by Bobbi Smith
In those hours of secret freedom, Little Snow always stole into Daniel's thoughts. In all the time they'd been apart, he'd received only one letter from her, and it had been written before she'd learned of his decision to go to Marywood. In it she told him how much she disliked her school and living in the city. He'd written back to her, but decided that her life in Philadelphia with her mother was changing her when she'd never replied. Still, he continued to write to her occasionally for their friendship meant too much for him to let it die of neglect. After a while, he managed to ignore the emptiness he felt in his life, but a small part of him always hoped that one day a letter from her would arrive.
As time passed, Daniel acquired a veneer of civilization. He'd grown accustomed to wearing white man's clothing, and he discovered that he could handle most social situations without difficulty. Daniel knew it was important that he learn all these things so he could be successful at the college, but sometimes he feared the Cheyenne part of him was being destroyed. There were days when loneliness filled him and he ached to return to his old ways, free to ride, hunt, and live his life the way it was meant to be lived.
It was during his second year at Marywood, when Daniel was having dinner with Ben in the dining room, that Kyle and his friends entered and sat at a table near them.
"Jeremy, look what I've just read," Kyle said in a voice louder than necessary as he unfolded his newspaper.
"Bad news?" his friend asked, unaware of Kyle's motive.
"No, this is good news," Kyle told him, his gaze deliberately resting on Daniel.
"What happened?"
"It seems a certain Colonel Baker killed more than 170 Indians in a raid out West somewhere. Looks like he's following in Colonel Chivington's footsteps." Kyle was smiling with open pleasure.
Daniel went rigid at Kyle's taunt. Chivington's unprovoked slaughter of the peaceful Cheyenne years before had been a tragedy, and though his tribe had not been involved, he'd still grieved for the loss of innocent lives.
"Were they Cheyenne?"
"No."
"Too bad."
Murderous rage swept through Daniel. The Cheyenne who'd been murdered by Chivington had just met with white soldiers seeking peace. During the attack, the chief had even raised an American flag to show their loyalty and to try to stop the killing, but his efforts had been futile. They'd been brutally slain anyway. Daniel controlled his fury with a fierce effort, clenching his hands into fists on the table before him. He glanced up to find Ben's eyes upon him.
"Are you all right?" Ben asked softly.
Daniel managed a grim nod. He told himself that Kyle was stupid and that he himself was strong enough to handle anything the other man threw at him.
"I wonder if Colonel Baker will get a promotion?" Kyle laughed, verbally prodding him again.
Daniel wanted Tall Shadow to be proud of him, but even the Great Spirit could not have controlled himself in the face of Kyle's heartless comment. Daniel came to his feet in a single violent movement. His chair went crashing to the floor as he unleashed the rage he'd long harbored against Kyle. Before Ben could react, Daniel crossed the distance between the tables.
"Defenseless women and children were murdered!" Daniel snarled as he attacked.
Kyle's bravado faltered, then failed him completely. A battle ensued, ending only when Daniel had Kyle flat on his back and his hands tight around his throat. If Daniel had had his knife, he would have used it. Only the sudden, calming weight of Ben's hand on his shoulder stopped him from doing Kyle great harm.
"He's not worth it." Ben's words penetrated the red haze of fury that was coloring Daniel's thinking.
Daniel stared down at the choking Kyle. "You're right," he answered, his head clearing. "He's not." Daniel let go of Kyle abruptly and stood up, looming over him. "Stay away from me." His words were spoken quietly, but with deadly intent. He turned and stalked from the dining room with Ben by his side.
Kyle turned to Jeremy in disbelief as he struggled to his feet. "Did you see that? Did you see what he did? He almost killed me!" he gasped, his throat aching and bruised. "He's an animal! There's no telling what he'll do next! They shouldn't let his kind in Marywood."
"Maybe it's time to stop pushing him," Jeremy suggested, cowed by what he'd just seen. When Daniel had had Kyle by the throat, he'd borne no resemblance to the Daniel they were familiar with. The half-breed was not someone to toy with, and Jeremy believed it was time Kyle realized it.
Kyle, however, was not about to give up. He gave his friend a black look as he stormed away. His hatred for the Indian had grown even stronger.
Four
Hilary Moore stood off to the side of the ballroom, watching the crowd before her. Though her expression was one of mild amusement, in truth, Hilary was bored, and Hilary didn't like to be bored. Having been spoiled by too much wealth, doting parents, and a quick mind that could outwit most of those who crossed her path, she continually sought challenges to add excitement to her life. Just the year before, she'd been dismissed from Miss Parkington's Girls' School in a hushed-up scandal that had left her parents infuriated and Miss Parkington staunchly unforgiving. Hilary herself had shrugged off the incident, for other people's opinions were not important to her. She did what she wanted when she wanted to, and she dared anyone to tell her differently.
Stifling a yawn, Hilary let her blue-eyed gaze sweep the room, once more assessing the worthiness of the men in attendance. Those she saw held little interest for her. She was about to pick the best of the bunch and reward him with her company when she cast one last hopeful glance toward the door. It was then that she saw him.
Hilary's breath caught in her throat as she gazed at the tall, dark-haired man who'd just appeared in the entranceway. She judged him to be young, probably in his early twenties, but his handsome features showed a strength of character she rarely found in men his age. There was a totally masculine air about this stranger that set her pulse racing, and she eyed him hungrily. He was not like the others in attendance tonight. From his black hair worn just slightly overlong to the broad width of his shoulders beneath his perfectly tailored suit, this one was pure male. She could actually feel his power from all the way across the room. At last. Here was her challenge!
One of the young men she might have chosen was close by, and she reached out to touch his arm. "Who is he?"
"That's the half-breed from Marywood College."
"Half-breed?"
"He's half Indian. Calls himself Daniel Marshall, but someone told me his real name is Silver Wolf."
Silver Wolf. . . . Yes, she breathed to herself.
Her eyes shone with excitement as she anticipated the chase to come. Here was a man worthy of her. Here was the man she'd been looking for all night. She wondered what it would be like to make love to him and grew aroused at the images her active imagination conjured up. She set her mind on having him.
Daniel was gazing about the room, looking for Ben and the rest of their friends when he caught sight of a fair-haired woman out of the corner of his eye. He glanced her way, as he always did when he saw a blonde, for a part of him held on to the fragile hope that it might be Little Snow. Lovely though this woman proved to be, she wasn't Little Snow. Ignoring each time the sense of disappointment that filled him, he turned his attention to locating Ben again, and finally spotted him near the refreshment table. He headed that way, the unknown blonde dismissed, his thoughts on enjoying the evening to come with his friends.
Hilary was delighted when the handsome stranger looked her way, but when he turned his attention elsewhere and strode across the room to join a group of young men instead of coming to speak to her, her delight changed to irritation. She wasn't used to being ignored by men. Hiding her pique behind a smiling, flirtatious demeanor, she went after him like a predator stalking its prey.
"So you finally got here," Ben greeted Daniel as he joined them.
"I had to finish some work."
"All work and no play . . ." Be
n gave a rueful shake of his head.
"Means I'll graduate and get to go home," Daniel finished.
"Well, just for tonight try to relax and enjoy yourself. You want a drink?"
"No, I've got an early class tomorrow."
Ben was about to tell him what he thought about his endless hours of study when he saw Hilary approaching. His smile faltered, then failed completely as he realized that her hungry gaze was fixed on Daniel.
Ben knew Hilary. He knew her much too well, and the last thing he wanted to do was introduce her to Daniel. He wanted to ignore her, but being familiar with how brazen she could be, he was sure there was no way he could avoid speaking.
Daniel noticed the change in Ben's expression just as he felt a touch on his arm and heard a soft, seductive voice saying hello. He turned around to find the lovely blonde he'd originally mistaken for Little Snow. From a distance her resemblance to Little Snow had been faint, but up close, her blue eyes and shimmering, pale hair were so like Little Snow's that the effect on him was like lightning striking.
"Hello," he replied, his gaze intent, almost devouring, upon her.
"I don't believe we've met," she said in a sultry tone.
"I'm Daniel Marshall," he told her, unable to take his eyes off her.
"And I'm Hilary Moore." There was a breathless, seductive quality to her voice. Then, out of the corner of her eye she saw Ben looking on, his expression cold and guarded, and she added smoothly, "Good evening, Ben."
"Hello, Hilary." Ben's response was curt.
She turned back to Daniel, giving him her full attention. "Are you new to the area, Daniel?"
"No, I've been at Marywood for several years now."
"I can't believe we never met before."
"I've been too busy studying to go to many dances, but now that I realize what I've been missing, I may change all that. Would you care to dance?" he invited, having picked up the basic dance steps at the few parties he had attended.
"I'd love to." A spark of desire glowed in the depths of her gaze as she smiled up at him.
"It's been a while since I've danced," Daniel told her as he stared down at her, mesmerized.
"Then we'll practice together until we get it right," Hilary purred.
Without another word, he took her in his arms and whirled her out onto the dance floor. The warmth of her soft, lush curves pressed ever so slightly against him stirred something very primitive deep within him, but it was her eyes that held him entranced, for they seemed to be coming from his past.
Ben stood on the sidelines, frowning. He knew Daniel was smart, he just hoped his friend was smart enough to see through Hilary's sweet, innocent act. Refilling his glass, he took a deep drink of the potent bourbon and forced his gaze away from the sight of Daniel dancing with a woman he knew could be deadly.
An hour before on his way to the party, Daniel would never have believed that he would have been sorry to have a dance end, but when the music stopped, he was no more ready to let Hilary go than he was to stop breathing. Wanting to stay with her, he suggested a walk outside, and he was pleased when she quickly agreed.
"Tell me about yourself," Hilary asked as they stepped out onto the veranda. She wanted to learn all she could about him.
Daniel told her a little about his studies as they walked toward the steps that led out into the flower garden. Hilary took his arm, and Daniel was surprised that her simple touch had the power to send desire burning through him. They talked of Marywood as he led her along the path that wound its way through the lush foliage, and they didn't stop until they were some distance from the house.
The moon was bright in the cloudless night sky, and stars spangled the heavens like diamonds on black velvet. Hilary sighed as she gazed up at the evening's glorious display.
"It's a lovely night."
"Not as lovely as you," Daniel said, turning her to face him.
"Thank you," she murmured, the look she gave him promising more than Daniel could ever imagine.
"Your hair looks silver in the moonlight."
"I had no idea you were a poet." She gave a light laugh, then grew more serious. "Maybe we were meant to be together, you and I. You are called Silver Wolf, aren't you?"
Suddenly wary, he tensed. "How did you know that?"
"I asked."
"Oh." He relaxed again, pleased that she'd been interested enough to ask about him and pleased that she hadn't been disgusted by his Indian heritage.
"I find you very intriguing, Daniel . . . and very handsome." She moved closer and raised one gloved hand to lightly touch his cheek. "I feel that fate has brought us together," she murmured.
Daniel was enchanted. Invitation was in her eyes, and her touch was a firebrand. Driven by an elemental need he didn't fully understand, he bent slowly to her, his mouth seeking hers with unerring accuracy.
No novice at seduction, Hilary moved willingly closer, and as his lips touched hers, she was surprised by the power of her response to him. Linking her arms behind his neck, she clung tightly to him. She'd known Daniel was different from the others, but she'd never expected to feel this way about him.
Daniel was lost in the passion of her kiss. Clasping her close, he deepened the exchange, seeking out the honeyed secrets of her mouth. It took all of his considerable willpower not to give in to the need to have more of her. He ended the kiss and raised his head to stare down at her, his eyes glittering with the power of the emotions that filled him.
Daniel made Hilary feel alive. She sensed a primitive, almost savage, element in him. Hilary knew she was going to enjoy exploring that part of him. "It would have been a long, boring evening without you. I'm glad you decided to come tonight."
"If I'd known you were going to be here, I'd have made it a point to arrive earlier."
Hilary rose up and kissed him, a quick, teasing, taunting kiss. Then she drew away. She had him just where she wanted him. "Shall we dance again? I love being in your arms."
Daniel's eyes darkened at Hilary's words. She fascinated him. Eager to hold her again, he took her arm and led her back to the house.
Inside the ballroom, Ben had grown concerned when he'd realized that Daniel and Hilary were outside together. He knew he had no right to butt into Daniel's business. Daniel worked hard at school and had the right to some fun, but not with this woman. Ben knew the ugly truth about Hilary, and he wanted to protect his friend. He'd known the young man who'd committed suicide after she'd cruelly finished with him, and he would never forget the whole sordid business.
Ben was relieved when he saw them come back inside. He wanted to speak to Daniel, but before he had the chance, they started to dance again. When the music finally ended and Daniel left Hilary for a moment to go to the refreshment table, Ben took advantage of the chance to speak to him alone.
"Daniel, we need to talk," he said as he joined him.
"Hilary's waiting for me, Ben. Why don't we talk later?"
"But it's about Hilary."
Hearing the terseness in his tone, Daniel cast him a curious look. "What about her?"
"I want you to be careful."
"Why? What are you talking about?"
"Hilary isn't what she seems," he began. "She's not like any woman you've ever known."
Daniel smiled at that remark. "I know."
"Damn it! Listen to me . . ."
"Calm down, Ben." He chuckled.
"Don't laugh off what I'm trying to tell you! I'm dead serious. This woman is dangerous. She . . ." He never got the chance to finish.
"And just what are you two handsome men talking about?" Hilary purred as she appeared at Daniel's side and linked her arm through his. It was a deceptively innocent move, but, in truth, she had a good idea what Ben was saying to him and she wanted to interrupt.
"I was just telling Ben what a wonderful time we're having," Daniel answered. "Here's the punch I promised you." He handed her a cup of the sweet concoction.
"Thank you." Her eyes were only on him as s
he lifted the cup to her lips. As her gaze held his, she ran the tip of her tongue sensuously over her lips.
Ben looked on in helpless frustration as Daniel appeared to fall even more deeply under her spell. "If you'll excuse me . . ."
"Of course." Triumph flashed in Hilary's eyes.
The rest of the evening passed quickly for Daniel. He remained by Hilary's side and couldn't remember a time in the recent past when he'd felt so alive. He laughed more in those few hours with Hilary than he had in all his years at Marywood. She was witty, intelligent, and attractive. When the last waltz of the evening was announced, he grew solemn. He didn't want the night to end. He knew he had to see her again. Thoughts of his studies hovered in the back of his mind, but he ignored them. Right now, Hilary was more important.
"What are you thinking about?" Hilary asked, noticing the change in him. With most other men she could easily predict what they were going to say before they said it, but Daniel was proving different. He intrigued her.
"I enjoyed being with you tonight," he told her honestly. "And I want to see you again."
She smiled up at him from beneath lowered lashes. She wanted him more than she'd wanted any man in a very long time. She actually thought about taking him to her home that very night, but she knew it wouldn't do to move too quickly. She would have him, but all in good time. "There's going to be a fox hunt at my parents' estate next weekend. Would you like to come?"
She doubted he knew anything about riding to hounds, so by inviting him, she believed she'd be in control of the situation . . . and him.
"I'd be delighted."
They had no further opportunity to be alone, so as the ball came to an end, Hilary was forced to bid him a polite, public, good night. With the memory of his kiss still burning in her mind, she departed in her own carriage. Her thoughts were flying as she planned the weekend to come with Daniel. He was going to be hers!
