Chapter 26

A hush came over the village as soon as they emerged from the forest. In fact, the busy habitat came to a complete standstill. Under the curious exam of Denali’s tribe members, Sam never felt more self-conscious. There was little doubt, she was not welcome.

Scanning the sea of shocked faces, she jumped when a hand tugged at her hip. Glancing down, she accepted Denali’s aid off the horse, even though the last thing she wanted to do was join this unaccepting crowd.

Once she planted her feet on the ground, she balanced by bracing her weight on her good leg and placing an arm on his. She continued to take in her surroundings as Denali led her past a series of wooden structures lining the outskirts of the village. Some of the cabins were made out of log. Others were more primitive, appearing to be just spruce poles covered with bark, various animal hides and tree boughs.

An elaborately carved totem pole stood in front of the village, honoring the Kenaitze heritage. At the top, a black raven with a straight beak represented the clan. Several other carvings rested below the bird. A human face, which, from what she researched, guarded the village, was followed by a red fox, black bear, and a brown beaver showcasing the sub clans. If only she had her camera, or at the very least her note pad.

A crowd had started to form, and a slim, pretty woman slipped through the mass, racing toward them. A close resemblance to Denali, she shared the same features, including a thick mane of raven hair and caramel skin. This had to be his sister, McKinley.

“Denali, what have you done?”

The woman paused, sparing an uncertain glance in her direction before resuming a line of questioning in their native tongue. Even though Sam didn’t know the language, the verbal assault was quite obvious. With McKinley’s hands on her hips and dark eyes flashing in outraged disbelief, a blind man could see her brother was receiving quite a tongue lashing.

“I didn’t…I…ah,” Denali stuttered. As his tribe closed in, he lowered his head in shame.

Sam stumbled forward, overcome by a strange urge to defend the man. Despite the circumstances, and his gruff attitude, she’d felt a bond had developed between them, and the last thing she wanted was for him to pay dearly for their budding friendship.

“He didn’t do anything other than invite me here to see how the Kenaitze live.” Sam flashed her best smile, hoping to convince his sister and the rest of their tribe.

Her statement earned McKinley’s complete attention. The young woman studied her with a wise, ebony gaze that missed little.

The dark-haired beauty displayed a sly smile. “I’ve heard better stories, but I like how you defend my idiot brother anyway.”

“Come with me.” McKinley grabbed Sam’s hand and started to lead her away while openly berating her brother. “Damn fool…he’s always doing stupid things. Never thinks first. He rarely uses this.” She tapped her index finger on her head. “No doubt he thought facing the tribe would terrify you. And I’m sure it did,” McKinley admitted, halting abruptly when Sam winced.

The native’s thorough stare ran up and down until lingering on the ankle she favored. Adjusting her weight, Sam sucked in a lungful of air to catch her breath.

“Oh my, it’s not just your head which is hurt. Denali didn’t…no, he wouldn’t. Did my brother do this to you?”

Sam shook her head and leaned heavily on the woman’s arm. Before she could answer, the mob had completely encircled them. An old man stepped forward, examining her closely with a keen gaze. Deep wrinkles lined his face like a hundred year old map. A large cloak adorned with thousands of colorful beads sheathed his shoulders, hiding a thin, perhaps frail build. But his dark eyes, wise with knowledge, drew her in. With little more than a nod, the elder appeared to accept her.

****

As soon as Blake entered the village, he searched for Sam. She wasn’t hard to find with her blonde almost platinum hair.

No one noticed his entrance, and he froze for a moment, making sure his eyes weren’t deceiving him.

Sam was safe.

As soon as he realized she was okay, his emotions changed in an instant.

The past two days had been a bumpy ride. He’d managed to go from one end of the spectrum to the other. Now, the rage burning through his veins was too much to bear, and he centered his focus on Denali.

Unable to control himself, Blake barreled into the unsuspecting man and knocked him off of his feet.

For a few seconds, they rolled on the ground, and he used his weight as an advantage. With a quick reflex, however, Denali stunned him with a fist to the right eye.

Seeing stars, he was still able to land a good jab to the defiant jaw. The split second gave Blake an edge as he twisted and turned so Denali was beneath him again. He viciously pinned his friend into a position in which the man had no alternative but to surrender.

“Why did you do it?” he demanded with a loud grunt. Enraged, he drew back his fist, intent on plummeting it into Denali’s nose.

“Blake!”

The pure terror in Sam’s scream made him freeze. His head snapped back, and he spared her a concerned glance over his shoulder, ensuring her safety before returning an angry glare toward his friend again.

Denali refused to answer him. Too late, he registered the spark of fire flash in the coal black eyes, detailing a small hint of what was to come.

A hard head butt.

Intense pain seared through his head as a bright burst of white blurred his vision. “Damn it, Denali.” He let go of his hold and rolled off, skull cradled in his hands.

After a few minutes, the man stood and dusted off his backside. He extended his hand, but Blake ignored the gesture and got to his feet without his friend’s aid.

“What were you thinking? Kidnapping Sam? Are you out of your mind?” he ranted. No longer seeing stars, he pierced the man with a savage glare.

“Enough,” Sam shouted as she hobbled between the two of them. “No more fighting. He didn’t kidnap me,” she stated firmly, facing Blake with her hands on her hips.

He didn’t believe her, but with Sam standing close enough to touch, he quickly forgot his anger and wrapped her in his arms.

“He didn’t,” she repeated in a low, almost convincing tone against his chest. “Denali just scared me. I thought he was a bear. I ran.”

“You ran?” Blake repeated, feeling the flush of anger start to return. “Sam, I told you to never run from a bear,” he scolded, relinquishing his hold an inch to look down at her. He grazed her jawline with the pad of his thumb and then tilted her chin up. Lightly, he brushed his lips against hers. “You could’ve gotten yourself killed,” he murmured as the kiss deepened.

Realizing they had an audience, Sam placed her palm against his chest and stumbled back a step. “I know.” She held her hand up as if the effort would brush away his reprimand. “Anyway, I fell and hit my head. Not Denali’s fault.” She skimmed her fingers over the cotton gauze.

Blake noted her reaction and quirked a brow quirk. Of all the stupid things she could’ve done. Damn, the woman was exasperating. Who ran from a wild animal? Such a response only made you prey.

Though he knew he couldn’t stay upset with her for long, he held his ground. “I was so worried, Sam. I slept in the woods. I just couldn’t leave you out there all alone. Had I known Denali would’ve done something like this…I would’ve…” He clenched his jaw, casting a scornful stare in the man’s direction.

“Denali didn’t do anything. The only thing he’s guilty of is intentionally trying to scare me,” Sam retorted swiftly.

A firm grip tugging his chin guided his gaze back to her. The sincerity in the mossy depths of her eyes told him she was speaking the truth. Lightly, he scored his fingers over her cheekbone and traced the pad of his thumb along her lips. With a gentle touch, he lifted the bandage and checked her wound. Other than the red, irritated cut staring back at him, it appeared as if she’d been well doctored.

Which meant he had an apology to make. Relieved, he pulled her against his chest and released a heavy breath. Nothing mattered as long as Sam was safe.