According to Legend (7 page)

I woke up to a beautiful sunrise and the warmth of my husband’s strong arms around me. Our legs were entwined in a comfortable embrace. Memories of being in the mystical cave swirled through my mind. I snuggled deeper into the furs and closer against Moheeladeck.

“The People will think that I have grown lazy,” he murmured. “Or they will expect to see a small one soon.” He smiled as he rested his hand on my flat stomach.

I giggled, but the thought of having his child warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face.

“Before you leave me this morning, there is something else I must show you.”

“You mean something more enchanting than the cave?” I asked.

“No, not enchanting, but necessary, I’m afraid. Sadly, we can only be together a short time and we must use that time wisely.” The seriousness in his voice gave me pause, but I didn’t question him.

We dressed, and after eating a small morning meal of corn bread and berries, he took me into a clearing in the woods. Unwrapping a deer hide that he’d carried under his arm, he produced two sharp, dangerous-looking knives. They were completely carved out of dark-colored stone, honed to a point, with edges sharp enough to rival any steel kitchen blade. My eyes grew wide at the sight of them.

“I plan to show you how to throw these knives with enough accuracy to kill a man if necessary, or at the very least to protect yourself. Right now, I am not able to always be at your side to protect you. I ask the Great Spirit to keep you from harm, but it is wise to be prepared.”

“Ah, sort of an insurance policy.”

“A what?” He looked at me with a strange expression.

I keep forgetting Moheeladeck lives in a different place and time. “Never mind. Show me.”

“See those two big trees at the edge of the clearing? You are going to throw the knives into one of those trees.”

“Way over there? You can’t be serious!”

He stood behind me and planted one foot on the outer side of each of mine. The heat poured from his powerful body as my back rested against his muscular chest, and I reveled in the feel of him.

“Hold it this way, Takshawee,” he said as he instructed me in the correct way to handle the weapon. “You must position your body thus to harness the most power into your throw.” His warm hand covered mine as he guided me.

We practiced like this for the better part of an hour. He was a very patient teacher. At first I didn’t do very well because the knives were hewn from stone and felt heavy and awkward in my hand, but after a while I got a feel for it. The more I practiced, the more natural the weight and balance of the weapons felt in my hand and I was actually able to hit one of the trees. I squealed with glee and Moheeladeck picked me up and spun in a circle.

His dark eyes gazed into mine and concern creased his brow. “You have done well today, my Princess. I know it is much to ask that you be placed in a position where you may one day need to use this skill. My heart grieves to think that could be so.”

Still, I grinned. “Thanks! It was sort of fun!”

“It is never fun to face your enemy,” he answered gravely as if he recalled a time when he had fought to the death, and had looked into the eyes of his enemy in their final moments. “We will practice again when next you return.”

“It’s a date!”

“What is this . . . date?” he asked with a frown.

I explained the dating ritual in my time to him.

“Strange custom,” he said. “Time draws near for you to leave now.” He put his hand beneath my chin and lifting my face, he gazed into my eyes. “Takshawee . . .”

“Yes?”

“You must promise me that you will never hold yourself away from me again as you did last night.”

“I’m sorry. I was confused but I’m not anymore.”

“Promise me you will return to me tonight.”

“I promise.”

He smiled. “Then it is what you call it, a date.”

Just as he leaned in to kiss me, the ringing of my cell phone ripped me from his arms and from the dream. I woke up back in my bed at the hotel.

“Hello,” I said in what I had hoped wasn’t a sleepy sounding voice.

“Good morning, pretty lady.” David’s voice was like sunshine spilling through the phone. “Hope I didn’t wake you.”

“No, I was up.”

“I wanted to catch you early. I have been thinking a lot about the incident with Half-Breed and, well, what you said makes a lot of sense.”

“What I said? What did I say?” Dreamy fog swirled in my mind.

“When you so aptly pointed out what a great watch dog Half-Breed would be because of how protective he is of you and, well, I guess what I’m trying to say is . . . he’s yours. That is, if you still want him.”

“Oh, David, thank you. Yes, of course I still want him.”

“Do you want me to bring him around to you? Where are you staying?”

I know I wasn’t quite as alert as I would have been had I been more awake, but it was hard to miss the catcher vibrating over my heart.

“Please don’t go to any trouble. I have some errands to run so I can drop by and pick him up,” I said quickly.

“Okay. Sure. I should be here all day. I’m having the window repaired, so anytime you get here is fine with me.”

An hour later, I pulled up in front of the kennels. I recognized the glass repair truck that was parked in front and the repair crew, who were already hard at work fitting a new pane into the large front window. I smiled as one of the workers waved to me, apparently having recognized me as well.

The little bell over the door sang out its twinkling chime as I entered. At the sound of the chime a choir of dogs barking came from the back room.

“Good morning,” David said and graced me with that smile.

I glanced quickly around, but Half-Breed wasn’t lying on his bed in the corner. Leaning on the counter and absent-mindedly toyed with the rawhide at my neck, I asked, “Where’s Half-Breed?”

Jail,
Half-Breed chimed.

“He’s still in the crate in back. I didn’t want him getting in the way of the repairmen,” David said.

Good morning, Princess. Nice to see you, too,
the wolf’s voice intruded, but he was nowhere in sight.

“I see. Is he ready to go with me?”

“Yeah, I got a collar and special guide leash rigged up for him, so it will make things easier for you. He is a bit headstrong. Come on back and I’ll show you how to put the guide on him.”

Headstrong! Wait till I get out of here! I’ll show him headstrong!
Half-Breed’s voice blared into my mind.

My thoughts became stern.
HALF-BREED if you can’t behave
—

I will if he will!
the argumentative wolf interrupted.

I was greeted by the yapping of excited dogs as I followed David into the back room of the kennel. When David opened the crate, I expected Half-Breed to bolt, but he didn’t.

“Now, Pam, this is how you use the guide leash.” David began as he knelt before Half-Breed and placed a wide strap around the wolf’s muzzle.

“Do you really think that’s necessary?”

“I want you to be safe.”

Half-Breed laid down and allowed David to put the collar and guide leash on him.

Unnecessary. I feel totally ridiculous.

Don’t worry, Half-Breed, you’ll only have to wear it until we get into the car.
Half-Breed allowed David to lead him over to me in silence. David placed the leash in my hand and Half-Breed sat before me.

“Good boy, Half-Breed,” I said aloud to the wolf and reached down to pet him.

“So, what’s on the agenda for today?” David said.

“Officer Martin called. I have to stop at the police station to review their report and get a copy for my insurance company. Then, I need to run some personal errands.”

“Sounds like you’ll be pretty busy.” His voice was laced with disappointment.

“Why do you ask?” I inquired, against my better judgment.

“
Why do you think he’s asking, Princess. He wants to be with you
.”

“I was hoping, maybe, that is, if you wanted to . . . that maybe we could have lunch,” David stammered with hope in his voice.

My thoughts immediately went to Moheeladeck, his words clear in my mind,
Be mindful of who you really are.
How could I let David down easily?

I approve of this line of thinking,
Half-Breed chimed in.

I did not ask for your approval nor do I require it, so don’t piss me off, wolf!

“Well, I do have a pretty busy day today and tomorrow the alarm is getting installed, but maybe we can get together for dinner after that,” I answered.

I was all set to politely decline and walk away, but Half-Breed’s nagging set me off.

Princess, why do you encourage that dirty dog? What has our Alpha ordered?
Half-Breed’s voice was quick to question.

Our Alpha, I mean Moheeladeck, trusts me, and my judgment.
My thoughts didn’t even sound convincing to me.

David smiled. “I kind of was hoping to see you sooner, but if that’s the best time for you, I’ll take it!”

I thanked David again for all he had done for me over the past few days and Half-Breed and I made our way to the car.

Nicely done, Princess,
the wolf said, his voice a whisper.

“Thanks, Half-Breed,” I said aloud as I opened the front passenger side door to let him in. I reached to close the door and decided that due to his size it would probably be a good idea to put the seat belt on him. I explained what I was doing, and without argument, he nodded and I strapped him in.

“This will be the first thing to go.” I took the guide strap off him and tossed it into the back seat.

Ridiculous contraption,
he muttered.

Soon we were underway. Although the top was up I put his window down and like any dog, he reveled in the breeze blowing in his face.

When we arrived at the police station, Half-Breed had had enough of the seatbelt.

How do I get out of this thing?

I showed him and he pressed the release button with his nose rather than waiting for me to do it. Pretty smart, I thought.

Thank You!
He sounded appreciative as he wagged his bushy tail.

He allowed me to lead him on the regular leash but we both knew it was just for show.
Please, Half-Breed, stay on your very best behavior here.

As you wish, but know that I will do anything to protect you should danger come to you
.

We entered the station and I gave my name to the girl at the desk.

“Miss Hastings, I’m afraid you can’t bring your dog in here,” she said.

“Oh, he’s a service dog.”

She raised an eyebrow and after a moment, she said, “I suppose you have papers?”

“Yes, yes of course, but I left them at home.”

She eyed me for several more moments, then studied Half-Breed again. He whined, tilted his head to the side, and raised a paw as if he were pleading with her. I swear he put a spell on her for her features softened and a grin tugged at her lips.

“I suppose if he’s a service dog it would be okay,” she said hesitantly.

“I’ll just let them know you’re here,” she continued as she picked up the phone.

“Someone will be out to escort you in,” she said with a smile.

She’d barely finished speaking when a uniformed officer came through the door. He stopped short at the sight of Half-Breed.

“Ah, Miss Hastings, I’m afraid dogs are not allowed in here.”

“But, he’s a service dog.”

He had the same skeptical look on his face that the receptionist did. I smiled and continued, “I know he’s big, but he’s very well trained and I never to anywhere without him.”

Half-Breed whined again and gave the officer his best begging puppy-dog eyes. My stomach clenched and I held my breath waiting for Half-Breed’s spell to charm the young officer.

After several moments, his frown disappeared and a smile crept across his lips and he said, “Very well then, right this way.” He held the door opened and Half-Breed followed me down the hall. The officer escorted us to a room that reminded me of those interrogation rooms you always see on the TV cop shows. The room was painted that strange shade of green between moss and puce. A long table with a fake wood top and metal legs took up most of the room, but what really drew my attention were the ugly orange plastic chairs.

I sat in one and my back instantly cramped. Just being in the room made my palms sweat. My only comfort was having Half-Breed plop down at my feet.

I don’t like this place,
he grumbled.

I don’t like it either, but we won’t be here very long.

Someone is coming and I don’t like his scent.

Relax, Half-Breed. You really need to behave in here.

The door opened and I was surprised to see Officer Williamson. His dark hair was neatly combed and his blue eyes darted quickly to Half-Breed and back to me. He seemed shorter than I remembered and although nothing about his appearance would indicate a threat, there was something about him that made me feel uneasy.

Half-Breed rose to his feet.
I sense danger!

“Sit, boy,” I commanded and although I knew the wolf didn’t like it, he obeyed.

“Good morning, Ms. Hastings,” the officer said, extending his hand. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.” His eyes flashed to the wolf.

“Good morning, Officer Williamson.” I shook his hand.

“I’m sorry Officer Martin couldn’t be here today as planned, but the report is ready for you. I think you’ll find everything in order,” he said as he handed me the folder.

My hand trembled as I took it from him.

“I just need a few more pieces of information from you,” he said as he took a pad and pen out of his uniform pocket.

“Do you remember anything else about that night, Ms. Hastings?”

“Nothing, I—”

“I know you were frightened that night, but sometimes after a few days we remember things that may have seemed insignificant at the time of the incident. Now, try to think, did you get a glimpse of whomever it was that tried to get in?”

A tingle crept slowly up my spine and my muscles tensed. I had gone through this with Officer Martin and wondered why Williamson was doing this.

“It was dark, Officer Williamson. I believe I told you that I only saw him when the lightning flashed.”

“But you did see him?”

“Well, yes. He was standing at the slider.”

“Did you get a look at his face? Do you think you could pick him out in a line-up?”

I inched myself closer to Half-Breed. My palms were sweating and I scooted forward so I was sitting on the edge of the chair.

“No. He had a hood over his head and it was dark.” My hands shook.

“So then you didn’t see his face?”

“No.”

“Where are you staying now, Ms. Hastings?”

DO NOT TELL THIS MAN ANYTHING!
Half-Breed insisted.

“Well,” I paused. “I’m actually going to move back into my home today. The alarm is going in and, as you can see, I’ve got a, uh, service dog.” I reached over and began to stroke Half-Breed’s ears. Would Officer Williamson notice my hands shaking?

“Yeah, and he’s a big one!” the Officer responded.

Half-Breed stood up again as if to reinforce the cop’s remark.

“He’s very protective,” I added.

He has no idea what I’m capable of.

Half-Breed, please behave.

“Yes, well, make sure you get a license for him,” the officer added.

“I will. Actually, that’s my next stop,” I assured him.

“Will you be spending the night in your own home then?” Williamson persisted.

“Yes, why do you ask?”

“Well, if you are, we’ll run a few extra patrols on your street just to make sure nothing out the ordinary is going on.”

I don’t like him.

I don’t either, Half-Breed.

“That’s what I’m planning as of right now, Officer Williamson,” I answered with a smile.

“All right, Ms. Hastings, we’ll have this wrapped up if you would just sign there.” He indicated the spot. “There is a copy of the report in the file for you.”

“Thank you,” I murmured.

Sign the darn thing and get us out of here!
Half-Breed sounded near panic and I noticed the fur on his neck starting to rise.

I signed the report, grabbed my copy, and stood to leave. Officer Williamson placed his hand on my arm. Half-Breed growled and hoped it was only in my mind and not aloud. It was getting so I couldn’t tell anymore.

“Please be careful with that wolf, Ms. Hastings. Those animals have a reputation for being unstable and dangerous.”

“Thank you, Officer Williamson, I will.” I moved away from him and headed toward the exit.

Once outside, my breath rushed out of me in a deep sigh. I felt as if a huge weight was lifted off me and I could breathe again.

We got all our errands done and went back to the hotel, but there was still some daylight left so I grabbed a couple of bottles of water and a few apples from the hotel room’s mini fridge and put them into my backpack.

“Come on, Half-Breed, let’s go over to the park and maybe we can find a spot by the pond to sit.”

That sounds like fun.

Half-Breed didn’t actually need the collar and leash, so I tossed them on the bed as we left.

It was late in the afternoon and late in the season, so the park was nearly deserted. Half-Breed and I found a quiet bench near the pond, in the sun. The bench was obscured from view by bushes on three sides.
Perfect
, I thought.