Shadow of My Heart - By Caryn Moya-Block Page 0,57
do love him.”
“Yeah, I guess I do. What should I do about it?”
“If you want him, go after him.”
“I’m not good at being aggressive like that.”
“Don’t lie to yourself. The woman who helps run Isanti, Inc., is a tiger when she needs to be.”
“But that’s business. This is different.”
“Not really. Didn’t you help with the latest merger? Think of Derek as a company you want to control. Then, go after him. Don’t let anything stop you. Because I can tell you, love like this is worth it.”
“Thanks, Cara. I came in to help you with any last-minute jitters, but instead you are advising me.”
“That’s what friends are for. Don’t worry. Now that Derek knows Shadow claimed you, he probably won’t wait much longer.”
§
Raven opened the flap to the sweat lodge and stepped out into the morning sun. He was getting married today and had taken time to come and do a purification ceremony. This was a new beginning for his tribe and a chance to be happier than he ever felt possible.
When he’d spoken to Cara last night and she had been missing him so badly, he had almost gone to her. But his closest friends, the men he ran Isanti, Inc., with and would help father the new tribe wanted to celebrate with an Inipi ceremony.
He couldn’t deny them and hoped the blessings given would mean more good in his life with Cara. Now, he needed to get back and shower. Several business associates, including General Holland, would be arriving, and he should greet them. Then, he would need to get dressed in the ceremonial costume his father wore when he married his mother.
“Derek came out of the sweat lodge and stretched his arms wide.
“It’s a beautiful day to get married.”
“It is,” Raven agreed. “You should try it sometime.”
“Me?”
“Cara told me that Shadow marked Katherine. When will you claim her?”
“I’m not sure she’s ready yet. I don’t know if she’s over her husband.”
“Doing nothing won’t find you the answers you seek.”
“Now, you sound like Quiet Thunder,” Derek said, turning and running the few feet down to the lake and diving in.
Raven laughed and was tempted to join his little brother. But as enticing as the lake looked this morning, he needed to get back to Isanti, Inc. Joe opened the flap and came outside.
“If Katherine was mine, I’d pick her up and kiss her like there was no tomorrow,” Joe said.
“They have to find their own way. Are you sure you aren’t interested in Katherine?”
“Yeah, I like her. I even know she’s a beautiful woman, but she’s not the one for me. Besides Derek has been in love with her for five years. He’s the one that got her sent here by the general.”
“If that’s true, then what were all those other women about?” Raven asked.
“I told you, keeping them away from you. I’m not sure he even slept with all of them. He can put suggestions in their thoughts or blur their memories. They may have only thought they had sex. We’ve never made Derek tell us all his gifts. Has he ever confided in you?”
“No, I never thought to ask,” Raven said. “Quiet Thunder would know. He does all the training. Maybe I should ask him.”
“Leave it alone for now. You have a wedding to get to. General Holland wants to thank you for uncovering Kellen. Don’t be surprised if he asks to meet with you in private.”
“Can you keep him away? I don’t want to deal with that today. Today is about Cara.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” Joe said. “David and his wife are coming with him. Didn’t you room with him in college?”
“Just one year. But that’s how I met the general. Thanks for letting me use your apartment to dress. Cara and the girls have taken over mine. They should be there by the time we get back.”
“Well, let’s go then. Red Hawk, come on. We’re heading back,” Joe yelled, waving at Derek.
“On my way, Running Bear.”
Raven, Joe, and Derek Shadow-walked into Joe’s apartment. Derek grabbed a towel and headed for the door.
“Derek, you’re dripping all over the floor,” Joe complained.
“Sorry, I forgot my towel. I’ll see you guys later.”
“Don’t forget to get the horse ready and escort Cara downstairs,” Raven said, as Derek reached for the doorknob.
“I’m on it, Bro. No worries,” Derek said, winking as he shut the door behind him.
Joe glanced at Raven and laughed. “Stop gritting your teeth. Derek won’t let you down.”
“I know he won’t,” Raven said. “I