by Bobbi Smith
It was a long time later when Hunt finally went outside to seek out his cousin. Many years had passed since they'd last talked, and Hunt wanted to renew their friendship.
Across the camp, Crouching Wolf sat with Tall Grass, watching Hunt as he came out of Painted Horse's tepee.
"Who is the stranger in the village?" Tall Grass asked him.
"He is Lone Hunter, cousin to Painted Horse."
"You know him?"
"He lived with us for some time before we were sent to the reservation." He remembered the other man well. Even though he had been half-white, Lone Hunter had mastered all the Comanche skills with seeming ease and had bested most of the other boys in camp. Crouching Wolf had resented him even then.
"Why has he come here?"
"I do not know, but it is strange that Painted Horse has left him alone with Vision Woman."
Tall Grass cared little about the woman, but he understood why Crouching Wolf did. He had captured her first in the raid, even though she'd managed to escape him. "You know she is his, and he can do what he wants with her. He has spoken often of the horse in his vision and how he would claim it through Vision Woman."
Crouching Wolf only grunted in response.
"Did you see Lone Hunter's stallion?"
The question irritated him. "No. I was not here when he rode in."
"It is the finest I have ever seen."
Crouching Wolf tensed at this news. Was Lone Hunter to take the white woman as his? "Where is Painted Horse now?"
"He is with the horses, tending to Lone Hunter's fine stallion."
Crouching Wolf left without saying another word.
It was near dusk when Glynna awoke. She was surprised that she'd slept so deeply and for so long. Hunt entered her thoughts immediately, and she wondered if she had dreamed him or if he was really there. It was then that she realized her hands were untied, and she knew the truth. A sweet smile curved her lips at the thought of him. He was there.
Glynna rose and smoothed out her clothing as best she could. She was dirty and unkempt, but there was little she could do about it until they got home. She ventured forth from the dwelling. Hunt would be nearby, she had no doubt.
Hunt was sitting with Painted Horse by the campfire, and he caught sight of Glynna the moment she came outside. He stood up and went straight to her.
Painted Horse watched him go to the woman. He knew his cousin well, for they had spent several years together as youths. He had never seen Lone Hunter so concerned about a female before, but his actions proved the truth of his claim she was his woman.
Still, Painted Horse had to admit that he was surprised by his cousin's feelings for Vision Woman. Lone Hunter had sworn never to care for a white woman, yet now he had taken one as his bride. Painted Horse did not ponder the question too long, though. His vision had been a good thing. He now owned a fine stallion because of her. He was most pleased.
Glynna saw Hunt coming toward her, and she was relieved.
"You slept well?"
"Yes, thank you." She felt nervous standing so openly among the people who, up until that morning, had treated her as a captive. Now they were staring at her, watching her with Hunt.
"Come with me for a moment. I have something I want to give to you."
Hunt's words distracted her, and when he held out his hand to her, she took it. They walked to the pen where the horses were kept a short distance away. His saddle and saddlebags were there.
"Here." He opened his saddlebags and took out her sketchbook and pencil. "I found them near the canyon and brought them along with me. I knew you would want them."
"Oh, Hunt, thank you!" She looked up with obvious delight. "Thinking about my work is the only thing that has kept me sane since I was taken in the. raid. I kept picturing in my mind all the sketches I wanted to make."
Glynna looked so happy and lighthearted that it was all Hunt could do not to kiss her right then and there. Instead he lifted one hand to her cheek, his caress light. She did not move away from his touch, but thrilled at it, standing spellbound before him.
Only the sounds of some young girls' giggles broke the enchantment that held them bound. Glynna glanced their way, and they ran off shrieking with laughter.
"We must be entertaining," she said, not understanding what the children thought was funny.
Hunt knew word was spreading around the village that he had taken her as his bride and that tonight was their wedding night. He wasn't about to explain that to Glynna, though. He was not going to say a word about her bride-price. He would keep her safe and take her home where she belonged as soon as possible.
At least, that had been his plan until she'd looked at him that way.
Suddenly all he wanted to do was kiss her. Something about having her near, smiling at him, made him forget that he was there to rescue her. He reminded himself that he shouldn't put her in any compromising situations, but then he told himself that he had married her, so he couldn't compromise her. It was logical-and it was crazy. He couldn't help himself.
"Maybe they knew that I wanted to kiss you, so they ran away so we'd be alone." His voice was deep and hypnotic.
Around them, all was quiet. The shadows of the coming night had lengthened, and they were alone. Glynna went to him and, looping her arms around his neck, drew him down to her.
"Maybe they knew I wanted to kiss you, too," she said softly against his lips.
Her mouth sought his, sweetly, softly. But Hunt wanted more. His lips slanted across hers in a passionate exchange that demanded a response from her. Sweet and soft were not what he was feeling right then. The kiss was a searing brand that ignited a fire of desire within him. He shuddered at the force of his emotion as his arms closed around her.
Glynna was swept away by the heated urgency of his embrace. A new, exquisite sensation was born within her, filling her with the driving need to be even closer to him. She knew this was Hunt. She remembered distantly the kisses they'd shared back on the ranch and how he'd sent her from him. But he was here with her now, and he wanted her. There was no denying the attraction between them.
At her eager response, Hunt was in danger of losing all self control. Glynna was everything he'd ever wanted in a woman, and she was in his arms, kissing him. She was his bride. The thought stopped him. He did not want to deny himself, but he did. As the kiss ended, he released her. It was one of the most difficult things he'd ever done.
"We'd better go back," he told her.
"I don't ever want to go back," she said.
"We'll leave soon, I promise."
"All right."
They started back, their path taking them along the creek.
The water looked inviting, and she quickly asked Hunt, "Do you think you could keep watch for me so I could take a bath? I feel so dirty in these clothes, and now that you're here..."
"I'll stand guard for you," he told her. "And I'll ask Painted Horse if you could have a change of clothes."
Glynna smiled at him, enjoying the idea of being clean again.
They made their way slowly toward the campfire. Hunt went to speak to Painted Horse, and his cousin sent one of the village women to get Glynna a traditional Comanche dress. She quickly brought it to them.
"Thank you," Glynna told her.
The woman didn't respond, but only looked up at Hunt and smiled knowingly before hurrying away.
Glynna felt the sting of jealousy when she noticed the look the other woman gave Hunt. The emotion surprised her.
"It should be protected enough for you here," Hunt said as he led her to the edge of the creek where there were some low-growing trees and brush to shield her from view.
"I'll hurry", she promised.
Glynna sat down on the bank and took off her boots, then stood and began to remove her split riding skirt. She glanced back toward Hunt only once to find him standing with his back to her, staring off in the distance. Hurrying, she shed the rest of her clothing and rushed into the chilly waters.
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Hunt could hear Glynna splashing behind him as she entered the stream. He was tempted to turn to try to catch a glimpse of her, but he fought down the urge with an effort. He was standing guard for her. He would not betray her trust.
Glynna hurriedly scrubbed herself clean, then washed her hair in the cold, rushing water. She rose in wet splendor from the stream. She used her old undergarments to dry herself and quickly donned the Comanche dress.
The dress was made of soft buckskin and was nearly ankle-length. It was sewn at the sides with buckskin thongs and was decorated with beads and fringe. It was comfortable, but she felt strange wearing it.
"I'm decent now, Hunt, you can turn around/' she told him as she gathered up her dirty clothes to wash them quickly.
Hunt had been gritting his teeth as he waited for her to finish bathing and get dressed again. The images his mind had conjured up of her unclad in the water had been far too tempting. He had had no idea, however, that she would look this beautiful in the traditional dress of his mother's people. He turned toward her and found himself momentarily speech less. He could only stare at the lovely picture she made.
Glynna's hair was unbound and hanging about her shoulders in a sleek, dark mane. The dress clung to her every curve, hinting at but not revealing the womanly figure beneath.
"You look beautiful," he said slowly, his gaze raking over her. Primitive emotions churned within him. He was thinking that for his own peace, he should bathe in the cold water, too.
She smiled at him. "I'm just going to wash out these clothes, and then I'll be ready to go back."
He said nothing, but watched her as she bent to the task. When she was finished, he helped her spread the garments out on bushes to dry. They went back to join the others at the campfire and eat the evening meal.
Crouching Wolf had seen Lone Hunter take the woman away from the village. He had circled around them, staying at a distance to see what he was going to do with her. Since he'd left Tall Grass, he had heard the talk that Painted Horse had given Vision Woman to his cousin for the bride-price of his stallion. There were no words to describe his outrage.
Moving quietly, Crouching Wolf found a hiding place across the creek upstream. From there, he watched the white woman and Lone Hunter together.
Vision Woman was beautiful, and he burned to have her. When she had finished bathing and they had left the stream to return to the village, Crouching Wolf crept down to where her clothing was laid out on the bushes and took one of her garments for his own.
Glynna had been sitting quietly at Hunt's side while they ate by the campfire. Painted Horse had joined them, and the two men were speaking in the Comanche tongue. She had no idea what they were talking about, but every now and then she would look up to find Painted Horse's gaze upon her. It left her wondering if they were discussing her, and, if they were, what they were saying.
With Hunt there to protect her, Glynna knew she had little to fear. He would keep her safe. It was only when she caught sight of Crouching Wolf watching her from the shadows across the campsite that she grew restless and a little nervous.
"I think I'll go back to the tepee now," she told Hunt. The faster she got away from the evil warrior, the better.
Hunt had been deep in discussion with Painted Horse, and he glanced up at her as she stood to go. He was surprised to see how strained her expression was. He frowned. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. I just want to rest, that's all." She thought about telling him the truth, but didn't want to cause trouble. Crouching Wolf hadn't done anything. It was just knowing he was there, watching her, that made her uneasy. She would be fine once she was in the dwelling, away from him.
"All right."
"Where will you be tonight?" she asked.
Painted Horse heard her question and smiled broadly at Hunt. Glynna noticed his smile and was puzzled by it.
"It'll be best if I stay with you," Hunt answered, hoping his cousin didn't make any remarks right then. When the time was right, he would tell Glynna about their "marriage." Until then, he really didn't want to bring it up.
She nodded, relieved that he was going to be close by. She hurried away.
"Vision Woman was worried that you would not spend the night with her?" Painted Horse asked, once Glynna had disappeared inside the tepee.
"White ways are different from our ways," he answered. "But she is my bride. I have paid for her."
"The stallion is strong and smart. He is a pleasure to ride," he said with a grin.
"The woman is beautiful and smart," Hunt countered, smiling, but not going any further in the comparison.
Painted Horse laughed. "Enjoy your wedding night, Lone Hunter. Your bride is waiting for you. I think, by morning, we will both be satisfied with our rides."
Hunt said nothing else, but stood up, still smiling, and followed after Glynna. Several of the others around the campfire made comments about the night to come that drew laughter from those gathered round.
From where he stood looking on, Crouching Wolf could only listen and grow more and more angry. It was true. Painted Horse had given Vision Woman to Lone Hunter for the bride-price of the stallion. Frustrated, but not about to give up, he knew he would seek his revenge on Lone Hunter, now, too. The other warrior was taking what should have rightfully been his.
Hunt was glad to enter the tepee and escape the knowing laughter that followed him. Glynna looked up quickly as he came inside.
"I didn't know you would be coming so soon," she said, suddenly a bit nervous.
She knew Hunt was there to protect her, but she hadn't even considered their sleeping arrangements for the night. Although, after all the nights she'd spent on the trail with the raiding party, having Hunt near was nothing to be afraid of. It was a blessing. The truth was, though, that she wasn't nervous because she was afraid of him. She was nervous because of her own feelings for him.
"I had to come. Painted Horse expected it of me," Hunt answered, trying to find a way to broach the subject of their married state.
"He wanted you to guard me?" she asked, fearing that the other warrior might know something about Crouching Wolf's intentions and be worried.
"No not exactly."
"I don't understand." She was puzzled. "Is something wrong? I heard them laughing when you came in.,,
"No. There's nothing wrong. They were just having fun, taunting me."
"Why would they do that?" She sensed there was something important she didn't know.
"Well, the reason the children were laughing earlier, and the reason they were laughing at me now, is because they think this is our wedding night."
Glynna stared at him in shock. "They what?"
"They think this is our wedding night." Hunt hurried to explain. "They believe we're married."
"We're married?" she repeated, knowing she sounded like a dullard, but unable to help herself.
"Yes," he said. "To get you back from Painted Horse, I had to marry you in the Comanche way. I had to convince him that you were my woman. I had to prove to him that I had followed you here because I wanted you for myself, and the only way he would believe me was if I took you for my bride."
Glynna was staring at him, trying to understand everything he'd just told her. "And exactly how did we come to be married if there was no ceremony?"
"Oh, there was a ceremony-of sorts. Earlier, when I first reached the village, I had to pay him a bride-price to claim you."
"You paid a bride-price for me? You bought me from him?"
"No, I married you by paying what Painted Horse asked for you."
"How much did he want from you? What was my `bride-price'?"
"Warrior," Hunt answered.
Glynna was astounded. She knew how much he cared for that horse and all the hours he'd spent training it. Hunt had paid a very high price for her. "You gave up your stallion for me? Warrior was your pride and joy."
"It was the only way to free you."
She couldn't believe all that had
taken place, and she hadn't even known about it. "What would have happened if you hadn't paid him what he asked?"
"I didn't want to find out."
"Oh." A tremble of fear went through her as she imagined Crouching Wolf being the one to take her as his wife. It wasn't a pretty thought. The knowledge that Hunt had sacrificed his most prized possession to save her thrilled her; yet she regretted that he'd had to give up so much. "I'm sorry."
"I'm not. I wanted you with me, so I could keep you safe. All that mattered was that Painted Horse believed you were my woman." His look was fiercely protective.
She felt the intensity of his regard and knew she had to ask. "Am I your woman, Hunt?" Her voice was soft and full of invitation.
Time stood still.
Was she his woman? Her question, so enticingly asked, sent a surge of excitement through Hunt. He stared at Glynna, thinking she had never looked more beautiful. Dressed as a Comanche maiden, she appeared innocent yet seductive, alluring yet elusive. He was hungry for her, but he was determined not to act upon his desire. He wanted her desperately. The need within him was powerful, but he wouldn't let it rule him. The decision as to what happened next between them would have to be hers.
"You are my bride," he answered simply.
Glynna had been holding her breath, waiting for his reply. At his answer, she knew she loved him and wanted to be with him. What she felt for Hunt was not the simple affection and respect she felt for Edmund and had mistaken for love. What she felt for Hunt was powerful and overwhelming. She couldn't bear to think that there might be a day when they would have to part. She wanted to be in his arms for the rest of her life. Glynna smiled seductively at him as she walked slowly toward him.
"If I am your bride, then you are my husband," she said, lifting her gaze to his.
Hunt saw the full and open invitation in her eyes. He said no more, but just enjoyed watching her come toward him, the fringe on the dress swaying in a sensual invitation. He reached behind him to close the flap over the tepee's doorway.
In the semi-darkness Glynna had no trouble finding her way into Hunt's embrace. She wrapped her arms around him and held him close, lifting her lips to his for a flaming kiss.
