped out of her torn and dirty blouse and into the blue shirt Buck had left for her. She took a shaky breath as the realization of what had happened finally hit her. I could have been killed, she thought to herself as a chill ran up her spine. She quickly buttoned up the shirt and went to the front of the house where Buck was sitting patiently on the steps. “Destiny.” Alyna breathed and ran to her horse softly stroking her neck placing a quick kiss on the mare’s forehead. “She just wandered up here, she must have followed us. She’s a good horse.” He patted her nose softly as the blonde palomino whinnied softly. “That shirt fits you real good.” Buck smiled when he saw her fingertips just poking from the cuffs. He reached down and rolled the sleeves up until her entire hand was visible. “Better get you home, before your father sends out the Army.” “It’s ok, my father’s out of town.” “So that’s why you were so far out of town today.” Buck raised an eyebrow at her. Alyna felt like she was being scolded. “Yes sir.” “Don’t worry, I aint gonna tell him.” He said as he tiled her head up and smiled at her. “And it’s Buck.” “You saved my life today Buck.” “What were you doin’ out there by yourself?” “Just riding.” Alyna shyly covered her stomach as it growled. “Well, how about some dinner before I take you home?” Alyna yawned and rolled over in her soft warm bed. The sun shone bolding in through the moiré and lace curtains casting warm rays on her skin. Alyna stretched and lazily opened her eyes as George her cat pounced up on her bed and let out a soft mew. She knew she should have woken up early and gone to church like her father expected her to, but after the previous days activities she thought sleeping in wasn’t such a grievous sin. “Good morning George.” She reached down and scratched his soft orange fur, receiving a warm purr in return. She knew church was almost over, which meant Penelope would soon be over, and she was not much in the mood for entertaining her friend’s mindless conversation. She quickly threw on her robe and padded down the stairs to the kitchen, already her stomach was growling. Her father often teased her that if she kept eating as much as she did, she had better marry early, before she got as round as he was. Disposing of the last drop of apple juice in the kitchen she jumped slightly at the rapping of the door. She frowned and made her way to the parlor. She was hoping to dress and leave before Penelope arrived, unfortunately she slept too long. Alyna unlocked the door and swung it open, readying herself to feign illness or a headache. But to her surprise her petite friend wasn’t standing on her porch. “Buck?” “Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you.” He noticed the state of her undress. “No, I…” She pulled the robe closed. “I wasn’t expecting you.” “Well, I, I wanted to make sure you were alright.” “Thank you. I’m better now, thanks to you.” She opened the door a little more. “Do you want to come in? I was just about to make breakfast.” “Thank you, but I don’t think that’s a good idea.” “Oh,” She quickly blushed and looked away embarrassed. “It wouldn’t look right, not with you alone.” He said softly. “Right, well thank you for checking on me.” She nodded and smiled quickly as he turned to go. “Buck?” “Yes?” He stopped on the steps and looked up at her. “I was wondering.” She bit her lower lip softly and took a deep breath. “My father is going to be gone for a few more days, and I really would like to go riding again,” “Didn’t you learn from yesterday?” Buck frowned. “Well yes, I was wondering if maybe you, if you weren’t too busy, if you would come riding with me?” She fidgeted with the door knob waiting for his answer. Buck stood on the steps and looked up at the young woman knowing he should say no. Knowing that it was the right thing to do. But as the word no made its way from his head to his lips, somewhere along the way it turned into a “yes.” It may have been her long auburn hair that nipped at her waist, or it could have been her large brown eyes under lush eyelashes that mirrored his own attraction. Buck leaned against the tree on the edge of town and waited for Alyna. He was a fool; she was the mayor’s daughter. Hadn’t he learned anything after the fiasco with Kathleen? To make matters worse, Alyna McAllister was only sixteen years old, what could have made him agree to this. He knew she had a crush on him, a silly school girl crush. But he knew better. He sighed and looked at the lone rider quickly closing the gap between them. He must have thought of a million reasons not to take her riding. But all the reasons he could think of, vanished the moment that she rode into view wearing a split skirt and a black hat tipped low in the front. Buck felt his heart skip a beat as he clumsily stumbled towards her. “Are you ready?” Alyna smiled sweetly. Chapter Three “Headin’ out so soon?” Teaspoon peered out from under his hat at Buck and scratched his belly. “Well, it’s pretty quiet, and I have some things to do.” “You need some help?” Teaspoon smiled deviously as Buck nervously looked around. “Aw Teaspoon, if Buck don’t wanna talk about his sneakin’ off with McAllister’s daughter…” Jimmy snorted and looked up at Buck’s pale complexion. “What? You think we didn’t know?” “I thought that, well I didn’t think…” Buck stammered, then added quickly. “Nothin’s going on.” “Hope you know what you’re doin’ Buck.” Teaspoon said seriously. “Her father’s an awful powerful man in this town.” “I’m just takin’ her riding. That’s all.” “Ridin’ huh?” Buck knew Jimmy was trying to rile him. He grabbed his hat and slammed the door behind him. Alyna’s father had come back last month and since then they’d only gone riding a couple times a week, but Buck promised to meet her that afternoon. Preoccupied with his thoughts he hadn’t realized that he had ridden so far out. He turned the bend, and headed into the valley when he caught sight of her long hair fluttering like russet ribbons in the wind. She must have heard his approach; her hand went up immediately in a friendly wave. “I thought you weren’t coming.” She rubbed his horse’s nose softly when he reined to a stop. “I promised didn’t I?” He smiled and remembered his decision. “Alyna, we have to talk.” “Of course.” She hugged him softly as he dismounted then grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the small grove of trees. “Come here, see what I found.” Buck followed her point towards a large hole in a tree filled with small twigs. As she pulled him closer he could see the tiniest nest, and three small brown eggs inside. “Looks like they’ll hatch pretty soon.” Buck whispered. He felt her lithe body pressed against his so she could also see the nest. “Alyna, come with me.” He took her hand and led her away from the tree. “What’s the matter?” “There’s no point in dancing around the issue, so…” Buck took a deep breath and tried to sound convincing. “Alyna, I think we should stop spending so much time together, it’s not right.” “Not right?” She frowned. “You are so young,” “Not that young.” She tilted her chin in defiance. “People may get the wrong impression…” “Like what?” She said quickly, interrupting him. “Well...” Buck sat down and rubbed his forehead. Alyna knelt behind him and massaged his temples gently pulling his head down to rest in her lap. “Alyna, stop, please…” Buck made a halfhearted attempt to wave her hand away. “Shhh, don’t be a baby.” Alyna laughed. “Doesn’t that feel better?” Buck closed his eyes and relaxed. Alyna smiled and continued to massage his head gently running her fingers through his hair. By the look on his face he knew that he was enjoying himself. After a few minutes she got enough courage to slowly move from his head to his neck, then across the muscled span of his shoulders. “Alyna,” Buck grabbed one of her hands to stop its meandering. “Now listen to me.” He sat upright and turned to face her, still holding her hand. Although he had every honorable intention, looking at her lush lips his mind started wandering into another direction. Alyna patiently waited for the inevitable. She knew sneaking off to spend time with the handsome deputy went against all that she was taught. She knew that it was wrong too, but she didn’t care. Alyna licked her suddenly dry lips and quickly brushed his lips with hers. She had only meant to kiss him softly, however as her lips touched his, a spark of passion ignited. Buck pulled her onto his lap and deepened the kiss. His large strong hands finding the ribbon that held her hair back. Desperately he untied the silky mass of hair letting it fall in soft waves down her back. His hungry tongue eagerly parted her lips, delving into forbidden territory. Her soft moan only encouraged him as his hands roamed her back, pulling her closer. Alyna gasped with pleasure when one of his hands stilled over her bodice and unbuttoned the top three buttons exposing her tender flesh to bright sunlight. Buck gently kissed the top of her creamy flesh as a moan of delight escaped her he pushed her back against the grass and shifted his weight against her. He drew himself to his elbow and leaning over, he kissed her gently, his tongue soothing her swollen lips. Alyna frowned and reached for him, to pull him back towards her, but he stood firm and moved away from her. Catching his breath, Buck got up and stood by the horses. Confused and impatient, Alyna stood behind him raking her fingers down his back and around to his chest hugging him tightly. Buck turned to her and placed a kiss on her warm mouth. Letting his fingers trail down her cheek and pausing on her full lips, still flushed from his kisses. Garrison McAllister stood in the parlor and waited none too patiently. It took him a few weeks to find out where his daughter had been sneaking off too. And know that he knew he planed on ending it this evening. Since his last trip to Boston he noticed her absence more and more. He assumed that she was sneaking off the see Gabriel, which would have been bad enough. But this was reprehensible, sneaking off with that damn half breed. Garrison watched as his daughter waved to Penny and walked up the porch steps. “Alyna, get in here this minute.” He opened the door and spoke very slowly and calmly. “Hello Daddy.” She swung her books onto one hip and kissed him on the cheek. “We have to talk.” He frowned. “I don’t approve of your behavior young lady and it stops right now.” “Daddy, Ms. Fitzsimmons is exaggerating, I swear,” Alyna bite her bottom lip softly. That old hag! She caught Alyna and Penelope passing notes in class. She must have told her father. But how could she have beaten me home? Surely she couldn’t have gotten here faster. Alyna’s mind raced. “I’m talking about the deputy!” His deep voice broke through her thoughts. Alyna flinched at the tone in his voice. She never heard her father so angry. “I don’t,” “Don’t you lie to me Alyna! I know where you have been.” He slammed the door and yanked her into the parlor shoving her down on a chair and continued his scolding. He had been concerned about Alyna’s whereabouts so he had hired a few men to follow her around and see what she was up too. He had an idea that she was sneaking off to see a young man, perhaps Gabriel, but not that half-breed. “I will not have you sneaking around behind my back! Alyna you were raised better than this!” “Father it’s not what you think.” “It’s exactly what I think! Throwing your self at that savage like a common whore! I am the Mayor of this town and it is completely unacceptable for you to behave like this!” Alyna slumped in the chair; she knew it was no use talking to her father when he was in this state of mind. She stared at the floor boards and tuned out as her father continued his tyrant. “Are you listening to me young lady?” “Yes Father.” She lied; she hadn’t heard a word he’d said in the last five minutes. It really didn’t matter because he just kept saying the same thing over and over. “You will be on the first train to Boston. You will live with your Aunt Maggie, while you attend Miss. Pilson’s finishing school.” “What?” Alyna sat wide eyed with her mouth gaping open. “You heard exactly what I said.” His voice reverberated across the room. “Daddy you can’t,” “Go to bed, you leave tomorrow morning.” He growled and yanked her arm and pushed her towards the stairs. Garrison McAllister grunted as the train pulled away. His heart was torn as Alyna begged him not to make her go. With a tear streaked face Alyna climbed the train and Garrison watched as it steamed out of sight taking his beloved daughter with it. He loved the girl more than anything else in the world, which was why he sent her away. For her own good. Perhaps with a finishing school and a good role model Alyna would be the young lady he wished her to be. Now, to make sure that half-breed paid for his insolence. Garrison clenched his fists in anger and made his way to the saloon. Buck Cross was a deputy in this town, the only reason most people tolerated the dirty heathen. After Garrison McAllister was through with him, he’d be hanging from the end of a rope. Slowly a sinister smile turned up the corners of his mouth. He waited until the train had completely disappeared before he headed towards the saloon. “Boy, come here.” “Yes Mr. Mayor?” The young boy looked up at him. “You take this to Marshal Hunter you hear?” Garrison took out a few coins and handed them to the boy with a note. “These are for you.” “Yes Sir.” The boys eyes lit up and he ran towards the jailhouse. Garrison nodded to the barkeeper and glanced across the dimly lit saloon. It wasn’t too often that he visited the saloon, but enough that the barkeeper knew what he drank. Fairly full for this time of day, perfect he thought to himself as he took a long drink of whiskey. He narrowed his eyes as the Marshal strolled in and made his way over to the bar. “Garrison.” “Can I get you a drink Teaspoon?” “No thank you. It’s a mite early to start drinkin’ don’t you think?” Teaspoon raised his eyebrows. “Well, I’ve needed a drink since last night. That’s why I sent for you.” “Why didn’t you come by the office?” “I needed to talk to you alone, it involves,” Garrison paused and took a long breath. “Marshal, it involves one of your deputies.” Teaspoon’s eyes narrowed and he scratched his chin. “Is that so?” It was more of a statement than a question. “My daughter, Alyna, was at Widow O’Malley’s, helping her like she always does on Sunday afternoons. When she didn’t come home I was concerned” He wrinkled his face in pain. “Before I could send a couple of my men to find her, she came home, very late. In a terrible state of distress. She informed me that one of your deputies offered to take her home, but instead he violated her.” “Now Garrison, that’s quite an accusation.” One of Teaspoon’s eyebrows shot up. “Are you saying my daughter is a liar?” The Mayor’s voice rose. “Calm down.” Teaspoon sighed. “Let’s go somewhere a little more private.” “I will not calm down, that half breed bastard raped my little girl! She left this morning she was so distraught that a filthy savage laid his hands on her. I want him to hang for what he did to her!” Chapter Four Rock Creek - Nebraska 1866 Alyna squinted in the harsh sunlight and instantly raised her dainty white gloved hand to shield her eyes from the light. She had been traveling many days in the darkened train from Boston to Rock Creek. She looked around slowly, noticing the changes since she had last been there. Rock Creek was much bigger now, she observed the large crowds of people walking through the streets. “Alyna! Over here.” Gabriel Frederickson offered a hand and helped her off the train and motioned for one of his servants to get her bags. “Gabe.” Alyna smiled cordially and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “You look well.” “Not as well as you.” He smiled and took her hand as he led her to the carriage. “How long has it been?” “Too many years, I’ve stayed back east too long I fear.” Alyna allowed him to help her into the carriage. “I was very pleased to hear of your exploits in the war. And that you were safely returned.” “You’re letters were such comfort.” Gabe smiled sincerely. Gabe closed the carriage door and motioned the driver to depart. “How is my father?” Alyna finally broke the silence as they neared the edge of town. “He’s doing well. He’s in St. Joe right now. We weren’t expecting you back for another week.” “My cousin just got married; they don’t need me around now.” She smiled. Gabe glanced across at her briefly in the carriage next to him. It was hard to believe that it had been four years since he last saw Alyna. She was more beautiful than he remembered. He quickly looked away when he saw that she noticed his stare. The pair drove in silence the rest of the way. Gabe not knowing what to say and Alyna lost in her own thoughts. “Miss. McAllister?” An elderly woman stepped off the large porch when she saw the carriage nearing the house. “Ma’am?” “I’m Nora Hanford. I’m takin’ care of yer father lass.” “Pleased to meet you Ma’am.” She reached for one of her bags, but Gabe quickly took them from her reach and set them down for the help to get them. “If ye will follow me, Mr. McAllister will be arriving in the next few days. I’ll be havin’ supper ready in just a while.” “Yes Ma’am.” Alyna lifted her skirts enough so that her delicate lace petticoats didn’t drag in the dirt as she walked up the steps into the house. It seamed smaller than last time she was there. She smiled as she stepped on the creaky floor board by her door. Some things hadn’t changed. She was almost all unpacked by the time Nora came up to get her for dinner. Gabriel waited patiently for Alyna to ready herself for the trip to town. She had been home for a couple weeks, and still hadn’t left the house. Though he could hardly blame her. She was a smart woman; she knew what lay ahead of her in town. Gabriel sighed and hoped it wouldn’t be as bad as he thought it would be. Penny promised to never mention the incident, but the town’s folk most likely wouldn’t be as tactful. “Good morning Gabe.” Alyna called out from the porch. “Alyna, how are you today?” He said as he helped her up to the carriage. “Well thank you, it’s good to be home.” “How’s your father?” “He’s fine. We’ve been catching up since he came home.” Although Alyna had enjoyed seeing her father again and enjoyed his company, she had been dying to get out of the house. Her father had definitely gotten older since her absence. His former salt and pepper hair was now as white as snow and his demeanor was much more unassuming than before she left. She fidgeted with the tassel on her clutch and stared out at the golden hills speckled with trees. As Gabriel chatted away about the new town’s library Alyna’s mind wandered to Buck. Hadn’t he heard she was back? Did he even care? Or was he married by now? She had written to him several times, but never heard from him. A stray tear roamed down her face leaving a trail through her powdered cheek. She often wondered what he thought of her sudden departure. Alyna scowled as she remembered that night, considering running away, but even then her practicality won over. She had no skills; she couldn’t possibly have lived on her own. Then there was Buck, but running to him would only have condemned him. Surely her father would have retaliated. Gabriel glanced over at her and noticed her rather abrupt mood change. Damn that man! Gabriel cursed to himself. He put his hand over Alyna’s and drove on to town. He would never let that man hurt her again. As they neared the edge of town he could Penelope sitting on the porch waiting for them. Dressed as impeccably as always she gave a polite wave and met them at the road. “Alyna!” The petite blonde rushed over to the carriage and waited for Gabe to help her up. “My heaven’s Boston has been good for you! You look wonderful.” She gushed as she embraced her childhood friend lightly. “So do you Penny.” Alyna warmly returned her hug. “You’ll have to tell me all about it. It must have been simply fabulous to get out of this little town and into the city!” “Stop pestering her Penny.” Gabe raised an eyebrow at her. “Oh mind your business. Gabe’s been a real pill since you left Alyna. All he does is complain, complain, complain! It’s just marvelous having you back!” As Penelope continued her mindless banter Alyna smiled to herself, another thing that hadn’t changed. The town did however; Alyna had known almost everyone in town, but now as she rode through town she only recognized a few. She watched as a few ladies pointed in her direction and nodded. She frowned slightly and looked away. One o’clock. Alyna looked up at the clock on the wall in Thompkin’s general store. She only had a half hour left before Gabe would be by to pick her up. She’d been back in Rock Creek for three months now and Gabe had finally let her go out by herself. Alyna sighed, Penny was right; he did act like a mother hen. “Miss. McAllister?” “Hello Mr. Tompkins, how are you today?” She smiled as she walked up to the counter. Tompkins hadn’t changed much, maybe a few pounds here and there. But he was the same old Tompkins. “I can’t complain. How are you?” “I’m doing well thank you.” “Glad to hear it. What can I help you with?” “I need to get some rose water.” She eyed a rack of dresses in the corner. “And a dress.” “Goin’ to the church social tonight?” “I think so.” Alyna bit her lip and walked back to the counter. She had been debating whether or not to make an inquiry about Buck’s whereabouts. Teaspoon Hunter had moved just outside town, so riding out to his homestead would be out of the question. Even though they didn’t get along terribly well, Tompkins knew Buck; he certainly would know where he was. Right? Alyna thought to herself. “Mr. Tompkins, I was wondering about some of the people that use to live in town?” “It’s been a few years hasn’t it?” He laughed warmly. A little too warmly Alyna thought. “I was wondering if you happened to know where Deputy Cross is? I hadn’t seen him in town since I got back.” “Well he ain’t a Deputy any more that’s for sure.” Thompkin’s brows furrowed. “Don’t you worry, he aint ‘round here no more.” “Do you know where…” “Don’t you worry, he aint gonna hurt you.” “What?” Alyna frowned and turned to the doorway to see Gabe with a deep scowl marring his handsome face. “Come on let’s go.” “Sure,” She turned to Mr. Tompkins. “I’ll be back later for the dress.” “Take care Miss.” “Don’t worry about him Alyna. I swear to you, I’ll never let him hurt you.” Gabe quickly pulled her up to the carriage. “What are you talking about?” It’s worse than her father imagined, Gabe thought to himself. She had completely blocked it from her mind. Sighing he ignored her questions and drove at almost breakneck speed back to her father’s house. Not even stopping to help her down, he motioned to the servants and swiftly went upstairs to consult with her father. Chapter Five The fog was heavy in the morning as Alyna saddled Destiny and headed towards the west. She should have taken it as a warning, but she was not to be deterred. She was determined to find out what everyone seamed to know but her. Gabe had refused to discus anything but the weather, her father would change the subject and simply state he wasn’t going to discuss the past, while Nora simply avoided her. Several days Alyna had cornered Penny, but her friend burst into tears and ran from the room. She slowed her pace and stroked her mount assuredly. The morning was crisp out, but she had to leave before anyone else woke up to stop her. She passed the valley and shuddered as she rode by the old tree that she remembered all too well. It seamed that Destiny remembered too, Alyna felt her quicken her trot. Just over the small hill she caught her first glimpse at Buck’s house. As she rode closer she realized there was no sign of life, no horses anywhere. She steered her mount towards the front and tied her to the post. The porch was covered in leaves, and at least an inch of dirt. She skirted around to the window and wiped off the dirty glass and peered in, no movement. A sharp neigh pulled Alyna’s attention from the window. “What is it girl?” She soothed Destiny’s coat and calmed her down. She shook her head, and looked around. Nothing. Alyna knocked on the door, jarring it slightly open. “Buck?” Alyna peeked in. “Hello?” She slowly opened the door and walked into the parlor and as her eyes adjusted to the dark she looked around. Everything was exactly as she remembered it, but it looked as though no one had lived there in years. There was a thick layer of dust on everything. What would have made Buck leave his ranch? She knew how much the place meant to him. Alyna frowned and walked through the modest parlor into the kitchen. It looked like he had been gone a very long time, but there was a light trace of footprints in the dirt on the floor. She felt a chill run up her spine. Then she noticed her letters all unopened on the hearth. He hadn’t even opened them! She felt her lower lip quiver. She bit down refusing to let the tears fall. Apparently she hadn’t meant anything to him, and she’d be damned if she cried over him now. Hearing her horse nicker impatiently she went back to the porch and mounted Destiny, leaving the abandoned house behind her as she rode back to town. She glanced at the sun just rising above the mountains and knew Nora would be up soon and notice her absence. She leaned forward and nudged Destiny faster. She debated a few seconds whether to take the road into town, or the shortcut through the valley, deciding that she didn’t want to explain her early morning ride, she headed through the valley. As she neared the clearing a low howling sound caught her attention. At first she though it was a dog or some other animal that was hurt. She quickly scanned the terrain and spotted a man laying face down a few yards away. Alyna immediately rode towards the body, and almost instantly stopped. What if it was a trap? Alyna started to turn away, but her conscious nagged at her. What if the body was still alive, and who ever it was, may be in need of medical attention. Alyna frowned and tentatively eased Destiny towards the body. She could see from her perch that it was indeed a man, and appeared he had been injured. There was a large stain of red along his leg and flies had already gathered around the wound. Her stomach lurched as she rode closer, what if he was dead? She’d never seen a dead body before. “Mr.?” She frowned when she saw no movement. She snapped off a twig from a nearby tree and staying on her mount she poked the body several times, until finally the man let out a low groan. Alyna heavenward and prayed, that she was doing the right thing. She slipped off her horse and made her way over to the man. “I’m going to help you.” Alyna knelt down and rolled the man over slowly then let out a soft gasp as the black overcoat fell back and revealed a buckskin clad Indian. “Ókiya.” He groaned and lapsed back into unconsciousness. Seeing his shallow breathing Alyna knew he was still alive, but barely from the looks of him. No one would blame her if she just got on her horse and rode away, she could tell the doctor when she got to town. Alyna raised her eyebrow at her own stupidity, no doctor would come out to look at a half dead Indian, and she couldn’t leave him there to die. She had to get him to town; at the very least he could die comfortably and not be eaten by wild animals. Alyna struggled and pulled until she got the man halfway to her horse. He was a large man, at least a foot taller than her. And she wasn’t a small girl reaching five foot seven herself. Out of breath and completely exhausted she rested against Destiny and sighed. It was past noon she was sure, which meant Nora knew she was gone. It would make sneaking back home even more difficult. Alyna looked back down at the injured man and jumped back about a foot. He was awake and staring right at her. She was pretty sure he was injured enough that he couldn’t harm her, and she already took his knife and gun away from him. He watched her quizzically; this strange white woman seemed to be helping him. Through the fog of consciousness he could hear her saying she was going to help him as long as he didn’t scalp her first. He could almost find the humor in that, being he could hardly keep his eyes open. With her help he found himself struggling to sit on her horse before he drifted into the darkness again. Where were the soldiers that shot him? And where were the rest of the warriors? Where they dead? The wounded man awoke to the harsh reality of pain searing through his body. He tried sitting up, but he was still too weak. He noticed that his clothes had been removed though, and he had white cloth packed and tied on his wounds. He was concerned with his leg; he knew it was going to get infected if he couldn’t tend to it properly. “Well good morning.” Alyna shut the barn door behind her and walked over to her patient. “I brought food. Food.” She put her hand to her mouth like she was eating, and then showed him the plate. “Food.” “Wóp ‘ila eciya.” He grunted and took the plate. “You are doing much better today.” Alyna nodded. “You are certainly hungry. Do you speak English?” She watched as he continued to eat as if she hadn’t said a word. “Well I don’t know how to fix you. The bleeding has stopped, but that just doesn’t look good.” She pointed to his swollen leg. “I have some medicine, maybe it will help.” She put the bottles on the ground and went to get some fresh linen. He watched her go curiously. She brought him the white man’s medicine, she was helping him. The idea puzzled him. She could have left him to die, but she had tended him and feed him. He knew many white women; they could not be trusted though. There was some reason behind her kindness. “Here, I brought you some clean bandages.” Alyna knelt beside him and took the empty plate. “Did you like it? The food?” She waited for a response, getting none she sighed and carefully peeled off a soiled bandage. “I’m sorry, but they need to be changed.” She noticed the flinch on his stomach muscles as she very carefully pulled the bandage off. She couldn’t help but notice his well muscled body when she changed his bandages. She had seen a few men with their shirts off before, but never a man completely naked. Or as well sculpted. She bent her head down in attempt to hide her flushed face. “Now, you’ll have to keep quiet. This is going to hurt, really bad.” She frowned and hoped that he wouldn’t make too much noise. She slowly dripped the clear liquid on his badly swollen leg. The wound had gotten much better since last week, but she was afraid it might be infected. She had gone earlier to the doctor and told him that Nora had slipped and cut her foot, she was worried about infection. Luckily the doctor had no reason to doubt her and he gave her a bottle of liquid, with the direction to pour it directly on the wound. “I’m really sorry.” She winced as he dug his hands into the blanket and clenched his fists. She ran her hand tenderly over the swollen skin near the abrasion. It was fevered; she frowned and starred at the wound, trying to think of what to do. The doctor wouldn’t see him, and her father would kill her if he knew what she had been doing. Gabe? He would help, but what else could he do? He certainly didn’t know anything about medicine. She sighed and hunched back on her heels. “I just don’t know what to do for you. I’m sure that’s infected and Doc. Miller won’t come out and look at you.” He slowly moved his hand over to where she laid the plate of food. “Are you hungry?” She reached for the plate. “I’ll get you more.” Alyna jumped back eyes wide when the large man held up the butter knife she had given him with his food. He immediately noticed her fear and put his hand out to calm her. Holding the knife out, he pointed to his bloodied clothes in the corner. When she stood there and stared at him he motioned again towards the corner. “You want your knife?” Alyna looked across the room. “Haŋ.” He nodded and thrust the butter knife into her hand. “No way.” She shook her head adamantly, “Haŋ.” He reached out and held her hand firm in his. He could feel her shaking and he knew she didn’t trust him. He had given her no reason to, but he needed that knife. He pointed to the heap of clothes and then to his leg. “I want to help you, but I’m afraid of you.” She watched as he continued to point to his leg. Reluctantly she scooted across the floor and picked through his clothes until she found his knife. She stood several moments before handing the knife over to him, hoping that she made the right choice. She watched in horror as he made a slash through the skin just under the wound. She wasn’t sure if the loud cry she heard was her or him, but in a matter of seconds Nora was at the barn door asking what the matter was. Alyna quickly crawled down the ladder and meet her at the hay bales. “Good heavens child what are you doing in here? Are you alright?” “Sorry to have worried you, a spider startled me. Everything is fine.” Alyna was amazed at how quickly the lies flowed from her lips. She had always been so honest. She assured herself that it wasn’t her choice; the man upstairs life depended on her. “Well what are you doing out here in the cold?” She peered into the empty barn. “Ah, just writing in my diary.” “Why don’t ye come in lass, sit by the fire there’s good light in there.” “I’ll be along later.” Alyna almost shut the barn door in her face. By the time Alyna had crawled back up the ladder her patient either unconscious or dead. She rolled her eyes, what was he thinking? She had finally stopped the bleeding, and then the fool cut himself again? She moved slowly towards him and knelt beside him preparing herself for the worst. She heard him stir and felt his hand around her wrist. She jumped slightly, amazed he was still alive. She let him guide her hand to his leg, which was bleeding liberally. He pushed her hand against the lump, causing him to drift into unconsciousness again, but more importantly it made fowl smelling mass ooze from the new wound. Alyna continued to press softly drawing more of the substance out of his leg. Know she understood why he cut himself. Convinced she’d gotten all of it she cleaned the cut and bandaged it tightly. The man was still unconscious, she was grateful for that, she was sure the pain was tremendous. She wiped his brow with her sleeve and propped his head up. If he made it through the night she was sure he would survive. The next few weeks had gone by quickly. Alyna pilled the plate high with some fresh rolls she made that morning, along with some bacon and some eggs. Nora had gone last week to visit her sister in Texas, and her Father was in town going over some finances with the town banker. She had the house to herself all morning long. She hummed happily to herself as she made her way out to the barn; which was located on the southern side of the house. “Hey! You be careful will you?” She rushed in as her patient stumbled down the ladder. He looked up at her, his wild ebony eyes shining in the darkness of the barn. “I brought you food.” She helped him sit on a bale of hay and handed him the plate. “Wóp ‘ila eciya.” He handed her one of the rolls. “Oh, thank you. I think you are able to take a short walk out if you would like to. It’s beautiful outside today. The grass is so green now, and it smells so sweet.” Alyna shook her head at her own dim-wittedness. “I don’t know why I talk to you. You can’t understand me can you?” She smiled and took a bite of the roll. They sat in silence as he finished the meal she brought to him. She left the plate on the floor and helped him up. He could mostly stand on his own; he just needed her to lean on. He knew he would be able to leave soon, perhaps a few days and he could go home. He shifted his weight off his leg and stumbled slightly, pressing against her softly. He leaned closer and breathed in her sweet warm sent as her hair brushed across his face. “Are you alright?” Her arms went around his solid waist immediately steadying him. He nodded gruffly but the look on his face told her that he was in pain and was trying his hardest to hide it from her. Alyna rolled her eyes at his stubborn pride and lead him over to a grassy patch under a large oak tree. “Why didn’t you tell me you were hurting? Sit here.” She commanded him. “You don’t have to be invincible you know.” “Íyotake.” He patted the grass beside him. He watched as she inched closer and looked at the ground where his hand was. Shaking his head he grabbed her hand and gently pulled her to sit beside him. “My name is Alyna.” She settled down and leaned back against the tree. “Ah- lee-nah.” She pointed to herself as she over enunciated her name. “Wakiŋyaŋ Ska.” “Waking-ya-oon Ska?” “Wakiŋyaŋ Ska.” He smiled broadly at her efforts to talk to him. “White Thunder.” The strength of the white woman’s spirit was unexpected to him. She helped him knowing the consequences of her actions. “White Thunder.” Alyna perked up and ran her hand through the long blades of grass. “Grass.” “P ‘ejí.” White Thunder noticed her sudden delight and decided to play along. He grasped her hand in his. “Hand.” She nodded. “Nabc ‘ókaŋ.” He turned her hand over, softly touching the top of her hand. He reached out and grasped her long red hair and let the silky strands slip between his fingers, enjoying the way it felt sliding over his rough hands. “P ‘áha.” “Hair.” She ran her fingers through his long course locks. He smiled and gently touched her eyelid. “I˙stá.” He let his finger trail down her nose. “P ‘ahứte.” He paused slightly before resting the tip of his finger on her soft full lips. “Ihá.” He leaned forward and breathed in her sent before grazing her lips with his. “Ipứtaka .” Alyna sat back and smiled nervously. “I don’t believe I caught all of that.” White Thunder still holding one of her hands in his squeezed it gently before turning and looking towards the sunset. His people were just a few days over the mountains, and he would return soon. He felt the woman next to him grip his hand a little tighter, bringing his thoughts back to the present. She was a beautiful woman, probably the most beautiful white woman he’d ever seen. But not as beautiful as Ziηtkála Was̉te, Pretty Bird, the young maiden in the village that would soon be his wife. Chapter Six “Nora? Have you seen my yellow day dress?” “It’s in the wash; I’m just on my way to hang them.” Nora set down her book and started to get up. “I’ll do it.” Alyna smiled and picked up the large basket by the door. She didn’t mind hanging up the clothes, especially on warm sunny days. She hummed softly to herself as she pinned each garment up. Taking care not to let them drag on the ground. Alyna suddenly felt a pair of strong hands around her waist and she turned around quickly expecting Gabe, but to her surprise she saw White Thunder instead. Her eyes immediately grew twice their size as she tried pulling him back to the barn. She could no easier have moved a mountain though. Quickly he leaned towards her and kissed her. He felt her resistance at first, but at his persistence he felt her body lean towards him. Soon she was an active participant. Her fingers entangled in his hair, he pulled her closer. It wasn’t long before Alyna came to her senses. She quickly pulled back and again tried to pull him to the barn. He smiled at her efforts, as she continued to warn him that her father would kill them both if he caught him there. Finally he gave in and allowed her to drag him back into the barn. “You can’t just go running around.” Alyna scolded. “If my father find out he’ll have my head!” He couldn’t help but laugh inside at her. She was spirited and he admired her determination. Her father was no threat to him, but he didn’t want to upset her anymore. Alyna sighed and smiled back at him. “I’m glad you are better though.” A sudden flash of sadness swept over her. “I guess you are going to be leaving soon, now that you are better.” She hadn’t realized just how lonely she was going to be without his company. “You’ll need these.” She handed him his knife and gun. “Ah-lee-nah.” White Thunder took the weapons. “I’ll miss you.” She sucked in a quick breath. He moved towards her, his long legs taking up the distance quickly. He never thought that this woman would ever find her way into his heart, but he truly would miss her. He cupped her check with his large hand and pulled her face to his. Her lips were always so soft and warm. He closed his eyes, taking in everything about the moment. The way her body pressed against his, the taste of her lips, her hair gently blowing tickling his arms. The sharp loud cry jerked Alyna away from White Thunder’s passionate embrace. A frown creased her forehead as the cries became louder. “Nora!” Alyna darted out the open barn door towards the main house. As she rounded the corner she saw Nora slumped against the oak tree. “Nora.” She could hear her breathing, but not for long Alyna was sure. The middle aged housekeeper was covered in blood. A few seconds went by before Alyna realized she wasn’t breathing anymore. “Nora!” Alyna grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her several times. When the older woman slumped over Alyna saw the impertinent arrows sticking out her back, large circles of blood collecting at each base. Alyna quickly turned and ran directly into a rock hard bronze chest. “White Thunder!” She looked up for protection, finding a stranger. Alyna’s mouth dropped open as she slowly backed away from the fierce looking man. He towered over her. His black hair was matted and his face was covered in war paint and blood. Blood that Alyna was sure was Nora’s. “Waśícu wiŋyaŋ mit ‘áwa!” The tall warrior grabbed Alyna’s arm and yelled. “Híya .” White Thunder stalked up to them. Alyna’s head bobbed between the two men arguing. Seconds later they were surrounded by a dozen other warriors. She watched like a dream the two men arguing, the other men looking like they were ready to pounce at a moments notice. She didn’t know what they were arguing about, but from the sound of it neither was going to back down. Suddenly the stranger turned and walked quickly towards the horse coral while he shouted what seamed like orders to the other men. White Thunder saw the cloud of dust down the valley, Alyna’s father would be there in the next five, maybe ten minutes. He grabbed Alyna’s arm and walked her over to the coral where the warriors were already claiming the horses for their own. In the rush White Thunder reached out and grabbed Alyna’s palomino. Tossing her on back like a mere sack of flour, he mounted behind her and the horse took off the opposite direction from town. When Alyna realized what was happening she ducked under White Thunder’s arm and jumped off Destiny, wrapping her arms around her head she tried to protect herself from the fall. She knew the ravine was small; there would be no water or very little this time of year. As she rolled down the hill she felt her skin being ripped and cut. When she finally lay still she looked up quickly. She could hear shouting, but she couldn’t see anyone. She lay at the bottom of the ravine barely breathing, afraid to be heard. She gathered her skirt and quickly ran downstream. The ravine cut through her father’s property and down towards town. She ignored the thin berry vines that crossed her pathway, but she couldn’t ignore their razor sharp thorns. She ran for only a few minutes when she saw the ominous figure blocked her pathway. Her heart raced. She turned, no one was behind her, but she knew they soon would be. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a long branch; she could climb out and take the chance. But before she could reach up and crawl out of the ravine she felt hands, strong hands turning her around. “No!” She turned and kicked White Thunder hard in his shins. She felt a twinge of sympathy when she saw the flicker of pain. But her sympathies were short lived as he roughly sat her back on her horse. When he mounted, she tried sliding down the other side but he caught her before her feet hit the ground. He yanked her back and held tightly against himself as he turned and retreated out of the ravine. They rode for hours; Alyna had finally stopped trying to twist free. White Thunder knew she wasn’t asleep, but she lay limp against him. Her sobbing had stopped only a little while ago. He ran his hand down her arm, hoping to ease her tension. He would explain, but it wasn’t the right time. When Alyna flinched away from his touch it was torment. He hadn’t planned on this happening, but he promised himself he would make it right. She had saved his life, she didn’t deserve this. Alyna glanced over her shoulder, the sun was already setting. This was a nightmare that she prayed she woke up from soon. She swatted at a mosquito, she had already been bit at least a dozen times. The group of men had gathered together and was talking somewhat softly a few yards from where she sat shivering from the cold. They didn’t talk long though. After only a few minutes she could see White Thunder’s silhouette coming towards her. Running was a fleeting thought that raced through her mind, but he would certainly catch her again. No, she would have to wait until the perfect time. Then she would escape. “Ah-lee-nah.” She pursed her lips together and turned her back to him. “You must listen to me.” He turned her back around facing him. “You speak English?” Her mouth gaped open. “Haŋ.” He nodded and kept his voice low, so that the others couldn’t hear them. “Yes, I speak English. I am sorry about your friend. I did not plan for this to happen.” “You are a liar! A filthy savage!” She yanked out of his grasp. “I saved your rotten life and this is how you repay me? I hate you!” “I have no choice right now.” He turned her around quickly and pointed to the group of men staring at them. “Charging Bear wants to take you his captive.” “And being yours is so much better!” Alyna was so furious she was shaking. “Keep your voice down. You do not want to know what it is like to be his prisoner.” White Thunder pulled a fur skin around her. “And what is it like to be yours?” “I give you my word, you will not be harmed.” “What do you plan to do? Tie me out side your tee pee like a dog?” “I know you are angry, but-” “I have every right to be angry with you! I trusted you, a mistake I will not make again. Why didn’t you leave me? Why didn’t you just leave me at my home?” “I told you,” “You’re stronger than Charging Bear, if you really wanted to you could have left me. You could have made him understand.” “Keep your voice down.” He looked across the camp. “I’m not well yet. I couldn’t have challenged him.” “Let me go now then. I can make it to the nearest town by myself.” “You will not go yet, I promise you there will be a time when you can go home.” “I hate you.” “Maybe so.” He lay down beside her. “Go to sleep.” “This smells bad.” She wrinkled her nose at the fur blanket. “Do you want to freeze?” “I didn’t know that was an option I had.” “Go to sleep Ah-lee-nah. It will be a difficult day tomorrow. We have much land to cross.” Chapter Seven White Thunder wiped the sweat off the back of Alyna’s neck. They had been traveling for half the day, and he knew she was sore and exhausted. She had angry red had scratches and bug bites all over her body. Now in the harsh sun her delicate white skin was burning as well. White Thunder tried his best to keep the sun off of her as much as possible, but he knew she was in pain. They dismounted at a canyon stream, under the canopy of trees. Alyna rushed to the water and drank as quickly as possible. She never knew water tasted so wonderful. She looked down at her reflection in the water. Her hair was a wild mane of curls. It was then she noticed several small cuts, from the berry bushes she frowned and looked up the stream at her captors. White Thunder was sitting on a large rock filling up a bag with water. No one was paying attention to her. She seized her opportunity and sprinted full speed down the river bank. She heard White Thunder cry out to her, but she didn’t care. She was afraid if he caught her, what he would do, but that thought only encouraged her to run faster. She looked behind her, he was gaining speed. Quickly she waded out into the deepest part of the river in effort to swim to the other side. She was realizing how futile her attempts were when she saw he was even closer than when she was running. That was the least of her worries though; something had caught on her skirts slowly dragging her down. She was treading water furiously by the time White Thunder reached her. She felt like an animal in a trap. Either way she lost. She just didn’t know which was worse, drowning or White Thunder. He made no sound as he quickly cut her dress off and started dragging her back to the rocky shore in her chemise. White Thunder pushed her head under water when she struggled to get away again. She came up sputtering and cursing at him, he pushed her under again. He continued this until she was sobbing hysterically. When she grabbed onto his arm and allowed him to pull her to the edge he sat her on the rocky bank and let her cling to him as she wept. He felt a twinge of guilt as her warm wet little body pressed against his. She was so scared; she was trembling in his embrace. He held her tightly and stroked her back. “I thought you were going to drown me.” Her voice was so meek and desperate White Thunder felt his jaw clench. “I gave you my word, you will not be harmed. Why do you doubt me?” “I can’t do this. Can’t you see? I’m itchy, I’m bleeding, I just can’t,” Alyna burst into tears again. “You are stronger than this.” He pulled her to her feet and walked behind her back to the horses. “Please let me go home.” “Ah-lee-nah.” He stopped walking and turned her around. “Do not ask me that anymore.” Alyna stared up at him and nodded. He was so stern she was afraid of him. “Take this.” He pulled the blanket off the horse and handed it too her. “I don’t need it.” White Thunder looked at her and smiled. “It’s not for your comfort.” He looked down at her clothes, or lack there of. Her thin cotton chemise did nothing to hide anything underneath. As his gazed raked over her shapely frame, Alyna blushed and took the blanket from him. She sat obediently the rest of the day, and the three days after that as well. On the forth day they arrived at dusk at the Lakota village. It was larger than Alyna had imagined it to be, she had never seen so many Indians in one place before. White Thunder felt her shivering as they rode through the crowd that was gathering. He could taste her fear, so could the rest of the tribe. He could smell the sweet aroma of buffalo meat cooking, and his stomach growled on its own accord. He smiled broadly when his mother and sister appeared from their tee pee. He slid off his horse and greeted his family. He looked up at Alyna sitting on the horse and motioned for her to get down. He laughed softly as she tumbled off and then tripped over a rock on the ground. He held his hand out but as stubborn and proud as she was she refused it and stood several feet away her arms crossed over her chest. Alyna watched as the young woman spoke with White Thunder and occasionally looked in her direction. A small shriek escaped her lips when felt a strong yank on her hair. Within seconds White Thunder was at her side speaking harshly to the woman that pulled her hair. She felt his hand go protectively around her middle and lead her to a large tee pee. She stood in near the edge and watched as he gathered wood around and started the fire. “Ah-lee-nah, watch me, you will need to keep this fire burning.” He looked up and saw the questioning look in her eyes. He knew she had a strong will, but she was a pampered lady. He did have concerns if she would be able to survive there. “It is much easier to keep it burning than to start a new one. Do you understand?” “Yes.” She choked on her words. Alyna leaned against a small tree and rubbed her hands. She scowled as she felt the calluses that had started. Her once beautiful soft hands were now rough and dry. The last two weeks she had gotten up at the crack of dawn and didn’t get to sleep until well after the sun went down. She had never worked so hard in her life. Her daily chores consisted of cooking all the food, gathering the wood, the water, and mending. Alyna swore that when she got home she was going to take a long hot bath and never touch a piece of firewood again. The food she made was horrible, she wasn’t sure what it was, but it smelled bad. Although White Thunder didn’t complain she barely touched it. She traipsed back to the village and dumped the small pile of wood next to the door. “What are you doing?” She looked across the tee pee. White Thunder had been making arrows and getting weapons together the last couple days. “I am going on the hunt.” “Will you be back tonight?” “Ah-lee-nah, we will go far, it takes many days.” “You can’t leave me here.” “We need food. You are too skinny.” He smiled. “Don’t go,” Alyna threw her arms around his middle. “My sister is here. She will help you if you need it.” “I don’t need help!” Alyna pushed away and scowled at him. “Do not worry, Charging Bear is going. He will not be here.” He saw her face soften slightly. “I don’t care.” She went back to stacking the firewood. “Put this on your hands.” He handed her a bag. “It will keep your skin from cracking.” “I’ll get your food ready.” She ignored him and put a large pot over the fire. He let her fume, he knew she was mad. He was proud of her though, she had learned so much in the time that she was there. He knew it wasn’t easy for her either, she was lonely. No women, even his sister wanted to befriend her. They ate dinner in silence. He watched as she pushed the bites of food around in the bowl, hardly eating any of it. She was just being stubborn. He knew she didn’t like the taste, but they would have fresh meat soon. If she got hungry enough she would eat. “Ah-lee-nah.” He waited until she looked up at him. “Promise me while I am away you will not try and leave.” “If I don’t?” “Coyote Sleeping will stand guard. But, I want to trust you.” “I promise.” She said softly and looked sadly down at her food. Alyna woke up later than usual the next morning. The sun was already peeking through the top flap in the tee pee. She yawned and rolled off the fur lined pallet. Her bones ached; she wasn’t use to sleeping on such a hard surface. “Damn.” She glanced over at the coals. The fire had gone out. “I didn’t want to eat anyway.” She frowned and got dressed. White Thunder had insisted she get not wear her torn chemise and pantaloons. He had given her a buckskin dress; Alyna assumed it was one of his sister’s dresses. At first she felt uncomfortable in the sheath dress, but now it was like second nature. She did prefer the soft soled moccasins though. Her feet had never been so comfortable. She took a small basket and walked down the pathway to the river which ran just outside the village, next to the canyon wall. There was a thicket of berries just on the other side of the river, which Alyna planed to eat for breakfast. There were a few women already there filling up their water bags, and several children playing in the cool water. Alyna inched into the river and waded to the other side where the berries grew. She sat on the other side of the river and ate berries for a while before she started picking them to take back with her. With her basket full Alyna crossed the river and headed back to White Thunder’s tee pee. “Owá?ya?g.” Alyna heard Pretty Bird’s voice and walked quicker. She didn’t want the other woman to catch up to her, but carrying the berries slowed her down and in a few seconds the other woman stood in her path. Pretty Bird was about the same height as Alyna was, but she was sturdier. Alyna looked down and tried to walk around her, but Pretty Bird moved into her path again. Pretty Bird reached out and knocked the basket out of Alyna’s hand and pushed her hard. Alyna wasn’t expecting a physical confrontation, she stumbled backwards. “Leave me alone.” Alyna screamed as she stood up and reached for the basket. Realizing too late that she made the wrong decision when she felt Pretty Bird’s hands pushing her down again. This time Alyna didn’t have time to catch herself. Her face was the first to hit a sharp rock. She rolled over quickly putting her hand to her face. Tears mixed with the dirt caused the cut to burn, which only made her cry more. “I am Waki?ya? Ska’s woman, not you.” She spat at the intruder. Alyna curled into a ball and waited until the other woman left. Her fingers gingerly touched the wound, it was bleeding freely. Alyna gathered herself and walked back to the river and rinsed her face off. The cut was on her forehead near her hairline, to her eyebrow. She ran back to the tee pee and searched through the rolls to find her old chemise. With some difficulty she began ripping pieces off. She proceeded to pack them together and then with a long strip she tied them like a bandage to her head. She lay in the middle of the tee pee for hours staring at the ceiling. She felt so deserted. She was hungry, tired, and had no berries, no fire, and she was scared that Pretty Bird would come in any moment and kill her. Soon her paranoia ceased when sleep came. But even in sleep, Alyna got no rest. Alyna stayed in the tee pee for nine days. The only time she left was the middle of the night to bath in the river and relieved herself in the woods. She couldn’t pick the berries at night so she only had pemmican and other dried food to sustain herself. The days and nights started to melt together. Loneliness and helplessness set in. She spent the days remembering her happy memories. She wondered how her father was, Penny and Gabe. She spent many hours thinking about Buck, and speculating what his life was like now. He was probably a rancher, he loved horses. Or maybe he was married, and had loads of little children running around. Most of the time she was so bored she ended up just sleeping the time away. She heard the commotion when the men came back. From what she could hear it must have been a successful hunt, everyone sounded happy. She wanted to run outside and be with people so badly. But she had been warned, Pretty Bird would be there. But now White Thunder was there. He would protect her like he promised wouldn’t he? Not forever, she heard Soft Wind Blowing say her brother was going to marry Pretty Bird. Alyna had to convince him to take her home before that. Chapter Eight “Soft Wind what are you doing?” Pretty Bird glared at her as she walked towards White Thunder’s tee pee with a bag of food and water. “Taking food to the white woman?” “My brother left her in my care.” “You are not her servant. She is lazy. When I marry your brother she will learn quickly her place here.” The two women turned at the sudden disturbance. The men were back from the hunt. Soft Wind saw her brother helping drag a very large travois. She left the bowl by the tee pee flap and rushed to join the others in the excitement. “Ah-lee-nah, I am back, did you not hear?” “I heard.” She moved slowly to the pot of water and poured him some. “Wóp ‘ila eciya. Now, come with me.” He grabbed her hand. “No, no I don’t feel like it.” “Are you still displeased with me? We have fresh meat now.” He was very surprised to see how thin she had become in the time he was gone. “Ah-lee-nah, are you sick?” He turned her towards him and gently touched her bandage. “What happened?” “I fell, it’s nothing.” “On your face?” He raised one of his thick black eyebrows at her questioningly. He didn’t’ push the subject when she became quiet. Instead he sat down and wet a small cloth and began to wash his body. Alyna knelt down beside him and took the cloth. Slowly she began the process of removing the layers of paint, dirt and blood. “Is this from the hunt?” She gingerly brush over the long wound on his chest. “No.” He clenched his jaw as she carefully washed the area. “Charging Bear challenged me.” “What does that mean?” “He wanted to claim you, I refused.” “You fought with him?” She stopped and rinsed the cloth out in the clear water. Slowly turning it murky. “Ha?.” He pulled her face towards his. “I promised you, I will not let anyone harm you.” “What is this?” She caught a glimpse of silver in his pouch. “For you.” “Where did you get this?” Her fingers delicately skimmed the top of the small silver mirror. “We happened upon an old cabin.” “Did you kill them?” She stuttered. “Who?” “The people in the cabin.” “No, whoever lived there once had moved on long ago.” “Oh.” “Do you like it?” He ran his fingers through her hair and dropped his arms around her. “Thank you.” White Thunder released her when she pulled back and stood up. He heard the hesitation in her voice and saw the apprehension in her eyes. “Ah-lee-nah, this is a gift. You owe me nothing.” When he saw her physical relief she smiled slightly and grasped her hands. “Come with me now.” Begrudgingly Alyna followed him outside. Already women were preparing the food, while the men sat and talked very animated. She could feel a pair of eyes burning through her back. She grasped White Thunder’s hand tighter and walked closer. “You have no need to be afraid Ah-lee-nah. No one here will harm you.” He whispered as she collided into his side. He continued to tell her that the warriors were telling stories of the hunt to the children. They would continue to tell these stories through out the night. He consoled her again that she would be fine, and he left her with the women. It seamed hours to Alyna as she pounded the meet and helped cook. She avoided being too close to Pretty Bird although she could feel her presence very strongly. The woman made Alyna nervous. She wasn’t skilled in cooking to begin with, but just the other woman’s presence made her feel clumsy. She cut herself twice, and burned her fingertips on the fire. As the sun began its downward decent the feast was complete. Alyna loaded up a bowl of food and carefully made her way over to where White Thunder sat. Her heart sank when she saw Pretty Bird sitting beside him. The other woman scowled at her and made a fist with one of her hands. She knew it was custom for her to bring him food, she also knew he expected it. She quickly handed him the bowl and fled as quickly as she could back to the safety of the tee pee. White Thunder was confused and somewhat irritated by Alyna’s sudden out burst, but when he found her laying face down sobbing he felt nothing but compassion for her. Silently he lay down next to her and stroked her hair softly. He waited to speak until her crying had ceased and she calmed down a bit. He gently rolled her to face him; he was frustrated that she didn’t offer any resistance. Even in the darkened tee pee, he could she her eyes were red and swollen. It seamed something had changed her in the time he was gone. Her fire was gone, her spirit was broken. White Thunder swallowed hard. He hadn’t expected this. “Ah-lee-nah, tell me what has happened.” He barely whispered. Even to him his voice sounded strained. “I want to go home!” She burst into tears again and threw her arms around him. “Please don’t keep me here.” “It will be better when,” “When? When you marry Pretty Bird? When I’m your slave? I’ll kill myself first.” “Ah-lee-nah, please don’t talk like that.” “I swear to you, I will drown myself in the river if I have to!” “Alyna.” He kissed her forehead. “I am not going to marry Pretty Bird; you do not have to worry about that.” “I don’t believe you.” She looked up and rubbed her eyes. “I am not marrying her.” White Thunder traced her lips with his finger. “Is Pretty Bird the reason you are troubled?” Alyna closed her eyes and leaned in closer to White Thunder’s warm body. Feeling his strong arms around her. She knew, at least in this moment, that she was safe. “Did Pretty Bird have anything to do with this?” His hand gently cupped the gash above her eye. He saw the look of fear in her eyes when she jerked back. He kept his hold on her and stroked her back softly. “Ah-lee-nah, you do not need to be afraid.” The hurt was evident in his voice. “Ah-lee-nah.” He kissed her forehead, and then trailed kisses down her freckled nose. Stopping for a sweet kiss on her full lips, before continuing across her jaw. “You have nothing to fear from me.” “Why do you torment me?” Alyna turned and rolled away from him. She felt his powerful arm encircle her waist and draw her body closer again. She refused to turn towards him; she kept her back pressed tightly to his chest. “You are never going to take me back home are you?” “Ah-lee-nah,” “Do you hate me so much?” She began to cry again. “I don’t understand! I’ve done everything you’ve asked of me.” “Don’t cry Ah-lee-nah. Are you that unhappy here?” “Yes.” Was her muffled response. White Thunder’s heart ached. He had hoped she would in time feel the same for him, as he did for her. “Do you not have any feelings for me then?” “Sometimes I hate you.” She frowned. “But, there are sometimes that I care for you,” “Then I am a selfish man.” White Thunder admitted as he turned her slowly towards him. “I love you.” He kissed her deeply, intertwining his hands in her silky hair. Wordlessly Alyna ran her fingertips softly across the broad expanse of his bronze chest. Taking extra care not to touch the angry red gash that marred his torso. At his sharp intake of breath she sighed and ran her hands lower. She felt the tight muscles in his abdomen clench as a soft groan escaped his lips. Tenderly he untied the back of her garment and waited for her response. Getting no hesitation from her, he pulled the dress off. Her creamy ivory skin was even softer than the doe skin garment. He trailed kisses from the nap of her neck to the tip of her shoulder. Anger, fear and loneliness were forgotten in minutes as their bodies moved together in the darkness. Epilogue 1867 Months went by and Alyna found herself still in the Lakota Village. She had stopped asking White Thunder to take her home, it was pointless, she realized now. He was never going to take her back. She herself wondered if he made the offer to take her back, if she would take the opportunity. It was nights like this. Lying safely in White Thunder’s arms that Alyna knew that she had found a new home. She turned carefully and slipped his heavy arm off her. She often awoke in the middle of the night. Alyna pulled a heavy buffalo blanket around her and stood outside the tee pee to look at the stars. She loved the village at night, the silence. The cool crisp air that gently swept through, bringing the fog each morning. She watched the smoke curl up from the tops of the tee pees, and slowly disappear. As time went on Alyna accepted her new life. She worked hard every day, and though only a handful of women spoke to here at all. She made a few friends. White Thunder’s sister, Kpá?la T`até, Soft Wind was one of her few friends. Alyna closed her eyes and remembered back to when she and Soft Wind first became friends. It was her first spring with the Lakota, and the women were tanning and stretching skins. Alyna sat alone, trying very hard to scrape the deer skin, but she was just making a mess. Between the hot sun pelting down on her, and the smell on her hands Alyna had enough. She was getting up to stretch when she felt a pain in her side. She looked over and a large rock lay beside her. Alyna didn’t have to wonder who through the rock, it was Pretty Bird. Before she had time to retaliate Pretty Bird had pinned her down and was hitting her. Alyna fought back as best she could, but it was Soft Wind that pried the girls apart. It surprised Alyna that Soft Wind had helped her, but it was more surprising when she went to her brother and relayed the event to him. Alyna had no intention of telling White Thunder what happened, so she was shocked when he asked her about it. She still wasn’t sure what he did that day, but Pretty Bird hadn’t come within five feet of her since. “Ah-lee-nah.” White Thunder crept up behind her and kissed her neck. “You are not tiered?” “Not really.” She turned towards him and opened the buffalo blanket to share. “You were much tiered earlier.” He said with a wide grin. “Yes,” She laughed and blushed. “Come.” He pulled her back inside. They made love for the second time that night, and as the dawn approached and Alyna started to doze off. She knew this was her home now. Although part of her would always stay in Rock Creek, she wondered about her father, and she hoped that he was well. And didn’t worry about her. She often thought of Gabriel and Penny, but mostly she thought of Buck. Across the plains in a small Kiowa camp Running Buck cradled his son in his arms as he wept. How was he to care for this small infant with his wife gone? Over half the tribe had been massacred; his wife was one of the lost. His heart broke as his son stirred. He would never know his mother. How much his life had changed in a mere five years? Some for the better like his precious son. He often wondered what would have happened if he stayed in Rock Creek and never met Alyna McAlister. He assumed she married, she was no doubt a spoiled little brat and had everything she wanted, and never gave him a thought. Hatred bred in his heart, but one look from his tiny son, and she was forgotten. How could he possibly feel sorry for himself, when he had to make a life for his son? Running Buck promised himself that night, he would never let Alyna McAlister creep back into his memories. Email address no longer valid HOME