White Wolf Read Online Free PDF Page B

as he puffed on his pipe.
    Jessie rolled her eyes. “You’re close, old man, ’cept it’s three rotten men, to be exact.”
    His jaw dropped and his bushy brows lifted. She sighed and nudged Shilo forward. “Fine. You want to know? I’ll tell you. I’m heading into Westport. You can ride with me if you like, but mind you keep your distance,” she warned, keeping her whip loosely coiled in her hand.
    Nudging his horse forward and maintaining a respectful distance between them, the stranger drew deeply on his pipe, then released the woodsy scent of tobacco. “Call me Rook, lass. What’s yer name?”
    “Jessica,” she answered, signaling Sadie to walk between them, “but most folk just call me Jessie.”
    “Well, now, who are these men who’ve left ya lookin’ like ya lost yer best friend?”
    “My brothers, James, Jordan and Jeremy.”
    “And what’d they do ta make their pretty li’l sister cry?”
    Surprised, Jessie stopped and fixed her narrowed gaze on Rook to see if he was making fun of her. After all, she knew she wasn’t pretty. Staring into his face, she was startled to find he was serious. She grunted and clucked at Shilo. Obviously his eyesight wasn’t very good, she thought with a disappointed sigh.
    “Me and my brothers were all set to go to Oregon, but our wagon master, Able Bennett, broke his leg. He found someone else, but it seems the new wagon master won’t allow single women to go—which leaves me out.” Her voice hitched and a thread of bitterness crept into her voice. “My dear brothers are going without me.”
    Rook drew on his pipe and lowered his brows. “They’s leavin’ you behind?”
    Staring straight ahead, she was tempted to let Rook think her brothers were abandoning her, but she couldn’t. Deep down, she knew it wasn’t their fault that the rules had changed. Nor could she blame them for making the best business decision they could, but accepting it didn’t ease the hurt she felt.
    “I’m supposed to follow later, after a new guide is hired.” Her lips twisted with renewed disgust. No way was she coming out with the Smiths. She’d go alone if necessary! “James says he can’t pass up the opportunity to work their way west. The money he and the others earn will help us get a new start.”
    “Makes sense, lass. Doesn’t sound like they’s jest leavin’ you.”
    Jessie closed her eyes. Rook was right, but the fear remained. “You don’t understand. We’re family. After our parents died, my brothers promised no one would ever separate us, yetthey’re allowing this White Wolf to do just that. What if something happens to them while we’re separated? There’s so many dangers, unknowns.”
    She whispered her greatest fear: “I can’t bear the thought of arriving in Oregon and not finding them. Anything could happen. I’ve heard lots of stories of relatives who’ve never learned the fate of their loved ones after they left. We have to stick together. No one can separate us. I won’t let them. I’m going. You’ll see,” she finished, defiantly lifting her chin.
    Rook stared at her for a long time. “Do ya believe in fate, lass?”
    Jessie frowned.
    “Sometimes fate is unkind, but ofttimes when things look their bleakest and you’ve lost all hope, somethin’ good comes along. Ya jest have to be patient and watch for it. And when it comes, you grab it with both hands. Understand?”
    “If fate is Able breaking his leg and causing this mess, then I have to say it’s cruel. Besides, can you honestly tell me fate has always been kind to you?”
    Rook stopped, his piercing gaze holding hers, inviting her to glimpse another brief flash of sadness that he didn’t bother to hide. “No, lass, Lady Fate hasn’t always been kind to me, but there’s no use wallowin’ in self-pity. It don’t change a damn thing. Secret is ta take the hand fate deals you and play it the best ya can.”
    Jessie bowed her head under his gentle rebuke. Still, what he said