by Lawna Mackie
Chapter Eleven
Amanda awoke to the smell of brewing coffee. Her eyes sprang open, the strangeness of the room reminding her where she’d slept. Quinn’s body didn’t lie beside her. She pushed the covers aside, prepared to search for him. The sound of his laughter put her at ease.
Ruffled clothing wound around her body. She did her best to straighten them. Her hair must look a fright, but she exited the room to find out what was making her son laugh.
The smell of coffee beckoned to her as she walked quietly down the hall. Sitting at the table and laughing were her son and Samuel. For a brief moment, she debated whether or not to interrupt them.
Both of them stopped and looked her direction.
Samuel rose and pulled a chair out for her.
“Sorry Mom, I hope I didn’t wake you up,” Quinn said.
She ran a hand over her hair hoping it wasn’t sticking up. “I have to say, I enjoyed waking to your laughter.”
“Amanda, would you like a cup of coffee?” Samuel asked.
People didn’t typically serve her she served them. Uncomfortable with the situation, she headed toward him to help herself.
Samuel held up his hand to stop her. “No. Sit please. I can bring it to you.”
Now she really felt out of place. She never slept in and never got served. Her cheeks heated. “I’m sorry I overslept.”
“Mom, you were really tired. You even snored.” Quinn laughed.
“I did?” She crossed her arms on the table and buried her head.
The two males snickered…at her expense.
“Guess what Samuel and I are doing today,” Quinn said.
“Looking for Jazira I suspect,” she replied.
“Yes, we are going to look for Jazira, but we’re also going to find a Christmas tree.”
Amanda swallowed hard, almost overcome by tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks. She never thought she’d see that sparkle in Quinn’s eyes again.
Samuel set the cup down in front of her. Her gaze caught his. He winked and her heart melted.
“You could come along if you like,” Quinn stated.
A cough cleared her throat. “Heaven’s no! Somebody’s got to feed you both,” she croaked.
“The pantry’s heavily stocked, Amanda, and I’m sure you’ll find the ice box adequately supplied as well,” Samuel answered.
“I have no doubts.”
Smiles disappeared with his next statement as he pointed to the gun cabinet. “I’m guessing you can use a rifle?” he asked before continuing. “Ellis and his men may very well come up this way and not just them, but wildlife as well. I need to know you will be able to protect yourself if we are gone.”
Those thoughts hadn’t played out in her mind, but of course the possibility existed. She didn’t like guns, but could use one if needed. “Yes, I’ll be fine.”
“We’re gonna wait for daylight,” Quinn stated.
“Amanda, I brought your things in, but didn’t know where to put them.”
“Thank you,” she responded.
With dawn on the horizon, Amanda stared out the window. “Quinn, you’d best get cleaned up and put on some clean clothes before you go…warm clothes,” Amanda shouted as he jumped from the chair to grab the bag he’d packed for the stay.
“Yes, Ma’am,” he answered before running down the hall, leaving Samuel and Amanda alone.
“I thought bringing home a tree might help with his mood, but what he really wants is to look for the wolf.”
Nodding her head, she replied sadly, “He hasn’t cared much about Christmas. We didn’t even have a tree last year.”
“He’s a great kid, Amanda.”
He was and she knew it. Again, she looked around at the large cabin. “Samuel, I have to ask…why did you build such a large home, complete with extra bedrooms and even a train track. It’s like you were expecting something,” she said.
“I was expecting someone,” he sighed, “but I got something better.” He reached out and took her hand. “I have a sister back in Alaska. She has a little boy just a bit younger than Quinn. She was going to come and live here for a while, but things didn’t quite work out as planned. I’ve always enjoyed building besides the prospecting. I’ve done quite well for myself, but thought I’d find Bandit Creek a tad warmer than Alaska and I could still stake a claim. I did have substantial help building this place, but I hadn’t expected to arrive to a flooded town surrounded by superstition.”
The coffee warmed her hands while she took a sip. “It seems you’ve done very well.”
“I have, now that you and Quinn are here.” His eyes gleamed.
Quinn came tearing around the corner. “I’m ready and it’s almost daylight.”
Samuel laughed. “I guess I’d better get ready, too,” he said, standing from the table.
Soon Amanda stood at the large window, looking out at the glistening snow, watching her son and Samuel trudge down the way they’d come last night. Daydreaming was a luxury she didn’t have time for. She unpacked their things and began rummaging through the kitchen and the icebox. Baking was needed. She’d prepared bread, biscuits and perhaps some desert. The morning flew by and before long, all was under control. Only then did she decide to tidy herself in the large water closet. Dinner was cooking when she decided to think about Christmas decorations. The boys had to be home soon.
Red ribbons would be a must, she thought, heading to the box of items she’d brought. She knew Christmas was coming so she’d packed a few things. Taking the ribbons and some material from old rags, she sat in the comfy chair by the fire where she could also see out the window. Before long she had ornaments piled in a bucket ready for the tree.
She jumped when there came a large thump at the door. Dropping everything, with her heart pounding, she peered out the window cautiously. The doorstep was out of view from the window. What she did notice were the large tracks leading up the steps. Oh God, could it be? The whine told her it was true. Amanda reached for a rifle just in case and approached the door. She closed her eyes and put her faith in God and her son.
Yanking the door open, the wolf creature fell half way in to the cabin.
It was a giant, with an odd gold stripe down it’s back and funny looking feet. It lay unmoving. Warily, Amanda set the rifle aside and bent closer to the beast.
Her hands were sweaty. She didn’t know what to do.
“Jazira?”
The animal opened its red eyes and blinked. Amanda’s heart broke. The animal’s face conveyed confusion, fear, loneliness, compassion and exhaustion. They begged for peace.
“Oh goodness, you poor thing,” she said, taking the risk of touching her head and patting her.
Amanda looked at her size and wondered how she could possibly move the large animal into the house.
“Jazira, I know it’s you. Quinn told me all about you.” Amanda didn’t know what she expected to hear in response, but continued anyway. “I need your help to get you in the door.” She could clearly see the matted blood stuck to the fur on the wolf’s shoulder.
Getting up, she ran to the bedroom and grabbed a blanket. Returning to the creature, she carefully tried to place it under her head. “Jazira, if you can just get yourself a little further on this blanket, I can pull you in. I’m sorry, I know you’re hurt.”
The she-wolf lifted her head off the blanket. Amanda stepped back and the animal raised her backend and lurched forward on three legs. With only seconds to spare, Amanda shoved the blanket under the falling animal. Jazira hit the floor and began crying. Amanda comforted her as much as possible, stroking her fur. She was no ordinary wolf. Eventually her cries ceased. The animal’s stomach heaved from the exertion. It also shivered. Amanda stood and grabbed the blanket, pulling it with all her might toward the fireplace.
Once by the fire, she jumped up and ran to the kitchen. She fetched a bucket of warm water and a cloth. Before she could begin examining the wound, the door opened.
&nbs
p; Samuel’s eyes widened with shock. Quinn screamed. “Jazira!” He bolted into the room and fell at the wolf’s side. Amanda watched her son reach out to pet her head. The wolf opened her eyes and she was certain the creature smiled.
“It’s okay, Jazira. We’ll take care of you now. You’ll be okay.”
She whined again and licked his hand. “Do something, Mom!” He looked over to Samuel who came forward. “Help her, Samuel,” he cried.
Samuel laid his hand on Quinn’s shoulder. “Okay, back up so I can look at her.” He pulled off his jacket, removed his boots, and tore off his gloves.
Quinn scooted away a little.
Amanda sought Samuel’s concerned face. She hoped he would know what to do.
“Hand me that bucket of water, Amanda,” he said.
With cloth in hand, he carefully began to wash the area free of blood.
“Amanda, in the water closet cabinet, please go find the bottle with the dropper. It’s Laudanum. Also sterilize a sharp knife in a pot of boiling water.”
She rushed away to do as he asked and returned with the bottle. Samuel took the Laudanum and placed a few drops in Jazira’s mouth, then tilted her head up and held her muzzle closed so she would swallow.
“What is it, Samuel?” Quinn asked.
“It’s a drug that will help keep her calm. I have to dig the bullet out and it’s going to hurt.”
He continued to bath the wound, then snipped the long fur away. Amanda noticed the wolf’s breathing become slow and steady.
“I think we’re ready,” Samuel said, preparing for the surgery.
Amanda put her arms around Quinn’s shoulders and held him while he sniffled. “Quinn, you don’t need to watch this.”
“She never left me. I’ll pet her head.”
Samuel stopped him. “Quinn, I don’t think that’s a good idea. If she snaps, you’ll be in worse shape than she is.”
“She won’t bite me. Never. I know that.”
Samuel looked at Amanda and she nodded her acceptance of her son’s decision.
“Sit behind her, Quinn. Talk to her and tell her you’re here.”
He did just that. The wolf squirmed when the knife entered the wound.
“Easy girl,” Samuel said softly. “I know this hurts, but we have to get the bullet out.”
Minutes went by, and the wolf lay still while Quinn talked to her about the Christmas tree they would have and the train in his room. Amanda swallowed the lump in her throat. What would she do if the wolf didn’t make it?
“Got it,” Samuel pronounced, digging further and finally pulling the slug from her shoulder. It dropped to the floor.
Everyone let out a sigh of relief. He swabbed the fresh flow of blood and placed healing ointment over the wound. After, a thick bandage was placed on top and securely wrapped around Jazira’s leg.
“Why isn’t she moving?” Quinn asked, full of concern.
“This has been very hard on her, Quinn. We need to hope she lives, and if she does, we need to keep her very still. Can you help with that?” Samuel asked, giving him a job with responsibility.
“I’ll make sure.”
“She will probably get too warm by the fire so you’ll have to watch for that as well.”
“I won’t leave her side,” Quinn said stubbornly.
Now she had to speak up. “Quinn, you yourself were just very ill. You have to take care of yourself or you won’t be able to take care of Jazira.”
Quinn huffed. “I know.”
“Then off with your outside clothes and get ready for dinner. We’ll keep an eye on her.”
“Oh Mom!” he complained.
“Go, sweetie.”
“I don’t know if she’ll make it. She’s lost an awful lot of blood,” he said shaking his head and whispering.
“I know. Let’s pray she does.”
∗ ∗ ∗
Chapter Twelve
Quinn ate dinner sitting on the floor beside Jazira. He made a point of telling her stories in between bites. “Jazira, this is a wonderful place. You’ll love it here when you’re better, and my mom is the best cook in the world. She’ll make you better in no time.”
“Quinn, please bring your plate to the kitchen if you’re done with it,” Amanda called to him.
“Yes, Ma’am,” he answered back and got up.
Samuel greeted him in the kitchen. “Well, do you think we should show her?” he asked.
Quinn looked over at Jazira, and then to his mom. “Maybe we should wait until Jazira is better?” Quinn asked.
“Maybe we should have it ready for when Jazira wakes up?” Samuel countered.
“What are you two talking about?” Amanda demanded.
“Okay, let’s show her,” Quinn decided.
He pulled her by the hand and over to the door, then yanked it open. Leaning in the far corner of the porch was a tall bushy pine tree. Amanda gleamed. “It’s lovely…I think I need more decorations,” she giggled.
“Should we set it up?” Samuel asked the two of them.
“Oh yes. I think we should, don’t you?” Amanda asked Quinn.
He hesitated. “I don’t know. Do you think Jazira will like it?”
“I’m certain,” she answered back.
Before long, the majestic tree stood in the window decorated with the red ribbons, bows and buttons.
“It’s missing something,” Samuel stated with his chin resting in his hand.
Quinn shrugged. “I know…it’s popcorn garland,” he announced.
“Yes, of course!” Amanda joined in. Quinn’s tummy growled. It’d been a long time since he’d had popcorn. “Quinn, how about helping me make popcorn, if Samuel checks on Jazira.”
Again he hesitated, and his stomach did an unsettling flip. Guilt gnawed at him. He always decorated the tree with his father. After his Pa died he swore Christmas would mean nothing to him anymore. He’d closed his heart to the happy memories once shared with his family. Quinn remained unsure about allowing himself to experience the joy of Christmas, but the one person who deserved to be happy was his Mom, so for her sake, he tried to stifle the unsettling emotions.
He changed the subject. “Can we have hot chocolate?”
“Well, I did see some chocolate in Samuel’s cupboard.” She winked at the tall man. Seeing his mom happy made him happy.
“Okay, I’ll help if Samuel will look after Jazira.”
“I’ll do better than that. If you’re mom’s okay with it, I’ll make you a bed on the floor beside her, so you can stay with her tonight,” Samuel suggested.
He smiled so big his cheeks hurt. “Mom, can I? Is it okay?”
“I suppose, but we better hurry. We’ve got popcorn garland to make and hot chocolate to drink.
With the last piece of the garland woven around the tree, Samuel and Amanda stood back to look at the magical sight.
His thumb reached out and caught the tear sliding down her cheek.
“That’s a tear of happiness,” she said.
“I’m glad.”
He watched her stare down at Quinn who slept by the wolf.
“They both look very content,” she commented quietly.
Samuel stepped softly around the sleeping pair and stoked the fire. “I hope they both sleep well.” He took Amanda’s hand and led her towards the bedroom. The door closed silently behind them, as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. She tasted like chocolate and kissed him back with a force that shocked him. He dragged her with him as they tumbled to the bed giggling.
He undid the long braid confining her long silky hair. The sight of its luxurious brilliance made it impossible not to touch. She was so beautiful.
“I love you,” she mumbled, placing a kiss on his nose.
In one move Samuel swiftly had her pinned under his body.
“I can’t wait to marry you,” he responded seriously. “And I love you more.”
The kisses deepened and he knew he’d found the happiness he’d bee
n searching for all his life.
Bombarded by strong smells and scents, Jazira struggled to open her eyes. It seemed impossible. The burning sensation in her shoulder shot agony through her body. She could smell Quinn, the only comfort she had in her life since her transformation in the lake.
Everything blurred at first, but then the tall tree came into view, and so did Quinn who slept not far away from her.
Jazira lifted her head from the floor and whined. Even that hurt.
Quinn stirred and sat up.
“Jazira. You’re awake.”
“It hurts,” she whispered, blinking slowly.
He reached out his hand, stroking her head.
“Thirsty,” she managed.
Quinn grabbed the bowl of water and put it by her muzzle.
She didn’t know how she would be able to drink it. To move seemed impossible. Like Quinn could read her mind, he cupped his hand and put some water to her mouth. Her tongue jutted out, lapping up what she could. He repeated the process until she felt satisfied.
“Thanks.” She laid her head back down on the blanket.
“I think I should get Mom and Samuel. The wound should be looked at.”
She heard him walk away and knock on a door. “Mom. Samuel.” Voices could be heard and soon the two adults appeared at her side. Jazira was so tired.
Samuel and Quinn’s mom bent down in front of her.
“Thank you,” she muttered.
They both halted and remained silent.
Quinn looked at the pair. “I told you she talks. It’s not polite to stare at her like that,” he said with an annoyed tone.
“It’s okay, Quinn,” Jazira responded.
“He’s right. It’s not polite. I’m Amanda,” the woman said with sympathy.
Samuel’s hand moved toward the bandage. Her eyes followed him. Carefully he began to unwind the gauze. “I think it looks good,” he said.
Amanda handed him the ointment. “This may hurt a bit,” he stated looking at her. It stung, and she cried and squirmed.
“I’m sorry,” Samuel added.
Cleaned and wrapped back up, Jazira watched them all looking at her with concern. “Thank you,” she said sleepily.
“Do you need anything, Jazira?” Quinn asked.
