Free The Last Sundancer by Karah Quinney Page B

saved her once before, she had never seen anyone move as Kaichen moved while in battle.  What was more, he had kept his unspoken promise at the risk of his own life.  She could think of no other way to show her regard and so she walked forward and gently clasped his hand. 
    Azin turned to the pair that had eyes only for each other.  The communicated much without speaking, reminding him of his youth and love that he had once known with his young wife.  He knew that Kaichen would not appreciate his interference, but there was no time to delay.  Decisions had to be made quickly or soon all would be lost. Azin spoke in a loud voice as he addressed the crowd of villagers.
    “Kaichen has brought a woman to join his hearth circle and make it complete.  He does not offer a gift to the woman’s family, but he has already shown that he is willing to protect her with his life.  We welcome you, Amara, as the wife of Kaichen.” Azin smiled broadly as Kaichen rocked back on his heels and Amara gasped tightening her hold upon Kaichen’s hand. 
     
     
     
     
     
    Kaichen gently deposited Amara upon his sleeping place.  She was exhausted beyond measure and the events of the evening had only caused her more anxiety.  
    He tried to ignore the thrush of desire that swept over him as his body responded to the swell of her breast and the curve of her body as she sought warmth.  When he placed her upon the furs that were already set in place she woke slowly and then stiffened within his embrace. 
    She feared that he would take her as a man takes a woman.  Kaichen wanted nothing more than to seek her woman’s warmth, but he hoped to win her heart first.
    “Rest.  Let tomorrow take care of itself. You are safe.” Kaichen’s words were soothing but his heartbeat skittered against his chest so hard that he was surprised she did not feel it. 
    When Azin asked him if the woman appealed to him Kaichen had thought nothing of it.  He would not be a man if he had not recognized her feminine allure. 
    Even Antuk appeared captivated by the woman’s delicate features and small size though he showed nothing more than a mild fascination.  When Azin asked Kaichen about Amara’s family and village he had not considered that the older man was already planning his future. 
    If he had bristled angrily when Azin mentioned that the young men of his village would be willing to take the woman as a mate based upon her looks alone, then he was not certain what reaction Azin expected. 
    Kaichen thought that Amara was like an exquisite creature of old.  When he looked at her he saw the first woman born of creation and he saw a path to his future.  How was it that Azin had spied out the inner workings of his spirit?  What had he said or done to make the man think that he wanted Amara as his wife?
    “Is it true?  Did the leader of your village join us as husband and wife?” Amara’s whispered words were full of trepidation. 
    “This is not my village, but yes, it is true.” Kaichen’s words were unnecessary, Amara had fallen asleep, lulled into slumber by her exhaustion as the villagers celebrated their joining. 
    She shifted, blinking her eyes open and she immediately sensed her husband’s presence by her side.  Her husband.
    She tried to find some sense of outrage over her current circumstances but she was simply numb.  Anger and fear had been her constant companions when she was taken captive while her village was decimated.  When she voiced her concerns Azin had simply told her that what was done could not be undone.  Kaichen had remained silent.
    Amara considered what she knew of the man that had taken her as a wife.  The heat from his body was soothing, calling to her and as if he knew that she was awake, he shifted so that she was cradled more comfortably within his embrace.  Kaichen’s manner was far different from anyone that she had ever known but he had not caused her any harm. 
    Even now she could feel the coiled