Destiny Mine (17 page)

The warrior’s gaze took in her features. “You are beautiful, Kionee, more so than any woman I have seen.” he whispered as he caressed her cheek. “It brings joy and pleasure to gaze upon you without your mask and garments. My spirit soars when I touch you. My body burns to possess yours. I have loved no woman but you.” He cupped her chin and kissed her as his arms banded her body and removed all space between them. Her breasts were warm and titillating against him. His fingers trailed up and down her spine as his mouth feasted on hers.

Kionee’s arms encircled his waist and her palms flattened against his back. She felt her nipples grow erect and was aware of a strange tensing in her woman’s region. She knew she had made the right choice.

Stalking Wolf lowered them to the thick grass and lay half atop her. His left hand brushed over her breast
peaks and caused her to quiver. His mouth journeyed her face, pressing kisses everywhere. His fingers stroked her sides before claiming her breast once more. He drifted his mouth down her throat and fastened it to one bud. He heard Kionee gasp, and felt her arch her back a moment at the sensation. His tongue swirled around the nipple as his hand fondled the firm mound.

Kionee’s fingers entwined in his thick hair. She seemed warm and tingly from head to feet. She relished his bare skin next to hers. Her hands danced over his shoulders as she let herself explore his torso. When his hand slipped lower and lower with its caresses, she tensed in anticipation of giving herself to him. She moaned in bliss and parted her thighs to allow him access to all her secrets.

Stalking Wolf kissed her as he aroused her with his fingers and skills. He savored the way she sighed and wiggled and stroked his back. His tongue played with hers and he nibbled at her lips. He labored with love and tenderness until he knew she was ready for more. With his mouth capturing hers with heady kisses, he eased atop her and entered. Knowing she was pure in body, he was gentle and unrushed. From her reaction, he had not pained her; even so, he hesitated a moment to relax her.

Kionee had been active all of her life, so the union did not create much discomfort, and that passed quickly in the heat of desire. She was too aroused to feel anything other than love and rapture. She was eager for each thrust and caress and kiss, and responded to all of them.

Stalking Wolf knew he was giving as much pleasure as he was receiving. He was glad he knew how to enflame her and how to sate her. He wanted her to remember this moment always. He wanted it to be as special and satisfying for her as it was for him. He strove to tantalize her beyond thought or control, and accomplished his
goal. He realized when she was at the pinnacle of release as she writhed beneath him and her kisses deepened and quickened. He drove with speed and purpose to carry her over that last boundary.

As the passion uncurled within her, Kionee clung to Stalking Wolf. Her womanhood seemed to quiver with delight as ecstasy consumed her. She had believed the experience would be enjoyable, but it was magnificent. She was fulfilled at last. She had won the man of her heart; she belonged to him in all but one way. She now knew what she had been missing and what she would miss later. But she had this joyous memory and would not regret it. She would love and desire Stalking Wolf until she left Mother Earth for the stars. If
Atah
was kind and generous, He would make her dreams come true.

Stalking Wolf moaned and tensed as his climactic moment arrived. He cherished every sensation to the fullest, and the woman who provided them. His heart brimmed with love and happiness. Kionee was his, at least for tonight and until they reached the joint encampment. But she would remain his forever if he could find any way to free her from her rank.

“You are my love, Kionee. My heart swells like a flooding river. I have never known such joy, pleasure, and peace.”

She gazed into his eyes and knew he spoke the truth. Her fingers placed his long hair behind his ears so she could see his face better in the light of the brilliant full moon. “You are my love, Stalking Wolf. My heart overflows with happiness. The pleasure was large, and your skills on the mat are many. My heart sings just to look upon you, to hear your voice, to feel your touch. We are as one this moon.”

The Cheyenne lowered his head and kissed her in gratitude. He thanked the Great Spirit for bringing them together long ago and tonight. He cherished her
as he held her in his embrace. “Yes, my love, we are as one this moon.”

A short distance away, Maja rose and returned to camp. He sensed a strong bond had been made between his companion and the warrior. Kionee had someone now who was closer to her than he was. He lifted his head and howled at a loss he could not understand.

Kionee heard the odd-sounding wail which seemed filled with sadness and longing. “Maja has no mate, as is the way of the lone wolf when his pack has died or been slain. Others will not accept him. He lives as I do, apart from others and without fulfillment,” she observed sadly. “Now we must bathe and return.”

“Will you leave off your mask until the sun rises so I can look upon you longer?” the warrior entreated.

Kionee smiled and nodded, elated that he found her appearance pleasing. She took his hand and was helped to her feet. After rinsing in the cool river and drying off with the damp trade blanket, she gathered her things and followed him to their camp. She saw Maja lift his head, look at her, then lower it to his front paws again. She sat down and stroked the jealous creature. “Do not fear, Maja; you will always be my friend and companion. I also love you.” She hugged the animal, and he nestled close after she lay down on her mat.

“If I could be that near you all the time, I would ask
Maheoo
to change me into a wolf,” Stalking Wolf jested.

Kionee laughed. “Do not, for I like you as you are.”

His gaze roamed her face as he smiled. “Sleep well.”

“It will be the best sleep I have known.”

“The same is true for me.”

The happy couple journeyed for many days along the riverbank in a tranquil canyon to reach the Powder River basin. There, after checking tracks and signs, they
headed eastward to spy on their target, both ever alert and ready to defend each other with their lives if necessary. They were forced to resist their desires to mate again as it was perilous to be that distracted where Crow had passed recently and others could come along at any time.

At night in sites well selected for concealment and defense, the couple snuggled and kissed and whispered, with Maja lying on Kionee’s other side and noticeably resigned to the new situation.

As they lay close together, they told each other about their pasts and their tribes. By the time they reached the edge of the plains and the landscape altered its face, they seemed to know almost everything about each other and the two tribes; and their bond was tighter and closer than ever.

A seemingly endless expanse of gentle knolls and flat terrain stretched out before Kionee and Stalking Wolf. They took care to conceal themselves well as they rode amid the hills and streams. Wildflowers were plentiful, but a variety of short and tall grasses now outnumbered them. Hawks, falcons, and eagles soared overhead as they hunted prey with their keen eyes. Ground squirrels, voles, rabbits, mice, and sometimes a weasel darted about; and many of them used deserted or stolen prairie dog burrows for homes, as did rattlesnakes.

They saw coyotes, pronghorns, and deer. Small herds of buffalo roamed the area, their large and dark bodies easily sighted; but the largest herds were farther ahead.

The sky was clear and blue, but storms were frequent and violent and short this time of year. In the vast openness, one could be seen coming for a long way as it built to ominous level. Huge rainbows often followed them.
With nothing to block the view, lightning put on dramatic displays.

Days appeared longer on the plains because there was nothing of great height by which to shade the extensive landscape. Distance was deceptive and had to be judged using markers, pace, and past knowledge.

During a rest stop, Kionee said,
“Atah
created Mother Earth and the animals for people’s use, and they cannot be owned. But the Bird Warriors try to claim them and keep others from those hunting grounds. Each season their number grows and they want to control more land. The canyon of wind where we live in the cold season is a good place to camp. I believe they have cast their greedy eyes upon it. If we do not frighten them away after the buffalo hunt, they will come to claim it and take my tribe captive. My people do not want war and deaths, but they push them upon us. Soon Hanueva will become warriors as often as we are hunters. That is bad. We must increase and hone our fighting skills and stay ready to battle them.”

“Perhaps it is time to leave the canyon of wind and to live near strong allies. Our People will welcome yours and will help protect them.”

“I do not know if my people will agree. Do you seek a path to keep me near you?” she teased.

“It is a clever trick, but that was not my thought. I do not want the Crow to capture any Hanueva; I would track and slay anyone who took you as a slave. Perhaps I will camp with your tribe this winter for defense.”

“You must not. To do so will summon suspicion about us.
Atah
controls our destinies; He chooses when we live and die. It matters not where we are or who is guarding us when our dark moon rises.”

“Between hunts, Crow will try to raid our camps to count coup. The first ones of the new season are important to their ranks, and they have need of more horses
to carry home their meat and hides. If we show them we are too strong and cunning to be defeated, they will seek others to raid.”

Days later at dusk, Kionee and Stalking Wolf left their horses behind a hill and sneaked toward the Crow encampment. They halted their approach and lay on their stomachs on a grassy knoll. In the distance, they counted many colorfully painted tipis. Horses were picketed beside them; weapons’ stands were near the entrances. Women cooked over buffalo chip fires as children raced about playing games. Some men stood in groups talking and planning. Others sat on rush mats and tossed marked bones from a wooden bowl. It was obvious the camp was set up and ready to begin its summer tasks.

“This was a good place,” Stalking Wolf whispered. “Water is in three directions. Trees grow on their banks for wood, and chips are plentiful in the grass. Many buffalo graze in all directions. Other game is nearby. No enemy band can reach them without being sighted in time for defense.”

“How far away is your people’s camp?” Kionee asked.

“Three suns’ ride toward the Medicine Bow forest,” he answered.

“We travel to it after this moon?”

“Yes.”

Their sad gazes locked in understanding; they had only three days of privacy left. Loud hoops and thundering hooves seized their strayed attention. They crouched low for a minute, then—with caution—peered over the knoll toward the enemy camp to assess their peril.

K
IONEE AND STALKING WOLF
saw warriors racing about the village and whooping in exhilaration as they challenged each other to see whose horse was the fastest and which rider was the most skilled.

“We must go, Kionee,” Stalking Wolf commanded. “They could ride this way. They are too many to battle and defeat. If we are captured, we will be slain. I know a safe place to camp.”

Kionee followed him with vigilance to their horses and Maja, who had guarded the animals and their flank against a sneak attack. Both thanked the intelligent and fearless wolf and stroked its head before they mounted. They backtracked a safe distance to where hills would protect them from view, then headed southeast, making certain to conceal their tracks for a lengthy time. They traveled in the great basin of Thunder until near darkness blanketed the grasslands beneath a waning half-moon. They halted for the night in a cluster of trees on a streambank.

Tuka and White Cloud grazed and drank behind bushes which kept them out of sight, though it was unlikely anyone would be traveling this late.

“Guard and protect, Maja,” Kionee instructed the animal,
who loped away to make rounds of the secluded location. “He will warn us if an enemy approaches.”

After they ate and unrolled their sleeping mats, he asked, “Will you lie with me this moon? It will be our last chance to be together.”

“I hunger for you, Stalking Wolf, as you hunger for me.”

Kionee took off her shirt, leggings, moccasins, and breechclout while he did the same. “I cannot remove my mask, for we may have to put on our garments and ride fast if enemies come, or scouts from your people. No one must view my face as a woman. Besides, the moon offers little light and it will be gone soon, so you will not be able to see me as I am beneath it.”

As Stalking Wolf unfastened the band around her chest and dropped it on the pile of her clothes, he said in a husky tone, “My heart sees you as you are in truth. Your beauty lives in my memory. One day, with the Great Spirit’s help, nothing will hide you from me or stand between us.”

She lifted her hand to run her fingertips over his parted lips. “I long for that sun to rise. What if it does not?”

Stalking Wolf embraced her and comforted, “Do not doubt the sacred visions; they will come true. They tell me you will be mine.”

Kionee wished she had his same confidence in those mystical dreams, but stark reality prevented it. She knew that no matter how urgently she prayed for release to become his mate, it might never come to pass. How—her aching heart questioned—would she live without him after winning him? She did not know, and that dread tormented her. For now, she must put aside her worries and fears and take advantage of this precious opportunity. She clutched his head and pressed it closer as he kissed her neck, teased her jawline and
cheek, and wandered to her lips. She sealed her mouth to his and shared his breath between numerous and sensuous kisses. Her eager hands stroked his back and moved along his spine. She felt the coolness of his buttocks against her warm palms and trailed her fingers over the slight protrusions of his hipbones.

Stalking Wolfs mouth trailed kisses down her throat as she leaned back her head to give him plenty of room to tantalize her. His lips nibbled at her collarbone and danced lightly over her shoulders. His hands slipped down her arms and grasped her slender waist. She was strong and agile, gentle and giving. He guided his hands upward at a leisurely pace, stroking and memorizing every inch they passed. He cupped her firm breasts and kneaded their nipples to taut buds. His thumbs moved back and forth across those peaks to stimulate them further. Then he lifted her, placed her on his sleeping mat, and lay beside her there.

Kionee slid her fingers into the hair near his ears and led his willing mouth to hers. She gave and took quick and short kisses, teethed his lips, and titillated him with her mischievous tongue. She laughed when he gave her chin a playful bite and made noises at the bad taste of her paints. She sighed in pleasure as he fastened his mouth and attention on her breasts. She squirmed and moaned as his hand stroked her to throbbing need. “My heart, you steal all thoughts except those of you and your skills,” she murmured in near-breathless delight.

“We need no wits this moon, my love, for Maja guards us from harm and will give us warning.” His lips and deft fingers returned to arousing her to a greater height of desire. He sucked in a rush of air when she grasped his manhood and moaned in pleasure at the sensations she created.

Suddenly Kionee could wait no longer to feel him within her as before near the river. She released her
grasp on his maleness and used her hands to shift him into place between her thighs.

Stalking Wolf caught her message and obeyed. He entered her with a bold thrust and grinned with satisfaction at her gasp of pleasure. She held him tightly and possessively within the circle of her legs, matching him stroke for stroke. When she reached her pinnacle, his shaft quivered, and blood pounded through his body as his heart soared with joy. After she relaxed beneath him, he dashed aside his control to savor the same kind of splendor she had found.

Afterward, Stalking Wolf held her in his arms, kissing and caressing her until their soaring spirits settled and their bodies calmed. “I love you, Kionee; you are my wind of destiny. Forever my heart and body are yours.”

“I will love you and belong only to you until my last breath is taken.”

“It will be as my mate.”

Kionee did not want to spoil the special moment so she did not argue with him. “We must bathe and put on our garments. We must sleep and be rested for what lies ahead.”

After doing so, they nestled together on the same sleeping mat for the first and only time they would allow themselves to have that pleasure. Maja returned and took his place near them, yet remained alert.

Daylight was almost gone when Kionee and Stalking Wolf reached their destination. Hundreds of conical abodes were outlined against the horizon. The Cheyenne camp was enormous and colorful. The Hanueva camp was smaller and plain. Horses were tethered beside every tipi and dogs were tied to stakes near many of them. The outside fires were nearly all extinguished, as the evening meal had passed. Few people were in sight,
and those who saw them waved a greeting to their returning warrior and stared a moment at her.

Kionee knew it was her mask which caught their interest. She did not know what would happen between them now, but they could not seek out each other without a strong reason. There seemed no hope for a private union. Yet, she prayed he was not lost to her forever. Her heart beat heavily and a sadness flooded her body. She told him they must hurry to locate their families’ tipis before the invisible new moon made their search harder and longer. There was also the risk of tripping over things and being injured, or of alarming the camp with fears of a sneak attack.

“I will help you find yours.” Stalking Wolf answered. “Mine will be easy, for our chief camps in the center of our circles. Your tribe spreads out and uses no bands.”

“We have our places, so I know where to look. You go to your people and I will go to mine as you promised. We must not expose our secret to anyone. You must tell your chief and people that
tivas
stay to themselves and mean no insult by it. I love you and will miss you.”

“I love you and will hunger to see you every sun and moon. I will be careful to guard us from danger. We must both pray and watch for a path to freedom for you. I will not be happy again until you are mine.”

“If we are careless and exposed, there will be no chance for us. We must part before others wonder why we linger.”

Kionee rode to the right and Stalking Wolf headed to the left, both suffering over their separation and angered by the obstacles between them.

She located her family’s tipi when she saw Recu tethered beside it. She picketed Tuka with him and unloaded her possessions. She ducked and entered her family’s dwelling, to find them preparing their sleeping mats. She had hoped they would already be asleep, for
she was in no mood to talk. “We have returned safe.” Kionee said quietly. “It is good to see you unharmed.”

Strong Rock, Martay, Blue Bird, and Moon Child greeted her with joy and relief. All voiced questions at almost the same time.

“Our journey was a success, but I will share the news on the next sun. The ride was long; I am tired and must rest. Maja will sleep near me until others see he is not wild and is no threat. I placed the band you beaded for him around his neck, Mother, but it does not show in the dark. After we awaken, Father, you must tell me of your journey and about the Cheyenne.”

“It will be so, my son. Sleep, you have done well. Our hearts are filled with joy to have you returned alive and uninjured.”

“Thank you, Father.”

“After we rest, my brother, we have many things to tell you.”

“When the sun rises, I will be eager to hear them, Blue Bird.”

I am not a “son.” I am not a “brother.” I am not a man. I am a woman. Why can you not see and accept that truth and let me live as I am?
Remorse filled Kionee as she realized her family was not to blame for her dark fate; her tribal laws were.
Forgive me, Atah, for my anger, for my heart is filled with pain and sadness. Help me, help us, I beg you.

The following morning, Kionee did not have time to speak with anyone before she went to visit the
Haukau
for two and a half days. One had been erected by the
tivas
for their use soon after the tribe’s arrival. For once, she was glad to make this trip; after her two nights of passion with Stalking Wolf it was a relief to know she was not with child.

Another
tiva
who joined her on the third day told her
the first buffalo hunt of the season was to begin the following day. A great ceremony was planned by the Strong Hearts, and Hanueva were invited to observe it.

Kionee wondered if she and others like her would be allowed to attend. If so, she would get to see her lover and observe him with his family and people. She also would learn if any female of his tribe was pursuing him. She prayed for
Atah
to permit her a glimpse of Stalking Wolf. But would He be kind and generous after what she had done in the mountains and on the plains?

From a distance near the Hanueva camp, Kionee sat on Recu’s back to witness the Strong Heart ritual before their departure. The eight-year-old chestnut was well trained, and skilled for the task ahead of them. Tuka was a good riding and hunting mount, but it took a special animal to race with the buffalo, one used only for that purpose and honored for its prowess and courage. Kionee was bathed, wearing clean garments, and ready to begin. Her mask was vivid, painted to perfection, her braids were neat and tight. Her disguise was unquestionable. She knew her poise and expression did not expose the turmoil that bubbled within her. She knew Maja was safe, as he was with her mother, so she did not have to worry about him. He would stay close to Martay as ordered. When the women followed them later to butcher the game, to help haul it to camp, then prepare it, her beloved companion would remain with her father.

The other
tivas
waited alongside her, as did most of the male hunters. They would leave as a party and separate as needed to pursue their prey. Her gaze sought Stalking Wolf but could not find him among the crowd. She had not seen him since their arrival. She wondered if their passion would be evident to others if he came to
Strong Rock’s tipi under the guise of visiting friends. Her family and tribe could do nothing more than suspect them of breaking the
tiva
laws unless they gathered proof she was guilty of betrayal. If she and her beloved were careful, she reasoned, they should be safe. But what would she answer if asked outright about her feelings and conduct? She did not know if she would be honest, for the punishment and repercussions were too painful to imagine. She loved and respected her family, and they would suffer greatly from her misdeeds. She knew what her punishment would be and doubted she could survive it, so she had never discussed it with Stalking Wolf. He probably assumed she would be banished and would come to him, but he was wrong about her punishment, very wrong…

Kionee forced herself not to dwell on such grim thoughts. Instead, she tried to think of ways to dissuade Night Walker from his ongoing pursuit of her heart. After she reported on her journey to the Hanueva council last night, the persistent hunter had followed her outside to ask more questions about her absence. She did not know if he was suspicious, or only jealous of the time she spent alone with another man. She had tried to appear calm and genial but Night Walker strained her control and their past friendship. As Taysinga neared them, Kionee had hailed the other
tiva
and drawn her into a talk about the impending hunt. When an opening arrived, she excused herself and left Taysinga and Night Walker together. She noticed Taysinga’s smile and nod, as if the woman caught her trick and appreciated it. Night Walker was in the midst of a story that Taysinga found exciting; she was heaping praise on him, and he had no choice but to linger and finish his tale.

Kionee’s strayed attention returned to the Cheyenne camp. The Cheyenne warriors sat in a group astride
their best buffalo horses, and were clad only in breechclouts and moccasins. Their hair was braided to prevent winds and movements from blowing it into their eyes and creating hazards. Knives were in sheaths on their belts. Quivers filled with arrows—marked by signs of ownership—rested on their backs. Bows were in their hands. They wore no adornments, and neither did their horses. Before the riders stood the Strong Heart chief and shaman, and all gazes were fixed upon the two men.

Big Hump lifted the bundle of Sacred Arrows and held them over his graying head. He wore a flowing bonnet of eagle feathers with a half-moon circle of snowy plumes from ear to ear. Buffalo horns were attached, with hackle feathers dangling from their points. A beaded browband held everything in place, including the wolfs tails suspended near his temples. His chest was covered by a hairbone breastplate, and a matching choker was around his neck. The front flap of his breechclout was decorated with beadwork; his leggings, with tiny scalplocks. His face was lined by age and sixty summers of exposure to the sun. His expression and bearing revealed reverence, dignity, and power. It was clear to Kionee that he had been a great warrior and was a beloved leader. She noticed his body was no longer firm and straight and strong. She knew he would remain in camp with the elders, as the event was too dangerous for him.