by Jo Larue
Sylas wasn’t sure what exactly triggered her flight response, but he made a silent vow to watch Chance more closely. He wanted to learn all the special nuances of this human woman he was falling for. How do you tell someone you barely know that you live to make her smile? Then, to take that beautiful smile away with mere words? It was nothing short of hell on earth.
Chance reached the edge of her property and pulled to the side of the main road. Everyone took advantage and got out to stretch their legs. From here on out they would be four wheeling into the center of the property. “If you need to make any calls, do it now. No cell coverage once we get over the first rise,” she told them while calling the dowser. Sylas took the time to talk with Jack out of earshot.
“I think I’ve taken us back to square one, Jack. I may have broken any shot I had for us as a couple and it honestly worries me.”
“Then you aren’t looking close enough, Sy. She still looks at you like she did before the news. You worry too much over nothing.”
“I’m new at this, Jack. Right when I think I have it figured out, I’m at a loss again.”
Jack laughed and put his arm over his shoulder in a quick bump man hug. “That, my friend, is called a woman. They’ll always leave you guessing!”
Chance walked back and said the dowser was just down the road. They would wait on him and then head into the property. She told them Rick was already here and waiting, pointing to a white rock with an arrow pointed away from the road. “That is the signal we came up with that lets us know someone is here. Last person out, turns it around to point at the road.”
“Ingenious idea, Chance! I’ll have to remember that one next time I get an urge to build again.” Jack laughed and shook his head as if there was a bad memory to clear away.
A Jeep that looked like it had been through several wars pulled up in front of them. The man who stepped out was tall and lanky with long silver hair, worn loose and it framed his tanned and weathered face. First glance told you he was American Indian. He smiled a gapped-toothed grin and waved as he walked up. He reached out to shake hands with Chance first. “John Littlecreek, and you must be Chance.” He pulled her hand up and gave her a quick peck on the knuckles, before turning to shake hands with him and Jack.
The handshake was firmer than Sylas was expecting and he held it longer than necessary. John looked at them both dead in the eyes, and his expression spoke volumes. He seemed to know what they were and it shocked Sylas. Chance introduced them and then explained there were no roads into where they were headed. John smiled and turned to his Jeep. “That’s no problem. My Usdi will get me there just fine.”
Everyone piled back in to their respective rides and followed Chance in. Sylas was impressed with her choice to buy this property. It was raw and beautiful. Nothing was cut down and it was loaded with older hardwoods, a rarity this far north. It appeared some of the oaks were quite ancient. Her choice to build in the center was smart. No one from the main road would be able to see her home since it was very hilly and hidden from the main thoroughfare. Chance drove through several small gullies and over several hills before he spotted the build site.
Rick was leaning against his SUV with what looked like sketches in his hands. He finally looked up and waved as they drew closer. Chance pulled to a stop at the top of the rise and Sylas immediately knew why she’d chosen it. It provided a three hundred and sixty degree view of the entire property and you could see the rise of the Smoky Mountains off in the distance to the northeast.
Chance again made introductions once everyone gathered together. She explained to Rick that he and Jack were there to add input. John had already wandered off; his dowsing sticks ready in his hands. Sylas glanced at Jack and could tell he was concerned about the Indian too, but now was not the time to discuss it.
They spent the next three hours pouring over and discussing Rick’s plans. They changed a few things but needed to wait until John came back before they could complete them. He finally came back about 30 minutes later. He was wearing a huge smile for Chance and she took it as a good sign.
“You have lots of natural springs and underground systems here, Uweji Agehya, which means beautiful daughter in my language. The Mother favors you and your land. It stands unchanged and unbroken, like you.” He glanced with a quick frown at Sylas when he said the last sentence. “I have marked your springs and underground waterways with markers you will recognize. I also have a gift for you. Please excuse me, I’ll return in a moment.”
Sylas glanced again at Jack and he just shrugged at him. This was starting to concern him but he didn’t show any outward discomfort with Chance standing next to him. John returned, holding a necklace in his hand. It was made of turquoise and silver, with a pendant in the shape of a wolf. He placed it around her neck and explained its meaning to her, but he was clearly speaking to all of them.
“This is a powerful amulet that will protect you from anyone meaning you harm, Uweji Agehya. You are one of us, of the Nation. Your ancestors walked here many years ago. I have seen animal sign here. There are many tracks in this forest and they are not all friendly. There are predators here, Uweji Agehya, and it would be wrong to not warn you.”
Chance thanked him and he said his good byes. Sylas noticed right away that Chance was trembling and stepped closer to lend her warmth and support. She glanced up and smiled. This time it reached her eyes and it melted his heart to see it. She stepped in closer and wrapped an arm about his waist. He could tell John was unhappy with their little show of affection, but didn’t say anything.
John explained he would come back and teach Chance the ways of her people after she settled in. “Wait, how do you know I am of the Nation, John? I don’t know my parents.”
Sylas held back and bit his tongue to keep quiet. He wanted to know more as well, but this was not his time to pry. Chance had more to tell, but he could wait.
“All will be explained to you in due course, little one. When you get as old as I am, you just know these things. I will be seeing you soon, Uweji Agehya.”
John turned to Sylas and gave him a warning look. He motioned for Sylas to follow so he would not be overheard. “I will be watching you, immortal one. Make no mistakes with this one. She is a precious star of my people and I will not see her harmed in any way. Understood?” Not waiting for a reply, John walked to his Jeep and left, leaving Sylas standing there shocked and stunned.
Jack walked up behind him, placing one hand on his shoulder. “You okay, Bro? You look like you just saw the grim reaper.”
“He called her the star of his people and he knows who we are, Jack. I don’t know how, but he knows.”
“Shit, Sy, he knows who we are? I’m speechless.”
Sylas rolled his eyes at his last comment. “You’re never speechless, Jack. I think this could be a good thing. Now we have more than the two of us watching out for her. I have a feeling he will not be far away, ever.”
They walked back and discussed the rest of the plans that included the water lines. Jack suggested she add a mill to the stream that was beyond the next hill, since it was always good to have another power source. Chance remembered the area was considered tornado alley and made last minute changes to the plans to include steel reinforcement beams to the buildings above ground.
Rick left shortly thereafter. Everyone was starving by this time, so Chance led the way to a small meadow full of spring flowers over the next rise. Sylas went back and drove the Jeep in so they would not have to make multiple trips. Sylas shook out a large blanket, while Chance made herself busy setting out the food and drinks.
“This didn’t take as long as we thought it would, but it will still be dark by the time we are ready to leave. Anyone want to over night it?” Jack mentioned between bites of his sandwich.
Chance passed on a sandwich and was picking at some cheese and crackers, not really eating. She glanced up and nodded, still quiet. They ate in silence for about five minutes before she looked up and asked, �
��Did I hear John right? He called me one of his people. What did he mean by that?”
“We were wondering the same thing, Chance. I think we are as confused as you are, but I think he was referring to your looks, since you have such strong American Indian features. I hate to ask, but where are your parents, babe?” Sylas asked her as gently as he could. He didn’t want to broach a subject that she wasn’t ready to talk about yet.
She looked at him; her eyes glittering with unshed tears. “I don’t know. They gave me up before I ever knew them.”
He reached for her and pulled her into his lap and she went willingly. She curled into him and he heard a small sniffle. His heart was breaking for her. Now he knew part of her pain and he was determined to repair the damage done, no matter how long it took or how much she resisted it. He loved her, all of her, so how could he not?
Chapter 18
Jack always seemed to plan ahead. He’d brought tents along, and he was right on the money. By the time they were finished eating, it was too dark to navigate out. The terrain here was too rough to chance a breakdown. They set up camp below the rise, between the vehicles, using them and the hill as a windbreak. Chance was mentally exhausted, and apparently on information overload. They built a small fire and sat around it drinking beer and enjoying the peace from the woods surrounding them. No one really had much to say and that was okay. Chance stared at the night sky, lost in the beauty the naked eye could not see from where she lived. The city lights dimmed out the stars, but here you could see all that were visible.
She was sitting between Sylas’ well-defined legs with her back against his chest. He kept one arm wrapped around her waist and it felt good, like she belonged with him. He drew one knee up and she rested an arm there, unconsciously running her fingers around and under it. She felt Sylas’ breath hitch and his heart rate increase. She stilled her roaming fingers; not wanting to encourage more. She wasn’t ready yet. His arm pulled her in tighter and he leaned down and kissed the top of her head. Moving lower to kiss her neck, he whispered in her ear; his breath sending shivers throughout her body. “No pressure, babe. Touching me is not going to make me forget my promise. Exploration is a natural response, Chance. Try to relax and let your fear go. I will never go farther than you want me to, never without your permission.”
Hearing those words repeated that she had said only days before calmed her anxiety. Sylas understood her more than she gave him credit for. She felt safe when she was with him, but it was more than that. She felt like she was home with him, and it meant more than all the rest. She looked over and noticed Jack asleep. “Should we wake him so he can get inside his tent?”
“I think he is fine where he is, babe, but you on the other hand, need to rest. Shall we?”
Chance stood up and pulled Sylas up when he gave her his hand. She knew he didn’t need her help, the man was all muscle, but it was another excuse to touch him. Contact with him still sent sparks running through her body at the slightest touch. He pulled her back into him and planted a soft kiss to her lips. She wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her head to his chest, listening to his heart beating steady and strong. She wondered how fast his heart would beat when they finally made love. She wanted him, but didn’t trust herself to let go of her fears enough to let it happen. His touch caused her heart to race and his scent made her senses reel.
They broke contact and he bent to check the tent first. She heard him rustling around inside and then he poked his head out to reach for her hand. Pulling her inside, she noticed that he had taken two sleeping bags and attached them together, making one large one. He pulled the top cover aside and after removing his boots; he lay down and patted the spot next to him. She repeated his actions and laid down facing him. Using his arm as a pillow, she curled around him, throwing one leg over his. He leaned over and kissed her forehead. “We okay, babe? You seem so quiet and it bothers me that you seem to have lost your smile. Knowing I took it away is killing me.”
“I still trust you, Sylas. It really isn’t you. It’s all of this. I fear for you and Jack, because you were with me. The gang doesn’t scare me, but possibly losing you does. I know you can handle them, but it’s not your responsibility to protect me.”
Sylas leaned over her, placing his fingers on her lips to stop her talking. “Chance, I know that we have only known each other a few days, but to me it feels like I’ve known you for years. I waited a very long time for you, babe. There’s been no other before you and there will never be another. I know this sounds crazy, but I’ve already fallen deeply in love with you. You are the light to my darkness. There is more to me than you know. I’m fully capable of taking care of you, and I intend to do so. I am also aware you can protect yourself, but this time allow me to take care of you and this situation. I won’t fail you, Chance. I can’t fail you, because if I do then I fail myself.”
“But…” she tried to get out before he stopped her again with a deep kiss.
When they finally broke apart to catch a breath, he told her “In the morning, Jack and I will show you what I am trying to tell you, Chance. We’ll have a training lesson, but I think it’ll be you doing the learning. Now, sleep love. It will be a busy morning.” He laid back and pulled her in close. His strong heart beat lulling her to sleep.
The next morning, she woke up to the smell of sausage, eggs, and brewed coffee. Jack was already up and cooked them all breakfast. Once they finished and cleaned up the mess, Sylas explained to Jack that it was time for a training lesson… hers. Chance went to her tent and pulled out some comfortable sweats and put them on, along with some tennis shoes. She braided her hair as she went out to get her lesson. Sylas and Jack were waiting for her on top of the rise. “Jack will be the bad guy for this first scenario, Chance. He will come up behind and grab you and I want you to break free, okay?”
She nodded, already in a fighting stance. “Relax, babe. Pretend he catches you unaware. Let him get a hold on you before you try to break free.” She relaxed her stance and allowed Jack to wrap his arms about hers. This time it was Jack that spoke. “Now, Chance, break free.” She suddenly relaxed completely in his arms and folded her shoulders in towards each other. Her unexpected loose body weight allowed her to drop out of his grip. As soon as her hands touched the ground, she spun and wrapped her legs up in his, causing him to fall backwards. Chance spun free again, rounded on him and dropped her elbow into his solar plexus with all her weight behind it, taking his breath away.
Chance stood up, bouncing on the pads of her feet. “You let me do that to you, Jack. Now get up and stop holding back. I won’t break that easy.” She beckoned to him with her palm up, wiggling her fingers in the classic come and get it movement. “Give me all you got, Jack. If you hold back, I will go after you twice as hard.” She watched him glance at Sylas and he responded with a shrug. “Shrug all you want, Sylas, you’re next.” She taunted him with a smile that this time reached her eyes.
Jack gave her a good match, but he only managed to take her down twice in what would have been a killing blow if they weren’t sparring. It was a full hour before she called Sylas in. She needed this. She was carrying a lot of pent up emotion with no release outlet and she gave as well as she got. Sylas got the better of her in every bout, but she learned quickly from it. Each time they fought, she improved. Finally after three hours of one or the other and sometimes both of them, she relented and called it quits. She was out of shape more than she thought and was breathing heavily. Collapsing to the ground, she lay on her back and grinned from ear to ear. I may be out of shape, but I think I just showed them a thing or two, she thought to herself.
“That’s a shit eating grin if I ever saw one!” Jack said to her as he dropped down beside her. He was breathing harder than she was. “Remind me to never, ever piss you off, Chance. Although, I do love a woman that has some spunk to her,” Jack started laughing when he heard a loud growl coming from Sylas’ direction. Sylas tossed them both a towel to dry some of the sw
eat off, but Chance stopped Jack and then bounced up to her feet. “Come on boys, I have a better idea. Follow me.” She led them on a short half-mile trek to the westside of the rise. She got to her destination and only stopped long enough to take off her shoes.
Chance led them to her favorite spot on the whole property. It was a small waterfall with a large clear pool under it. She knew the water would be cold, but not so cold that it would be intolerable. She’d already been in it once since buying the property and it was heavenly. She dove in without looking back and swam up under the falls. She heard two more splashes and knew they both joined her. Sylas came up behind her. She felt him pulling her braid loose from the band. He pulled her back into him and she turned in his arms, wrapping hers around his neck. Moving her hands up into his hair, she pulled his lips to hers. She licked at his bottom lip and then bit it lightly, tugging at it with her teeth. He responded by dipping his tongue deep, stroking at her until she grabbed hold and sucked on it. She heard him groan and the sound set her core on fire. Chance pulled back before she got too carried away.
Sylas reached down and picked her up, cradling her against his chest. She felt the same; it was if they could not get close enough. “This place is breathtaking Chance, but it pales to your beauty. Thank you for bringing me here.” She looked up into his glowing eyes and saw the love he held for her and it warmed her all the way to her soul. Sylas let her down and they rinsed off under the falls. When they finished, they noticed that Jack was asleep in the sun on top of a large flat rock. Chance giggled. “He looks like a cat sunning himself. So peaceful and warm.”
