The Vow (Black Arrowhead #1) - Dannika Dark Page 0,75

your father.”

Tak’s lips thinned. “You have some nerve walking into our home like you own this place and threatening me. Do you have any idea what’ll happen if one of us is arrested for these crimes? They’ll take our land. It will ruin my father. You’re still an outsider, Sky Hunter. Don’t forget that.”

“All you have to do is give me an answer. That’s all I need so we can be square. Do you think I want to stand here and accuse my friend of murder? The truth is going to come out one way or the other.”

Tak straightened up, his expression stoic. “Brothers look out for each other. Do you think I would let people sully your good name—take their word over yours?”

“Are you giving me your word that you had nothing to do with the murders?”

“Why would I kill a woman? Have you forgotten my cousin was slaughtered?”

Lakota wanted to believe him, but Tak was lying about something. He could smell it. “Then where were you?”

Waving his hand, Tak walked away. “You’re a ghost to me. I don’t see you anymore.” Before Lakota could press the matter further, Tak left the room.

“Shit.” Lakota gripped the edge of the counter and contained his urge to kick something.

He knew better than to form real friendships while on the job. It made a person biased. But it had still killed him to stand there and accuse Tak of something so heinous. He needed to take a step back in order to conduct his investigation with integrity and honesty. It went beyond friendship or loyalty.

Lives were at stake.

When someone brushed against his back, he jolted forward and spun around. His heart pounded against his chest as he stared down at Melody, who was wearing a wreath of wildflowers around her head. The little white flowers somehow suited the color of her hair and the shade of green in her eyes.

“What are you still doing here? What’s with that?” he asked, pointing at her crown.

She lightly touched it and gave him a sheepish grin. “It’s for a wedding.”

Lakota cocked his head to the side. “Whose?”

She centered her gaze on his, the amusement gone. “Ours.”

Chapter 16

“Don’t be mad,” I said, doing my best to placate Lakota.

“Mad?” He glared down at me, eyes volcanic. “Why would I be mad? I’m only going to be mated against my will.”

I sighed. “Don’t be a drama queen. Come sit down so we can talk.”

We approached a round table by the back window and pulled out the chairs.

Lakota moved a vase of flowers aside and rested his forearms on the table. “Explain.”

I wasn’t sure if there was an easy way to lay it out so that he’d understand. “Look, it’s not as bad as it sounds. Shikoba lied to a Councilman so he wouldn’t get suspicious about my being here. Lying to the Council is a major offense, and you know that. They showed up unexpectedly, and I was standing around in my nightshirt. Not exactly the behavior of a woman here on business. You get the picture. You’re somewhat of an outsider, so the Council bought it and dropped the matter. The thing is, Shikoba’s also afraid that his people will lose trust in him if he lies so easily, so he’s taking this more seriously than I first thought. After a long talk, we reached an agreement.”

“Oh, this sounds good. I leave you alone for five minutes, and we’re getting mated.”

“We both get something out of this mating ceremony. Shikoba won’t look like a liar to the Council or his tribe, and to show his appreciation, he’s going to cut a deal with Hope and me. He thinks if I’m mated to someone with Native blood, then he’ll have more reason to trust me. Look, the wedding doesn’t mean a thing. It’s not legal in the eyes of my Council since they won’t be present or officiating. Tribal laws don’t apply to us. Oh, Lakota. This would be huge for our business! We talked numbers, and he offered to accept less than what I was willing to pay. Less!”

Lakota shook his head. “I’m not agreeing to this.”

My heart sank. I’d known when talking with Shikoba that the offer wasn’t firm unless Lakota agreed. “You have to!”

“No, Melody. I don’t. You can’t play with people’s lives like this.”

I had to make Lakota understand what everyone stood to gain. “It won’t count. It’s not a real mating, and we can go about our lives like normal when we leave