A love between two very different men is put to the test. John Strobaw, a young mixed-blood, grows up in the relative security of a family farm after the Civil War. His mother raises her family as Americans, but his foster brother, Matthew Brandt feels his red blood more keenly and leaves to ride with Crazy Horse. John doesn’t understand the longing he feels for his absent companion until he has his first sexual experience with a man and he only thinks of Matthew. After the murder of Crazy Horse, Matthew makes his way back home. John fights hard against a growing lust for Matthew, but when he ultimately succumbs, he is lost to this handsome, dusky warrior. Just when the future looks bright, another suitor appears -- a handsome Cheyenne army scout, and trouble looms on the horizon.

Echoes of the Flute

“The other side of that coin is true, as well. You can try it my way and be free to come home whenever you wish.”


My inner self seemed empty, yet the dull ache in my gut proclaimed that false. “Will you at least come to breakfast and say goodbye to the family.”


“You go on. I will change into clothes that will suit Ma. Eagle, will you lie with me once more before I go?”


Pain ripped through me as keenly as a knife blade. “After dinner. In my cabin.”


My output at the forge was pitiful that day, even though the hours dragged by. My resolve to be strong almost broke when I heard Matthew ride in about mid-day. When I went out to greet him, everyone gathered around, eager to hear his latest adventures. I wasn’t the only one who loved him…just the only one who did so in that special way. He shook my hand and grinned at me, almost undoing me. He was so damned fetching.


Chapter 42