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“No.” Raven rose. His thigh grumbled, but he met his brother’s golden gaze. “I have found her, Bear. I have found the mate of my spirit.”
Bear’s facial muscles tightened. Even in the dim soddy, Raven noticed. Bear didn’t understand. “A white woman? What about Dancing Doe?”
“Dancing Doe does not belong with me.” Raven touched his brother’s forearm. “She never did. She is yours, Bear, not mine.”
Bear sighed. “She does not see it that way.”
“She will, in time. She is young yet. She has not yet reached her eighteenth winter. She is yours. Do not give up.”
“And you? You truly believe this white woman is yours?”
“I do not believe, Bear. I know. Her name is Ella. And she is mine. I feel it in my soul, in the breath of my body, in the beat of my heart. When I saw her, I came alive.”
Bear smiled his crooked smile. “So the Raven has fallen. You’re not playing the trickster, are you? This is the truth you speak?”
Raven let out a chuckle. “No trick, brother.”
“And have you told her how you feel? That she is the mate of your spirit?”
“Yes.”
“What did she say?”
Raven smiled, his heart lurched. Chills skittered over his skin. Pleasant chills he’d never experienced at the thought of Dancing Doe or any other maiden. Yet he couldn’t help the soft laugh that escaped his throat. “She didn’t say anything. She ran out of here as fast as a jackrabbit.”
Bear spat out a throaty guffaw. “I see. Well, good luck, brother. If you are determined to stay here, there is nothing I can do.” He brushed the dirt from the knees of his buckskins. “But I urge you to take care. These white men are a danger to you.”
“Ella’s father is a preacher.”
“You are a heathen to him, then. He will not allow you near his daughter.”
“He will have no say in the matter. She is mine, and I intend to have her.”
“I see. What did you say her name was again?”
“Ella.”
“Ella. Hmm.” Bear lifted one eyebrow.
“What is it?”
“Nothing. I will return to camp and tell Summer Breeze and Singing Dove you are recuperating from an injury and you will be fine. I will not tell them I fear for your safety. Nor will I tell them of your white woman. Perhaps you will come to your senses and return home.”
“I will return home. With my Ella.”
Bear shook his head. “I am leaving a fresh pair of buckskins for you. You should burn the ones you’re wearing. Plus they are hacked to bits. They are in my saddlebag, and I left Spotted Eagle hobbled not far from here. I will leave them at the door.” Bear nodded and left the dugout.
Raven smiled. He had a battle to wage. A battle for his mate. His groin tightened at the image of her beautiful face, her silky sable hair. Yes, a battle. But he was a seasoned warrior. He had every intention of emerging the victor.
* * *
Ella grunted as she lugged the pail of water toward the soddy. The thought of seeing Raven frightened her beyond measure. He ignited emotions within her she hadn’t known existed. She would have stayed away indefinitely had she not felt guilt over leaving him for several hours without fresh water.
No. That was a lie. She crossed herself and asked quickly for forgiveness. She would not have stayed away indefinitely.
She couldn’t.
Her hairbrush bulged in her apron pocket. What had possessed her to bring it along? He would never allow her to brush his hair.
