Salvation's Secrets (The Loflin Legacy Prequel) Read online

  Seth switched from gazing out over the land he loved to offering up a cool stare for his best friend. “You ever been in love, Charles?” Unable to harness the raw need in his question, Seth managed a blank expression.

  Charles’ eyebrows winged up at the question. “No, can’t say as I have. The ladies at the saloon treat me well enough.” He glanced at Seth. “Are you telling me that’s what’s been wrong with you these past few days? Christ on a crutch, man! Have you lost your mind?”

  Seth frowned out into the distance watching a dust devil kick up and dance their way. “Hell, no, I ain’t lost my mind.” Unwilling to let Charles see how flummoxed he was, Seth watched the dust devil dance sideways and skip the dirt into the air.

  “Maybe you better tell me what’s going on, brother. Before you step off a cliff or some such nonsense.” With a chuckle, Charles reached over and punched Seth in the arm.

  “All right, you ain’t got to go and get violent. Jeez.” Rubbing his arm where Charles had left a burn, he glanced at Charles. “Hell, a man’s got urges, don’t he? I’m just trying to decide if these urges are something more. She sure is a looker, Charles. Man, she gets my juices going.”

  “Ummm, I don’t know old man. Urges come and go. They don’t usually cost a man his good sense. You might want to cool your heels and coast a while. Women are trouble. Look at your paw. He can’t keep a woman happy. What makes you think you can?”

  Seth didn’t spare Charles another cold cut glare. Instead, he ignored him completely. “I’m gonna go see her again.”

  “Fine, I’ll ride into town with ya. The ladies at the Silver Spur are always up for a little entertainment. All I gotta do is flash ‘em a smile.” Charles cocked his head and winked, his dark eyes dancing with carnal innuendo.

  “I ain’t going into town.” Seth set his jaw. The need to explain festered inside his head.

  “Okay, well which ranch house you headed to?” Charles glanced at the sun setting in the west behind the pines. “Awe, it don’t matter which. The bunkhouse ought to have a poker game startin’ any time now.”

  “I’m going to Lone Eagle’s camp out on the bluffs.”

  Charles cut Seth a meaningful look. “Come again?”

  “You heard me.” Seth jutted his chin a fraction. His insides wanted to churn at the look Charles shot him. You’d have thought he’d said he was going to kill somebody.

  “I thought I heard you say the Comanche camp out on the bluffs. My hearing must be going.” With a palm, he bumped the side of his temple pretending to dislodge his brain.

  “Her name’s Celia and she’s Lone Eagle’s daughter.” The thrumming of his heart pounded in his ears. Seth adjusted his seat in the saddle and gazed out at the setting sun. “I’m taking Lone Eagle that deer I killed this morning.” The subject wasn’t negotiable. Not willing to argue with reasonable thinking, he ignored the cocked brow Charles shot him.

  “Seth, seriously, now, quit fooling around. This ain’t nothing to make light over. What would Earl say if he knew you were going to spend time with an Injun?”

  “She’s half Comanche and half white. Her mama died when she was a baby. Her cousin, Broken Horse told me all about her.” His mouth curled up at the corners before he thought better of it and turned away.

  Charles huffed out a breath. “I don’t care if she’s ninety-nine percent white, she’s got some Injun in her, and so that makes her Injun in Earl’s eyes.” His dark hair danced over his face. Charles shoved it back and settled his Stetson more firmly in place. “Come on, Seth. You know it’s the truth. Why go and borrow trouble? Earl’s already threatened to send us both away if we get into any more jams.”

  Seth pulled hard on Sarge’s reins. “I could ask you the same damn question, old man, now couldn’t I? Why go and borrow more trouble?” His irritation showed in the thin set of his mouth.

  The jab didn’t escape Charles. He understood what Seth referred to, his hiring out to gun men down for a living was probably going to get him killed sooner than later. “Fuck!” Charles shouted the curse into the darkness and spurred his horse to catch up.

  Seth had heard enough. He galloped ahead rather than listen to any more of his Charles’ reasoning. He may be hell bent on seeing the Comanche half-breed but he’d be damned if he’d take crap off of a hired gunslinger. Shaking his head, he backtracked, regretting his thoughts immediately. Charles was like a brother to him, deserving better than his anger. Still, how did you make another understand what you yourself didn’t fully understand? Gazing out, he narrowed his eyes. He craved her like water. Her essence surrounded him. Time apart caused unimaginable dreams and yearnings. Seth didn’t understand why he couldn’t eat, sleep or think straight. No woman had ever caused him so much unrest. To be with her proved an irrational, yet driving force, which kept him going?

  For a short while, the only sound was of the horses’ hooves. The night sky began to glimmer with stars as the last dregs of day disappeared over the horizon. Sighing, Seth slowed his pace.

  “Let’s drop it, okay? I want you to go with me.” Besides, if anything goes wrong, you’ll know where to look for me.” Seth tried for light with a half-cocked grin.

  “Shit!” Charles swore aloud again before nodding. “Don’t talk like that.” He rubbed at the back of his neck. “All right. But, you can’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  “Enough already!” Seth’s snarl echoed into the darkness. “I won’t point out your stupidity if you don’t point out mine – agreed?”

  Charles let out a huff. “Agreed.”

  They came upon two Comanche braves on horseback not far from the camp’s firelight. In the shadowy reflection from the fire, Seth recognized Red Bear’s tall, broad frame with the sash tied at his waist. Digging deep for his bearing, he acknowledged the brave and tipped his hat as well.

  The Comanche’s stare, filled with contempt, boded ill. He was up to no good.

  “Cordial reception, ain’t it?” Sarcasm dripped form Charles’ words. “I see you’ve been your warm, suave self, with these people. Do I need to check my scalp before we leave here tonight?”

  “Enough, Charles. This isn’t the time for your crap.” Irritated by more than Red Bear’s greeting or Charles cynicism, Seth searched the area for Celia. His gut told him she was being coy by keeping him waiting. His mind told him her father should run him off the first chance he got. Not wanting to agree with Charles, he had to question what he was doing coming back to the Comanche camp. It was ludicrous to believe he had a chance with a Comanche chief’s daughter, much less a chance in hell of convincing Earl he was in love.

  Coming from her father’s tent, she smiled as he approached. Her long, dark hair glowed like polished jet in the fire’s light. There, in her eyes, shined the pleasure in seeing him. Her smile did wonders for his doubts, which dissipated like fog leaving the need for her at the forefront of his thoughts. No woman had ever affected him so. As their gazes locked, Charles released a whistle.

  “Christ almighty, Seth. I see what you mean. Damn, if she ain’t the most exotic creature I’ve ever seen. Those eyes of hers could stop a man’s heart.”

  Cutting his buddy a quick glance, Seth admitted, “Yeah, I know. I died the first time we met.” Huffing out a breath, he shook his head and grinned at Charles. “You sure have a way with words, old man.” Seth nimbly slid from Sarge, his horse’s. The horse neighed his greeting and had Seth reaching back to give him a rub on the nose.

  In the firelight, she smiled, warm and inviting. She took his hand in hers and led him back to her father’s tent. “You better follow, Charles. Your gun is gonna draw attention. Don’t know when Red Bear will be back either.” Seth allowed Celia to lead the way as Charles glanced around, laying a hand on the revolver tied to his right leg.

  Inside, the low burning fire welcomed him as Lone Eagle rose to meet them. “My daughter is pleased you have come to visit, Seth Loflin.” He nodded at the blankets lying around the fire. “Sit and we’ll break bread
.” His dark features relaxed as the newcomers settled facing him. Celia placed a plate of warm flat bread and meat in front of them both. Lone Eagle waited until she’d sat down. “Who is your companion, Seth Loflin?”

  Startled by his slip in social etiquette, Seth stopped in mid bite before slapping Charles on the back hard enough to make him wince. “This is my friend, Charles Harrington. He’s more like my brother, actually.” Flicking a glance at Charles, Seth tried to play off the remark as casual, confident Charles understood. He smiled broadly for the chief.

  “I’m honored by your presence, Charles Harrington. Welcome to our camp. Do you live with Seth on Earl Loflin’s land too?”

  Charles cut a questioning glance at Seth before cocking a brow. “I…I guess so.”

  “He’s not feeling well, this evening,” Seth quickly interjected. Knowing Charles wondered what Seth had told these Indians, he tried to change the subject. “I brought you some venison, Lone Eagle.” His attention shifted from offering her father the meat to Celia who sat down next to him with her legs folded to her side.

  “Your generosity is good,” Lone Eagle said from across the fire.

  “My pleasure. The deer is one of hundreds roaming the land around here. You should have no trouble killing as many as you can handle.” He turned to Celia. Her smile broadened in approval.

  “I’m pleased to have you in our home, Seth Loflin and Charles Harrington.” She may have stuttered over the pronunciation of his name, still, Seth had to give it to her, she spoke English almost as well as Broken Horse. “You speak the language of the settlers very well, Celia.” Her name rolled off his tongue and sounded like music to his ears.

  “Thank you, Seth Loflin. I learned at Fort Tyler with Broken Horse.”

  His brow winged up. “You’re not a translator for The People too, are you?”

  A blush stained her cheeks briefly, as she shook her head side to side. The lovely silken length of her hair fell forward with her action. Seth wanted to reach out and loose himself in the texture.

  “No, I am merely a maiden, not a peace keeper like my cousin, Broken Horse.” She finished by glancing across the fire at her father.

  Lone Eagle’s pride and his love shown with such brilliance, Seth’s tongue grew thick in his throat. What was he thinking? She was royalty for Christ sake!

  Charles coughed and shifted to stand. “It’s getting late and we’d better be heading back.”

  Seth flicked a glance at his companion. “You go ahead, Charles. I’ll be along in a little while. Okay?” Seth faced him to raise both eyebrows.

  Charles shot a warning glare at Seth, which he ignored. “Thanks for the hospitality, sir.” Broken Horse met him at the doorway on the way in. Charles mumbled his apology and disappeared.

  “Well, look who is back. Hello Seth Loflin.” Broken Horse tossed out the greeting as he made himself comfortable next to Lone Eagle. “Did you kill that deer they’re skinning out there?”

  “Yes.” Seth nodded over the mouthful of tortilla he had in his mouth. “The buck should provide enough meat for a few meals at least. We should go hunting sometime. I can show you the best spots for killing the deer if you’re interested.”

  “That sounds good, Seth Loflin. Celia hoped you’d return.”

  “Yes?” Flicking a hard glare at Broken Horse, Seth took a moment before looking up and into Lone Eagle’s eyes. How did you explain you’d seen his daughter naked down in the river? Perhaps, the point of information would remain their little secret. “Lone Eagle, I’d like to visit again. Is that permitted?”

  Broken Horse repeated Seth’s request for the chief.

  Nodding, Lone Eagle reached across the fire and clasped Seth’s hands in his. “You are welcome.”

  The meal was winding down before Seth asked the question he’d planned on asking. Her dark green eyes watched him and he swore the look in them gave him courage. “I’d like to see Celia, Lone Eagle.”

  Broken Horse paused over the tortilla he had in his mouth. Explaining what Seth wanted, he waited a beat as Lone Eagle answered him.

  When he’d finished, Broken Horse eyed Seth closely.

  A fresh set of nerves took up a tap dance in his gut.

  “Lone Eagle says…he’d be pleased for you to visit his daughter, Seth Loflin. He wants to know if you’ll take care of her.” Broken Horse relaxed enough to smile in his direction.

  He melted like ice on a hot day. Outwardly showing no exuberance, though his heart beat wildly in his chest, Seth nodded. Looking directly at the chief, he said, “I’ll protect her with my life, sir. She’ll be safe with me.”

  Broken Horse translated and Lone Eagle nodded. It was time to leave. Seth stood. Celia startled him by standing as well. She extended her hand to the door. “Please, follow me,” she said and exited the tent.

  “Thank you for inviting me to eat with you tonight, sir.” Seth settled the Stetson on his head before rubbing his hands down the front of his pants. After a few more seconds, he left the tent as well. He half expected the chief to follow them. Lone Eagle didn’t.

  Chapter 2

  Outside, he drew in air, exhaling like he’d run a foot race. The nerves doing flips in his belly began to settle. Meeting a parent of a female was never easy, even a Comanche’s.

  Her hand slid into his without a sound. Slim and soft despite the work she most likely did on a daily basis, Celia’s fingers laced with his. The hairs on his arm stood at attention. His skin pebbled with her touch.

  Waiting a beat until his head steadied, Seth turned to face her, giving her face a thorough examination. “You are mighty easy to look at, Celia of the Comanche.” Reaching up, Seth traced the line of her lovely bronze skin until his gaze landed on her mouth. The velvet soft feel of her flesh under his fingertip sent his blood coursing through his body. “I’ll be back every chance I can get a free minute. I hope that’s all right.”

  Nodding, Celia broke into a smile, which sent her green eyes to dancing. “Will you walk with me?”

  His heart took another lurch in his chest. She wanted him to take a walk with her. Easy, boy, don’t blow this. “All right,” he said as he let her lead him away.

  She still held his hand in hers in a loose, companionable sort of way. Imagining she’d be shy and nervous, made the fact she proved brave and daring, all the more appealing.

  “Where are you taking me?”

  Flicking a glance in his direction, she bit her bottom lip before swinging their joined hands and lifting her lovely nose a notch higher in the air. “You’ll see. It’s a place I know.”

  He may have died and gone to heaven. His soul certainly couldn’t stand the temptation of this lovely vixen without losing something to the hereafter. She didn’t appear approachable with her regal stance and head held a touch above even. Blowing his first impression of her completely out of the water like dynamite, he found his mind and soul stolen right under his nose by a creature so powerful that a mere glance from her green eyes paralyzed him where he stood.

  They came to a small waterfall Seth had never seen before and he thought he’d been over every inch of the ranch. At the top of the bluff’s highest point, the river took a turn, rushing head long into a large, granite bolder, which served to divide the flow on either side of its massive base.

  She released his fingers and ran forward to the spot where the water fell, hitting the river below. “Come and see.” Her voice bubbled over with enthusiasm like the foamy froth of the waterfall.

  Seth followed her until the wall of granite stood in front of them. To his eyes, the wall was the end of the trail with nowhere left to go.

  She ducked under the water, giggling as she gripped his hand tugging him with her.

  His hat, shirt, pants and boots all got wet. The fact didn’t matter. Where she went was his trail too. Behind the falls, the noise was subdued. The roar reduced to a rumble. Mist, cool and inviting floated around them in a harmonious dance. Leading him on, she followed a narrow path to a l
edge where the rock jutted from the embankment making a flat surface big enough for her to lie down. There was room for him as well. Still smiling, free and exuberant, she motioned for him to join her.

  His mind warned him to tread carefully with the chief’s daughter. His cock spoke to him on a more urgent level. Need flooded his body like the opening of a floodgate. He leapt to the platform and lay down beside her. Water glistened from her eyebrows and lashes as she leaned on one elbow. Her bottom lip disappeared beneath her teeth as he studied her. Giving those lips a kiss was all he could consider. The fire, which shot through him when he did, shook him to his soggy boots. Her mouth opened slightly and Seth wasted no time diving deeper, tasting her more fully, a new pleasure. Slow and sensual, she moaned and breathed him in with her gentle inhale of breath. The view of her rising up to pull her tunic over her head enthralled him as if she’d used a lasso to tether him. Hypnotized by her untainted, yet sensual innocence, he managed to sit up, scrambling out of his shirt and pants without delay. After all, her invitation was plain. She offered him the most beautiful gift a woman could – her body. He meant to enjoy her gift as much as possible. Soon, there lay nothing between them but the damp air. Reaching out, he cupped her behind the neck, drawing her against him. “It’s cold, let me warm you.” She went willingly into his arms as he trailed hot, wet kisses followed by urgent nips along her breasts. His mouth covered her nipple with a possessive suckle. She moaned aloud as her body arched with the intimacy of his claim. His path knew only one end as he feathered tender brushes of teeth, tongue and lips downward toward the apex of her thighs. She vibrated with need. Reaching out, she gently massaged his erection, her touch light and painfully teasing. The thought of being inside her almost undid him. He wanted to pleasure her until she begged for his thrusts. The low roar of the falls made the moment surreal. Slipping two fingers inside her slick folds now tight with desire, he ran the remaining fingers of his hand through the hair between her legs, stroking her flesh with intent. This woman child came so willingly, he could scarce believe his good fortune. Never in all his days did he dream she’d belong to him. Gently stroking her, listening to the soft sounds of pleasure she uttered under his ministering, Seth prayed for control. She wasn’t one of the whores from the saloon or a cheeky, rich girl looking for a thrill. No, Celia belonged to the earth, pure and unstained by the sins of man. Pausing, he glanced up and into her emerald eyes. “I want to love you, Little One. I want to make the first time you lay beneath a man a time you will cherish. Do you understand?”