Shadow Walker

by Connie Mason

  “I have been waiting to speak with you alone,” he said, dropping down beside her. “It is time we speak of our relationship. I want you beneath my blankets. I have offered Running Elk ten horses for you. I do you great honor by offering so large a number. A man’s wealth is measured by his string of horses. Stands Alone cannot offer half that number.”

  “What did Running Elk say?” Dawn asked curiously.

  “He said I must speak to you directly. He is not your guardian and therefore cannot speak for you.”

  “I hardly know you,” Dawn demurred.

  “You have been married before and are no stranger to a man’s body or his needs. I am young and lusty; I will give you fine children and provide for them. My feats of bravery have been sung around the campfire.” He pounded his chest importantly. “I am a better man than Stands Alone.”

  Dawn could not deny that Yapping Wolf was a handsome man, albeit a boastful one. He was strong and tall and powerfully made. But in her opinion he couldn’t hold a candle to Shadow Walker.

  “I cannot give you my answer now,” she hedged.

  Yapping Wolf rose to his feet, drawing her up with him. “If you are worried that I will not please you between the blankets, let me prove myself now. I am eager to bury my mighty lance deep inside you. You are a widow; there will be no stigma if we satisfy our lust.” He tried to draw her inside the tipi but she resisted.

  Dawn saw the ridge beneath the fabric of his breechclout and recoiled in alarm. “I cannot do what you wish. I need time to adjust to my new home and acquaint myself with the People before I decide upon a mate. I mean you no disrespect, Yapping Wolf, but I’m not sure I wish to marry again. Remaining a widow isn’t so bad. I understand Laughing Brook has been a widow for a very long time.”

  “It is different with Laughing Brook. She is waiting to join with Shadow Walker.”

  They spoke earnestly for several minutes, unaware that Shadow Walker had returned and was watching them. Running Elk stood beside him, measuring Shadow Walker’s reaction. When Shadow Walker started forward to intervene, Running Elk held him back.

  “Do not interfere, brother.”

  “What if Yapping Wolf hurts her?”

  “Look around you. There are people all about. Yapping Wolf will not risk the tribe’s wrath by doing something foolish. He is merely following my instructions. He offered ten horses for Dawn, and I told him to take his offer to Dawn. Dawn is a widow and has the right to choose her own mate.”

  “She can’t accept him. He’s not right for her.”

  “I think you protest too much. I will make certain Dawn is not mistreated.”

  “I’m having second thoughts about leaving Dawn with the People, unless you change your mind about traveling to the Little Big Horn in the spring.”

  “I cannot do that.”

  “Retaliation is bound to be swift and violent.”

  “I will protect Dawn as I would my own wives and children.”

  “Good intentions are not enough.”

  Running Elk searched Shadow Walker’s face. “I believe your unwillingness to leave Dawn speaks of what is in your heart.”

  “You’re wrong.”

  “Then let her choose a mate. If you truly don’t want Dawn and wish her well, take Laughing Brook to wife. I spoke with her just today and she is more than willing.”

  “Perhaps I will,” Shadow Walker said recklessly. At least Laughing Brook wouldn’t tug at his emotions. “I think I’ll go find Laughing Brook,” he said, casting a surreptitious glance at Dawn and Yapping Wolf, who were still engaged in conversation.

  Running Elk smiled as Shadow Walker stalked off. He knew his friend better than Shadow Walker knew himself. Shadow Walker was more interested in Dawn than he’d admit. Running Elk recognized a jealous man when he saw one. He couldn’t wait to see what developed and thought it all great entertainment.

  From the corner of her eye Dawn saw Shadow Walker approach Laughing Brook, who had just emerged from her lodge. They spoke quietly a few moments, then Laughing Brook took his hand and led him inside her tipi. He hesitated briefly, then shrugged and followed her inside. Dawn’s heart sank. Had she been wrong all along? Was Shadow Walker more interested in the widow than he’d let on? She excused herself abruptly, having had all she could take of Yapping Wolf, and ducked inside her lodge.

  Alone with Laughing Brook, Shadow Walker wondered what in the hell he was doing with her when he’d rather be with … Damn! What was he thinking?

  “I saw you speaking with Running Elk,” Laughing Brook said as she sidled close to Shadow Walker. “Did he tell you I am eager to join with you?”

  “You know I’m not staying,” Shadow Walker said in an effort to discourage her. “Eventually I must return to my own people.”

  “Spring is many moons away. I am willing to accept your terms if you will be mine alone for as long as you remain.”

  “It wouldn’t be fair to you, Laughing Brook. I can never love a woman like I did Morning Mist.”

  “I can ease your body,” Laughing Brook murmured as she rubbed up against him. “At one time you sought my favors.” She reached down between their bodies to cup him beneath his breechclout. He hardened in her hand.

  Shadow Walker didn’t even try to stifle the groan that rose in his throat. It had been a while since he’d had a woman, and Laughing Brook certainly knew how to arouse him.

  They dropped to the sleeping mat in mutual consent, limbs entwined as Laughing Brook clutched him in almost desperate need. Her legs fell open to better accommodate him. When he hesitated, she clawed at him.

  “Please,” she whimpered, arching up against him.

  Shadow Walker felt his desire shriveling and spit out a curse. At a time like this he should be thinking of Laughing Brook and her lush charms instead of dreaming of Dawn’s slim body. This was a mistake. He wanted to prove to himself that any woman could assuage his lust, but all he’d proven was how wrong he’d been. Somehow Dawn had gotten under his skin.

  “I’m sorry, Laughing Brook,” Shadow Walker said as he untangled himself from her clinging limbs. “This is a mistake.”

  “It wasn’t always a mistake,” Laughing Brook said, pouting. “You’ve taken my body many times and enjoyed it.”

  “That was also a mistake. I used you, knowing I would never take another wife.”

  She laughed harshly. “Now you are talking like a White man. I am a widow. It is my lot in life to be used by the single men of the tribe. It is the way of things. But none made my heart sing like you do.”

  “I’m sorry, Laughing Brook,” he repeated.

  She stared at him through narrowed lids. “It’s that half-breed, isn’t it? I’ve seen how you look at her. If you want her you should join with her instead of denying what you feel.”

  “You’re wrong,” Shadow Walker denied. “Would I bring Dawn to Running Elk if I wanted her myself?”

  Somewhat mollified by his words, Laughing Brook decided to bide her time. Shadow Walker was a lusty man. Sooner or later he would come to her.

  Shadow Walker left the tipi in a contemplative mood. Being unable to couple with Laughing Brook had been discouraging. He couldn’t ever recall having had that problem before. He left Laughing Brook’s lodge and walked down to the stream where he could be alone to think.

  Dawn hummed to herself as she picked the last of the berries growing in a thicket Spring Rain had pointed out that morning when they’d come down to the stream to bathe. The day had turned warm after a frosty night, and Dawn wondered if it was to be their last warm day before winter set in.

  This trip to the stream to pick berries had a dual purpose. Not only was she fond of the succulent fruits but she needed time alone to think. Yapping Wolf’s arrogance had been upsetting. She knew that Indians counted their worth in the number of horses they owned, but Yapping Wolf’s wealth did not impress her. She felt nothing for the warrior. If she had to accept anyone it would be Stands Alone, whose gentle nature appealed more to
her. But neither man excited her as Shadow Walker did.

  Moving from bush to bush, she tried not to dwell on Shadow Walker and what he was doing with Laughing Brook. Was he making love to her at this very minute? Dawn wondered, willing the ache in her heart away.

  Shadow Walker sat on a fallen log, searching his brain for answers that were not forthcoming. Reverting to his Indian identity felt comfortable, yet he knew it was only temporary. His sojourn with the People would end come spring. He seriously doubted he’d ever return to the wilderness again as Shadow Walker. If Running Elk joined Crazy Horse at the Little Big Horn and a battle ensued, it would be the end of the Indian way of life as he knew it. Then his thoughts turned abruptly to Dawn. How could he leave her to face danger alone? What choice did he have?

  Suddenly he became aware of a noise behind him, and his attention sharpened. One had to be careful these days. Danger lurked around every corner. He rose cautiously and concealed himself behind a thicket of shrubbery. He spied Dawn bending over a berry patch, a basket half filled with ripe berries at her feet. Shadow Walker was torn. Should he leave as silently as he’d appeared or make his presence known? The choice was taken from him when Dawn sensed his presence and grew still.

  Dawn knew it wasn’t a wild animal, for she felt no danger. Nevertheless, the back of her neck tingled with awareness and her heart thudded against her breast. She knew who it was before she turned in his direction. She spoke his name aloud.

  Shadow Walker stepped boldly into view. “How did you know it was I?”

  “I just knew.” Her gaze traveled the length of his powerful form. He was bronzed all over from the sun and his hair shone. His breechclout did little to conceal the bold thrust of his manhood or the taut mounds of his buttocks.

  Shadow Walker stepped closer. “I saw you talking to Yapping Wolf earlier. Have you decided to join with him?”

  “I’m still considering it.”

  “He’s not the man for you.”

  “Would you prefer I choose Stands Alone?”

  Shadow Walker realized he could see no man but himself making love to Dawn. “I don’t think he’d make you happy.”

  “I’m leaning toward Yapping Wolf,” Dawn said to test his reaction.

  His reaction was immediate and violent. He pulled her into his arms and brought his mouth down on hers. His kiss was hungry, almost punishing, sending the pit of her stomach into a wild swirl. When his tongue demanded entrance, she opened to him. Her resistance seemed to ebb as his tongue ravished and probed, tasted and dueled. Her body felt heavy, hot, driven mad by this green-eyed savage who had taught her body to need his. When he finally released her mouth, Dawn staggered backward, stunned by the brilliance of his passion.

  “Why are you doing this?” she asked shakily. “Wasn’t Laughing Brook enough for you?”

  Shadow Walker groaned in dismay, aware that she had seen him entering Laughing Brook’s tipi.

  “Nothing happened between Laughing Brook and me.”

  She gave an unladylike snort. “I don’t believe you. Laughing Brook is quite shameless in her pursuit of you. And you seemed willing enough to join her in her lodge.”

  He gave her a slow smile. “Are you jealous?”

  Dawn flushed and looked away. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of knowing how much seeing him with the provocative widow had hurt her. Shadow Walker had given her no hope of becoming more to him than an intimate friend, so why should she feel jealousy?

  “Dawn, look at me.” He grasped her chin and raised her face to his. “I didn’t make love to Laughing Brook because I kept wishing it was you in my arms. I want you, Dawn. God help me, for I cannot help myself.”

  “No, don’t!” she cried, shoving his hands away. If he touched her she’d shatter. But it was already too late. His hands slid down her body, cupping her bottom and bringing her against the hard thrust of his erection, and she was lost.

  Chapter Twelve

  Shadow Walker lowered Dawn to a bed of soft moss without breaking contact with her mouth. The hungry urgency of his kisses sent spirals of fire through her. They were both panting as he kissed the pulsing hollow at the base of her throat, nibbled on a pink earlobe, and pressed his lips to the tops of her breasts visible above the vee of her blouse.

  “God, you’re sweet,” he breathed against her lips. “I’ve missed you. I’ve missed this.”

  Dawn’s first thought was to deny him. But that thought quickly died, lost in the heat of Shadow Walker’s kisses. His taste was so familiar. It was like an addiction. The more he kissed her, the more kisses she wanted. Within seconds she was responding to the compelling demand of his mouth, clinging with desperation, hungrily yielding to the magic of his touch.

  He began undressing her, removing her clothing piece by piece. Dawn was too caught up in her own passion to utter a word of protest. Then she was naked and he was kissing her again, one hand kneading her breast, the other cupping her mound, delving a finger through soft down into the velvety cleft already moist for him. The heel of his hand rubbed teasingly against her tiny sensitive nub of passion as Dawn arched up against him.

  “You want me as badly as I want you,” Shadow Walker whispered against her lips.

  Dawn opened her mouth to deny his words, but nothing came out save for a low, anguished moan.

  He carefully inserted another finger inside her. His own body tightened painfully in response to the heat building inside her. When her body arched violently against his probing fingers, he wanted to thrust inside her, but he forced himself to be patient.

  “You’re so beautiful. All smooth and soft and hot,” he murmured against her lips. “Your breasts are magnificent.” His free hand cradled a breast, grazing his thumb lightly over her raised nipple.

  Dawn shivered with delight and moaned as a jolt of pure longing shot through her. Though Shadow Walker wore little to remove, his breechclout became a barrier between them. She pulled at the offending garment, telling him what she wanted without words. He rose slightly and slipped it off. His manhood sprang free, rising high against the taut ridges of his belly. Dawn swallowed convulsively as she reached out to touch him.

  Shadow Walker went rigid, grasping her hand and moving it up and down in a motion he found pleasing. Then his mouth sought the pert peak of one breast. His tongue flicked at it with sensual strokes, then he sucked deeply. Dawn felt the pull in that secret place between her legs. She felt hot and damp, pulsing with desperate need.

  His hands were never still. He stroked her hips and thighs, her breasts and between her legs. A tortured groan escaped her lips.

  “Soon, love, soon,” Shadow Walker gasped as jagged spears of desire pierced him.

  “Now,” Dawn pleaded. She could not bear another moment of this exquisite torture.

  He merely grinned as he removed her hands from his member, slid down her body and nudged her legs apart. She felt his warm breath whisper over her intimate flesh and went rigid with wanting. His tongue flicked over the swollen petals of her sex as he lifted her hips to his mouth. He tasted and licked, delved and explored with wild abandon. The sweet torment went on and on—until with a hoarse cry she shattered. Before the last spasm left her body, he rose to his knees and thrust into her, triggering a second climax nearly as violent as the first.

  Shadow Walker went still, staring down at her in wonder. Her second climax surprised him. “I love watching your face when you climax,” he said in a voice made raw with passion. The pressure of her tremors against his sex was driving him mad.

  His muscles were taut, his expression stark as he flexed his hips and drove into her, again and again, his loins pumping vigorously. Her fingers dug into his shoulders as he held her suspended in the flames of her climax. He rode her hard and deep, one pounding thrust after another. With a hoarse shout, he spilled his seed inside her, and still he continued. Finally his thrusting motion stopped and he rolled off her onto his back.

  Dazed, Dawn stared up at the sky. She felt as if sh
e had been catapulted above those lofty clouds to touch the sun. Her body still burned from the searing heat. She turned her head toward Shadow Walker and found him looking at her. She flushed and tried to cover herself with her discarded clothing.

  “Don’t,” he said, staying her hand. “Let me look at you a while longer.”

  “What if someone comes along?”

  “They won’t. We’re well off the beaten path. You’re very beautiful. You remind me of …” His words trailed off.

  “… Morning Mist,” Dawn whispered, beginning to hate the woman Shadow Walker still loved. “She’s dead.”

  Shadow Walker’s lips thinned. Being reminded of his loss hurt.

  Dawn sat up and began dressing. “This shouldn’t have happened. I’m going to be another man’s wife soon. It would be better for both of us if you left before spring. You’re too much of a temptation. You brought me here to find a new life for myself; why can’t you leave me alone?”

  Why, indeed? Shadow Walker pondered. Since he didn’t want Dawn for himself, he should leave her to someone else and find temporary pleasure with Laughing Brook. Unfortunately, he didn’t want Laughing Brook. And the thought of Dawn with Yapping Wolf or any other man did not sit well with him. In fact, there was no way he would let Dawn waste herself on Yapping Wolf. Even if he had to … Sweet Lord, what was he thinking? There was only one way to prevent such a thing from happening, but was he ready to commit to another permanent relationship? Shadow Walker pondered long and hard on the situation at hand.

  Dawn was dressed and ready to return to camp when he reached a decision. He leaped to his feet and grasped her arm, preventing her from leaving.

  “I can’t allow you to join with Yapping Wolf.”

  “Perhaps I’ve decided to join with Stands Alone.”

  “You can’t marry him, either.”

  Dawn bristled indignantly. “Whom do you suggest I marry?”