The Cry of the Wolf Chapter 52

"My sister is here?" Dark Star stood, immediately turning toward the doorway.

Chief Long Knife placed a tender, yet restraining hand on her wrist.

"Not tonight."

"But - "

"She needs to be alone tonight. You will see her in the morning," Chief Long Knife's expression made it clear he wasn't to be questioned on the matter.

Dark Star returned to her seat at her husband's side, "I can't believe my sister returned. How could she have found us?"

"Strong Oak brought her here."

Dark Star's eyes widened, "He is here? And Jaira? Together?"

Brown Sparrow couldn't hide her giggle, "True love prevails!"

Dark Star grinned. If that wasn't fate, she didn't know what was.

"My sister was captured by our tribe a few months ago," she explained to Gretjen who sat with them, her eyebrow arched. "She was given to one of our warriors who had recently become a widower. Strong Oak married her but my sister refused to be his wife - fully."

"Ah," Gretjen nodded, although she still had a lot to learn about the native way of life. "What happened?"

"Well, my sister was still married to William who had been away when she was captured and she refused to...well, anyway, their marriage was dissolved and she returned to Quebec with one of the Frenchmen who was working in our village. How Jaira came to be here is a mystery - and with her native husband no less!"

"I look forward to meeting your sister," Gretjen smiled warmly.

"...And hearing all about it!" Brown Sparrow winked, blushing as she glanced over at her own husband.

****

Jaira awoke the next morning before the last stars had disappeared for the night. Slowly exhaling, her relief at not finding Strong Oak still in the bed they had shared was evident.

"Are you hungry?" Strong Oak leaned over the fire he was coaxing to life, not bothering to turn around.

Last night had been less than satisfactory.

Jaira stiffened at the sound of her husband's voice, wrapping her arms around her knees without bothering to reply.

Strong Oak chose to ignore her sullenness, removing the fish from the flames before it burned, the meat white and flaky.

Knowing she was watching him, he gestured to the breakfast he had caught not an hour ago.

"If you change your mind," he looked away before returning to his own meal.

Finished, he stepped out into the dew-drenched dawn. The heralding of a new day, the silence interrupted only by the sweet songs of nearby birds singing for their Creator. They seemed to not have a care in the world as they tilted their heads, serenading the Heavens.

Leaving his wife behind, he stepped away from the longhouse, more important things to deal with than his wife's sulking.

Jaira waited until she was certain he had left before pushing the furs aside, her eyes on the meal he had prepared for her. Remembering all too clearly the corn mush she had been forced to endure a few months ago, the fish smelled heavenly.

Tearing chunks away from the bones, suddenly ravenous, she didn't hear someone enter the longhouse.

"Jaira..."

At the sound of her name, Jaira spun around on her heels, nearly losing her balance.

"Adelaide!"

Her sister smiled but shook her head. "I'm Dark Star now." Pressing on as the silence grew awkward, Dark Star continued, "I saw your husband a few minutes ago and thought this was a good time to come see you. I wouldn't want to interrupt anything..."

Jaira turned several shades of crimson as she averted her sister's gaze. Humiliating, that's what it was.

"I was so excited when my husband told me you'd returned," Dark Star pressed on quickly, hoping to get past the awkwardness between them.

"Gavin? He's here?"

The color drained from Dark Star's face at the mention of her husband she would rather forget now.

"No, of course not. I was referring to Chief Long Knife."

Jaira watched for a moment as Dark Star involuntarily stroked her extended womb, no longer able to conceal her pregnancy.

"How will you explain this to Gavin?" Jaira's eyes narrowed, "What will he do when he finds out you've been more than a little unfaithful? I can't imagine him being too keen on raising another man's baby."

Dark Star looked away, well aware that Gavin was extremely jealous. What he didn't know…

****

"Strong Oak is a good man. The sooner you stop fighting, it will be easier. Trust me, if he's anything like the chief, it will be easy to grow to love him."

"Never!" Jaira scowled, "I refuse to judge you. What you've done is between you and God, but I will say I pity you..."

Jaira's thoughts wandered a moment to the all-too-fresh memories of Strong Oak's lovemaking. In truth, it had been more like a waltz of hazy passion than rough, demanding and taking what he believed to be his right. She would never admit it, even to herself, that it had been wonderful. No, Jaira wasn't a weak woman. She would fight this wrong until it was made right.

Dark Star noticed the soft blush dusting Jaira's cheeks but kept silent.

"Well, I wanted to check in on you and make sure you were alright. We would love to have you join us for dinner tonight. I am sure my husband has invited Strong Oak."

Jaira nodded. It wasn't like she had anywhere else to go and the thought of Adelaide being close by was comforting. Not that she would ever tell her sister.