White Dragon

  White Dragon

  Copyright © 2014 by Regina A. Hanel

  Acknowledgments

  Dedication

  Epigraph

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Another title from Regina Hanel

  Other Yellow Rose Books

  About the Author

  Visit Us On Line

  White Dragon

  by

  Regina A. Hanel

  Yelow Rose Books

  by Regal Crest

  Texas

  Copyright © 2014 by Regina A. Hanel

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. The characters, incidents and dialogue herein are fictional and any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  ISBN 978-1-61929-143-0 (eBook)

  eBook Conversion April 2014

  First Printing 2014

  9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

  Original cover design by Donna Pawlowski

  Final cover design by Acorn Graphics

  Published by:

  Regal Crest Enterprises, LLC

  229 Sheridan Loop

  Belton, TX 76513

  Find us on the World Wide Web at http://www.regalcrest.biz

  Published in the United States of America

  Acknowledgments

  I'd like to thank Cathy Bryerose and the entire Regal Crest Enterprises team for their continued support and invaluable assistance, allowing my second manuscript to become a joyful reality.

  Special thanks to my editors, Mary Phillips and Mary Hettel, and to Pat Cronin, Editor-In-Chief, for their much appreciated comments, suggestions, careful scrutiny, and eyes for detail. Editors have a special way of seeing what we don't see and elevating our work.

  Loving thanks go to my partner Veronica for being my sounding board and first-line editor, and for dealing with my "time away" when I'm lost in thought, writing.

  And thanks to the readers. I wasn't sure I'd be able to create a second book, but many of your comments and interest have made it possible. I'm grateful for your support and hope the words keep coming. If you get a chance, stop by to visit my website or contact me at www.rhanel.com. I'd love to hear from you.

  Dedication

  For Veronica--the warmth within my heart and

  the inspiration in my soul.

  Epigraph

  Old European Riddle

  "What flies without wings, hits without hands, and

  sees without eyes?"

  Chapter One

  THE EXPEDITION SWAYED as Ranger Samantha Takoda Tyler pulled into the gravel, hole-strewn parking lot. Scant minutes passed since the call from dispatch. She stepped out of the vehicle, hefted her EMS bag, and started along the zigzagging path that overlooked Phelps Lake in Grand Teton National Park. About twenty yards from the bottom of the trail, Sam spotted a man in a navy blue shirt and tan fishing vest sitting a short distance from the water's edge. He waved her over.

  Before she reached him, he yelled, "I twisted my ankle between the rocks. I can't put weight on it."

  Sam set her bag on the ground. "Okay, let's have a closer look. I'm Ranger Tyler, and you are?"

  "Toby Hodgeman--Senior," he said.

  Sam reached for his ankle and undid the laces on his hiking boot. "How was the fishing earlier?"

  "Fine," he replied between gritted teeth as Sam removed the heavy boot and his sock.

  "What were you fishing for, whitefish or trout?"

  "I don't see why that matters, but mackinaw, if you must know."

  "Trout it is then."

  His eyes widened. "You fish?"

  "I stay away from eating fish or meat, so I have no reason to, but I'm familiar with the fish and wildlife in the area, and in the park." After a few seconds she added, "Your injury appears to be a fracture. I'm going to immobilize your ankle and call for backup to help get you out of here."

  Sam called dispatch, then extracted an orange brace and several other items from her EMS bag. With a gentle touch, she wrapped the flexible, foam covered aluminum splint around Toby's lower leg and ankle, then secured it with an Ace bandage wrap.

  Twenty minutes later, she helped carry him along the trail to the ambulance waiting in the parking lot. As she turned to leave, he called to her.

  "Uh, Ranger Tyler," he said. "Thanks again for everything. Sorry I was a bit gruff earlier, it's just that the pain--"

  "Not a problem," Sam said. She stood still for several seconds uncertain whether his less than friendly tone had more to do with his injury or instead centered on something else. Rather than make assumptions, she added, "Don't worry about it. I'm glad I was able to help."

  "Still, thanks."

  "You're welcome. Now get out of here and take care of yourself," she said. Sam spoke in a firm, yet friendly tone as the medics lifted him into the ambulance. "And watch where you're stepping next time."

  SAM WISHED THE call from dispatch hadn't come at the end of her shift. Her original plans were to leave work early, pick up a bouquet of flowers, and surprise Halie with dinner. Since Sam's promotion to Sub-District Supervisor last fall, the increased administrative duties often added a minimum of an hour or two to her day.

  Sam placed a quick call to Halie, letting her know she'd be late. Not far from her favorite florist, Sam headed south on Moose Wilson Road, thankful the traffic was lighter than normal, speeding her trip. At the florist, she lingered, selecting their finest and most fragrant flowers. After placing the bouquet on the seat of her vehicle, she eyed the arrangement one more time with satisfaction. Halie was sure to like them.

  Sam traveled along Gros Ventre River Road, past familiar picturesque mountains and wide-open expanses of grassland. She slowed the Expedition to a near crawl in front of their sprawling ranch house. The property was flat and level, separated from the road by a four feet high, white, wooden fence. The lawn was well kept, but needed mowing. Pink, white, and red impatiens lined the walkway leading from the driveway to the house, which was set back about a half-acre from the road. Sam parked the Expedition in the driveway as close to the garage door as she could, out of the line of view from the living room windows. She gingerly shut the SUV's door and snuck around the rear of the house. Sam entered through the heavy wooden back door that led into the mudroom, excited to surprise Halie. Momentarily placing the flowers on top of the wash cabinet counter, she unlaced her work boots and straightened out her uniform. Sam then tiptoed into the alcove from the garage, holding the flowers. She grinned from ear to ear thinking about the verbal lashing she would have gotten from her feisty partner had she not crept up on her wearing only socks.

  Halie stood in front of the dark green, granite kitchen counter, an elegant sight to Sam, even though she was only preparing salad for dinner. Halie's curly, flowing blonde hair caressed her narrow yet sturdy shoulders. The sleeveless purple blouse she wore hugged her torso. Her petite frame modeled her designer blue jeans and firm buttocks, causing Sam to catch her breath as her heart beat several times faster.

  Sam inched closer, but before she was able to move against Halie from behind and reach the bouquet of flowers in front of her, Halie spun part way around, intercepti
ng her.

  "Oh my god, you startled me," Halie said. She brought her right hand up to her chest, and in the next breath added, "Hey, wait a minute. What've you got there?" At which point her face lit up in the manner Sam imagined earlier.

  "These are to say I love you--I'm glad it's finally the weekend--and I'm doubly thankful to be spending it with you."

  Halie took the extensive bouquet of flowers, wrapped in cellophane and tied with a dark purple ribbon, in both hands. She sniffed deep, then moved them to the side and kissed Sam on the lips. "These are beautiful. You didn't have to do this. I thought we were celebrating tomorrow."

  "We are, but I wanted to get a head start today."

  Halie slid the salad bowls to the side and set the flowers on the counter. "I should have known you'd do something like this. That's so sweet. I'll put these in water right away."

  "Good idea. They've been in the car a while. The traffic wasn't too bad, but still, I'm sure they're thirsty enough. Where's Jake?" Sam scanned the kitchen. Jake, her dog, wasn't one to miss meeting her at the door, especially when coming home later than usual. "I mean, I'm glad he didn't give me away, but at the same time, I can't remember the last time I outsmarted him."

  "He's exhausted. I let him out when I got home and he flushed a rabbit from under the mountain ash in the back and chased it full speed around the yard. The two of them ran in circles, and then the rabbit ran into the woods and he took off after it. I don't think he caught up to it though. I watched him slog his way back across the lawn, tongue hanging out and panting. When he reached the deck and came into the kitchen, he didn't stay around for his usual treat."

  "Sounds like you've got him pegged," Sam said. "He's all brawn but no bite. I wouldn't want him any other way. God knows enough innocent animals are killed every day, and not all for good reasons."

  "I wouldn't want him any other way either," Halie said. "I don't know what I would've done if he walked up to the door with that cute furry critter in his mouth."

  Sam took a step toward Halie and hugged her. "You probably would've called me."

  "Darn right," Halie said, as the clanking of Jake's nails on the tile flooring and the jingle of his tags when he shook himself, echoed from the dining room. "Speaking of our devilish pooch, it sounds like he's on to you."

  "Hey there buddy," Sam said, bending at the knees as Jake entered the kitchen. She pet Jake on the head and scratched him behind the ears. "How's my good boy doing? Huh? How's my good boy? Didn't hear me come home today, did you? You're losing your touch, mister. Did you have a fun time chasing that rabbit?" she said, ruffling the hair around his neck.

  Jake's tail wagged so hard his whole butt moved back and forth several inches in each direction before banging with force against the cabinet face. When Sam stood, he pranced all around her legs, pushing up against her like a love-struck cat. "Hey, watch it. Don't step on my toes with those nasty claws of yours," she said in jest, though in truth, getting stepped on by an eighty pound Rhodesian Ridgeback was not at the top of her "˜fun things to do' list.

  Apparently oblivious of Sam's ribbing, Jake continued his happy dance around his mistress and best friend.

  "Did he eat dinner yet?" Sam asked.

  "Yeah, that he found energy for."

  "That's a good boy. Then I've got a treat that'll make you forget all about that elusive little rabbit," Sam said. Although she enjoyed teasing Jake, she loved having him around, and in the same way with Halie, she couldn't get enough of his company or imagine her life without him in it. He had been her rock when she went through tough times, and she'd always be grateful to him for that and all the other loving things he did.

  As Jake's nose pushed firm against her hands, she held out the raw knuckle bone she'd bought him. Without hesitation, he snapped up his prize, plopped down where he stood, and chewed rigorously.

  Sam grabbed an old towel from the closet by the mudroom. As she drew near, Jake lifted his bone and once the towel was in front of him, placed the bone down and continued eating.

  "That should keep him busy for a while," Sam said. "Do I have time to take a bath before dinner? I feel so grungy from work."

  "Please do," Halie said, "but hurry up, because I'm starving already."

  "No surprise there," Sam said before she hustled through the dining and living rooms. As she made her way up the stairs, she unbuckled her leather gun belt and carried it and its contents into the bedroom with her while her free hand began undoing the buttons to her uniform. She couldn't wait to relax in the warm water and catch a second wind.

  SAM DRIED THE dishes as Halie washed. Sam's eyes continually found their way to Halie, though her stolen glances appeared to have gone unnoticed by her partner. If it were only the glances that went unnoticed, Sam wouldn't have minded, but the lack of attention dove much deeper.

  Even during moments of alone time, Halie appeared preoccupied to Sam, and Sam missed the intimacy they hadn't shared for several months. With each day that passed, Sam's lips longed more and more to feel the softness of Halie's lips and the gentle caress of her hand against her skin. Sam wanted to breathe in her scent. Her body ached to feel the warmth and tenderness of her touch. She wondered if Halie felt the same desire. If she did, she wasn't showing it.

  "How about another glass of wine?" Sam suggested. "We could sit out on the deck and watch the sun set, just the two of us, away from any distractions."

  "That sounds good," Halie said. "We haven't done that in a long while."

  Jake squeezed past Halie as she opened the sliding glass door, and bolted out across the deck, down the steps, and onto the grass. After refilling their glasses, Sam met Halie near the railing, the wood still warm from the sun as she leaned against it. As they watched Jake roll around on his back and kick his feet in the air, the sun began to set in a fire-like orange hue, letting the cooling night air settle over them. Sam rested her hand on top of Halie's and stroked the smooth surface with her thumb. Warm, tingling sensations ran up Sam's arm and her heartbeat quickened.

  Sam first met Halie in Chief Thundercloud's office fourteen months earlier. From the start there had been something special about Halie Walker. There was gentleness and comfort in her chestnut brown eyes. Sam never imagined how special. Halie had visited the park to do a cover story for a wildlife magazine she'd worked for in Boston. The chief had partnered Sam up with Halie to help in that endeavor. Though initially bullheaded and reluctant to change her routine and assist Halie during her stay, Sam's view of her softened as their connection to each other grew. With each passing day and unique experience, their bond blossomed into a relationship beyond both their expectations.

  Much had transpired since that day. Sam glanced into Halie's eyes, hoping to see the desire and anticipation behind them, hidden these past months for reasons unknown to Sam, but she couldn't read them. Wanting to ask the reason why, but afraid of the answer, she instead asked, "Are you cold?"

  "A little chilled," Halie said, rubbing her arms.

  Sam reached her left arm around Halie and pulled her close. The warmth between them spread. "I can get your sweater if you like."

  "No, this is fine, thanks."

  In the quiet, Sam ached to be closer to Halie. She wondered if this night would be like so many recent others, her desire left wanting, or if it would be as it had in the past, where Halie wasn't able to get enough of her, and vice-versa. Nervousness of the unknown crept in, replacing hopeful anticipation. Sam tried to shake it loose, but she couldn't. She took another sip of wine, convincing herself not to self-prophesize. The past isn't always representative of the future, she told herself. Eventually their lives would get back to normal. God knows they had many wonderful days and nights where passion burned wild in them both. Why Sam now toyed with the idea that Halie didn't want or need her as much as she wanted and needed Halie was unclear. She was certain Halie loved her, and if she loved her, Sam shouldn't worry so much.

  As Halie pressed against Sam, Sam's body relaxed along with h
er jumbled thoughts, comforted by Halie's apparent desire for closeness. After a few seconds, Sam angled her body to face Halie. She brushed her lips against Halie's cheek and kissed the side of her face with tenderness. As Halie shifted and faced Sam, Sam's eyes contemplated Halie's lips, the heat within her rising as swift as a mild blowing breeze. When the line of sight from Halie's eyes lowered to Sam's mouth, Sam moved closer and kissed Halie with soft passion, waiting for her lips to part and their tongues to find one another. Sam's breaths shortened. Yet as quick as the intensity between them rose, it vanished in an instant as Halie pulled away with an abruptness that startled Sam.

  "Shoot, I almost forgot to tell you," Halie said. "I picked up the flyers for the gallery opening from the printer today. I should get them and show them to you. They came out great."

  A sharp sting of disappointment shot through Sam's heart as if Halie plunged a dagger straight through it yet again. At first, no words formed in Sam's mind. A cloud of dejection engulfed her, its cold tendrils replaced the heated blood that flowed through her veins moments before. "Now?" she managed in a whisper.

  "Yes, now. Why not?"

  Sam felt as though she was watching a stranger. Halie's words erupted so matter of fact, that Sam could not reply. Her throat constricted as her chest tightened around her heart. She stood baffled, unable to answer. Was she doing something wrong? Was Halie not physically attracted to her anymore? Was there someone else? No, she didn't believe someone else was involved, but then what? Why was she acting so strange? Sam understood Halie had been pre-occupied to the point of near obsession with getting her career back on track the past few months, but she couldn't reconcile this matter as the only reason for Halie's distance. There had to be something more. Why wasn't Halie talking to her about what was wrong? Didn't she deserve the truth? This was supposed to be a weekend of celebration, the one-year anniversary of when Halie had agreed to stay with Sam and start building a life together, but it now felt like nothing joyous. A dark chasm filled the space between them. Sam could barely look Halie in the eye, but she knew she had to answer her. She strained to find the words to a question she couldn't believe had been asked. In a near whisper she said, "Because although I eventually do want to see the flyers, since I'm excited for you about your gallery opening too, but I was more excited about spending some quality time with you--for a change. I thought you wanted the same thing tonight, but I guess I misread you--again."