White Wolf (37 page)

The two brothers laughed, each extolling the virtues of their women. The mood turned festive, and Wolf decided that they would remain where they were for the rest of the day and night. Both Jessie and Alison needed more rest.

It was there that Lt. Col. Hadden Trowbridge and Vern Portier came upon them. Hadden wasted no time taking Dan into custody. Wolf took him and Vern aside and informed them that Dan had killed his sister to protect Jessie and Alison. He also relayed Jessie’s story of how he’d shielded them from Daisy during the past three days. Vern promised to take the information into consideration. Before leaving, Hadden promised to send word to their wagon train that all were safe and on their way back.

That evening there was fresh meat, a huge fire and lots of storytelling. After eating her fill, Jessie leaned against Wolf and sighed. Her stomach was full, she was warm and rested, but mostly she was relieved to see Alison acting more like her old, talkative self. The little girl still kept close to either her or James, but Jessie could tell the Indian women fascinated her. She kept dragging James over so she could talk to them and finger their soft deerskin dresses and exclaim over the fancy beadwork on their moccasins.

Jessie sat with Wolf and his family, and he took his turn to chant and do what he called counting coup. She listened to the storytelling, fascinated by the graceful gestures and rich voices. The moon rose higher, and soon the fire died down. Everyone moved off into the darkness to bed down. Wolf nuzzled her ear and kissed the side of her neck.

“Come with me, Jessica. I want you.”

The words sent a thrill down her spine. She’d nearly given up hope of ever hearing those precious words again. She tipped her head back. “Not as much as I want you, Wolf.”

He assisted her to her feet and stared down into her eyes. “You’re not too tired?”

Jessie smiled. “I’ve slept all day. Take me away and I’ll prove it.”

Wolf swept her into his arms and headed out into the dark prairie.

Five days after being kidnapped, Jessie watched with sadness as Wolf’s family prepared to leave. She glanced over her shoulder at Wolf. “I like your family. I’ll miss them. It’ll be good to see them again next summer.”

Wolf kneaded her shoulders absently. “Are you sure, Jessica? Are you sure you can leave your family and return with me? Though how I could let you go now is beyond me. When I think how close I came to losing—”

Jessie turned and stopped his words with a light kiss. Looping her arms around his neck, she tipped her head back to study his stoic expression, knowing that a small part of him still feared she’d change her mind.

“I’m sure. Your family will become mine, and we’ll have children of our own. I will always carry my family in my heart, no matter where I go.”

Wolf cupped her face in his hands. “I love you, my beautiful rose, my Wild Rose.”

Jessie grinned. “I love my Indian name,” she told him.

“It is indeed a name that brings honor to this tribe.”

Jessie turned when Golden Eagle, her father-in-law, placed his hands on Jessie’s shoulders. He’d performed a simple marriage ceremony of his own last night. “You are my daughter now. My family is yours, as your family is ours. Remember this, daughter.”

Jessie nodded and, throwing caution to the wind, hugged him. Then it was Striking Thunder’s turn. He grinned down at her and tweaked a curl.

“You look much better cleaned up, my little sister.”

She rolled her eyes at him when he walked away, then hugged Dove, delighted to have her for a sister. They had much in common. Finally only Star Dreamer remained. She took Jessie’s hands in hers and stared deep into her eyes. When her eyes clouded over, Jessie grew worried, not sure how her sister’s visions worked or what to do, but Star Dreamer’s gaze cleared.

Star nodded in satisfaction, then leaned forward to kiss Jessie first on one cheek and then on the other. “The answer lies within you.” She moved to Wolf and hugged him tight. “Look to your wife for your answers.” Then she walked away.

Jessie and Wolf glanced at one another, but before either could comment on the strange advice, the sounds of bickering reached them. As one, they groaned and turned to see White Dove and Jeremy arguing over who was the better shot. Rickard tagged after them, a wide grin on his face, Jessie’s Sharps rifle slung over his shoulder.

“I hit four tins to your three,” Jeremy stated smugly.

“No, the fourth one fell before you fired,” White Dove corrected, her nose in the air.

“Even Rickard hit more than you.” She sent Rickard a dazzling smile, which made the boy turn red. Jeremy’s scowl deepened as the trio joined them.

Shaking her head, Jessie and Wolf exchanged amused grins. All the way back from the Laramie Range, Dove and Jeremy had argued, accusing each other of nearly ruining the rescue. And when Wolf put an end to it, they started competing with each other in other areas, each determined to prove they were better than the other.

Wolf stopped his sister and gave her a hug. “You’re growing up, my little Dove. By the time I see you next, you’ll be wed.”

Dove tossed her head. “When I marry, it will be to a great warrior.”

Wolf lifted a brow when she stalked away, her head held high in challenge. “I pity the warrior who tries to claim her heart.”

Jessie frowned as she watched Jeremy. For someone who’d done nothing but bicker with Dove, he was looking downright miserable as Dove mounted her horse and joined her family. She feared another Jones had lost his heart. Too bad nothing could come of it. She put him from her mind and joined the others in their final farewells. Who knew what the future might hold?

Nearly two weeks later, the emigrants stopped to camp near a huge natural bridge of stone in a red-rock canyon to celebrate Independence Day. In her tent, Jessie turned to face Coralie. “Are you sure?” she asked, running her hands down the front of the blue calico dress. Wolf had never seen her in a dress.

“Yes, yes and yes! I’ve never worn it. It’s yours. It even has a matching bonnet—but you don’t need that today. Now hold still and let me finish your hair.”

“But it’s too short to do anything with.” Jessie bit her lip nervously and ran her fingers over her hair to feel what Coralie was doing.

Coralie slapped her hands away. “Will you just wait?” She worked silently for a few minutes. “There. It’s up. Don’t you dare ever cut your hair short again. Now turn around and let me see.”

Jessie did as she was told, feeling foolish, yet giddy with anticipation. Coralie had somehow managed to comb her hair into an upswept style with loose curls framing her face. She grinned. It even felt secure.

Anne and Eirica rushed in, breathless. “Are you ready? The meat’s done, and everyone’s waiting for you two.”

Coralie grinned. “Almost.” Finding the white apron, she tied it around Jessie’s waist. “Perfect, she’s ready.”

Suddenly doubts assailed Jessie. The dress was tight in the bodice, and she missed the security of having cloth surrounding her legs. What if she fell, or caught the hem on a rock or something? “Maybe I should just change back into my other clothes.”

“Oh, no, you don’t,” the three women cried out in unison.

“Now, come on, Jessie,” Anne coaxed.

“You look great. Your husband will be so surprised,” Eirica exclaimed.

“Not to mention her brothers.” Coralie giggled. “Now, you and Anne go out first.” As soon as the two women left, Coralie followed with a grin.

Alone, Jessie worried her lower lip and pressed her hand to her stomach to calm her fluttering nerves. She couldn’t do this. They’d laugh at her. But before she had a chance to move, Coralie stuck her arm back inside and pulled her out.

Jessie tipped her chin and followed Coralie the short distance to the waiting group.

In honor of the Fourth of July, Wolf had ordered the killing of several young steers to provide beef for all the groups of emigrants camped nearby. All during the afternoon, each family cooked their favorite dishes. And for dessert, dried fruit came out of hiding. Soon the aroma of baked pies tempted more than one male to get too close—only to have one of the women smack their fingers with a wooden utensil and shoo them away. With over a hundred people milling around the central area where the meat cooked, the noise was intense. Surrounding Wolf were his brothers-in-law, along with Lars and Rook.

“Now, what is keeping them women?” Rook grumbled.

Wolf ignored the comments and the speculation, wanting only to see Jessie. Earlier he’d been ordered out of his own tent by Coralie. He kept his attention on the roasting meat.

“Here they come. ’Bout time,” Jordan announced.

“Holy cow, will you get a look at her,” Jeremy said, his voice subdued. Suddenly the men around him grew silent.

Wolf wondered what Jessie was up to this time. He turned around, and his jaw dropped. Stunned, he blinked twice, and even then he wasn’t sure that it truly was his wife in the pale blue
calico dress. A pristine white apron was tied around her waist. His gaze traveled up the long skirt and lingered where the material gathered, emphasizing her narrow waist. His gaze slid up her figure and came to a startled stop.

Wolf was used to her baggy flannels, so the tight fit of the bodice made his heart thrum with desire. The material flowed from a high neckline and skimmed over the swell of her breasts before gathering at the waist. Lifting his eyes, he stared at her hair. Her unruly curls were missing. Some master with a brush had swept her hair to the top of her head and tied it with a matching blue ribbon, letting the longer strands cascade down.

Wolf swallowed. Had he ever noticed her swanlike neck? The delicate curve to her chin? He didn’t think so. Not to this extent. She took a hesitant step toward him, her emerald-greens wide and uncertain. Then he became aware of the comments around him, of the whistles and calls from her brothers, of the awed whispers from others who’d also never seen this new Jessica, including him. She’d blossomed, truly becoming his beautiful rose. Wolf wanted to keep this magnificent woman hidden from all eyes but his own.

Dropping his fork, he went to her and took her hands in his, bringing them to his lips before stepping back. Holding her fingers tightly, he whispered, “Jessica, you’re beautiful.”

Jessie smiled hesitantly, then glanced around self-consciously. “Really?” she said softly. “I don’t look silly? I feel so strange.”

Wolf grinned. “Close your mouth, sweetheart.” He whispered. “Trust me. What’s happening to a certain part of me is nothing remotely close to silly or strange. Now, come on, let’s eat. As much as I’d like to take you right back to our tent and have my way with you, I wouldn’t dream of robbing you of the pleasure of seeing your brothers speechless.”

All during the meal and the dancing that followed, Wolf had a hard time keeping his hands off his wife, so much so that he was the brunt of teasing remarks from her brothers and the other men all during the long evening. Finally he could stand it no more. Walking over to where she was dancing with Nikolaus Svensson, he lifted her into his arms and walked away, ignoring the hoots that followed them.

“I was having fun.” Jessie pouted, staring up into the determined set of her husband’s features. A knowing grin curved her lips upward. “You know, this is getting to be quite a habit of yours.”

Wolf glanced down, seeing the mischievous sparkle in her eyes. “You witch. You knew what you were doing to me all night, didn’t you?”

She answered with another wicked grin. Wolf changed directions. “Wolf, the tent’s over there.” She pointed.

He grunted.

Jessie wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her cheek on his shoulder, once again forced to be patient. When she heard the sound of water, she knew he was heading toward the rushing stream nearby.

He didn’t stop until he came to a thick stand of trees and bushes. Sliding her down the length of him, he lowered his lips. “This is closer. I can’t wait another minute.”

Looking around, Jessie saw that they were hidden at the water’s edge. “Wolf? The ground’s wet, and I don’t think there’s room for us to lie here.”

Wolf fumbled with the front of his breeches. “Who said anything about lying down? Let me show you certain advantages of wearing long skirts.”

Jessie watched as he freed himself from his breeches. Her heart thudded, and an ache started between her thighs. Suddenly the wet ground didn’t matter, nor did anything else.
Reaching down, she took him in her hand, loving the velvety feel of him. He stopped her. “Not this time. My need is too great. Put your hands on my shoulders,” he whispered, his voice raw with desire.

She did. He lifted her skirts, his fingers arrowing into her moist center. She gasped as he stroked the embers of her desire until she cried out, her need erupting into flames of liquid heat. Then he lifted her, whispering, “Wrap your legs around my waist.” With her legs gripping him tightly, he entered her with one hard thrust. Jessie moaned, taking him deeply within her. He moved, his hips thrusting hard, wild and fast. He demanded. She complied.

“No time for slow,” he said, panting.

Her head fell back in pleasure. “No,” she agreed as he took her to the edge of reason. Then with one final thrust, he sent them both soaring.

For a long time afterward, she clung to him, savoring the throbbing feel of him inside her as the stream rushed by and the crickets chirped. Finally he set her back down on her feet and refastened his breeches while she straightened her skirts. Finished, he lifted her into his arms.

“Now we’ll go to our tent. That was only an appetizer. I’m ready for dessert.”

That night Jessie slept deeply. She dreamed of children, many children. She sat in a crude log cabin behind a desk. Before her, brown-skinned boys and girls read from books or wrote on their slates. Waking, she sat, mulling over her dream, recalling each scene, each implication. Over the course of the last few months, she’d entertained thoughts of becoming a schoolmarm in Oregon. She discovered she liked teaching Anne’s and Eirica’s girls. But now she wouldn’t be able to teach. Her place was at Wolf’s side.

Star Dreamer’s words came back to her.
The answer lies within you.
It hit her—the answer. Jessie laughed softly. It was so obvious. She leaned over to Wolf, shaking him awake.

He opened one eye. “No more, Jess. I’m tired.” She swatted him on his tight buttocks. “Wake up, Wolf. I have the answer. I know what Star Dreamer was talking about.”

Wolf rolled over and rubbed his eyes. “Answer to what?” he asked, his voice groggy.

Throwing herself on top of him, Jessie laughed. “The answer you’ve searched for. I know how
we
are going to serve your people. It’s so simple, so obvious,” she announced.

Suddenly wide-awake and alert, Wolf sat up.

Jessie grabbed his hands. “Remember Star Dreamer said the answer lies within me? Before I left Westport I used to help the old schoolmarm a couple days a week in the classroom. On the trail, I’ve helped Anne and Eirica with the schooling. I’m going to teach the children of your people. That’s the answer.”

When he didn’t say anything, she sat back on her heels. “You said your gift was the gift of knowledge. What better way to help your people than to run a boarding school for your people’s children and teach them about the white world?”

Wolf frowned. She saw the protest, the denial in his eyes.

“It will be a place where they can learn both cultures. A place where they can learn English, but speak Lakota, a place where they can learn to read and write and practice their Indian skills. We’ll board them through the winter and teach them; then in the spring they can return home to be with their families until the next winter.”

Wolf’s expression went from dismay to thoughtful consideration. Then he grinned. “The school will be a place where they are free to be Indian while learning what they need to know to survive as the white man moves into our territory.”

Jessie rested her palms on Wolf’s shoulders. “We can do this together.”

Wolf pulled Jessie back down and snuggled her close. “Together, my Wild Rose.” Long into the night they talked and planned, until sleepiness began to slow words and thoughts. “It seems so far away,” she murmured, thinking that they still had to reach Oregon, stay the winter, then spend the summer traveling back. It would be at least two years before she’d be able to start her school.

“The time will go quickly. Besides, I don’t think I’ll mind having you to myself for a bit,” Wolf whispered, nuzzling the hollow of her throat.

Happy and content, Jessie wanted everyone to know the same incredible happiness. “You know, it’s a shame that Jeremy will be so far away from Dove. I like your sister, and I think he’s sweet on her.”

Wolf groaned. “I for one am glad there’re many miles between them. I don’t think I could stand listening to all that fighting and arguing. Now, go to sleep. It’s almost time to get up.”

Jessie settled back and thought of James and Eirica. Jessie knew Eirica had a lot to sort out and come to terms with before accepting any man—including her fear that Birk could have survived. “Wolf?”

“What now, Jessica?”

“Do you think Birk really drowned?”

“Why are you asking?”

“Well, James and Eirica—”

Wolf lifted himself onto one elbow. “Absolutely not. No matchmaking. Let them sort it out on their own.”

“I know. But James loves her.”

Leaning down, Wolf brushed his lips over hers. “I can see that there will be no rest for either of us tonight. If you have enough energy to talk my ear off, how about trying this?”

Jessie’s eyes grew wide at the suggestion Wolf whispered in her ear. “We can really do that?” she asked, her body tingling in anticipation.

Wolf grinned. “That and more. I love you, my Wild Rose.”

Jessie pulled him down to her. “As I love you, husband. Now show me how.”

Outside their tent, two animals lay side by side. Wahoska leaned over and licked Sadie behind the ears, rose onto his haunches and lifted his muzzle to the glowing moon above. He let out a long howl. When his master yelled out for him to be quiet, the wolf licked his mate once more, then curled up beside her and slept.