Salvation's Secrets (The Loflin Legacy Prequel) (11 page)

“We simply must see more of you while you
are here, my dear. Isn’t that right, Seth?” Claudette turned her
pale lashes in his direction and reached out, taking his hand in
hers. They exchanged a smile between them.

A small flicker of green curled in Celia’s
belly before she pushed it down. “Yes, that would be lovely,” she
said.

Seth’s deep controlled drawl followed
Claudette’s statement. “I’m sure Celia hasn’t come all this way to
visit with a bunch of ranch riff-raff, Claudette.” Seth cut his
challenging stare at Celia.

Her soundless oath was in Comanche and
Celia’s breath came out short as she glared back at him. He thought
she considered herself too good to associate with him then. How
dare he mock her education.

“Perhaps though, she would like to attend
the barn dance at the end of the round-up?” Seth continued his
perusal of her in his cool discerning way.

Celia glared at him silently. Mr. Loflin
could go to hell!

“Oh, what a splendid idea.” Claudette
squirmed in her chair. Reaching out, she took Celia’s fingers. “You
simply must attend the dance, Celia. Why everyone who’s anyone will
be there. The Loflins put on the best round-up celebration these
parts have ever seen. There’s a rodeo, a barbecue, a bake sale, and
an auction.” Claudette paused to catch her breath. “We raise money
for the orphaned Indian children.” Her smile broke briefly as she
remembered whom she was addressing. “There are so many in need,”
Claudette finished rather lamely.

Celia had gently removed her hand from the
woman’s clutches and glanced across the table at Seth. She was
reminded painfully of another round-up celebration many years
before where she’d danced every dance with Seth. “We’ll see how
things go.” Celia punctuated the statement with a thin-lined smile.
“I won’t have much time. My father is ill and I came back to see
what I can do.”

“Oh, my dear, I’m so sorry.” Claudette’s
simple enthusiasm overrode her sense of decorum and with eyes as
wide as saucers, she leaned in unwittingly pushing for more
information. “Is it serious?”

Glancing once more toward Seth, Celia saw
his face grow dark. “Yes.” He was watching her with anger, concern,
or maybe a mixture of both. If only she could answer and be done
with it.

She glanced hesitantly at Broken Horse. “My
father, Lone Eagle, is…is gravely ill…” her voice trailed off. She
had to leave. “Will you excuse me? I think we’d best be going.”
Celia stood and glanced toward her cousin. “It will be dark before
we arrive.”

Seth was already by her side blocking her
way. “I’m truly sorry to hear about Lone Eagle. He’s always been a
good friend. Is there anything I can do?”

The sincerity in his words took the air from
her lungs. Or maybe it was the heat emanating from his body so
close to hers which disturbed her sense of balance. “Yes…I mean,
no.” Her eyes burned with irritation and Celia fought to regain her
composure. It was imperative to her pride she exhibit a poised,
cultured young lady to the thoroughly infuriating Mr. Loflin at
that moment. “Thank you, Mr. Loflin. I appreciate your concern, and
will convey it to my Father, but there’s nothing the white man can
do.” Celia quickly sidestepped him and took Broken Horse’s arm.

“It was good to see you again, Dark Wolf,”
Broken Horse smiled as he called Seth by his Comanche name. “Come
to our camp and we will smoke the pipe. Lone Eagle will be pleased
to see you again.”

“Thank you, Broken Horse.”

Seth’s eyes flicked over her. Celia had
enough and headed for the door. Was he remembering when he’d come
to their camp all those years before? Celia quickened her pace. The
sooner they left Tyler, the better
.

“I’ll do my best to get out to your camp as
soon as I can,” Seth said behind Celia as she exited the hotel.
“We’re in the spring branding, and I’ll be getting back to it as
soon as I deliver Claudette to her door.” Celia glanced back in
time to catch Seth cut Claudette a wry grin.

“Now, Seth, you know you’ll be staying for
supper.” Claudette leaned into Seth and smiled coyly as she batted
her lashes for him.

Irritated and nauseated all at once, Celia
rolled her eyes and turned away.

“I’ll meet you at the horses, Celia,” Broken
Horse spoke low before smiling warmly for their companions and
turning away.

Claudette reached out and gave Celia’s arm a
gentle squeeze. “Think about the dance, won’t you? It’ll be such
fun.” With that, she turned and waved before heading for the livery
and Seth’s four-in-hand.

There she went, mused Celia, all she could
never be.

“It was a pleasure to meet you, Celia.”
Seth’s mouth twitched with the statement.

Celia merely turned and followed Broken
Horse toward their horses in the opposite direction.

From behind, she could hear his soft,
throaty chuckle. Blinking back angry tears, she walked blindly
toward the horses. If she hadn’t been a lady, she would’ve gone
back and cheerfully explained where she wanted to see Mr. Loflin
next time – in purgatory.

Broken Horse was waiting for her. “Are you
all right?”

Celia heard the concern in his voice. “Yes.
Let’s just go. Please,” she begged.

Her cousin studied her quietly, but said
nothing.

Trying hard to quell the anger welling
inside she came up short when she saw the saddle on her mount. A
fit of hysterical laughter almost burst forth when she realized
she’d worn the wrong outfit for a ride on a western saddle. Never
one to be put off by a challenge though, she swallowed, and then
took a deep breath. Reaching down, yanking the back hem of her suit
through her legs, and clutching it tight in her left hand along
with the horse’s mane, Celia proceeded to mount. When she was
settled, Celia arranged the material over her pantalets and ankles
as best she could.

Miss Elmore, the etiquette instructor at Our
Lady of St. Francis all girl’s school, would be rolling over in her
grave, poor dear, at the sight of one of her young ladies riding a
horse in such a fashion. Miss Elmore’s high pitched nasal twang
trotted through Celia’s mind’s eye as she realized how socially
improper it was for her stocking clad ankle to show. Irritated at
her own musings, Celia cast the small concern aside. This wasn’t
Charleston, she reminded herself once more.

No, indeed, she was in Texas now. A very
different world from the one she’d left behind and she’d better get
used to it because Texas was cruel and mean. She recalled just how
mean before shoving the memory to the back of her mind and focusing
her attention straight ahead. She was here for better or worse. The
voice of the stagecoach whip called out to those continuing on the
Wells Fargo stage as Broken Horse and Celia pointed their horses
west toward her father’s camp.

Broken Horse glanced her way and spoke in
Comanche as he asked, “Are you excited to be home, Celia?”

“Yes.”

“Lone Eagle is anxious for his only daughter
to return.”

“How is my father, Broken Horse?” Celia
watched her cousin.

“There are days which are better than
others. The episodes have increased. The Shaman tells Lone Eagle to
visit the sweat hut daily. He says the demons must be driven out or
they’ll kill your father.”

Celia listened quietly to Broken Horse’s
words. Her father, the great chief of The People, had led the
Comanche for over fifty years. There had never been a time in
Celia’s memory when Lone Eagle hadn’t been able to perform his
duties as chief. Tall and lean, he towered over most of the other
men of their tribe. Piercing brown eyes set deep in his chiseled
face saw everything. The thin line of his mouth creased in pleasure
or tight with concern were private memories Celia cherished. His
stoic nature intimidated most and when he spoke his words were
heeded without question. For Broken Horse to say her father’s
health had declined tore at Celia’s composure. Her father was
supposed to live forever. She’d become aware of that belief after
she received Broken Horse’s letter.

Celia had grown up with the love and
protection of her only living parent and she loved Lone Eagle
without end. Blinking back tears, which threatened now, Celia,
considered what life would be like without her father’s love and
understanding. The idea of losing her only parent was unthinkable.
Shaking off the morbid thought, Celia found herself anxious and
irritable. She had hoped the trip to her father’s camp would
revitalize her spirits.

Gripping the reins tighter, Celia decided
Seth was to blame. She hadn’t expected him to be at the stage when
she’d arrived. If she were completely honest with herself, she’d
have to say she’d created a sort of perfect scenario of how her
first meeting with Seth Loflin would go and his surprise arrival
ruined it. Celia’s self-deprecating smile testified to how
different the scenario had actually played out.

Read more of The Loflin Legacy series in
Comanche Haven: The Loflin Legacy #1.

Books by Catherine Wolffe

Salvation’s Secrets (Prequel: The Loflin
Legacy)

Seth Loflin didn't expect to discover the
love of his young life bathing in the creek on Loflin land. Yet
Celia satisfies his body and his heart the moment he sees her. But
trouble isn't far away when his father finds out about his oldest
son's summer romance with the beautiful Comanche half-breed.

Charles Harrington walks a thin line between
right and wrong. One false step could land him in jail or at the
end of a hangman's noose. His only friend, Seth Loflin guards his
secret with his life. The burden of guilt he has carried weighs
heavy on his heart for the family he unwittingly put in harm's
way.

Comanche Haven (The Loflin Legacy #1)

From the moment Celia, the emerald-eyed,
Comanche half-breed, gets off the stage in Tyler, Texas, Seth
Loflin realizes he is on a collision course with the past. She was
his first love and now the Shooter Creek's ranch boss can't allow
her to succumb to the danger that stalks her. Someone wants to
kidnap her and sell her as a slave, but now that she's in his
protective arms, he intends to keep her safe.

Celia can't run back to the safety of her
former life in South Carolina. If she stays at Shooter Creek with
Seth, she'll be putting the man she has always loved and his ranch
in danger of harboring a Comanche. Seth refuses to leave her side,
and his vow to protect her gives Celia the hope and courage she
needs. Now she'll fight for her new life with Seth...or die
trying.

Casey’s Gunslinger (The Loflin Legacy
#2)

When Casey St. Clair returns to Tyler to
locate her birth father, she seeks the help of the town’s attorney,
the wickedly handsome, Charles Harrison. Abandoned as a baby by the
town’s most influential man, Earl Loflin, Casey’s plan includes
going to any length to shame the man who sired her. Charles sees
her plan as a foolhardy attempt at revenge. He’ll do his best to
protect her without resorting to the methods of his past. But when
his past comes calling and Casey walks blindly into a trap, he’s
the only man who can save her and any future they have
together.

The Lady in the Mist (The Western Werewolf
Legend #1)

The Civil War took Sonja Brooks' husband and
left her alone. Unprotected and scared, she runs headlong into a
life-changing event when she is attacked by a wolf. Her fate as a
werewolf is sealed. When she stumbles upon Ty Loflin, a Rebel
soldier dying of his wounds, she nurses him back to health. He is
the perfect mate, but will he want her once he knows the truth?

In Book 1 of this new series by Award-winning
author Catherine Wolffe, the Western Werewolf Legend weaves a new
blend of western romance with paranormal elements involving
werewolves and vampires.

Waking Up Dead (The Western Werewolf Legend
#2)

The truth, Sonja Brooks understands is
relevant. She's a werewolf with a special 'gift' and faces danger
at every turn. Now, the bloodsuckers stalk her family and the man
she loves.

He vowed to protect his men despite the cost.
Tyler Loflin must save them and Sonja from the threat of Yankee
vampires. Seeking help from one of them will test his faith in the
human he once knew and his own strength as a newly born werewolf.
Escaping to a better place, Ty and Sonja set out for Texas, but
will the freedom and safety they seek elude them?

Wolfen Secrets (The Western Werewolf Legend
#3)

Not only do our dreams hold secrets to our
future, but as Sonja Brooks discovers they also hold the keys to
immense danger for her kind. Sonja finds the western werewolf pack
in great peril when she and her mate, Tyler Loflin have to take on
the vampires and their undead magic.

When confronted with vampires that won’t ever
die, Tyler Loflin has to formalize a plan to protect the woman he
loves as well as the men who are like brothers to him. The only
problem is keeping the plan a secret from Sonja, who is the alpha
she-wolf of their pack.

A Dance in Time (J.T. Leighton, Time
Traveler #1)

J.T. Leighton was a good Marine until one
extraordinary night in Iraq. Now he’s a good Private Investigator
with special skills. He’s on the trail of a woman who’s acquired a
priceless necklace. His superiors want her killed, but J.T. wants
her. Discovering why will put their lives in jeopardy.

Jessie Colter always wanted to be a dancer.
Now, her life’s on hold until she can understand what the strange
request left by her deceased parents means. She turns to J.T.
Leighton, the only person who believes her, and in doing so,
understands more than she’d ever imagined.

Learn more at
www.catherinewolffe.com

catherinewolffe.wordpress.com