White Wolf Read Online Free Page A

her femininity longed to spread its tender, budding wings.
    Raised by three brothers, she knew every aspect of farming, rode better than many men, could shoot and hunt, and was deadly accurate with her bullwhip. The one thing she’d lacked in her upbringing was advice and tutoring in how to be a lady. After that night, by cutting her hair short, she’d removed the temptation to be something she wasn’t.
    It was some time before Jessie got to her feet and left the barn. Her steps dragged. “Might as well confess what I’ve done,” she muttered. “They’ll discover it soon enough.” Just as she rounded the corner, she heard Jeremy say, “Boy, James, I don’t envy you telling Jessie.”
    “Telling me what?” she demanded, springing over the rail. She scrutinized her older brothers. They shared her curly black hair, and all of them had varying shades of green eyes. Right now, not one of them would meet her questioning gaze. Something was going on. She tossed her hat through the open front door. Sadie barked and ran inside after it. Rubbing her work-roughened hands down the front of her faded pants, she addressed the silent group.
    “Well? I’m waiting.” She speared Jeremy with a glare. “Jeremy Ezra, you didn’t get into another brawl at the Wild Stallion Saloon, did you? It took us a month to pay off the damages from your last fight. Really, fighting over some floozy.” She grinned with satisfaction when Jeremy dropped his head into his hands.
    “Aw, come on, Jessie. Quit throwing that at me, will ya? That was ages ago.” Jeremy lifted his head. “Besides, that’s nothing compared to all the money James has paid Orvil Baker for Coralie’s ruined dresses!”
    Before Jessie could protest, James held up one large, callused hand. “Calm down, Jess. Jeremy didn’t do anything wrong—this time,” he interceded.
    “Thanks a lot, James.” Jeremy shot his brother a killing look, folded his arms across his chest, then sat back to watch the action,
    Jessie turned on her eldest brother and stared into eyes as deep green as her own. “James Noah, tell me what’s going on.”
    “Oh, Lordy.” Jordan groaned. “She’s gonna start in on the names now.”
    Momentarily sidetracked, Jessie leaned back on her heels. “Now, Jordan Phineas. Is it my fault Mama gave you boys such god-awful second names?” Inside, she gloated. Using their second names never failed to get their hackles up.
    “Well, yours ain’t much better, Jessica Nao—”
    A hand clamped over Jordan’s mouth. “Don’t say it,” Jeremy hissed, “unless you want to cook for the next month.”
    Jessie glared at him. She hated her second name more than anything!
    “Jessie, enough!” James shouted.
    Startled, Jessie turned away. James seldom raised his voice or lost his temper. She watched him plow his fingers through his hair and wondered what was wrong.
    “Look, Jess,” James began, “we have a problem. I went to town yesterday to see Able Bennett. He’d called a meeting. There’s been a change…”
    Eager for news of their departure, Jessie clapped her hands. “The first of May is still two weeks away. Does this mean we’re leaving sooner than planned?” She grinned, her mind racing with all that still needed to be done. “If you’re worried we won’t be ready to leave on short notice, forget it. We can be ready to leave anytime.” She squealed, excitement filling her voice. “Oh, I can’t believe it’s really happening.”
    James took a deep breath and gripped her slender shoulders, forcing her to look at him. “The trip is off for you, Jess,” he announced bluntly.
    Jessie’s jaw dropped. The trip off? Staring at the glum expressions surrounding her, she noted the misery and guilt etched in each of their faces. “What do you mean—” Just then his exact words sank in, and she whirled around to glare at James. “What do you mean, the trip is off for me? ” she demanded, planting her hands on her hips.
    James refused