Free Love in the Shadows by Caryn Moya Block Page A

could have lost you. What would I do
without you?”
    “I know, baby. It was pretty scary, but
you weren’t helpless. You got me out. Don’t ever forget it. You are
a strong, courageous woman, and I thank God every day that you are
mine.” Derek kissed her.
    “You think I’m courageous?” Katherine
wiped the tears away.
    “Yes, Katherine. You didn’t falter once
on the mission, not even when a woman held a gun on you. That is
courage, honey.”
    “I was determined to get you away from
that place.”
    “That was strength, honey. I’m proud of
you, Katherine. You did well,” Derek said. “Now, let’s dry those
tears and get ready for sleep. I, at least, want to get out of
these jeans.”
    Katherine helped Derek into the
bathroom and waited outside in case he needed her. Then, she helped
him back to the bed and fixed his pillows for sleeping. She gave
him his last pain pill of the night and turned off the lights. When
she climbed into bed, Derek pulled her into his arms, and they both
fell sound asleep.
    The next morning dawned bright, with
sun shining in the windows. Derek woke up first and stared at
Katherine as she slept. He felt so privileged to be given Katherine
as his mate. Seeing her in his bed with her red hair lying across
the pillow was a gift he’d never expected. Derek stretched slowly,
feeling his wound pull. It was sore, but felt better
today.
    Quiet Thunder’s potion still worked in
his system. Cara had delivered a note from the old Shaman
yesterday. Derek had been almost afraid to read it. In shaky
handwriting, it read: “Come by when you are fully healed to begin
your training.” Derek couldn’t wait to get back on his
feet.
    Walking away from Katherine had been a
mistake, and they had both suffered. Now, there was a chance for a
new day and a new life. It would be hard, but now that they were
together, he couldn’t let her go. She’d be happy to know that he
would settle down and train to become the tribal shaman.
    Derek shook his head. Quiet Thunder had
promised to train him. That didn’t mean Quiet Thunder would ever
forgive him for using the potion. Derek felt his heart ache at his
foster father’s possible rejection. He had never been an obedient
son to the Shaman. He would need to do better.
    There was a wedding to plan. Derek knew
Cara would want to give Katherine a big wedding. He stretched again
and sat up slowly. So far, so good. He decided to try to get up. He
was a bit shaky but managed to head for the bathroom.
    He remembered that the last time he had
been shot, when Cara had been kidnapped, it had taken him only a
few days to get over it. That was because of Quiet Thunder’s
potions. Derek had escorted Cara to her wedding. Hopefully, this
time the healing would be short as well.
    Derek was able to brush his teeth and
put on the jeans and T-shirt he found waiting. It rankled him that
he had to sit down and rest a few minutes between these two tasks.
He walked back into the bedroom and found Katherine opening her
eyes. He stopped to watch her.

Chapter Five
     
    Katherine woke up and stretched. Derek
wasn’t in bed, and she looked up to find him already dressed and
leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed.
    “Hey, beautiful, you look good enough
to eat,” Derek said. “Give me another couple of days to regain my
strength, and I’ll do just that.”
    Katherine found herself blushing and
climbed out of bed. “How are you feeling? Should you be
up?”
    “I feel better, only a little wobbly,”
Derek explained. “I want to get my strength back.”
    Katherine walked over and gave Derek a
hug and good morning kiss. She felt him tremble slightly as she
held him. “Why don’t you sit down until I finish dressing, then you
can come into the kitchen while I cook breakfast.” She gave him
another kiss. “I’ll be right back.”
    She watched as Derek walked to the
chairs by the window and sat down. Then she went in the bedroom to
get dressed. She didn’t take long to