Lakota Honor by Kat Flannery Read Free Book Online Page A

her sides, for fear the deranged animal would see her shaking and lunge for her throat.
    She spotted the mercantile and the blacksmiths next door. She was so close to home. If she screamed would there be enough time for someone to come running and stop the animal from ripping her to shreds? I doubt it. Besides, Elwood may be the one running and he's the last person I want to see.
    Another growl and this time a large paw stepped toward her.
    Oh dear. She loved all animals, but this one was different. He was mean and wouldn't think twice about ripping her arm off. She thought of the stranger in the woods. He was similar to the wolf-dog. He, too, was a mixed breed, who would hurt, or even kill if the opportunity arose. After all, he was going to scalp her. But he didn't. Yes, yes, he didn't but his dark eyes said he would . And she knew without a doubt he was capable of anything.
    His presence exuded arrogance—it reeked of danger, need and hunger. By taking his knife to her hair he'd accomplish scaring her to death, and making her run away terrified. She glanced at the dog, now two feet from her. She inched back into the tree, trying to melt into the trunk.
    Savage growled.
    "Savage, you go home." Her voice trembled. "You heard me. Now get going, right now."
    The filthy animal barked and showed his teeth.
    I'm dead.
    "Nora, Nora," Joe yelled from between two buildings. He leaned into his walking sticks and waved.
    She didn't dare move. The dog was so close now she could feel his breath on her hand. Joe's feet shuffled in the grass. She wanted to yell at him to go home, but didn't move for fear Savage would strike. She watched as Joe struggled to get to her. How she'd love to heal his mangled legs. Her hands grew hot and tingled. I can't help him. If Elwood found out, he'd never stop pursuing me.
    Joe came up beside her. "Why ya way out here? Out here?"
    She watched as his beautiful blue eyes rolled; something she'd seen him do many times.
    Savage growled again.
    "Oh, puppy, stop it. Stop it. " Joe reached for the dog.
    Savage twisted his head and dug his teeth into Joe's hand.
    Joe screamed and clutched his bleeding hand to his chest. He shook his head from side to side and opened and closed his eyes repeatedly.
    Nora kicked the dog's snout with her bare foot and felt the jab of sharp teeth against her toes. She kicked him again, this time in the side. The horrible beast lunged at her and she kicked him harder. She knew the dog wouldn't stop now that he'd tasted blood.
    She picked up the crutch Joe had dropped and swung at the dog catching him in the neck. He rolled backward and shook his head before he came at her again. This time she was ready. She'd never played baseball, but she watched a few games out on the church lawn. She positioned the crutch like a bat. Joe screamed in the background as Savage leapt toward her. She squeezed her eyes and swung. The wooden stick vibrated in her hands. The dog yelped and began to whimper.
    She opened her eyes. Joe was crying and Savage lay on the grass, whining. What have I done? She dropped the crutch and knelt in front of him, but he got up and limped away. She stood and watched Savage until he disappeared into the trees behind them. Joe's crying became louder. She went to him and took his hand. The boy was beyond sobbing now, he gasped as fat tears messed his face. There was blood everywhere, and Nora's stomach rolled.
    "I will fix it, Joe. I promise."
    The boy's body rocked back and forth, and he almost lost his balance.
    "Joe, you need to sit down."
    He shook his head again, and she didn't know if he was answering her or if this was one of his odd behaviours. She slid the stick out from under Joe's arm and leaned him against her. She lowered them both to the ground. With Joe positioned against the tree, she took his hand once more.
    Oh my. The tip of Joe's thumb hung by a few pieces of flesh. She couldn't see the rest of his hand, there was too much blood. Nora's hands shook with