Hunger of the Heart

by Trinity Blacio

  “But this might be club business, and I really don’t need your help there. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a babysitter.” As he stepped onto the porch, his gorge rose at the stench greeting him. “What the hell is that?”

  “You need to see this, but I’d put on shoes because you don’t even want to step close to this toxic mess,” Dark Horse said. “It’s the reason for all the threats.”

  “I’d also be telling your little lady to start tying everything down, because we need to get her and her trailer out of the area. The feds are coming in and the EPA already has men here. It’s not safe to stay,” Sun Bull explained. “We have three men helping Lone Star and Rose get ready to go as well. I’ve even sent a trailer in for what can’t fit into their trucks.”

  At that moment, Lone Star drove into the yard and leapt out of his truck. “Where do you want us to go? The other three families are all packing up, as well.”

  “We will be making a trip to Texas, first. Why don’t you and the other families head for Canada and scope out the area, but don’t let onto anyone what is going on. I’ll have a few of my men meet you there. I’m sorry. I know how hard you and your family worked to make this your home.” Running Wolf shook his hand.

  “It’s not your fault. It’s the greed and corruption running wild across these lands. I can honestly understand why the Great Mother is bringing down her judgment on so many.”

  “My god. What the hell is that stench?” Kizzy asked, stepping outside.

  Running Wolf moved her back into the house. “I need you to start getting everything ready so we can move your trailer to a safer location.” He cupped her cheek. “I’m sorry, but we have found out what your mayor and the banker have been up to.”

  “Are Rose and Lone Star okay?” How like her to be concerned for her friends before herself.

  “He’s just about to head back to finish getting their things packed up. They and the other families will meet us up in Canada after our trip to Texas. They can scout the area so when we do show up, we’ll have a better idea of what we are dealing with. One of my men will take care of your home moving there. So if you can pack a small bag to bring with you?” He watched her carefully. Everything was moving so fast.

  Instead of arguing, like almost anyone would do in such circumstances, she walked stiffly into her bedroom and knelt beside the bed, pulling out two suitcases, a backpack, and a large carry-on bag. “How small?”

  “Let me help you with those.” He reached down and lifted her to her feet. “Pack all four of them. You can put the backpack on the bike, and Sun Bull will put the rest in van accompanying us.” He placed the bags on the bed. “You can pack them, but do not lift them. We don’t need you tearing anything open.”

  “That’s why I’m here.” Red Hawk came in. “I’d like to check the wound before she does anything.”

  “Good and thank you.” Running Wolf stepped aside.

  “I really am better,” Kizzy said.

  “Let me judge this, okay?”

  She agreed, knowing there was no sense in arguing. Kizzy lowered the peasant blouse down enough Red Hawk could check the wounds.

  He prodded the puffy area where he’d removed one bullet. “It’s a little red. Did you bump it?”

  “I don’t think so.” Kizzy whimpered.

  “Easy there, almost done.” He held his palm over the wound until sweat broke out on his forehead. “She’ll be okay, but still no lifting anything.” Red Hawk turned to face Running Wolf. “I’d like to go with you to Texas. You’re going to need me.”

  “Get ready. I’ll be out in a second. I’ll need to speak with Frank and Tack before we leave.” As the healer went out the door, Running Wolf placed a kiss on her wound. “If he hadn’t been healing you, I would have killed him for touching you.” He reached up and cupped her cheek. “Never mistake my easygoing nature, Kizzy. I’m a very jealous man, and I’ll skin and stake any man who touches what is mine.” Grabbing his boots, he headed for the door.

  “Running Wolf, what about the mayor and—”

  “There is no need to worry. I’m sure they are both on the run or have been caught, but I will find out Tack knows. Stay inside, Little Gypsy.” Something major was going to happen, and he wanted Kizzy far, far away from this place before it did.

  Chapter Nine

  “The rain on my face reminds me of the tears of the souls that walked this world before. Do we add more?” Running Wolf, President White Buffalo MC

  Reaching for the third bag to pack, Kizzy found herself staring at the mayor. He stood in the doorway, sweat covering his face, his hair pasted to his head. “Going somewhere, bitch?”

  “How did you get in here?” She stumbled back, coming up against her bed.

  “With all that is going on, you would think your man would have left someone here to protect you, but his loss. You’ve cost me too much. I had hoped to set you up in town, but now I’m just going to fuck you and rip out your tongue.”

  She spun to the right in time to avoid his lunge, leaving him to flop on the mattress.

  “Running Wolf! Help!”

  She ran to the door only to run into Teter blocking the exit. His fist connected with her cheek, sending her flying back into Dana who grabbed onto her breasts and squeezed them tight.

  “We’re both going to fuck you.” He bit the side of her neck, and she screamed, slamming her head into his nose. Bones crunched, and he shoved her away from him, screaming and grabbing his nose.

  She lost her footing and fell forward, right into Teeter, who grinned and shoved a knife into her lower stomach. The exact same knife Kizzy had seen in her dream was now sticking out of her. Blood and pain seemed to cover every part of her body and soul.

  Her dream was coming true, and there was nothing she could do about it. She fell to her knees then forward, embedding the knife deeper into her.

  She sobbed in pain. “Running Wolf, so, so sorry.”

  Images of Momma, Papa and Mason singing around the fire filled her mind along with her momma’s You have a long life to live, my princess.

  Running Wolf’s war cry split the air, and everything went black.

  ***

  Running Wolf had been gone for only twenty minutes when he realized something was wrong and spun around, running back toward his woman. Snatching the knife he wore at his waist, he called for Red Hawk and Dark Horse to follow him.

  When she screamed his name, his blood boiled, and he knew he had failed her. Dark Horse beat him to the door and tackled the mayor. Teter was on top of Kizzy, her shirt torn open, blood streaming from her belly. He was yanking at her panties when he glanced up into his eyes.

  “You die tonight,” Running Wolf cried out and lunged for the man, who yanked the knife out of his woman and tried to stab him with it. Two seconds later, he flung the soon-to-be-dead man out the door. “Red Hawk!”

  The healer knelt down next to her lifeless body. Dark Horse threw the mayor out to join his partner in crime.

  Blood was everywhere, hers. A bruise started to form on her delicate cheek. “Don’t leave me, Little Gypsy. I need you.” He placed a kiss on her forehead.

  “I will save her,” Red Hawk said. “Go and take care of the trash. We’ll be here when you are done. I won’t fail you, my friend. I was meant to do this.” His friend placed his hand over her wound and closed his eyes, employing the healing abilities gifted him by the Great Mother.

  Running Wolf placed kiss on her lips and stood slowly, making his way outside where the two men waited for their sentence.

  Hate and anger radiated from Stephan. “Do it.”

  Running Wolf understood. “Tie them up and gag them. They will be returned to the Mother by the means of the toxic waste they have dumped here. Dark Horse, have Tack move some of his men away from part of the pit. Do not tell him why. The less he knows, the better, but he’ll listen. Also, let him and Frank know I would speak with them tomorrow at the campground outside of town.” He glanced over his sho
ulder at where Red Hawk attended his woman inside the trailer. “Sun Bull, stay with them.”

  His friend grasped his shoulder. “I won’t leave their side until you are back. I still think you should skin them alive, like the old days.”

  “They will suffer that fate, but not at our hands. The toxic crap they have dumped into the Earth will not only rip them apart, it will leave nothing for anyone to find.”

  “You can’t do this. You have to give us to the local authorities. Someone help!” Teter yelled, but two of the men stuffed a dirty rag into his mouth and stripped him of his clothes, tying him up like a calf at branding time. His whipped around to the mayor, who hadn’t said a word. “You don’t beg?”

  Dark Horse had already done a number on the man, his fingers broke and his nose bleeding.

  “Why? I know where this is going and knew it would happen, but you won’t win. No one will survive.”

  “That is where you are wrong. Those of a true heart will survive. We will build a new world where we will honor the Earth we walk upon and each other.” Running Wolf stepped back, and his men gagged and tied the mayor. The Great Mother would take care of these two who had tried to destroy what was hers.

  He led the way as his men carried their enemy toward their destination. Dark Horse pointed to where a small fissure had opened and the toxic mess bubbled up.

  “May your trip back to the Great Mother be as painful as what you have done to her and my woman.” Running Wolf nodded as Teter was dumped first into the hole. The pain and horror in his eyes as the evil doer sank into the liquid mess eased the pain in his heart. He raised his hand and the mayor was thrown into the same hole.

  “I’ve wasted enough time here. I want everyone packed up and ready to roll as soon as I know it’s safe to move Kizzy. We’ll camp at the place we noted earlier. Once we wrap this mess up with the town, we head for Texas. Dark Horse, call in the rest of the men and have them meet us in Louisville. Make sure they come prepared. Let them know we will be facing the Irons. It seems we are bound to clash one last time.”

  His men growled and went about their work as he moved toward his woman and her family.

  “You are taking Kizzy with you?” Stephan asked.

  “Yes, she has already had the vision, and she was there. I have a feeling Dark Horse’s woman will need her.” He stopped, his attention on her uncle Stephan. “Kizzy died earlier. It’s how I knew something was wrong.” Running Wolf tipped his head back, staring at the dark skies. “When we were all drawn to Soaring Eagle so long ago, we were told that we would find our chosen one, and when we did, she would perish before our eyes. I truly believe it’s a way for our Great Mother to show us soon we all will be grieving for what is about to come. The day of cell phones and computers is slowly coming to end. She does not want us destroyed, or what she’s created for us. We all must now listen to her signs.”

  “You have come a long way, and she approves,” Soaring Eagle said. “Your woman is awake and asking for you.” He looked around. “All of you. It seems she has seen her mother and father.”

  Running Wolf almost flew to her little home on wheels. She lay on the couch. Red Hawk was spread out on the floor beside her, his hand still on her latest wound. But her head moved slowly, and Kizzy smiled. “Momma and Papa have given us their blessing.”

  Red Hawk grunted. “Sun Bull, help me up and take me to wherever we are camping because I’m going sleep a good ten hours.” His red tired eyes met his. “She will live, but do not move her right now. I will have to do another healing session with her when I awake, but for now, she needs sleep.” Red Hawk patted her shoulder. “Do not overdo it. You tell them what you have to and then sleep. If we are moving this place, she has to be inside it, so I’d suggest making sure everything around her is strapped down.”

  Running Wolf placed his hand on Red Hawk’s arm and squeezed. “Thank you.”

  “There is no need to thank me. You go out of your way to help us, and we help you. I’ll see you in the morning, but, Running Wolf, she won’t be able to ride for a few days. So I suggest you have your wedding before we head for Texas.”

  “It will be done. Now go rest.” He moved to sit next to her on the floor, kissing her bruised cheek. “My Little Gypsy, I lost you and was never so afraid in my life.”

  She traced his cheek with her fingers. “It was good to visit Momma and Papa. They know what is coming and that I would be safe with you.”

  She beckoned her uncles over. “Ares, Papa told me to tell you to stop blaming yourself. In a way, you saved us all. This path led us to Running Wolf and his group. Our family will be entwined with his. He also said not to worry. You will find the right woman before the darkness comes.”

  Ares snorted and bent to kiss her cheek. “I need to gather the children and get ready for the move. I love you, little Kizzy. You rest and listen to your man. Soon, you will have that wedding.”

  Next, Stephan knelt next to her.

  A tear rolled down her cheek. “Papa misses you, your games and the tricks you played on each other. He said to protect your back, something about a past enemy not being finished with you.”

  He also placed a kiss on her cheek. “I, too, miss our games and tricks, but I have your father in my heart, and I’ll be careful. Now, rest.” He stood, but Kizzy grabbed his leg.

  “I was wondering if you would give me away at our wedding. Father wants you standing in his place as the next eldest son.”

  Stephan snorted. “I’d be honored,” He faced Running Wolf. “Treat her well.” He rose and left as her last uncle knelt down next to her.

  “I feel like some queen with all of you kneeling,” She placed her hand on her uncle’s cheek. “Dad is worried about you the most. He knows how much you miss Ella. She is there in the next world, Santana. She wants you to move on, to find a woman to raise your daughter.” Kizzy scrunched up her face.

  “Are you hurting? Do I need to get Red Hawk back here?” Running Wolf asked.

  “No, I’m fine, trying to remember. Oh, yeah. The sea is never ending as my love for you. The stars shine bright and my love will always be there….”

  “Guiding me,” her uncle finished. “I had forgotten her promise and mine. Thank you, little Kizzy.” He stood. “I have my truck here, so we can hook this up to it and take it to the campground. I’m already set up there, as are my brothers. Mason, help Running Wolf tie everything down while I get the truck and, you, rest.” He tucked a blanket around her.

  “You’re staying in here with her?” he asked.

  “Of course. Dark Horse and Sun Bull will take my bike to the campground. I have most of my belongings here.”

  “How come I didn’t notice them?” Kizzy asked.

  He lifted the lid of the coffee table and pulled his backpack from the storage area inside. “I travel light.”

  She snorted, staring at her brother. “Momma and Papa are proud of you and miss you very much.” She swallowed, and tears filled her eyes. “I can have Momma’s box now.” The air around them grew cold, and she sighed. “Fine, I don’t know why no one wants me to have it. I should get something of hers.” Kizzy rubbed her arms.

  “That I can help with, but not now.” Mason leaned down, nose to nose with her. “You were not meant to deal with curses and killing. Your heart is too pure. Let us handle the other stuff. You just do your thing with you were born with.” He kissed her nose and moved to the bedroom. “I’ll start locking stuff down. I take it the house is going north when we head for Texas?”

  Running Wolf stood. “Yes, I want her home safe in Canada when we face the Irons. I wish you could go, but I have a feeling you are going to be needed with Dark Horse’s woman.”

  “She’s been hurt emotionally, and I’m afraid these Irons, whoever they are, are the ones doing it, but it’s not new. They’ve been there for a bit.” Kizzy’s eyes widened. “They know you are coming. They’ve been preparing for this.”

  “Stop worrying, I already kind of figured that
. I’ve called in everyone. They’ll meet us in Louisville.” Running Wolf kissed her lips and stood again, attaching the straps to the doors so they stayed shut.

  “How big is your motorcycle club?” she asked.

  “You’ll see.” He pointed at the rug. “I’m afraid this has to go, Kizzy. It’s ruined.” She trembled. “Hey now, it’s all over. They can’t touch you again. Both of them are back with the Great Mother.” Running Wolf said.

  Her brother rolled up the rug and tossed it out the door. “I’ll start working on the floor.” He moved to the kitchen. “The bedroom is all locked down.”

  “Use the blue bottle. It will get out the blood. Someone should make sure the bathroom shelves are closed up, too, please,” Kizzy said.

  “I’m here, Little Gypsy,” Running Wolf said. “Close your eyes and relax, knowing I’m right here.”

  “You won’t leave?”

  “No, never again will you be unprotected I promise. I failed you once, but not again.” She would be guarded at all times even if she didn’t like it.

  Chapter Ten

  “The sun is shining for today, but I heard the story of the Dark Days coming. Are you ready? Are you prepared?” Dark Horse, White Buffalo MC

  Kizzy took a deep breath, staring at her new surroundings. They had been at the campsite now for two days, and it was the first time she had been out of bed. It not only had been hell sleeping next to Running Wolf not being able to start anything, but having her uncles there as chaperones was a total pain. But, tonight, she and Running Wolf would be married.

  Already Running Wolf had been run out of her little house and threatened with mayhem by Uncle Stephan if he got too close to her until the ceremony. He had grumbled and kissed her hard, but he had removed himself, leaving Dark Horse there to protect her.

  “I know you are there watching me, so come, take a walk with me. We have some things to discuss.” She waited for said warrior to let his presence be known.