The Cry of the Wolf Chapter 50

Jaira clung to Strong Oak's neck but had eyes only for Eagle. He shook his head slightly warning her not to say a word as he stepped forward, matching his strides to the warrior who carried Jaira.

"Where are we going?" Eagle frowned.

"To the Mohawk Valley," Strong Oak met Eagle's eyes, "I know you are Iroquois and the Mohawk belongs to your nation. That is why you have been spared."

Eagle bit back a chuckle. Strong Oak was sadly mistaken if he thought he could defeat him. He let the matter rest.

"I know Chief Black Bear well. Yes, of course, we will join you. Does he know the Wyandotte has finally been wiped out?"

A shadow passed over Strong Oak's eyes. He was still a member of the tribe that was no more. Once they were assimilated into the Mohawk tribe, they would cease to exist - officially extinct. His stomach clenched, knowing he had played a part in this, but there were no other options. Chief Black Bear was a strong leader who would lead a united tribe to greatness.

Chief Long Knife's life had been spared along with those of his family. There had been no bloodshed of his people. Knowing he had kept his word, he straightened his shoulders, adjusting Jaira's weight. His people would live to see another day. Becoming Mohawk wasn't the worst thing that could have befallen them.

****

Jaira was in a pickle. William was long gone, she had time now to examine her feelings for Eagle. Unlike the waxy-complexioned man she had been married to for over a decade, Eagle exuded virile strength. She lowered her eyes quickly, unable to hide her blush or the tingle quickly spreading down her spine.

Strong Oak shifted her once again, as though aware of the heat emanating from her body, or her treacherous thoughts. Surely he didn't consider them still married? Now that would be a problem.

The sun was low in the sky when they entered the Mohawk village, Strong Oak hesitating for the first time in the clearing. He'd been privy to the plan but was yet to become Mohawk. They'd met in secret in the woods for weeks, but to walk boldly up to the chief he had heard so much about without an invitation…

Eagle noticed Strong Oak's hesitation, but unlike the Wyandotte warrior, he did not miss a beat, stepping forward toward the longhouse where Chief Black Bear would be waiting. A smug grin danced on his firm lips for a moment before disappearing as he announced his arrival.

Strong Oak allowed Jaira to slide down his length, holding her against him as her knees buckled. He stood outside the longhouse uncertain how to proceed. He couldn't just intrude.

Jaira held onto his forearm, wishing she were anywhere else. Swallowing hard, Jaira risked a glance up at the man who had once been her husband. Rejecting him may have not been her wisest move as only Eagle and Strong Oak stood between her and an unknown future.

****

Dark brown eyes with the slightest hint of reddish-gold met her green ones before he looked away, his jaw hardening. What did she expect? He looked like a man scorned and why shouldn't he?

The moments seemed to drag on forever, her heart hammering in her ears.

Glancing up, she expected to see Eagle rejoining them. Instead, she looked into the impassive, chiseled features of her brother-in-law. It was impossible to say who was more shocked.

"Jaira," Chief Long Knife fixed dark eyes on her, making her squirm in Strong Oak's arms, "We meet again."

Jaira stood with her mouth slightly agape staring at the last man she ever expected to see.

"Long Knife? How?" She stammered, her next thought going to her sister, "Adelaide and the children? Did they survive as well?"

A dark cloud covered Chief Long Knife's features as he looked down without answering Jaira's question. He met Jaira's eyes once more, deciding what should be done about her.

"Strong Oak, what are your intentions for this woman? She has already left you once..."

Can you trust her? His words hung unsaid in the air.

"She is mine," Strong Oak replied with a slight shrug of his shoulders as though nothing had transpired between them.

Jaira didn't dare to look up.

"Her husband is no longer a problem," Raven interrupted, a sneer marring his wolfishly handsome features, "I made certain of that."

Jaira muffled a cry, shooting him with a daggered stare.

Unphased, Raven merely laughed in her face, but there was no mirth in his laughter.

This was a cruel country and the sooner she realized it, the better off she'd be.

As though no one had spoken, Strong Oak continued. "She is mine. With your permission, we will stay with the tribe..."

Chief Long Knife swiftly turned his attention from Jaira to Strong Oak. So there it was...

Could he forgive the warrior he had once trusted? The fact they were related made the betrayal that much more painful but Strong Oak wasn't exactly offering an apology. In Chief Long Knife's world, Strong Oak was a traitor and his sister-in-law, unfaithful. They deserved each other.

Without answering, Chief Long Knife motioned with his hand, "Get them out of my sight."

Gretjen sat beside Dark Star in the shadows of the longhouse when Chief Long Knife returned, deep sadness in his eyes.

Dark Star met his eyes but didn't say anything as he turned toward the fire, his shoulders bent.