Dream Warrior: His Savage Kiss

by Bobbi Smith

  By the time Silver Wolf rode for the creek, it was afternoon. He told himself he was going only because he was curious about Little Snow, but as the miles passed, the eagerness within him grew. The power of it surprised him. Since Hilary, he'd spared little time for women, devoting himself almost exclusively to his work. But now, with the news that Little Snow was back, an afternoon at the stream with her held great appeal. He'd learned his lesson well from Hilary, though, and would never allow himself to trust or care too deeply for a woman again, but this was his Little Snow, not some sophisticated eastern flirt.

  Silver Wolf put his heels to Wild One's side, urging the stallion to go even faster. He didn't slow their breakneck pace until they neared the woods. He reined in and directed the stallion with care through the trees. Dismounting as he reached the bank of the stream, he left Wild One there and continued on foot.

  Silver Wolf's tread was silent. He moved with the sleek, powerful grace of a man who was one with the forest as he made his way toward their rendezvous place. Though he'd learned the white ways and used them to his benefit when he dealt with them, his heart and soul remained Cheyenne.

  At the edge of the trees near the small clearing, Silver Wolf paused. It was then that he saw her, lying on a bed of colorful wildflowers on the stream's bank with Barnie by her side. For a moment, the years disappeared, and he remembered the first time he'd come upon Little Snow, curled up with her dog in almost the exact same location. The memory was both warming and chilling, for he recalled how close to death she'd been that night. At the thought, his expression darkened, and he suddenly worried that something was wrong—that she'd been injured or hurt in some way. He left the safety of the trees and moved toward her.

  Barnie sensed his movement and lifted her head to look in his direction. She gave a welcoming thump of her tail when she saw him, and rose to greet him.

  Silver Wolf paused only long enough to pat the dog distractedly on the head. He never glanced away from Little Snow, for the worry that gripped him was almost painful in its intensity. He reached her and dropped to one knee beside her. Only then did he realize by the easy, steady rhythm of her breathing that she was asleep. Reassured, some of the tension eased from him.

  Silver Wolf remained kneeling next to her and took the opportunity to study her as she slept. She was his Little Snow, and yet the pretty child he'd known was gone, and in her place was a stunning young woman, a Greek goddess slumbering amidst the wildflowers. She had grown into a beauty.

  Silver Wolf was enthralled, and his gaze was hungry as it traveled over Cari. Her features were delicate, her cheekbones high, her nose straight and feminine. Her complexion was creamy, and a light flush colored her cheeks as she slept. Her figure was sweetly curved, her breasts high and round against the soft white material of her blouse. Her waist could be spanned by his hands and her hips were slender. Her legs were long and shapely. She was as beautiful as he'd always known she would be, but it wasn't the kind of worldly beauty that had been Hilary's. Little Snow's beauty was innocent and pure. She was everything Hilary hadn't been, and the knowledge touched him deeply, stirring feelings within him he'd never known before.

  He lifted his gaze to her hair. It was the same silver-gold color he remembered, and though she was wearing it confined in a knot, a few tendrils had escaped the restraint. A curl lay enticingly against her cheek, and he reached out to touch that silken tress. As he did, his knuckle caressed the sweet curve of her cheek, and a jolt of unbidden desire surged through him, settling hot and heavy in his loins.

  Silver Wolf went still, electrified by his reaction to that single touch. Suddenly, it was just the two of them, alone in their own private world. The delicate, heady scent of her perfume urged him closer, and an instinct older than time filled him. He wanted her . . . wanted to take her in his arms and hold her close. Never before had a kiss seemed so important, so urgent, so necessary. He bent nearer, his lips almost brushing hers . . .

  "Cari!"

  His lips were but a breath away from Little Snow's, but at the sound of a man's distant call, Silver Wolf hesitated. He paused, listening. At the sound of approaching footsteps, he drew quickly away and stood up, his gaze sweeping the area for some sight of the intruder. The man calling her name was not James. Silver Wolf reasoned that he was the one his grandfather had told him was visiting the McCords from back East.

  Silver Wolf knew it was only a matter of minutes before the man reached them. Angered by the intrusion, Silver Wolf scowled blackly as he stared down at Little Snow. He'd wanted their first visit to be special, a time when they renewed their friendship free from outside interference.

  "Cari?"

  The second call was much closer now, and Silver Wolf knew the stranger was almost upon them. Disappointment filled him as he faded into the foliage, disappearing as surely as if he'd never been there.

  Little Snow was dreaming of Silver Wolf. In her dream, her warrior was on his stallion atop the hill that overlooked the ranch, watching her ride away with her parents. A terrible longing welled up inside her as she slept. Silver Wolf was her dream warrior, and she had missed him so. . . . Until she'd returned to the stream, she hadn't realized just how much the years had dulled her true feelings for him. But being there without him brought back all the pain of missing him again. She wanted to be with him, and suddenly it seemed as if she could actually feel his presence again, as if he were so close she could just reach out and touch him . . .

  Elliot had been following the stream in the direction James had told him to go to find Cari. Dinner was almost ready, and Elizabeth had suggested he find her and bring her back.

  All day he'd been thinking of the kiss he and Cari had shared on the porch, and he'd been longing for the chance to be alone with her again. He'd been more than happy to go after her, for he'd believed they'd have a few minutes to themselves before having to return to the house.

  Elliot had just begun to worry about Cari, when he caught sight of her sleeping on the bank of the creek just ahead of him. Taking care to move as quietly as he could, he made his way to her. Barnie was nearby, and she gave a slow wag of her tail when she saw him.

  Thrilled to be alone with Cari, Elliot dropped quietly down beside her and took advantage of the moment to watch her sleep. She was lovely, everything he'd ever wanted in a woman, and the desire to wake her with a kiss was overpowering. Bracing his arms on either side of her, Elliot leaned down to her and gave her a soft, gentle kiss.

  Cari's entire being was focused on her dream warrior, and at the touch of lips upon hers, she believed it was Silver Wolf and she lifted her arms to embrace him.

  Elliot was surprised by her eager response, and he deepened the kiss, parting her lips and claiming the sweetness of her mouth for his own as he lowered himself to her.

  At such bold contact, reality jarred Cari fully awake. Dragged from her dreamy reverie of Silver Wolf, her eyes flew open to find that Elliot was the man holding her and kissing her. Startled, she stiffened as she broke off the kiss.

  "Were you having sweet dreams?" Elliot asked in a husky voice as he remained where he was, holding her.

  "Elliot . . ." She blinked, her confusion real.

  "You looked so beautiful sleeping that I couldn't resist the opportunity to wake you with a kiss."

  "Why are you here?"

  "It was getting close to dinnertime, and your parents told me to look here for you. Your father said this was your favorite place, and now I know why. It's very beautiful here . . . so secluded and peaceful."

  "I've been coming here since I was a little girl," she told him as she shifted positions. She was glad when he moved away so that she could sit up. "It was always my favorite place to play."

  "It looks like you've been playing, too," he told her, smiling at the sight of her bare feet.

  "I hadn't gone wading in so long . . ."

  As she remembered the last time she'd frolicked in the creek, memories of Silver Wolf came flooding back. Elliot's company
was not the same as being there with her warrior.

  "I missed you this afternoon," he said earnestly, his eyes glowing with the devotion he felt for her.

  "Did you have a good time with my father?"

  "He was trying to teach me about ranching, but I was having trouble concentrating."

  "Why?" She couldn't imagine what could have been distracting him.

  "I couldn't get you out of my mind, Cari," he told her in a soft voice as he leaned toward her, slipping an arm about her shoulders and drawing her to him. "Marry me now . . ." His lips sought hers once more in a cherishing kiss.

  Cari accepted his kiss. It was sweet and nice, and she wondered anew if this warm, comfortable feeling she had when she was with him was love. When they ended the embrace, she gave him a tremulous smile.

  "I care about you, Elliot, I really do, but I'm just not ready to get married yet." She lifted a hand to caress his cheek.

  His disappointment was real, but he hid it behind a bright smile. "When you finally do decide you're ready, I'll be waiting."

  "I know."

  Standing up, Elliot offered her a hand and drew her to her feet. The ground was a little uneven, and when she swayed for a moment trying to get her balance, he steadied her, taking her in his arms and stealing one last kiss.

  Cari relaxed against him. She knew Elliot would never pressure her to do anything she didn't want to do.

  "I guess we'd better go back," he finally said with a sigh.

  Realizing that her time at the stream was over, she lifted her gaze to look around. A fleeting sadness crossed her expression, for there was no sign of Silver Wolf. He hadn't come. . . . Taking Elliot's offered hand, she allowed him to draw her away from her secluded retreat.

  Silver Wolf remained in the shadows of the trees watching Little Snow walk away with the white man. His expression was grim. He'd been ready to protect her with his life if need be, but had realized the folly of his gallantry when she'd kissed the other man so willingly and seemingly without restraint. He'd stood in silent rage, watching as they'd kissed and embraced again.

  Silver Wolf had known he should go, but somehow he'd found himself rooted there. Memories of Hilary had seared him. Suddenly it seemed as if the innocence he'd seen in Little Snow's sleeping features had only been an illusion. Little Snow had been gazing up at the stranger the same way Hilary had gazed up at him, her expression no doubt leading the other man to believe that he was the only man in the world she cared about. Silver Wolf wondered angrily if Little Snow's years in the East had changed her into a woman like Hilary. The thought filled him with bitterness.

  He stayed beneath the shelter of the trees until she had walked away with the other man. Only when they had gone from sight did he step forward into the sunlight.

  Barnie ran gleefully to him as soon as she saw him.

  Silver Wolf petted her with great affection, feeling she was the only link left to what he and Cari had all those years ago.

  "Barnie!"

  The dog wavered anxiously, trying to decide whether to stay with Silver Wolf or follow her mistress. When Little Snow called again, Barnie had no choice. After one last lick of Silver Wolf's hand, she bounded faithfully away.

  It was late in the day and Ben was tired, but he refused to quit working just yet. The contracts spread out before him on his desk had to be finished, and he wasn't going to stop until they were done. Leaning back in his chair, he stretched the stiff muscles of his neck and shoulders, then raked a hand through his thick dark hair. It had been a long day, and it looked like it was going to be an even longer night.

  Ben was about to get back to work when he heard the door in the outer office open and someone come in. His clerk had already gone for the day, so he rose to investigate.

  "Ben?" Melanie Wells knew she was being a little brazen by coming to Ben Douglas's office this way, but she didn't care. She wanted to see him, and she was tired of waiting for him to come to her. Her daddy had always told her that if she wanted something, she should go after it. She wanted Ben Douglas. So she was taking his advice.

  Ben was surprised to find Melanie there. "Melanie. . . . This is a pleasant surprise."

  "I was hoping you'd think so." She gave him a bright smile as she let herself through the small half-gate that separated the waiting area from the clerk's desk. He was so incredibly handsome with his broad shoulders, dark hair, and those incredible green eyes that she couldn't wait to get closer to him.

  "What brings you here this afternoon? Is there some legal matter I can help you with?"

  "This is a purely social call." Melanie narrowed the distance between them, her gaze warm upon him. She hadn't seen him since the social two weeks before. They'd had a nice time that day and she'd expected to hear from him afterward. He hadn't come calling, though, and her frustration had mounted. Today, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She wanted him, and she meant to have him.

  "I just wanted to make sure I'd see you at the dance Saturday night," she said as she came to stand before him. She lifted her dark-eyed, sparkling gaze to meet his as she rested a hand upon his arm. The feel of his hard muscles beneath her fingers sent a tingle of excitement through her.

  "I'll be there." Ben suddenly felt trapped, but he managed a smile. He'd met Melanie about six months before when he'd asked her to dance at a party. While he thought her pretty and enjoyed her company, he had no intention of seriously courting her. They'd shared a simple kiss or two, but she had the look of a woman who wanted a husband, and he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he wasn't going to be that man. He had yet to meet the woman who could make him want to settle down.

  "Good. I'll be looking forward to it," she said in a husky tone. "Are you busy right now?"

  "My clerk's already gone for the night, but I've still got some contracts I have to finish up."

  Hearing that there was no one else in the office, she felt suddenly reckless. She was determined to do whatever was necessary to win this man.

  "I was hoping," she began coyly as she slid her hand up his arm to his shoulder, "that I might be able to convince you to walk me home."

  She rose up on tiptoe, leaning close enough so her breasts brushed against his chest as she pressed her mouth to his.

  Her move surprised Ben, and he accepted her kiss passively. Realizing that walking her home might be the quickest way to get back to the task he'd set for himself for the night, he put his hands at Melanie's waist and held her slightly away from him.

  "I'd be honored to walk you home," he offered, and he was rewarded with a beaming look.

  Melanie wanted to kiss him again, but she had to avoid appearing too aggressive. She knew it was bad enough that she had gone to the office. "Oh, good."

  She stared up at him adoringly as she linked her arm through his, and they left the office. Ben paused only long enough to lock the door behind them before they started on their way toward her home.

  They were making small talk about the dance to come, when the sound of angry voices down the street in front of one of the saloons drew their attention. Though Melanie would have kept going, Ben stopped to see what was going on and saw a big, ugly man menacing a Cheyenne maiden.

  "Don't walk away from me, you squaw!" the man bellowed as she tried to evade him. "I'm talkin' to you!" He grabbed her by the upper arm in a bruising grip.

  "Don't . . ." The girl tried to get away from her assailant, but his hold kept her captive.

  "Don't what, little sweetheart? I ain't doin' nothin'. I jes' wanted a little company for a while, and you looked mighty entertaining." Harky Tavers leered down at the ripe young woman, his gaze dwelling first on her wide, frightened eyes, and then dropping lower to her bosom. He felt his desire rise. He liked women to be scared of him. If they were scared, they fought more when he took them and made it more lively.

  "Let me go!"

  "What's your name, darlin'? Tell ole Harky, and he'll treat you right. I'll be real nice to ya. Not like those wild braves
you got out at your camp."

  "The men in my village never have to force a woman." Star Blossom faced the evil stranger as bravely as she could. She was afraid, but she refused to cower before this man. She'd already learned just how terrible white men could be, and she knew he would take pleasure in degrading her.

  "I ain't forcin' you," he said as he yanked her closer. "You'll be begging for it in a minute . . ."

  He started to reach for her breast, and she jerked away from him with all her might. He was too strong for her, though, and she could not break free. She kicked out at him, managing to make contact with his shin, but her moccasined foot did little damage except make him angrier.

  "You little bitch! Think you're too good for me, do you?" Harky snarled, dragging her against him and grabbing and pinching her breast. "I got me a yearning for a taste of some red meat, and I mean to have it . . ."

  Ben had watched the interplay with growing fury, and the minute the man laid a hand on the girl, he started to go to her aid.

  "Ben? What are you doing?" Melanie asked, puzzled.

  "I'm going to put a stop to this," he told her.

  "But it's none of your business."

  "She's a woman," he argued.

  "She's just an Indian, for heaven's sake. They do this kind of thing all the time. They're just heathens . . ."

  Melanie was shocked and hurt when Ben turned his back on her and walked toward the drunken cowboy and the Indian slut. She couldn't believe that he would just leave her that way, but he had. Melanie was tempted to stalk off in a huff, but she wanted to be with Ben and so she decided to wait for him.

  Though rage consumed Ben at seeing the other man's hands upon the girl, his expression was deceptively mild as he stopped before Harkey.

  "Let the young lady go," Ben ordered in a slow, deliberate voice.

  "Lady? This ain't no lady. This is a squaw. Now, you go on about your business and leave me to mine." Harky glanced at Ben. Though Ben was a big man, Harkey saw how he was dressed and dismissed him as an interfering dandy. Harky was wanting a woman. He'd found this one, and he meant to have her. No town fella was gonna stop him now. She was his.