Read Online Dark Journey [Ariel's Desire 2] by Candace Smith - Free Book Online

the old ways, I know that, but the dog has pride.   Any one of the men watching the corral today will tell you that.   He calculated the docile mares first, then went after Lightening.   He was scared.   I could tell going into the corral he’d probably never touched a horse before.”
    “There was pride in his eyes when the tribe acknowledged his bravery.   It worries me that anymore time as a dog, and that prideful streak could snap.   I think he needs to understand he’ll be rewarded when he behaves appropriately. Rewards may prove to be as beneficial to his training as punishment,” Yellow Hawk reasoned.
    “What about the rutting?” Wind Seeker asked.   “I can’t have him walking around pointing that white stick at the women.”
    “I’ve already decided that if he can’t be controlled, I’ll ring him until he gets it out of his system and learns.   It‘s a flatlander instinct and not meant as disrespect.   He can be broken out of the habit,” Yellow Hawk assured him.
    “Okay, that’s the best we can do,” Wind Seeker sighed.   “Now, let’s discuss the other problem.   Shining Star shared a discussion she had with Turning Leaves.   I’m considering her concerns along with what you’ve said.   Frankly, the situation with Gentle Wave this afternoon helps.   We’ve known we were looking at two dominate females in this generation.   It won’t work.”   Wind Seeker looked down at the table tapping his fingers on the wood as his thoughts sorted themselves then looked back at Yellow Hawk.   “I think the answer might be to let her go to the settlement.”
    Yellow Hawk’s immediate reaction was to argue.   He closed his eyes and thought about it.   He loved his daughter, but she was using Patrick’s flatlander to break up Raining Thunder and Misting Waters.   The blonde warrior winced with embarrassment when he heard Gentle Wave tell the acting chief that Turning Leaves was behind the cruelty to the dog.   He hated to admit it, but he knew his daughter was a disruptive schemer.   If she went to the settlement, Patrick would see she was cared for and maybe break her of the spoiled habits he and Whispering Wheat had put up with.
    The unsettling part was that he wasn’t surprised his daughter was behind Gentle Wave’s ambush of the dog.   If Gentle Wave got in disfavor with Wind Seeker, it would promote his daughter’s chance as dominant female. Reluctantly, he admitted Gentle Wave was strong, but she wasn’t devious, at least not without instruction.   He wasn’t looking forward to telling Whispering Wheat what Wind Seeker suggested.   Turning Leaves was their firstborn.   There was always the chance that calling their daughter’s bluff could backfire.   All they could do was see what would happen if Turning Leaves knew she’d have to move to the settlement to be with the flatlander.
    As it ended up, Yellow Hawk didn’t have to tell Whispering Wheat anything.   When he arrived home with the dog, his wife called him inside the teepee.   Yellow Hawk tied the leash overhead and Mike leaned against the wall of the tent, listening.
    “What I have to say might upset you, Yellow Hawk, but please hear me out. I know you were with Wind Seeker when Gentle Wave tried to get the dog in trouble.   To have him see the dog trying to rut three young women in the middle of the street is a reflection of your training, and falls back on our whole family.   I know Turning Leaves was behind that.   We both know how she’s trying to steal Raining Thunder from her sister.   She’s figured out he’s the most promising of the young warriors.
    “She says she has this bond with the flatlander.   I don’t even know how much of that is true or how much is for attention.   I do know she’s dangerously close to being chosen dominate when Shining Star steps down. She’s my daughter, but I have to admit it may not be in the tribe’s best interest. The fault is mine.   I spoiled her and