Sun Shines Brightly

Sun Shines Brightly/Justin

Night Song's naked body is curled up next to mine as we lay upon our sleeping pallet. I listen to her softly snoring, and wish I could fall asleep, but I am unable to with all the thoughts in my head. The sun has set and risen two times since the day I found Brian pleasuring himself. Even now when I think about how beautiful he looked in that moment of bliss I feel my own manhood becoming hard, and this scares me even more today than it did then.

Gently I move out of Night Song's embrace as I think of what today is, and what is to come. Tonight will be the first night of the full moon, the night I do my ritual healings in the hot springs for the ones who have been injured. This time is different, as usually family and loved ones of the injured come to help in the healing process. Since Brian has no one here, it will just be the two of us in the holy sanctuary where you can only be invited by the spirits to enter. I shake my head, remembering the dreams of the spirit's approval of our entrance into the sacred water, and how we had become united as one. I swallow hard, scrubbing my hand over my face. Just days before I spoke teasingly to Brian about taking him to a special place to be healed, but now that the day has come I am left with an unsettling feeling

I am drawn out of my thoughts when I feel Night Song sit up and wrap her arms around me, lightly kissing my neck. She whispers softly in my ear. "Good morning, my husband."

I turn and smile at her, kissing her soundly on the lips. "Morning."

Gently she caresses my cheek. "Why are you so sad this morning, my love?"

It is hard for me to even look her in the eye as I speak. "Tonight is the first full moon." Just in that moment for some unknown reason I let myself look into her eyes, and see the pain jabbing into her spirit. She nods her head knowingly and stands up. Quickly I grab her hand and speak softly. "I do not have to take him to the springs tonight."

She clears her throat and speaks with many emotions. "No, you must take him; that is tradition. If you do not take him to be healed, the elders will think ill of you." She is silent for a moment and then lets go of my hand, walking to the other side of the teepee. I hear her speak just above a whisper. "You have my blessing." She ducks her head sadly and picks up Morning Willow to feed her.

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I sit upon my thinking stone watching the sun setting in the distance. The sound of the water in the river has a calming effect on my soul and I can hear the spirits in the trees calling to me that it is time to begin the ritual of healing. I close my eyes for a moment, wishing things could be different, yet wanting at the same time for this to be. I know with all my heart when I get that close to Brian, having to touch his body to heal him, that I may not be able to stop with just the ritual. With much hesitance, pain, and desire in my heart I stand to walk back to the village.

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I open the flap of the teepee where Brian has been recovering and slowly enter. He is sitting by the small fire and my breath catches in my throat when I see how handsome he is with the orange glow cast upon his bare chest. He looks at me with an intensity I have never seen before. "What are you doing here?" he says gruffly.

I try to ignore his harsh tone. "It is time to take you down to the hot springs to finish the healing process so you can go home soon," I say matter of factly.

He laughs coldly. "I can bathe myself just fine for fuck's sake. Now go."

I speak firmly. "It's tradition."

He cocks his brow at me. "Do I look like someone who gives a shit about tradition?"

I shake my head and wonder why he seems so agitated this evening. "But you do look like someone who does not mind having a handsome man touching you in the water."

He smirks at me. "Somebody has become a little over confident. Don't think I haven't noticed that you're a cock tease."

I shrug my shoulders then hand him a loin cloth, just like the one I'm wearing. "Put this on."

He raises his brow at me. "What's this for?"

"It's to wear in the water during your healing."

He laughs sardonically. "This covers up nothing and really what's the point? You've already seen and touched my cock. Why don't you turn around so I can look at you in your little number. It certainly doesn't leave much to the imagination, does it?"

I am not sure if I should be angry or laugh at him. Instead, I shrug my shoulders and grab my parcel of cleansing herbs, walking out, knowing in my heart Brian will follow me. Hopefully, he'll be wearing the loin cloth.

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Brian

I tie on the small scrap of leather and follow Sunshine out of the teepee. I pause for a moment as a wave of dizziness washes over me. It's been a while since I've stood up, but luckily it passes quickly and I hurry to catch up to the younger man.

I don't know why I was so harsh with him just now. I was laying there thinking that I feel so much better, and how I should just mount up and leave. Leave Sunshine and his people, and let them go on with their lives. Except that I can't. There is something about him that I cannot let go. He seems so familiar to me, but I don't know how or why.

I'm not a man of emotions. I've never loved anyone in my life. Oh, I suppose I love Lindsay and Gus in my own way. There are Miss Debbie and her son, Michael, as well. Even Deb's brother, Doc Vic, has a special place in my heart. They had been a surrogate family for me when my family became too much to bear. But, real romantic love, never. That is something I've never allowed because I know it just leads to pain and heartache. It's never been a problem for me either...until now. I've tried with all my might to resist this strange and beautiful man, but I can't...I can't just leave him and forget he ever existed. His hold over me is too strong and that scares the ever lovin' shit out of me.

For the millionth time I contemplate just turning away and hopping on my horse, but I catch a glimpse of his ass in that silly loincloth, swaying in the moonlight, and I sigh heavily, trailing him into the forest. I know this will be the point of no return for me. What I can't figure out is why I'm not more upset about it.

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Sun Shines Brightly/Justin

We walk down the path to the hot springs with only the light of the full moon guiding our way. I feel Brian's eyes burning into me, and I try to pretend it does not affect me. Suddenly, I come to a stop and Brian almost runs into me. I can't help but chuckle softly.

"Why the fuck did you stop?"

"Because we are here."

He moves to stand next to me with an odd expression on his face as he looks at the closed off path where the trees are standing. "That's some pathway, Sunshine. You can't even see through those damn trees." He sighs dramatically. "Well, I guess it's time to go back."

I brush off his rude remark and close my eyes. Raising my hand upward, I begin to chant in my Indian tongue, thanking the spirits for their protection and love. Then I ask for permission to enter their sacred ground. A cool breeze brushes past us, and I hear spirits whispering and feel the love drawing out to me. Suddenly the branches part, granting us entrance to this most sacred place.

Brian does not say a word but I know he is confused and perhaps a little frightened by what just happened.

I slowly walk down to the water's edge and I can immediately tell there is something different about tonight. I can feel it in the winds. I look into the water, and the sound echoes within my spirit. As the moon reflects, I see images of Brian as a young child, alone, scared, and frightened of the adults around him. Before my eyes I see him grow and become an adult, and I watch as the light in his eyes begins to dull with pain. I try to turn my head away from the visions when I see the man who has captured my heart sharing his bed with many, and yet not caring, or loving any of them. My heart breaks when I see his spirit slowly fading with each man he lays with, as parts of him freezes with cold numbness.

I take in another deep breath and feel everything around me struggling and striving to make things anew for him. A faint breeze brushes against my face and in my ear I can hear Eagle Whisper speaking to me softly. "Sun Shines Brightly, forget everything I taught you. Tonight is not about traditional healing, but healing of the heart. The only way Brian will know how to live and survive with his soul intact is through unconditional love. Follow your heart, my son. Please do not worry for your beloved Night Song. There is another for her that will make her happy. This will hurt her now, but she also knows this is your fate and destiny

I am startled out of my thoughts when I feel a gentle hand touch my shoulder. I turn and am instantly drawn into the intensity of Brian's hazel orbs. "Are you all right?" he whispers softly. "You've been standing here for a long time."

I smile at him. "I'm fine, just lost in thought. How is your wound feeling?"

"I'll live," he smirks.

I nod my head in acknowledgment, and taking in a deep breath, move closer to Brian, delicately placing my open hand over his wound. He gasps and I can feel his pain travel through my body. I am slowly recognizing that it's not the pain of his injury that's troubling, but the pain of his inner spirit. I can feel my chest tightening with deep despair. I look up into the eyes of the man that is slowly becoming a big part of my world, and see longing in his eyes; for love and acceptance. But also fear of hurting someone else in the process or being hurt himself. That is when I realize we are both connected, and scared about what is happening between us. Brian seems so confident, but now looking into his lost eyes I see how vulnerable he truly is.

My breath hitches when I see the moon reflecting from the unshed tears lingering in his eyes. I know now, without a shadow of a doubt, that spirits of my ancestors are calling us to be together. A gentle wind blows, and the water sings softly, beckoning us to be cleansed by her. I am startled when Brian reaches up and gently caresses my cheek, then smiles at me affectionately, slowly leaning closer. My heart quickens and my mouth becomes dry, as he softly brushes his thumbs over my lips. I watch in wonder as his tongue glides over his lips sensually, and then, before I know it, he kisses me with all the passion that stirs deep within his soul. My lips tingle and without faltering I drop my parcel to the ground, wrapping my hand behind his neck, deepening the fervent kiss .

Brian enfolds his strong arms around me, softly grazing the tips of his fingers on the back of my neck, and then kneads them into my flesh. I groan when he snakes his tongue inside my mouth, and then our tongues dance together to the sound of our hearts beating as one.

I gasp with desire when I feel Brian slide his hand down my back, sending satisfying sparks up and down my spine. Reluctantly I draw back, and my whole body tingles when I feel his warm breath hot against my flesh. Slowly I reach up and brush my fingers affectionately against his neck, and Brian smiles down at me. He lets me go and bends down to pick up my parcel, and smiles slyly as he hands it to me. "You dropped something during all of the excitement." I can feel the warmth creeping into my cheeks and he chuckles softly. "I see you blush very easily. Is it something I said...or did?" he asks innocently, raising his brow playfully.

I bite my lower lip, trying to hold back a smile, then clear my throat, willing myself to speak. "No, it's nothing you did. It's actually an everyday occurrence that a handsome man kisses me."

He smirks, then moves closer to me as he delicately wraps his arms around my back and rests his forehead against mine. He speaks softly. "I believe you are telling a tall tale." He draws back slightly, and gazing into my eyes, lazily caresses his finger over my braids. There is an intensity in his hazel eyes that I cannot decipher, and I am taken aback when he starts to untie the leather thongs that hold my braids.

As much as I am enjoying this moment, I am not sure if I am ready to feel so vulnerable around him. I look at him pointedly and ask, "What are you doing?'

He kisses my lips softly. "Helping you feel more comfortable."

I quickly lay my hand over his to stop him. "I...um...you don't have to do that. I only let Night Song…" I stop in mid-sentence, realizing how vulnerable I really do sound, and how difficult it is for me to move on, no matter how much I want to. Yet I know that after the kiss we shared, nothing will ever be the same between us

Slowly I move his hand away, and undo the strings myself, shaking my head a bit. I let my loose hair fan over my shoulders.

Brian gasps and when I look at him there is a myriad of emotions crossing over his face. It is difficult to pick just one. Cautiously, he caresses his fingers through my hair and then steps even closer, brushing his thumb over my cheek. He reverently speaks my name. "Justin."

Tenderly I take hold of his hand and lead him into the spring. The warm water is soothing as we move towards the center until the water is up to our waists. I lay my bundle of herbs on a stone that rises from the water and open it. I can feel Brian's eyes burning into my back, and my breath hitches when I feel him move up behind me. He gently caresses my shoulders as he presses his body firmly against mine. I groan softly when I feel his hardness against my backside. Closing my eyes tightly I enjoy the sensation, and I can't stop a loud groan when he brushes my hair aside, placing his moist lips against the back of my neck. Brian lets his hands roam leisurely over my shoulder and down my arms, trailing kisses upon my neck and shoulders. Tilting my head back I revel in the erotic pleasure he's giving me, and then I gasp for breath as his warm tongue glides down my back. He swirls it slightly and then tenderly suckles my flesh. I feel his hand move down my leg, and then lightly brushes over my manhood. I gasp, feeling myself get even harder. "Brian," I whisper under my breath.

He nuzzles his head into the crook of my neck. "Shhh, just enjoy it."

Gradually he slides his hands across my abdomen, bringing me even closer to him. He moves his other hand over my nipples, rubbing his thumb over them sensually. I throw my head back into his shoulder, and my breath comes out in rapid pants. I turn quickly in his arms, wanting to see into his soul and let him see into mine. He seems startled at first, and I can sense how his emotions are laid bare. He leans down and ravages my mouth in a tender, yet demanding kiss. He presses me firmly against the stone, carefully untying my loincloth, removing it and laying it upon the stone. I take in a sharp breath when I feel his hand stroking my manhood. "Brian, I..."

He leans in and kisses the words from my lips and all I can do is moan in pleasure. I mimic his movement and slowly untie the cloth at his waist. He lets out his own moan when I touch his manhood. He flings his head back in pleasure and I am mesmerized by the water droplets that cling to his chest. I lean forward and chase the glistening beads of water with my tongue. He moans in pleasure, lets go of my manhood, and slowly moves his hands to the back of my neck A small chill of ecstasy courses through me as Brian slowly entwines his fingers into my hair. His lips meet mine with a desperate passion that I have never felt before. His warm breath against mine sends a shiver through my whole body and I groan loudly with desire as I feel him become even harder in my hand.

Suddenly I'm thrown to new levels of ecstasy as Brian runs his hands down my back and buttocks, firmly grabbing hold of the globes of my ass. He slowly spreads my cheeks and I hiss as I feel the hot water sloshing against my hole. I gasp when I feel one of his fingers circle my entrance, and then I wrap my arms tightly around his neck, twining my legs around his hips. Brian gasps and I'm not sure if it's pain or pleasure, but we are both too far gone to think of anything but the moment . He gasps again and holds me tightly against him as our cocks press firmly against each other. I hiss loudly when his fingers breach me and instinctively I hold onto him tightly, burying my head into his neck. I kiss and nip at his tender flesh as he gasps out in pleasure. Then he sinks his fingers deep inside me again and I pull back, holding onto his shoulders. He watches me intensely as I move against his fingers, then he whispers softly, "You're so beautiful."

I am surprised to hear such words coming from Brian, but before I can say anything he removes his fingers, lifts me slightly and then I feel the head of his manhood nudging against my hole.

"This will hurt at first," he whispers into my ear. "But I promise you it will feel good." He leans forward and licks my lips, kissing me gently. I cling to him tightly as the pain races through my body..

He stops for a moment. "Are you okay?"

I cry out as I impale myself further on his hard cock in ecstasy, and nod my head. I am thankful that he holds still for a moment, and it's as though he can see through me and read my body. I wonder for a split moment if I made a mistake, and then I feel his warm breath against my ear as he speaks to me soothingly, and gently rubs my back. After a few moments the pain begins to slowly turn to pleasure and I wiggle a bit signaling for him to move.

Brian moves slowly inside me until our bodies are dancing together in their own rhythm of passion. He kisses my ear and then thrusts deep, making me pant breathlessly into his neck as I cling to his back tightly . He thrusts again and I gasp in pleasure, as the last of the pain recedes, leaving only sensations of ecstacy as Brian completely fills me. He kneads my ass with his hands, pulling my cheeks apart with each thrust.

I place my hands on his shoulders again and look deep into his eyes, then I lean down, letting our mouths and tongues melt together.

Brian reaches in between us and takes my manhood firmly in his hand. He speeds up the rhythym and soon I am flowing over the edge, lost in my orgasm. Soon Brian gasps and I can feel the warm spurt of his seed inside of me. We cry out each other's names, and he gently leans me against the rock as I melt against him. Slowly he pulls out of me and I slide down his body until we are in each other's tight embrace.

I feel at peace in his arms as he places light kisses on my brows, and whispers soothing words. I am startled when he gasps in pain. I draw back in concern. "Are you okay?"

He chuckles softly. "Yeah, just in a little pain from the wound."

I kick myself mentally. "I am so sorry, Brian, I shouldn't have..."

He stops my words with a kiss. "I wanted to."

I turn us around so that he is the one leaning against the stone. I reach for my healing herbs and place them upon his wounds, slowly drawing out the bad energy, letting the warm mineral water heal him. Without hesitation I look deep into Brian's hazel orbs and speak softly. "I love you, Brian." He shakes his head to deny my words and there are tears forming in his eyes. Before he can say anything I press my fingers against his lips. "I know you don't feel that you can be loved, but I love you more than life itself. We are meant to be."

Brian gently caresses my check. "I'm no good for you, Sunshine."

I reach up and kiss him, hoping to make him forget his words, and then I rest my head on his chest, savoring the sensation of our closeness. He lightly strokes his fingers through my hair and then I slowly move away from him. Suddenly I feel the spirits guiding me, and I begin to speak as if I'm in trance. "When we were younger and our families were neighbors I remember us playing together in the fields. You were older than me, but you let me tag along with you and you looked after me. Even when I was so young I worried about you. I knew you were not happy at home, and I often wondered how you got all those bruises. But now...now you are a grown man, but you don't remember that little boy. The one who would follow you around, mimicking everything you did. Even I don't remember him, the boy I once was. I had to grow up too fast, forgetting my past life until now. I was always haunted by your hazel eyes, and even when I saw you in my visions, I did not connect you to that boy I knew in my former life. But now I see you for who you are. You have always had a piece of my heart and soul. I love you more now that I am a man, but when I was a little boy I looked up to you." The fog lifts from my mind and my eyes snap up to meet Brian's. "I can't believe I forgot all about that, and about you. Now you're here with me and I have so much desire for you that I can barely stand it."

Brian's eyes mist over with tears. "Justin." He swallows hard and then repeats to himself, "Justin Taylor."

I gulp and nod my head.

He takes me into another strong embrace. "Oh God, I thought you were dead. Everyone thought you were dead. Your mother was so devastated when they brought her home."

I look at him in shock. "B...b...but my mother is dead. She died with all the others."

He shakes his head. "No, she is very much alive"

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Brian

I unconsciously push him away from me. Justin Taylor! I just fucked tiny Justin Taylor, the little neighbor boy who used to shadow my every move. Why didn't I put it together that this was him. The bright blue eyes, the blond hair and that smile. God that smile, that should have given it away right there.

Then I remember why I didn't think of it. I remember my mother mentioning how the Taylor family was going to move west to get away from Caleb Taylor's domineering brother, Craig. How Jennifer Taylor's widowed brother-in-law and his daughter would be joining them from Pennsylvania to make the trip. My heart tightens because I also remember hearing later how the family's wagon train had been slaughtered by Indians not very far into their journey. How the only survivor had been Jennifer Taylor, who had no other family left, and had been taken in by her brother-in-law, Craig and his wife, Lucy. Jennifer had then married Craig when Lucy died suddenly. Craig and Jennifer had a daughter Molly, added to Craig's two grown sons, David and Christopher. Of course, I know all of this because David is married to Lindsay. Craig Taylor is my son's grandfather.

But I had forgotten little Justin. The moment I heard of the boy's death I had cut him from my memory, because I had let myself grow attached to the little kid, and once again I had been let down. And now, here I am, standing in a sacred Indian hot spring, being healed, and loved, once again, by Justin Taylor.

I am pulled from my thoughts when Justin staggers a bit and begins to fall forward. I reach out and catch him quickly.

"My mother?" he whispers softly. "She's alive? It can't be, no one survived. We tried to find survivors, to help, but it was just dead body after dead body." Justin shudders as the memory overtakes him.

"Justin, I swear to you, she is alive. They thought she was the only survivor. One of the Pony Express riders came onto the scene and rode to the nearest town for help. Jennifer was the only one they found alive, but she was hurt bad. They brought her back to Silverstone and she went to live with your aunt and uncle."

"Uncle Craig?" Justin asks.

"Yes."

"I remember my father hated my uncle. I don't remember why."

"Becaiuse he's not a good man," I reply, telling him the truth. "But at the time your mother had nowhere else to go."

"You know him?"

"He is the father of the man Lindsay is married to. He's my son's grandfather."

Justin shakes me off and makes his way to the edge of the pool. "I must go to my mother and get her away from this man. I must let her know I'm alive. I wondered why she never came to me. My father and my other uncle both came to me in the spirit world but my mother never did. It hurt so much, but now I know why. She's alive, Brian, my mother is alive!"

He begins to climb out, but I reach up and pull him back into the water with me. I haul him into my arms and cover his lips in a passionate kiss to damper his babbling. "Justin, stop for a minute," I whisper softly against his lips. "We cannot go yet and you don't know everything."

"But...my mother..." he gasps out.

"I know, and I promise you I will take you to her, but I cannot travel yet, and you have things to take care of here before you leave."

He sags against me. "Night Song," he breathes into my chest.

"Yes, Night Song, and Serpent Moon as well. This affects her too."

"Please tell me about my mother." Pleading blue eyes meet mine and I feel compelled to tell him everything, although he won't like it.

"Sunshine, your mother remarried and has another child. A little girl named Molly."

"I have a sister?" he replies in wonder. "Who? Who did she marry?"

"Your uncle Craig."

"No! She wouldn't do that." He shakes his head. "She knew my father hated his brother. Why would she betray him that way?"

"Justin." I brush the hair from his eyes. "I don't know why. I don't know her very well. It's not as if I'm exactly an upstanding citizen of the town or anything. I'm guessing she had her reasons."

He simply nods and then brings his gaze back up to mine. "You'll come with me?"

"Of course."

"Then it will be all right." He runs his hand up my chest.

I snort in reply. "You sound awfully sure of my abilities to take care of you."

"You always did a wonderful job of taking care of me. I just don't think you let yourself remember." His hand wanders to my groin and I gasp.

"I still can't get over that it's you, Justin. I remember how you used to lie in wait for me and ambush me so you could follow me everywhere. I would get so annoyed."

"Does this annoy you?" he asks as he reaches around my ass and pulls our groins tightly together.

"Not so much," I reply as I pull him to the gently sloping shallow edge of the pool and have my way with him again.

The magic flows over us once more and everything else falls away to be dealt with later.

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Walks With Wolves

I walk close to the creek with the wolves by my side, and hear their spirits talking to my soul. I can also feel the change in the winds, and I close my eyes, taking in all that is around me. I can hear music playing in the village, see the bonfire burning high, and listen to the chanting float through the air, as our people celebrate the earth and all of her goodness.

I can see my son in the distance, guiding the stranger, Brian, to the sacred water sanctuary and my heart goes out to my Sunshine. I worry about the many trials that lay ahead of him. There are many things that the wolves have told me, but I have kept to myself. I know Sunshine has had nightmares of his past life, but he does not fully remember. When he first came to us I connected to him instantly, as soon as I saw the spark in his eyes, and then I knew he was the spirit of the son I lost all those years ago. As his spirit mother it was difficult for me to take him to live with me in the tribe. I knew my husband was still alive, and I had always felt he had something to do with the tragedy of Sunshine's family. For the protection of my son I had to let him be free to be the man he was supposed to be.

I am startled for a moment when I feel a faint breeze upon my cheek. I look up and see a vision of my brother, Eagle Whisper. He walks past me and then turns with a serious expression. "Follow me, dear sister."

I follow in complete silence, wondering why he is taking me into the direction of the hot springs. Suddenly he stops and the image of his spirit fades, yet I can hear him whispering through the trees. "Sun Shines Brightly is in grave danger. This is a path he has to take to find his true love, but there are still mysteries in this world that can harm him and the village. Your husband, Black Wolf, is still alive, and has been seeking Sunshine's spirit. Brian has been brought unknowingly to help Sunshine in his journey, as well as to be his soulmate. Their spirits have been connected for a very long time."

Abruptly I feel a cold chill around me and all I can hear is the growling of an untamed beast lurking in the shadows. My wolves move close to me to protect me as I walk on in the darkness. I can hear the movements of the sacred trees and I ask for their permission to enter. I do not want to intrude on Justin, but I know this is a safe place, and that my wolves can also protect him and Brian if anything were to happen during the night.

After the tree spirits let us walk through, I see my brother again and he smiles at me. "I did not mean to leave you, but it is difficult for spirits of light to stay where there is much evil. Please do not be upset with the choices our Sun Shines Brightly will make tonight, for it is pure love that guides him. His wife, Night Song, will be cared for. The elder spirits have already chosen a new mate for her."

We walk side by side down the small dirt trail. I look to my brother. "Why have you brought me down here? You know how sacred this land is, and what is going on at the spring right now."

He smiles wryly. "My dear sister, my daughter, Serpent Moon, will need your care. She foolishly followed Sunshine and Brian into the sacred ground without permission while the trees were closing off the path. The spirits are not pleased with her right now, and, well, truth be told, she has also had a bit of an eyeful if you catch my meaning. The spirits say she deserved what she got for disturbing the tree spirits, but I believe she needs a mother's touch to lead her back home."

I shake my head. "I do not understand." At that moment the sounds of lovemaking drift to my ears, and then I hear leaves moving frantically. I am almost knocked over when Serpent Moon bursts through the bushes. I grab her quickly, and she looks at me with traumatized eyes.

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Serpent Moon

I don't know what I was thinking to see when I followed my cousin and the stranger to the healing pool. Well, deep down, I suppose I did know, but I didn't want to believe. I knew the spirit trees did not wish for me to enter, but I had to. I had to know.

Oh God, they're touching each other in the most intimate way. Why must I always be subjected to Brian and his manhood? I shudder and turn away from the disgusting, but undeniably beautiful scene in the pool. Beautiful, because, as much as I want to deny it, I can see that they are very much in love.

I begin to run as far away as I can, as fast as I can. I burst through a bank of shrubs and halt suddenly when I see my foster mother, Walks With Wolves, standing there with a bemused expression on her face.

"My, my, Serpent Moon, what a surprise. I did not know you had a healing with your cousin tonight."

I look down sheepishly. I know that she knows what I've been up to. "I...I...didn't..." I manage to gasp out before I suddenly burst into tears.

"Oh, my child, come here," she says to me as she leads me over to a large boulder. Her wolves follow and surround us. "What troubles you so?"

I look into her wise eyes. "How can you ask that? Surely, you know what Jus...Sunshine is doing with the stranger. Surely you can hear..."

She pats my hand before I can finish. "I know, my love. But I also know it is what the spirits want for him. It is what is right."

"How can the spirits want to bring such pain on Night Song and Morning Willow. They are innocents in all of this. How can he do this to them?"

"Hush child," she says a bit harshly. "It is not for us to second guess the spirits." She then smiles gently. "Besides, I have it on good authority that Night Song will be taken care of. Do not worry over her for she already knows of the fate of her husband." I remain silent, but I can feel the older woman's gaze upon me. "Perhaps it is not Night Song who you are angry for. Perhaps you are jealous."

My head snaps up. "What do you mean? Surely you cannot think that I want the stranger?"

"No," she replies quickly. "I do not think you pine for Brian."

"Surely you cannot think I want Sunshine? He is of my blood." I am troubled she would think that of me.

She simply laughs, the mirth dancing in her eyes. "Of course not, my child. I think that perhaps you envy Brian for his ability to let his true feelings show for another man. That he is so open about it."

My heart begins to race and I try to quickly come up with an answer. "I don't...I don't know what you are talking about."

"Oh my child, you can fool some people, but never me. I know that in your heart you long for the love of another woman. I have known for quite awhile now."

The tears burn my eyes. "I'm so sorry."

She takes me in her arms. "Do not be sorry for being yourself, my love. Never be sorry for that." She begins to lead me out of the clearing. "I think it is time we have a long talk, my child."

I nod as I sniffle a bit and follow her. I turn back and am troubled to see that one of her wolves has remained behind, almost as if he is guarding the clearing. They rarely ever leave her side unless there is some sign of danger.