Wolf Shadow’s Promise by Karen Kay Read Free Book Online Page B

pulling off his moccasins and washing his feet.
    Rinsing her cloth again, she brought it to his face, realizing at the same time that there would be no sleep for her tonight. Not if she were to ensure he remained cool.
    Taking his hand in her own, she whispered to him,“Don’t you dare leave me. I have not gone to all this trouble only to lose you. And don’t you pretend not to understand English. I remember you well, and know you comprehend what I am saying.”
    He muttered something else, but she couldn’t make it out.
    Dipping the cloth again in water, she washed the sweat from his face, preparing herself for the long night ahead.
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    She changed the water twice, refilling her bucket from the waterfall at the end of the tunnel and trudging it all the way back to the man. There was no alternative. She could not chance going above ground during the daylight hours. She might look suspicious carrying water in and out of her cellar.
    Still, he hadn’t awakened and his fever hadn’t abated.
    He had tossed and turned throughout the night, muttering unintelligible words, which she had ignored as best as she could. Instead, she focused on changing the poultice and the bandages, which proved difficult, considering the location of his injury.
    Every time she worked over him, she was all too aware of his masculinity. It was impossible to ignore. And though she needed a break, she wouldn’t take one. She wouldn’t chance something happening to him in her absence.
    â€œSomeday, when you’re awake, I’m going to tell you about the difficulty I had in working over you. Imagine, a young woman such as myself slaving over a nude man who looks like you do, with an injury so close to his privates.”
    She glanced at his face. No reaction.
    â€œWhat do you think of that, Moon Wolf? Or should I call you Wolf Shadow now? I have heard that Indians change their names when they perform deeds of bravery.And I would suspect that Wolf Shadow is now a name of distinction.”
    She sighed. Shortly, as soon as she was certain that he wouldn’t relapse, she would go outside, pick some dandelions, and brew a good, stiff tea. That, too, should help with his fever.
    She had checked on her mother last night when she had gone into the house for herbs and bandages and left a brief note. Her mother had been sleeping soundly, her breathing clear. That was good. At least Alys could stay with this stranger with a free conscience.
    He moaned, twisting from side to side. She took his hand in her own and patted it before speaking softly to him. “Don’t you dare leave me,” she whispered. “I have waited years to be reunited with you, don’t let go now.
    â€œWill you remember me? I have never forgotten you, even when I was in school back east. Never a day went by when I wasn’t thinking about Montana, about the life I had led here, nor, if I am to be honest, about you. I used to weave dreams around you, did you know that? Not that I expect you to be anything like my imaginings, but you left an impression upon me, Mister Wolf Shadow. An impression I have not been able to escape.”
    He quieted, and she continued, “Let me tell you about my illusions, about my knight in shining—or rather Indian—armor.”
    His hand tightened around hers. That had to be a good sign.
    Washing his face and body from time to time, she spun her story, telling him about her silly, girlish dreams, sparing him no detail, not even her more erotic imaginings. On and on she spoke, the time flying by quickly.
    Her voice hoarse, she continued to talk to him until, inthe wee hours of the morning, he suddenly opened his eyes and stared at her.
    â€œAa-lees,” He spoke her name with fervor, then said, “ Soka ’piiwa .”
    She leaned toward him. What had he said? Had he recognized her? Even in his delirium?
    Surely that was impossible. Still, it proved to be a turning point in his