Following supper, Shalee gingerly broached this nettling problem with her sullen mate, sullen because she had rebuffed his amorous attempts once more. “Why is Leah so friendly with y… our son?”
He glanced over at her, then asked her to explain. When she related scenes she had witnessed since returning home, he laughed mockingly and asked, “Why should he not be drawn to a woman who cared for him during a time of suffering and loss? Even now, he seeks from her what his own mother denies him, part of herself. He is a child; he needs love and attention. Your time and energy should work on Shalee, not Leah.”
Incensed, she panted, “You are the one who hesitates to give me more time with my son. Perhaps you overprotect both of us. It is clear Leah is trying to entice his love from me. Why do you defend her?”
“I do not. She is no threat to you. I grow weary of her name upon your lips,” he snarled tersely, this topic obviously a precarious one.
“Then why is she constantly intruding here?” she peevishly quizzed, riled by his defensive mood.
“Such envy and doubts are beneath you, Shalee. Forget her.”
“How can I when she pursues my son and husband?” she pressed.
“If you gave your son and husband as much time and thought as she does, you would have no reason to fear her presence,” he alleged.
Unintentionally provoked to recklessness, she stated, “You have me in all but one way.”
“You withhold yourself from us; you behave like a white slave. But you are wife and mother; you are Indian!” he curtly rebuked.
“Why do you say such cruel words to me? I am trying.”
“No, Shalee, you are not. You resist the return to wife and mother. You coldly reject us. I do not understand.”
“That isn’t true!” she sharply disputed.
“Then prove you are my wife,” he challenged, meeting her gaze.
“Does sex prove love, Gray Eagle?” she parried in anguish.
“The rejection of it proves many things to me, wife,” he countered.
“It does not prove I lack love and desire for you, only that I need time to adjust to this life I have forgotten.”
Their gazes fused and mutely battled. “How can I reach you, Shalee?”
“You have reached me, Gray Eagle. Just a little more time to understand what it is to be a wife in all ways. My whole existence is new and strange. I have been forced to accept so much since awakening without the last five years. You expect me to feel, act, and think the way I did before the accident. But such emotions and behavior required years, now you wish them to return instantly. I wish I could comply, but it isn’t that simple. Why do you not woo me and win me again? Why do you insist upon all or nothing so soon?”
He stared at her. “I have been patient and loving. I have inspired fires in your heart and body, fires you quickly put out. I can only enflame you so much without creating dangerous and demanding fires within me. I burn for you, for my mind recalls what it is to possess all.”
“That is my point, Gray Eagle; I do not. Your pressures and insistence frighten me. I do not recall passion.”
“No, Shalee; the point is you refuse to learn passion again.”
She wretchedly stated, “We could talk all night and you would still refuse to see my side of this matter. I’m sorry, Gray Eagle. All I can promise and give for now is my vow to try very hard.”
“It is easier to learn new things than to forget old ones. When icy winds steadily attack a warm fire, often the flames are put out forever,” he ominously warned, wanting to compel her to him.
The underlying meaning of his words struck her the wrong way. “Perhaps if your patience and love are so small, that is best,” she concluded, wishing she could take those words back the moment they were spoken.
“Perhaps you are right,” he glacially agreed, going to his mat.
Although she was distressed and alarmed, her pride refused to allow her to yield or to debate his claim, to be compelled by duty to love him. Patience and compassion? The selfish brute had none! In light of her injury, she had known him for a short time!
The next day offered little comfort or warmth for either person. Shalee busied herself with small chores hopefully to keep her mind off the breach between them. Just as she was about to fetch water with Turtle Woman, she glanced up to observe Gray Eagle and Leah Winston leaving the dense forest: together! She stiffened in suspicion as she noted the way Leah was smiling at him and the way he swaggered forward as though he was at peace with the entire world! How so when a war raged between him and his wife? Leah was becoming more and more like an infuriating chigger!
Having witnessed Shalee’s irate gaze upon them, Leah laughed and chatted as if sharing some jovial time with Gray Eagle, who ignored her completely, unaware of her devious and taunting ploy to vex Shalee. Leah grinned in pleasure, for there was no way Shalee could know he was just fetching her for his father! No doubt the insecure princess wondered what they had been doing alone in the forest. Suddenly Leah was delighted she had left her wood sling behind to answer Running Wolf’s summons, guilefully using this innocent event to her advantage.
Shalee could barely contain her jealousy and temper when Leah, strolling past her later on her way to retrieve her wood sling, smiled provocatively and whispered, “Thank you, Shalee.”
“For what, Leah?” she responded in confusion.
“For coldly rejecting your husband so many times that his eyes now seek another female to fulfill his desires and to renew his male pride. He is such a splendid man,” she sighed dreamily.
Shalee paled, then drew in a deep breath to steady her nerves. “If you wish to cast doubts over my husband’s fidelity, Leah, it won’t work.”
“Are you so naive, my Indian Princess? He has needs that compel him to seek relief elsewhere when his own wife coldly and humiliatingly rejects his.touch. If you only knew what you selfishly deny yourself…he is such a proud and virile man. He possesses the most beautiful body alive. Why does it repulse you? Why do you punish him by denying him his rights? I’m surprised he hasn’t taken you by force for teasing him. One night you’ll tease him past control and he’ll rape you. After all, you are his property.”
“How dare you speak such vulgar words to me!” Shalee spat.
“Passion is a wildfire, Shalee, one not always controlled. He burns with desires and must find another place to cool himself.”
“Not with you!” Shalee angrily sneered.
“Many things can happen in a forest when you’re alone,” Leah sultrily intimated, seductively swaying her rounded hips.
“Stay away from my husband, you vile witch!”
“Why should I? You obviously don’t want him. You’ve given his pride and manhood a fierce beating. He wishes to soothe them elsewhere. Can you blame him?” Leah sweetly taunted.
“Get away from me, you slattern!” Shalee shrieked.
“You think you’re so damn special! I hope you do resist him forever, then he’ll be mine. I can satisfy him as your naive mind could never imagine.”
Shocked, Shalee stared at her. “He’s mine,” she faintly stated.
“Is he?” Leah sarcastically sneered. “If you had caught us together earlier, you wouldn’t be so smug with your false claim. Keep pushing, Shalee, pushing him right into my open arms and onto my mat.”
Before Shalee could reply, Leah was gone. Was there any truth to her brazen insinuations? Was she gradually losing her husband to that vixen?
That next midday when the time for rest arrived, Gray Eagle was in a curious mood. He was relaxed and cheerful. He smiled and chatted freely. She wondered what had brought on this geniality and tenderness. He acted as if he was actually courting her!
When she remained quiet and guarded, he jested merrily with a roguish smile, “You watch me closely, Grass Eyes. Tear away the fort around you. I will not attack my own wife. Perhaps we should become friends before lovers.”
“Friends?” she echoed in bewilderment.
Sensing an offer of compromise, she relaxed and smiled. Leah had lied! Yes, she was hotly pursuing this vital man, but she would never win him. He was making a new effort to reach her; she must assist him.
They talked for a time, cautiously avoiding any disturbing topics. Later, he smiled tenderly and said, “We must sleep. Soon we must work.”
This time, he joined her upon her sleeping mat. He lay upon his back with his eyes closed. Yet he made no move to pressure her. After Leah’s taunting conduct, she fearfully wondered if he was losing interest in her. She turned this way and that, too cognizant of his close proximity.
“You are restless, Little One,” he commented, propping himself upon his elbow to gaze down at her. “Friends do not hurt other friends,” he lazily remarked, caressing her cheek before placing a light kiss to her brow.
His tone was mellow and rich; his look was arresting. He held her gaze with his potent one. A beguiling smile tugged upon her wayward heart. She smiled at him. He leaned forward slowly and kissed her upon the mouth, leisurely, thoroughly pervading her senses. Disarmed, she responded to his rapturous invitation, losing herself briefly to his masterful control.
He worked slowly and skillfully so as to enflame her and to avoid alarming her. Savoring this blissful moment and the exquisite sensations, she surrendered to his arms and his advances. Her body warmed as the molten liquid of passion flowed within her veins. She felt heady and serene. Surely it was not wanton to respond to her own husband? She fought to restrain her fears and doubts. Her arms slipped around his neck and held his mouth to hers.
Their garments were cast aside. The contact between their naked flesh was intoxicating. His mouth left hers to feast gently upon her taut breasts. She watched this provocative action, feeling strangely wicked. Her gaze widened as he shifted to lie upon her nude body, poising briefly before entering her womanhood. She stared at the swollen shaft about to plunge into her helpless body, appearing enormous and threatening to her small recess. If night had concealed such a petrifying view, his battle would have been won.
“No!” she suddenly shrieked, twisting to pull free of her impending peril. “Don’t! You’ll hurt me.”
“It will not hurt, Shalee. You have loved many times before,” he coaxed.
“Please, don’t. It’s too soon,” she pleaded, fearing his state.
“It is not too soon. Does your body not burn as mine does?” he negligently discounted her belated withdrawal and hesitation.
“I need more time. You offered friendship first,” she reminded him.
“I need my wife,” he vowed raggedly, his manhood throbbing.
“You are being selfish,” she ridiculously charged.
“When it is done, you will learn there is no need for fear or refusal.”
To her, his slightly harsh words sounded like a threat. Would he actually ravish her as Leah had warned? He didn’t own her! How could he force himself upon her if he truly loved her and was concerned about her?
“It is too late to stop now, Shalee. I must open your eyes to the truth. If I do not, you will continue to waver in fear.”
Sheer terror washed over her. He was going to ravish her if she refused to give in willingly, or so she mistakenly thought. She did not realize he meant he was going to lovingly seduce her, slowly and feverishly until she could not summon the will to resist him. “If you force yourself on me, I will hate you forever,” she vowed, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she struggled to breathe and to free herself from his grasp.
Astounded, he could not believe what he was hearing and witnessing. “You would hate me for making love to you?” he probed incredulously.
“You attack me like some animal in heat, not like a loving husband. It is not love you want from me; it’s sex.”
Her insults stunned him. “Look at me and swear you do not want me.”
Pressed either to lie or submit, she panted, “Do not touch me. If you must have a woman so badly, Leah is more than willing to cool your hot blood!” she declared before thinking, shaking violently.
“You wish me to take another woman in your place?” he demanded.
“Evidently you cannot wait for me, so do as you please,” she snapped, deceiving both of them. After all, from the looks of things, he was already enjoying Leah on the side! Why did he try to make her feel obligated to sate his needs? Why couldn’t he be understanding and loving?
He jerked away from her, moving as quickly as if she were searing his flesh. He stood up and stared down at her. Yanking on his breechcloth only, he snarled angrily before he stormed out, his heart ravaged and his body tormented, “Then keep your love and your resentment to yourself, Alisha! I will not force my savage body upon your selfish one!”
Whatever had possessed her to offer Leah in her rightful place? What could she be feeling and thinking to order him to take another woman and to leave her alone! He was wondering the same.
She stared after him. Her own body quivered with desire and anxiety. He had called her Alisha! Such tenderness and desire had exchanged places with anger and bitterness in his eyes. She had brutally rejected him. Why? It wasn’t because she didn’t want him! God, how she did. She was simply consumed with apprehension and jealousy. She must have hurt him deeply. If she continued to treat him in this glacial way, he would turn away from her… a new kind of panic seized her. Why did she resist the truth: She wanted and needed him! What a silly and frightened fool she was!
Leah wisely concealed herself to the side of the tepee as the rage-taut frame of Gray Eagle exited and headed for the forest. She grinned at the foolishness of Shalee. Was she blind or stupid? No modesty or feminine games should prevent a union with that virile animal. Was he going to cool his passions in the stream or in his own hand? Her blood boiled as molten lava in a turbulent volcano. There was no need for either action! Shalee had given her blessing to their union! She daringly trailed the figure that had vanished into the trees.
Chapter Eleven
His mind spinning in a mental whirlpool, Gray Eagle walked to where he normally bathed. He stripped off his garments, angrily casting them aside. He stood rigid and erect in his moody world, facing the stream with his manhood boldly announcing his rampant desire to the green eyes that furtively and lecherously ogled it.
Leah glanced around to make certain no other presence could be detected by ear or eye. The camp was enjoying its ritual of rest. Her timing must be perfect. Had he reached a necessary point of sexual frustration and vengeful defiance? His body had been denied release for weeks now. Shalee was behaving like some icy stranger. His pride was attacked and bruised. His body ached for solace. Yes, the setting and atmosphere were perfect. Now, she must tempt him swiftly before he could master his warring emotions or recall his resentment toward her! Surely his pride and manhood seethed with a fire that would dull his mind!
Leah was accurate in one assumption; his keen senses were dulled by the fierce battle which tormented his mind and the intense cravings which wracked his aroused body. Shalee obviously didn’t want him or need him. She didn’t even care if he took another woman! Unnatural spite filled him; he wanted to hurt her as she was hurting him. Maybe he should feign interest in another female to awaken her jealousy! How else could he reach her? How could he tear down the barrier she was placing between them?
Leah traveled the distance between them, her feet noiselessly vanquishing the space. The drama before her line of vision so intense that Leah never saw Shalee as she halted her frantic pursuit of her husband to witness in shock the scene unfolding before her… Why Shalee dropped to her knees to conceal her presence behind the cluster of bushes, she never understood. Unless it was to observe this heart-stopping event; once and for all time, she would know what strange sensations passed between the audacious white girl and her complex husband.
She held her breath as Leah quietly moved forward. She was brazenly approaching Gr
ay Eagle in his state of undress! Surely he would be furious! Her anguish and tension increased as the episode revealed a much different light. Had she pushed too far?
His face pointing upwards, Gray Eagle’s first awareness of Leah’s arrival entered his mind the moment she revealed her intention. His gut tightened and he inhaled sharply as his head jerked downwards to stare at this torturous intrusion upon his privacy and pain. Leah’s warm, stimulating hand had furtively and defiantly encircled his swollen and aching manhood. Determined to sway him during this highly emotional upheaval, she enticingly stroked the eager member. Taken off guard and in such a distraught mood, he gaped at her as his shaft greedily and selfishly responded to her tempting task. Had Shalee sent her to him? Was she placing this girl between them? Should he teach his wife a painful lesson? How he wished it was Shalee here with him!
“What madness seizes you, Leah?” he hoarsely demanded, his body refusing to instantly rebuff her entreating hands. So distressed was he by his mental turmoil, he recklessly and unwittingly spoke to Leah in fluent English!
Leah astutely caught this rash error, but made no comment which would alert him to his careless slip. As Leah trailed her stirring hands over his sensitive groin, she seductively whispered, “I am starving for you, Gray Eagle. He is aflame; let me cool him for you. Shalee does not care. She does not desire you. She wants me to take her place. She said I was to cool your hot blood for her,” she lied to confuse him.
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