Born into a society tolerant of homosexuals, River Otter is confused by the white culture’s persecution of such men. As the war begins to wind down, Otter leaves the only home he has ever known to help Major James Morrow, commandant of Ft. Yanube, build a farm north of the fort. He begins a new life with the handsome major while coming to grips with growing hostility toward natives and rising danger from a local militia bent on eliminating all bloods from the territory.<br><br>As his physical attraction for the blond soldier slowly grows into a love perilous to both of them, Otter is distracted by personal challenges. As he struggles to survive the social and political upheaval sweeping the plains, can remain true to his own set of values?

River Otter

All I cared for in this world was at my back, fading farther and farther into the distance. Save James, of course. But I was no longer certain James was enough. Although never a father, I had always had family around. James was a liaison, an intimate comrade, but was he family? Perhaps someday—but not yet. We did not share enough history.


I wondered if Hardcastle had a family. Was he home at this moment surrounded by loving children, taking pleasure in their company, in teaching them life lessons, and survival techniques? Or was he holed up somewhere like a reptile, alone and plotting to take his unhappiness out on those weaker than he was? My heart returned to my chest with an ache as I imagined it so.


My mind was so numbed I was taken by surprise when a horseman moved out of the tree line and blocked my way. At that moment, I recognized life held little value for me even though I quickly perceived the meeting did not represent danger.


Chapter 34