[**Long Chapter**]
Making it back to her Grams and the other ladies, Xael did all the heavy work for them. They had given her an apron so she wouldn't get her dress soiled. After setting up their cooking area was done, it was time for the opening ceremony. As the women made their way to the circle that was forming, the men that had been getting ready near the cars came forward.
They were all magnificently dressed. One in particular stood out to Xael. He was dressed in white with red, orange and blue regalia. Outsiders were trying to get them to stop for photos but they kindly refused as they made their way to the circle.
Xael left her pups back at the cook area. The two were resting under a huge shade tree, their water bowls full so they would be fine. The pups knew to stay put also.
As the opening ceremony got under way, Deputies Shado and Beau stood on each side of Xael. She turned and smiled at each of them, complimenting them on how handsome they both looked. The Sheriff was next to her Grams, holding her hand. A few of the Elders were in the middle of the huge circle, blessing everyone as they smudged those that wanted to be, including the drums and drummers. Xael's grandmother was asked to do the Honor song. After the ceremony was over, Shado asked Xael if she knew where he could get some water from. She led him back to the frybread area.
Her Grandmother saw the two of them walking together. "Stop you two!" They both turned to see a huge smile on her face.
"You two are absolutely gorgeous next to each other!"
"Thank you Ms. Emma!" Shado looked over at Xael who he could tell was getting embarrassed. A first for him to see the confident woman act shy.
"Oh! The couples dance is coming up! You two have to lead it. No, is not an option!"
Xael went to decline but Shado beat her to a reply.
"Sure thing Ms. Emma!"
He looked at Xael who had a frown on her face. "You two...partners in crime." Xael teased them, but she meant what she had said.
"I can't help it Xael, you are a beautiful woman." She turned to look at him. She gave him a gentle smile but didn't say anything to him.
Leading him to the where the pups where, she placed her shawl and fan on a chair and reached into a cooler and got him a bottle of water.
"Make sure you guys stay hydrated, I mean it."
"Mn."
He finished the entire water bottle. "Thanks."
"Where are you guys staying?"
"Sheriff has us set up under a shade tree. Next to the other guys."
"You have water over there?"
"I don't think so."
Xael sighed. "Help me with this." She asked one of the Elder ladies where the cases of water were located. She pointed Xael to a pallet. Much to Shado's surprise, she grabbed his hand and led him over there. They each grabbed a case of water and she asked him to take them to where they were at. As they made their way over there, the drumming started, causing her heart to jump out of happiness. They soon reached the area.
"Hey Xael, what's this?"
"You guys need to stay hydrated while you dance. Will you make sure everyone that's taking part gets some? If you need more, come find me."
"Sure!! Thanks Pup, we were wondering where the water was." Skylar was opening the plastic wrap and handing out bottles of water to those around the tree. Shado sat down as he and Beau made sure things were secured for the intense dancing coming up. Xael stopped to talk to them for a bit when a little girl ran up to the group. They heard her before she got too close as she had on an adorable pink and and white jingle dress. Xael took notice of her immediately as she was also mixed with the same dark complexion as her. Xael saw the little girl's mom running to catch her, so Xael knelt down and the little one ran right into her arms, surprising all the guys.
"Hey little one!" The little girl hugged Xael while she giggled away with the most infectious laugh. Xael rubbed their noses together which caused her to laugh even more. Xael finally stood up as the mom approached, the little girl made grabby hands at Xael but she didn't pick her up.
"I have picture?"
Xael couldn't resist her cute little kid voice. "Sure!"
"Oh, thank you! She saw you during the opening ceremony. She doesn't get to see very many half black Natives." The little girl's mom was grateful.
"I understand." Xael knelt down next to her, careful of her dress, as the guys all took up spots behind them. Pictures taken, the little girl ran off with her mom. Her dress jingling away. Xael raised to thank the guys when she saw an older white woman reaching out to touch Shado's feather bustle he left on the chair.
"Don't touch that!" Xael was quick to get her attention and the woman left the area. Xael started to make her way back to cooking area when Viviene grabbed her and Shado's hand.
"Come on you two! They want to do the couples dance now! Let's go Beau! You're my partner!"
Xael didn't have time to react as Shado had suddenly grabbed her hand and was the one dragging her out to the dance area while Viviene and Beau held onto each other. Shado made his way to the center. The announcer seeing the gorgeous couple designated them the lead pair. As he announced that the dance was starting, others came to get a good spot to watch while others came to join in. Xael caught sight of her Grams, Ms. Vicki and Ms. Ester, all beaming.
As the music began, Shado held onto her tenderly and the two took off for the dance. They both couldn't help but laugh as they enjoyed the dance and the happy atmosphere. Xael was actually enjoying dancing with the handsome Deputy, and he was indeed handsome. She saw a group of young women that had their eye on him since the men entered the area.
As they made their way around the dance area, Shado could tell she was slowly letting her guard down. Back, forth and around, the two led the rest of the couples until the music stopped.
Shado looked over at her, her smile was beautiful.
"Thanks Adam, hey I need to get going. I'll keep an eye out for you when you dance."
She squeezed his hand but he refused to let her go. "Uhh... Adam?"
"Hmn?"
"I need you to let me go so I can move..."
"Oh!! I'm sorry!"
Xael headed back to the cook area. What she didn't see was Viviene talking to the announcer. As soon as Xael reached her Grams, she heard her friend yelling for her.
"Xaely! Come on we're gonna dance for everyone!"
"What?" Xael had a look of shock on her face.
"What!!" Her Grandmother had a look of pure and utter joy.
"Grab your shawl and come on! The music is going to start!"
Xael's Grandma and the other ladies grabbed her items for her and pushed her back to the dance area.
"I can walk ladies!" Xael couldn't believe what her friend did. She heard the announcer.
Ladies and Gentleman! We have a special treat for you in the main dance area! I'm pleased to announce that Xael Thunder Wolf and Viviene Westcloud will be dancing for us shortly.
Xael was right behind her friend trying to make her way through all the people. As they neared the dance area, Xael caught a glimpse of Shado as he tried to get a good vantage point. Viviene stopped to talk to Beau.
She walked to the middle of the dance area alone, all the chatter from the crowd stopped. Xael's presence was commanding and serious, she stood tall and proud. Her shawl wrapped around her, she gripped the feather fan in her hand. That's when she saw Viviene approach, dressed in her beautiful blue outfit she stood next to her.
"What the hell are you doing Vivi!?" Xael leaned over to talk to her. Vivi turned and smile.
"We're putting on a show Xaely! Remember the fancy dance we did together?"
"Yeah..."
"Start of traditional then fancy, got it? Ready?!"
"This is dance Vivi...I'm always ready. You just keep up!"
The two ladies laughed, the laughter the only sounds but it quickly stopped as Xael felt the drums were about to start. The two ladies stood ready. Then the drums and chanting began.
The movements started out slow and deliberate, one foot always in contact with mother earth. Their steps timed perfectly, they slowly moved away from each other, bouncing on the balls of their feet. They both raised an arm, the fans moving over their heads. People watching couldn't take their eyes off of them. Still their movements were slow, their steps carrying them around in a circular pattern, the fringes on their dresses swaying as they moved. Then the tempo and intensity of the drums increased. Their arms opened, displaying the beautiful patterns on their shawls, the two women's fancy dancing was mesmerizing everyone that could see them. They danced in beat with the drums as they twirled and rose in the air with beautifully choreographed high steps.
Viviene had secretly planned to let Xael be the center of attention. She quickly ran to the sidelines, giving the dance ground to Xael and Xael alone.
The drums were the only thing Xael could hear as the beat overtook her. She moved so effortlessly it was like her feet weren't even touching the ground. The Elder women starting lulu'ing to show how much they enjoyed her dancing. Xael twirled in dizzying circles, her shawl flanked her outstretched arms as if she would take flight at any moment.
Shado couldn't take his eyes off of her. Seeing her dance, he now knew why her grandmother was so excited. He felt a firm hand on his arm, looking down it was Xael's grandmother.
"Now do you see?"
"God...she's amazing."
"You know Deputy Shado, you two do truly make a beautiful couple. To bad your Mated."
"I'm sorry what?" with that he took his eyes off the twirling beauty.
"I said, too bad your Mated."
He leaned down towards her because he towered over her.
"I'm not Mated Ms. Emma, not anymore. My Mate was killed. Who told I was mated anyway?"
"Xael smelled your Mate bond."
"Well, it's broken now Ms. Emma, I'm free to mate anyone I choose." He gave her a devilish smiled.
The Elder smiled as the gears started turning in her head and squeezed his arm. The two returned their attention to the captivating creature, as the lulu'ing and shouts increased.
The drumming stopped as Xael stopped in time with the last beat.
The crowd erupted in applause.
Xael noticed she was the only one out there and shot a glare at Vivi who just smiled. As Xael made her way from the dance area, her pups ran through the crowd to get near their momma.
"Look wolves!" One of the outsiders shouted. As she walked past them, they tried to make an attempt to touch one of the pups when Xael saw his movement.
"Dont!" she growled a warning at the human who quickly withdrew his hand.
The others beside him heard her and started talking about her.
"Holy Shit! She's one of them, she's a Wolfen!"
Shado and her grams were walking towards her. She had her back to the group of humans when another one tried to grab her for a photo. Both her pups sensed his presence and turned, snarling at him. Shado was quick to approach as he had seen what was happening.
He quickly moved Xael behind him, shielding her like any Alpha would do for their Mate. The older woman watched as the situation escalated.
"Do NOT touch her!" Shado snapped at the man that was about to grab Xael.
Xael was caught off guard by his actions. She quickly moved to stop the situation from going any further, gently placing a hand on his arm.
"Adam, I'm okay. Let's go." Xael looked at her pups who also looked like they were about to attack when she linked them to go to her Grams. Her pups immediately turned and trotted over to the older women, flanking her as if they were protecting her as well.
Xael gently pulled Shado away. As they walked away, they could hear the people behind them.
"That must be her Mate you Idiot! They'll wolf out and eat you!"
The two looked at each other and snickered. "Thank you Adam. But I was fine back there."
"I know, it just...human's need to learn to keep their hands to themselves."
Xael gave him another tender smile.
Reaching her Grams, the Elder wrapped her in a hug.
"Oh Xael, it was so wonderful to see you dance!"
"It was good to dance. We'll have to dance together later on okay?"
"Oh, of course dear!!"
Xael thanked Deputy Shado again as he returned to prepare for his dance. Xael and her Grams headed back to the food area where the ladies were.
They told Xael how much they loved her dancing. Xael made sure to tease her friend Vivi for leaving her out there. The two younger women helped make the dough for the fry bread and set the sign out letting people know what they were serving.
The rest of the morning and early afternoon was nice. Xael and Vivi sold fry bread and Indian taco while the older ladies cooked it. The two officers that were filling in for the guys stopped by as well, both complementing Xael and Vivi on how great they looked.
Xael boxed them up huge Indian tacos along with extra fry bread and honey packets for later. Around noon, Sheriff Skylar approached the group of ladies. Ms Emma saw him as the ladies were busy with customers and stopping occasionally for photos.
"Em, we're needing more water for the dancers." The men had been dancing most of the morning but were getting ready for the solo dance portion.
"Xael?"
"Yes sir?" Xael turned after finishing up with a customer.
"Just in case you're interested, Adam's the first one for the solo dance. It starts in about 5 minutes."
"Uhh... okay."
"Oh! We need to go watch. Shut the oil off ladies, we're taking a break!" Ms. Emma wanted to see him dance as well. "Xael honey grab some water for the sheriff."
"Yes ma'am."
Xael grabbed two more cases and returned to the sheriff. He took one of the cases as she followed behind him. Once they returned to where the male dancers were staged, they all came for water. Xael made sure to save some back for Beau and Shado.
After the group had left with their water, she went over to Shado and Beau as they rested.
"Here ya go." She handed them both water.
"Thanks! Here to see the 'ladies man' dance?" Beau had an ornery grin on his face as he poked fun at Shado. Just then Vivi joined them. The two ladies hugged and giggled again.
"Ladies man huh?" Vivi joined in with the teasing.
"Yeah... women have been over here all morning flirting with pretty boy here." Now Skylar was in on it and poor Shado was starting to blush. Xael was trying really hard not to laugh at him but couldn't resist.
"Oh come on Xael! Not you too?"
"I'm sorry.... Ayeee, no I'm not!"
Just then two blonde haired outsiders invaded the group's space. Completely ignoring the fact that Xael was standing there talking to him. They openly flirted with the handsome Deputy. Xael stood there along with Sheriff Skylar snickering amongst themselves. Xael could tell Shado was uncomfortable and just wanted them to leave. It was getting pretty intense as Shado looked over at her to rescue him.
Xael looked at the Sheriff as he whispered to her. "Go save him Pup, he looks pathetic."
Xael slinked over to him and stood behind the women, glaring at them. She loudly cleared her throat.
"Um, yeah?" One of the blondes was snottier than shit and getting an attitude. Xael was going to have fun with them. With her arms folded across her chest, she just stared at them.
"Can we help you?" The other one joined in.
Xael began to growl as she allowed her eyes to go bright red. She snarled and snapped at the women. Other's turned and looked at the imposing woman.
"Oh God, she's one of those!" The two quickly ran off.
Xael turned back to Shado, her eyes now normal. "You owe me one!"
Skylar and the others couldn't help but burst out laughing. Xael's Grandma was behind her and smacked her on the butt, but in a playful way as she was laughing too.
"Ow!!"
"Aren't we being possessive!!"
"Oh Grams stop!"
Just then the announcer called the first men's solo dancer to get to the center. Shado stood up and Xael and the others wished him luck. The group made their way to the front so they could get a good view. Xael and Skylar made sure Ms. Emma was in the front. Some of the outsiders gave them dirty looks but the two simply glared at them and that was the end of that.
As the drums started, so did Shado's feet. He was a powerful and intense dancer. He kept pace to the drums with ease. A group of little boys were trying to see but the adults kept moving them back. Xael intervened and had the kids come stand next to her grandmother. She gave the adults a dirty look. The little ones were enjoying his dancing just as much as she was. Once he was done, the three officers returned to their vehicle and removed their regalia as they were done dancing for the day and wanted to be comfortable. Some of it, like the roach, they kept on.
The solo men's dance went on for 6 more men. They then took a break for the women's dance. Ms. Vicki and Ester found Xael, her Grams and Vivi. They had their shawls and fans. Xael and Vivi had Ms. Emma between them.
Xael and her grandmother shared a loving look as the drums started. The two loved dancing together. After they were finished, it was time for the 'Tiny Tots' Jingle dance. Xael wanted to see the little girl in pink and white. She was so adorable as she bounced and twirled, her little moccasin feet keeping beat to drums. When she was done, Xael lulu'd for her which cause her to run to the tall woman and give her another hug. Xael gifted her with one of the eagle feather hair ties she wore. After carefully adding it to the little girl's hair, Xael gave her another hug and she ran off to her mom, showing her the beautiful gift she had just received. The rest of the men's solo dancing continued. That would go on for most of the day with breaks for the younger ones.
Xael and the ladies bid the men farewell and returned to the cook area. On the way back to the fry bread area, Xael's grandmother let her know that Deputy Shado had in fact lost his mate not long ago. He was now officially single.