According to Legend (10 page)

Half-Breed rushed out of the darkness. The fur along his back stood on end and his growl seemed to shake the glass.

I’m so sorry, Princess! I knew it was a bad idea to leave you alone with him.

My mind raced, but I had to try to calm the wolf down.
Half-Breed
,
relax. Remember what Moheeladeck said. Let me see if I can defuse this situation before you do anything drastic.

Moheeladeck would never forgive me if anything were to happen to you! I would never forgive myself! I cannot fail.
Half-Breed’s gruff voice rose an octave.

“David, that’s mean and unnecessary,” I said, reaching for the handle of the slider. “Half-Breed isn’t threatening you.”

“Yet,” he answered and he placed his hand over mine on the handle.

Half-Breed was growling when he slipped back into the living room.

“David, you are acting like a child and honestly I don’t find that very attractive,” I said calmly, even though my limbs were shaking. I knew I could take him down with one of the moves Moheeladeck had taught me, but I didn’t want to disappoint Moheeladeck by showing my hand just yet. Instead, I stared into those blue eyes I had once found so attractive.

I was surprised when he moved his hand away and apologized. I didn’t expect him to give in so quickly. The fur down Half-Breed’s back was standing on end and he was still growling.

“Easy, boy,” I said, “David was just messing with you. Right, David?”

“Yeah, Half-Breed, don’t be so defensive, you overprotective wolf.”

I closed the patio door again, but I didn’t lock it in case I needed a way to escape. I knew the wolf sensed my uneasiness, but hoped he wouldn’t be difficult. Despite wanting to trust David, I couldn’t let him think I was afraid, or that I knew about his connection with Williamson. Moheeladeck taught me that the element of surprise was a critical tactic in warfare.

Wanting to keep some distance between David and me, I sat in the armchair closer to the fireplace and Half-Breed sat between us.

The tense silence in the room was broken when David said, “I hope I didn’t frighten you, Pam, it’s just that for some reason that crazy wolf is trying to keep us apart and, well, I think you know I really like you. I want us to get to know each other better, a lot better.”

My mind raced and I chewed my lower lip. I remembered his words in the park,
“. . . I’ll romance it off her.”
I had to keep him at bay and control the situation. It was time to make a defensive move and I had to keep him off balance.

“Look, David, I appreciate everything you’re doing for me, but there has been so much chaos going on in my life right now that I can’t start a relationship. It wouldn’t be fair to either of us.”

He grinned. “I can wait. You take as much time as you need, Princess.”

Princess?
The hair on the back of my neck stood up, and I noted the ridge of fur across Half-Breed’s spine. Tension filled the air and it took all of my control to hold in the gasp that nearly escaped my lips. I forced a smile. “I appreciate your understanding.”

I paused, then said, “David, it’s getting sort of late and I have to go to work tomorrow.” I got to my feet, knowing he’d take the less-than-subtle hint.

“I really would like to see you again. Soon.”

What happened to take as much time as you need?
“Let me get the first few days of work under my belt and then we’ll talk,” I replied as I showed him to the door.

“I can handle that,” he said and leaned closer to give me a hug.

I allowed the hug and he planted a light kiss on my forehead, while I struggled not to show him how much his touch unnerved me. Somewhere near my feet, I heard Half-Breed’s growl of disapproval.

“I’ll call you,” David said on his way out the door.

I watched from the window as he got into his truck. I wondered how long it would take him to call Williamson.

I don’t trust him, and you shouldn’t either.

Of course Half-Breed was right. As soon as David pulled away, I locked the door, set the alarm, and breathed a huge sigh of relief.

David pulled out his cell phone as soon as he was out of Pam’s line of sight. “Hey, I just left her house.”

“How’d it go?” Williamson asked.

“I’m going to have to play this one carefully. She’s a little skittish.”

“What’s the matter, lover boy, couldn’t get to first base with the Ice Princess?” Williamson taunted.

“Shut up, jerk.”

“I still think you should let me take care of it.”

Anger pounded in his temples and he swerved to avoid hitting a kid riding a bike.
Damn
. His temper burned in his gut at how easily Williamson’s taunts got to him. He eased off the accelerator and spoke through clenched teeth. “I’ll take care of this my way.”

“Yeah, well don’t take too long with it.”

“Why, what’s your hurry? The cave has been around for hundreds of years. It’s not going anywhere,” David replied, happy to hear his voice more calm and in control.

“This isn’t just about you adding another notch to your belt, Romeo. There are others involved, and people higher up to answer to.”

Yeah, and I’m one of them
.
The time would soon come to remind Williamson of that little fact.

I’d lied to David about having to go to work, but I had to get him out of the house.

What are we going to do with an entire week off, Half-Breed?

There is your quest, Princess.

Yes, you’re right, I have not forgotten and tomorrow we’ll start looking for the missing half of the stone. Do you have any ideas where we should look?

As you suggested, I think a good place to start will be to ask Moheeladeck where he hid it.

As I was getting ready for bed that night, I realized how much I was looking forward to my night with Moheeladeck. I took extra time so I would look nice, not that it really mattered because he wasn’t seeing Pam, he was seeing Takshawee, and our only resemblance was our amber eyes. Still, it pleased me to think I was preparing to see him—my husband. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach and I sighed as my mind drifted to the shape of his lips, the way he smiled at me, that dimple that appeared when he did smile, those same lips caressing mine gently, passionately.

Half-Breed interrupted my thoughts.
Ah, Princess, I’m thrilled that you’re thinking about your husband, but before you wander any further, please remember that I can hear you
.

Heat stung my cheeks.
Oh, sorry, Half-Breed
.

I swear I heard the wolf chuckle.
Do not be sorry for being in love with your mate, Princess. I understand.

I rubbed his ears as I went to my side of the bed and Half-Breed hopped up onto his side. I was anxious to be in my dream world and in Moheeladeck’s arms. Tonight, however, the dream proved to be anything but peaceful.

As I approached, Moheeladeck was deep in conversation with a member of the tribe that I didn’t recognize. Grave concern was etched on their faces, so I halted in my approach to afford them privacy. When Moheeladeck raised his head and saw me, he smiled and motioned to me to come to his side. He greeted me with a hug and kiss on the cheek.

“Takshawee, our scout, Narwanee, brings us troubling news.”

I met the penetrating gaze of a man clearly on the hunt. A predator about to capture his prey.

The twitch of a nervous smile crossed my lips. “Moheeladeck, what has happened?”

“A rival tribe has heard of your return and even as we speak, they are headed this way.”

“What?” My voice rose in panic.

“This is a dangerous time for us,” my husband said solemnly. “With you here again, both stones are in the same realm, for you have one and although I wear a shadow of its mate, the combination of the two will still form the key necessary to enter the cave. I fear that all they need to gain entry is within their reach. We must prepare to defend ourselves from our enemies who are about to enter our circle.”

“What can I do?”

“You must return to your realm.”

“No. I’m not going anywhere.”

He grew pensive for a moment. “If you must stay, then you will be in hiding, where it is safe.” He turned back to the scout. “Thank you, Narwanee, you have done well. Now go and keep me informed of what you find.” Then he turned back to me. “Takshawee, you must return to your own time.”

“No. I refuse to leave you.”

He heaved a heavy sigh. “Very well then, I will assemble a small party of warriors to escort you to safety. They will remain with you to protect you should defeat come to us and our enemies get past me. Know this, my love, I will defend you with my dying breath.”

“I will not leave you.”

“You will and you must. We must keep the stones separated and you, my Princess, are the key to their magic. You must never be taken by our enemies.”

“How can you ask me to run to safety when I know you will be here in danger?”

“Takshawee,” he said sternly. “I cannot concentrate on the battle if I must worry about protecting you as well. Weekatay will accompany you,” he said as my mother drifted into view from the shadows.

“Half-Breed,” he called to the wolf, “you, too, will accompany Takshawee and let no harm come to her.”

The wolf simply bowed his head.

“But Moheeladeck, don’t you think that I could—”

“Takshawee, my decision is made. Please do not question my authority.”

I could tell by the look on his face that his words sounded stern even to his own ears. He softened and a smile crossed his lips. Taking me into his arms, he held me close. “Please, do not ask me to place you in danger. I could not live if you were taken from me again. I beg you, please do as I ask.”

Warriors scurried around us in preparation for battle. Tension and anxiety filled the air, mixed with a kind of excitement that I imagined only a warrior would understand. Moheeladeck leaned and placed a gentle kiss upon my lips. Then he handed me the pouch containing the knives I now knew how to use. “Should our enemies find victory here, promise me you will return to your time.”

“I will not leave you and our People.”

“Then promise me you will protect yourself as I have shown you.”

I took the pouch from him and stuck it into my belt. I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving him, of possibly never seeing him alive again. At that precise moment in time I, Pam Hastings, not Takshawee, realized that I couldn’t imagine life without Moheeladeck. A knot rose in my throat and tears ran down my cheeks. “Be safe,” I whispered. He gently touched my cheek. “And you. Now you must go.”

The small assembly of my warrior escorts arrived. Half-Breed was by my side, but as Weekatay and I were being escorted away from the village, from Moheeladeck and the warriors who would be fighting to protect me, I sought my chance to slip away. I had to be with my husband, help in any way I could. My escorts led me south into the woods, but as I walked away from the village, hot tears seared my cheeks. What if something happened to my husband? How easily
husband
came to my mind now. Up until a few weeks ago, I’d been alone in the world. Did it matter that this was a dream realm? This was the world that was now real to me.

Weekatay patted my arm. “All will be well, daughter. Moheeladeck is a fierce warrior. The Great Spirit will not allow defeat. We will see victory over our enemies this day.”

“Where are they taking us?”

“To the cave. No one other than you can open it so no one can get in.”

“What of the others? What will become of all the women and children?”

“They, too, have a safe place to hide away from the village and the battle.”

“As the Tribal Princess, isn’t my place with them?”

“No. Your place is where our Chief, your husband, has commanded you to be.”

I realized then that I wouldn’t secure an ally in Weekatay. We continued on in silence for a while longer until I finally came up with a plan. “Mother, I think I have to . . .”

Weekatay understood, raising a hand for my guards to come to a halt.

When Half-Breed moved to accompany me, I said, “Stay here, Half-Breed, I will be right back.”

“Do not tarry too long,” Weekatay called after me. “You must go quickly.”

“Yes, Mother, I will hurry,” I called back over my shoulder as I made my way into the overgrown bushes along the trail pretending to find a private place. When I felt I was far enough away from my escorts, I turned back toward the village and, moving as quickly and quietly as I could, started to make my way back. I knew it wouldn’t be long before my guards and Half-Breed realized I had escaped, so I moved forward without looking back.

As I got closer to the village, the sounds of battle raged before me mixed with the sounds of my escorts approaching me from behind. Suddenly Half-Breed was running at my side. He was faster than the guards, but they wouldn’t be far behind him.

As I drew closer to the village I slowed my pace, staying in the shadows and darkness along the fringe of the woods. From my vantage point, I had a clear view of the battle, and it appeared the attackers were outnumbered. The enemies had fiercely painted faces, hair shaved into Mohawks, and they fought with spears, knives, and clubs. I felt I was watching an old western on TV, but this was real.

Standing on shaking legs with my mouth gaping open, I was held spellbound by the battle before me.

Half-Breed nudged my side, as if to awaken me from my trance and remind me of my purpose.

I had to find Moheeladeck.

I crept forward, staying close to the trees. I realized that I would have to cross a small open meadow to get into the village. Dropping down to my stomach, I pulled myself along the ground by my arms through the tall grass and wildflowers, just like they did in all those old war movies I watched with my father. As I got closer, I stopped and tugged at the leather pouch from my belt. Removing the knives, I slid one back under my belt and held the other in my teeth. I had never been so afraid in my life, but fear and instinct drove me on. Half-Breed crawled along at my side.

As I drew closer, I was able to distinguish the faces of the men of my tribe, fighting to protect not only me and the location of the cave, but all of our stores for winter, our homes, families, and children.
This is not just about me, it’s about so much more.
I was close enough now to be able to crawl over to a nearby lodge.

Everyone was moving and chaos reigned. Some of the lodges were burning. A few men lay injured, a few lay dead. I gasped at the sight of the horror around me and bile rose to my throat, but I forced myself to stand. With my back pressed against the outer wall of the lodge, I inched my way around to get a better look at what was happening. I had to see how I could help.

I don’t remember moving the knife from between my teeth, but somehow the weapon had made its way to my hand. My heart thundered wildly and sweat ran down the center of my back. My legs were shaking and my feet seemed frozen to the ground. Closing my eyes, I took a few deep breaths. Odors assaulted me; the burning lodges, the rich earth, and the sickening, metallic smell of blood, making me nauseous. The smoke burned my eyes and made it hard to breathe, but I pressed on.

I willed my feet to move. Slowly inching around the side of the lodge toward what sounded like the thick of the battle, I peeked around to see my warriors, my tribesmen with their shields, knives, and clubs, their faces smeared with war paint, dirt, sweat, and blood.

I inched closer.

My burning eyes searched the throng of fighting men frantically looking for Moheeladeck. I reached up to wipe the sweat and tears from my eyes and finally, I saw him.

He was fighting off two men from the enemy tribe. He was magnificent. His muscles rippled as he moved with the grace and strength of a lethal predator, well trained and dangerous. His strong body glistened with sweat. I moved closer and watched as he yanked a spear from the ground and thrust the blood-drenched tip through one of his attackers. The slain warrior fell.

I inched even closer now, as close as I had been from the trees in the clearing when Moheeladeck had taught me to throw the knives. I wondered if I would have the courage to throw them now that I needed to.

Although I stood in the open, no one seemed to notice me.
I’m dreaming, so maybe I’m invisible
, I thought.

Moheeladeck was engaged in hand-to-hand combat with an enemy warrior and didn’t see as another warrior was creeping up behind him, holding a knife, but I did.

The enemy raised his blade and made ready to drive it deep into Moheeladeck’s back. Moheeladeck was seconds from death, but my instincts kicked in. My heart thundered and holding my breath, I raised my arm and with shaking hands threw the knife.

I watched as my blade flew through the air and sank into the chest of the enemy who was about to kill my husband. A red stain poured down his chest as the wounded warrior dropped his knife and fell to his knees. His bewildered gaze shot to me and his mouth dropped open. With his last bit of strength, my victim frantically tried to draw the knife from his chest. Blood spurted from around the hilt and I watched in horror as life left his eyes.

I gagged, then spewed the contents of my stomach until there was nothing but liquid left. I’d never killed anyone before. It wasn’t like the movies. I’d watched him fight to live, then die. Never to watch a sunrise again because I’d killed him. I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, then sought my husband again.

As if sensing me, Moheeladeck turned and met my gaze. His fierce, painted face held no expression. Tears streamed down my cheeks. Then Moheeladeck reached behind him and, in one swift, deadly movement, he threw a knife toward me. My frayed mind whirled and my eyes widened as I watched the rust-colored blade come toward me. The air moved beside my right cheek as the weapon whizzed past my ear. I heard a sickening sound and I felt a warm spray of blood hitting my exposed arm. I turned just in time to see my attacker fall. With victory clearly the Aloscotay’s, the remaining enemy warriors fled back into the woods.

I stumbled forward, crying and trembling, until I fell into Moheeladeck’s arms. I thought he would be angry, but instead he held me and whispered in my ear. “It’s all over now, my love.” He was kissing and stroking my hair. “It’s over now. You are safe.”

I buried my face in his chest and sobbed. I knew we would have words of this later but right now he was the strength and comfort I so desperately needed. He swung me up into his muscular arms and carried me away from the carnage. I placed my head on his shoulder and turned my face toward his neck. I didn’t look up until he placed me onto the familiar furs by the fire in our lodge. He removed my dirty, blood-soaked, clothing.

“Are you hurt?” he asked gently.

I shook my head. I didn’t think I was hurt, but I couldn’t find my voice to answer him. I felt as if I were moving in slow motion. I didn’t realize he had moved away to get water, but then he was cleaning the dirt and blood from my face and arms.

I heard Weekatay’s voice. “Have her drink this. It will calm her.” She sounded so far away. I thought I heard Half-Breed whine.

I was slipping in and out of darkness and I don’t know how long I was in this state. The next thing I remembered was feeling the strength and heat of Moheeladeck’s body lying beside me, holding me as he ran his hands along my hair.

“Shhhh, sleep now, my love,” he whispered. “Sleep.” He continued to stroke my hair, soothing me.

I moved closer as he drew me tighter into his embrace and I drifted further into a dark and dreamless sleep.

I felt heat emanating from the body lying close to me and heard the sounds of our gentle breathing mingled with the chirping of birds. The brightness of sunlight filtered through my closed eyelids. Dawn had brought with it the peacefulness I had come to know with Moheeladeck.