Staking a Claim

by Devon McKay

  She easily convinced Sam.

  “We’ll stop at my cabin and get you a change of clothes first. I think I can find you something to wear.”

  A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Never one to make friends easily, she appreciated McKinley’s kindness and effortless friendship. Limping behind Blake’s adopted sister, Sam stepped out of the cabin, walked past two structures, and veered into another building quite a bit smaller.

  “This is my house.” McKinley strolled through the door and stepped to the side. The tiny home was a disaster. Whereas Blake’s cabin was neat and tidy, McKinley’s resembled the aftermath of a hurricane.

  Clothes were strewn across the floor and the bed rumpled. Sam couldn’t imagine living here, yet, there was something endearing about the room.

  “Excuse the mess,” she apologized, picking up an armful of clothes off the floor and tossing them onto the bed. Rifling through the pile, she handed Sam a pair of leather pants and a soft suede shirt. “Hmmm, this ought to do for now. I’m pretty sure we are the same size. You are lucky.” She chuckled. “I know it’s not what you are used to wearing, but they are comfortable.”

  Sam took the garments gratefully, eager to get out of her dirty clothing. Enticed by their softness, she held the material up to her face and ran the smooth texture across her cheek.

  “It’s Caribou,” McKinley explained. “I will find you more clothes later. Right now, we can head to the watering hole. Unless you are hungry?”

  Sam shook her head. A bath, whether it was hot or cold, trumped food at the moment.

  “You are the first woman Wolf has brought here,” McKinley stated as she led the way into the woods, following a well-beaten path.

  Confused, Sam stopped walking. “Blake didn’t bring me here. Your brother did.”

  The woman spun around, a sly grin spreading across her face. “It makes no difference really. Just a matter of time before Wolf brought you himself.” She shrugged, the impish smile pasted in place. “And you just so happened to arrive in time for a potlatch,” her new friend stated earnestly.

  “A potlatch?” Sam studied her suspiciously.

  “Yes,” McKinley paused as if in deep thought. “I guess we do have a lot to celebrate, so the timing’s right. There’s a birth of a baby—” She regarded Sam with a thoughtful stare. “And a possible wedding.”

  Sam toyed with the soft fringes on the pants she held, uncomfortable under McKinley’s intense gaze.

  After a full minute, the woman tugged her arm and began walking again. She continued her explanation. “It’s a big deal. There will be lots of food, warrior tournaments, and singing and dancing. It’s like a festival. You can help me with the sewing and beading.”

  “I’m not a great seamstress,” she confessed, still digesting McKinley’s information.

  “Don’t worry. The celebration usually lasts a week. It takes that long or longer to prepare. By the time the week is over, you will be quite skilled in beadwork. Ah…here we are.”

  The dark green foliage opened up to a small lake, and Sam gasped in surprise. The pool was like a private oasis. No wonder McKinley preferred it here.

  Determined to enjoy the bath, she was not going to let a bad sprain stop her. Sam carefully stripped off her dirty clothing and the ace bandage wrapping her ankle. Swollen, and now bruised a dark blue and purple, she catered to the injury and limped to the edge of the water.

  Perfect, she thought to herself as she slipped into the cool stream. As a matter of fact, Denali had done her a favor bringing her to his village. It gave her the ideal opportunity to discover more about Blake, and those he referred to as family. Perhaps now, she would learn all the secrets he had been keeping to himself.

  Chapter 28

  “We have to get married,” Blake announced as he stepped into the cabin they had called home for one night. He was armed with a heaping handful of animal pelts.

  “Hell of a way to greet a girl,” Sam quipped as she sat up in bed. “Good morning to you, too. But, I’m not sure I heard you right. We have to get what?”

  He adjusted his grip on the hides he held. “These are wedding gifts…meaning we have to get married, Sam. It’s the Kenaitze way…their custom. I have to ask for your hand,” he stated anxiously, shifting the pelts again before laying them down on the edge of the bed. “We are sharing the same cabin…my cabin. If you live in the same housing, you have to be man and wife. It’s a big deal here. There’s no casual hooking up. They frown on such things.”

  She tore her gaze away, not wanting him to see the pain his callous remark caused and tried to reel in her emotions. Last night had been the perfect evening. Blake had not only been caring and gentle, but all-consuming with his attention. And now this?

  Not exactly the ideal proposal every woman dreamed of. Besides, what woman wanted to hear the man she loved say he had to marry her? As if he was being forced by some invisible hand to do the act. It was insulting, not flattering.

  “Well, you didn’t exactly ask, did you?” she snapped peevishly. Had he actually just referred to their lovemaking as a casual hook up? The words stung, piercing her to the core, although, she still harbored doubts.

  Suspiciously, she glanced back at Blake. According to her new friend, it didn’t seem like such a big deal to share the space, recalling the easygoing way McKinley had said they’d be sharing the cabin.

  “I just don’t understand,” she baited him, continuing the argument. McKinley’s earlier words haunted her now.

  “…possibly a wedding.”

  Was this planned? Had the woman been implying even then she and Blake would be getting married? The white elk skin garment lying on a bed of skins in the corner caught her attention. She and McKinley had begun working on it yesterday evening. Her fingers still ached from hand sewing the tiny beads. Could it actually be a traditional Kenaitze wedding dress?

  My wedding dress?

  Odd, after spending an hour with Denali’s sister, the Alaskan native had never once mentioned the beautiful garment was meant for her. And this afternoon, her new friend made a point of telling Sam she would return for further sewing.

  Abruptly, she stood, failing to hide her nakedness from his view. The heat of his gaze roamed down the length of her, setting her skin on fire. At last, some kind of response. After toying with the man all morning in just the same manner, he had refrained from touching her. In fact, she was starting to wonder how he was able to maintain the will of a monk.

  However, last night had been a different story. Blake couldn’t get his fill. In fact, he had darn near been insatiable, staying up until the wee hours rediscovering her body.

  “Sam, cover yourself,” he roared in exasperation. “Once again…we are sharing the same cabin.” He shook his head, and began to pace. “It’s a simple ceremony…a few words…a kiss…big party.”

  “Is that all it means to you?” Defeated, she grabbed one of the discarded animal pelts off the bed and pulled it over her bare torso. She covered her body, but was really trying to hide the pain his reaction had installed.

  “No, of course not, It’s just…I believe in their customs…my customs.” He stepped toward the bed. Gently, he cupped her chin and tipped up her head. Flooded by the love she saw in the hazel depths, Sam knew she’d agree to anything the man offered. Even a life-long commitment he felt pressured to offer?

  His lips brushed hers in a simple kiss. As if sealing the deal. Without further discussion, he left the cabin. Sam stared at the door, going over the scenario again. The whole interaction hadn’t felt right. For starters, Blake seemed unsure of himself. Strange, considering confidence was never something the man lacked. If this was the custom, why had he been so nervous?

  ****

  “Damn it.” Sam stuck her index finger in her mouth, nursing the sore appendage. Setting the wedding dress to the side, she cursed again. This task was beginning to take a toll on her, and her finger had taken the brunt of it. She’d only been at this for a sho
rt time now, but she’d already had her fair share of the tedious work.

  McKinley reached for the dress and took up where she had left off. Effortlessly, the woman braided small, colorful beads into the soft, elk skin with practiced skill. If only she could find the same kind of patience.

  “Maybe we should take a break?” McKinley asked, inviting Sam to quit with a gentle, doe-brown stare.

  “Yeah. A break sounds good,” she confessed.

  “Good. It’s dinner time anyway. I will take this to my cabin and finish it tonight.” She smiled, putting Sam at ease. “Did I mention, Denali has a gift for you?”

  “What kind of gift?” Sam asked with suspicion.

  “I guess you will just have to wait and see,” her friend said slyly as she placed an arm through Sam’s and pulled her out of the cabin.

  With her ankle only slightly tender now, she no longer needed the support and shook free of her friend’s grasp, wanting to walk completely without aid. After stopping at McKinley’s home and dropping off the dress, they walked to Denali’s cabin for dinner. A little nervous, Sam made her way into the circle by the fire to sit beside Blake.

  She hadn’t seen him since this morning when he announced their brief engagement. Still a little unsure of how he’d act now, she stole a sideways glance at her apparent future husband.

  Grinning, he placed the plate he was holding onto the ground, bumped her arm with his elbow, and garnished her full attention.

  He greeted her with a pleasant kiss before whispering softly into her ear, “Hi, wife.”

  Her cheeks warmed immediately at the casually spoken endearment. Apparently, he was taking their future nuptials in stride. Almost as if making such a lifetime commitment was an everyday event. Confused by his easy going demeanor, she refused to dwell about their so-called engagement. Especially considering she’d spent most of the day replaying the proposal in her head and had come up with little other than the thought of Blake as her husband made her incredibly happy…no matter how he’d asked.

  He picked up his plate and offered her a sample. Accepting the offer, she chose a piece of light-colored meat and tore off a little shred. Bringing it to her nose, she smelled it.

  “Vejex,” Blake explained. “Caribou. It’s good. I think you’ll like it.”

  Smelling the meat again, she ate the sliver. “You’re right. I like it. What is this?” She picked a darker colored meat this time.

  “Moose.”

  Blake grinned again, snatched the bite out of her hand, and popped it in his mouth before she had time to object.

  Denali interrupted, pulling up a seat. He introduced his wife, Knik, and his son, Keetna, to her again. Sam nodded to the pretty woman and stuck her tongue out at the child. To her surprise, the boy pretended to take a picture.

  “I have a gift for you,” Denali said with a grin.

  “I heard,” she replied distrustfully. Nothing good could come from someone wearing such a devious expression.

  “Your native name. I think you’ve earned one.”

  “Really? A nickname?” Honored, she glanced at Blake excitedly.

  Denali nodded. “Nik’uch qech.” The native tapped an index finger to his head.

  Blake cast a wry smile and released a chuckle. The others joined in with a belt of laughter.

  “Head harder than rock,” Denali furnished with a wide smile.

  “Oh yeah, that’s funny.” Sam placed her arms across her chest peevishly. A sudden bout of anger spiked underneath her skin. She did not appreciate the men making her the brunt of their jokes.

  “I am only teasing, little one. But I do have a name for you. One you would be proud of. Bechechgeshii kuz’in.” Denali nodded toward Blake.

  “Please tell me that means something good?” she questioned in a quiet whisper.

  Blake showered her with an intimate grin and nodded.

  Sam returned her gaze to Denali.

  “Heart of the Wolf,” Denali informed her gruffly. “It means you are worthy of my brother. You are both warriors. It is a compliment. You not only have the heart of a wolf, you are in a Wolf’s heart.”

  Speechless, she repeated Denali’s words over again in her head. To be openly acknowledged by Blake’s family was more than just approval…it was acceptance.

  “I am honored. Thank you.” With misty eyes, she leaned forward and planted a sound kiss on his cheek. The man would never truly know what giving her such a compliment meant.

  “And why did Blake get the name?” she asked, unable to help herself.

  Denali answered without hesitance. “It is no secret. My friend is a lone wolf, yet still part of the pack. I think it will not be this way for long k’isen. Soon, he will have his own pups.” Denali slammed his palm against his thigh as if to emphasize his words.

  Flustered, Sam felt a warm flush cover her skin, and she planted a stern elbow into her future husband’s side. Satisfied by the surprised swoosh of air he released, she smiled.

  “What was that for?” he yelped.

  “You never said anything about pups,” she snapped. She hadn’t quite wrapped her mind around being married, and now kids?

  “Yeah. I think four is a good number,” he replied with a lopsided grin.

  His response triggered an image of the man surrounded by children.

  Our children.

  Despite her initial shock, the thought wasn’t unsettling.

  “Now, it is time to join the others,” Denali announced, guiding them to the center of the village. “There will be stories to tell.”

  As they gathered around the circle, Blake introduced Sam with her newly given name. At first, the crowd was quiet, and a few even glared at her, but then one of the elders gave his blessing with a slight nod of his head. Two more elders approved, and the rest of the tribe followed, welcoming her presence. Overcome with emotion, she now felt completely accepted.

  She interlocked her arm within Blake’s and laid her head on his shoulder. He responded by placing a hand on her knee and giving her leg a quick squeeze.

  “I will tell you the story of the k’isen and the bear,” Denali said in a booming voice, shifting the tribe’s attention to him.

  “In a village, not far from here, there was tale of a chief’s daughter. News of her beauty spread quickly from qayeh to qayeh, but so did word of her hateful nature.” He paused, building dramatic effect.

  Sam peered around the circle. Men, women and children of various ages were immediately glued to the story, awaiting Denali’s next words.

  “This k’isen was so difficult even her beauty could not blind a man into marriage. Nor could her father’s wealth. And the elder had tried. After several attempts, both soon realized their search was in vain. It seemed as if the princess would never find a husband.” After another perfected pause, Denali began again. “The princess was so upset no one wanted to marry her, she disappeared into the woods to never return again. Once she was gone, the qayeh had a large feast. The chief invited tribes from all over. The celebration lasted for weeks.”

  “Well, that wasn’t very nice. What kind of story is this anyway?” Sam whispered in Blake’s ear.

  Denali silenced her with a sharp glance and continued. “The princess observed the festivities from the edge of the forest, and it wasn’t long before she could take no more. She forged her way deeper into the wilderness, far away from mankind. A bear heard her cries and fell in love with her. She tried to scare the beast away, because she was still a hateful princess, but her words and cruelty only made the animal fall deeper in love. When the woman realized the animal loved her anyway, she gave him her heart and married the bear.”

  “And they lived happily ever after?” Sam whispered to Blake, hiding a mischievous grin. “Did they have human kids or bear cubs?”

  “Legend says they had both.” Blake stifled a smile, suddenly quite somber. Standing, he stole the attention from Denali.

  “Like the princess and the bear, I have also found the one for me.
” He grabbed Sam’s hand.

  Astounded, she stood also. He was actually going through with this. Blake was announcing their engagement. Sam turned and faced him, ready to protest.

  He shushed her with a finger on her lips. “No, hear me out please. I don’t have much. No excessive wealth or riches. Only my heart, which I give to you freely.”

  The heartfelt statement silenced her. As she gazed into his eyes, Sam read, without a doubt, he meant every word. This man loved her. And she loved him. But she couldn’t quit questioning whether this was real or just for show. Were they really engaged? Or was this all meant just to placate the tribe?

  He presented her with a necklace. A large jade jewel protected by two wolf fangs. The beautiful piece of jewelry was so stunning, she remained speechless. With the ideal combination of femininity and masculinity, the piece appeared to be handmade and the perfect design to describe the two of them. Had he been spending his time making the exquisite choker himself?

  The heat of his body pressed into her backside as he clasped it into place. Immediately, her hand was drawn to the cold stone splitting her collar bone.

  “Bechechgeshii kuz’in.” He faced her again. “This is not just a necklace. It’s a symbol. From now on, you and I will be known as one.”

  She nodded as tears blurred her vision. The notion pleased her. A wolf was strong, the leader, always protecting his pack. The alpha male mated for life. And despite the forced engagement, she wanted no other mate, only her Wolf. It didn’t matter whether this was for real or not, Sam loved him and would cherish this moment forever.

  Chapter 29

  Fake or not, Sam was incredibly nervous. Daring a stolen peek out of the doorway, she witnessed the preparation for her wedding.

  Swarms of people busily readied the village. Sheets of skins had been laid out on the ground and several plates of food were being placed on top of them. An overwhelming pile of gifts, rifles, blankets, animal hides, and beaded items were gathered and piled off to the right of the eating area.