“Don’t say a word.” Lilly winked at him, and he grinned, taking his seat next to her as food was brought out to them, along with juice, coffee, and water.
For the next hour, Soaring Eagle and Black Bull answered questions, then two of Running Wolf’s men rose. Two Eyes and Raining Tom. “We will be staying here, since our families are close. My uncle has an ancient map of the area that might help find this place we are to be at.”
Soaring Eagle nodded. “Go to your uncle’s and bring the map to Dark Horse tonight. We’ll have fire. Maybe our Kizzy would dance for us again?” Soaring Eagle grinned, as Running Wolf growled.
Kizzy laughed. “I’d love to dance. Maybe I’ll teach Lilly some dance moves before we leave.”
A low rumble rang in his ears, and not until Lilly placed her hand on his arm, r smiling at him did he realize it was him growling.
“Not to worry. I have two left feet,” she teased, earning laughs all around.
“Oh, you don’t have to move your feet to much, just your hips and other body parts” Kizzy wiggled her eyebrows. “And your body parts are perfect for dancing.”
Running Wolf groaned. “I’m so sorry, Dark Horse. I should have brought her ball gag down with us.” He spoke loud enough for everyone to hear.
Kizzy’s face turned pink, and she sputtered. “You wouldn’t dare! Not if you want to touch me!”
“Children, we are getting off the subject here,” Soaring Eagle said, coming over to Kizzy and Running Wolf, squeezing both of their shoulders. “Lilly, we’re going to count on you to help with this area. What is the biggest town close to your little city where you would trust authorities?”
“Your best bet would be to go to Daingerfield for anything big you need. I go there to do most of our big time shopping for the house.” Lilly reached under the table, grabbing onto his leg. “I really hate being the center of attraction,” she whispered to him, leaning over.
At once, Dark Horse pulled her chair closer to his and laid his arm over the back of her chair. He leaned over and placed a kiss on the side of her neck. “Everyone here would protect you with their life little flower. Never be afraid of my people, because now they are yours.”
“We aren’t married yet,” she whispered back. “I don’t even know you, any of you.”
Kizzy must have felt her nervousness, because she reached over and squeezed her arm. “They really are harmless, well, unless you go against them or attack one of theirs. You’re part of this family now even though you are not married. Now, eat. There is a lot of work to do, and you don’t want to be sick when you pick up your father.”
Dark Horse shook his head as both of them dug into their food.
Between bites, Lilly peeked over at him, then she’d scan the room, watching little things as they talked among themselves. “You know I never heard of these tunnels. Are you sure they are here, Dar Horse?”.
“They are there child. Just no one has found them, but we will.”
She nodded. “Wow, he has some hearing.”
Soaring Eagle laughed and Dark Horse grinned. “When you are trained like the old days, you learn to listen, see your surroundings. For example, the waitress.” He pointed with this knife. “She has a tattoo on her lower arm and one on her leg. Little things normal people wouldn’t see, we were taught at a young age to search for. Maybe its best we were taught that way. Ever since the white man came over, we have been fighting for our rights.”
Lilly lifted her knife up and pointed to Black Bull as he walked by. “Like the fact that your friend there needs to have his thyroid checked.”
“What? What are you talking about?”
“Dark Horse you are not the only one who can spot things. The lump at his throat.” She took another bite as he called Red Hawk over to their table.
“Please, tell him what you told me,” Dark Horse said.
“Is he a doctor? It will take a doctor to do the testing and stuff if I’m right. Cancer is not something you want to mess with.” Lilly stuffed another piece of sausage in her mouth.
“Who?” Red Hawk scanned around the room at the group of his warriors.
Lilly waved her fork then took a drink and set it down. “Black Bull.”
“I haven’t been introduced to him.” Red Hawk frowned, as Soaring Eagle came over, not looking too happy.
“What’s all the commotion? I heard Black Bull’s name, and it’s rude to talk about someone when he’s here.” Soaring Eagle said.
“Lilly believes Black Bull is sick with cancer.” Dark Horse didn’t like Soaring Eagle’s comment.
A loud whistle sounded next to him. Lilly jumped and grabbed her chest. “Warn me when you do that.” She gulped down the food in her mouth.
“I just got her calm,” Kizzy grumbled.
“Sorry daughter.” Soaring Eagle pointed at Black Bull. “Come here, please.”
“Nothing like being put on the spot,” Lilly groaned.
“This is important. You’re an ER nurse. I take your word on this.” Dark Horse told her.
Red Hawk studied the warrior. He was older than Dark Horse, and he could see the battle scars, emotionally and physically on him.
“What can I help you with?” Black Bull gave Soaring Eagle a puzzled look, which only made his mentor laugh.
“This young lady is worried about your health. She says you should seek a doctor for that lump on your throat.” Soaring Eagle pointed to the small lump.
***
Lilly didn’t say anything as this Red Hawk stepped closer, staring at the worrisome lump. They would either believe her or they wouldn’t.
But Lilly sure hoped Dark Horse did.
Dark Horse had a strong chin, high cheekbones, and a small scar on under his left eye, that had her reaching up, but then she stopped pulling her hand back.
Dark Horse turned his eyes on her and winked, squeezing her knee under the table.
“I have a feeling your Lilly might be right on this. Would you allow me, Black Bull?” Red Hawk asked.
“Have you dealt with this before?” Running Wolf asked.
“No, but I can try.” Red Hawk glanced at Lilly. “What is the normal treatment for something like this?”
Lilly reached for Dark Horse’s hand, twining his fingers with hers. “It all depends on how far the cancer has spread. First and second stages, usually partial or total removal of the thyroid and treatment. But I’m not a doctor. He needs one who specializes in this. I can recommend someone good at the hospital, Mr. Black Bull.”
“Even if I can do something, I would suggest you take Ms. Lilly up on her offer to make sure that I have gotten all the cancer if it is what she says,” Red Hawk cautioned.
Black Bull glanced back at the table where his wife sat. He held out his hand, and she came to him. “Why don’t you get the information from Lilly while I go with Red Hawk. While I’m doing this you, Lilly, and Kizzy can start planning.” He leaned down and placed a kiss on her cheek.
Dark Horse stood. “Do not worry about your wife. She will be safe with us. Go with Red Hawk and see what he can do. Maybe the Great Mother will help us one more time.”
Lilly stood, gathering another chair, and motioned for the waitress, asking her to bring Black Bull’s wife’s plate over.
“I thank you both. We are in your debt.” Black Bull followed Red Hawk out of the diner.
Soaring Eagle guided the tall, full-figured woman over to them. “Lilly, Kissy, this is Kia Black Bull. If you ladies will excuse us, we’ll make sure Red Hawk and Black Bull are taken care of.”
“Please sit.” Lilly smiled up at Dark Horse as he placed a kiss on the top of her head.
“You okay?”
She scanned around her and nodded. “I’ll write down the name of the best doctor and give it to Kia.” Lilly frowned, leaning over to see Kizzy. “You know, we might want to list plants that fight cancer. I know there are a few herbs that help.”
Kizzy flipped through one of her notebook. “I have mint, parsley, thyme, sage, rosemary, and oregano, so far. What else do you suggest we start growing.”
“I have basil, cilantro, and aloe vera growing right now, along with a few of what Kizzy has listed off,” Kia replied.
“All of those are good, but we should also gather nasturtium, ginger, turmeric, also small tomatoes.” Lilly tapped her fingers. “I think I’ll have to contact Dr. Fox. he’s the best herbal doctor around. He’ll be able to help us, and I think Red Hawk would have a list we can compare it to.” Lilly took a sip of coffee, watching those around her come and go, but noticed that two men at each end of the table, standing and watching.
“Our guards,” Kizzy whispered as a waitress placed a covered dish in front of Lilly.
Frowning, she stared up at the woman to ask her what it was, but she was already gone. “Weird.” Lilly reached for the cover as Kizzy grabbed her hand and yanked her away.
“No, get back both of you,” she hissed as her uncle Stephan rushed over.
“What?” He glanced at Kizzy as Lilly scooted away from the table at the same time Kia did.
“Harvestman,” Kia whispered.
“What is harvestman?” Lilly asked as Dark Horse, Running Wolf, and Black Bull stormed into room and right to their sides.
Dark Horse checked her from head to toe, before framing her face with his hands. “You okay?”
“I’m fine. Just trying to figure out what is going on.”
Soaring Eagle reached over to her plate cover.
Three large live scorpions scattered around the table. “They’re here,” she whispered, a chill going up her back. “He’s not going to let go, no matter what.” Lilly shook, grabbing onto Dark Horse’s arm. “Your friends could have been killed.” She stepped away from him, but Dark Horse growled, yanking her back into his arms, hugging her tight.
“Don’t think it. You are going nowhere without me,” he growled. “Find that waitress now, and I want to know how they got inside.”
“Dark Horse your friends could have been harmed. Maybe I should go somewhere away from everyone,” Lilly tried to tell him, but he wasn’t hearing any of it.
“No.” He held her at his side as men took off and the scorpions were killed.
Lilly was getting pissed as he talked with his warriors, holding onto her. “Damn it, Dark Horse, let go. I want to make sure Kia and Kizzy are okay.”
Dark Horse glanced around before nodding. “Do not go anywhere else.”
She rolled her eyes and made her way over to the girls as another chair was placed near the ladies.
“I thought he would never let you go.” Kizzy smiled and reached over, squeezing her hand.
“I kind of suggested he let me leave. Needless to say, he’s not very happy,” Lilly mumbled.
“It’s this whole situation. Thank god we have houses to go to today. Running Wolf and I will be staying for the next week to help find the tunnels and get you set up. We also need to find those assholes. You guys can’t get organized if you have to keep checking over your shoulder,” Kizzy growled.
Lilly nodded. “I’m kind of worried about my father being in the open hospital. I know Dark Horse has men there, but we were surrounded by men and they still managed to get close.” She frowned then turned to Kia. “I’m sorry. Did Red Hawk have time to see if he could help?”
“That is why he isn’t here. Even though he cautioned us and told us to see your specialist, which we agreed to do. With everything going on we need to make sure. What are we going to do about all the medical advances we have accomplished?” Kia rubbed her belly.
Lilly placed her hand over Kia’s. “How far along are you?”
Kia smiled. “Three months. What do we do about vaccine’s. There are so many questions and so little time. I know there are mothers who haven’t gotten their children vaccinated, but with everything going on with the changes in the Earth, it has me worried.”
Lilly patted her arm frowning. “You are right, but you have to remember to a lot of your protections will be passed onto your child. I think the first thing we should do is think of what medical aspects are we going to have. Kizzy, Red Hawk will be going with you?”
Kizzy nodded, frowning. “We also have a doctor meeting us in Canada. Maybe you can get a few of your doctors to help out, too. Do you think they would believe what is happening, or would they well just say we’re all nuts?”
“Well we have the herbalist, and I know he for sure will help us, even Dr. Strebow the cancer doctor I suggested for Black Bull. Nice man, and his wife works right beside him, doing research. Oh my god.” Lilly turned, smiling at both Kizzy and Kia. “The CEO, Doctor Rein of the hospital is a doomsday prepper. He is going to be a big help. Damn, I need my notebook and pen.” Lilly looked around and noticed it at the table she had left. “Hold on. Let me go grab mine so I can write this all down.” Lilly got up and headed toward the table when she was grabbed around the waist.
Natural instinct kicked in, and Lilly whirled around, going to shove her hand into the person’s nose when she saw it was Dark Horse. Her heart in her throat, and breath gone, she glared at the gorgeous man. “Don’t do that,” she ground out bending down, trying to get her heart back to normal and her breathing.
“I’m sorry, little flower.” Dark Horse bent down, staring into her eyes.
She blew out a breath and straightened up. “It’s okay. I guess it’s going to take time. Now, did you want something?” Lilly turned to move again toward the table and her notebook.
“I was wondering where you were going?” He smiled, seeing her picking up her notebook and pen.
“I remembered some people who might help us with the medical aspect of this new journey we are planning and wanted to write them down,” she rambled on. “Do you think my father is okay?”
Dark Horse pulled out his phone. “Call the hospital and check on him. But rest assured I heard from both of the guards, and they are on alert. We have about thirty minutes before we leave. Everything is packed in the van, so we know they didn’t get hold of anything. I’m afraid we lost one man. That’s how they were able to get in here.” He turned his gaze to the corner of the room.
“Oh my god. I need to speak with her please. This is my fault I need to apologize.” Tears filled her eyes as she moved toward the woman.
“You are not at fault. Here they are,” Dark Horse growled, wrapping his arm around her waist, moving with her.
“Your men wouldn’t be in danger if not for me, and you know it,” Lilly replied.
The woman moved out of another woman’s arms. “You are not at fault Lilly. My man was one of the best, these assholes will pay for what they have done to you and Tex. I’m called Sunflower.” The woman hugged her tight.
Lilly hugged her back, crying with her. “I’m so sorry, Sunflower. I just wish this nightmare would end. So many have been hurt and killed.” Lilly stepped back into Dark Horse’s arms. “If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask. I know most of the people around here.”
“Thank you. I’d like to stay and help out with the planning it is what Tex would want,” Sunflower announced.
“We would be honored to have you here helping us. Please, allow Soaring Eagle to prepare Tex and Sunflower, take it slow.”
Sunflower smiled. “Tex told you?” She placed her hand on her belly. “It’s the only thing that is keeping me going, knowing I have a part of him growing inside of me.”
“Congrats, I know Kia is expecting, too. This is exciting, two little ones to help us remember we are fighting for their world. It will give others hope when things get low. So, in some ways, your Tex is still helping,” Lilly told her.
Soaring Eagle came over and wrapped his arm around Sunflower. “Come, let me take you to the car, and we can discuss what needs to be done.” The older man glanced at Lilly. “You are indeed perfect for our Dark Horse. Everyone is ready to leave.”
She shook her head and muttered, “So out of my league.”
Chapter Eight
“She is like a fawn, watching, learning as his Lilly takes the first steps to healing her soul.”
Dark Horse
Dark Horse kept a close eye on Lilly as they moved through the rental house his men had found them. It was a four-bedroom home, on three acres of land just outside her home town and easy to defend.
Right now, ten of his men were setting up perimeter traps, cameras, and such. Dark Horse was not going to be caught with his guard down again.
“I think your father would like this room. It has its own bathroom and is on the bottom floor, so no stairs,” Dark Horse told her, breaking the silence. “You don’t mind if Running Wolf and Kizzy stay with us since they will only be here a few days?” he asked as Stephan pulled their trailer in the back, followed by Running Wolf.”
He reached out and pulled Lilly into his arms, hugging her tight while resting his head on hers. “What’s wrong?”
“I guess I’m just trying to absorb everything. Do you know how dangerous it’s going to be after people start figuring out things are really going downhill? There’s going to be fighting.” She shivered. “And other things.”
Dark Hunter wound his hand in her hair, and pulled her head back, staring into her face. The doubt and fear ate at his heart and gut. “My little flower, it will be dangerous. I’m not going to lie. It’s one of the reasons why you must listen to me. I will do everything to protect you and your father,” he told her, covering her mouth with his.
She tasted of coffee as Dark Horse slid his tongue inside, loving her tongue as he planned to do to her body. The first time he had seen her in the shelter peeking up at him, with tears in her eyes, he’d known he was lost.
He lifted his head, nipping her bottom lip. “Is this place okay?”
“It’s fine, and you shouldn’t have done that?” Lilly stepped back as he gave her room, knowing Running Wolf and Kizzy were coming up to the house.
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