Beautiful Warrior by Sheri Whitefeather Read Free Book Online Page B

“Duncan had a lot of lovers before he was with me.”
    “And now he’s only with you?”
    “Yes.”  But I doubted that Duncan would fault me for having sex with the past-realm warrior or for being attracted to this one. Not when they were patterned after him.
    “We should get back to my house so you can say goodbye to Abby’s people and prepare for the future.”
    “Promis e me that you’ll get them across the border safely.”  If something happened to them, I would never forgive myself.
    “I promise .”
    “I need assurance that the monsters won’t hurt you, either.”
    “I’ll do my best to keep from being harmed . But you said that I’m not destined to die for another year, so even if they hurt me, I’ll survive.”
    “Just be careful , okay?” 
    “ I won’t take any foolish chances.”
    At least he seemed cautious, unlike the old-fashioned warrio r who thought death was power. “Thank you for everything you’re doing.”
    “You’re welcome.”  He reached for my hand and helped me to my feet, the attraction between us swirling like a mist.
    But once again, neither of us acted on it.
    We returned to his house, where Abby’s people were waiting. While the warrior stood in the background, I told them what the plan was.
    After I explained everything , Bud came forward to hug me, wishing me luck and telling me what a trouper I was. I thanked him with a quaver in my voice.
    He stepped back, allowing Dingo to jump into my arms. I cuddled the wiry little dog before I put him back on the ground.
    Face was next . He gave me a sour look, refusing to get affectionate. But I could tell that he was going to miss me.
    And then there w as Seven. As soon as he approached me, my eyes filled with tears. I was happy he was going home to Abby, but I’d become accustomed to having him here with me.
    We embraced, and he whispered in my ear, “Dorothy had a tough time saying goodbye to the Scarecrow, too.”
    I smiled through my tears, struggling not to bawl like a baby. I should have known that he would toss an Oz reference into it. “Just be good to my sister.”
    “You know I will.”
    We separated, and I dabbed at my eyes. “Will I see you again when this is all over? When I’m able to go home, too?”
    “That’s up you.”  
    Up to me and my schizophrenia . In a sane world, there would be no Seven. Or Abby. Or Bud or Face or Dingo. “I want to see all of you again.”  But I wanted to manage my illness, too.
    He didn’t reply . He just looked at me, obviously aware of what I was thinking. If my condition improved, he and Abby and the others would disappear.
    Avoiding the complication, I changed the subject. “Do you know what the future warrior is going to be like? Have you gotten any readings on him?”
    “No . But if there’s another painting of Duncan’s with a location that fits into this, then I suspect that’s where you’ll be going.”
    “ There is, actually. It’s a mansion that’s designed to look like a castle, with a majestic landscape and reflecting pools. Duncan titled it Magic .”
    “That works. ”
    “ It absolutely does. But I still have no idea what to expect of the warrior there.”
    “Y ou certainly have a way with this one.” 
    I glanced at the man in que stion. He remained in the background, looking strong and fit in his T-shirt and jeans. “He could be Duncan in every sense.”
    “Maybe the future dude will have his qualities.”
    “I hope so.”   I glanced at the present warrior again, so completely taken with the way he carried himself.
    “You need to say goodbye to him, too.”
    Yes, I did . And it wasn’t any easier than parting company with Abby’s people. I hugged Seven one last time, then walked across the grass and approached the warrior.
    We stood off to the side, a light breeze blowing between us. I thought about putting my mouth squarely against his and stealing a passion-drenched kiss, but I refrained, keeping things as they were.
    “I’ll