The Price, Book Two in The Black Thunder Series

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To my family, thank you for your patience, love and support.

A special thank you to all my beta-readers, Stephanie, Debbie, Lisa, Amy. Your keen eyes have helped make this book better.

To my editor, Stacey Kucharik, thank you for all your hard work.

To my cousin Steve Shalot, Thank you for your final proofing and giving it that special touch.

Also a special thank you to all the wonderful nurses, caregiver's, and hospice workers for taking such wonder care of my parent's and allowing me the grace to complete editing of The Price.

And I want to say an extra special thank you to all my readers because you are what matters the most. Your patience is greatly appreciated waiting for this story to be released in November rather than July while I took care of my parents that both simultaneously got ill.

PROLOGUE

The Zephyr winds blew at the base of the canyon, kicking up a cluster of dust as the afternoon's sun cast it's glow over the high desert terrain. Kate McBride stood by the open range, hair blowing across her face while her dress billowed its soft crepe material like a flag, flapping against the clear Nevada-blue sky.

She stood listening for the thunderous sound of hoof beats, and the loud short snorts of a locomotive while her eyes roamed over rock and range hoping to catch sight of the great noble beast.

It was there, along the foothills that he always emerged. The regal black stallion, thundering across sagebrush and dirt, like a winged horse full of strength and pride.

Black Thunder, the words pressed against her lips as the dark steed captured her scent and moved along the hillside towards her. He was more commanding than she remembered, exuding a powerfulness with strong black legs and head arched high.

But as he drew near, Black Thunder tamed his wild nature, and halted beside the familiar blonde-haired woman, transforming itself into a gentler creature.

He nodded his head as if to greet her, and she acknowledged by stroking the rim of his elongated nose. He snorted, spraying his mist over her, connecting to her scent while her hand ran along the side of his cheek then down over his mane, feeling the contrasting softness to his coarse strands of dark fur.

She lingered for a moment then continued on, moving two delicate hands along his back. He nodded again, then bowed like a prince, and beckoned her on to his back.

She accepted climbing on as long legs clung to the strong beast while her arms wrapped around its neck, before laying her head to rest against the richness of black.

Oh, how she loved to meld to his spirit, joining to the rhythm of his lost song, the long forgotten exchange, except in her dreams. It was here, where she communicated with Black Thunder, in this slumbering plane, for in wakefulness he was three hundred miles away.

Jack leaned over Kate and watched her sleep, a heavenly smile etched upon her face and the murmuring of Black Thunder escaping from pink soft lips.

Wrong stallion, baby, he whispered in her ear. Why did she always have to dream about that blasted horse? A more fitting dream would have been their wedding seven months before when he hurried her down the aisle sealing her to him permanently, and then vice-versa on their wedding night.

He was ready to do a little sealing of his own right now, drawing a sleeping Kate into a spoon-like fashion. He was coaxing her from her dreams as his hands rolled over her engorged sized belly then went roaming between her thighs and right to his favorite spot. You're wet, he said with a start, ignoring his normal morning's arousal upon the discovery. Come on baby wake up, you're wet.

Hmmm. Kate purred and pressed her back further into the recesses of her other stallion, liking the way she was being nudged awake from her blissful dream. So I am, she murmured still in between states of sleep and dawning.

No Kate, he declared and she heard the sound of alarm in his voice. I mean you're soaking wet.

Her hand replaced his and her eyes darted open with a start. He was right. She was soaked. Kate threw back the covers and quickly stood. Now standing erect with feet strode apart, she looked down just in time to watch her water break.

She looked up at Jack with disbelief then as reality sunk in, a slow smile shined from pregnant cheek to pregnant cheek and her eyes lit up like two blue globes.

I do believe you're going to become a daddy today, Jack McBride, she stated.

His mouth dropped clear to his chest and his eyes blinked a thunderstruck green. In all their time together, Kate couldn't ever recall Jack being at a loss for words.

Jack- She stated again as she felt a slight twang to her belly and back. Jack did you hear me? The baby's coming.

At least someone is, he thought as his counterpart relinquished all hold on the woman with a belly the size of a watermelon. Are you sure?

I'm pretty sure, she stated, looking down at the puddle between her feet and feeling another sharp pang. All your hard work is ready to pay off and if that contraction is any indication of how this is going to go, I think we're going to become parents fast.

Jack jumped to his feet with his heart beating like a drum in his chest. All his hard work had indeed paid off, resulting in another contraction with Kate breathing through the quickly escalating labor pain.

In the course of several hours, with Jack giving his expert instructions on the art of Lamaze while escorting Kate into the pick-up truck, then out of the pick-up truck when they reached Caron City's Birthing Center, Kate's labor hit its final stage and the hour had come for the arrival of their first child.

Jack positioned her into the perfect labor position on the birthing bed all the while ignoring the mid-wife and her own instructions to a now full-labored Kate who was ready to push.

Come on, baby. You can do it, said Jack as Kate squeezed his hand tighter.

She closed her eyes and bared down, pushing with everything she had. When the pain subsided, Kate laid her head against the pillow to rest. Jack brushed the damp strands of blond from her face.

You're doing great, Kathryn, said the mid-wife, hunched between two very long legs, ready to catch the best home run of Jack's life.

You hear that, baby? You're doing great, said Jack, as he wiped her face with a cool, damp cloth. We're almost there.

I know we're almost there. Kate pushed his hand away, not wanting to feel anything wet on her face. Or did you forget there's a bowling ball stuck right between my legs!

Jack laughed. He was getting ornery, as the contractions grew stronger.

Can you give me another push? said the mid-wife, forcing back a humorous smile.

Yes, cried Kate as she sat up and with all her might pushed again.

Here it comes, your baby is crowning! the mid-wife exclaimed.

Oh Jesus. Jack grew excited, moving from helping his wife, to an observer watching the Blessed Event. His big fat head is sticking out. One more baby, and it's all over.

You got that right, Kate cried and went to push again. I swear to God, Jack McBride, you will never touch me again!

Ah Kate, you don't mean it, he smiled, positioning himself by her side again.

I do mean it! She cried as she grabbed his hand and squeezed, then pushed. You are never touching me again.

Who are you kidding? Jack grinned with amusement as he moved between Kate and the mid-wife. He wasn't about to miss witnessing the birth since he worked so hard to get her that way in the first place.

Pay her no mind, he continued with his wide-eyed grin, glancing at the mid-wife. Hell, we'll be back in the saddle riding again before the six weeks are up!

The mid-wife jerked a quick glance at the sandy-haired man before forcing her attention back to Kate.

Not this time! Kate screamed and pushed again.

She felt a whoosh and a second later; she heard the cry of their newborn child enter the world.

Oh my God, shouted Jack in an overload of joy and excitement. We got a son, Kate. We got us a son, and he's one healthy little buckaroo!

Glad to oblige. Kate flopped back on the bed exhausted with happy, elated tears spilling from blood-shot eyes.

You want to cut the cord, Jack? the mid-wife asked him.

Hell yes, he beamed.

The mid-wife handed him the scissors, and Jack cut the cord from its mother's womb, then took the baby in his arms.

He extended his newborn son, cradling his head in between his palms and allowing his tiny feet to rest just above his elbows. Jack's eyes filled with wonder, taking in minuscule hands and tiny button nose, breathing in his son's newborn smell, bonding him right to his heart. It took all of three seconds for Jack to fall deeply and madly in love with their creation.

Welcome to my world, Jesse McBride, he whispered, as his emotions spilled out and oozed all over his son. I'm your daddy and I'm always going to love you good. So remember that!

Jesse stared at his daddy with innocent blue eyes, connecting to his parental green, then delicately opened his mouth and released an ear-piercing, banshee-like scream, as if to reply, I'm going to be just like you. You got that!

ONE

WELCOME TO THE MCBRIDE WORLD

The McBride ranch was never going to be the same. Rugged cowboys with rough speech and arms the size of bricks were now reduced to blubbering fools, cooing and awing over the new edition to the McBride household. Rugged cowboys with arms the size of bricks and rough, cantankerous speech had been reduced to blubbering fools, cooing and awing over the new edition to the McBride fold.

Jesse McBride stayed curled up in his blanket while two large arms folded around him. He seemed to be transfixed on a pair of grey eyes, and watching with fascination, the bouncing handle-bar mustache, hovering just above his own baby blues.

He cooed, and all the hired hands cooed back. He scrunched up his tiny face and they all chuckled, fawning over the babe while scrunching their own faces to match. And then Jesse spit up.

Kate McBride giggled, as she observed every single rope-slinging male take a step back and turn a shade of a green. All except Mark, who reached for a bib and wiped the infant and then his chest from the regurgitation.

Ah, you fella's ain't nothin' but sissy's, Mark declared, handing the cloth to Dustin who shook his head no, refusing to accept his manager's gift.

Speak for yourself, said Dustin, his nose curled up and twitched, smelling the sour odor. You've been jostling him too much. No wonder he spewed like that. Ain't that right, Kate?

You're doing just fine, Mark, she replied as he handed back her week-old son. But I do think my little Jesse needs changing, smelling something other than sour milk. Anyone want to do the honors?

Every single hired hand shook a violent head no! She shrugged and laid her new bundle of joy on the couch, proceeding to expose his other little present.

Ah, Jesus, exclaimed Rusty as his long-lanky frame went rigid. Will you look at that? Is it supposed to be all runny and green? The color drained from his face and he looked at his friend Dustin, as if to confer.

Of course it is, came a commanding voice from behind them.

They all turned to see Jack McBride stride in to the living room, right up to Kate and his son.

Don't you know that's the way of a newborn when he's being given breast milk?

Jack reached down and gently rubbed his finger in his son's palm until the infant curled his own around his. He looked up at Kate and winked.

We're horse trainers, not babysitters, declared Dustin.

Well then, I suggest you get back to work horse training and quit harassing my wife and son. Jack gave Dustin an authoritative glare, as if giving him the order to leave.

The others nodded and Rusty nudged Dustin's arm signaling he was ready to hightail it out of there.

We're going, said Dustin. Have a tour to get ready for anyhow.

Then what are you waiting for boy? His green eyes narrowed on the lad with stringy, blond hair. We still have a ranch to run.

Jack hid his amusement, watching his ranch hands scatter out the front door like boll weevils in the wind.

You shouldn't needle 'em like that, said Mark, seeing the satisfied grin suddenly appear on his employer's face.

Don't you have somewhere to be, too? Jack chuckled, returning his attention back to Kate and his son.

Don't push it Jack. He headed for the door. I'll be back later to check on my God-son.

Thank you for everything, Mark, called out Kate, and handed a not-too-happy Jack the soiled diaper before lifting a fresh and clean Jesse into her arms.

Seeing the exchange, Mark hooted before his boots hit the wooden plank of the porch and closed the door behind him.

What do you want me to do with this, baby? Jack turned up his nose to the white, rolled-up wad displayed in the palm of his hand.

Put it in the diaper pail. What else? Kate rolled her eyes then stood.

God, he hated the whole diaper thing. Why he'd rather clean a dozen horse stalls any day over changing diapers, feeling much the same as his ranch hands, but he did it; did it for Kate knowing there wasn't anything in the world he wouldn't do for her; especially now, seeing her sway from side to side, holding their son in her arms and singing softly into his tiny ear.

His heart stirred and so did something else when she bent over the basinet and placed their sleeping son gently on his back. His eyes raked over that sweet derriere and he longed to have her back in the saddle.

How was he going to last another five more weeks? Why, the thought of it made his stomach clench into knots. He was half-tempted to abandon all sense of reasoning, and just take her on the spot. But before he could act on his impulse, once more the front door opened and he was greeted by a chubby toddler followed by two mirrored red heads, one longhaired and one short.

Hey Jack, the two replied simultaneously, passing him and heading straight for Kate and the new McBride addition.

Jack crossed his arms and frowned. There was not going to be any riding with Clara and Felicia around. Not to mention that little he-devil, Henry, who was jumping up and down by his son's bassinet.

Just then he heard the high pitch squeal that turned into a full shriek. That's my boy, he grinned with pride from ear to ear, listening to the set of lungs on his son.

Oh good, he's awake. Clara wasted no time in scooping up the littlest McBride before Jack had the chance.

He frowned again and pointed in Kate's direction, giving a silent order for her to follow him.

I'll be right back, said Kate to Clara as she watched the two sisters ogle Jesse, before following Jack into the foyer.

As soon as she cleared the entranceway, a sweeping hand yanked her behind the wall.

What's a fella got to do to make time to be alone with his wife? He barricaded her in as he pressed himself against her. You need to get rid of Clara and her sister.

Jack, I promise they won't be here long, she stated with a sweet smile that made him want to melt all over her. Henry just wanted to see the baby.

So what's Clara's excuse? His green eyes permeated her blues. She's been here every day since Jesse was born, and it's getting old, Kate.

It could be worse, she shrugged. It could be my mother instead of Clara.

I'd take your mother over Clara any day! he exclaimed.

That's because you haven't met her. She shuttered at the thought.

Exactly. A wry smile formed at the corner of his mouth as he flipped the strand of blond that had fallen across her cheek. At least she has the decency to keep herself scarce and give us some time alone with our son.

Jack saw a shadow cast over those two beautiful blue eyes and his smile left.

You have called her, right?

She bit the bottom of her lip.

Make the call, Kate. His eyes narrowed on hers.

I will, just not now, she stated. Besides, I need to get back to Clara.

She went to move away but Jack had other ideas, blocking her with his strong, hard body and pressing her deeper into the wall.

Clara can wait, but me on the other hand- His thumb rubbed over her bottom lip and down the invisible line of her throat. God, what I want to do to you.

He lifted her chin with the indent between thumb and forefinger. Then he kissed her long and slow, savoring what was his to take and relishing in the possession of her sweet, delectable mouth. He was getting lost in her and the need to take more was growing inside and out. He barely felt the two tiny hands that started tugging on the leg of his jeans or the small high-pitched voice shouting, Excuse me! Excuse me!

He released Kate and looked down to see a strawberry-blond head with two brown eyes staring up at him.

I want to hold Jesse, came Henry's voice while he inadvertently swiped at his nose.

You have to wash your hands first. Then, sit straight on the couch if you want to hold Jesse, said Kate, pulling away from Jack and taking the lad's hand.

It was Jack's turn to fall into the wall as he watched his wife move away. He reached for her arm and she looked back at him.

One hour, he said huskily. I give them one hour, and then, I'm kicking them all out so we can have time alone together.

Whatever you want, Jack, she smiled, knowing when Jack McBride got something in his head there was no talking him out of it. Not that she wanted to. It was kind of sweet that he wanted to spend time alone with her. There hadn't been much time for that since the birth of their son and the coming and going of well-wishers.

Where you going? She asked, seeing him head for the front door. Aren't you going to stay and be the official time keeper?

Hell no, he grumbled. Like I want to hear a bunch of women squawking like a flock of hens. I'll be back.

And with that, Jack left the house. Kate had no doubt that he would be back once the hour was up. She led Henry to the kitchen and washed his hands, before returning to the living room where Clara and Felicia were passing Jesse back and forth like a football.

Henry crawled up on the couch and shimmied his little bottom against the cushions. With arms stretched out, Clara settled the babe into the boy's arms and kept a firm hand there for support.

He's wrinkly! Henry exclaimed, as he leaned his face closer. Why is he making fishy faces?

I think he's getting hungry, said Clara, seeing the baby try to latch on to her nephew's chubby arm.

Maybe you should give Jesse back to Katie so she can feed him. Felicia suggested and saw her son shake his head vehemently, no! Just a moment or two more and then you're done. Besides, don't you want to give Jesse the gift you brought?

That did it. Henry began to bob his head up and down and slide from the couch with the babe still on his lap. Kate slipped Jesse into her arms, just as Henry bolted to his feet. She sat back, undid her top and began to nurse her son. Henry grabbed the present from his mother's bag and placed it on Kate's lap.

You want to help me unwrap it? She asked the boy.

Henry was happy to oblige. He ripped open the package and retrieved the baby blanket from inside.

It's beautiful! exclaimed Kate, seeing the pattern of black stallions etched on the soft cotton material.

Kind of reminds you of Black Thunder, doesn't it? said Clara as she sat beside Kate.

It does. She sighed, remembering the stallion and something else. It's perfect. Thank you Felicia and Henry. I'll cherish it. Her eyes went moist for the third time that day as her emotions got the better of her.

It's just a blanket, Kate, said Felicia.

Oh never mind me. She chuckled, and then sniffed. I cry at the drop of a hat these days.

It's all those hormones running amuck, interjected Clara. "For once, I can honestly say poor Jack, for having to put up with them, instead of me."

You're all heart, Clara. She rolled her eyes and shifted Jesse to her other side to nurse.

She placed the new blanket over top, shielding her exposure to a curious Henry.

I know you too well, Kate, her friend refuted.

It was something other than hormones that was making Kate off-kilter today.

"And speaking of out-of-control hormones, have you spoken to anyone else and told them the good news about Jesse?" Her brow arched in curiosity.

If you are referring to my mother, the answer is no. An irritable prick shot up Kate's back.

What about your dad?

I sent him an announcement like I did when Jack and I got married, she stated, as if unaffected, but Clara knew otherwise. I haven't heard anything yet, but he'll probably send me some stupid gift.

"You know it will be her that picks it out."

Kate thought about her dad and his gold-digger of a wife. Cheryl sent us two candle holders as a wedding present.

No call, no congratulations; just two measly candle holders that were ugly as all-get-up, thought Kate as she contained her own ugly mood from brewing.

So what about Marnie? Clara brought up her mother again.

What about Marnie? Kate's jaw tightened.

You going to call her, or send her a notice, too?

The last time I spoke to my mother was right before Jack and I got married, said Kate, remembering the conversation did not go well. I know I should call her, but right now, I don't want to break the good mood.

I understand, said Clara, shaking her head. She could kill a buzz on a three-day binge!

That broke the ice and Kate laughed, knowing there was a whole lot of truth in what Clara said. Her mother was like a dark cloud ready to burst, raining her criticism and negativity all over Kate. The last thing she wanted was to have this one-single moment of pure heaven spoiled by her mother's opinions.

I spoke to Betty the other day and told her the good news, Felicia interjected, in order to change the subject seeing it was painful for Kate. She thinks once you get settled at home with the baby that you are going to have second thoughts about returning back to work in the fall.

I still want to teach, said Kate. But Jack wants me to stay home.

Oh, you are going to have your hands full with that one, laughed Clara.

I know. Kate looked out the window and saw Jack by the stables. He seemed to be shouting orders at one of his ranch hands, while the lad shook his head in a submissive yes. "He is a hard man to say no to." She looked back at Clara and Felicia.

Overbearing ass! Clara mumbled and nudged her friend.

He may wear the pants in this family, but I'm the belt, said Kate. I keep us straight. He may not like me going back to teaching, but he'll give in knowing how important it is to me.

Well good luck with that one, interjected Felicia.

This time Kate laughed as she sat Jesse on her lap and patted his back until he released a burp.

She wasn't sure if it was a nervous laugh, knowing the way Jack felt about her teaching. She hadn't told him yet, officially, but she'd hinted several times only to have him scoff at the idea. She shrugged and pushed it from her thoughts. Besides, the beginning of school was over a month away, and she would have plenty of time to brace him for what lay ahead.

Once more, there was an interruption, and Kate was glad to be occupied with something else other than her mother, Jack and teaching.

A thin, young man with jet-black hair and dark, red skin entered the living room, along with Dustin. His name was Luke, and he was the newest ranch hand employed earlier this summer and, by far, the best horse trainer they had ever seen. Jack chalked it up to Luke's Native American heritage, saying it was in his blood and family line. Kate didn't hold much credence to his statement at first, but it soon became apparent to all that Luke indeed had a gift when it came to horses.

Sorry to be disturbing you again, Kate, said Dustin, seeing his employer was still occupied with her friends.

You're not disturbing me, she said with a welcoming smile. What can I do for you, gentlemen?

Luke has something he wants to ask you. Dustin pushed the new ranch hand in front of him.

Both Clara and Felicia eyed appreciatively the good looking young man who seemed to be almost shy in nature, but having spent time with Luke herself, Kate understood that he was a man who chose his words wisely; he was not accustom to idle speech unless he had something to say.

What is it, Luke? She asked as she maneuvered her son up over her shoulder and continued patting his back.

My grandmother wishes to place her blessing upon the babe, said Luke, shifting from foot to foot as if he were nervous. It is part of our ancient ways and, normally, is performed only for tribesmen, but grandmother has insisted she wants to bless the white woman's child.

Well, aren't you special? Clara looked at Kate and lifted an amused brow. She shrugged, then waved a hand, as if, asking her to be quiet.

Is it like a baptism of sorts? She asked, focusing on the young hand, and ignoring Clara and Felicia's snickers.

Kind of, said Luke, as his nerves spilled over and he laughed.

I don't see the harm in it.

Actually, she thought it was rather special for her son to be honored by the tribe's shaman.

Where is she? She stood from the couch and placed a sleeping Jesse in the bassinet.

She's waiting in the foyer, answered Luke.

You left your grandmother in the foyer? Kate shook her head and rolled her eyes. What's wrong with you two?

We weren't sure you would agree, stated Dustin, with Kate brushing past him and Luke.

It's not like she's going to put some hex on my son. She stopped in front of Luke and tilted her head. Is she?

No, he laughed. Grandmother believes in blessings much more than curses.

Why did Kate get the feeling that the old woman knew how to dispel both? It appeared that Clara felt the same way as she jumped to her feet and blocked Kate from going any further.

Have you ever met, Mariah? Clara questioned in a hushed tone, pulling Kate aside.

No, why?

Well I have. Clara shuddered. And that old woman is scary as hell. She gives me the heebie-jeebies.

Oh, she can't be that bad, said Kate, trying to make light of her friend's overly superstitious nature.

"She is that bad and I'm not about to stick around to watch her do her mumbo-jumbo on Jesse. Clara motioned to her sister. Time to go, Felicia."

Felicia gathered up Henry by taking his hand and joined her sister's side before they all headed for the door.

See ya´ later, Kate, called Clara as the three walked out the front door.

Wouldn't Jack be pleased to know that all it took was mentioning Mariah's name for Clara to be gone like the wind? She chuckled inwardly, thinking she would keep that bit of information to herself.

Kate was the last to enter the foyer. It was then she spotted the old Indian woman resting on the settee. Her hair was as white as snow, and her eyes were as black as coal. She was much older than Kate imagined. As a matter of fact, Mariah looked ancient with long, bony fingers and facial lines that reflected a century of life.

How do you do. I'm Kate McBride. She walked up to the old woman.

I know who you are, Mariah's voice crackled, looking up at the white woman with legs as long as her arms. You are the spirit-talker. Yes?

I beg your pardon? Kate looked to Luke for interpretation.

Grandmother has heard how you saved Black Thunder from the ranchers and set him free on the State's land, said Luke. She believes you carry the gift of speaking to horses.

Oh, I don't know about that. Kate half-smiled as she looked at the old woman. Welcome to my home. Can I get you something to drink? Tea perhaps?

I have not come to socialize, stated the old healer as she rose slowly from the settee. Taking her arm, Kate helped Mariah to her feet.

These old bones don't work like they used to, she stated in a perpetual frown. There is a spirit of gentleness about you, spirit-talker. Her coal-like eyes gazed up into soft blue. Jack McBride has chosen well.

You know my husband? Kate assisted her into the living room.

I have known Jack McBride from the time he was your son's age. She paused by the bassinet and peered in to take a good look at the infant. His mother, God rest her soul, was a lovely woman, but his father… She shook her wiry-silver head. He gave in to the Dark Spirit of Firewater.

Jack doesn't remember much about his mother, she confessed.

No, I suspect he wouldn't, considering he was not much more than five when she left this earth.

Kate heard the front door open and turned to see Jack place his hat next to his drover coat on the foyer's hall tree and bench before entering the living room.

I heard we had company, said Jack, striding up alongside Kate and the old woman. Pehnaho, Mariah!

"Should I be impressed, white man, that you remember the ways of the Shoshone?" Mariah frowned.

I can recall enough phrases to get me by, he grinned amusingly at the old woman.

I have come to speak blessings over the spirit-talker's son.

Kate and I would be most honored. Jack wrapped his arm around his wife's waist.

Mariah removed the pouch tied around her neck. She opened it and retrieved two vials; one filled with water and the other, with something that looked like red paint. She began to chant, leaning over the bassinet while their son slept. It was low and melodic, and Kate tried to make out the words, but she couldn't.

As she continued her song, she sprinkled the water over the babe. When the vial was drained, she opened the red, paint-like tube and allowed it to drip on to her fingertip. The chant changed to short, crisp-like notes. She dabbed the red liquid on the babe's forehead and on the tops of his hands and feet.

Mariah withdrew a sheath and bent forward over the bassinet. Jack saw the horrified look on Kate's face. Like the protective lioness, she was about to object, until Jack placed his hand on hers and lovingly eased her fears.

It's okay, baby, he said, having witnessed the blessing ritual before. He's in no danger of being harmed.

Kate nodded, but continued to hold her breath and clutch Jack's hand. Mariah cut a piece of the child's hair and ran it through the red liquid on his forehead, hands and feet. She then tied it up with a thin cord, weaving it through the fine strands of hair.

A totem to protect the young McBride. The old woman disclosed and handed it to Jack.

Thank you, he said, and nodded in respect to the old woman's beliefs.

Mariah finished her chanting and took a step back from the bassinet.

He will be a warrior like you, she said to Jack then turned to Kate. But he will have your gift.

Kate wasn't sure what gift she was referring to, but, at this moment, it didn't matter. All she really wanted was for this odd and mysterious woman to leave.

Lucas, my work is done here, said Mariah, to her grandson. Take me home!

Yes, Grandmother, said Luke, hearing her call him by his given name. He reached for her arm and walked her to the front door, taking minute steps to match her pace.

Jack and Kate followed behind and stopped at the front door.

Thank you for your blessing over my son, said Jack. He bent down and hugged the old woman.

Yes, thank you, added Kate and she gave the old woman a kiss to her cheek.

Mariah's head did a sharp turn and she looked up at the white woman with all-knowing black, translucent eyes. The hairs on the back of Kate's neck instantly stood. It was unnerving to say the least.

Is something wrong, Mariah? Jack questioned as he lay a protective hand to Kate's shoulder.

The old woman looked at Jack then returned her attention to Kate. She stared into a pair of blue eyes—continuing through, as if searching for something else. In the time it took Kate to blink, the old woman's manner changed returning to normal, as if nothing out of the ordinary had just happened.

I shall come again when called. Mariah waved them off then stepped on to the porch with the assistance of her grandson.

Good bye, Mariah, said Jack.

You have forgotten how to say farewell in Shoshone? she said as she lifted her white-eyed brow.

Wasn't it enough I remembered 'hello'? Jack produced a semblance of a grin.

Ah, the arrogance of youth, she frowned.

Luke walked his grandmother to the truck. Opening the door for her, he helped her ease into the seat. The old woman glanced at the sun-haired beauty and heaved a heavy sigh.

What's wrong, Grandmother? Luke asked, seeing unrest in her eyes.

There is a cloud over the spirit-talker, she said.

You mean Kate?

The old woman nodded. Watch her closely, my young one.

What is it you see? he questioned.

I am not certain. Only, that it rains over her soul. You will know when the time grows near, was her only response, and then she stopped talking.

Luke