Wild Is My Heart

by Connie Mason

  “Well, I’ll be a pea-brained jackass,” Smith said, his heart slowing as he lowered his rifle.

  Sam chafed impatiently as she waited for the riders to approach. Each moment’s delay lessened Colt’s chances for survival. Finally the group reined in sharply before the waiting pair.

  “Sam, thank God you’re safe!” Jim shouted gleefully. “I was furious when Laura told me you left without a word to anyone. Jake was madder’n a wet hen and wanted to take off after you immediately, but I convinced him to wait until I was able to join him. We came as soon as I could sit a horse. Where’s Colt?”

  “He’s in big trouble, Jim,” Sam said. “You’ve got to help him!” She looked pleadingly from Jim to Jake to Brave Eagle. “He’s wounded and ill. I don’t even know if he’s still alive.”

  “Where is he?” Laura repeated Jim’s question, looking frightened.

  “About ten miles back,” Smith revealed. “Holdin’ off the Crowders so’s me and his missus could get away.”

  “You must be Smith,” Jake said. “I’m Jake Hobbs and this is Jim Blake. You already know Colt’s sister. The braves ridin’ with us are Brave Eagle and his friends. Comanche relatives of Laura’s.”

  Smith nodded warily, obviously confused by Jake’s last statement.

  “Black Bear is camped nearby. It’s a miracle that we ran into them,” Laura explained. “They were following the buffalo further south than usual when we encountered them. I explained our mission to Brave Eagle, and he insisted on escorting us to Laredo. My adopted brother expressed his wish to help Violet Eyes and her husband.”

  “Can’t all this wait?” Sam exploded, clearly distraught. “Colt needs us.” Abruptly she kneed her mount in the opposite direction and galloped off.

  Laura offered a brief explanation to Brave Eagle, and the party thundered after Sam.

  Crouching down in the high-sided wagon, Colt reloaded his rifle with the last of his ammunition. This is it, he thought, his heart sinking. His bullets were nearly gone and all that remained were the rounds already in the chamber. But he had acquitted himself well, he reflected proudly, allowing Sam and Smith a considerable head start. He could think of no better way to lose his life than in defense of the woman he loved. His one regret was failing to tell Sam how much he loved her before rendering her senseless.

  Two of the Crowders lay dead on the dusty ground surrounding the wagon, and the others had sought shelter behind various rocks. The shooting had all but ceased, but Colt wasn’t fooled. He knew that Lyle Crowder was no fool and would realize by now that Colt was short of ammunition. Colt sat back to wait. The pain in his side robbed him of precious breath and the sun-baked earth wavered before his eyes. His hands trembled and he could feel blood seeping through his bandage. Resting the rifle on the wagon rail, Colt watched warily as the Crowders crept out from their hiding places, mounted, and prepared to attack en masse.

  Colt grimaced, realizing his time was running out and he hadn’t accomplished half of what he wanted to during his all too few years on earth. Thank God he’d had the foresight to leave a will. At least Sam and their child, if there was a child, would be well provided for.

  Suddenly Colt’s control snapped. He was hurting, angry, and driven to the point where nothing mattered any more but bringing down as many Crowders as time allowed. Rising to his knees, he aimed the rifle at the outlaws, who were now fanned out and riding toward him with deadly intent.

  “C’ mon, you worthless bastards!” he shouted, carefully picking out a target and smiling grimly when the rider lurched from the saddle into the dirt. “Come and get me if you got the guts! I’m takin’ as many of you with me as I can.”

  His bravado had little effect on the Crowders as they rode in for the kill. Lyle Crowder’s ugly face was split in half by an evil grin as he urged his men forward. Colt’s return fire became sporadic as he conserved his ammunition, making every shot count. But he knew he was only prolonging the inevitable.

  Not much longer now, Colt reflected, suddenly numb at the thought of dying. He was surprised at how calm he was when the last round left his rifle. Death wasn’t so bad if one set one’s mind to it, he reasoned, slumping down in a corner.

  What happened next would remain forever etched in his brain. The thunder of hooves grew loud, then abruptly stopped. Colt prepared to meet his maker, only to be thrown into utter confusion when one of the Crowders cried, “Injuns!”

  Peering over the side of the wagon, Colt saw that the outlaws had reined in a few yards away and were staring at something behind him. Whatever it was threw them into a panic, terror rendering them nearly immobile.

  Then Colt became aware of a commotion behind him. Savage hoots and blood-curdling yells raised goosebumps on his flesh, and he jerked around. From behind him rode a Comanche raiding party, looking fierce enough to strike fear in the bravest hearts. Colt thought it ironic that they were all—the Crowders and him—likely to lose their lives violently and swiftly—if they were lucky.

  Suddenly Colt blinked, then blinked again. Riding with the Indians were three white men and two white women. Even more astounding, he recognized them all, including the Indians. Brave Eagle. Somewhere Sam and Smith had run into Laura, Jim, Jake, and Brave Eagle’s party. And miracle of all miracles, they had arrived in time. His strength depleted, Colt could do little more than cling to the side of the wagon and watch the ensuing battle.

  Sam and Laura made straight for Colt and the wagon while the men attacked the Crowders, who, realizing they were outnumbered, turned tail and rode hell for leather. They were quickly cut off, and the ensuing fight was fierce but short. The Crowders were felled by either arrows or bullets and one by one bit the dust.

  “Don’t kill Lyle Crowder!” Jim shouted to Brave Eagle, who was aiming an arrow at the outlaw leader. “I want him alive!”

  Lyle whirled his horse and urged it forward, but Brave Eagle charged after him, leaped off his horse, and threw Lyle to the ground. Two other Comanches joined him to wrestle Lyle into submission.

  “You’re a welcome sight,” Colt said to Jim. “I was gettin’ a mite worried.” A gross understatement.

  Turning to Brave Eagle, Colt said in Comanche, “Thank you, my friend. I owe Brave Eagle my life.”

  Eyes black as the darkest night regarded Colt solemnly. “A life for a life. A Comanche never forgets a debt. Lion Heart is husband to Violet Eyes who is dear to my heart.”

  Colt held out his arm. Brave Eagle hesitated only a moment before grasping it.

  “Colt, are you hurt?” Sam asked anxiously, closely examining Colt’s beloved features. Her eyes widened as they settled on the blood-soaked bandage circling his middle. “You’re bleeding again.”

  “I’m okay, Sam, just tell me where you met up with Brave Eagle and the others.”

  “Let me explain,” Jim interjected. “We were all furious when Sam left without tellin’ anyone but Laura. It was a few days before I felt strong enough to ride after her. Of course Jake and Laura insisted on comin’ along. We didn’t know what we’d find when we got to Laredo.”

  “We met Brave Eagle and his hunting party late yesterday,” revealed Laura, taking up the tale. “Black Bear is camped in the area and the braves were out hunting buffalo when we came upon them. After hearing our story, Brave Eagle insisted on escorting us to Laredo. We passed the night with my adopted father and started out early this morning. We met Sam and Mr. Smith on the trail, and you know the rest.”

  During the time it took for the telling, Colt had grown increasingly pale; his hands shook and sweat popped out on his forehead.

  “Colt!” Sam cried, distressed. “He needs help!”

  “Black Bear is camped nearby,” Jim said. “Brave Eagle can escort you there.”

  “Spirit Dancer will heal Colt,” Laura said with conviction before turning and speaking rapidly to Brave Eagle.

  “What about Crowder?” Colt asked, his eyes sliding to the outlaw crouched in the dirt.

  “I’m takin
’ him to San Antonio,” Jim replied. “To testify against the Logans.”

  “I ain’t squealin’ on no one,” Crowder refuted, clamping his lips tightly together.

  “I think you will.” Jim smiled ominously. “Course I could give you to Brave Eagle. The Comanches have devised methods of torture guaranteed to make a man talk. They can peel the skin from a man’s body piece by piece and still leave him alive to suffer further indignities.”

  Crowder gulped, looking with terror-stricken eyes at Brave Eagle, who had caught the gist of the conversation and moved threateningly in his direction. Crowder cringed, the menace in the brave’s obsidian eyes making up his mind.

  “I’ll talk. I’ll do anythin’ you say, Ranger,” Crowder offered, blanching. “Just keep that savage away from me.”

  “C’ mon, Crowder, on your feet, it’s a long way to San Antonio.”

  Colt watched dispassionately as Crowder struggled to his feet. Then he turned to Smith. “What about you, Phil? Are you goin’ back to Laredo?”

  “I reckon I done wore out my welcome in Laredo,” Smith drawled. “I’ve a mind to go to San Antonio. Maybe Jim can use some help with Crowder.”

  “Much obliged, Smith,” Jim said. “I’d appreciate the help.”

  “Phil, if you need a job, there’s one available at the Circle H,” Colt offered. “We can always use another good hand.”

  “I might just take you up on it, Colt,” Phil replied, grinning.

  “You’ve been a good friend, Phil. I always take care of my friends.”

  “You got a deal. See you at the Circle H right after Crowder is delivered to the sheriff in San Antonio.”

  “What are you goin’ to do, Jake?” Colt asked. “You comin’ with us to Black Bear’s camp?”

  “I’d best be gettin’ back to the ranch, boss,” Jake replied. “We’re smack in the middle of roundup and I reckon the men need me.”

  “I’m going with Jake,” Laura announced, ready to argue should Colt refuse.

  “You don’t want to see Black Bear?” Sam asked, surprised.

  “I will see my adopted father soon,” Laura replied. “When he leaves this place he will settle his people nearby for the winter. I wish to return with Jake.”

  A smile hovered at the corner of Colt’s lips, soon replaced by a grimace of pain. He had nothing against a match between Jake and Laura, and would not stand in the way if they truly loved one another. Besides, he was too ill to protest.

  Soon afterwards Jim and Smith left with Lyle Crowder. A search of the surrounding area yielded nothing but dead bodies. All the Crowders save for Lyle were dead. Three of Brave Eagle’s men were wounded, but they were still able to ride. Then Jake and Laura departed for the ranch with several Comanches accompanying them for protection. Two horses were caught and hitched to the wagon, and the party continued on to the Comanche village. By now Colt was writhing in pain, and the intervening miles were a nightmare.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Do not despair, Violet Eyes, Spirit Dancer will cure your mate.”

  “He’s so weak, Black Bear,” Sam lamented, casting anxious glances toward the tipi where Spirit Dancer worked over Colt.

  “Lion Heart is strong and of brave heart. He has much to live for. Spirit Dancer tells me you will give him a son.”

  Sam blushed. “Spirit Dancer says the child I carry is a boy.”

  “Your husband must be pleased.”

  “He … I haven’t told him yet.”

  “Then you must do so at the first opportunity,” Black Bear advised sternly. “A man has a right to know he is to become a father.”

  Later, Sam mulled over Black Bear’s words, realizing it was cowardly not to tell Colt about the baby. He deserved the opportunity either to accept or reject her and their child. If he did not want them she would leave and make a new life for herself and her babe.

  That night, after Spirit Dancer left Colt, Sam slowly made her way toward the tipi.

  “Is Lion Heart good to you, Violet Eyes?” Brave Eagle asked with grave concern. “I sense a sadness in your heart.”

  “I love Colt very much, Brave Eagle.”

  “That is not what I asked.” He waited, his body taut, his noble features inscrutable. “If you are not happy, Black Bear will gladly welcome you into our tribe. It would be simple for Spirit Dancer to dissolve the union between you and Lion Heart, leaving you free to join with another. I still want you, Violet Eyes.”

  His eyes were dark and probing, his words impassioned.

  “Much obliged for bringin’ my woman to our tipi.”

  “Colt!”

  Colt stood in the doorway of the tipi, holding his side and tilting dangerously. His face wore a ferocious scowl; his eyes were an inferno of molten gold.

  “What are you doing out of bed?” Sam scolded.

  “I was waitin’ for you.” His eyes never left Brave Eagle’s face.

  “I will leave you,” Brave Eagle said. “Remember my words, Violet Eyes.” With obvious reluctance the Comanche whirled and disappeared into the shadows.

  “Let me help you back to bed,” Sam offered, slipping an arm about Colt’s waist. “You’re in no condition to be wandering about.”

  “What did he say?” Colt asked sharply.

  “Nothing important,” Sam hedged. “Did you want anything special?”

  “You belong here with me. I’ll rest easier with you beside me,” he replied lamely. “Take off your clothes, darlin’, and lie beside me.”

  “Colt,” Sam protested, “you’re too weak.”

  Colt smiled wanly. “I know. I don’t aim to do nothin’ but fall asleep with you in my arms.”

  Taking into consideration his weakened condition, Sam sighed in resignation and began to undress. The tipi was dimly lit by a small fire burning in its center, but enough light remained for Colt to observe the slender curves of Sam’s body.

  She wore a thin chemise beneath her shirt, but it enhanced rather than hid the full contours of her breasts. Tight pants slid effortlessly over rounded hips, her taut buttocks inviting his attention. Colt protested when Sam would have slipped beneath the blanket still wearing the short chemise.

  “Take it off, darlin’.”

  Hesitating but a moment, Sam slowly pulled the garment over her head. Colt caught his breath. The pale gold of her shimmering flesh inspired him with a tenderness he never knew he possessed. She was lovely, more alluring than any woman had a right to be. He had wanted her from the first moment he saw her and would always want her. Without removing his eyes from Sam’s enticing form, Colt lifted a corner of the blanket and she slid in beside him, being careful not to disturb his wound.

  “Ummm, you feel good,” Colt murmured, stroking her breasts with one hand while the other found the warm place between her thighs. “You smell good, too.”

  “I just had a bath in the stream,” Sam said, already beginning to tingle and burn in the places where his hands caressed. Suddenly Sam came to her senses. “Colt, you musn’t! You’re much too weak.”

  Colt sighed regretfully. “I know. I reckon I’ll have to recuperate real fast, won’t I?” Several long moments passed while Colt rehearsed his next words. “Darlin’, there’s somethin’ I want to tell you. Somethin’ long overdue.”

  “Can’t it wait ‘til morning? I’m really too exhausted for conversation. And Spirit Dancer says you need rest.”

  “This has waited too long already,” Colt argued. “I don’t want another minute to pass without tellin’ you how much I love you. I love the way you look, the way you talk. I love your courage and spirit, and I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of watching the way those tight pants you like to wear hug your sweet little bottom.”

  Sam simply stared at Colt, a stunned expression on her face. She wanted to pinch herself to make certain she wasn’t dreaming. She had longed to hear those words for so long, she had imagined them many times. “You love me?” she repeated stupidly.

  “More than my own life, mo
re than I ever thought it possible to love a woman.”

  “I’m a half-breed Comanche,” Sam reminded him. She hadn’t forgotten how quickly Colt had rejected her when he’d learned about her Indian mother.

  “I was a fool,” Colt admitted wryly. “I’ve hated Indians for so long it robbed me of the sense God gave me. I’m not much at speechifyin’, darlin’, but I promise if you forgive me I’ll never hurt you again. I want your love, Violet Eyes. I want you with me forever.”

  Tears stung Sam’s eyes. She longed to believe Colt, needed to trust him. She loved him with her whole heart and would forgive him anything—anything. But he had hurt her so many times, she was more than a little reluctant to bare her soul.

  “I’m afraid, Colt. I have no pride where you are concerned. I allowed you to make love to me when you hated that part of me that was Indian. I was worthy of your lust but not your regard. Now you ask me to love and trust you. In the past, loving you caused me nothing but pain.”

  “Forget all that, darlin’. I’ve banished the devils that drove me. I know your love is too precious to lose. I admit I was a bastard and I want to make amends. Please give me another chance. Without you my life is nothin’. I need you.”

  Colt’s impassioned words were all Sam needed to unleash her pent-up emotions. “Oh, Colt, I love you, I do! It’s just damned difficult to believe you love me after … after everything.”

  “I know I’ve been a jackass, but that’s all in the past. My enlistment is up soon and I want to settle down and raise cattle and children. I want you for my wife, Sam. Though in truth I won’t feel any more married man I have since Spirit Dancer joined us.”

  A joyous smile illuminated Sam’s features. She believed Colt. He sounded so sincere, so contrite, she could not doubt him. And now that she knew he loved her she could finally tell him about the baby.

  “I feel the same way, my love. In my heart we’ve been married since that night long ago in Black Bear’s village. And … well … there’s something I should tell you.”