Never Surrender (16 page)

“We crush them and add water so they become sticky,
then apply it to the wound. It draws out the redness and takes away the fever.”

Ahanu stirred the dark paste until everything was
moistened, then spread it over Taima’s side. “Reach under his back and pull the
end of the binding over to your side.”

Kate did as he instructed, carefully reaching beneath
Taima. She gripped the leather binding, brought it around Taima’s side, and
Ahanu secured the ends. He then stripped off his shirt to cover Taima’s bare
side where Kate couldn’t reach to keep him warm. She tucked the beaded leather
beneath Taima’s chin and laid her hand atop the shirt to secure it.

“Rest while he rests,” Ahanu stated, laying down a few
feet away, his bow and arrows at his side.

She relaxed against Taima, holding his heated body
against hers and closed her eyes. A few rays of sun made their way through the
branches, warming her arm and shoulder, and hopefully Taima’s chest.

The sluggish beat of his heart beneath her ear worried
Kate. She considered how deep her feelings for him went. Though they’d fought
from the minute they’d met, she had grown closer to him, gotten to know him a
little more, and even enjoyed his company. Yet, in vain, she had tried to
convince herself the opposite was true. As though admitting she might be
attracted would somehow leave her heart unprotected.

Kate thought that Taima must love her, or he wouldn’t
have gone to such extremes to track her down. Perhaps he, too, refused to face
his own feelings toward her for the very same reason.

She raised her head and glanced at his face.
Incoherent whispers came from his dry lips as he slowly turned his head to the
side.

People had died from too much infection in their body.
Without the proper medicines, Taima, too, could die.
If she only had
penicillin.
But what good was her modern knowledge in the wilderness where
she knew nothing about survival? The thought of Taima dying here in her arms
crushed her, feeling as though a cold hand enclosed her heart to squeeze the
life from her own body.

Tears welled in her eyes. Through blurry vision, she
met Ahanu’s gaze from where he sat at the tree. He didn’t smile, said not a
word, but continued to hold her gaze. His gaze moved from her to Taima and back
again. She held Ahanu’s gaze for several silent moments.

A rustling in the branches overhead drew her
attention. Leaves fell from the trees, and a single white eagle feather floated
through the air like a pendulum before drifting down onto Taima’s chest.

Kate reached out to touch it when Ahanu cried out. A
tiny gasp escaped her throat and she looked at him with wide eyes as he stood.

“Leave it be. The spirits have chosen to protect him.
We must not touch the feather.” Ahanu glanced to the branches again, then at
her. “They approve of your help or they would not have dropped the sign of
protection.”

Taima murmured as he tossed restlessly in his dreams.
She clenched her fingers into the leather shirt, her stomach knotting with
worry. “Why does he appear to be getting worse?” Kate asked, feeling so
helpless.

“He fights off those who wish to hurt him, the evil
spirits who close in to take his strength. But he will win,” Ahanu said, pride
evident in his voice as he now sat cross-legged beside Taima.

Ahanu stared at her for a long moment before speaking.
“You are good for him. Sakima thinks so, too.”

“How can I be good for him when all we do is argue? I
don’t understand why he seems to find fault with everything I do.”

Ahanu chuckled and glanced at his friend’s face. “When
he first fell in love with Witashnah, he acted the same, while refusing to
admit his true feelings. Aiyana couldn’t understand why her sister insisted on
arguing back, but they both seemed to thrive on their disagreements. You act
much in the same manner as she did. You disagree with him. You challenge him.
He will soon realize his feelings for you.”

Kate relaxed her head onto Taima’s shoulder, beginning
to understand this strong warrior a bit more. There could be a possibility he
loved her, yet didn’t even realize it himself. She would hold onto that hope.

Ahanu continued, and Kate met his dark gaze. “He will
not admit what he feels until he is sure of what you feel. His mother, too, was
stubborn. But Sakima has an easy, contented way about him . . .” Ahanu shook
his head. “. . . Taima is too much like his mother, though she was a gentle,
caring woman, she knew what she wanted...and usually got it.”

Kate fingered the red and yellow beads sewn to Ahanu’s
shirt that covered Taima. “You and Taima speak such clear English. Is that
because of his mother?”

“Yes. She lived among us for twenty-five years, until
she was killed three years ago. Sakima’s visions had warned Taima of the white
man invading our lands. He wanted us to be able to understand their language.
It also helps at the rendezvous when we’re trading with the French trappers.
Witashnah spoke English as clear as Aiyana does. Taima thought it wise for her
to learn in case of a raid on our village. He also made sure Kelee learned.”

Ahanu picked a blade of grass and continued. “With
Witashnah gone, Taima ignores his own wants and needs. He makes sure Kelee’s
desires and needs are met first. But I’ve known Taima long enough to know when
he wants something...or someone.”

Kate looked up when Ahanu paused, meeting his gaze.
“If you’re saying he wants me, you’re mistaken. There is another woman. I’ve
seen the way she watches him. And I’ve caught her watching me.” She caressed
the soft leather mindlessly, not wanting to believe what Ahanu was telling her.
“Taima has even told me of this other woman...and that she doesn’t care about
what he wants; only what Kelee wants. He thinks this woman would make a good
mother for Kelee.” Kate ached inside as she realized how big her loss would be
once Taima was back on his feet. She looked at Ahanu. “Why does he pursue me?”

Sadness filled his dark eyes. “I know nothing of
another woman. He’s shown no interest in anyone since Witashnah died. Not until
he rescued you from the Blackfoot warrior.”

A warm afternoon breeze blew Kate’s hair across her
cheek and she brushed it back. “He has me so confused. Am I to live freely
among you or am I his captive?”

“You are tired. Sleep. I will need your help when he wakes
up,” Ahanu said, rising, then returned to lie near his bow.

He hadn’t answered her question and she didn’t want to
ask again. Kate snuggled closer to Taima, careful not to disturb the sacred
feather of protection. The fever still heated his flesh, but she dared not
uncover him, not wanting him to catch a chill. Thankful for the opportunity to
rest, Kate surrendered to sleep.

* * * * *

The faces of several trappers appeared randomly from a
swirling mist as Taima fought one man after another. The pain in his side
persisted as he battled with each individual. An urgent fear gripped his heart
as he struggled, yet he wasn’t sure why.

The reason suddenly appeared.

Beyond the circle of men, a bearded trapper carried
Kate away from him. Taima stabbed one attacker, then rushed forward after Kate,
only to be subdued by several hands and thrown to the ground.

Bright sunlight blinded him as he lay motionless,
unable to muster enough strength to continue the fight. His entire body was
useless, unwilling to cooperate, the heat of the struggle overwhelming him.

He cursed himself, knowing he needed to save Kate
before harm came to her.

She called his name several times, yet he couldn’t
answer back. Not a sound would emit from his dry throat. Taima turned his head
from side to side, hoping to find the strength to throw off the hands that held
him down.

His side burned, as though a hot blade protruded from
beneath his ribs. The reason eluded him. He didn’t remember being stabbed, nor
having someone break his ribs.

He thrashed about. If he could only escape the hands
that held his body to the ground, and escape the sweltering heat of the sun, he
could go after Kate.

She called to him again. His heart ached as though
someone had beaten his chest, and yet, he still couldn’t seem to rise. He had
to escape. He tossed and thrashed about, to no avail.

Suddenly, he stilled, catching Kate’s scent like a
light summer breeze, and he struggled to be free, calling out to her.

Cool hands cupped his face, and he momentarily
relaxed. Fingers caressed his cheek to brush away his hair. Something cold was
placed on his forehead.

“Relax. Rest.” A soft feminine voice spoke through the
thick fog surrounding his thoughts.

Kate! But how had she escaped the trappers? The
repeated sound of her voice forced Taima to open his heavy eyelids. Kate’s
blurred face centered in a burst of sunlight. Beautiful green eyes looked at
him. His heart soared to know she was safe. If he could only touch her cheek,
her soft skin, lightly touch his fingers to her lips. But his body wouldn’t
cooperate.

He squinted. The bright light made his head throb. As
much as he wanted to look at her, Taima was forced to close his eyes.

Darkness consumed him once more.

Silence surrounded him...and he seemed to float, free
of pain.

* * * * *

Heat surrounded Taima, nearly smothering him. He ran
his hand down his face and couldn’t believe how wet his fingers were. Had he
slept in the rain?

Through the branches overhead, the sun appeared to
just be rising. Birds chirped. The smell of damp earth reached his nose, and he
drew in a healing breath. He felt better than he had in days, and dropped his
hand to his chest--only to touch a slender arm which extended to his shoulder.

Kate.

Taima inhaled, reveling in the sweet smell of
sagebrush. The image of her rubbing the leaves over her skin and in her hair
after bathing formed in his mind. She slept at his side, keeping him warm in
the early, gray hours of the morning. Careful not to wake her, he closed his
fingers around her soft forearm and caressed it. Next to his cheek were her
fingers; he shut his eyes and turned his face to rub against them. A small
gesture Taima thought he’d never be able to do again. He lightly kissed her
fingers before admiring her delicate beauty again.

Kate’s hair covered one cheek. Touching his lips to
the top of her head, Taima again inhaled the scent of sagebrush, the silkiness
of her hair caressing his lips. He moved aside her hair to better see her face.
A look of complete peacefulness covered her features.

Warmth radiated down the length of his body where hers
touched his. One of her legs bent and crossed over his knees, her bare foot
curled between the leather of his leggings. He wanted to pull Kate closer, but
didn’t want to wake her.

Slowly, Taima tried turning to his side when pain
stabbed at his ribs. His memory returned with a vengeance. The last thing he
remembered was collapsing onto the back of his horse after he carried Kate from
the water.

He clenched his teeth. How many days had passed? Kate
must have been forced to care for him.

Taima moved his arm from beneath Kate to cradle her
head onto his shoulder, then traced the bridge of her nose with a fingertip.
Instead of waking, she wiggled her nose like a rabbit, as though to chase away
an annoying fly. Again, he traced the line of her nose.

When her hand moved to scratch the spot, Taima blocked
it and tickled her again. Her dark lashes fluttered open. Beautiful green eyes
looked up at him. Eyes he’d dreamed of getting lost in.

Taima concentrated on the woman in his arms, easily
forgetting the pain in his side. Just a simple gaze into Kate’s eyes warmed his
heart. The sun had tanned Kate’s smooth complexion to a light golden brown.
High cheekbones complemented her slender nose. The delicate cut of her jaw rose
above the inviting column of her neck. A neck he longed to taste, to kiss, to
feel her heartbeat upon his lips.

Lying here with her, no arguments or cold demeanor to
deal with created peace around him. If only it could always be like this when
we are together, Taima thought, though he knew he would never speak of what he
wished to have with her. She would never choose to stay with him if she were
given a choice.

“How do you feel? You’ve been asleep for three days.”

Her comment caught him off guard, his breath catching
in his throat. “What do you mean three days? I remember not feeling well
yesterday.”

“No, you’ve slept with a fever for three days. Ahanu
and I weren’t sure you’d pull through. The infection in your side, along with
your loss of blood, was more than you could handle and with no sleep before you
came chasing after me.”

Taima grinned at her statement. He wished her concern
was real. Reaching out, he caressed the line of her cheek with his finger. “If
you would stay put, I wouldn’t have to chase after you.”

Kate lowered her lashes. “I can’t stay where I’m not
wanted.”

“Must we go through all this again?” he asked as she
toyed with the fringe on Ahanu’s shirt covering his chest.

“That other woman can look after you and Kelee.”

“I don’t know what other woman you continue to speak
of, but Kelee wants you with us.”

“Is he the only one who wants me around?”

The thunder of logs dropping to the ground drew
Taima’s attention and he glanced at Ahanu, now dusting off his arms and hands.

“You’ve decided to join the living again, I see,”
Ahanu said.

Ahanu looked at Kate and Taima’s gaze followed. She
rose onto her elbow and said, “Let me check the infection before you start
moving around too much.”

As she reached for his side, Taima saw the sores on
her wrists. Anger quickly replaced his shock. He held a tight rein on his
rising temper when he remembered the Blackfoot who had captured her. Gently
grasping her arm, he asked, “Did he do this to you?”

She glanced at Ahanu, but didn’t answer.

“Did he?” Taima asked again.

“I was tied for six days and forced to walk behind his
horse.” Tears welled in her beautiful eyes. “I didn’t want to upset you, today
of all days.”

“I’m not angry with you. It is my fault for not
keeping you from him.”

Taima moved his arm out of her way, but stayed on his
side and allowed her to check his wound. If he could have fought off the other
warriors, she would have been spared the suffering she must have endured at the
hands of the Blackfoot. Kate’s fingers bumped the tender flesh around his wound
as she loosened the binding at his waist, and he clenched his jaw against the
pain. She gently touched the skin near the wound. “Most of the redness and
infection have disappeared. It’s better than yesterday when I checked. I think
another day or two with a fresh poultice will do the trick.”

“I made up a fresh one this morning while you two
slept,” Ahanu said, then winked at Kate, and her cheeks flared.

Taima met her gaze and couldn’t help but smile. “You
changed the dressing while I slept?”

Kate lowered her lashes and nodded.

“She is also the reason you didn’t freeze to death,”
Ahanu added, then placed more wood on the existing fire.

“What of the trappers?” Taima asked, worried for
Kate’s safety.

“They passed through the valley below three mornings
ago, right after we got you settled here,” Ahanu answered.

Taima winced again as Kate retightened the binding to
secure the new poultice. “We’ve lost three days travel,” he said.

“And we’ll lose three more, if necessary,” Kate
scolded. “You’re not going anywhere until you’re better.”

Taima gave her a sidelong glance at the sternness he
heard in her voice. The look in her eyes dared him to object. “Aiyana won’t be
happy with Ahanu, or me, if we don’t get back soon.”

“I’m sure he’ll deal with it. You need to rest.”

Taima watched Kate busy herself. She covered his chest
with Ahanu’s buckskin shirt, but avoided his gaze. Her touch not only warmed
his flesh, but had somehow begun to warm his heart. Something he hadn’t thought
would ever be possible again. The love he’d felt toward Witashnah could never
be greater for another woman; at least he used to think so.

“You must be hungry,” Ahanu said. He turned meat
roasting over the fire, interrupting Taima’s musings. “This beaver will be
ready soon.”

“I could use a drink. Is there water?” Taima asked,
rising on an elbow. Kate retrieved the water pouch, and he watched the gentle
sway of her hips. Taima took a deep breath, hoping to calm the rapid beat of
his heart. She affected him more than he’d realized.

He wondered where she got the idea of another woman
when he’d always referred to her as the one Kelee enjoyed being with. Thinking
back on their conversations, he didn’t remember ever mentioning Kate’s name,
just that the woman he was interested in only cared for Kelee. How could she
misconstrue what he’d said? But the fact remained, she had. He drew his
eyebrows together as Kate knelt beside him.

She handed him the water, and his fingers brushed her
cool hand. Had he not been so weak and in so much pain, he would show her there
was no other woman. He tipped up the pouch, and swallowed the tepid liquid
without breaking eye contact.

“Lay back and rest until the meal is ready. Are you
warm enough?”

He returned the water skin to her, but continued
leaning on his elbow. “I’m fine, thank you.”

Kate lowered her lashes and laid the pouch aside. The
fringe at the bottom of her dress occupied her fingers as she scrapped dried
mud from a few of the red beads. She sat quietly, obviously concentrating on
removing the dirt. He wanted to look into the brilliant green of her eyes, so
waited for her to glance up again.

A long, silent moment passed between them.

Unable to wait any longer, he placed a finger beneath
her chin to raise her face to eye level. Dark lashes slowly rose to reveal her
mysterious green gaze. Taima looked deep into her eyes, not sure what he
searched for. Perhaps a clue to whom she was or where she was from. “I want to
know more about you,” he said, dropping his finger from her chin.

Kate tipped her head to the side. “There’s nothing to
tell.”

“How are your headaches?”

She paused, a small smile curving her lips. Such a
simple gesture, yet it tightened his stomach muscles, making him sorely aware
of his wound. She held his gaze. “I guess I’ve been too worried about you to
think about my own problems.”

“Tell me where you’re from.”

Kate’s eyebrows drew together. “I don’t think I can.
You wouldn’t believe me.”

“Sakima seems to know. So why are you afraid to tell
me?”

Taima waited patiently. If she were to open up to him,
he didn’t want to rush her. She sat quietly before speaking. Her gaze darted to
Ahanu, then back to himself. “I’m not afraid to tell you, it’s just that I have
a hard time remembering. Pieces of my past life flash through my mind. That’s
when my headaches start.”

“Why did you think I wouldn’t understand about your
headaches when we were at the mounds?”

“Sakima didn’t think you would want to know about the
visions I get because you haven’t shown any interest in his visions or me.”

“I can’t deny I felt that at the time. My father
thinks you will be with us for many moons. He’s told me this. Is that something
you want?”

“Sakima says it also involves you, so it’s not a
decision I can make alone. Besides Kelee, we need to deal with the other woman
as well.” Kate looked down at a broken fingernail on her left hand. “She
watches me whenever I’m away from you, like one day just before I entered your
lean-to. She stared at me a few moments, then stepped inside her own lean-to.”

Taima covered her hands with one of his, careful not
to hurt the wounds on her wrists. “Who is this other woman you speak of? I’m
not aware of her.”

Ahanu knelt beside Kate with food for each of them.
“She is Dichali’s daughter. Her name is Mai. I, too, have seen the way she
watches Kate. There is evil in her eyes.”

Taima bit into the meat as he thought about the women
in their small group. “How could I not notice her if she’s been keeping an eye
on Kate?”

Ahanu wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I’ve
heard others say evil surrounds her. Bad things happen when she’s around.”

Taima glanced at Kate and knew the suspicion he
witnessed in her eyes should alarm him. “Let me know if she causes you any
trouble,” he said to Kate.

She quickly swallowed her food, then licked the remainder
from the corner of her mouth. In a light, teasing tone, she pointed a greasy
finger in his direction and said, “You know I’m not afraid of anyone or
anything.”

Shifting his weight on his elbow, Taima tipped his
head back and laughed with Ahanu. “Not even the vicious grizzly looking for a
hot meal?”

“I might have to admit that, but . . .” She laughed
along with them.

Taima tossed his bones into the fire. Bending his
knees, he eased onto his back, and touched his side. “I think too much laughter
has gotten to me.”

“You need to rest. Perhaps a short walk later would do
you good,” Kate prescribed.

Taima glanced at her, then draped his arm over his
eyes. He still couldn’t believe she wasn’t trying to start a fight with him.
The Blackfoot’s capture of her seemed to have tamed her somewhat, making him
anxious to tame her the rest of the way once he was back on his feet.

The shirt on his chest moved closer to his chin and
over his sides. He knew Kate adjusted his covering, though he refused to open
his eyes or move. He enjoyed the attention. She might even care for him, but
knew she wouldn’t admit it.

* * * * *

Satisfied she’d made Taima comfortable while he
napped, Kate sat near the fire and watched over him. Never had she been so glad
to see him open his eyes as she was this morning. He had been near death. His
color appeared better even while he rested. Kate breathed a sigh of relief.

A gentle hand on her shoulder startled her.

Ahanu squatted beside her and said, “He looks better
today. I think he’ll be fine, now.”

“I think so, too. But I’m worried that now you aren’t
warm enough since Taima has your shirt.”

“Don’t worry about me.” Ahanu laughed and stood. “I’m
going down to the river for a few minutes. Everything should be fine while I’m
gone, but keep an ear open.”

“I promise.”

Kate watched Ahanu stride away. “Be careful,” she
called after him.

The fire crackled from the fresh wood Ahanu had placed
on it. Closing her eyes, she inhaled the pine scent emanating from the wood.
Warmth from the afternoon sun kissed her arms and face, warming her.

“I think you can still smell the fire from over here.
Come keep me warm.”

Kate opened her eyes; her heart raced with worry. She
hurried over to Taima. “Are you getting chilled again? I should check your
wound.”

“You’ve already done that. It’s fine, but I am a
little cold. Do you mind?” Taima asked, slowly rolling onto his side.

Kate understood his silent invitation to lie next to
him. Concerned, she immediately knelt next to him. His skin felt cool to her
touch; his forehead perspired. The shirt she had placed on him for warmth had
slipped to the ground. She replaced it over his shoulder, covering his arm and
side.

Taima stretched out his other arm, again inviting her
to lie next to him. She looked into bottomless blue eyes for evidence of one of
his tricks. Each time she gazed into his eyes, her body reacted; a tightening
clenched her woman’s center, a sensual tingle fluttered over her flesh. Her
heart beat so fast she could hardly breathe.

“Please?” he asked again.

Conceding, she lay on her back, placing her head on
his firm bicep. Taima rested his head on a clump of grass-covered sod Ahanu had
fashioned for a pillow. When he draped his arm over her stomach, his long
fingers curved around her waist, and Kate stiffened.

“You can relax. What do you think I’ll do to you in my
present condition?”

“I’m sorry, I’m just nervous.”

“Nervous because of what you’re thinking?”

His warm breath caressed her cheek. The pit of her
stomach swirled. She did think of him making love to her, but would die before
she allowed him to know. “No! Of course not.” A heated blush covered her face
and neck.