White Wind (14 page)

Hawk Eyes did not understand her willingness to learn their ways. He’d expected rebellion, downright refusal to do some of her tasks.

Purposely, he’d returned from a hunt with an armload of animals. Normally, he would not have caught that many in one day. Not because he couldn’t. There was simply no need for so much at one time. The reproachful look of his wife had nearly shamed him for his behavior.

Hawk Eyes had been certain the girl would refuse to do her duty. He watched from a discreet distance as she set about her task of cleaning and skinning the animals, almost positive she would disgrace his tipi. To his amazement the weakness he sought to uncover never appeared. When she served his meal that night, she’d shown him a look of pride.

Hawk Eyes shook his head in frustration. His son’s white woman was very unusual, and somehow that made it worse! If she’d complained, cried, refused to work, he’d feel better able to cope with her. The last thing he wanted to feel for her was respect. Alas, he was a fair man and knew she was grudgingly earning it.

A short time later, the quiet in the tipi ruptured as squeals of delight and laughter filled the air. With a rush of energy, Golden Eagle burst through the doorway, barely ducking low enough to allow clearance for the small giggling rider clinging to his back.

“He’s back! He’s back. Golden Eagle has returned,” the rider chanted, loud enough for all to hear, as she pulled on long ebony braids. “Again, Golden Eagle, please?” the childish voice begged.

Sinking down to the floor, Golden Eagle allowed his sister to slide down. “No, that is enough for now, Winona. You will tire your big brother. Then what good will this warrior be?” Golden Eagle joked.

“My big brother, if carrying me will tire you, then you are not the great warrior all talk about,” Winona playfully cried, her hands resting at her tiny waist.

Unable to let that insult pass without retaliating, Golden Eagle gave chase to his young snickering sister. Catching her, he wrestled with her for a few moments, tickling her ribs till she begged for mercy. “My sister becomes sharp-minded as well as sharp-tongued,” he teased, standing.

Love shone in Golden Eagle’s eyes as he and his father stood side by side and watched Winona lying quiet, an occasional giggle from being tickled still escaping from her “It has been a while since Golden Eagle has seen Winona,” the young warrior said. He leaned down and fingered one long braid as she jumped up. “My sister is growing up fast. Soon, this brother will be watching as the braves come to visit.”

Watching his two children, Chief Hawk Eyes smiled with indulgence. Winona, meaning First Born Daughter, was the family’s pride and joy. After so many long and barren years, Seeing Eyes had despaired of ever giving him more children. They had given up, resigned themselves to only one child to love and raise.

When Seeing Eyes announced she was with child the entire village celebrated, none more than she, who praised
Wakan Tanka,
the Great Spirit, for sending her another child. Their daughter was now nearing seven winters, and she had brought love and laughter into his declining years. She made him feel young again.

Chief Hawk Eyes gave his full attention to his son. Briefly, Golden Eagle related to his father the information he gathered: the location of the herds of buffalo, how many there were and their condition.

Nodding his head, Hawk Eyes spoke. “Well done, my son. I will trust your judgment.” There was much planning to do before the big hunt and much work to be done afterward. When all the tasks were finished, the tired people of his tribe would be ready for a period of celebration.

This would be the best time to hold the joining of two tribes. Many tribes of his nation would join for days of feasting and ceremonies. Rising agilely to his feet, Chief Hawk Eyes left the tipi, encouraging his young daughter to trail after him.

Golden Eagle shook himself dry and dressed. Now that the dust of travel had been cleansed from his body, he would go find Sarah. Walking among the tall grass next to the water’s edge, he mulled over his mother’s announcement.

White Wind. That would become Sarah’s new name. When he thought about it, the name fit. Fit very well indeed. Sarah had reentered his life as unexpectedly as the winds of storms, capturing his heart and confusing his mind. Things had not been the same since she had tumbled back into his life. Yes, White Wind was a very suitable name.

In the three weeks he’d been away, not a day had passed that he hadn’t thought of her, worried how she fared, and each night his body burned with longing deep into the night.

Seeing her, he stopped. His breath caught in his throat and his pulse pounded. He took the time to drink in her beauty, and felt the gnawing ache of heightened passion rush through him.

His eyes fell to the leather thong that dangled from his fingers. His hand lifted and he viewed the necklace he’d made for Sarah. The small carved wooden eagle hung with wings outstretched, ready to soar to great heights. Suddenly, he found himself almost afraid of approaching her, unsure of her reaction to him. Did she desire him as he so desperately yearned for her? Or would she deny the magic of their coupling and force him to begin anew?

Memorizing each and every detail, he savored the refreshing sight she made, sitting at the water’s edge, completely relaxed and as one with nature.

Sarah sat, legs outstretched, ankles crossed, leaning on her elbows, her fingers absently plucking blades of grass. She sighed, closed her eyes and lost herself in the peace and serenity surrounding her. Water gurgled and splashed, insects hummed as she enjoyed the comforting presence of the gentle breeze caressing her as softly as a lover’s lips.

Sarah frowned. Why had she thought of that? As she’d done many times since her arrival, she pushed thoughts of Golden Eagle and his captivating touch from her mind.

A small shiver darted up her spine, inducing fine hairs on the back of her neck to rise in defense as she slowly became aware of another presence nearby. A human presence. Sarah felt eyes boring into her, willing her to turn her head.

After several fraught seconds, there was no doubt in her mind who was standing just mere feet away. Only one person could have this effect on her. Golden Eagle had returned.

Unable to resist the silent command that pulled her like a magnet, Sarah opened her heavy lids. Slowly, her head turned.

Involuntarily her jaw dropped as she beheld the glorious sight of Golden Eagle. He stood as the proud warrior, waiting for her to acknowledge his presence.

It was beyond understanding how one person could command such power and authority without the use of words.

She watched him lift a lean brown leg, then place a bare foot on the boulder in front of him. Sarah’s gaze lingered, unable to tear her eyes away from this golden, virile male.

She swallowed, filling her memory with each aspect of his appearance. Before they’d made love, she’d been too shy, too unsure, to look at him for long. With her new knowledge as a woman, she studied him now with the eyes of a lover.

His legs, strong and sturdy from his bulging calves to thick thighs, were covered with a faint dusting of dark hairs that glistened with drops of water. He stood tensed, muscles coiled, ready to spring into action if the need arose.

His large hands rested lightly on one raised thigh, one over the other. Sarah’s eyes were drawn to his long sensitive fingers that made her squirm with remembered pleasure.

The solid muscular cords in his arms flexed under her close scrutiny, arms that held tenderly, or could become bands of hardened steel.

Her eyes swept quickly past the breechclout that hid his manhood, not quite brave enough to dwell there. Yet. Her hungry gaze slid over his firm flat abdomen, up to his scarred, sun-bronzed, rock-hard chest. There they latched on to twin disks, dusky with small pebbles in their centers.

What would they taste like? What would it feel like to take the round nubs into her mouth, to tease them with her tongue and lips as he’d done to her?

Blushing, she forced her eyes past the strong column of his neck, over his firm chin, lingering momentarily on the hint of a cleft and a jawbone that she’d seen harden with stubbornness and soften with a smile.

Finally, she came to the striking features of his proud arrogant head. High cheekbones, long, straight aquiline nose, down to the full, firm lips that could easily turn her into a weak helpless mass of trembling with just one brush against hers. Under her gaze, the corners of his mouth lifted in an indulgent grin.

After what seemed hours, but in reality was only seconds, she raised seeking blue eyes to his. What she saw from that brief contact had her lowering her lids quickly, hiding her embarrassment as she sat up.

His eyes, dark as a moonless night, smoldered with fire, burning a path to the surface to shine brightly, like stars breaking out of the gloomy darkness with their twinkling flashes of light.

Sparks leaped the distance between them, sending waves of white heat to pulse through her, igniting the desire nestled deep within her.

Golden Eagle had remained still to allow Sarah to explore his body with her gaze. Roaming freely, lingering hungrily, her eyes caressed, invited and inflamed before he made a move toward her.

Sarah watched from the corner of her eye as her warrior neared, then stood over her, his legs straddling hers. Lifting her eyes, she stared at his outstretched hand.

Taking a deep breath, she tentatively put her fingers on his palm. Immediately, her hand disappeared in his firm grasp and she stood before him.

“When did you get back? Was your trip a success? After I fix our meal, you can tell me about it,” she babbled, shivering from his heat. She tried to pull her hand free, needing to put some distance between them so she could think.

Golden Eagle held firm, reached out with his free hand to lightly grasp the back of Sarah’s neck. Slowly, he lowered his head, planting light feathery kisses on her soft pliant lips as they trembled beneath his.

“Talk can wait. Walk with me.” His voice commanded, low and husky with desire.

Unable to tear her eyes away from his, Sarah shook her head. “I have to get back and help Seeing Eyes finish the meal. I…” Her voice trailed off. She was drowning in pools of black, unable to resist his call.

Without releasing her hand, Golden Eagle led her farther upstream, away from the village.

Sarah stole a glance sideways. Somewhere, in the back of her mind, warning bells rang. She was taking a risk playing this game, a game she could only lose. Lose what? Stealing another peek at the silent warrior, she knew the answer at once—her heart.

After several minutes, she hung back, suddenly longing for the safety of the village. She concentrated on her duties, anything to prevent this golden warrior from capturing her heart.

Weakly, Sarah protested, “Please, Golden Eagle, we must return now. Your parents will wonder where we are.” She met with no response.

Rounding another bend, they followed the winding stream. Sarah noticed the surrounding woods becoming thicker. Coming to a halt, Golden Eagle stopped the flow of words with a single finger placed gently against her warm lips.

“Hush, do not worry, sweet one. My family will not worry. They know you are with me. We will eat later. It is not food for my belly that I hunger for at this moment.”

With that, he claimed her lips hungrily, parting her soft, moist lips, slipping his probing tongue inside. Pulling her against his long lean length, he ran one hand through corn-silk tresses. With his other hand, he stroked her back, molding her body to his intimately, letting her know of his great need for her.

Yielding to the feel of him, Sarah opened her mouth hungrily, allowed him full passage to explore, taste and tease. Her own tongue, stimulated by his, stroked and explored as they danced to their own special music.

As she slipped one hand up his warm chest, her fingers came to rest on his small flat nipples, their tips hard and round. Hesitantly, she flicked each one, amazed that they swelled slightly as she stroked. Becoming bolder, Sarah lightly pinched and rubbed the small pebble between finger and thumb as their tongues continued to frolic in their teasing play.

A rumbling sound filled her ears as Golden Eagle let out a moan of pleasure. Taking advantage of her freed mouth, Sarah shyly lowered her head, giving in to the need to taste and explore his wonderful male body. Where she was softness, he was strength and hardness. She was fascinated.

Cautiously, the tip of her pink tongue darted to his hard brown nub. When a sudden shudder rippled through Golden Eagle, Sarah pulled back, unsure of herself.

“Don’t stop. Suckle and taste me as I have you. This warrior likes the feel of your lips upon his flesh.” Gently, Golden Eagle pulled Sarah back to his chest, his head thrown back, words of encouragement mingling with hoarse gasps of pleasure.

Sarah resumed stroking his sensitive bud with the tip of her tongue, relishing the thought, the very idea, that she could be the cause of such tremors coursing through Golden Eagle. Moving to the other nipple, she took it fully in her mouth. As she suckled the tiny nugget, her hands roamed over his chest, shoulders, back before stroking and lowering to knead the sculptured flesh of his buttocks under the leather flap.

Golden Eagle’s hands tangled in Sarah’s hair. “I need you.” He groaned, unable to remain passive any longer. His hands lifted her face to his as he pressed his lips to her closed eyes, then down the slender bridge of her nose to its slightly upturned point. Past her mouth, panting for him, to seek the soft pulsing hollow below.

Sarah felt his hands on the leather thong around her waist. With one quick pull, the belt landed in the thick carpet of grass at their feet. Slowly, he reached down and grabbed the fringed hem in his hands. Lifting the garment, he explored the exposed flesh. The backs of his fingers stroked and caressed her inner thighs, his gaze never leaving hers.

Up past silky thighs, over smooth firm twin cheeks he traveled. Sarah moaned and sucked in her breath as his fingers grazed sensitive skin.

Feeling drugged, she lifted her hands over her head. She waited long agonizing seconds before the dress slid up and over her bared breasts, catching on the hardened points. Slowly, ever so slowly, he drew the offending garment over her head, leaving her writhing with longing.

Placing her hands upon broad golden shoulders, Sarah lolled her head back to give Golden Eagle access as his lips and tongue blazed a trail of fire down her throat.

Fingers splayed across her spine as his lips found one breast. Her belly clenched as his mouth claimed the rosy flesh. Sarah whimpered.

Moving to the other waiting mound, Golden Eagle lightly flicked the aroused nipple with his tongue. Back and forth, suckling here, teasing there, until Sarah felt as if she would collapse on legs that shook with need. “Please, Golden Eagle. You’re torturing me,” she gasped, the deep ache in her belly spreading outward, her hips moving restlessly. Seeking. Wanting. Needing.

Moving his hands to her small bottom, Golden Eagle kneaded the soft rounded flesh before pulling her questing hips tightly against his throbbing manhood, letting her feel the evidence of his strong need for her.

Sarah felt him suck in his breath as she thrust wildly against him, seeking a release only he could give.

“Shh, love. Be patient,” he whispered in her ear as he explored the pink swirls with his moist tongue.

Crying out as shivers of desire flowed through her, Sarah let her weight fall against Golden Eagle in weakness and allowed him to lower her to the cool grassy bed beneath them.

Claiming her mouth in a consuming kiss, Golden Eagle slowly stroked his hand downward, letting it rest at the junction between her legs before he gently parted her quivering thighs and stroked her.

Sarah’s hips jerked against the heel of his hand, grinding against him. “Please, Golden Eagle. Do not tease me any longer.”

Groaning, he slipped a finger within her hidden cavern, inch by tormenting inch, dipping deeper. Finding her hot, moist and alive, Golden Eagle removed his finger and moved over her trembling body.

Her thighs parted wide, legs latching on to him as he thrust deep within her. Cupping her head with his hands, he looked into smoky blue orbs, checking for pain, as she was still so tight that she fit him like a second skin.

Sarah saw his concern. “There is no pain. It feels so good. Please, Golden Eagle, let me fly with you,” she cried urgently, pushing her woman’s softness against his male hardness.

With a gasp of sheer pleasure, he moved within her, riding her faster, harder as they soared among the clouds, achieving a height of passion neither had thought possible, shuddering as bright flicks of light exploded around them. Two cries rose to mingle with the sounds of nature.

Long afterward, they lay locked tightly in a lovers’ embrace. Golden Eagle lifted his torso off her chest, still encased within her pulsing body. Sarah smiled, eyes filled with awe and passion. Golden Eagle moved lightly within her, and Sarah’s eyes widened in wonder. He grinned.

“Golden Eagle, you cannot be serious. Again? So soon? Is it possible?” Sarah asked in disbelief.

“Yes, my pale-haired beauty, again, so soon and it’s very possible.” And with that, Golden Eagle proceeded to show Sarah the truth of his words.