“Change is coming.” Saying it aloud didn’t make it so, yet she knew it also meant she’d accepted the portent of her dreams, even if she refused to answer the content. “I fear for us.”
“I don’t.” Minninnewah flashed her a rare smile. Though young for a chief, he was an accomplished warrior and succeeded his father when the wise man passed from their world two winters before. “We will survive in this, I have every faith.”
His tone echoed confidence, but she experienced none of the same. “The Fever took another encampment.” A dying people, the Tsitsistas tribes dwindled, family groups broke away or worse—died. The Fever, much-feared amongst them, cropped up time and again. Soon, they would have no Shamans to combat it. The lack of others gifted in medicine would have kept her from taking the ancient Shaman’s request, if nothing else barred her journeying away. She was the last.
“I know. Scouts brought word yesterday. We burned the remnants. Our people are safe, Little Mother. We have you.” Onsi glanced at the chief then past him to their people. Where once perhaps hundreds, even thousands gathered, now they numbered fewer and fewer. Each winter, they lost more. Every summer, fewer births increased their tribe.
No women carried children as they went to winter camp, none.
Yet, she kept the recording of the oddity to herself. For Minninnewah, believing they were indestructible embedded within his very soul. A young chief, perhaps, but one hardened by time and loss. He didn’t disbelieve in danger, he simply refused to acknowledge it and give it power.
But what he failed to comprehend and what she couldn’t bear to say aloud—he didn’t have to believe in the danger.
Like the Fever, she had a feeling it would come for them all.
When it does, I will stand with my people. Die with them if necessary.
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author, Heather Long, likes long walks in the park, science fiction, superheroes, Marines, and men who aren’t douche bags. Her books are filled with heroes and heroines tangled in romance as hot as Texas summertime. From paranormal historical westerns to contemporary military romance, Heather might switch genres, but one thing is true in all of her stories—her characters drive the books. When she’s not wrangling her menagerie of animals, she devotes her time to family and friends she considers family. She believes if you like your heroes so real you could lick the grit off their chest, and your heroines so likable, you’re sure you’ve been friends with women just like them, you’ll enjoy her worlds as much as she does.
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Also by Heather Long
Always a Marine Series
Once Her Man, Always Her Man
Retreat Hell! She Just Got Here
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Combat Barbie
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What Part of Marine Don’t You Understand?
A Marine Affair
Marine Ever After
Marine in the Wind
Marine with Benefits
A Marine of Plenty
A Candle for a Marine
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Lest Old Marines Be Forgot
Her Marine Bodyguard
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Bravo Team Wolf
When Danger Bites
Chance Monroe
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Plan Witch from Out of Town
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Elite Metal
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Some Like It Royal
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Blocked (Hot on Ice)
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Lone Star Leathernecks
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Space Cowboy
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Wolf at Law
Wolf Bite
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Wolf Claim
Wolf Next Door
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Standalone
Haunt Me
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