According to Legend (25 page)

I’m going for a long walk, no, maybe a run. I really have to deal with all this
. He was getting out of the truck when the police cruiser pulled up and Williamson got out. David hadn’t expected him, but he knew the cop was impatient.

“Hey, Lover-Boy, no date with the Ice Princess tonight?” Williamson asked as he swaggered toward David.

“Shut up, Williamson.”

“Hit a sore spot? Well, isn’t that too bad? Who was that guy that showed up at her house today? I thought you said she would be alone. Any idea what’s she’s up to?”

“No.”

“Hey, maybe that’s her new boyfriend,” Williamson taunted.

“I don’t know. Look, Williamson, I can’t talk right now. This isn’t a good time.”

“What’s the matter, Ice Princess screwing her new boyfriend tonight?”

“Shut up, Williamson, I’m warning you.” David’s hands balled into fists at his side.

“Ohhhh, I’m scared. Look at you. She has you all screwed up, man. She must be one great lay. I warned you not to get too attached to the bitch and look at you, you’re panting after her like she’s a dog in heat. Maybe I should take a ride over there and pay a visit to little Miss Ice Princess. Maybe I’ll see for myself what a tight little piece she is.”

“Don’t talk about her like she’s one of those tramps you date, Williamson,” he said through gritted teeth.

“F U,” the cop said as he inched closer to David.

David’s blood was boiling and his control slipping away as anger burned in his gut. His head was pounding and his heart raced as he grasped onto what little control he had left.

Williamson took a step closer so they stood nose-to-nose.

“Williamson, you better back off. I have a lot on my mind right now and I’m not going to deal with you. I’m warning you, you’re on dangerous ground now so back off before I lose it.” David took a step back.

“Don’t tell me you’ve fallen in love with that little slut?”

“Williamson, I’m warning you.” David’s breathing was quick and raspy.

The cop shoved David’s shoulder. “What’s the matter, lover boy?” He shoved him again. “Can’t take a little competition?” He shoved again.

David closed his eyes and clenched his fists tighter. Williamson smiled and shoved him again, taunting him further. “I bet she’ll like my dick a lot more than she likes yours. Tell me, is she a screamer or moaner? I take her for a moaner. I could tell by the way she wiggles that tight little ass of hers that she’s hot in bed.”

“Williamson, I’m warning you one last time.” David was shaking.

An evil smile spread across Williamson’s lips. “You know I fantasize about giving it to her from behind, hard and fast.”

“Why you vile son of a—” Before he could stop himself, David punched Williamson in the jaw. Williamson fell backward and landed on his ass.

In that split second, David realized he had just assaulted a police officer. Even though he’d been provoked and Williamson deserved much more than a punch in the jaw, David was pretty sure Williamson had the right to arrest him and press charges.

“Look, man, I’m sorry,” David said as he extended his hand to help the officer up.

“I’m not going to haul your sorry ass off to jail tonight but you mark my words, you’ll pay for this.”

That night when I got ready for bed I thought about how violently ill I’d been in the morning and how it had passed. I hadn’t given any thought to it since, but realized I had better get my calendar out and start counting the days. I sat on the edge of the bed and dug through my purse for my calendar when I found another little GPS chip.

“I can’t believe this! Look what I’ve just found,” I said to Half-Breed.

I knew we couldn’t trust either of those dirty dogs
.

“I guess you’re right. Let’s see how they like this,” I replied as I walked into the bathroom and flushed it down the toilet.

I swear I could hear the wolf snickering.

I dug the calendar out and started counting. Sure enough, I was late!
Oh man, this can’t be good!
Tomorrow I’m getting one of those home pregnancy tests. It can’t possibly be positive.

Again, Half-Breed snickered.

“You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you? Do you like the idea of being a grandfather?”

More than you know.

Was the wolf grinning?

I set the calendar on the night table and climbed into bed. “We have a lot to talk to Moheeladeck about tonight.”

Yes, but I think he will be most anxious to hear of your condition than of anything else. You remember doing that ceremony with him in the cave asking the Great Spirit for a child? He will be grateful that the Great Spirit has granted his request
.

This cannot be happening
. I turned off the light and snuggled down under the covers. Placing my hand over the dream catcher, and over my heart, I drifted off to sleep.

Moheeladeck was waiting for me at the central fire pit. As I appeared out of the shadows, he rushed to my side. “How are you feeling?” he asked, his eyes dark with concern.

“I’m fine,” I said, trying to brush it off with little regard. “Wait till I tell you what happened today.” I said, anxious to tell him about the house.

“I want to hear all about you day, but I’m more interested in the state of your health. I must take better care of you,” he said.

“Really, I’m fine. It’s nothing.”

“You refer to our child as nothing?” He looked hurt.

“No one said for certain we are having a child.”

“Weekatay is certain.”

“Well, I’m not.” I knew he wanted a child and I did, too, eventually. But right now, the mere thought of having a baby scared me to death.

He handed me a small pouch. “Weekatay wants you to drink some of this each night before you sleep. It will prevent the sickness.”

I took it and said, “Well, we shall just have to wait and see. In the meantime, let me tell you that I put the house, er, lodge on the market today and the realtor said that he has a client who might be interested in buying it.”

“That is good news. How long before you can remain here?”

It wasn’t until then that I had really thought about it. I just got a check for half a million dollars and no longer needed to work. I could actually pay everything off and stay here now, and yet I couldn’t even consider the possibility of never seeing David again.

“I think it should be soon,” I said.

“That is the best news I have heard this day.” Then placing his hand gently on my belly, he said, “Well, maybe the second best.” He smiled.

I knew he was excited about the possibility of a baby, but I really didn’t want to get his hopes up before I knew for sure, and before I could straighten out my emotions.

“I have more news, but I fear it’s not good,” I began.

“What has happened?” he asked as he led me to sit on a log before the fire.

I quickly filled him in on the day’s events.

His face was grave with concern.

“Why did you not summon me?”

“It was over before it even started, but I have to tell you they were planning to force me to take them to the cave.”

“I do not like this. I don’t want you to return to that time again,” he said in that tone of finality that indicated a decision had been made.

“I don’t want to go either, but for now it’s necessary. Once the house is sold, I can remain here,” I answered. “In the meantime, what choice do we have? It’s not like you can drop everything here and come and stay with me in my time.” I regretted saying the words even as they slipped out of my mouth. My thoughts raced to David. How could I ever sort out my feelings for him if Moheeladeck were there with me in my realm?

“Why not? Do you not want me there? It’s because of him, isn’t it?”

“No, no, not at all. It’s just, well, I never thought it would be possible for you to leave the People and come live with me. Can you do that?” I asked, hoping that I didn’t sound like I really didn’t want him there.

“Yes, for a short time. The preparation for winter is completed. There will be one more hunt, but that will not be until after the first snow. Surely, we will have returned by then.”

I smiled at him. Even though I was confused, part of me was excited by the thought of having Moheeladeck come back with me. “There is only going to be one problem,” I said with a playful smile.

“Only one? And what would that be?” he asked, also in a playful tone.

“We’re going to have to buy you some clothes.”

That night Moheeladeck made love to me gently and tenderly as if I were as delicate as a china doll. At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about that, but I realized how special it made me feel. It really showed the depth of his love for me. I smiled as I rested in his arms and my thoughts wandered unwillingly to David. I couldn’t help but wonder if he would be reacting the same way if this baby were his.

“Tomorrow we will tell the People that I will accompany you to your time and remain there with you for a short time,” he said softly against my ear.

“I’m happy that you will be with me, but I worry about the People.” I was really genuinely concerned, but also couldn’t help but wonder if I was stalling, if it was that I really didn’t want Moheeladeck in my time.

“There is nothing to worry about. The other tribes have migrated to their winter camps or are busy making the final preparations for winter in their camps here. There should be no danger, but if danger were to come I would be made aware of it and could return at once to face it. I fear Divakar will be more of a threat to you in your world than in this one.”

More than you know
, I thought.

We fell asleep talking of being together for the next few days in my time. The next morning when I woke up, I wasn’t sick at all. Whatever was in Weekatay’s potion worked like a charm. Then again, maybe I wasn’t even pregnant.

We met with the People and Moheeladeck explained everything. He asked a few of his most trusted braves to be on guard for any trouble and to keep him informed. I didn’t question how that would ever come about.

After some preparation, it was time to leave. I took the catcher in my right hand and placed my left hand over Moheeladeck’s heart. “Take us to my time,” I whispered and we were instantly transported back.

The catcher never ceased to amaze me. We arrived exactly in the same location I was in when I left, on my side of the bed. Half-Breed groaned when he realized there was even less space now for his large body.

“You will have to sleep on the floor, Half-Breed,” I said. “Moheeladeck is going to remain here with us for a few days.”

Har-Humph,
he managed to grumble as he slithered to the floor.

“Today I am going to do two things, resign from my job and then go to the mall and get you some clothes. You can’t very well walk around town in nothing but a loin cloth,” I said to Moheeladeck.

“You have never complained before. Besides, I had hoped that I could interest you in one of your hot showers,” he murmured in my ear.

After our shower, I took out a tape measure. I needed to get some clothes that would fit Moheeladeck. As I wrote all his measurements down on a small pad, he asked, “Why do you do this?”

“I’m going to the mall and get you some clothes.”

“What is . . . mall?”

“That’s a place with a lot of stores where I can buy you clothing. In order to stay in this realm you will have to blend in. You will need some jeans, a few T-shirts for sure. I really wish you could just come with me, but you can’t leave the house with nothing on.”

“I like staying here with you when both of us wear nothing.”

“Moheeladeck, if you keep this up, I won’t get to the mall at all today.” I moved away to get dressed, but he had other ideas. It was an hour later when I had finally gotten dressed. We went downstairs and I made a quick breakfast after which I shot an email off to my company resigning, effective immediately. I knew it wasn’t good business practice, but at this point, I didn’t care. I knew my place was with Moheeladeck, in his time.
But what about David?

I shoved that thought aside, picked up the paper with Moheeladeck’s measurements on it and, not mentioning anything to him, at the very bottom of the page I scribbled ‘in-home pregnancy test.’ Even though I wasn’t really ready for this, I was starting to get excited at the prospect of a positive test result.

“Okay, I’m going to go to the mall.” I was nervous about leaving him here alone. “You stay here. Don’t go outside. Just watch TV,” I said as I picked up the remote and clicked the on button.

When the picture and voice blared to life, Moheeladeck jumped. “What magic is this? How did those men get in there?” he asked.

“This is a television,” I said. “Nothing you see there is real, well almost nothing. It is strictly for entertainment. You can’t speak to those men. They can’t hear you. You merely watch what is being shown there,” I tried to explain, but knew I was failing miserably.

I clicked through the guide and found a movie that I thought he might find interesting.

“Here, watch this. It’s
Dances With Wolves
, a movie about an Indian tribe in the West,” I said.

I didn’t know if he would understand that it wasn’t real. As the movie began, Moheeladeck settled into a comfortable chair as if it were as natural as sitting by the fire. I watched him for a moment and thought,
maybe it was
.

“I’ll be back in about one hour. Don’t touch anything,” I said. I hope he wouldn’t try to microwave popcorn and accidentally burn the house down. I grabbed my purse and started toward the door. This was like leaving a three-year-old home alone. I was struggling with the entire idea.

“Come on, Half-Breed, let’s hit the mall,” I said as I headed toward the door.

The wolf got up and followed me.
I hate shopping,
he complained.

I know you do, but would you rather I go alone? What if I happen to bump into Williamson? You better come along.

You are right, Princess. We must go together.

I was afraid and on guard the entire time. Every little noise and approaching footstep made me jump. It was difficult to focus but the trip ended up being uneventful. I got everything we needed with the exception of shoes. I even remembered to get the pregnancy test. I wanted to do that without letting Moheeladeck know so I could share the good news with him, if there was good news to share.

I didn’t want to stay away from the house any longer than necessary, and I was also starting to get paranoid about who might be working with Mr. Harvey and Officer Williamson. Not knowing who was behind it all, I feared that I could get abducted at any moment. Having Moheeladeck here with me was certainly going to make me less afraid.

But what about David?
How was I ever going to sort all this out?
Again, Half-Breed made no comment on my thoughts.

When we pulled into the garage and I shut the door behind us, I heaved a heavy sigh of relief. “Home, safe and sound, Half-Breed, and the house is still standing. That’s a good sign. I wonder if Moheeladeck is enjoying the movie.”

Yes, no trace of those dirty dogs who tried to abduct you yesterday. I feel a lot better with Moheeladeck here with us. I can protect you, but I can only do so much against armed men and in the form of a wolf, Princess
.

I understand, Half-Breed. Let’s get these bags inside. I need to do one thing before I have Moheeladeck try on his clothes. Hopefully, we will have something to celebrate tonight.

We unloaded all of the packages from the car and dragged them into the house. I was unprepared for what I saw when I got inside. Moheeladeck was seated cross-legged on the floor in front of the TV arguing in his native tongue with the tribe in the movie. I couldn’t help but laugh. He was so absorbed in the story he hadn’t noticed me until I laughed.

“You have returned,” he said. He rose quickly, forgetting the movie. “Let me help you carry those sacks.”

I handed him the bags. “Let’s bring these things upstairs and you can try them on.”

He followed me up to my bedroom and placed the bags on my bed. I grabbed the little pink box and rushed into the bathroom to do the test. I followed the instructions and waited the allotted time for the little ‘plus’ or ‘minus’ sign to appear.

“Princess, is something wrong? You have been in there a long time?” Moheeladeck asked as he gently tapped on the bathroom door.

“I’m fine. I’ll only be another minute.”
I hope.

Was I holding my breath
? I was more excited than I ever thought I would be over this and soon the little ‘plus’ sign appeared in the space. The test was positive.

I was pregnant!

“The test is positive!”

Test? What are you screaming about in there?
Half-Breeds thoughts flooded me.

“
I bought a home pregnancy test and it’s positive. We’re pregnant!” I answered excitedly as I hurried from the bathroom.

“Pregnant
?”
Half-Breed and Moheeladeck spoke in unison.

“Yes, we’re going to have a baby!” I said, rushing to my husband. I threw my arms around his neck and rained kisses all over his face.

“
Yes, we already know this
,”
he answered, laughing at my excitement.

“I had to be sure. Tonight we truly do have something to celebrate.” Despite my fears, I couldn’t stop smiling.

Does that mean hot dogs for dinner?
Half-Breed asked with a hopeful tone in his voice.

“We’ll see,” I replied, giggling like a schoolgirl.

“Oh, I nearly forgot. Moheeladeck, let me show you your new clothes. Maybe you should try them on. I want to see what you look like in them.”

“I would much rather you take yours off, but I will put them on if it pleases you,” he said.

I showed him what went where and soon he stood before me wearing jeans and a T-shirt. He really looked great in those jeans.

“Emm, you really have a great butt,” I said.

“Butt?” he asked, “What is butt?”

I reached out and patted his hard, tight buns.

“There are some aspects of this time I think I enjoy.” He smiled.

As I looked at him, I thought of another smile. I wondered what would happen if David showed up here and came face to face with Moheeladeck, Divakar’s mortal enemy. I realized that Moheeladeck was staring at me. “I’m sorry, I don’t know where my mind was,” I said, a little embarrassed.

I know exactly where it was,
Half-Breed’s thoughts entered my mind. I remembered that Moheeladeck could also hear the wolf’s thoughts.

Moheeladeck and I both looked at Half-Breed. My eyes were pleading with him not to communicate my thoughts to Moheeladeck. Tears welled up in my eyes and threatened to spill over.

“You have to allow emotional swings for a woman who is having a baby,” I blurted out as I started to cry. I knew I couldn’t keep this up. I had to get control. I had to figure out what was going on and where my heart was taking me, and I had to do it soon. Seeing my tears, Moheeladeck drew me into his arms.

“What troubles you, my love?” His concern made me feel guiltier than ever and the sobbing worsened. He held me close and tried to sooth me, but the more he tried, the harder I cried.

“I’m sorry,” I kept saying. “I can’t help it.”

He clearly didn’t know what to do so he just held me, letting me cry, soaking his new T-shirt.

Finally the crying stopped. “I’m sorry,” I said, “I think that I’m over emotional right now.”

“I am not sure, but I think it may be because of our child that you experience these tears.”

He held me closer and gently rubbed my back. “Now, tell me again how much you like my butt in these clothes.”

I giggled and he smiled, but our playful moment was interrupted when my cell phone rang.

Reluctantly I picked it up. “Hello.”

“Hi, Pam, this is Matt Wayne. I just wanted to make sure we were still on to show the house today?”

“Oh, yes,” I said, glancing at my watch, “I had nearly forgotten. Thank you for calling. I’ll be out, but you have the key and the security code to get in. How long will you need me to stay out with my dog?”

“An hour should be enough time.”

“Great, I can do that. I’ll be leaving shortly and good luck.”

I turned to Moheeladeck. “We’re going to have to take Half-Breed for a little walk so that the realtor can show the house.”

“We will go out together?” he asked.

“Yes, do you think you’re ready?”

“Ready? Probably not, but I am willing,” he said as he was trying on the black leather jacket I had bought for him. With his long dark hair pulled back in a ponytail, he looked like a fiercely handsome biker, except for the moccasins.

“We really need to get you some shoes,” I said.

“Maybe we can go to your mall and get them together now that my great butt is covered in these . . .” He hesitated as his fingers grasped the material.

“Jeans, those are called jeans and, yes, now that your naked butt is covered we can all go to the mall. Half-Breed will have to stay in the car, but after we get you some shoes, maybe we can take him to the park as a reward. He loves to go there and get hot dogs.”

At the mention of hot dogs, Half-Breed’s ears perked right up.

Soon we were all in the car and headed toward the mall. We parked in a shady space and left the windows down for Half-Breed. He liked to watch all the people coming and going and always kept a watch out for enemies.

We went into the mall and I headed directly for the map of stores to find a place to get men’s shoes. But when I turned around to speak to Moheeladeck, he was not standing beside me. He was still close to the entrance, surveying his surroundings in awe.

Oh, this was not a good idea
, I thought to myself. I went back to him and put my arm through his. “I think that I have found the right store on the map.”

As I led him into the mall, it didn’t escape my notice that most of the women were openly staring at him. He was quite a sight in the black leather jacket and those snug jeans.

We were heading toward the section of the mall where the shoe store was located and when coming around the corner, we bumped directly into the last person I expected to see.
David
.

My heart thundered. In surprise? Fear? Or was it something else?

Moheeladeck pushed me behind him and took up a defensive stance. David backed up a step as if in shock. “What are YOU doing here?” he demanded, his voice rushing out in a hiss at Moheeladeck.

“I have come to protect my bride from you.”

David glanced from Moheeladeck to me. “I should have taken what you would have so willing offered when I had the chance,” he snarled. The look on his face was that of Divakar. It was as if he had a split personality and the evil one was now in control.

“You should have seen her the other night,” David taunted Moheeladeck in a low voice. “Standing in my arms panting with desire.”

Moheeladeck took a step forward and grabbed the front of David’s shirt.

I was quick to step between them and placed my hand upon Moheeladeck’s arm. “Both of you stop this,” I said. “This is neither the time nor the place for this.”

Moheeladeck released his grip on David and stepped back.

A small crowd was beginning to gather around us. I took Moheeladeck by the arm and ushered him past David. “If you’ll excuse us, David. It was a pleasure running into you. Perhaps you should stop by the house some time so we can continue this conversation in private.”

David stood there and watched us walk past.

“I certainly would enjoy seeing you again in private. I will take you up on your invitation, Miss Hastings,” he replied and then, directing his comment to Moheeladeck, he said, “This is still far from over.”

When we got back to the house, the tension in the air was palpable. None of us seemed to know quite what to say. We brought the bags from the shoe store up to my bedroom and I made space in my closet for Moheeladeck’s things. My mind was racing from topic to topic as I tried to think of something to say to break the awkward silence between us. I was so focused in my thoughts that I jumped when my cell phone rang. Matt Wayne. His client had made an offer to purchase the house.

“That’s wonderful news, Matt. What’s next?”

“I will prepare the contract for his signature and once he signs it, I’ll bring it over for you to review and sign. He wants to pay cash so we can close as soon as you are able to get your affairs in order and get moved out.”

“Pay cash? Who is it exactly that is interested in buying the house?”

“He’s a doctor. Dr. Benjamin Harvey.”