A black shadow drifted lazily over the green meadow ... forever circling. The hawk's flight drew tighter, passing through the billowy clouds across the sun's fiery orb. Closing the distance on its prey each skilled sweep draws him nearer, nearer until the triumphant cry shatters the silent air warning of death's descent.

Pride swells in the man for his brother hawk's skill. His own hunter eyes rivet back to the meadow, steeling again on his quarry. Swift as his brother, he too would soon move to ... capture.

Stalking his prey since early morning, the sharp savage eyes watched the dark haired innocent move among the plentiful berry vines on the knoll. Fascination for the beauty and grace in each tantalizing gesture became potent medicine to his hunter instincts. Blackhawk's senses were racing under the powerful awareness of her fluid body that sent the wild pulse of possessive yearning through his Shawnee blood. Patience and skill earned him honor as a great hunter, only the prey changed.

Coal black eyes lit with intent. Soon she would near; he would strike then, with deadly cunning. Bronze shoulders flexed the broad expanse of his powerful chest; the hours of waiting would make the catch all the more rewarding. Moving silently through the shadows, his fine warrior body tenses in readiness as his vigil nears its end.

The summer blades caress Cali's calves as the grass parts like water before her steps. Freedom echoed all around her in the open sea of the windswept meadow. The warm breeze teased the dark silken strands of her hair, tossing it in abandon around her shoulders. Raising her deeply tanned face up to capture the sun, Cali felt the exhilaration in the new land. Large dewy eyes reflecting the summer sky glowed in secret excitement over each new discovery. Not since the start of their journey did she feel so at peace.

A shrill cry shattered the meadow's peaceful silence. Cali's eyes searched the sky ... there; the shadow skittered across the hill, bringing with it a chill that smothered the day's warmth. The hawk dove at a neck breaking speed. Swallowing hard, she knew some poor creature would soon be caught in those outstretched talons.

Pulling her eyes away, she shook off the strange fright. Cali checked the sun's position. Sighing heavily, she realized it was nearly time to return to the wagons. The day still felt too glorious to let the sudden, eerie feelings stay, but thoughts of returning to the wagons darkened her sapphire gaze. Cherishing the rare day of freedom, Cali wished it could go on forever.

Waiting for Mrs. Whitman to have her baby gave the group a day of rest. Biting her lip, Cali looked shamefully down at the half empty bucket of berries. Her mother would expect a full one for as long as she'd been gone from camp. Cali should feel guilty over her poor efforts, but the day was so very beautiful and such a shame to waste on chores, even one as pleasurable as picking berries and watching little Jennie.

Her soft blue eyes sought out the sleeping bundle lying so peacefully on Cali's blue shawl. Hidden in the tall grass, the breeze gently fluffed Jennie's curly blonde locks. Such a pretty baby, Cali's sister Mary was indeed lucky.

Looking at the lush beauty surrounding her, made it hard to envision all the killings and battles Mr. Willow told her about. She could almost understand why the Indians fought so hard for this valley, it was Eden. Mr. Willow saw it too. He was so different than the men in Baltimore. A guide and trapper, and older than any one that usually lived their life in the wilderness, he told her that with pride flowing over his weathered face.

A soft gurgle reached Cali, smiling she rose from her berry picking, the bucket three quarters full was more satisfying than the half one she dreaded returning with. As she made her way back to Jennie, Cali felt sorry to leave the haven of their meadow. Looking down the hill she mentally checked the course she would have to travel through the wooded glen and across the small stream to reach the camp. She notched the trail this morning in order not to get lost. Spying the sun's low position she sighed, it was time to head back.

Jennie crawled all around Cali while she fashioned the shawl into a cradle. The sling Willow taught her to make allowed her hands to be free, while Jennie rode safely in the halter at her chest. Cali didn't try to suppress her grin over her mother's reaction this morning to the cradle.

"Cali you look like some kind of savage, carrying the baby like that." How her mother would know what a 'savage' looked like made Cali's defiance flare even higher. She caught Willow's smothered mirth as she raced away, her head held proud, refusing to let her mother degrade her accomplishment.

Smiling at Jennie, she settled her in the holder. Jennie nuzzled her breast drawing out Cali's laughter. She wished she could give the child what she sought. Mary barely produced enough milk to satisfy the baby. Cali kept trying to wean her, but she still needed her mother's milk.

The girl couldn't see the picture she made. A slight framed woman, whose long black hair floated in caressing waves about her, protected her squirming bundle. The slight sway of her full hips caught the folds of her skirt, hinting at the warmly curved beauty hidden beneath. Graceful as a forest deer she picked her way through the high grass. Like a child unable to resist the beauty she passed, she would stop and pick a flower or gather more of the dark lush berries. Unknowingly attractive with each sleek, subtle movement, each tiny alluring step revealed the girl's loveliness.

Dark savage eyes watched her movements, caught in the spell she cast out before her, softening the hard coldness in his hunter eyes. The stern straight lips eased their tight line, slightly curving under the fierce pressure in his powerful jaw. Proud and virile his nostrils flared as her scent floated closer to the shadows that hid his presence. Long black hair moved hesitantly over his bronzed shoulder as he moved through the cover of the trees in unison with his prey.

Blackhawk stalked her patiently this long afternoon, waiting, knowing he would soon have what he sought. The deer he tracked all but forgotten by this new quarry. Always a careful hunter, he insured none of her people were near.

Nighteyes and Snowman confirmed what he already discovered during his vigil over her. His friends found the White's camp, saw their numbers, but only this woman came out so far alone. The other two riders rode out, Blackhawk knew, to check the false trails they laid out during the early morning. The wagons' movements were known for many days now. He felt his anger rise that the Whites were once again coming to their lands, taking their game; game already scarce. He and his friends needed to hunt far afield to bring in meat for his people. When they found the wagons they discovered why the game scattered. At least the noise these Whites made didn't put meat in their pots. How foolish these men were not to realize the warnings they sent out of their arrival.

His eyes clouded, knowing his own people wouldn't have any fresh meat either. But he would have a prize to bring back. Eyes full of hate and anger watched the figure descending the hill. He found her trail marking the exit from this spot and now he waited for her return.

The Whites were ignorant indeed; never did their women leave camp unguarded like this one. He took precautions, always there were dangers. The Whites were more than a danger, they were a poison that couldn't be stopped. He and his warriors turned the earth red with their blood, but still more came. With them came harder times for his people.

Blackhawk thought again of his plans. The other tribes, their enemies, could he make them see? Would they listen? Would his own people accept what he planned? Blackhawk's jaw tightened as he thought about the fight he would have to convince the council. It was the only answer. Together they could battle their common enemy--the Whites.

His thoughts fled, she drew closer now, almost reaching his position. He waited, not wanting her up any higher than the tree line so no one would see, then he would show himself.

Blackhawk wondered how this White woman would look up close. Watching the grace of her movements, even through all those folds of her garment, he could see what he thought was a strong body. Maybe their women weren't all weak.

Blackhawk did not approve of his behavior concerning this White woman. He remembered watching her at their camp after leaving his companions. Only a strong woman could work as she did. Not like the one with her. He was relieved she came alone to the meadow, the other one was weak and of no use. He held hatred for these people, but killing women didn't make a warrior strong, there was no great deed to be won in the act. He would never hold to the belief that any White killed meant a victory.

Blackhawk thought again on his reason for taking this woman. Unable to find the answer puzzled him further.

His eyes and senses sharpened as she moved closer. Every muscle in his strong tanned body tightened in anticipation. He flexed his wide shoulders feeling the thrill almost as keen as before a game kill flowing in a fierce rush through his body.

Cali slid cautiously down the slope, fighting with the clumsy bucket hoping she didn't spill too many berries, glad again for the cradle holding Jennie safe and secure to her breast.

Something in the tree line caught her awareness. The hairs at the back of her neck stood up and tingled at a shocking velocity. Cali tried to shake the scary feeling overtaking her as she straightened at the bottom of the hill. The trees were about twenty feet in front of her and yet she couldn't bring herself to move towards them. She saw the tree marking the spot where she should enter.

"Jennie those are the ones."

She was talking to ease her sudden fear. Cali tried to rationalize her feelings, but couldn't. Instead, she moved off to her right, hugging the base of the hill, some inner warning forbidding her to enter the trees where she exited from this morning. Following the hill Cali wondered if she wasn't being more foolish, possibly getting lost by her actions. But when she did enter the woods she could find the camp, even if it meant heading back the way she came. She would just follow the stream, the camp would be simple to find from there.

Her steps slowed as the sensation ran anew up her spine. Now she felt certain she was being watched. It didn't make sense and she fought down the dark panic rising in her mind. Her hand went protectively about Jennie, stilling her movements. Looking quickly down at the baby Cali tried to smile. Jennie seemed to be feeling Cali's growing apprehension, she was very still, clutching at Cali's bodice.

Maybe if she dashed into the woods she would feel safer? Cali realized how exposed she and Jennie really were. She took small steps, straining to hear anything that might tell her something, nearly panicking when she realized the birds were silent.

"One of the signs Willow spoke of. What are the others?"

She heard a whippoorwill in the trees directly beside her, then an answering call from the area up in front of her. If she stopped she would be telling them she knew they were there. Could she make a run for it? The hill was too steep, carrying Jennie she would never be able to make the top before they caught her. Yes, they were there in the trees ... she could feel them, even if she couldn't see them. She swallowed down the mounting fear, needing all her thoughts to plan.

Blackhawk was stalking her. She pleasantly surprised him by her evasive movement. He saw her casual look and the hesitant steps turning from her planned path. She looked at the tree that bore her mark of the broken twig, but she felt him and turned away. Her eyes stayed ahead, only once did he see her fear when she thought of running up the hill. He actually thought he could feel her rejection, knowing he would overtake her too easily.

Blackhawk now saw why she wasn't trying to run for escape. A baby so well covered, he only now noticed it when her arm went protectively around the child. He knew he would be fighting a mother's instincts, like a bear protecting her cub. But she would also be hindered in her flight, easier to capture.

Her movements nearly stopped when Nighteyes answered his call. So, she realized she was trapped. Blackhawk wondered how she would try to escape them. He felt her tense; she was ready to act. Blackhawk waited for her.

Hopelessness engulfed Cali, there were at least two and one was very close. She knew there were likely more, but where? She couldn't put it off much longer. God, did an animal feel like this? She felt sorry for them and herself even more, for she believed any action would probably be her last, just like a deer in a death flight. She must try, just as any animal in a trap would fight. Besides, she carried Jennie. Oh dear God what would they do to Jennie? She'd fight! She knew this, but to what avail?

Making her decision, Cali made her move.

Pulling back her arm as slowly as possible, she hoped the one beside her wouldn't notice as her arm with the pail was beside the hill. Cali hurled the bucket! Berries flew through the air. She screamed at the top of her lungs before turning about-face, running along the base of the hill. Without looking she sensed when he broke out of the brush. She turned sharply towards the woods, praying she could reach the haven before they caught her. All the time she held Jennie, saying over and over to her not to cry, and praying she wouldn't stumble and fall on her precious bundle.

Although he'd been ready for her, what she did surprised him. The pail barely missed his head, making him jump back and wonder if she really saw his exact spot. Her scream had been for Nighteyes benefit.

Blackhawk cleared the woods and was right behind her. She hadn't once turned to see his pursuit and he respected her control, for he was sure of her fear. Her scent was heavy in his nostrils, increasing his own excitement. Even with her burden her body moved with extreme agility. She turned suddenly, and headed towards the trees. Blackhawk almost wanted to let her escape as a reward for her brave attempt. She realized how futile her attempt would be, but she gave it a strong try and something inside him made him feel proud of her unexpected effort.

He's so very close! She strained under the burden of the baby clutched to her breast. Blackhawk increased his stride, he would have to scoop her up in his arms or they would both fall on the child. Her efforts were too great to let that happen.

Cali could actually feel his hot breath at her back. He was nearly on top of her. She wanted to scream out with the fright gripping every inch of her. She felt near collapse, her breathing hurt from the strain she put on her lungs. Her legs felt weak with her fright as her feet hit the bare ground. The slippers did little to protect her and the rocks cut deep through the sole, but the pain helped fight the panic and she concentrated on it. The trees were almost within her reach.

Suddenly Cali felt weightless, like she was floating in the air. She wondered if she fell and waited for the hard landing to slam into her. The stunning realization of where she actually landed shocked her into frightful stillness. Only her heaving breasts moved as she gasped for each painful breath.

Arms so large they locked about her like an iron trap, held her firmly against a hard, rock solid chest heaving from the same exertion. Cali couldn't make herself open her eyes, refusing to accept what might meet her gaze. Hoping, maybe her death would be quick and she wouldn't feel it come.

Like a wild animal she quivered with fear in his hold. Hair as dark as any woman in his camp flowed over his arm, the waves of ermine softness were startling to his senses. Blackhawk held her tight, knowing that very quickly her shock would fade and she would act to break his hold. He watched her eyes held tightly shut, the thick black lashes feathered her cheeks. Her skin held a fine shine over the rich tan coloring, very much the same brown tones of his own, but much softer. Red lips pulsed and trembled as she fought to control her fears. He felt her shudder in his arms, causing something Blackhawk never felt before strike through his strong body, weakening him with the force pulsing through his veins.

His gaze dropped to meet the baby's, almost smiling at the light face staring with wide eyes up at him. Not making a sound, but he saw the small hands tight hold on the woman's breasts that heaved hard and heavy from the chase; full firm globes that strained against those little fingers.

He pulled his attention back to the beauty in his possession. She tensed and he could feel every movement inside of her. He wondered what she was thinking. He could almost taste the sweetness of her fear lingering on those full parted lips that showed a glimpse of straight white teeth clenched tight in fear.

Snowman was coming with the mounts and Nighteyes was near. Blackhawk lowered the woman's legs to the firm ground, keeping her close in his hold. His one arm spanned her small frame as he pulled her hard against his large body, hindering any movement from her. He waited to see her eyes, knowing she would have to look, now that his touch against her where the baby left off was strong. Her quick intake of breath told him how keenly she felt him. Suddenly he grew anxious to have the child that separated her from him, gone!

With his free hand Blackhawk began to untie the knot beneath her hair, letting its softness touch him. His gaze never left the proud lines of her gentle face as he waited for her eyes to open. He wondered who taught her to carry her child in their way. Never did he see the Whites do this, even the knot was made in their fashion.

The hard body pressing against her stunned and confused Cali. The hold forbade any movement, but Cali couldn't understand why she was being held and not already dead. The pain in her feet as she touched the ground told her she still lived.

When she felt the strong fingers moving beneath her hair, Cali nearly screamed at the hot touch on her skin as it moved across her neck to the back of her head. Was he going to break her neck? His hand was certainly capable of doing the dreadful task. Fear stopped any protest from coming. But Cali couldn't let this happen without seeing, just once, the one that would kill her. Some perverse need to see her slayer drove her to open her eyes. She would take his image to the grave. Maybe she could get revenge and haunt him in death.

Flinging her tortured lids open, Cali locked her gaze boldly on the image before her. His grip tightened, knocking her breath from her. If the hand on her neck didn't kill her, Cali felt sure he could snap her spine like a small twig. She wondered at her own calmness in looking at death like this.

She forced her eyes up from the broad chest filling her vision, afraid to look at its expanse, knowing what she saw proved frightening enough. Cali caught the throbbing movement of the bulging neck muscles. The strong pulse of the vein stilled her gaze for an alarming moment. Pulling on her waning strength, she raised her eyes above the forceful chin, up over the fiercely thinned lips, hesitating at the flaring nostrils of his straight proud nose. But Cali could go no further when she brazenly met his endless black eyes.

Dark savage eyes that held hers so strongly Cali couldn't drop her gaze even as her fear rose in her throat. Never did she see such hardness, the cold depth bore down on her, stealing the last of her strength. Cali fought the blackness back, refusing to give the beast any pleasure in her death. She wanted to see him and remember every detail of this man, this Indian savage.

Indian he was, his long ebony hair laid heavily down his neck, held away from the striking features by a leather band pulled tight across his wide forehead. Cali marveled at the handsome features of this savage. She never realized they were attractive, the way people talked she expected an ugly animal likeness. Instead she looked into a fine, proud face, only the cold dark eyes held evil and they were fierce in their possession.

She wanted to pull away from his scrutiny, but again found any movement effectively useless in his hold. The realization that escape would be impossible renewed her fear.

Jennie moved against her and Cali could sense the baby's fright and discomfort at being held so tightly. The tug at her neck suddenly called her attention to exactly what he was doing. Cali panicked and struggled desperately to reach for Jennie, but her arms were held tight to her sides.

She heard the animalistic cry torn from deep within her, knowing she couldn't help Jennie or herself. She kicked furiously against him only to find herself dangling above the ground for her efforts. All breath pushed out of her once again, making her fight the blackness that wanted to flood her senses.

His words rang harsh in her ears, his breath hot against her cheek. She knew the others were there, but she didn't dare look at them. Cali couldn't understand their words, but knew they concerned Jennie. She called on all the strength left inside her to break the steel band around her, crushing her. She felt Jennie's loss before she landed forcefully against the hard wall of the man holding her. Trapping her painfully to him with a force that sent her senses flying against the violence he was capable of inflicting. Cali called for Jennie, fighting the tears walling up in her. She strained against his naked chest, trying to see her, gasping in terror when she saw Jennie held by another Indian.

Black and red paint added fierceness to the other man. Cali felt the ugly decoration unnecessary, she'd never been more afraid. A shorter man, with a barrel chest and hard, full body, his eyes were small and filled with their hate for her. His look caused her to freeze, almost wanting to hide and seek comfort from the arms about her. Cali held little doubt she wouldn't find any compassion from these men. All Willow's horrible stories came back in a terrifying flash.

Cali felt her hold on sanity slipping as she watched Jennie being lifted high above the hateful man's head. The glee in his eyes told her what he planned and Cali blanched violently. "No!" Her protest came as a whispered plea that no one could hear and those that could weren't listening.

The one holding her shouted something and she watched in startled relief as another Indian rode up and took Jennie from her high, deadly perch. The man on the horse now held Jennie to him and Cali watched as the baby gripped his braid in her small hands like she always did with her. Cali felt herself slump in relief against the solid wall of flesh that kept her upright. Jennie was safe. She shrank back from the anger and violence glaring at her from the one that wanted to kill Jennie. His look told her he felt the same loathing for her. She chanced a look at her captor; his heavy breathing pressed painfully against her breast.

The powerful eyes of this man held such a force she couldn't believe anyone would refute his authority. His look was cold and hard, filled with anger at the man standing beside them, glaring at her. Another order was issued and Cali was thrown brutally into the arms of the man that held nothing but death in his eyes for her.

She stood motionless, scared beyond reason of the man now gripping her arm. She fought her anger over what he almost did, reason told her he wouldn't hesitate to finish his hateful desire with her own blood.

Her eyes never left his heated gaze, feeling that if she looked away he would strike. When the arms circled her waist and lifted her up, Cali could only gasp in surprise over finding herself placed before the larger man now astride his horse. He pulled Cali's back hard against his frame. His arm secured her to him. The force of the horse taking off in a run pinned her further into his iron hold.

The feeling of complete loss swam around her as she realized the direction they were taking. Each thud of the powerful hooves drummed into Cali's muddled thoughts, lending one clear picture that echoed in finality. She would never see the wagon train or her family again. Why she felt so positive Cali wasn't sure, but the hopeless reality of her situation increased as the distance from the woods lengthened.

The remembered freedom of the afternoon gave her a new burst of strength. She faced the harsh truth that her life as she knew it ended here and maybe even her death were all that lay before her. A great wave of denial found its own force inside her. Pride, anger, maybe only pure desperation, all Cali understood was that she couldn't let this happen. For only a moment she thought about her action, any longer and she would have realized the foolishness of what she contemplated.

Her hands were free from her elbows down. The reins were in front of her, without thinking she gripped the horse's mane in her left hand, her right fingers closed over the reins and pulled viciously on them. The horse lunged back on his hunches almost flipping over with both its riders. Cali felt the man's arms instinctively release her, his action came so fast she nearly lost her chance. As she felt him trying to regain his balance, she brought her elbow back and punched him with all her might. Cali didn't stop to savor the joy she felt at unseating him. Trying to regain her own shaky seat, she whipped the horse to the right and dug in her heels.

She saw the other rider, heard the vicious words following her, knowing it must be some Indian curse and a violent one at that. The shocked expression of the other man gave her a surge of hope. Cali urged the horse towards him, somehow she prayed she would be able to get hold of Jennie and make their escape. Cali wouldn't leave without Jennie.

The shrill noise reached Cali's ears, but before she could figure out what it meant the horse suddenly stopped, violently throwing Cali over his head. The ground loomed before her, she instinctively curled into a ball, remembering what Willow taught her about falling during her riding lessons.

Hard and painfully punishing, she hit the ground with a force she never imagined she could live through. The moan came uninhibited as she rolled until she flattened out. She wasn't sure by what power or how she managed to do it, but she found herself on her feet.

Weaving dangerously, she fought the pain of her movements, hesitating, not sure where to run to. She saw him then as her eyes sought escape. She never believed anyone could be as angry as he looked with her. The air vibrated with his fury.

Now that he didn't hold her, Cali took her first true look at the man. A man she just tossed to the ground.

The large coppery chest and shoulders were bare of any covering. Only two thick silver bands circled the bulging muscles of each massive arm. Her eyes lowered to take in his rippling stomach; she couldn't stop herself from looking at the breechcloth hanging from his hips. Large strong thighs showed at each side of the cloth before tapering down the long powerful legs. Legs held tight and ready to spring into action against her. She jerked her eyes back to his ominous black gaze, refusing to let the fear overtake her. Seeing how his large capable body gleamed with the force of his strength, told her just how stupid her action against him might have been.

Cali stepped back; he suddenly grew very large and forbidding. His legs stood apart, his naked chest heaved dangerously at her. The other one, with Jennie, just sat there on his horse watching them. Cali had no idea where the mean one went and didn't care, all her attention was captured by the angry man staring hard and meaningfully across the distance at her. She sensed he wanted to wait and see what she would do next. If he knew how badly her body protested at just standing, she doubted he would be so careful in his approach. As if answering her thoughts, he took a step forward shortening the distance. Cali didn't think her body could move, let alone run, but the thought of being captured by those arms as angry as he looked with her right now, made Cali sure she better try. She stood before him and whether Indian or White, injured pride in a man was something Cali instinctively knew to fear.

Cautiously she stepped back, never dropping her gaze from his. His movement equaled her own, as if daring her to go farther. Bringing her chin up in defiance against the obvious, Cali decided then she would lose, but he would work at it, she wouldn't give up so easily. She could have sworn the corner of his mouth twitched in a smile, but the sternness she again spied immediately eliminated any hope.

Lifting her skirts high Cali pivoted, taking off in a hard run. Unlady like and fighting the pain shooting through her at each step, she pushed as hard as she could to escape the demon at her heels. The sound of his footfalls grew stronger. Each of his long strides ate up two of hers. She could feel him, knowing that any second his hands would take their deadly hold.

When it came Cali screamed out her anger and fear, regretting the defeat she knew would come, refusing to give in to the inevitable.

His heavy body tackled her to the ground. They hit hard and Cali struck out at him with a violence stronger than anything she thought herself capable of using. Remembering too late the strength he possessed, she struck out, her small fist hitting uselessly in their struggle until their flaring efforts were stopped by one large hand.

The easy effort he exerted as he straddled her squirming body aggravated her further. She knew he barely used his strength to hold her and her own ineffectual attack made her furious. Cali continued to struggle against his superior strength only to have her efforts met by the breath being pushed out of her as he pressed his full body into her own, preventing any further movement on her part.

She felt her arms being slowly lifted over her head and held down tight into the damp soil. She couldn't move, crying out her frustration as it built inside her.

Cali felt beaten!

She didn't want this to be happening. Exhaustion won out, her body slowly stilled and quieted beneath the heavy weight bearing down on her. All the hurt and anger raging inside glared defiantly up at the man. His face came so close she could feel his breath fanning her cheeks. She wished the hate she held could make him vanish. She wanted to be free. Some dreadful knowledge kept screaming in her mind that she never would be again.

Cali wasn't sure how long they stared at each other like that. His dark anger pitted against her dying hope, but Cali finally gave up the fight she waged with her eyes, no longer able to battle the ravenous black gaze that stole her strength. Her silent defeat became more devastating than all her lost battles against him.

He sensed the second she gave up, she could feel the tension leave him, but his eyes were forever alert on her now. Never again would she fool this man. There would be no further chance to escape. A lone tear fell across her dust covered cheek. Cali saw the door closing on life as she knew it. Everything told her this man now controlled her destiny. A shiver vibrated through her, her blue eyes looked deep into the coal black depths that confirmed her savage destiny!