Riley's Journey (34 page)

“Nope! Not even a pet. Pretty sad, isn’t it?” Embarrassed, her eyes dropped.

“Yeah,” he agreed, determined to lift her mood. “But look what you have now—a man, a baby on the way, and all of us. What more could you possibly want?”

Riley smiled, pleased by his comments. “Nothing—nothing at all! My life back there was pretty lonely. I only had my work and classes. I didn’t have anyone to share with and no one who truly loved me in a very long time.”

“Seems to me, even though you weren’t asked, you ended up where you’re supposed to be!”

Nathan planted a light kiss on her wrist. “Yes, she is,” he breathed. “Now go away and let me sleep.”

“Yes, master,” Jonas grumbled, his dark figure moving away into the shadows. Riley suspected he wouldn’t sleep this night, taking full watch to allow the others to rest.

Nathan pulled her down beside him, snuggling and nuzzling the nape of her neck, rocketing titillating chills down her spine. His body pressed against her, familiar and welcome, his heat rapidly warming her still cool skin. By the feel of things, everything still worked from his end.

“Go to sleep!” she huffed quietly. “I swear! The sicker you are, the hornier you get.”

“And that’s a problem because?”

“What if someone hears you or happens to notice?” Furtively, she eyed the nearby sleepers.

“Then you’ll just have to be really quiet.” He continued his exploration of her neck, her ears, her lips, coming to rest on her shoulder.

“Guess my mental imaging was stronger than my physical abilities,” he admitted weakly.

Wrapping her arms around him, she giggled softly, “Give us a couple of days and a little privacy, and you’ll be as good as new.”

“Probably...better,” he sighed, as he dropped off to sleep.

Men and egos, she smiled, one and the same.

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

T
he journey back took considerably longer than the earlier downhill, headlong rush. Most of the time they fought an uphill climb, scrabbling for handholds, hampered even more by having to drag the travois up the rocky incline. The small horse lost his footing several times and the travois slid backwards, bouncing and banging against rocks and boulders as Nathan yelped in agony.

By the time they reached the higher plateau, everyone was exhausted, and traveling further that day would be heedless and risky. Wearily, they searched for a safe haven to spend the fast approaching night. The tree line loomed dark and uninviting, harboring savage beasts in the gloomy interior. Memories of the recent bear attack discouraged them from staying in the open and, reluctantly, they opted for the safety to be found in the trees. The team selected one huge spreading conifer that fit their needs to perfection, hastily constructing small makeshift platforms from the smaller branches at hand.

The travois was hoisted up and even the small horse was blindfolded, trussed and then lifted up to be tied securely, his nostrils flaring nervously. Demon followed suit, snapping and growling at everything and everyone, but eventually settled down near Nathan, his eyes gleaming silver in the moonlight. Satisfied they were out of harm’s way, the team dined on jerked beef and water and then retired, Geena and Micah taking first watch, to be followed by the two men, whom Riley discovered were named Seth and Mark, though which was which, she couldn’t say.

Making Nathan as comfortable as possible in their lofty perch, Riley, uneasy with heights, tied a rope securely across their resting spot, fearful of falling off while sleeping. Below, the forest came alive with the stealthy sounds of animals stalking through the brush, drawn by the promise of easy prey, only to move away when their curiosity waned. The twittering of bats and the call of the night hunters was her lullaby on this night.

CHAPTER FIFTY

M
orning came too early and the team listlessly made ready to depart, tired and eager for some down time. Allie rechecked Nathan’s wounds, spreading more of the antibiotic dust and proclaiming him fit to travel. The animals were lowered to the ground along with their supplies and, lastly, Nathan, who adamantly protested his ability to walk, using Allie’s words to fortify his argument. It took some serious conniving on Jonas’ part to convince him to ride one more day, though he grumbled and growled for the first hour of their journey. Jonas calculated that they would meet up with the other members of the team by late afternoon and, barring any problems, would rest at the cave for several days while they planned their future. Geena and Micah took point, returning periodically to check their progress and to report on the trail ahead. Compared to the previous day’s trials, today was a walk in the park. Riley strode beside the travois, periodically touching and caressing Nathan, unwilling to be apart from him for even a short time.

Mid-afternoon they halted as a form stepped into the clearing, excitedly hailing the group. The individual was dressed much the same as Jonas’ team and Riley had no doubt they had finally made it back to the cave. More individuals, mostly women, stepped into view, laughing, clapping and waving.

Nathan rose up from the travois. “Do you see Bethany?”

“Not yet—but I’m hoping.” Riley’s mouth tightened. Forgiveness would only come after she had a chance to vent.

Nathan eyed her askance. “You won’t hurt her, will you?”

“Not permanently.” Riley searched the new individuals. One such, a man, limped behind, aided by a familiar form. “We have a winner,” she breathed.

Concerned for Bethany’s imminent health, Nathan tried again. “You don’t want to hurt her. She did what she did because of me. Pound on me if it’ll make you feel better.”

Riley rested her hand lightly on his cheek, her eyes calm and devoid of anger. “I’m not going to hurt her, but it’s my constitutional right to speak freely and I intend to do just that.”

“Oh, boy,” Nathan groaned, lying back. “Bethany’s toast!”

As they reached the group, Bethany ran forward, her eyes alight with love and happiness. “Nathan!” she cried, tears flowing freely. “I prayed they would find you in time! You’re hurt! How bad?” Motioning the men to set him down, she busied herself prodding each of the wounds, nodding and clucking knowingly as she unbound each one. An older man stepped forward, long black braids framing his hawkish features. “Let me see to him,” waving Bethany back.

“Who are you?” Nathan’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.

“He’s the spiritual leader and medicine man.” Jonas offered helpfully.

“Medicine man?” Riley asked. “We have a medicine man?”

“My name is Abe,” the older man introduced himself. “I’m a tribal healer. In our time, I received a degree in medicine from Duke University, but my practice since has been mostly in natural remedies. I also do spiritual healing from time to time.” Ignoring them further, he proceeded with a cursory examination. Though primitive in appearance, the man sounded educated and confident in his own abilities.

“I’m perfectly fine,” Nathan growled. “All I need is a few days’ rest.”

“Shut up, Nathan!” Riley scolded. “Let the man do what he needs to do.”

After a short time, Abe stood up, reached for the horse’s halter and led the horse-drawn travois out of the clearing towards the cave entrance. Riley followed, hot on his heels, amazed that they had a real doctor.

“So—is he going to be all right?”

He nodded.

“How bad is it?”

“Not bad,” was his only comment.

Presuming he would enlarge upon the subject, she waited expectantly. “Don’t talk much, do you?”

He shook his head no. Frustrated, she strode the remaining distance to the cave. Bethany entered shortly after.

Good time as any to corner her, Riley decided, determined to get the unpleasantries out of the way. Catching her arm, Riley began. “Bethany—we have some talking to do.”

Bethany nodded, eyes steady and waiting, face tense.

“Why didn’t you tell me where you were sending me?” A lump formed in Riley’s throat, threatening tears.

Bethany’s face softened. “Because he needed you! Don’t you see that?”

This was going to be harder than Riley expected. “I know, and I know you meant well. But what gave you the right to make the decision for me? I had the right to decide.”

Bethany glanced furtively at Nathan, who was being prodded, washed and medicated by Abe, too engrossed to pay attention to their quiet conversation. “Has Nathan told you about his childhood—his early years?”

Riley nodded. “He said his parents died when he was young.”

Bethany nodded her head. “They did, but they were only his adoptive parents.”

“What do you mean? He didn’t say anything about being adopted.” Riley’s eyes pierced Bethany, anxiously awaiting her response.

Bethany hesitated, cleared her throat, then took a deep breath. “Nathan doesn’t know this, but he isn’t my nephew. He’s my son.” Her eyes grew wet and moisture slipped down her cheeks.

“Go on,” Riley prompted.

Bethany blurted the words out. “I was sixteen, a gifted child, and I got pregnant and my parents were afraid it would ruin my life and wanted me to get rid of the baby, but I wouldn’t. They kept pressuring me and pressuring me so, finally, my older brother and his wife took my baby in and adopted him so I could make a normal life. But I couldn’t stay away, and whenever I could, I was there for him, and after my brother and his wife died, I did everything I could to make him happy.”

She was crying openly now, shoulders shaking in grief and sorrow. “I have always loved him so much and I want him to be happy.” Taking Riley’s hand, she pleaded softly. “Don’t hate me! I never meant to hurt you. I really thought you and Nathan would be good together.”

The last vestiges of latent anger melted as Riley hugged Bethany close. “We are happy, but next time ask, don’t just assume.”

“Don’t tell Nathan—promise me.” Bethany pleaded, her eyes wells of sorrow. “He would hate me if he knew.”

“I don’t think so,” Riley objected. “He deserves to know. He loves you, don’t you realize that?”

“But he’ll never forgive me! I couldn’t stand that.”

“You’ll never know until you try. Nathan is very protective of you. When he thought I was going to pound on you, he offered to take your place.”

“Are you going to beat me up?” Bethany asked plaintively, wringing her hands anxiously.

“Not physically,” Riley explained. “But you deserve a good tongue thrashing for what you did to me.”

“I do,” Bethany agreed somberly. “But Nathan was so alone and I couldn’t bear that. I was afraid he was going off the deep end, so I made a decision and you were the result.”

“I know that, but did you stop to think what could possibly have happened to me?” Riley’s gaze penetrated the smaller woman’s eyes. “I was almost kidnapped by Neanderthals the afternoon I arrived.”

Shamefaced, Bethany’s eyes dropped. “I tried not to think about the consequences, but sometimes when I looked at you, I felt so awful, I almost couldn’t do it. I knew you deserved better, but so did Nathan.”

Amazed she had such a change of heart towards the older woman, Riley stood there, shaking her head disgustedly. “You’re making it really hard for me to be mad at you,” she griped. “And how am I supposed to be a botanist here?”

“Well, we do need someone to identify plants,” Bethany volunteered hopefully. “The primitive tribes always had women who were natural healers and gatherers, and passed that knowledge on to their children. Everyone here has some specialty that will benefit the others. Me, not so much. No real need for a time travel expert.”

“Why did you come?”

“There was nothing there for me. My career was over, or would be after they found out what I’d done.” She shrugged unconcerned. “Nathan is all I have left and I want to hold my grandchildren.”

“Didn’t the tribes also have what they called ‘wise women’? Perhaps you could have that title.”

“I suppose,” Bethany said hesitantly, “though the phrase ‘wise woman’ might not apply well to me.”

“I think it will do just fine. I would never have met Nathan but for your wisdom, albeit the underhanded variety.” There was nothing more that Riley could say. Pleased, her face pink, Bethany gave Riley a swift hug and then exited the cave, off to help feed the weary travelers and see to their comfort. Riley watched her leave, lost in thought.

Nathan’s grumblings and curses broke through her reverie. “Will you get over here and save me from this maniac,” he whined. “If he sticks me with something one more time, I’m going to kill him.”

Abe’s eyes flickered with amusement. “He’ll be fine in a few days. Just make sure he gets lots of rest. I’ll check on him later.” Silently, he departed the confines of the cave. Riley looked around for the first time since they returned. The sheep were penned in a small area in the corner of the room, well fed and content. Abe had tethered the small horse to the pen and Demon stood watch, guarding and waiting for the sheep to make one wrong move. The room had a homey, lived-in look. No doubt the women had a hand in that. Clay cooking pots lined a fire pit in the center of the cave and wonderful smells drifted up. Mouth watering, Riley’s stomach rumbled, reminding her that it had been some time since she’d had a decent meal. A woman tending the fire caught Riley’s eye and, smiling, she dished up a bowl of stew and handed Riley a wooden spoon.