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

“I had to explain why I was gone so long yesterday, so I told him you were trying to talk me into going with you.”


“What he did just now. To know my own mind.”


“You didn’t tell him about the other, did you?”


I shook my head. “No, but he might have figured it out.”


“You were ashamed.” It was an accusation.


I got huffy until the truth hiding in that statement hit me. “Maybe I was. Things are different now.”


“No, we’redifferent now. Well, I’m not ashamed. If he’d asked me, I’d have told him I care for you.”


“That’s what you claim. But you don’t care enough to stay here.”


He stared into my eyes, allowing me to read what he was thinking. He was the man; I was thewin-tay. It was my place to go where he wanted.


He had enough sense not to speak his thoughts. He walked into me, placed a hand behind my head and pulled my lips to his. I had to reach up to kiss that broad mouth.


Chapter 43