Savage Beloved

“But you went on foot, and you seem to have gone very far,” Two Eagles said. “Surely you knew it might be dangerous.”

“Yes, I knew, but I had to go anyway,” she murmured. “When I found Shadow, she was with a pack of other wolves. I t

hought they might attack, but thank God, they didn’t.”

She felt as though she was getting deeper and deeper into a lie she might not be able to explain away later if she ever got brave enough to mention Spotted Bear.

If Two Eagles knew that she lied this easily, might he lose respect for her?

“You are fortunate in many ways,” Two Eagles said, brushing her lips with soft kisses. “But you are here, safe. That is what matters.”

Very aware that his warriors sat on their steeds, witnessing their chief’s attentions toward a white woman, Two Eagles met the gaze of each. Deliberately he hugged her to him, making clear his claim on her.

“I want to thank you all for taking time from your mourning to help search for my woman,” he said firmly.

He saw varied expressions on their faces at his mention of Candy being his “woman.” He hoped there would be few objections when the time came for him to announce that he would marry this white woman soon!

His warriors nodded and rode off, leaving Two Eagles and Candy momentarily alone.

Again they kissed; then he sank his knees into the flanks of his steed and soon joined his warriors. Shadow romped along beside Two Eagles’s horse, occasionally glancing up at Candy, who in turn smiled down at her pet.

“It is good that you found Shadow,” Two Eagles said, seeing that Candy looked often at her wolf.

“One of these nights, when the pack howls for Shadow, I am afraid she will disappear for good,” Candy said.

She recalled how Spotted Bear had said that perhaps Shadow had mated with White Wolf. If so, would Shadow feel it was her duty to take her pups to their father?

Candy had to prepare herself for such a loss, yet she felt it would be wonderful for Shadow to have a family all her own, and a mate who endeared himself to her.

“All will be well with your wolf whether she turns to you or the wild wolves,” Two Eagles said as the village came into sight. “She will choose the right road in life for her and be happy, and you should be happy for her.”

“Yes, I will be, but I will miss her so if she chooses to live in the wild,” Candy said solemnly.

“Ho, I know now just how much you would miss her,” Two Eagles said, chuckling. “Since you went to such lengths to find her, I can tell just how much you love the wolf.”

“When I care, I care deeply,” Candy said, turning soft eyes up to him. “As I care for you.”

She so longed to be kissed by Two Eagles, everything within her yearned for him.

She badly wanted a private moment with him, to tell him she loved him, but she knew that for now, all those feelings must be put aside. She knew that he could not yet have buried his uncle.

She deeply regretted causing Two Eagles such concern over her welfare when he was already filled with sadness over the loss of his uncle.

As they rode farther into the village, Candy was surprised to see relief in many eyes that she had been found. Hawk Woman, however, turned upon her a look of pure, deep-seated hatred, making Candy feel cold inside. Candy knew now that she had this woman to fear and wondered how the woman could be filled with such hatred for her so quickly.

Then Candy understood. The other woman’s hatred had everything to do with Two Eagles. It was obvious that Hawk Woman wanted him all for herself.

Yes, Candy would have to be wary and watchful of this woman. She might be capable of anything if it meant she would get Two Eagles for herself in the end.

Two Eagles drew rein before his tepee. He dismounted, then lifted Candy from the saddle. She watched a young brave come and dutifully take his chief’s horse away to the corral.

“Let us go inside,” Two Eagles said, drawing aside the entrance flap. “Surely you are hungry, as is Shadow.”

“I ate berries this morning,” Candy said, deciding not to tell him that she had eaten a delicious roasted rabbit, too, which Spotted Bear had prepared for them before heading out.

After having traveled awhile on Spotted Bear’s steed, a wild horse that he had captured and tamed, they had caught sight of some of Two Eagles’s warriors in the distance.

Spotted Bear had said that it was best for Candy to go the rest of the way on foot. The warriors were surely out searching for her and would soon see her walking along and rescue her.