To Tame a Wolf

Author:Krinard, Susan [Krinard, Susan]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Romance, Paranormal, Fiction
ISBN: 9781459207370
Publisher: HQN Books
Published: 2005-05-02T07:00:00+00:00

Tally's first sight of the Hacienda del Gavilán was of miles and miles of grass and scrubland cradled between hills not unlike those at Cold Creek. Long-horned Mexican cattle wandered at liberty to graze where they would—thin, tough beasts who could survive under the very worst of conditions.

Closer to the river, now a mile from the main road, campesinos or tenants worked plots of land devoted to corn, beans and other crops. Tally guessed that the hacienda was largely self-sufficient and must employ many of the local villagers on a seasonal basis. The Apaches had clearly not been a regular threat for some time.

Vaqueros wearing colorful sashes and kerchiefs whooped greetings to the strangers, sending one of their number ahead to alert the hacendado of his guests' approach. Tally knew Don Miguel Torres only by reputation, but like most Mexican nationals he would treat even the newest business associates like old friends. Such was the way in a land where Indian attacks, disease and drought had long been constant companions.

Federico, after several wary glances at Sim, asked permission to join his countrymen on the range. Tally waved him on. She was more than grateful to have arrived at their destination, for Sim had maintained a grim and prickly silence ever since he'd bared his soul to her over the ashes of a dead campfire.

Tally expected to be far too busy to think much about Sim and their troubling conversation. Since she would continue to pose as a man and the head of her party, she would be handling the final negotiations and inspection of the mixed herd Don Miguel had set aside for her purchase. It was her first time taking on such responsibility, but she relished the chance to prove her competence, especially to herself.

The hacienda road passed a fenced vegetable garden and ended at a heavy wooden gate slung between thick adobe walls built in the days when such isolated ranches were compelled to fend off Indian raids. The gate stood open, revealing a flagstoned courtyard. The horses' hooves clattered on the uneven surface as Tally led men and mounts up before the columned archway of the main residence.

Well-dressed members of Don Miguel's staff waited at the foot of the steps that led to carved double doors. A portly gentleman introduced himself as Señor Gonzalez, mayordomo of the hacienda, and directed a maid to deliver cool fruit drinks to the riders as soon as they had dismounted.

"Greetings, Señor Bernard," Gonzalez said in careful English. "Don Miguel will be here to greet you in a few moments. Then you will have time to bathe and prepare for the evening meal. All you desire is yours in this house."

Tally inclined her head. "Gracias, señor. I trust that Don Miguel is well?"

"Si, St. It is a very happy time for us, señor. You see, Don Miguel's daughter was very sick, but now she is well again."

"That is happy news."

"Indeed. Our great good fortune is all due to the efforts of the precious curandera.

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