If you like this online read you'll enjoy Linda Conrad's books!

Shadow Warrior
 £2.68

Naomi never really took another decent breath after telling Junior the truth. She deserved whatever she got.

He left her and Emily in the small hogan and called the Brotherhood. Michael and Lucas had been close by looking for them and they came back with Junior.

By then Emily was wide-awake. Still, she wasn’t steady on her feet. Holding back the tears, Naomi introduced her daughter to the man who should’ve been her father.

Michael’s face was somber. “My niece is too shaky and will need to be carried. I’ll do it.”

“No chance,” Junior told him. “I got her this far. She leaves with me.” He picked Emily up and backed out the door without another word.

Lucas led the way to the truck with Naomi and her brother following behind Junior.

Michael climbed in beside her. “Junior said you told him the truth. I’m sorry if I caused any of this, little sister.”

She swiped at her welling eyes. “Not sending my letters was your only mistake. That and not trusting me to know who I wanted. But I realize you did it thinking that was what our parents wanted. I’ve forgiven you —and them. My own mistake was much worse.”

“He still loves you.”

“He doesn’t.” Her voice cracked. “Why would you say that?”

“Can’t you see it every time he looks your way?”

“But how could he ever forgive me? Whenever he sees Emily it will be a reminder of my mistake.”

“I wouldn’t count on that. Look at what’s right in front of you.”

She gazed ahead and saw Junior and Emily with their heads together.

Whispering and occasionally laughing, they looked so much like father and daughter she nearly broke down.

Her heart stopped, skipped and then danced with hope. Was it possible? Could there eventually be some kind of future for them?

They took Emily to Dr. Ben for a checkup. Naomi stayed by her daughter’s side, reluctant to let her out of sight. The child had been dehydrated and they were giving her fluids through an IV, but she’d be able to leave in the morning. An hour later, Naomi snuck out of the room while Emily took a nap.

Junior stood in the hallway —alone. Surprised, she went to him with hesitant steps.

He must’ve seen the questions in her eyes. “You two still need protection. I’ve nominated myself for the job.”

“Oh?”

“I’ll be joining the Brotherhood, too. Ben is going to help me finish my medicine man training.”

“Oh.”

“If you still love me,” he began as he gazed at her. “Are you going to marry me like you promised seven years ago?”

“But what about Emily?”

“She’s thrilled about having a new baby brother. Ask her.”

Naomi collapsed into his arms. “I’m so sorry for the lost years, Junior.”

He stroked her hair. “Don’t be, my love. We’ve got two fantastic children to show for those years.”

Four spirits would be joined. A new family begun. And all through the power of love and trust.

The End



chapter: 1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10  11  12  13  14  15  16  17  18  19  20