Wild Thunder

A sudden strange look came into Strong Wolf’s eyes, one that Hannah quickly noticed.

“You spoke of making a child tonight,” Strong Wolf said, searching her face and eyes for answers. “Is that what has caused you not to enjoy our lovemaking as much? You are worried about our child possibly inheriting the dark side of my character?”

Hannah gasped and paled. “No!” she quickly answered. “I’ve never thought once about . . . that. Darling, I love you so much. Will you please quit worrying about that?”

“Tomorrow I face my mother with a wife,” Strong Wolf said. “Is that what you were thinking about?”

“Well, yes . . .” Hannah said, not sure if she should admit to such a truth.

“Then worry no more,” Strong Wolf said. “She will love you as I love you. She is nothing like Star Flower. Just like you, my mother is everything sweet in this world.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck as he rolled her over onto her back and plunged inside her again. “My wife,” he uttered softly.

He kissed her gently, his hands caressing her breasts as he rhythmically rocked back and forth inside her.

“My husband,” Hannah whispered against his lips. “My dear, wonderful husband.”

They rocked and clung and whispered and melted.

Chapter 37

The red rose whispers of passion.

And the white rose breathes of love.

—JOHN O’REILLY

Strong Wolf’s village was some distance downriver from the Chippewa village. He relished the feel of his mother in his arms while the Potawatomis people came from their lodges, their eyes eager and bright when they discovered Strong Wolf was there.

Hannah was standing at his side. She smiled at the people as they came and gathered around. Then she watched Strong Wolf and his mother. She remembered Strong Wolf telling her how beautiful his mother was.

And she was beautiful and looked younger than her age. She had hardly any wrinkles on her tiny, sculpted face. Her hair was still as black as charcoal. And her shape was one of a youthful woman.

Hannah was surprised that Swallow Song had not married again, yet when she thought about it, she understood possibly why. If everyone knew about her having seizures, that could cause men to look away from her.

Then a thought came to Hannah. Just perhaps Swallow Song had not married again because it was her choice not to. Perhaps her love for her husband had been too strong for her ever to love again.

Hannah knew that should anything happen to Strong Wolf, she could never love again. She would even want to die with him, for life without him would be torment!

Hannah was saddened over Strong Wolf’s chieftain grandfather’s passing, yet proud now that Strong Wolf was a great chief.

How proud she would be to show him off to her family as a powerful chief of his people!

“My son,” Swallow Song murmured, clinging to Strong Wolf. “How good it is that you are here. I have often wished that Father had never asked you to go and find our people a new home. Time is so precious, so fleeting. I did not want to grow any older without you.”

She swallowed hard. “And when Father died, it was hard to endure without you being here to help me,” she then said.

“I shall visit his grave and say a prayer,” Strong Wolf said. “Hannah, my wife, will join me at the grave. She will also say a prayer. My grandfather will hear her. He will know her.”

Swallow Song reached her hands out for Hannah. “Come to me,” she murmured. “Let me hug you, Hannah.”

Hannah welcomed Swallow Song’s arms as she hugged her.

“It is so wonderful to finally get to know you,” Hannah murmured, returning the embrace. “Strong Wolf has told me so much about you. And now I know why he is so proud when he speaks of you.”

Swallow Song stepped away from Hannah. “Thank you,” she said in her sweet, soft voice. She smiled at Hannah. “And I wish to know your mother well.”

“You will get the opportunity when you return with Strong Wolf and me to the Kansas Territory,” Hannah said. She stepped back to Strong Wolf’s side.