Passions of the Heart - BOOK 2 of PASSION series

Chapter Seven - Wedding Guests

There was also a pastel necklace of lightly colored crystals.  The subtle hints of color would make any woman breathe in pleasure.  Kaitlin wanted to show she understood about the work involved, but also the talent in making such eye-catching combinations.

“You are very skilled, Little Foot!  They are very gopeca!”

“I brought them for you,” she confided with a smile.

“Oh, thank you!” Kaitlin shyly smiled.  “They are truly magnificent!”

While she smiled in pleasure, she hugged the items to her chest.  She felt eyes upon her.  She looked up expecting Woniya Mato’s eye, but instead, it was the black weight of Sly Coyote.

His face was devoid of emotion.  His eyes lingered upon her and engulfed her even when she caught him looking.  Her face flushed, and she shifted uncomfortably.

He was slightly shorter than her betrothed and very muscular as well.  His obsidian eyes were sheltered under distinctive brows.  His nose was large, but not overly so.  His mouth was outlined by lips that were neither too thin nor full.  He was handsome, but not devastatingly so as her man. 

When Kaitlin sneaked a peak back at him, he was engaged in conversation with the other men.  The two remaining women went to retrieve their gifts for the promised couple.  Hopping Robin presented Kaitlin with a nearly black leather hide of moose.  She also placed a wooden box containing many dyed porcupine quills for decoration into the golden skinned woman’s lap.

Soft Touch also placed a wooden box onto Kaitlin’s lap.  It held many bone beads of different sizes and shapes.  Much work had gone into shaping the items.  She provided a core of tough rawhide used for the bottoms of moccasins to Kaitlin.

“Thank you so much, my new kolas!  These are lovely gifts!  I am much honored!” and she hugged each woman.

The women conversed for a time.  Finally, Woniya Mato stood and held his hand out to Golden Eyes.  She stood and approached him.  As they left, she saw Sly Coyote’s eyes upon her once more.  She shuddered slightly.

“What is it, Mazaska Zi Ista?” asked the muscular man softly.

“It is nothing, my chief.”

When they lay down on the sleeping mats, the leader could sense something was weighing on Golden Eye’s mind.  She seemed distracted and uneasy.

“Come, mita Wastelaka.  Tell me what troubles you,” his warm, masculine voice persuaded her.

“It is probably nothing, but I do not like the way Sly Coyote looks upon me.”

The chief chuckled and stated, “You are every man’s dream, mita gopeca winyan.  It is only natural for a male to stare upon you when seeing you for the first time.  You are the golden light of Wi taken shape.”

“Still, Woniya Mato.  I know I am not a warrior, but there is something about him that I cannot put my finger on.”

“He would not be so stupid to try something when you are the chosen one of the war chief of the Oglalas!” Spirit Bear exclaimed.  “Neither would it be wise of him to make an overture to you during our pre-ceremonial days.  I would claim his life for such a deed!”

“Hiya, my chief.  I did not mean to imply he has less-than-honorable intentions, but I just feel… strange around him.”

“Put the matter from your mind, Wastelaka.  Istnma now,” he commanded.  He brought her feminine outline against his rock-hard one.  His strong arms circled her possessively.  “I will permit no harm to befall you, my love,” he whispered into her hair.

The next morning, Kaitlin and many women left to gather vegetables and fruit for the numerous people in the camp of the Bear Claw Clan.  Kaitlin provided various baskets; both of her own construction and some from the many gifts she’d received to carry the booty back to the camp. 

She was aware of the subtle eyes that followed her.  Sly Coyote allowed her to see that he watched her but would be obtrusive when others were around.  She didn’t like it at all.  Still, she didn’t verbalize any more unease to her beloved.

When Kaitlin filled her mniapahta at midday, she felt as if the unsettling gaze was still upon her.  She stood to look around but did not detect anyone near.  She shook her head and continued her chore.

When the water skins were full, she stooped to collect water cress and fill a basket she’d brought along for that purpose.  She loved water cress salad flavored with fat drippings from roasted meat mixed with onion and carrots; it was one of her preferred greens. 

Kaitlin waded into the water further, her bare feet delighting in the delicious coolness of the stream.  She picked and filled her basket as she wandered.   Just as she was reaching for more of the freshwater plant, a masculine hand swam into her vision.  The hand was full of rich green cress. 

“Oh!” she gasped in startled surprise.  “You scared me!” She looked up into the deeply probing eyes of Sly Coyote.

A slightly mocking smile lit up his face.  He raked her body with his eyes before he refocused on her face.  The heat radiated from him, making her very much aware of her femininity.  Slowly, he placed the greens into her basket.

“I-I must be getting back,” she stammered.

“Do you fear being alone with me?” his deep tone asked, slightly teasing her to rile her so that she would stay longer with him.

“N-no, but I…” she searched for a plausible excuse, “I just don’t think it’s appropriate.”

“Why?  Do you feel more for me than what a stranger should feel for another?”  He took a step closer to her.  “There is no reason to feel uncomfortable around me.”

Her foot chose that moment to slip on a slick stone.  She flailed slightly and tried to stabilize herself.  Sly Coyote reached out and grabbed her to support her, his arm in a half hug behind her.  She could feel his warm fingers on her waist through the cool fabric of her dress.  

“We are not on the well-used path…” she began. 

His fingers began to circle her side ever so slightly and he pulled her a little toward him so that she faced him in the water.  Only inches separated her chest from his.  She looked up and saw his breathing rate had increased.  Nervously, she looked hurriedly over her shoulder. 

To regain her attention, Sly Coyote took his free hand and gently touched her shoulder and traced her arm to her elbow.  She trembled under his touch but refused to show him how unsettled she was in his presence.

“I know,” he said huskily.

Kaitlin then heard Wawat’ecaka call for her.  Her timing couldn’t have been better!

“I must go,” she said and turned from him without a backward glance.  She could not help that her spine stiffened as she quickly retreated.   His eyes burned into her back until she disappeared from his line of vision.