According to Legend (9 page)

I got to my feet and hugged her. She exited into the darkness where it seemed as if she simply vanished into the shadows and the smoke from the fire.

We spent a good part of that night in lessons on self-defense. Moheeladeck taught me how to ward off an attacker who may be rushing at me and to use the attacker’s weight and motion against them. After a while, I was able to bring Moheeladeck to the ground in one swift move. He showed me how to escape from an attacker who had grabbed me from behind, but as the night wore on, I was less and less inclined to be out of his embrace. On what turned out to be the last attempt as he wrapped his arms around me from behind,
I turned in his arms and brought my lips to his.

He stood stunned for a moment. “That is one way to disarm your attacker, but I would not recommend that you do this unless you know that I am the one attacking you.”

I grinned and leaned my head against his heart. “Can we rest now? I’m tired and need you to hold me.”

“Yes, we have done enough for tonight,” he answered. He took my hand in his and led the way toward his lodge. As we entered, he turned to Half-Breed. “Stand guard,” he ordered and then faced me and whispered, “Pay close attention to the power that comes from the stones tonight when we unite as one.”

I awoke to my cell phone alarm. The morning light filled my room. I checked the clock, afraid that I would be late for my meeting with the home security installation crew. I have to admit I was feeling more reluctant to leave Moheeladeck and less eager to return to my present day life. I snuggled down under the covers for a moment longer as I savored the memory of our night together. Closing my eyes, I tried to imagine his arms still around me and to will myself back into his embrace, but Half-Breed’s snoring was a distraction. With a sigh of resignation, I dragged myself out of bed and made my way to the bathroom.

Half-Breed remained asleep in the bed while I showered and dressed.

It’s about time you’re finally ready.

Half-Bread was sitting at the door to the bathroom when I opened it. I smiled.
Oh, Half-Breed, I’m not nearly as lovely as you are and it takes me longer to make myself presentable
, I teased and he seemed to like that answer.

“Hey,” I continued, “how come you don’t speak to me when we are with Moheeladeck?”

You will have to ask Weekatay. That is her tale to tell.

“Okay, I will. We better get going.”

We packed everything into the car, gave the room a final once-over to be sure we had taken everything, and then checked out.

We met the alarm installation crew just on time. As they started the job of securing my house and property, I gave Half-Breed a tour of his new home. He seemed pleased with his space.
It is much larger than our lodge,
he murmured. I smiled. Although he liked the house, he was anxious to sniff around outside.

It’s only been a few days since the intruder.
He whined at the patio door.
Let me go out and sniff around.

All right, Half-Breed, let’s go see the yard.

“We’ll have flood lights with motion sensors here,” one of the workmen said.

I hadn’t heard him approach, so I jumped when he spoke. He looked over at Half-Breed who was sniffing around in the bushes. “We’ll adjust the sensors so even that big dog of yours won’t set them off.” He stepped away quickly as Half-Breed approached.

Any luck picking up a scent?

No. The rain was heavy and too much time has passed. There isn’t much here.
A deep frown creased the wolf’s brow.

“It’s a nice day. Why don’t we sit outside?” I said.
I wonder what might have been built over the location of the cave. Maybe if we could get a hold of some old maps of the area I could find it.

You already know the location of the cave.

I don’t think so
.

Once you have found the stone and the powers within you, the place will be revealed.

You seem pretty sure about that.
I laughed and scratched his ears.

I wonder if our enemies have any clue where the other half of the stone is
, I thought, more to myself than in conversation, but Half-Breed replied,
I wonder if they’ve already found it.

Oh my God, Half-Breed, that thought never even crossed my mind!

Well, if they have it, they would still need your half and the location of the cave and, of course, you’re the tribal Princess and the only one who can use them, but perhaps they are not aware of that . . .
Half-Breed rambled.

I don’t get that part.

That’s how the enchantment was woven. That’s how Weekatay set it up!

Wait a minute. Weekatay set this up?

Yes, to protect you, the tribe, the stones, Moheeladeck, and mostly . . . the secrets of the cave
.
By putting your half of the stone into a dream catcher and getting it into your hands in this world, it allows Moheeladeck to call you to him in your dreams.

She said Moheeladeck buried it back in their time, certainly he must recall where he hid it. Why can’t we simply ask him?

So much time has passed since Moheeladeck’s time, and this world is so very different. Do you think it could possibly be that simple, Princess?
The wolf tilted his head as if he were pondering that possibility.

I struggled to wrap my mind around all of this, but in my heart I knew Half-Breed was right.

The alarm installation was complete and I was back at home, where I belonged. I pushed the thoughts of the ransacked hotel room out of my mind.
This is your first night in your new home, Half-Breed, so let’s have a nice dinner and try to relax.

Will we have hot dogs?

No, tonight we will have something special. I’ll even light a fire in the living room.

I saw no fire pit. Things really are strange in this world!

No Half-Breed. There is a thing called a fireplace. I’ll show you later. Trust me, you’ll like it. I never knew a dog who didn’t love to curl up before a roaring fire.

I grinned as I became wistful.
The only thing missing was Moheeladeck
. I realized that my thoughts often drifted to him during the day; remembering his laugh, his smile, the simple joy he got from watching the Aloscotay children at play, and the joy I got from watching him with his People.
Could I actually have found the love I have always wanted in him?
I sighed, and so did Half-Breed.

I miss him, too,
the wolf said
.

Just then my cell phone rang. It was David. I hesitated a moment.
I don’t want to answer this call, but if I don’t, he may wonder why. I can’t let him know that I overheard his conversation with Williamson in the park. I have to answer.

I agree, Princess.

“Hello.”

“Hi there, beautiful. Just calling to let you know you are on my mind. Are you safe and secure in that house now? Did the alarm get installed?” he asked.

“Yes. Actually, they just finished.”
Not that you and your pal Williamson want me to have the system
.

“Good. I want to be sure you’re safe.”

Yeah, right.

“Honestly, I don’t think Fort Knox has this extensive of a system and I have something they don’t have.”

“And what would that be?”

“Half-Breed, of course. He’s my secret weapon.”

“I was a bit worried after he dove through the kennel window so I’m glad he’s working out for you.”

There was a moment of awkward silence, and the catcher softly vibrated.

“I was wondering,” David continued. “You did mention getting together for dinner after your alarm system was installed. I know it’s kind of short notice, but I was wondering if you had any dinner plans for tonight?”

I remembered Moheeladeck’s voice.
You are most wise to stay in your circle of safety. When your enemies come, and know that they will come, you will be ready to defeat them.

“Actually, I was planning to make dinner and spend a quiet evening at home. I’m sorry.”

The skin on the back of my neck prickled when I recalled his conversation with Williamson in the park. Despite what appeared to be true of him, the David I knew seemed like a different man. I needed to know which side of him was the real David.

“Okay, well, I guess I’ll talk to you later then.”

I started cooking dinner and, as predicted, Half-Breed claimed a spot before the blazing fireplace. It was just about six when the door bell rang, and when I opened the door, I was greeted by a beautiful bouquet of flowers and that dazzling smile that always seemed to disarm my senses.

“David, what are you doing here?”

“Having dinner with you, I hope.”

I stood there with my arms crossed.

“Do you always show up on a lady’s doorstep uninvited and expect to be asked to stay for dinner? You know, David, I’m not your Aunt Agnes.” A frown etched across my brow.

“I’m sorry for just showing up, but—” He extended the flowers toward me. “I brought these for you, as sort of a peace offering.”

“Thank you, David, they’re lovely.” I said as he handed me the flowers.

“Not nearly as lovely as you are.”

I wasn’t accustomed to flattery and I had to admit I could get used to it. David was charming and handsome and I really did like him. I could see where he could easily sweep me right off my feet and probably would if not for Moheeladeck and of course what I had overheard at the park.
Why do I continue to allow him to come around? Is it because I like him and want him in my life, or is it because I remembered the expression ‘keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer?’

Half-Breed agreed with the latter. Still, something in me really wanted to trust this man.

“And I brought wine,” he said sheepishly and held up one bottle of red and one of white. “I didn’t know what you were serving, so I got both.”

“How thoughtful of you.”

Yeah, and I have a good idea what his thoughts are full of!
Half-Breed mumbled as he approached.

"So, are you going to invite me in or leave me standing out here on the door step?”

What now? If I don’t let him in, he will suspect something. I can’t very well call the police. Williamson would probably show up. That’s all I need.
Half-Breed, please ask Moheeladeck what I should do.

The wolf relayed the situation to Moheeladeck and, with a heavy sigh, he said,
Our Alpha said to allow him to enter. David knows no reason you would not allow him inside and we must not show our hand.

But Half-Breed, I’m afraid.

I will remain by your side, Princess. I will protect you.

I stepped aside. “Oh, yeah, sure. Sorry. Come in, David.”

“Hey there, Half-Breed,” David said, extending his hand to pet the wolf. “How do you like your new home? Pretty nice, huh? A lot nicer than the kennel or the bachelor pad, hey, boy?”

Play nice, Half-Breed,
I warned.

Half-Breed wagged his tail.
Don’t let this show fool you, Princess. If he steps out of line, I’ll do whatever is necessary to protect you, no matter what Moheeladeck said.

Fortunately, that wasn’t necessary. Dinner was pleasant and afterward, David helped me do the dishes.

“You were right the other night,” he said.

“Right? About what?”

“You really are one awesome cook. That chicken was delicious. Did you make that stuffing? I’ve never tasted anything like it. Everything was great.”

“Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it and you’re quite welcome.” I smiled.
If he only knew that was how Weekatay made it.

After everything was cleaned up and put away, we went to sit in front of the fire. I sat on the sofa but before David could sit in the spot next to me, Half-Breed jumped up into that seat.

“He’s gotten pretty attached to me,” I said aloud, but my thoughts were warning the wolf to behave.

David chuckled. “I can see that.”

“Half-Breed, get down and go lay on your bed near the fire.”

He did obey but his grumbling made it clear that he was not happy.

David quickly took the seat next to me on the sofa before the fire. It was a romantic setting with soft music playing in the background, the fire burning and candles lit around the room, but I didn’t feel romantic. The catcher was warm over my heart and again I thought of Moheeladeck.
Was the catcher warning me of danger? Was it reminding me that I had a husband? Or both?

“A penny for your thoughts,” David said.

“Oh,” I jumped at the sound of his voice.

Be cautious what you share with this dirty dog,
Half-Breed said as he knew exactly where my thoughts had been.

“I’m sorry, David. I was just thinking that I’ll have to go back to work tomorrow and how behind I’ll be.”

David put his arm around me and pulled me close to his side. “I’m sure you’ll be fine, but you have had a pretty tough week.” I noticed he kept his arm around me. Apparently, so did Half-Breed who now raised his head in a more attentive manner.

Our faces were so close all I would have had to do was turn slightly toward David and our lips would meet. My back stiffened, goose bumps ran up my spine, and the catcher twitched. I needed to put some space between us, but David leaned his head closer and placed light kisses along my jaw line.

Half-Breed’s thoughts were running wild and I was trying not to panic. I silently pleaded with the wolf to stay calm.

Woof.

“What is it Half-Breed? What do you want?” I asked.

Woof.
Half-Breed got up and padded to the patio door.

I knew what he wanted. He wanted David to leave. But that didn’t seem about to happen any time soon. “Maybe you want to go outside?”

“Ahh, David, I think Half-Breed has to go outside” I stammered. I went over to the patio door and, with shaking hands, slid it open.

“Oh yeah, that darn wolf. It seems as if he’s hell bent against us getting together.”

“Don’t be silly, David, he’s an animal,” I said. I turned my attention to Half-Breed. “Come on, boy. It’s okay. Go on outside, I’ll wait right here for you.”

Half-Breed stared at me, then he submitted.
Are you sure you want to be left alone with . . . Him?

No, Half-Breed, but I’ll be fine. Just hurry and I’ll wait right here at the slider for you.

Half-Breed scurried out the door. I watched as he disappeared into the darkness and my fingers relaxed on the handle of the slider. David came to stand beside me and placed his hand over mine. I froze, my heart thundering.

“Why don’t we let that crazy wolf stay outside for a while?” David said, smiling down at me. “That would give us a chance to get to know each other a little better.”

I swallowed hard to force the butterflies back down.