The South Wind

by TJ

FEEDBACK: Yes Please! — HistoryWillKnowTheSeven@hotmail.com (Don't forget to tell me which story you read - Thanks)

RATING: NC17 - for violence and explicit sexual content. Some content may be disturbing to more sensitive readers.

UNIVERSE: Old West (The Original and Still the Best)

SERIES: History Will Know The Seven

ARCHIVE: Yes, but ask first please.

DISCLAIMER: If only wishes did come true... Reality is harsh.

John Watson and CBS own The Magnificent Seven and all of its characters.

No profit shall be received from this narrative.

I claim All Original Characters as my own.

Please, DO NOT use them without my express permission.

WRITER'S NOTES: The references to Greek Mythology used here can be found in most Encyclopedias.

It was necessary for me to learn the game of poker, although it doesn't take up a lot of the plot. I'm told I got it right.

The Native Language used here is authentic, but I did take small liberties with some of the translation. I must apologize for the appearance of the written words. The standard computer keyboard does not allow for Cheyenne punctuation.

My story has no true basis in reality, but the references made to Native American cultural beliefs have a basis in fact. The creatures of the Four Winds do exist!

My thanks to Antoinette for her friendship, guidance and patience. Thanks also, to Amy, for her enthusiasm and tenacity. And, thank you to Carrie and Marnie, for their eagerness to help.

Finally, to the ladies in the chat room, who convinced me that I could do this — this 'Adult' version is for you!

Part Two

Evening had come to Four Corners and almost everyone had settled down from the morning's excitement. Everyone except a angry, menacing gunslinger...

After confronting the woman, Larabee had stormed off and had been alone in the sheriff's office ever since. No one had dared disturb the foul mood he'd worked himself into.

Instead, the town and its peacekeepers had gone about their daily business. The remainder of the day had been uneventful and now the setting sun had brought out the usual assortment of nightlife. Excluding the intense poker game going on at the corner table, the saloon was its normal center of activity.

Bill Thomas and Harry Watkins had been traveling east on the late stage to Eagle Bend. They had decided to stop over in town before continuing on their journey. Both men had exchanged knowing looks when a fancy southern gentleman had suggested a 'friendly game' of Five-Card Stud. Neither, of course, knew of the gambler's reputation and Standish took full advantage of that fact.

Along with several of the townsfolk, four of The Seven stood around the table watching the card game. Nathan and Josiah had agreed earlier that Ezra would prevail at the end of the evening and were now positioned behind him to observe the outcome.

Buck stood squarely behind his newest friend. He'd warmed nicely to the woman and believed she could beat the southerner again tonight.

As usual, John Dunne was just caught up in the excitement of the moment and migrated around the table as he saw fit.

The only wild card at the table tonight was Athena. The two new visitors had strongly objected at a 'woman' playing but the gambler had assured them that she had money and could play. It was as though Ezra and Athena had been playing a game of cat and mouse the past few days. Domination of their nightly poker games had alternated equally, yet the gambler seemed to have lost no money. He somehow found himself drawn to the young lady but they still had not spoken.

During this evening's game, assets had been exchanged between all participants and none of them were ready to give up. All the players had money left in their pockets as the last round was called. The kitty still held a small amount of money left over from the last hand. The ante had been upped a couple of times during the night and now sat at five dollars. Watkins was to deal the final round and as he shuffled, everyone threw in their money. The gathered crowd grew silent as Harry slowly dealt out the hold and up cards. Bill's three was the lowest card showing after the deal and he started the game by adding another five in the pot. The remaining players matched that bet.

The next round of up cards was dealt and Ezra smiled inside. He had a pair of queens while Bill and Harry appeared to have nothing. Opposite the gambler, Athena had an eight and jack of diamonds. Everyone bet with their cards and the dealer handed everyone another up card.

Bill now had a pair of sevens while the woman drew the seven of diamonds. Standish had received a two and Harry still had nothing. At this point in the game, none of the hold cards had been touched. The southerner raised the bet another five and Bill and Athena called. Watkins was frustrated and finally checked his hold card. He cussed under his breath and threw in his hand.

Standish took in his remaining opponents as Harry dealt the third round of up cards. Thomas seemed nervous to the experienced eye but the young lady across the table showed no hint of emotion. She held the possibility of a flush in her hand but no one could tell by her face.

The gambler tested the lady's resolve with a gentle smile as he caught her eye. Still there was no emotion to be read as she simply stared at him. She certainly does possess excellent skills.

The game continued.

Excitement grew as the onlookers talked quietly amongst themselves. Harry had completed the deal of the final up card to the remaining players. Ezra drew another queen while Bill drew another seven. Athena's card was the nine of diamonds. Thomas fumbled with his cards and then chose to peek at his hold card. After several anxious seconds, he folded. There was just no way his sevens could beat the queens and four of a kind was out of the question as 'the woman' already had one.

Standish studied the hand and face of his last opponent. Still he could see no hint of emotion. After looking briefly at his three of a kind, he glanced at each one of their hold cards. Neither he, nor the young lady, had looked at them yet.

Athena closed her eyes while the gambler considered the cards. After careful deliberation, she heard him call. As her eyes opened the corner of the woman's lips curled and she bet.

The gambler weighed his chances. He showed three royal ladies and a deuce. The woman had an eight, jack, seven and nine of diamonds. If she held another diamond, she would beat him but if he had another lady, he would win.

Understanding that the game could go either way, he decided to finally look at his hold card. The gambler turned the corner of his card up gently and considered his options again. Several anxious seconds past before he saw the bet, raised it another ten and called.

The woman sat still and looked deep into the green eyes that now pierced her soul. From this man she needed no touch to tell her his deepest thoughts. He was so very good at this game they had been playing but he was even better at another. In her heart, Athena could sense his deep longing. If this desire was so strong in his essence then why did he hide it so much? These green eyes told a much deeper story than their owner cared to admit. This man's journey to a new place would need to happen before...

The southerner had become accustomed to the lady's unusual stare over the past few nights. When she looked at him, he had a hard time concentrating on his cards. Tonight though, he sensed that she was completely lost in thought. He shuffled in his seat to regain her attention. Although she still hadn't looked at her hold card, Athena smiled at him, matched his bet, raised another ten and called.

Ezra's smile was wide as he turned up his hold card to reveal the remaining queen. Applause sounded as everyone congratulated themselves on a game well played. The crowd seemed pleased with the gambler's win and Nathan and Josiah congratulated him.

Disgusted with the outcome, Bill and Harry departed with the thinning crowd.

Athena held her stare throughout the long moments it took for the crowd to disperse. Still unmoving in her chair, she finally stood, tilted her head and gave the gambler a gently ingratiating smile.

Standish nodded an acknowledgement before tipping his hat and reaching to gather the pot.

Intent on collecting his winnings, the southerner was still leaning across the table when he noticed Athena slowly pick up her hold card.

Without looking at it, she placed it carefully in his breast pocket.

Confused by her actions, the gambler frowned.

Looking deep into his sea green eyes, the young lady tilted her head once more. Smiling coyly, she turned and walked silently out of the saloon.

Ezra followed her with his gaze before glancing at the other four peacekeepers still present.

They all shared the same questioning look.

Straightening his stance, Standish slowly removed the card from his pocket and turned it over. The card he held was another diamond... but it was the ten.

As he climbed the stairs towards her room, the gambler could feel his apprehension growing. She obviously knew her straight flush beat my four of a kind! Why did she conceded defeat and let me take the money that was rightfully hers? Lost in his thoughts, he stood outside her door quietly contemplating his next move. Slowly Ezra retrieved the money from his pocket and considered it carefully. Well, she did give it to me!

Movement prompted his attention and Standish raised his head and looked at the young woman who stood in front of him. He hadn't heard Athena open the door. Her appearance had altered slightly from an hour ago. Her long blond hair flowed freely around her shoulders and she was barefoot on the cold, wooden floor.

The couple held each other's gaze complete...

After a long minute of silence, she waved him in.

The southerner removed his hat and gave a brief, courteous nod before entering.

Athena slowly closed the door.

The southerner stared at the wall rather than face the woman. A declaration of this nature might be simple for most but for Standish, the words would not come easy. He had no idea how to relate the facts... let alone look into her eyes when he made the statement. Although he had no clear understanding of why, the way Athena looked at him always made him...

The words will just be easier if I didn't have to see her eyes.

Standish cleared his throat. "It appears there has been an error," he began. "The victory and the spoils of our final contest are rightfully yours, my dear lady." He turned and held out the money for her but still avoided her eyes.

The woman made no move to retrieve the currency. She looked at the gambler intently. She wanted only for him to return her stare.

After several long seconds, he complied with her silent request. Yet, as he gazed at her, Ezra knew something was different. He had unknowingly, become accustomed to her gentle smile and couldn't comprehend why it wasn't there. What could I possibly have done wrong? Perhaps my actions are repulsive? Perhaps it's just me! Moving past the woman quickly, Standish reached for the door handle.

She watched him move towards the door. "Do not go," Athena beckoned quietly. She looked deeply into his eyes as he turned around. "I can not take the money, sir. I conceded the game to you before my hold card was revealed."

Ezra shook his head. "But you already knew the identity of your card." He was certain of his facts. "You knew your hand was triumphant. Why did you relinquish the victory?" He truly could not conceive her actions. Crossing the room again, the gambler placed the money on the small table. His back was to the lady once more. "The money is rightfully yours," he turned slowly to look at her. "I will not profit from deceit!"

Athena still had not moved. "There was no intended deception, sir. I simply cannot take the money. The one hundred and forty seven dollars was meant for you."

Standing beside the table, the southerner sighed and set his hat down. He leafed the money before turning to look at Athena again. He simply stood and stared. How could she possibly have known the amount of money that the kitty held? "How did you..."

"The numbers have set your play in motion, sir. The outcome is yours alone to resolve."

Her words were poetic but their meaning was lost on the gambler. He looked deep into her beautiful hazel eyes and became transfixed. Never before had he witnessed such unguarded emotions in a simple look.

Athena returned his gaze with growing excitement. This man was so very handsome... even to the point of distraction. Yet, it was not his physical form alone that attracted her. She could feel the depths of his soul and see all that he hid from the world. There was truly more to this man than she had anticipated.

And, the lady wanted... more.

As they slowly drew closer to each other her words softened to a seductive pitch. "You are no stranger to deception, sir... It is a performance you have mastered well."

Ezra's poker face was in full play as they held each other's eyes. Again, they moved to close the distance between them.

"Why do you hide your true self from those who stand strongest beside you?" she moved the conversation to the topic she needed to pursue.

Standish was taken aback by the direct nature of the questions. Clearly, she could see right through the obscurity in which he chose to surround himself.

"Why can you not reveal your doubts and fears to your friends?" she questioned again.

They held each other's gaze so completely.

"My associates do not view the world in the same manner as I," he tried to convince her.

"Might I suggest that only you, are of that opinion, sir?"

The southerner was truly beginning to dislike the designation she called him and thought he might distract her from her current conversation. He smiled. "It would please me greatly, if you would call me Ezra."

She acknowledged his attempt to divert her attention but could not pass up this opportunity to set this man on his path. Her words were but a whisper as she spoke. "Your brotherhood within The Seven is deserved, Ezra Standish... but the fellowship will be tested. It is vulnerable unless all components understand their place. You must embrace the solidarity of your peers."

Clearly disheartened by her statement, the gambler tried again to distract the woman from her train of thought. His voice, too, barely audible outside of their close confines, "You seem to indicate that I beguile my associates in some way. I must take exception to that statement, dear lady. When a conflict is at hand, I believe we all contribute equally. If you had been present for any length of time you would have observed this for yourself... instead of jumping to false conclusions."

They were so close now that each could feel the other's breath.

"And when those battles have been fought you simply mask your existence and turn away from the men who stand strongest beside you."

"I do not welcome your observances," he tried to be angry and lowered his chin. "They are untrue." Standish spoke the words but in his heart, he did not believe them. He knew every word she uttered was the truth. His belief was simply... That no matter how hard he tried, he just didn't fit in with the others... But, I... really don't try that hard... Do I? Could it really be true? Do I bring this estrangement on myself? Could it truly be damaging to our little fraternity?

As he raised his head to look at her again, Athena's lip curled ever so gently.

Ezra could not resist touching her. He returned her smile and the momentary anger faded as he slowly ran his finger through her hair. When she showed no resistance, he leaned in to kiss her gently.

And, when the embrace was over, they repeated it twice more.

Athena welcomed his touch. It would afford her a greater opportunity to look more deeply into his heart. She blushed under his gaze and they kissed again... this time longer and harder. When their lips parted, the woman's eyes lowered and she drew in a long easy breath. Slowly, she backed away to the door before turning. She stood staring at the key for several long seconds before she felt his hands on her shoulder.

Sensing her hesitation, Standish took his own deep deliberate breath and forced back his longing. Ever the gentleman, he smiled for her. "My dear lady," he whispered. "I believe it is time for me to go."

She too, smiled softly, closed her eyes... and turned the key.

He heard the lock latch and Ezra eyes closed at the sound. He was truly attracted to Athena. Something beyond description had taken control and he wished nothing more than to act on his desire. He looked at her once more. His hands moved freely about her arms as the woman turned to look deeply into his beautiful green reflections. She had been drawn to the sparkle in this man's soul long before she ever knew the glint in his eye. Now his sea green pools revealed the loving tenderness he hid so well. The couple shared a moment of understanding. That look! ... The one that conveys your genuine intent... and deepest desire. A seductive, reassuring kiss followed to sealed their silent covenant.

As she listened to his breath quicken with yearning, Athena began to understand the true face of this master of disguises. The couple allowed their hands the freedom to wander as they continued the embrace.

Their lips parted and the southerner took the lady by the hand and guided her to the bed. Smiling, he stepped aside and casually removed his jacket and hung it on the back of the nearby chair. He glanced over and watched as she folded the blankets down.

They exchanged a knowing grin.

Beside his hat, Ezra placed his weapons and rigging. Sitting, he removed his boots.

She caught him off guard as he gained his feet once more. Athena knew he would not have expected her to be at his side, yet there she was.

The way the corner of her lips curled when she looked at him only served to deepen the man's desires more. Ezra reached for the woman and she melted at his touch. "Oh, God!" he whispered. "It's been too long."

Their arms entwined as their mouths locked yet, this kiss was different than the rest. This embrace was slow and methodical. They took their time and drank in one another's hunger.

Lips' touching gently... then mouths beckoning... Tongues searching... and passion ever deepening.

Their eyes were closed yet they slowly began to make their way to the bed. Inch by inch the pair moved across the room. No senses engaged except for touch, they continued their attentive exploration of the other's body.

As they reached their destination, Ezra pulled back and looked at Athena. He smiled his cocky grin and his tongue darted through his parted lips to wet them. Lustful thoughts raced through his consciousness.

The lady returned his brazen grin then slowly reached for the buttons on his vest.

His hands caressed her shoulder as the garment fell to the floor.

Her skillful manipulation made quick work of his shirt. It too, fell silently to the ground. Those same nimble fingers gently made their way down his neck and across the athletic shoulders. Ever so carefully, Athena traversed the outline of his muscular chest and blew warm breath against his nipples. She tickled them tenderly with her tongue.

Drawing her lips to his again, Ezra kissed her softly then allowed his mouth to follow her neckline to her earlobe.

Her eyes fluttered closed as she savored the tingling sensations that ran up and down her spine.

Several long seconds passed before he continued down into the folds of her collar and the tender skin that lay beyond.

A soft giggle escaped the woman's mouth as she collapsed onto the sheets. His persistent, soft nibbling had found the nape of her neck.

"Ahhhhhh!" he grinned. "I've found your weakness." Raising his eyebrows questioning, he only smirked wider as she coyly looked away. Reclining beside her, he whispered softly, "I won't tell a soul, Athena."

The woman glanced back at the gambler quickly. This was the first time she had heard him use her name... and she liked the way it sounded coming from his lips. Again, she found her hands tracing the outline of his chest as he leaned across to find her tender neck once more. Her head dropped back as waves of exquisite pleasure took over her body.

Pressing her down gently on the bed, the gambler moved up and leaned in to kiss the outstretched windpipe.

Athena played with the southerner's hair as his mouth moved slowly down her shirt. Methodically, his lips and teeth worked at the buttons and one by one, he succeeded at his task. Each time a clasp opened, Standish would look at the lady and grin.

The gentle, seductive curve of her lips never wavered until his mouth slowly tugged her shirttails from her waistband. Athena sat up and looked deeply into Ezra's eyes again.

They held each other's attention so completely as he slowly moved his hands underneath her shirt and caressed the softness below. Her torso was strong yet, tingled under his probing touch. The gambler ran his fingers between her breasts before cupping one in each hand. He fondled the roundness and felt them respond. The swelling increased under his manipulation and he moved closer to brush the shirt aside. Revealing pert nipples to the coolness of the night air only made them strain further and the gambler could not resist the sight. Acting in kind to the treatment Athena had shown him moments earlier; Ezra licked his lip, glanced at the woman through the corner of his eye and took a nipple in his mouth. Slowly he ran his finger across the other pert bud while he tenderly tasted the first.

Athena breathed deeply as the southerner worked his impressive tongue all around her breasts. Using her waiting mouth as the transition between eager nipples, Standish spent several long minutes driving the woman wild with desire.

Unable to handle his tempting much longer, she pushed the gambler back and looked at him wantonly. She slowly reached for his pants and felt his manhood hardening to her touch.

Ezra sat back on his elbows as Athena straddled his knees and slowly unbuttoned his pants and underclothes. He could only stare at the beauty as she gradually uncovered her fancy.

Her hair dangled freely and swollen beasts peeked out from beneath the shirt that still hung loosely around her shoulders.

Standish took a deep breath as a soft fingertip gently touched the head of his engorged penis. Athena swallowed the breath from his lips as she eagerly kissed the gambler again. Stopping briefly to look into his eyes, she smiled bashfully before beginning her journey.

Waves of anticipation shook the southerner's body, as Athena's lips grew closer to his waiting organ. His heart beat heavily in his chest as the woman teased his nipples before nibbling her way down to his pants.

Smiling at the head that awaited her lips, Athena kissed it as she ran her hands down inside the gambler's clothing.

In one quick movement the couple succeeded in pushing Ezra's garments to his ankles. They dropped effortlessly to the floor and Athena gazed shamelessly at his naked form. Noticing his socks still on, the woman snaked her way to his feet and removed them.

As slowly as she had worked her way down his body, Athena now began to nibble her way back to her indulgence. Finally reaching the object of her desire, the lady encircled his shaft in gentle kisses before licking the head. Her eyes gazed up to meet his, as though looking for permission and Standish had only one answer to give.

Seeing the glint in her man's eyes was all Athena needed. Slowly she took him in her mouth. Long minutes rolled by slowly as tantalizing methodical nibbling and tonguing slowly turned to a gently pumping action. Her quickening motion caused him to enlarge more... and this only served to increase the woman's hunger. Her rhythmic motions continued until the gambler could stand it no longer.

His heart beat ever faster as Ezra grabbed his lady's shoulders and pulled her up to his waiting lips. Using the momentary reprieve to catch his breath, the man set about his own distraction. The woman sat straddling the gambler's manhood and he could feel the material of her pants rubbing him as they kissed. He slowly pushed the shirt from her shoulders and pulled his hands around to the front of her pants. Alternating his kisses around Athena's upper body, Ezra worked feverishly to unfasten her pants and drawers. Once accomplished, Standish pulled her into his arms. Cradling her for a brief moment, he lovingly guided her to the sheets. Assuming the dominant roll, he knelt and took the remaining clothes from her body with all due haste.

Two naked forms stared at each other in the semi darkness. Neither moved as they studied the other's form.

This woman wasn't overly tall but lying on the bed in front of him, the southerner was memorized by her recently bared legs. They were very muscular yet, slender and long. They complimented the curve of her hips wonderfully, not to mention all of the other soft round curves of her clearly, female form. Ezra smiled at the thought of this beauty hidden beneath her 'male' clothes. The garments had fooled them all so completely. Oh, what a waste!

Athena's heart beat faster as she gazed at his body. Standish was so very much a man. A strong, handsome, well-groomed gentleman unlike any she had met before. His green eyes sparkled and his smile was infectious. Well-toned muscles covered his entire form... but one in particular, drew her attention.

With tenderness reserved only for a moment such as this, the gambler straddled the woman and lay his body over hers. Athena's arms encircled his shoulders as Ezra, once more found her neck and worked his magic. The woman squirmed beneath him and the southerner pressed himself against her wetness for the first time.

Tantalizing each other with their mouths and hands, the minutes ticked slowly by. The couple seemed lost in their exploration. Wrapped up in the feelings that engulfed them, they were driven by the desire that guided them. All senses were in play as the man and woman became one with each other.

Finally Athena grabbed a handful of Ezra's hair and pulled his mouth from her breast. Again, they stared into one another's eyes. Lust the only message exchanged. The woman slowly parted her legs as his body slipped between them. Her moisture welcomed his probing organ as the southerner gently wiggled his hips. Wrapping her lower limbs around her man's thighs, Athena pushed her body forward to meet his probing.

Both partners stopped their movement when their bodies were in place. The head of his penis waited expectantly in her folds. Their eyes locked again and the final, silent message of consent was acknowledged. Ezra kissed the woman deeply as he slowly breached the entrance to her waiting channel.

Athena held their kiss as long as she could before throwing her head back and closing her eyes. Four successive strokes brought him to the depths of her vagina and she felt his muscle stretch her so completely. Her eyes fluttered as she breathed heavily. "Oh... Ezra," she murmured through baited breath.

Fighting to control his body, the gambler grinned lovingly into the woman's opening eyes. "Alright?" he questioned softly.

Her eyelids fluttered again and her seductive smile gave Standish his reply. It was all the answer he needed to continue his slow rhythmic actions. Minutes passed like hours as he slowly increased his pace and the two continued to share their passion in other ways. The kisses they bestowed grew increasingly harder.

Ezra's attention to the woman's neck and nipples made her respond ever forcefully with her hips.

Athena gently massaged every available inch of the gambler's body, giving him just the right balance of stimulation and distraction.

Limbs entwined, juices flowed and lust ebbed and swelled in the ever-increasing pace. Soft moans and the scent of passion enveloped the room. Two bodies became as one in the heat of carnal pleasure.

Time stood still yet the clock hands continued their march. Then, without warning, Athena took hold of several layers of the gambler's skin and her eyes grew wide.

Barely able to maintain his own breath, Ezra smiled at her hazel eyes. They begged for release... as did his own.

A soft growl erupted from Athena before it slowly changing to whimpering moans of fulfillment. The gambler forced every muscle in his heated body to respond to their needs before he too, succumbed to orgasm. The pulsing waves of ecstasy ran its course through their bodies.

Not content to end their lovemaking so bluntly, the gambler rode out their body's demands with continued gentle strokes.

With chins folded into each other's shoulders, the couple felt their tension melt away. They held one another as the southerner's body finally stopped its motion. As their breaths quieted, Ezra lifted his head and smiled ever so gently at her closed eyes. He brought his lips to hers and she responded in kind. When their embrace was concluded, Standish laid his head on her shoulder and they held each other in the afterglow.

Long minutes passed before either partner moved again. The lingering bliss reminded them both, that it had indeed, been too long.

Taking a deep breath, Standish began to advance his body to the sheets but Athena's strong limbs halted his decent. Opening her eyes, she looked at him coyly. "Do not go..." she beckoned. Adjusting her legs around his thighs, she pulled him closer.

Standish frowned and cocked his head. Returning her loving expression, he raised an eyebrow. "I do believe we are pleasantly exhausted, my dear," he whispered. "I should leave and allow you to rest."

"No," she whispered. "Stay... and sleep."

Ezra couldn't help but grin. "With pleasure, my dear, but..." he looked at her curiously. "Are you sure?"

Again, the lustful glint in the woman eyes was the gambler's only reply.

Nodding his concurrence, the man couldn't help but smile. He kissed her passionately before settling his head back to her shoulder. Slowly he closed his eyes and drifted into a blissful sleep.

Tanner had spent the night silently watching over his leader.

It had been late when the tracker finally couldn't stand his thoughts anymore. The town was quiet and the woman's reflections were strangely absent from his mind. With nothing else to occupy him, Vin's attentions had drifted to his best friend's disposition. He knew the blond was seething below the surface. He understood that nothing bothered Chris more than no having control over his own fate.

The sharpshooter had tossed ideas around in his head as he made his way to the jail. But, he was no more in control, than the gunslinger was. How could Vin possibly defuse the growing tension between Larabee and the woman? Different scenarios played through his mind, but nothing seemed practical given the two personalities involved. Stubborn ain't always s a good thing! Finally deciding that maybe his presence alone would be enough to calm his best friend, the tracker went on inside their office and found a chair.

They didn't talk. They barely even acknowledged each other's company. They were simply together and each man took comfort in that fact throughout the night.

As the townsfolk slowly awoke and went about their business, Tanner finally took in his leader's form. At first glance, the blond appeared calm, but Vin's refined senses told him otherwise. It had been well over a week since Chris had left town. It was obvious that he was feeling hemmed in. Athena had been here all that time and her constant presence was matters worse. Perhaps he could convince Larabee to visit his place for a couple of hours. It might give the gunslinger a better perspective on the situation. Nodding his concurrence with his own idea, the tracker sat up in his chair. "Figured it's 'bout time ya took a ride out tah ya homestead," he suggested. "Me and the boys can look after things here for a spell."

The gunslinger didn't react but he considered the offer for a while. Maybe the sharpshooter was right. A little space and fresh air couldn't do him any harm. It would be good not to have that woman looking at him all the time. "Maybe!" was his only reply.

"Reckon while yer thinkin' on it, I'll go get maself some coffee." He got to his feet and waved to the door. "Join me?"

Larabee eyed the man curiously. The tracker knew just when to back off and just when he could break Chris out of his moods. He looked at Tanner and bestowed upon him his usually hidden smile. Gaining his feet, the blond joined his younger friend as they headed out to get some breakfast.

The rising sun cast long shadows across the suite as the dim light revealed the room's occupants. Athena rested face down on the bed, while Ezra lay gently against her back listening to her breathing and her heartbeat. He moved her hair aside and gently ran his fingers over the tattoo that adorned her back. The intricacy of the design fascinated him yet; he couldn't help but notice how it was etched into her skin. "Did it hurt when they did this to you?" he asked quietly.

He could not see the woman close her eyes in response.

A long moment past as they both contemplated the red wolf.

Standish had no real understanding of the creature depicted in the marking. It looked much like the wild animals he had seen once. He could only wonder why the 'red wolf' was so significant... And, why the woman seemed branded with it.

Studying the markings, the southerner smiled gently. It was beautiful. This woman was beautiful... He slowly began to question why she would waste her time worrying about The Seven... and him? His thought finally got the best of him... "Why do you concern yourself so readily with my attachment to my... friends?" Standish hadn't noticed how uncomfortable he felt using this word. Umm, Perhaps I should use it more often!

"All of you must belong completely if The Seven are to endure. You must see Destiny together."

Standish allowed the woman to turn under him before resting his head on her chest.

"You must believe in your heart that your contributions are important. You must understand without questioning. History must know The Seven," she fingered his hair softly as she spoke.

Ezra acknowledged her poetry with a sigh. History must know The Seven? How Curious!

Glancing up at her, the southerner smiled. "I fear I will never belong 'completely'..." he huffed. "Mr. Larabee sees to that. "

Her caressing stopped. "Then it is only the dark one that you fear?"

Ezra laughed. "My dear, Athena," he smiled, setting his head back to her breast. "The 'dark one', as you call him, is 'The Seven'. Without Mr. Larabee I conclude, there would be no brotherhood."

The woman frowned. "Then you believe another man holds your fate?"

Standish thought hard on her words. This can't be true! ... Can it! Do I really look at Chris Larabee in those terms?

Suddenly Ezra was standing high above the Seminole village. A very irate gunslinger growled his caution... Don't ever run out on me again!

Ezra gazed at the curtains that hung in the window. Have we really been at odds with one another since that day? ... Or is it me? Am I the one who prevents any relationship from forming? Not just with Chris... but with the others, too.

The gambler was seriously questioning himself. He frowned, clearly confused. But, the more he thought on her words, the more they made sense. His view of his friends slowly began to change. Until this very moment, he had believed that the men, who stood beside him, really didn't want him there. He doubted their gestures of friendship and as such, continually detached himself from them whenever he deemed it necessary. But, ...maybe it wasn't them...

Ezra thought deeply... This woman was succeeding in showing him a completely different way of looking at his world. Perhaps there really were seven of them after all!

Wrapping his arm around her body, he cuddled the woman close. "What price do you pay for such inspiring insight, Athena?"

Standish watched as the smile slowly left the woman's face. He leaned up and kissed her gently. "Perhaps, knowing a man so completely... is not as effortless as you convey."

Athena closed her eyes for a brief second. Yes! ...He is so very good at this game he plays.

Taking a deep purposeful breath, the woman quickly wiped the distracting reflections from her mind. She returned his smile, satisfied in the knowledge that she had accomplished what she set out to do. Given enough time to consider her words, in combination with his own thoughts, Ezra Standish would understand his place within The Seven.

Playing with his hair, Athena smiled. Three more... but the others will not be this easy!

The southerner was curious about the mixture of emotions he saw on her face. He conveyed his concern with a frown and then leaned in to kiss her again.

The embrace they shared continued as they moved closer into each other's arms. The gambler slowly worked his hand down the woman's side and slipped it below the sheets. He grinned mischievously before burying his head in her neck.

Athena squirmed like a trapped animal as her attentive lover worked his magic on her soft skin. Waves of desire crept slowly into her consciousness and her eyes fluttered as she gave in to its calling. "Oh, Ezra," she whimpered. "You must not distract me like this."

Standish raised his head and looked longingly into the woman's eyes. "Forgive me, my dear lady. But you have succeeded in distracting me twice in the past eight hours," he raised an eyebrow. "As a man who relies on the numbers for a meager existence, I feel it my duty to inform you..."

There was a long pause and Athena frowned slightly.

The southerner nuzzled her ear and whispered the words as he took her lobe, gently in his mouth. "That the third time is always the charm..."

The woman's eyes fluttered closed again as he touched her nipple. She surrendered to his mouth and hands again. For endless minutes, the gambler urged her beyond playfulness to the pleasures that lay in wait.

Athena's need for distraction grew steadily as she ran her hands lower on his body. Cupping his cheeks in her hand, she squeezed his buttocks tightly before venturing between their bodies in search of his penis. The engorged organ certainly wasn't difficult to find and she massaged him gently, playing with the tip and shaft. He responded to the touch and her desire grew. They shared a deep stimulating kiss before Athena squirmed her way out from beneath her man and ventured freely towards his waiting manhood.

Working her lips all around the instrument of her desire, Athena purposely refrained from consuming him in her mouth. Instead, she gave him little love bites. She licked, caressed and stimulated the gambler lovingly for several long minutes. Finally, he could take it no longer.

Ezra growled his displeasure through smiling lips and pulled Athena up in his arms. Rolling her gently to the bed he lay his body down on hers and took a nipple in his mouth. Athena tried to raise herself and Standish pushed her back to the sheets. They smiled knowingly at one another and he took her arms and spread them wide on the bed, pinning her down so that he could have his way.

Giving in to his playfulness, the woman was content to stay put for a while. She lay beneath his body and took solace in his strength. Minutes passed under his temptation and when his manipulations finally became too much, she pulled her hands from his hold and pushed his head from her breast.

The gambler tried to reclaim his prize but the woman would not allow it. They frolicked on the bed, all the while trying to see who could take the advantage... all the while tempting each other with their kisses and smiles.

"Owww," Standish breathed heavily as a pillow landed on his head. He looked at Athena from lowered eyes. "No weapons, my dear."

She hit him again.

Ezra grinned, "I can never allow you the upper hand, Athena."

The woman's eyebrows raised and her coy expression deepened. She flew at the gambler playfully and pinned him to the bed as he had done to her. Straddling his waist, she leaned in to kiss him.

Their exchange was deep and passionate.

Ezra tried gently to push her away and she only pushed back harder. Slowly she wiggled her hips down towards his penis and ground them against it when she had found her mark.

The southerner looked at the woman lustfully as she released his arms and sat up above his body. He felt her drag her hands across his chest and knead his muscles before touching his nipples. Ever so gently, she curled them between her fingers then her hands continued the journey down to where their bodies met.

Raising her hips slightly, Athena took hold of his manhood and positioned it at her entrance. She settled her body a little then held still. The corner of her lip curled as the woman's eyes slowly traveled the length of his body to his green pools. She folded her arms and waited for his surrender.

Like any man with good sense, his submission wasn't long in coming. That unmistakable Standish smirk crossed Ezra's face. "I concede," he whispered. "Perhaps I was outfoxed... before I even entered your room..."

Athena slid her body down his shaft as he spoke and his eyes rolled to the back of his head. As she moved up and down several more times, the gambler took hold of her hips and halted her movement. The woman looked at her lover questioningly before he spoke again.

"I was outfoxed before I entered your room," he repeated through deep breaths. "And clearly outmaneuvered before I... entered your body. Nevertheless, I do believe my dear, Athena, that you must concede a point to me also."

Through her own lustful breaths, the woman frowned.

"Did I not warn you...that the third time is the best?"

Athena closed her eyes as a grin escaped her lips. "We shall see." Casually she began to ride the gambler's cock. A slow methodical rhythm kept her pace.

Although Ezra could only lie still, he kept his hands busy all the same. He massaged Athena's skin tenderly and teased her nipples as his fingers traveled by.

The couple enjoyed each other's bodies as the woman's tempo began to quicken.

The southerner could sense anticipation in Athena's body as it swayed above him. He leaned up to suck on her nipples as she paused and moved forward.

She sighed heavily and wiggled her hips.

"My turn?" he whispered.

Athena ground her hips into his organ and took a deep breath. She bent over and kissed the gambler quickly before her slow, methodical pumping action began once more.

Standish could only grin as he continued his tantalizing caresses of her skin. His eyes closed and he relaxed. His mind felt her softness as his hands traced her whole body. The gentle curves of her bosom that gave way to the arch of her hips and the soft touch of her hair as it swung with her movement. Her natural fragrance filled his senses and Ezra breathed deeply before he opened his eyes again. He watched attentively, as her soul purpose became her own... for just little while.

Athena's eyes were closed. She could feel his fingertips exploring every inch of her body but her senses were focused on the ride she was now enjoying. She was fully aware of the strong man cradled between her thighs and she savored every inch of his penis as it extended into her body. Her rocking motion drew his organ in and out rhythmically and her pace slowly increased as her body demanded more gratification.

For his part in the venture, the southerner was doing his best to concentrate on letting her have whatever she wanted. The two previous exploits the couple had shared were allowing him to remain rigid longer but Ezra knew the woman's movements were too delightful for him to resist indefinitely. His body was being treated to something warm and inviting and Standish wouldn't be able to deny nature much longer.

Athena's fevered pace increased yet again, as a familiar tingling sensation arose deep within. She licked her lips as the feeling grew steadily. Her eyes shot opened and she looked at Ezra lustfully before her hazel orbs rolled in their sockets. She threw her head back and moaned loudly. Taut fingers dug gently into the gambler's strong chest. Athena rode out her orgasm with violent jerking motions. A shallow whimpering sound continued to escape her throat.

Seeing the ultimate satisfaction in his lover's face, Ezra squirmed under the woman's probing fingers. Her strong grip on his skin was both a blessing and a curse. Her enhanced driving strokes were quickly leading him to the point of no return. Yet, he was determined to let her have her own way...

Athena's body arched and her head fell forward. She extended her fingers and released her hold on her green-eyed gentleman. One last whimper escaped her lips as her eyes opened.

Standish pulled the woman to him and kissed her passionately. In one quick movement, he used her falling motion to swing their bodies around.

When their kiss was finished, Athena lay under her man again.

"Time for you to relinquish the upper hand, " he whispered heavily. His body picked up the pumping that hers had recently terminated.

Hazel eyes fluttered closed once more. Her chin extended in the air and Athena licked her lips. "The pleasure... is all mine, sir," she panted.

Undulating fast paced pumping ensued. Standish growled unconventionally. "Not ALL!"

It didn't take long.

She's teased him with her body for far too long and barely a minute passed before his body exploded in orgasm. Ezra's eyes closed as he experienced the waves of pleasure. He pressed hard against her body, driving the last dredges of pleasure from his.

Athena relished his pleasure almost as much as he... his deeper movement brought renewed closure to her pinnacle of pleasure.

They looked into each other's eyes and kissed passionately as the gambler settled his torso onto hers. Fighting for air, they broke their embrace. Their bodies slowly began to relax.

Deep breaths slowed and Ezra's eyes slowly drifted to the window. "I am afraid... that the day has begun without us, my dear," he smiled. "We really should attend to the business at hand."

Athena giggled as he slowly guided his head to her shoulder. "I do believe our business... is already concluded," she kissed the top of his head. "And I am happy to say that you were right."

"Oh?"

She sighed loudly as one last deep breath escaped her lips. "The third time was indeed... the best."

Standish laughed quietly before closing his eyes. "Rest, my dear. The world will encroach on our sanctuary far too soon."

Athena gazed over to the window, "Yes... far too soon," she repeated ominously. Stroking his hair, she slowly closed her eyes and fell into a sated sleep.

Knowing she needed his weight on her body, the gambler nuzzled her shoulder. He couldn't help but contemplate her words as he slowly drifted away...

Entering the saloon, John Dunne looked around and frowned. Seeing the gathering at their usual table, he ventured over. "Anyone seen Ezra today?"

The preacher considered the question. "Come to think of it... not since last night."

"He can't still be in bed at this hour," added Jackson. "Even Ezra's not that lazy."

JD took up a seat. "Nope... already checked his room," he clarified. Pulling out a deck of cards, he sighed. "I was wanting him to finish teaching me how tah do that fancy shuffle but I can't find him anywhere. Thought I'd at least see him at lunch... but nothing." The disappointment was so clear in his voice that he hadn't really realized what he was saying.

Hearing the hidden words in the kid's declaration, Josiah sat up straight in his chair. "Maybe it's time we take a look around, brothers," the preacher suggested.

Jackson was deep in thought. "Ya know..." he huffed, "Now that you mention it... I ain't see the girl neither!"

Suddenly realizing what the implication was, Wilmington looked at the healer suspiciously. "Now hold on there, Nathan... You ain't suggestin'..."

The healer pursed his lips humorously. "Ain't suggestin' nothin'. Just sayin' I ain't seen her, is all."

At the bar, the tracker tipped his hat to Inez and headed out the door. He overheard the conversation and stopped. "Ain't seen who?"

Smiling at Vin's arrival, the kid's expression quickly changed to disappointment. "Ezra..." he responded.

Looking at Buck teasingly, Nathan smirked. "Or Athena."

Tanner considered the statement for a minute. Come to think of it... he hadn't seen the woman either... and her thoughts were still absent from his consciousness. "I'll take a look around," he suggested suspiciously. Nodding to the others, he continued towards the door.

Settling back in, the remaining men continued their previous discussion.

Once outside, the sharpshooter gazed about town trying to figure out where best to start looking. Glancing south his eyes came to rest on Ezra and Athena as they departed her hotel together.

Standish kissed the lady lightly on the cheek as they parted company. She headed for the livery, while the gambler headed toward the restaurant.

From deep inside the tracker, some unexplained rages came rushing out. Tanner moved to intercept the southerner as he crossed the street. He looked at him sternly as they met up. "You got somethin' you wanna tell me?" the sharpshooter questioned.

"And a pleasant good morning to you, Mr. Tanner," the gambler smiled at Vin and continued to walk.

"It's long past noon, Standish." the tracker almost growled the name.

Ezra stopped. He was a little surprised by the sharpshooter's tone but made light of the situation. "Really? ...Well... I don't believe I have anything that requires discussing at this point in time," he raised an eyebrow and slapped his friend on the shoulder.

The tracker frowned. His refined senses told him that Ezra just wasn't his usual self. He grabbed the man's arm and swung him around to look in his face. "Yeah... I think you do," he insisted.

"My dear, Mr. Tanner..." Standish started... He quickly rethought his words as he looked into the tracker's eyes. For some unknown reason Ezra was amused with his fellow peacekeeper... He smirked. "Why, Vin...If I didn't know better, I'd swear you were jealous."

Vin! ...

Oh, now the sharpshooter knew something was wrong... And, he still couldn't shake the feeling he had in his gut. He'd seen too many women taken advantage of and it was second nature for him to make all of them feel like ladies... no matter who they were. And, while Tanner didn't think Ezra would ever intentionally... do anything to hurt... Oh, but that ain't the point... "I ain't being jealous," he retorted. "I's just looking out for the girl is all... " He looked at Standish curiously and for some mysterious reason the question just spilled out of his mouth. " ...Did you...?"

The southerner puffed his chest as he looked back in the direction Athena had gone. His coy grin was wide. It wasn't normal for him to disclose such personal information but he felt like a new man today. "We did indeed, Mr. Tanner... we did indeed," he smiled again and took a deep, refreshing breath "... and I do believe that young lady has shown me where I truly belong," he added. Releasing his arm, Standish patted the tracker on the back and gave his friend another big grin.

Vin watched the gambler go with a disbelieving look on his face. Ezra really ain't himself today!

Turning to look back the way Athena had disappeared, a stern look grew on the sharpshooter's face. For the first time in more than a week, Tanner found himself questioning the woman's reasons for being in their town. What's she really up to? ... And, why won't she speak to me?

The tracker approached the livery guardedly. He was looking for Athena but he spotted Chris preparing his horse. "Heading out for a couple 'a hours?" he questioned cautiously.

Larabee was adjusting the strap on his saddle. "Thought I'd wander out to my place and check on things." He mounted up and adjusted into positioned. The blond had considered the tracker's suggestion carefully. Things in town were quiet and he really did need time to calm down.

"You seen the girl?" Tanner asked as he glanced around.

Chris could sense a little different in his friend's tone. "Something wrong?"

Vin shrugged. "Nah..." He was trying to convince both of them. "Just ain't seen much of 'er is all." Looking at the gunslinger on his horse, the tracker felt anxious. Maybe the advice he'd given Larabee that morning wasn't so good. Maybe Chris leaving town wasn't such a good idea after all. But, Tanner didn't want to alarm his leader. The man really did need some time alone. Trying to lighten the mood, the tracker cracked a smile. "Don't be gone too long... hear."

Larabee returned the tracker's smirk. "Be back tomorrow morning... maybe," he called back as he spurred his horse north through town.

Tomorrow morning... Maybe! The sharpshooter couldn't help believing he shouldn't let his leader go but it was too late to stop him now. He'd suggested Chris take a ride. Going out to check on his place seemed like a good excuse. Vin watched his friend disappear in the distance. ...Hadn't figured on ya stayin' out all night though...

Jackson demanded the tracker's attention as he rushed in the door. "Vin... I think you need tah see this?"

Wilmington and Tanner had been talking over their morning coffee. Their attention was quickly drawn to the open doorway.

Athena stood right in the middle of the Main Street. Her hands were outstretched and her eyes were closed tightly.

Beside her stood a sure-footed silver beast...

The sharpshooter's eyes locked on the animal as he jumped to his feet. An Arctic Wolf? ...The fourth guardian?

With Tanner leading the way, the three peacekeepers moved cautiously outside.

"It's too early in the day for any kind 'a prayin'. Ain't it?" Jackson questioned as they stepped off the boardwalk. "But what else could she be doin'?"

Close on Vin's heels, the ladies' man shrugged. "Maybe she's callin' that horse of hers. That's kind 'a like she did it the first mornin' she was here."

Tanner frowned. "Don't think so..."

Buck and Nathan could sense that their friend's mood had become all too serious, far too quickly. They held back and watched as the sharpshooter moved closer to the girl as she began to speak softly.

The tracker's movements were deliberately and slow. He glanced cautiously at the wolf before focusing on the woman.

"Hotamema sephao'o," she repeated, over and over.

Jackson could make out the Indian dialect. "What's she saying, Vin?"

The sharpshooter listened for a moment. He cocked his head. "Crazy dogs!"

"Dogs?" Wilmington repeated.

"Crazy dogs... as in renegades," Vin clarified. He'd heard the terms native people used to refer to all manner of rebels and traitors... white or red skinned. Looking back at Athena, Tanner tried to remember his words. "Tonesto?" he asked.

There was a long silence before she answered his question, "Na'ha."

Damn!

Neither the woman nor the wolf moved, as the sharpshooter turned to the others to explain. "She's warnin' us of riders comin' in and I'm guessin' they ain't aimin' on bein' too friendly."

Buck jaw line grew tense. "Does she know how many?" he asked apprehensively.

"I just asked that," Tanner replied anxiously as he looked around town. "... All she said was three times as many."

Nathan's eyes widened with concern. "Three times as many... as us?"

"I reckon."

"Sweet Jesus!" Jackson exclaimed. The words served as both his declaration of dread and as a prayer.

Buck looked around cautiously. "Where's Chris?"

Tanner looked at his friend before averting his eyes. "I sent him out 'a town yesterday. Was hoping maybe he'd cool down some..." Rubbing his chin, he cocked his head. "Reckon I thought... he'd be back before trouble came."

The rogue pursed his lips angrily. "Reckon you thought wrong!" His emotions quickly heating up, Buck shook his head. He was exasperated with the tracker and his news and his tone conveyed that. And Larabee... Just when they needed their leader, the most, he wasn't around. His oldest friend's brooding was really starting to piss Buck off again. "How long, Athena?" The ladies' man tried to question the girl.

Vin's eyes traveled back to the woman.

A long moment past before she finally replied. "Exanenestse."

The sharpshooter cocked his head again. "All she's sayin' is tah get ready," he translated. "Can't be long... best get the others."

As Nathan and Buck moved out to gather the remaining peacekeepers, Tanner considered the girl as she stood in front of him. Clearly, she was still lost on the winds. Guilt suddenly plagued his consciousness. He'd been wrong to question her motives yesterday. Just as she had said when she arrived, she really was here to help. Vin laid a hand softly on her shoulder before turning to walk away.

Slowly, Athena opened her eyes and watched the tracker retreat. Unlike the others, this man's mind was free. He had learned much during his time with the tribes. He was able to hear and speak with his heart as she did. Yet, he concealed a profoundly intimate secret that he believed distinguished him from his friends. He kept this confidence hidden so deep within, that she had not been able to discover its nature. Now even his touch had not cleared his thoughts for her to read. She saw instead something that worried her. His gentle hand had revealed the path he was to walk. The tracker's touch told Athena that Vin was to question more than just her intentions in the hours and days to come.

Twenty men rode fast towards Four Corners. They were hell bent on killing a few of those 'magnificos' they'd heard about from Pico Chavez. As they had crossed the Mexican border, their leader decided it would be good to blow the bank while they were in town. At least this way they would have something to show for their efforts.

Six of The Seven made final preparations for the assault they had been warned about. The townsfolk had been made aware of the approaching danger and many of the men were helping to arrange boxes and wagons to help protect their defenders. Through all the excitement, Athena stood quietly in the middle of the street. The wolf was gone but the woman still had not changed her stance.

Out at this shack, Larabee was saddling his horse in preparation for a nice quiet ride back to town. He'd spent a restful night in his own bed and now felt ready to head back with a better attitude. He hoped he could give the woman more latitude this time.

A wind gust whipped past his ears and the gunslinger slowly became aware of being watched. He spun around quickly, drawing his weapon at the same time.

The entity that stared back at the blond made his blood run cold... over by his shack stood an arctic wolf.

The wind whipped past his ear again and Chris remembered the words Vin had spoken several days ago. Just keep ya eyes open for another wolf! ...The tracker's warning flashed through his mind and the gunslinger recognized the animal as the fourth creature Tanner had foretold. Reckon we're safe 'til the North Wind joins 'em. Chris holstered his colt quickly and sudden wave of panic hit him. Something was going to happen... soon!

The guardian watched as Chris mounted his horse and rode off at his best speed.

The twenty riders had breached the town at full gallop. They rode past the buildings shooting bullets in the air and at the windows. Glass shattered and people screamed as the riders turned around for another run.

Josiah and Nathan covered the south end of town from the livery and exchange. Ezra was positioned outside the post office, while JD and Buck fired from cover outside the saloon. To no one's surprise, Tanner had chosen to fight from atop the bathhouse. The ledge there provided him good cover and his view of the street was excellent.

As the bandits made a second run through town, three of their number bailed from their horses with powder barrels in hand. They ran for the bank on foot, firing their weapons all the way. Standish managed to shot one of them but couldn't get a line on the others.

"They're goin' for the bank," JD yelled at the ladies' man. "I'm going down tah back up Ezra."

"No!" Buck yelled back as he glanced across to Tanner's position. "You stay put. Vin can't see the bank from where he's at. He'll need tah move and he'll need ya tah lay down cover when he does. I'll go help Ezra."

The kid knew Wilmington was always trying to protect him and he tried to argue but the rogue was already on his way. Dunne laid down cover fire as the last of the bandits moved on past.

It seemed only a matter of seconds before they made another run through town. The six peacekeepers had managed to knock off a few but there were still too many to count.

Down the street the gambler watched in vain as the stampeding robbers launched a volley of barrels to their waiting counterparts at the bank. He'd moved to a position across from their target and was firing on the two men. He still couldn't get a clear shot though. They were taking advantage of the boxes that were laid out in the street.

Wilmington slid in beside the southerner, out of breath. "You get a clean shot at 'em?" he asked anxiously.

Standish shook his head as the bandits raced by them again. For several seconds all they could do was fire and reload... Fire and reload.

Neither of the peacekeepers had noticed Athena slip out from the hotel and join in the fight. She was attempting to free up the two men at the South end of town.

Nathan and the preacher had taken advantage of the cowboys when they slowed to turn around. They had managed to knock off six the first couple of times but they were now under heavy fire. "What you wanna do?" Jackson yelled to the preacher over the gunfire.

"Pray!" Josiah called back as he let another round go. In the same quick motion, he spotted the woman as she attempted to help them. He indicated her presence to the healer and smiled. "Vin did say she was here to help!" he announced squeezing off another round.

At the other end of town, Tanner too, had managed to pick off a few of them as they turned around for their next run. He wasn't as easy to pinpoint as Nathan and Josiah. He'd seen Wilmington head down the street and figured the bank must be the target. He couldn't see it from where he was. He needed to move and he tried to signal John Dunne of that fact.

The kid had been watching and could see the sharpshooter's gesture. He reloaded his weapons in readiness then signaled back.

Vin hopped over to the next rooftop as JD laid down cover fire.

Wilmington caught on to what was happening and fired some more rounds at the men as they rode past. He couldn't see the kid but Tanner was advancing on the bank. Buck tried to move back towards Dunne's position but was pinned down by the men at the bank. Damn you, Larabee! Where the hell are ya?

The leader of The Seven could hear massive amounts of gunfire coming from the direction in which he rode. He cussed under his breath as he realized he was still ten or twelve minutes out of town. He galloped ahead as fast as his horse would take him.

Athena slid in next to Wilmington and Standish. Both men noted her demeanor had changed. She was no longer the shy, quiet woman they had become accustomed to over the last eleven days. She fired her colts with deadly accuracy and breathed anger with every breath.

"You shouldn't be here, my dear," Ezra said quietly.

Athena hunched down and took aim at one of the bandits across the street. Time stood still as she followed him with her pistol and slowly squeezed the trigger. The man fell silently across the barrack he had been hiding behind.

Totally taken aback by her display, Standish and Wilmington looked at each other and then back at Athena.

The ladies' man quickly dove for cover as he saw the lone survivor at the bank fire at them. The bullet barely missed his head. "Ain't safe out here, 'thena... You should go back inside."

The woman looked at her green eyed gentleman and smiled. She glanced quickly at the cowboy but said nothing as she left them and made her way down the street towards the saloon. The peacekeepers did their best to cover her.

"Damn fool woman's gonna get herself shot," the rogue observed.

"It's a wonder she hasn't already," Standish added as he watched her go. "Must be the fire Mr. Tanner was speaking of." He smiled as he let off some more rounds at the man in the bank. He had witnessed her determination first hand. He understood that there were no words, which would distract her from her task.

Athena had managed to give Nathan and Josiah enough cover so they could make their way to the boot maker's shop. This position gave them more cover but was still too far away from the bank to be much help to Buck and Ezra.

Jackson hunkered down low. "You reckon we can get any closer?"

The preacher shook his head in reply. "I do believe the girl has helped us as much as she can. She must have others to see to."

Both men fired more shots as the bandits rode past again.

Tanner had spotted Athena as she made her way to JD's position. He had also noticed her body gesture change as she slid in beside the kid. Something was wrong! He could sense her worry. He looked over to Ezra and Buck but couldn't signal them from where he sat. He tried to move again but the bandits had him pinned down.

Wilmington could see the tracker was in trouble and moved to get a better position. He quickly realized his timing was all wrong as a bullet sliced its way through his leg. Slumping back behind the boxes, he fired some more rounds in retaliation. None of them hit their mark.

"Save your bullets," instructed the gambler, mindful of their dwindling ammunition. Ezra had seen the projectile embed itself in Buck's leg but was more interested in what was going on across the street. The robber looked as though he was preparing to ignite the gunpowder. Standish fired again at the man inside the bank.

Vin was doing his best to return fire between the bandit's shots. He had counted five left at his end of town and they were having fun alternating pot shots between him and Athena. He hadn't seen the kid fire his weapons and he didn't like the way the absence felt. What's wrong? The sharpshooter didn't want to think about the answer.

Nathan had seen the rogue take the first bullet all right but was concerned for his friend when the second ripped through his shoulder. Wilmington had been knocked off his feet. All the healer could think about was getting to the ladies' man to see what he could do to stop the bleeding. "Can you cover me if I try tah get across the street?" he questioned the preacher.

Josiah cocked his head. "Wouldn't recommend it, son."

Four bandits at the church were taking pot shots at them and those men could see clearly all the way down the street.

Jackson bit his lip. Damn! If only Chris was here, tah help out.

Larabee calculated he was about four minutes out of town. The gunshots had become less frequent now but there were still a lot of them. He was worried for his men and the townsfolk. Would he be too late to help?

It looked like there were three bandits across the street and they had the tracker pinned down completely. A final quick glance towards the saloon told him there were at least two men closing in on Athena and JD but he could do little to help right now.

The woman was busy trying to free him up and Vin was afraid she hadn't noticed the approaching men. Yelling a warning would do no good. It wouldn't be heard over the gunfire. Tanner closed his eyes and tried to warn her with the only weapon left to him. Behind You! ...Behind You!

Athena had managed to wing one of the three who had the tracker pinned down but the other two men were relentless. For every shot she fired at them, they fired twice as many... two at her and two at the sharpshooter. JD was in bad shape and she needed to get him some help. The two bullets he had taken had released a lot of blood before she got to him. He was barely conscious enough to hold on to his weapons. He needed medical attention.

Standish was worried about the ladies' man. Buck had managed to get his belt around his leg but the shoulder was still bleeding. Ezra's attention suddenly diverted to the man inside the bank as he moved out into the street and spied a loose horse he could grab hold of. The gambler watched for the man to make his move toward the horse. It only seemed logical that he would blow the powder as he made that move.

Josiah had been watching the gambler between bullets. He could sense the man's anxiety and knew he was getting ready to do something. Between Nathan and himself, they had only managed to kill one of the men at the church. Three still remained and were causing them grief but if Ezra made a move for the bank, they would provide him cover as best they could.

Athena could sense a disturbance but couldn't place the cause. She fired down the street again at the men who pinned down the tracker. The third man must have succumbed to the bullet she had put in. He no longer fired his weapon.

Vin was mad at himself for being pinned down like this. If he'd stayed put at the bathhouse, he would have had an escape route. Now he sat blind and helpless. Every time he raised his head a bullet or two whipped past it. Damn you, Tanner!

The events that transpired next all happened in the blink of an eye to their participants. The actions were almost simultaneous and there was just no way any one could have changed their outcome.

The man at the bank moved quickly for his horse and Ezra left his cover to pursue him.

Josiah and Nathan took the gambler's lead and moved into the street at the same time. Their bullets flew towards the men at the church.

Athena spun around quickly and fired off six rounds from her peacemakers. All six bullets found their mark but not before she took a round in her shoulder. She watched the three men fall before she faltered and landed beside the kid.

Larabee rode his horse into town and took fire from the remaining men at the north end of town. The gunslinger used the element of surprise and quickly dispatched the bandits to finally free up the tracker from his perch.

Tanner made his way in to the street as Chris continued through town.

The southerner took quick note of the advancing gunslinger but he was too focused on the bank robber to stop his approach. The man turned to fire at the gunpowder as Ezra fired at him.

Larabee could see that the situation appeared to be in hand and continued past to aid in the firefight at the end of the street. The blond couldn't see that the bandit had not fallen but he heard Standish fire again.

The southerner looked deep into the eyes of the man he had just shot twice. He saw only evil determination and he was unnerved by it. He raised his weapon as the horse sidestepped towards him.

Wilmington raised his head slightly and could see the battle of wills going on in the middle of the street. Sometimes he just didn't understand what drove Standish to do the things he was capable of.

As Ezra stared at the man on horseback, he saw the bandit smile and raise his weapon. The would-be bank robber still intended to fire at the gunpowder and the gambler could not allow that to happen. He was forced to fire up as the horse again sidestepped toward him.

The gambler's bullet hit the man square between the eyes and took off the back of his head. The bandit's trigger finger jerked in reflex and a bullet embedded itself into the brain of his horse. The animal was dead instantly and immediately collapsed, taking the southerner and his rider along with it.

Wilmington cried out as Standish disappeared from view.

It hadn't taken long for the remaining men at the church to be laid out by the gunslinger, the healer and the preacher. Larabee got down from his horse and checked on Sanchez and Jackson. Together, they heard Buck's blood curdling scream and turned in time to see the horse fall on the gambler. The three men rushed headlong towards to scene of the accident and were met by a wounded Wilmington as he struggled forward on his injured leg.

Tanner had seen the woman move but was distracted by the horrified cry from down the street.

Athena gained her feet and immediately sensed something was terribly wrong with her southern gentleman. She followed close behind the tracker as he made his way to the gambler.

Four unharmed men struggled to remove the dead horse from their friend's body. Athena stood ready to pull Ezra free when she could. Buck sat in the middle of the street watching as it happened. There was little he could do other than stand guard.

After several exhausting tries, the southerner was pulled free from the carcass and Nathan knelt to see to him. The healer noted that the upper left side of the gambler's body had taken most of the horse's weight. His ribs, shoulder and arm were partially crushed. He silently thanked the lord for rendering the man unconscious.

Athena could see that her gentleman was in good hands and made her way back up the street to where John Dunne lay.

Wilmington watched the woman leave, wondering where the heck she was going to in such a hurry. Suddenly his eyes widened and he looked around anxiously. He shook his head to clear it then took count on his friends again. He abruptly became aware of the absence of their youngest member. "Where JD?" he asked fearfully.

Vin realized he hadn't seen the kid either and called to the healer to follow him up the street. Larabee followed as they made their way to the saloon.

The rogue tried to regain his feet but Josiah held him back. "Easy, son... easy. Nathan will take care of him." He prayed it would be that simple.

Athena stood over the kid as Tanner and Jackson cleared debris to get to him. JD hadn't moved and Nathan quickly knelt to examine him. The healer shook his head and looked at the tracker.

Anguish coated the sharpshooter's questions. "Nathan?"

Larabee stood by Vin's side but somehow didn't feel a part of what was going on.

"He's still with us. Barely... we'll have to move fast."

The healer was too anxious. It worried them all.

Chris moved to pick up the kid but the tracker warned him off with a stare that was worthy of the gunslinger himself.

Nathan too, looked at Larabee coldly before he picked up the boy and headed quickly to his clinic.

The blond watched as the men moved off down the street. Tanner stopped to assist the wounded ladies' man while Josiah carefully lifted Ezra and followed. Larabee felt helpless and unwanted. He simply stood and stared as his friends limped their way to the clinic. For the second time in three short years, the gunslinger felt more alone than he had ever done in his whole life.

Athena backed her way up the street... She had stood quietly behind The Seven men and watched as they gathered themselves up. She had seen all of the pain, disappointment, blame and anguish. She understood in her heart that their journey's had begun. This was her reason for being here. If things remained as they were, History would not know The Seven.

Chris had been waiting on the porch outside Nathan's clinic for some time. He could see the townsfolk beginning to pick up the pieces of their community. The gunslinger wondered if it would be that easy to pick up the pieces of his broken world. Hell! ...Why should I try!

At first, he'd heard his men moving about inside the clinic and then the soft moans of the injured. Now he heard nothing. He was worried... but he dared not enter. The blond remembered the way Tanner and Jackson had looked at him and he felt that he wouldn't be welcome inside. The thought made him even angrier. He was mad at everybody... and everything. Mostly though, he was angry with himself... or so he thought. Why can't I ever just hold my tongue? Why do I let everything get to me so much? If I hadn't let that woman get under my skin... this would never have happened. I wouldn't have been pissed off and I wouldn't have left! ...Damn it! ...This is all her fault!

Inside the clinic, Nathan had been hard at work. John Dunne lay across the healer's worktable as he retrieved the last bullet from the kid's chest. He worked frantically to stem the bleeding and bandage the wounds.

The preacher prayed to the lord silently as he assisted Jackson in his task.

Behind them, Ezra lay motionless on the bed. He had not moved since Sanchez laid him down. Nathan had quickly instructed the tracker to cover the gambler in a thick layer of blankets but not to touch him. Jackson knew that Standish needed attention but he would have to wait.

Vin was holding a compress to Wilmington's shoulder and trying to keep him sitting down. He cussed at the ladies' man every time he tried to move. He knew the rogue was worried about the kid but Nathan needed time and room. Having the big man in his way would just cause more problems. Besides... Buck's about ready tah pass out himself!

Without a doubt, Wilmington was indeed anxious about JD and he gave no thought to his own injuries. He blamed himself for being stupid enough to leave Dunne alone. He blamed the sharpshooter for not watching the kid's back but most of all... he blamed Larabee. His 'so-called-friend' was off seeing to his own self when his 'so-called-men' needed him the most. Heaven forbid it, but if JD died, it would be Larabee's fault and Buck didn't think he could ever forgive that.

Nathan finished up with Dunne and Josiah carried him gently over to the cot and covered him up good. As the healer moved over to the ladies' man, he could see the questions in his friend's eyes. "I don't know..." he looked at Wilmington and Tanner as he wiped his hands. "He's lost a lot 'a blood... I just don't know." God... how many times have I said that, in the past two years?

"You've done what you could, Nathan," Josiah reassured the healer as he laid a hand on his shoulder. "No man could do more... I'll keep praying, brother," he added as he closed his eyes.

Jackson nodded. He thought about the big man beside him. Where would he be without the preacher's help? He shook his head. Hopefully, he'd never have to find out! "Now let's see to you, Buck." He moved to Wilmington and removed the compress from his shoulder.

"I'm alright," the tall rogue objected. "See to Ezra, he done saved half the town with that stunt of his. If that powder had gone off..."

Nathan knelt down and looked into Wilmington's eyes. "I'll see the Ezra when I'm done with your fool ass. Standish ain't bleeding himself dry."

Tanner helped Nathan pull the ladies' man to his feet but Buck's legs buckled under him. Josiah was there quickly to help get Wilmington to the table.

Wilmington cussed under his breath as they laid him down to remove the bullets. He hurt like hell already, now Nathan was gonna dig around in his wounds. Damn! He took the whiskey bottle Josiah offered and drank heavily trying to chase away the churning in his gut.

As Vin backed away he studied the five men in the room and bowed his head. It's all my fault! He too, felt a sickening feeling way down in the pit of his stomach. The tracker needed time to think. He needed some fresh air and wide-open spaces. He opened the door and winced at the bright sun. He could hear Buck forcing back his yells as he closed the door then turned to face Larabee.

Chris rose to his feet as Tanner came outside.

The two looked deep into one another's eyes... These men were considered friends like no others. Almost instantly, they had become inseparable. A chance meeting two years earlier had solidified a hole in two hearts. They could communicate on some strange level and their bond was forged on an unquestioned trust... yet, now they stared at each other like strangers. What had happened to them in the last four hours?

They simply stood and gazed at each other.

Chris was still blaming himself for the condition his men were in. How could he have let them down like this? He was selfish. He didn't deserve their loyalty. He'd allowed them all to get too close. Now he was paying the price. It hurt like hell to have them broken like this. Some of them injured, or maybe dying! How could he have been so stupid? Why did I let them get close? ...And Tanner! He was the one who suggested he leave town. Why had he sent Larabee away when he knew something could happen at any time?

The sharpshooter was blaming himself, as well. He knew he'd suggested his leader take a break. He knew the man trusted his judgment but he'd only thought about Chris and not the rest of the group. He'd sent this man off so that he could be of no help when the fighting started. And then he'd got himself pinned down. He was of no use to the rest of the men when they need him most. And, that darn fool kid had covered him when he moved. If'n I hadn 'a moved I wouldn 'a been pinned down and the kid wouldn 'a got shot!

Neither man could stand to look at each other any longer and neither spoke as Vin moved towards the stairs.

For the first time since they had met, Larabee and Tanner were lost to each other... and the rest of The Seven.

The tracker stood at the bottom of the stairs for a while trying to figure out what to do. He felt as though his world was falling apart. As though, he no longer had a place among these men. He gazed around at the townsfolk as they struggled to gain back some semblance of order. Tanner couldn't help but envy them. He had no real idea what was normal was anymore. Maybe it was time he tried to find a life of his own...

The sharpshooter turned to go into the livery but spotted Athena making her way across the street. In all the confusion, Vin had forgotten about the woman. He took in the exhausted look in her eyes. She done her job as best she could.

Athena stopped and returned the tracker's stare. For a long moment, they held each other's gaze and then the woman's eyes glazed over.

Tanner's quick glances caught sight of a bloodstained shirt, beneath her coat and vest. "Oh shit!" he blurted out as she collapsed into his arms.

No one had seen her take a bullet. She hadn't even said she was hurt. Amongst all the turmoil and confusion, no one had even stopped to ask.

The sharpshooter picked Athena up gently and headed back up the stairs.

Larabee stepped back as the tracker kicked open the door and took the girl inside.

Nathan was just finishing up with Buck's leg, when he turned to see the look Vin's face.

The woman's head hung listlessly over the man's arm.

They all moved quickly.

Josiah helped the ladies' man down from the table and finished tying off the bandage while the sharpshooter set Athena down on the table.

Unbuttoning her vest, the healer bared the woman's shoulder and tried to assess the situation.

Slowly, she began to regain consciousness again.

Jackson could see that the bullet had gone in the soft tissue between the collarbone and shoulder socket but the woman was fighting them as Nathan and Vin tried to remove her coat. "It's alright, Miss," the healer was trying to calm her down.

She pushed them away and tried to sit.

"I got 'a get that bullet out tah stop the bleeding," Jackson tried to tell her. He looked at Vin expectantly as they tried to keep her still. "I can give ya something to ease the pain."

The tracker forced Athena to focus on him and looked deep into her eyes. They had to get her calmed down so Nathan could do his work. "Hova'ahane," he said quietly. "Enaa'e."

The woman stopped struggling and seemed to quiet down a little. Vin nodded and smiled, slowly managing to get her coat off. He was careful not to disturb her injury but he could tell she was hurting.

Jackson nodded to her shirt and vest. They would have to come off in order for the healer to get to the bullet.

Athena fought back her need to flee. Through the pain and nausea, she understood the gesture. She knew what needed to happen in order for her to survive. And, if history was to know these seven men, she needed to survive to keep them together. Trust never came easily... but right now, she had very little choice.

Tanner offered his help but the woman flinched away from his movements. She shook her head and looked at the men sternly. All of the men turned their backs while she removed her clothing and then used her shirt to cover her breasts.

As she tried to lie back on the table, Vin moved to assist and gently guided her to the surface. Nathan reached for the whiskey bottle that Wilmington had sucked back on.

"Hova'ahane," she said simply when the healer offered her the bottle

Jackson looked at the tracker and understood the No! "All right then... here we go," he muttered. Grabbing his scalpel, the healer leaned in to work.

An exhausted sharpshooter moved into the saloon in the late afternoon light. The town was slowly getting back to normal and things were quiet at the clinic. He had been out riding for some time and had finally returned.

The wide-open spaces had allowed him to make a decision.

Tanner walked to the counter and took the whiskey that Inez offered him. His look told her he wished no company, so she left the bottle and moved to the other end of the bar. The man poured a shot and swallowed it as a dark figure moved in beside him. Pouring another, Vin set the bottle down.

The solemn blond retrieved the whiskey and filled his glass.

Both men swallowed hard.

Hours had passed since the gun battle had been fought and Larabee had steadily withdrawn into the cold lonely world that he had known before these men. His mind raced with bitter thoughts... Yet, for all the dark feelings roaming anew in his heart... he still had to know that everyone was all right. "How... how is everyone?" The gunslinger stuttered out the words. He didn't think he had the right to care anymore but still, he had to know.

Vin considered the question for a long moment. Deciding that this might the only question he could answer, he did just that. "Buck's gonna be all right," he said dryly. "Nathan ain't sure 'bout JD yet. He lost a lot 'a blood." The sharpshooter poured himself another drink, swallowed it and took a deep breath. "Ezra's a mess. Got some cracked ribs and his shoulder all the way down to the hand is all busted up... Nathan thinks he'll heal... says it's gonna be a spell though ... He still ain't sure why the damn fool ain't come to yet." Licking his lips, he filled his glass and emptied it again.

Another long moment of silence passed.

"The girl?"

The tracker started to look at Chris but changed his mind. He poured yet another whiskey and swallowed it down hard. Damn! If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed it. Jackson had needed to go deep for the bullet in her shoulder. Real deep! The woman never made a sound during the twenty minutes it took Nathan to find the piece of metal and get it out. She'd tilted her head away from the pain and simply stared at Ezra. Vin rubbed one hand over the other. They still hurt from where she'd squeezed them. It was the only indication she had given of the agony she was in. Forcing back another drink, Tanner turned away from the bar. "She'll live..." he started to reply, but the sight in front of him made him stop...

Nathan awoke to the sound of shuffling feet and then a deep groan. He could see Wilmington reaching for the door as he turned up the light.

Josiah stirred and sat up.

The healer shook his head. "Just where do ya think your goin', Buck Wilmington?"

Buck limped another step closer to the door.

"I'm gettin' out 'a here so you can tend the others, Nathan," he suggested.

It wasn't a bad idea but Jackson had his doubts. "You could use some more rest, Buck. You lost a lot 'a blood, ya know. It's only been eight hours."

Wilmington licked his lips as he averted his eyes from Standish. He couldn't sit in this room and look at the gambler, knowing that the man saved the whole damn town and may not survive to tell about it. Glancing at the kid, the rogue shook his head. God, how he hated seeing him like this, yet again... It turned his stomach when he thought about JD dying.

The healer could see the hurt, pain, and determination in his face. He had little doubt of what was going through the man's mind. "You sure?" he rested a hand on Buck's shoulder.

They exchanged a silent understanding, as Wilmington looked at his fallen friends again. He could hardly see JD from all the blankets Josiah had piled on him. His gaze moved to Standish who bundled under a similar stack of blankets. Damn fool! He'd resigned himself to the fact that he may never understand the gambler at all. Looking at the big chair in the corner, the rogue frowned. "Where's Athena?"

Nathan followed Buck's gaze and cussed. She'd been there when he laid his head down on the table. Damn! Where'd she get off to?

A large hand settled on Jackson and Wilmington's shoulders. "Might I suggest you let her be," the preacher suggested quietly. "She has work to do that no one else can take care of." He lowered his head. "I believe I understand the journey she must take and you couldn't stop her if you tried." Sanchez had been watching and listening over the past ten days. He'd seen the frustration and anger that Larabee and Tanner were burdened with now. The ladies' man too, was angrier than the preacher had ever seen him. Josiah had had his doubts that the woman could soothe this many souls but after the brief conversation he'd shared with her, he now believed he understood what she must do... The preacher didn't envy her the task, not one little bit...

Larabee glanced at Vin and then turned to see what had distracted the man.

Athena stood in the doorway of the saloon and looked at the men. Except for the blood stained clothing, no one would have guessed she had, only hours ago, taken a bullet. She looked as strong and determined as she had before.

Chris narrowed his gaze irritably.

The woman could sense their anger and despair. She could feel Tanner's need to run and the gunslinger's need to hide. How am I supposed to keep them together when they are so far apart?

Athena closed her eyes. She finally understood what the whispers had told her... why the eagle had guided her to this place. Seven would soon be less in number. And if they were not seven... History would never know their names... So much happiness depended on this... Seven men needed to be as one... They needed to see Destiny together...

She opened her eyes and looked at them once more. The pain in her heart reflected in her expression. Tired and worn, she was now questioning her ability to realize this monumental chore. The dark one truly scared her and his companion still concealed his inner heart. These two men would be the greatest challenge she had ever faced.

Vin could feel a desperation growing deep in the pit of his stomach. He glanced towards the window... away from the woman's mournful eyes. "You need to know..." The tracker took a deep breath. "I'll be leaving tomorra... won't be back..."

Larabee seething stopped as he looked at the sharpshooter quickly. He'd been thinking along those same lines himself but it hurt to hear someone else say it to him... especially coming from Tanner. "Vin..."

The tracker turned to face the blond. "Ain't nothin' tah say, Chris. I got 'a go." He licked his lips. "I can't stay knowin' I put people in danger. That I weren't there when they needed me."

"You?" Larabee stared at the young man. "I'm the one who wasn't here, Vin... You did nothing that couldn't be helped."

"I could 'a kept ma mouth shut and let ya do yer thinkin' in town." The sharpshooter started to move for the door.

Larabee grabbed the man's arm.

"It ain't no good no more, Chris ... I got 'a move on."

The gunslinger sighed deeply as he realized he wasn't going to change his friend's mind. "Yeah... I'll be moving on too, in a few days." He turned back to the bar and swallowed down another whiskey. "Don't suppose we'll be meeting up again."

He'd stopped to listen to the man's declaration, but Vin wouldn't let it change his mind. "Suppose not," he responded then made a hasty exit from the saloon. As he past Athena and swung the doors open, the tracker felt like his heart was about to explode, yet he also knew there was nothing else he could do. He had to go. He couldn't bear to be around these men anymore.

The woman's stare left Larabee and tracked Tanner out the door. A single tear rolled down her face. She could feel their pain. These two men are like brothers. They need each other to remain whole and continue on. What am I to do? Looking once more at the blond, Athena turned and followed the sharpshooter through the doors and along the walk. "You must not leave," she called out as they walked into street.

Vin stopped, suddenly angry. She'd been in his mind for almost two weeks now. He could hear her in his sleep and felt her presence all the time. Now! Now she chose to speak to him! Now, when he was leaving for good. "Ain't got no choice," he almost yelled at her.

"You must not leave," she repeated again.

He turned to look at her and moved to stand just inches from her face. He stared into her eyes. He could see and feel her desperate need... but his need was greater. He had to get out of there. He had to be free from everyone and everything. He needed to be alone again. "I got 'a go..."

The tracker was radiating anguish and Athena knew she would not be able to stop him from going. "Do not go far," she whispered softly to him.

Tanner took strange satisfaction from her words. He imbedded her tone into his soul as he turned and marched off down the street.

A deep longing surfaced in Athena's heart as she watched him go. The woman knew that she would not know his thoughts if they met again. She understood the spirits could no longer help her free this man's essence. A single tear escaped as she silently said goodbye to the soul she had shared for the past ten days.

Minutes passed like hours and the world was silent until Athena heard a menacing tone behind her. "So you're off on a journey at last," Larabee glared at the woman.

Stunned by his violent tone, the woman lowered her head to gather the strength she needed to confront this man. As she turned to face him, he continued his ramblings.

"Suppose you got what you wanted... right!" The whiskey was fueling his anger, which in turn was feeding his sarcasm. "Reckon I should be thanking ya for taking my place during the fight."

Athena stood calmly and let the man vent his animosity.

"Guess that bullet was meant for me." He had moved into the street and was in her face as he spoke the words.

"Let her be, Chris." The ladies' man spoke, with just as much anger in his voice. This man he once called friend... First, he ran away from a fight and now he was badmouthing the woman who had stood beside them in his absence.

Larabee turned to face his oldest friend. He could see the hatred in Wilmington's eyes yet he did not question it. There were more than enough things for Buck to blame him for.

The rogue took a step closer. "If it weren't for Athena we'd be plannin' a funeral... still might have tah," he thought about the kid lying up in Nathan's clinic. It soured his belly to know he hadn't protected him. It made him even angrier when he thought about Chris off seeing to his own needs. "You ain't got no right tah talk to her that way. She warned us best she could. If she hadn't... reckon them bandits would've run this town into the ground." He limped over to Larabee and looked him in the eye. "Let her alone," he repeated in the gunslinger's face.

Larabee looked back over his shoulder at the girl. "Ever consider she's tah blame, Buck... Maybe if she hadn 'a come, this wouldn 'a happened?" he narrowed his gaze before turning back to Wilmington. Without warning, the blond found himself flat on his face in the dirt. Shaking off the attack, the gunslinger gained his feet and looked coldly at Wilmington. "What's the matter, Stud? Thinking with your pants again instead of your brains."

Bang! He was in the dirt again.

"Stop it... " Athena beseeched. She could see what was happening. Larabee was fueling the fire in Buck's heart so he could take the beating he thought he deserved.

Chris gained his feet again and motioned with his hands for Buck to come get him.

Wilmington swung repeatedly.

Larabee was not fighting back. He went down again and again.

The tall rogue wasn't thinking about the pain in his shoulder or leg. He was enjoying himself too much.

Three more times the gunslinger hit the dirt before the woman stood between them with her Colts drawn. "That's enough," she growled. Her own fire was clearly visible in her eyes.

The men looked at each with contempt and hatred. The look they reserved for Athena was just as ominous.

"Back off," she growled again.

The men acknowledged that the fight was over 'for now' and Chris began to back away.

"We've proved we don't need ya no more, Larabee," Buck yelled at him. "Maybe you should move on."

Looking over his shoulder, the gunslinger grinned. "Don't got 'a worry about that none," he shouted. "I won't be back." He waved his arm in the air to signal his goodbye.

Wilmington watched the blond leave and then slumped back against the support post as he tried to catch his breath. He looked at the woman as she holstered her weapons. The disappointed look he read on her face cut through his anger like so many hot pokers and the ladies' man began to feel ashamed.

Athena glared. She desperately wanted to go after the two men who had stormed off but she knew that she would have to cool the fire in this man first. If the rogue's anger wasn't quelled before she returned the other, there was no way of telling if they would remain... if she could get them to return at all.

Sitting in the corner table of the saloon, Buck was nursing his shoulder.

The man had inhaled half a bottle of whiskey in less than thirty minutes and Inez was becoming annoyed with him. "You need to go and rest, Senor Buck. It is late and this is no good for your injuries," she picked up the whiskey bottle and tried to take it away.

"Hold on there, Darlin'. I'll be needin' that," he grabbed the bottle back.

Miss Recillos was thoroughly disgusted with the man as she shook her head and walked away.

The tall rogue watched the lovely lady leave but another one caught his eye as she approached the table. "Well hello there, beautiful," he smiled gently.

He held his liquor well, but Athena could tell he was intoxicated. She stopped just outside his reach. "Dr. Jackson has a message for you, cowboy..."

Wilmington smirked. "If he's convinced ya he's a doctor and is trusting you tah get me home... Lord I'm in trouble now!"

Athena was not amused by his comment. It was late, her shoulder was uncomfortable and she was tired. "The boy..."

"JD?" the ladies' man interrupted. He straightened in his seat and looked at her with great concern. "Is he gonna..."

"The boy has stirred," she continued. "Your healer believes he will survive his injuries."

Buck was elated to hear the news and his body relaxed again. He swallowed down another drink and poured one more. "Reckon that's worth celebratin'," he mused. "Didn't need tah be blamin'..."

Athena looked at the man, as he grew quiet. She could sense the turmoil in his soul and the confusion in his heart. She closed her eye, accepting the opportunity that befallen her. The rest that she desperately needed would not come to her tonight... "Tell me?" she whispered.

He heard her beckoning and the ladies' man hid his eyes. He knew she'd caught him thinking and he wasn't exactly proud of his anger. He glanced around the room as though the whole world knew every secret he ever had. Cautiously, he looked back at the woman, and gave her a reserved smile. Somehow, he felt at ease in her presence. Somehow, he knew he could talk to Athena... but he couldn't do it here. Licking his lips, he tried to stand and slumped back down in the chair. Shaking his head, he growled at his own incompetence then laughed. "Help me tah my room?" he asked happily.

She hesitated.

"I..." he knew what she must be thinking. He smiled and shook his head before lowering it... not that he hadn't thought about it. She was indeed, a beautiful woman and he was attracted to her. He looked back into her eyes. Now was not the time...

She smiled guardedly. Believing she understanding his intentions, Athena assisted him in rising from the table. Carefully the injured couple made their way out of the saloon.

Buck sat at his table with his head in his hands. They must have been talking for an hour now and all it seemed to do was confuse him. He was tired and his frustration was getting the best of him. "Come 'ere!" he called to her.

Athena was tired, too. She felt like she wanted to give up but she understood that the forces that drove her would not relent. If only she knew how to get through to this man. How to calm his anger so that he could see clearly enough to bind the others together. The passions that drove Buck Wilmington could provide the element that would keep The Seven linked until Destiny came.

Each member within this select group contributed an intricate part of the whole yet; it was the ladies' man that defined their universe. He guided them without knowing. They followed without understanding that they were being led. He did not understand himself, how important his role was. How could she make him understand?

Glancing across the room, Buck smiled at the woman, "Come 'ere!" he called again. He could see she was deep in thought. He tried to stand but his leg gave way.

The crash and the groan brought Athena back from her reflections and she moved to his side and knelt down. She did her best to help him up but his weight was too much for her. They landed back on the floor in a heap.

Buck laughed. "Well, Darlin'... best you back off while I make ma' way tah the bed."

She did as he asked and watched as the ladies' man crawled to the bed and climbed up. He unbuckled his gun belt and set it on the table. He kicked off his boots and looked at the woman who stood watching him. "Come 'ere!" he said one more time. He motioned her to sit beside him on the bed.

Athena looked at him hesitantly for just a second, then did as he requested.

Wilmington shuffled over to give her room to join him. He pulled her to his chest for comfort but could tell she wasn't sure of his actions. "Relax," he suggested. "Reckon we could rest up betta lying here."

Athena could feel the gentle nature of the big man as she lay beside him. There was nothing for her to fear here. She reached down and took off her gun belt and boots, then turned back to look into his eyes. She leaned into his good shoulder and relaxed into his arms as Buck lay back on the headrest.

"So let me get this straight. You're tryin' 'a tell me them boys need me around to keep 'em happy?" The ladies' man looked down at her and smiled with a renewed satisfaction.

Athena smiled at his interpretation of what she had tried to explain to him. "To keep them strong cowboy... They need the strength and passion that lives here." She covered his heart with her hand and sat up to look deep into his dark blue eyes. "You must learn to control that fire so that it can serve them in time of need."

Wilmington returned her gaze but looked inquisitively at her. Her words slowly sunk in. "Sounds tah me like your tellin' old Buck he's got 'a change some... Don't reckon I like that idea much."

She smiled at him again. The rogue had this uncanny knack of rethinking everything she said. "Not change..." she looked him in the eye. "Just grow... Use your fire to forge the bonds that can transform seven into one."

His face was full of questions as he stared at the woman. He could hear the passion in her voice and somewhere, deep inside; he considered that he might understand what she was getting at. He would need more time to think on her words.

Athena could see he was beginning to understand but that it would take more time. She tried to think of another way to explain. "Have you ever heard of a Devil's Advocate?" she asked.

The knock at the door awoke the two sleeping people in Wilmington's bed.

Jackson had knocked twice already. Concerned when he received no answer, he went on in unsolicited. The sight that met his eyes made him smile. He didn't think the ladies' man spent too many nights in that bed with a fully clothed woman in his arms. "Well... I'm glad I found both of ya. Don't reckon I thought I'd find ya like this though," he laughed. Moving to the bed, he put his medical bag down.

Buck and Athena both seemed a little embarrassed at the comment. They sat up and moved apart.

The healer rubbed his hands together. "I'm here tah check on them bullet holes. Who wants tah go first?"

Wilmington moved to the edge of the bed and slipped his legs over the side. "How's JD and Ezra?" he asked, unbuttoned his shirt. His body was stiff but he felt a renewed strength in his heart.

Jackson pulled back the dressing on the man's shoulder and examined the wound. "JD's awake and been asking for ya. I told 'im you took a couple 'a bullets yerself. Seemed tah make 'im feel better." Resetting the first dressing, the healer motioned Buck to pull his pants down.

A quick glance over his shoulder told Buck that Athena had moved to the other side of the bed. The window held her gaze as she slowly unbuttoned her shirt. Wilmington undid his pants and dropped them to his knees.

"Darn kid," Nathan laughed. "All he wanted tah know was how come ya made it out 'a the clinic and he hadn't."

The rogue huffed loudly at Jackson's story. "Seems like none of us are keen on spending much time in your place, Nathan. What'd ya make of that?"

The healer was busy looking under the other compress. "Think maybe it's got somethin' tah do with all them holes you keep gettin' in ya?"

"I hope you didn't say that tah JD?" Wilmington raised an eyebrow comically.

Nathan laughed. "Think that was 'bout that time he fell back tah sleep again."

"And Ezra?" Buck asked as Jackson moved over to the girl. Like the gentleman, he knew he could be, the rogue kept his back to the lady, giving her some privacy.

Jackson pursed his lips as he set about examining the woman's shoulder. She'd already removed her shirt and was using it to cover herself. "Came to 'bout two hours ago. He's hurtin' real bad. He's been wonderin' if you'd come sit with him a spell, Miss Athena." The healer looked into her eyes as he finished up.

She nodded her affirmation as Nathan headed for the door. He looked back and smiled. "You two get some more rest now, ya hear!" his tone was serious but his grin betrayed the humor he saw. Shaking his head again, he quickly left.

Buck sat on one side of the bed with his shirt off and his pants unbuttoned. Athena occupied the other side of the bed, naked from the waist up except for the shirt she held over her breasts. They glanced at each other briefly before turning their backs to fix the situation they found themselves in.

Later that day, the door to the clinic opened and Buck and Athena walked in, closing the door behind them. Nathan motioned the two to be quiet as he slipped outside for a break. Athena stood over the gambler and took in his face while Buck moved over to the waiting kid.

The woman watched her green-eyed gentleman for a long time. She couldn't help but wonder if the actions he had taken yesterday were her fault. Slowly she knelt beside the bed and leaned into talk to him. "Ezra," she whispered in his ear.

His eyes slowly opened and he smiled his best smile for her.

She ran her fingers gently over his cheek and sensed his pain through the touch.

Seeing her flinch, the southerner frowned. "It'll be alright," he assured her. He knew she felt his pain. "You've given me a special gift, Athena. The strength I need to see this through." Searching for the right word, Standish pursed his lips. "I'm stronger now than I was before. My heart understands..."

She smiled at his words but it pained her to leave him like this. She would have liked nothing more than to stay by his side but she was being called away. Staying here would be so right... but it was not to be. "I'll be leaving tomorrow," she said, lowering her head. "I need only a little more time here then I must leave to send the others back."

Josiah had explained to Ezra and JD about everything that had gone on while they were unconscious. The gunslinger had left sometime during the night and had not stopped to say goodbye to anyone. The tracker had hauled his wagon out of town early that morning. Vin's cautious farewells had seemed as permanent as any. None of the others presumed to know what Larabee and Tanner were going through but the southerner was scared for the woman. He knew her intent too well. Perhaps he had listened too closely. Perhaps Athena should give up now before it was too late... "I do believe you may have witnessed the last ride of The Seven, my dear." He took a painful breath and continued. "Whilst Mr. Tanner might be reckoned with. I would suggest you stay as far away from Mr. Larabee as you possibly can." Standish had faced the blond's wrath himself and there was one thing he was sure of... Chris was a dangerous man and even more so when he was angry.

Ezra's warning was as serious as any the woman had heard. She smiled at his concern, knowing that he had no idea that his own happiness was at stake. "I have no choice," she said just as painfully. She laid her head on the man's chest. After several minutes she continued. "Our time was brief, Ezra Standish." She looked up into his beautiful green eyes and kissed him long and hard. "I will remember you in my dreams." Setting her head on his shoulder, she closed her eyes.

The gambler nuzzled her head with his as they held each other closely. He would remember her too... for a very long time!

Buck limped into his room and locked the door behind him. Rubbing his shoulder and leg, he moved for the table. Suddenly the tall rogue became aware of a presence in the room and spun around to face Athena.

She sat on his bed with her head down and her knees curled in to her chest. Her hat, coat and boots lay beside her as she rocked slowly back and forth.

The ladies' man could sense she was upset and he moved to sit beside her. He touched her head gently.

Athena lifted her eyes to meet his.

"What's wrong, Darlin'?" Wilmington asked softly. The woman's eyes were beautiful this close up but Buck could see fear in them. He pulled her close and asked again. "What's wrong?"

"I must leave soon. I must send them back... I have no choice."

There was a tremble in her words that Buck had never heard before. It scared him to hear her talk like this. "Chris and Vin?"

She nodded into his shoulder and pulled him close. "Tell me you understood the words we spoke of yesterday. I need to know that you can forgive... and forget," she raised her head to look at him again. "Please tell me you will welcome them home... if I can send them back!" She sat back and looked at the man. Slowly she lowered her head to hide her eyes. "... I must know I will not endure his wrath in vain."

Wilmington took the woman's elbows and looked at her carefully. He knew from her tone that she was frightened and he understood from her words that only one of the two men could make her feel this way. "Now you just hold on there, Darlin'. Don't you be goin' out after Larabee if he's gonna hurt ya."

Her eyes begged for the answer that she needed to hear. "Tell me you have made peace in your heart."

Wilmington looked at the girl in amazement. It was obvious she was being compelled to do something that scared her, yet all she could talk about was the conversation they had had last night. Buck remembered how she'd explained the importance of accepting his oldest friend for the man he was... and not to judge him on one single act.

Wilmington had argued it wasn't one single act but a string of many.

It was at this point in their discussion that Athena had taken time out to calm his thoughts and refocus his anger into useful energy. She had reminded him that the gunslinger was alive now because of the way he was. She had asked if he would change a man so much... and then bury him because of it... It was that statement alone that had ended the conversation that had dragged on well into the night. Chris Larabee was Buck's oldest friend for a reason...

"I reckon I understand what you told me... What happened ain't nobody's fault. And, blamin' Chris or Vin for it ain't gonna do nobody, no good. If there's anyone around here who can straighten this out... " The ladies' man cocked his head and grinned. "Well, I can't turn my back on ma friends now... can I?" He caressed the woman's cheek and tried to reassure her of his decision. In eleven days, he'd never seen this woman look so vulnerable. Wilmington didn't like it one bit but he understood why she might be frightened of Chris. Hell, any sane man would be... let alone a woman. Yet, he couldn't quite grasp her apprehension in confronting Tanner. "Look at you," he pulled her closer. "You're shakin' all over." Feeling her apprehension, Wilmington tried to offer her options. "You don't got 'a go after 'em, ya know. Chris'll calm down... eventually. He'll be back. Vin, too, probably."

Athena shook her head. "He who sees has heard the call of the mountains and plains. His need for solitude is real." She couldn't explain to the ladies' man that Tanner was using what had happened as an excuse to run away. "... And, the dark one is lost. He will not come back this time. I must go..." She knew in her heart that she had no way of understanding the man called Larabee. She also understood, beyond any doubt, that he would not return without her guidance.

Buck held nothing against the tracker. After his conversation with this lady last night, the rogue had accepted that Tanner had done his level best when the chips were down. There was no blame to be laid or any benefit in holding contempt in his heart. He was also confident that Vin just needed to hear those same words from the right person.

The rogue pulled the woman tight into his arms and held her as he took a deep breath. Larabee was another story entirely though. He'd known Chris for more than a dozen years now and had seen him at his best... and his worst. He knew what happened in the gunslinger's head when things went wrong. There was no reasoning with him. Wilmington had tried once... and paid a terrible price. Understanding this simple fact first hand scared the heck out of him. For that reason alone, Buck didn't want Athena to go.

Taking a deep breath, the rouge pulled her closer. An idea flashed through his mind and he was ashamed of it. He was afraid to admit it even to himself but he couldn't deny what he knew in his heart. Wilmington understood, that if anyone else tried to convince the pair of 'stubborn jackasses' to change their minds... Oh, God! He was afraid for Athena, yet there was a strength in this woman... Something he had seen in no other individual before.

Lying against his strong chest, the woman could feel Buck's sincerity. She knew that he would be able to complete his task if she could just send the two men home. She understood his concern though and tried to relax and give him peace of mind with her body gesture. She sat back and looked up into his deep blue eyes. She caressed his cheek and ran her fingers through his hair. "I will be gone by morning cowboy... You must promise to stay here and give the others strength... I cannot promise I can send your friends home tomorrow." She lowered her head again. "But I will send them back to you."

"But..." he started to object.

She looked up at him and placed her fingers over his lips to quiet his insistence. "I must go. Neither of us can do anything to change what must be. History must know The Seven and only I can make sure it is so. You must all see Destiny together." Athena lowered her head, then looked back at him again. "Remember your promise to stay here... Keep the others strong for as long as it takes... Welcome your lost friends when they return and always..." she stroked his cheek again. "Always remember your fire and passion are the elements that bond these men as one."

Her words rang through Buck's ears and into his heart. He leaned down and kissed her as he stroked her hair.

She pulled back from him and looked deep into his soul.

He smiled ever so gently and kissed her again.

This time she did not pull away. She felt a stirring within herself that she had never experienced before.

Wilmington gave in to the feelings that now consumed him and, in doing so; he freed his mind from all that it knew.

The tall rogue gazed into her eyes and for the first time since she had met this man, Athena was able to truly know him. She saw his inner most thoughts and feelings with different eyes... She finally understood how genuine and explicit this man's passion really was. The woman smiled at him cautiously.

Wilmington returned her smile and kissed her again... and again.

All thoughts of what might happen escaped the woman's consciousness. Her arms wrapped around the cowboy tightly and pulled him unto her. Buck felt a familiar tingling as his heartbeat grew faster. He pulled back from the woman and looked deep into her beautiful hazel eyes. They searched each other's expressions for consent to move forward. Hungry eyes and insatiable lips gave permission by proxy alone. Wilmington kissed the woman again, this time leaving the haven of her lips to seek out the soft curves of her ears and neck. Nibbling and tonguing as he explored her skin, Buck pulled back in surprise as Athena giggled before pulling away. She sat back on the bed. Raising his eyebrows suspicious, the rogue smirked coyly. "Now that wouldn't be a 'special' place you're hiding back there, would it?" he questioned as he followed the woman further up the bed.

Athena moved her gaze from the bed sheets to the dark blue orbs of her pursuer. "I am afraid I do not understand your meaning," she replied seductively.

"Yeah, right!" Buck replied sarcastically. He positioned his body over hers and smiled. "And I just ain't gettin' your meaning right now either, Darlin'. I best get closer so I can hear what you're tellin' me." Burying his lips in the folds of Athena's shirt, the ladies' man 'played' with her as she squirmed under his gentle assault.

Several times the woman pushed Wilmington away playfully. She would look at him through down cast eyes and they would exchange sly looks. Then he would seek out her tender skin again. All thoughts were lost, as the couple understood their joint intent.

Purposely the ladies' man sat up above her and slowly began to undo her shirt. Deliberately and methodically, he released each of the buttons, dragging his fingers down her skin as he moved lower and lower. When the last of her shirt clasps were undone, Buck locked eyes with the woman. The windows to their souls remained unwavering as he slowly undid the buttons on her pants.

When he was done, Buck leaned over her body again, "Don't reckon I've ever had to undo that many buttons before," he whispered quietly into her ear. "Least wise on the front of a woman's clothing." Sucking gently on her lobes he pulled back and gazed into her eyes. "How many other secrets do you have in store for me...?"

"It is not my wish to disappoint you, cowboy," the woman whispered back while caressing his ears. "Though my clothes my not be the same as others that you have shared... what lies beneath them is very much the same."

"Oh, dear lady..." Buck's eyes sparkled. "I haven't met a woman yet who could disappoint me." The rogue raised his eyebrows, "And just so you know... you're all different... each and every one of ya... in your own special way." Leaning down to kiss her again, he pulled back and smirked. "And I make it my business to find out... all... of the things that make you special..."

Athena watched as Wilmington undid his shirt and tossed it aside. Ignoring the bandaged shoulder, the woman studied the strong, muscular form towering above her. She caught his eyes once more. "All...?" she questioned.

Buck traced the outline of her form with his own eyes. Her shirt still hid her breasts from his view but he could see the strong beat of her heart as the material pulsed up and down. "Ever... little... thing... Darlin'," he whispered seductively. Settling lower, he gently reached under her shirt and they kissed once more.

Athena's arms wrapped tightly around the rogue and he found the nape of her neck again. Her body arched into his as Buck matched her embrace and gently pressed his fingertips into the soft flesh on her back. His strong manipulations caused the woman to voice her appreciation with a soft moan.

Wilmington could only smile. "See," he whispered. "Your body likes to be touched in different ways." Letting her down softly, the handsome rogue moved off the woman and sat at the end of the bed. He quickly removed his boots and socks before unbuckling his gun belt and placing it on the bedside table.

Athena too, sat up. She pressed her naked chest against Wilmington's bare back. Slowly, she massaged his good shoulder then played with the hairs on his chest as Buck relaxed into her touch.

Opening his eyes, the ladies' man stood and turned in the woman's arms. He gently pulled the shirt from her shoulders. "We make a fine pair," he touched her bandaged shoulder.

Athena frowned.

"Yesterday we got shot together," he mused. "Tonight we're set tah give Nathan's stitches a workout."

"Are we?" the woman asked seductively.

Wilmington unbuttoned his pants as his lady watched in anticipation. "Now I thought we'd already decided that?" he grinned.

Athena nodded and lowered her eyes. "We did!" she agreed.

Buck reached out for the woman who knelt in front of him. They kissed again and Athena reached for his pants and pushed them to the floor. Feeling his muscle respond to her touch, she reached around and pulled him closer.

"Oh, no you don't," Wilmington pulled back.

The lady looked up at the tall man and frowned.

"Tonight ain't about me, Athena..." suddenly the man was serious. "You're the one who needs a little relaxin'... and I'm aimin' tah make you that way."

"The art of lovemaking is in the sharing... is it not?" the woman questioned curiously.

Wilmington stood back and crossed his arms and Athena could not help but admire his nakedness. She also couldn't help but appreciate the smirk on the tall rogue's face.

Setting her feet to the floor, the woman stood up. It took but a gentle wiggle for her pants to slide to the ground. Stepping out of them she pulled each sock off and threw them at him. One landed on his head, while the other hit his chest and came to rest on his folded arms.

Buck's eyeballs rolled upwards to see the clothing perched in his hair. Uncrossing his arms the second fluttered down his nakedness while he removed the first. Observing the clothing, his eyes traced a path through the air and came to rest on the equally naked woman who now sat at the top of the bed unbraiding her hair.

Athena watched as Buck assumed a stalking position and made his way up the bed loudly. This man's fun and games were amusing her to no end. Low growls permeated the air.

Wilmington nibbled at the woman's ankles.

She giggled enticingly and quickly pulled them away.

"Oh, no you don't," he moved just as fast. Catching the retreating appendages he pulled Athena down on the bed then suddenly pulled away in pain.

Realizing Wilmington was hurt; the woman reacted quickly and sat up to tend his shoulder. "Perhaps we do not need to test your healer's stitches that much," she comforted.

Buck took her hand from his shoulder and pulled the woman close. "Don't reckon I like the sound of that."

They shared a strong, passionate kiss before the rogue guided the woman back to the sheets. He ran his fingers across her cheek, traced the line of her jaw to the tender neck below before continuing on to the roundness of her chest. Ever so softly the ladies' man followed the curve of the breast and found her pert nipples. He endlessly circled the hardening teats before allowing his tongue its turn at exploration.

Athena's breath grew heavier as the man straddled her body. His wonderful mouth continued to tease her soft bosom but his hands were beginning to draw her attention.

Perched above Athena's body the way he was, Buck had full access to every inch of her flesh. Having determined that her neck was a sensual zone, he began there... and slowly worked his way down. With his tongue alternating on her erect nipples, Wilmington squeezed, caressed and massaged Athena's neck, shoulder, back and buttocks. He took due care to avoid her wounded shoulder.

The sensations pulsing through the woman's body had her completely oblivious to the world. Never before, had any man taken the time to tantalize every point on her delicate skin. Never before had she realized how truly sensual it was to be touched. Athena pulled Buck up to her mouth and drove her tongue to the back of his throat.

"Whoa there, Darlin'," Buck smiled happily.

The provocative look in his eyes told Athena that Wilmington wasn't really objecting. "I want you," she whispered.

Buck only shook his head.

Again, the woman pulled her head up to kiss him.

This time their tongues intertwined as they fought for control.

Finally pulling away, Buck shook his head again and gently dug his fingertips into the small of her back.

Instinctively Athena's back arched throwing her chest forward and her hips back.

The rogue slowly kissed his way past her breasts and down the center of her body. He stopped at her hairline when he realized her squirming had stopped. Gazing up at her piercing hazel eyes, he smiled at the inquisitive frown.

Athena's eyes narrowed.

Wilmington smirked in response and edged lower. He blew a soft breath on her folds.

"What... are you doing?"

The ladies' man cocked his head knowingly. "If more men knew how to truly please a woman, Athena, you wouldn't be askin' that question." He smiled gently and blew another warm breath across her thighs.

The lady felt his hand paw the small of her back again. The gentle massaging began to distract her from his unknown intentions yet, she was increasingly curious. She watched as he nuzzled the tops of her legs with his nose and lips. His magical tongue darted out now and then, causing ever-increasing waves of anticipation. He nibbled her hips then worked his tongue into the folds of her vagina.

Athena took a deep breath as his clearly practiced tongue found the small mound of flesh that gave her pleasure. Unknowingly taking hold of the pillows, the lady caressed them gently.

Understanding from her body that he had found his mark, Buck moved his hands to the woman's buttocks and pulled her close. He settled his body between her legs as they slowly relaxed and parted more.

Several times Athena's eyes rolled. She would pull her head up from its resting-place and look wantonly at the man who now had her complete attention. And then her shaking head would slowly settle back down.

Gentle moans began to escape from the depth of Athena's body and Buck drew great satisfaction from her whimpers. The woman reached out to lightly pull on his hair and the ladies' man moved his eyes up to meet hers.

The process repeated several times. Minutes ticked slowly by... and then she finally whispered 'stop'.

Taking a brief respite from his loving, Buck grinned at the lustful way the woman looked at him. "Why..."

Athena took a deep, intermittent breath and shook her head as Buck, again, touched her clit.

Encircling it twice he glanced up at the woman's closed eyes. He grinned and continued his quest.

Her plea found his ears once more.

A pant, or a whisper? Buck couldn't tell which. "Stop... oh, cowboy...I..."

A magical tongue played tricks with the tender flesh. Up and down the length of her inner skin he moved. Just like his fingers on her back, no spot went unmarked by his dedicated fondling.

"Buck..." Athena's eyes rolled as the first waves of orgasm made their way through her body. A tiny, almost inaudible squeal escaped the woman's lips as she fought to maintain control. The battle was surely lost as the second undulating pulses surged through her body a few seconds later. She held on tightly to his head, not quite sure if she should tear it away... or hold on for more.

Wilmington continued his gentle massage of the woman's back and hips as she rode out the pleasure that swept her body. He slowed his pace in her folds as her fingers released the grip on his hair. Softly he moved up her body, stopping at her breasts to fondle, nuzzle and peck.

Athena pulled his body onto her as she wrapped her thighs around his buttocks and pulled his lips to her. Her tongue darted into his mouth as though it was a deep pool of water and she had never tasted the liquid before. "I want you," she whispered again.

Completing the overly long kiss, Wilmington pulled back and smirked. "Patience, Darlin'," he wiggled his hips.

"I want you... now" she growled, forcing her hips upward to meet his bulging manhood.

Buck teased mercilessly. He would maneuver himself into position and then 'accidentally' lose his way. He would press his penis against her yet, pulled it back when Athena tried to move her body to meet his. All the while they kissed and cuddled... and nibbled and caressed.

Finally, when he figured that the woman had had enough with their little games, the ladies' man forced her hands out above her head. He held them in position as his mouth trekked its way back down her body. When he finally moved beyond his reach, the woman did not retrieve her arms from the outstretched position he left them in.

Athena closed her eyes as her cowboy's tongue, again, found her clit. His fingers caressed her breasts and nipples, while his mouth gave her unimaginable sensation down below... Oh, how she had wanted to force him down and straddle his waiting cock but those thoughts somehow faded into oblivion. The helpless, wonderful... phenomenal forgetfulness...

Oh, damn... not again!

The rogue watched her body arch and pulse as ecstasy brought her fulfillment again. He smiled and rose above the slender hips. Slipping his fingers in place to substitute his tongue, he explored her vagina as she squirmed and moaned.

Athena's mouth found Buck's again and he removed his hand and easily slid his engorged penis into her waiting canal.

The woman dug her fingers into his back. She refused to let go of his mouth as her body experienced a new zenith. A towering apex of uncontrollable, orgasmic energy made every nerve in her body pulse relentlessly. Athena desperately held on... as the waves of pleasure slowly began to subside.

His organ felt so right inside her as he slowly began to stroke.

Her fingers released their grip on his back and she rubbed the area gently hoping to soothe the marks she left behind. Reaching lower, she massaged his buttocks as they moved in and out. Finally coming up for air, Athena released his lips and a slow growl sprang forth from depths far below.

"Oh, yeah, Darlin'," the rogue closed his eyes. "I'll second that." Wilmington settled his body gently onto hers and continued his slow, controlled strokes.

Sweat glistened on their bodies as the coupling continued. Endless seconds stretched into long, pleasure filled minutes as the two touched and caressed. Their embraces alternated with exploration... tongues searching out skin... fingers kneading wayward arms and leg... lips on a quest for their matching pair.

Athena rolled her eyes then focused on the man who held her again. "I do not think I can take much more, cowboy."

Buck opened his eyes. "Is that so, little lady," he took a deep breath. "Well... somehow I think... that's good." His pace increased. "'Cause I was just... thinkin' the same thing... myself." Athena's body began to arch towards his and Wilmington once more increased his pace.

"When this is all... over," the woman panted.

"Yeah?"

"Remind me... never to come back... here again."

Buck laughed but his attentions quickly returned to his actions. "You wouldn't be... tryin' tah distract me... from MY task... now would ya, Darlin'."

The woman's fingers dug, none too gently, into Buck's arms. "Oh... damn..." she squealed. Her legs curled around his back and she threw her head back.

The ladies' man watched happily as another orgasm took hold of Athena's body. He closed his eyes and folded his head to her chest. Taking a pert nipple in his mouth he pulled her close and increased his strokes yet again.

This time his motions were full length and exhausting. Knowing, that this needed to end, the ladies' man exercised every muscle in his body so that one could deliver its bounty. He glanced up to see Athena reeling from his actions then moved his tongue to her other breast.

Suddenly his mouth hung open above her nipple and Buck took one last, quick breath before pressing the woman hard against the bed.

Buck's muscular form tensed as his stroking became irregular. His eyes rolled in the back of his head and instinctively, Athena held him close and allowed him complete control over her body. She could do little else but breathe hard and hold on tight.

Suddenly Wilmington threw his head back and drew in much needed air to his lungs. Several intense minutes had passed and Buck felt as though he had not breathed in all that time. He tried to smile for Athena but he was too exhausted even for that.

The slightest hint of a grin crossed the woman's face too. She looked deep into the dark pools that held her in their gaze. She could only nod her head, gently.

Endless minutes passed as they kissed and grinned... Fingers flexed over taut muscles and helped them relax.

Athena wiped the sweat from Buck's brow.

"Well, Darlin'..." the ladies' man panted. "I don't know about you... but I'm plum wore out..."

Athena closed her eyes before glancing back. "Cowboy," she laughed, "You should be after..."

Buck held his hand to her lips, "Shhhh..." he whispered. "Go to sleep."

Wilmington tried to move off of his lover but the thighs wrapped around his legs held his body in place. The rogue frowned.

"I want to feel your body on mine."

A muffled laugh escaped his lips. "Darlin', if I fall asleep you're gonna be sorry."

Athena nodded gently. Wilmington was indeed a big man but she needed him to remain where he was. "For just a little while?" her eyes pleaded more than her voice.

The rogue cocked his head before lying it on her shoulder. "Whatever my lady wants... my lady gets." He closed his eyes and relaxed.

The woman stroked his dark curls with one hand and gently caressed an arm with the other. Five peaceful minutes passed before Athena's eyes closed, too. "I rarely get what I want, cowboy..." she whispered. A small smile found its way to her lip, "But tonight surpassed my wildest dreams..."

A sated, not completely understanding grin crossed Buck's face as he snuggled closer.

Continued

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