A Call of Love

By Ruby Raynes

     Tess, a revered princess of the shamanic realm, bears the sacred responsibility of perserving the ancient ways. Yet, she finds herself entangled in the ways of the white man for far too long. It's causing her powers to wane rapidly. If she fails to find a suitable mate before her impending birthday, a dreadful curse will befall her, rendering her a mere hollow shell of a woman.

     When a shaman seeks a union, she emits a resounding call of love, followed by a ritual to unveil her true soulmate. Only those of Native American descent can perceive this call and respond to it.

     However, time is mercilessly slipping away, and malevolent forces conspire to thwart Tess's quest for success. Desperate, she turns to the ancient spirits, beseeching their aid as her last glimmer of hope to survive and attain unparalledled power. For within this perilous journey, only one man possesses the ability to either annihilate her or elevate her to become the mightiest of all shamans. Will he emerge from the shadows, or will Tess be forced to settle for the next best option if available?

     In this gripping tale, the stakes are high, the tension palpable, and the fate of Tess hangs percariously in the balance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L R Hill
• Release date: Sep 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223247821

Ruby Raynes

     Ruby Raynes is a multifaceted woman and once a Rodeo Queen. Her diverse career entails real estate, bail bonds, and bounty hunting. During a creative writing course, she discovered her calling and realized the potential of a creative mind.      Her writing delves into contemporary romance, mystery, action, and thrilling narratives. Her stories feature robust characters who possess a sensitive side, adding depth and complexity.      She currently lives in Texas. She's also aiming for the New York Times Best Seller list. Website: www.RubyRaynes-novels.com

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Darkness has swiftly fallen on Tess as she nods off at the steering wheel again as the pickup speeds down a dark, lonely road. With a sudden jerk of Tess’s head, she barely sees through blurry eyes a small light down the road. Stepping harder on the gas pedal, she aims for the light and fights to focus on it before she passes out completely. Thirty-six hours of hard driving and barely a nap, sleep deprivation has now taken its toll. Her ability to think properly was lacking, and she knows it’s time to stop. Glancing quickly at the gas gauge when it pings at her, makes her wake up a bit more in realizing she is on the red line of empty. Veering hard and too fast into the gas station, she swerves on the gravel and slides to a stop at the gas pump, hitting her head hard on the steering wheel.

Inside the station are three men talking, watching in horror, as a pickup seems to come right at them. Move! Get out of the way before you get killed! A large broad man yelled at the store’s owner, making the owner run from the cash register towards the back of the store. As the truck slides to a stop, the men inched back up front. Cautiously, the men approached the window and stood staring out, waiting to see what was going on. My god, I thought for sure we were going to be rammed, Cole said as Max took a deep breath in relief of no damage being done.

Slowly, Tess sat back up and felt of her head, then felt a large cut with a bump rising. She looked at the blood on her hand for a moment. Stunned for a moment, she then just took a napkin and wiped off the blood. After holding the napkin on her head, she opened the door, grabbed her purse and pulled out a credit card. Sliding out of the seat, she looked at the gas pump closely, but couldn’t find a slot to put her credit card in. Sighing deeply and holding her head in pain, she slowly moves around the truck. Turning to look at the store, she sighed in relief at seeing three men inside, which meant they were still open. Tess thought for a moment. She had to go inside to pay, but her legs weren’t so willing to obey and move just yet.

One man came outside, heading for her. Ma’am, are you okay? You scared us to death the way you drove in here. He looked her up and down closely, knowing something was wrong.

I’m sorry... I need to fill up. Tess wobbled and grabbed for the truck bed to steady herself as she half held her credit card up for him to see.

The man motioned to the owner to flip on the pump as he said, my name is David; I’ll fill it up for you, ma’am. You go inside and wait while I take care of this for you. I’ll be in when I’m done.

Thank you, David, I’m Tess, I appreciate it... I just need... Tess points to the store.

David put the nozzle into the gas tank and started pumping gas. You’re welcome, Tess, here let me help you inside. David slowly moved towards Tess and took her by the elbow, then escorted her to the steps. He felt her weakness, then put his arm around her waist, gently helping her up the steps as the other two men watched every move they made.

Cole snorted, then backed away. Darn city people. She looks like she’s high as a kite. Cole went back and leaned on the ice cream machine again, then crossed his ankles and arms in disgust.

Max, a short stumpy man, went to open the door for the two. Cole, mind your manners now. As the door opened, Tess began to move better and then stood taller. David let go of her and let her go inside first. Come on in, little lady, welcome.

Tess half smiled at him. Thank you. Where are the restrooms?

Max pointed to the back of the store. Go right past Cole there and straight back. David will finish filling up your truck for you. David nodded at her, then went back outside to finish up. Tess turned to head for the back of the store, giving Cole a quick glance. Just long enough, he could see her bloodshot blue-green eyes. She saw the disgust on his face and quickly looked down so her hat would hide her face. Then she walked around his long muscular legs, blocking her way. Reaching the restroom, she leaned against the door, inhaling heavily to get more oxygen into her body and mind. Taking her time, she then washed her face and head to get the blood off.

Max, her eyes are so bloodshot and dilated I don’t think I’ve seen anyone that bad. Bet she’s drugged up. You know how those kinds of people are, Cole said hatefully. David came back in, then looked at Cole and Max, waiting to see what was being said.

Cole, you judge too quickly. She may not be on drugs. Look at her. She is nicely dressed and carries herself well. Cole huffed at Max’s comment; Tess was not walking well that he could see.

David then interrupted. She’s lethargic not drugged out, it’s like she’s at complete melt down, burn out or whatever you call it. I looked in her truck and there were no drug bottles or anything like that in there. I also saw blood on the steering wheel. Max then looked at Cole, who looked at him in return. Neither spoke again in hearing Tess unlocking the restroom door.

Tess felt slightly better and pulled on her clothes to straighten them out. Then she pulled her hat back into place, hoping to hide her cut and hold the napkin in place to stop the bleeding. She knew she was being judged by the men after the way she swerved and slid into the lot. Looking at herself in the mirror again, she smiled at herself because she looked like a horror movie actress. Her long black hair was tangled somewhat. She removed her hat again and twisted her hair up, then put it under the hat. Tess then opened the door and walked out to pay for the gas, but stopped to see a coffee machine. Finding the largest cup, she filled it with coffee, hoping it would help wake her up again so she could keep going. She needed a hotel soon.

Cole watched her and examined her closely, a summer dress, button down all the way, high heels, summer beach hat hiding her black hair, and actually very pretty. He looked back at David and Max, who were watching her as well. They were wondering about this strange woman. Why she was so far out in the middle of nowhere, as far from city life as you could get? She sure didn’t belong in the country in their minds.

Tess headed for the counter with her coffee and a snack she found. Smiling at David, she said, Thank you David, for everything. I appreciate it. She then handed the card to Max. I’m sorry for driving in the way I did and scaring you guys. Max smiled at her, then noticed blood trickling down the side of her head. As Tess looked down, Max quickly pointed to his head, then looked at her, telling the other two to look.

Cole quickly got up and moved to her right side to look and so did David, trying to be discreet. They both saw the blood drizzling down. Tess moved her hat unconsciously to get the pressure off the cut and then the blood flowed more. As Max laid her receipt down on the counter, Tess reached for it and her card and blood dripped on her hand. Tess reached for her head again, pulling out the blood-soaked napkin. David instantly stepped up. Tess, let me look at that. Come sit over here. Max, do you have a first aid kit? David took over quickly, leading Tess to a chair even with her protesting. Sit down, Tess. That’s a lot of blood. It needs taken care of now. Now Tess looked at David, seeing he was tall, handsome with dark blond hair but tanned and muscled up. He was obviously all cowboy.

Cole just went back and leaned on the machine again, pressing his lips together, but kept from saying anything. He only shook his head and sighed as Max went into another room for medical supplies. After a few minutes, Max came back and handed a box to David. Here, I even found something to stitch that cut if it needs it.

It doesn’t need stitching, Tess retorted back, being scared now and overly tired.

David grabbed her by the shoulders to hold her still. Yes, it needs about three stitches. Be still or I’ll have Cole hold you down. Cole instantly looked at them both.

Tess looked at Cole and his large, muscular, tall body, a light brown-haired man that had a scowl on his face that made her shiver. He better not touch me, she whispered to David. He’s mean and doesn’t like me at all without cause. Tess leaned back and didn’t move at all while David took care of the cut. Not once did Tess let out a whimper from the needle either, as she stared back at Cole’s hateful glare. She felt uneasiness about Cole; he had piercing eyes, but she couldn’t tell much with his cowboy hat casting a shadow on his face. More blood flowed with the needle, but Tess refused to move. Max tried to keep the blood off her dress but couldn’t without getting in David’s way. Just as David was finishing, Cole got up and told the guys he’d see them later and left the store.

Max quietly said, He’s not such a bad guy, really. He’s been my best friend since grade school, and David here is his brother.

Two men that can’t be more opposites. David smiled at her comment as Max chuckled. Tess looked at David. You’re so nice, caring, and polite. Tess felt of her head and bloody hair. Thank you again David. What do I owe you?

Oh, maybe a nice cooked meal, David chuckled, but kidding.

I would gladly cook you a meal if I had a place, but you know I’m not from around here. I’ll gladly pay you in cash, though.

No Tess, I won’t take any money from you...how about a dance tonight? That is, if you feel you could manage one before you move on.

Max had to laugh and slap David on the back as he went about closing the store. Tess looked down at herself, her clothes, her shoes, then felt of her hair. David knew she felt dirty and unattractive at this moment. Max has a shower in the back. If you want to clean up, I can wait, then you can follow me to the club.

Max turned around quickly. Sure, you can use the shower and change clothes. I don’t mind. Tess looked at him, wondering about it. Go get some clean clothes or whatever. He unlocked the door and opened it for her. Tess owed David, and she was going to pay up. Thinking about it, she got up, gulped some coffee down, ran outside and dug around in her truck. She felt better as she moved around. Once she got her things out of the truck, she began to wake up more.

Max led her to the shower and turned the lights on for her. Tess then enjoyed a nice hot shower after being on the road for so long.

David smiled at Max, making him say, Don’t look at me like that. She’s so darn pretty. One dance won’t hurt before she runs off.

Ah huh, is that really why? Max had to laugh.

Well, I don’t think she’s fit to travel, either. This way, I can watch her for a bit and make sure she’s okay. Max just nodded; he believed that a little more knowing David had the doctor’s instinct even though he was a veterinarian. David had to pick on Max some. So when did you say you were going to change your eating habits? You know you have to lose that weight before you have a heart attack.

Soon, I have to go to the store and get some healthier food. Max shook a finger at David.

Tess came out all dressed and ready for a night out, making the two men drop their jaw amazed at her transformation. She had let her coal black hair down, parted on the side to hide the stitches. Then she now had a form-fitting top showing off her small waist with ankle high slacks on and high heels. Gee guys, is that look good or bad? She looked at herself again, wondering if she forgot something.

Oh no, you look beautiful, David said, then shifted and cleared his throat again. You look fine. I mean, good for a city girl. Max elbowed him in the side to stop him from talking.

You are lovely, my dear. You two better get going, and I’ll see you out there soon. I get a dance too for the shower. Max blushed at saying that. Tess agreed as she patted his cheek as David led her out the door. Max sighed in pleasure as he quickly finished closing the store down while he hummed.

David opened the door for Tess. You follow me. It’s not that far, but if you get tired, flash your lights at me. Tess started her truck; David looked at the mileage, then grimaced at seeing she had driven over two thousand miles before she reset the mileage count. For some reason David then leaned in a little, sniffed the air, making Tess lean over and look at him funny. Drive with your windows down and see if that helps you stay awake.

Tess thought that was funny, but agreed. Okay, they say fresh air does wonders. It’s certainly better than smog. David smiled at her, then closed the door and went to his truck. He backed up and waited for Tess to pull on out behind him. David constantly watched her in his rearview mirror, but she did fine for the ten miles to the club. He pondered things and wondered how long it has been since her truck had been checked out thoroughly.

Tess gulped down the last of her coffee as she pulled into the parking lot. It was crammed full of vehicles. She looked around and wondered where all these people came from since she had never seen a house the whole ten miles there. As she parked, she began to feel tired again and didn’t want to stay long. She needed a hotel as soon as possible. David approached her truck, smiling at her as he examined her behavior. She tucked the money into her pocket, then got out and locked the pickup. David watched her long black hair glow blue in the light as she moved. She was elegant in his opinion. It seemed a perfect hourglass figure to him, as well.

As the two entered the club, it seemed as if everyone became quieter and had to turn to see who was entering the building. Tess felt uneasy as she noticed the looks on everyone’s face. She felt out of place. David just smiled and led her to the far side of the bar, where it was darker. The club was full of cowboys, cowgirls, and the music was loud, making her ears ring. There were so many people in the club all the tables were taken. People were standing around busy talking, not caring the tables were full. Once a slow dance came, David was quick to ask for his dance with Tess. She laughed at him and gladly accepted his hand that was held out for her.

Once she was whirled around and then faced him, she realized how tall he was, even with her heels on. He was lean, trim and muscled, a very handsome man with a brilliant smile. The women in the club watched them dance and Tess noticed the attention they were getting. We’re being stared at David. I hope I will not cause trouble for you.

They’ve just never seen me with a city girl. Don’t worry about it. Let them eat their hearts out. I’m tired of their crap anyway, he said with a laugh in his tone. Tess laughed with him, but deep down, she was concerned. Then she thought about a place to sleep as she held her head and almost fell. David quickly grabbed her, held her close to his body, and said, You need to sit down. I was afraid that bump on your head was more serious than I thought. He looked at her eyes as they shifted aimlessly around. He knew she was going down fast.

I’m so sorry David, I haven’t slept in three days, and it’s caught up to me. I must... find a hotel or something and sleep. She barely muttered loud enough for him to hear as she held onto him for support. Tess dipped in her knees but caught herself and walked as quickly as she could with David out the door. I didn’t mean to ruin your evening, David.

Shhhh, you didn’t. I got the dance. So, I’m taking you home with me; I have an extra bedroom, so you can sleep all you want to. David looked around for his truck, then hers. Instead, he saw Adam and yelled at him for help. Adam came running up with his mouth half opened in complete surprise. Help me get her home. She needs to sleep. She’s got a nasty knot on her head, and I need to monitor her.

Adam was dumbfounded. What happened? Ah, she don’t look good, David.

Well, she said she hasn’t slept for three days. She drove into Max’s like crazy, then came in with blood running down her face. I stitched her up and made up the excuse she owes me a dance so I could watch her.

Just as you figured, she wouldn’t make it anywhere without crashing. Smart call on your part, but taking her home might not be.

David carried Tess to his truck and put her inside as gently as he could. Look at her, she’s out completely. I’m not leaving her to sleep in her truck out here all alone. David took her keys and handed them to Adam. Drive her truck back and park it behind the house. I’ll bring you back once we get her in bed.

Ah, we better both come back, or it will cause suspicion, if you know what I mean. We better hurry too, so which is her truck? David turned and looked around, then finally pointed at it.

That green Avalanche? David nodded. Those are nice, and that one has been taken good care of. He smiled at David. I’ll see you there. Adam quickly went for the truck and started it up. He rolled the window down and stuck his head out the window, which made David stop to hear what he said. Wow, she’s got an exhaust leak inside. We got to fix that. I’m surprised she survived three days with it this bad.

David bit his lower lip. I thought that might be the problem, lots of carbon monoxide. No wonder she was lethargic when she drove into the station. Well, let’s get home so we can get back. Adam rolled down both windows all the way and opened the back slider too as he followed David back to the house. David looked at his watch; it was still early so it wouldn’t seem strange. He looked over at Tess and then felt her pulse, which was slow and weaker than it should be. Without realizing it, he stepped on the gas pedal, racing back to the house.

Adam wondered what was going through David’s mind, but let him take off. The only thing he could think of was something was wrong, and he was in a hurry to get to some medication. Then Adam stepped on the pedal too, now worried about what was up. However, Adam enjoyed the feel of the truck and the power it had, as well as the smoothness of the ride. Swinging into the driveway was smooth and the truck hardly bounced. He began thinking he wanted one of these trucks.

David pulled up to the house and galloped to the other side of the truck, and picked up Tess. She was heavier than she seemed, but he ignored it and got her inside without being noticed by anyone. She lay in his arms, motionless, unaware of where she was or what was happening. Adam parked behind the house and went in the back door to help. David said, Go get the oxygen. Her pulse is weak from breathing all that exhaust. She’ll probably sleep for two days as exhausted as she is, too. Adam took off and soon returned with the oxygen tank and tubes, then he watched David hook her up and set the amount for her. David finally finished up, There, that should help. I’ll check on her when we get back. I may even put her on a saline drip later. She appears to be dehydrated too, from the look of her skin.

Adam gently took her heels off and lifted her legs as he slid the covers out and then over her. There, at least she’ll stay warm, too. Come on, we better get going. She’ll be okay, bro. Adam squeezed David’s shoulders and shook him a second.

You’re right, we can relax a little after the hard week we’ve had. I’m sure she’ll just sleep and be okay. David looked at Adam and said, Did I tell you she never once whimpered while I stitched her up? Adam shook his head no. I told her if she didn’t be still, I’d have Cole hold her down and she froze.

You didn’t say that! David nodded at him.

They just stared at each other, and Cole never once spoke to her. She said she knew he hated her without cause, and he better not touch her. Cole thinks she’s drugged up. Adam rolled his eyes at that comment while David locked the door behind them.

I didn’t see any sign of that in the truck. The only thing I noticed was the sweet smell of her perfume, the expensive stuff, I might add. David smiled at him. I’ll quietly check out the truck and fix it for her. I may have time tomorrow to get the parts.

Relaxing, as they drove back to the club, David said, I’ll doctor her, and you doctor the truck.

Adam looked over at David. Well, that’s a ripoff. David burst out laughing at Adam, then he had to laugh too. I’m glad we built our own houses now; it was getting too inconvenient living in the same house.

Pulling into the parking lot, David teased, Yeah, me too. I love you, bro, but we aren’t kids anymore. Adam had to reach over and punch David in the arm. Once David parked and they walked to the club, he had to punch Adam back. The two hit on each other as they walked into the club, making people laugh at them. Cole turned to see the commotion and had to smile at the two.

I was wondering where you guys were.

David had to punch Adam one more time. Oh, Romeo here was about to get in trouble and I had to save him again. Adam’s mouth fell open as a deep chuckle emanated out of Cole. If he smells of perfume, don’t worry about it. Adam then had to punch David hard. Ouch, I can’t help it if you’re so pretty.

One woman overheard the comment, then leaned in and said, It’s purrty for a man, pretty for a woman, you guys. All three of you are purrty matter of fact. Cole gave her a glare, and she walked off quickly, smiling anyway.

Both David and Adam had to punch Cole. Hey Cole, is purrty too. Who would’ve thought?

David laughed at Cole’s face as he said, Yeah, he’s so purrty a woman made him go home and change his britches the way she was aiming for him. Adam burst out laughing at Cole.

Darn drugged up city girl driving crazy. Max and I thought she was coming through the wall. And then stupid here went outside and filled her truck up for her so she could kill someone later. Adam looked at David, then at Cole again.

She wasn’t drugged up Cole, she was hurt and exhausted. I saw where she had driven over two thousand miles before she reset the mileage. David argued back, But you would’ve known that if you had stuck around. When she said she hadn’t slept in three days. Not to mention I smelled an exhaust leak in the cab that probably didn’t help.

Cole’s attitude changed slightly when he admitted, An exhaust leak in the cab can kill you. And three days of breathing that might have made her seem drugged, I guess. Cole hated to admit he might have been wrong about her and shifted his weight as he leaned back on the bar. Adam and David looked at each other and slightly grinned at each other. The guys wanted to tease him some, but two women came up to them and they took them up on the offers to dance. Cole leaned on the bar and rethought over everything and her strength in being stitched up. One woman who didn’t act like a wimp to get her way. Then he thought of how David was the first to help her and saw the facts instead of prejudging her, as he had done so many times.

A tall, slender woman came up from behind Cole and he saw her in the mirror, approaching him. Just as she went to open her mouth, his deep voice said, I’m not interested, lady. She stopped and whirled around, suddenly leaving him to continue his beer.

The bartender heard Cole and politely said, You’re going to end up old and alone with that attitude. You’re better than that, Cole.

I’m tired of the same ole crap, Larry. I know what they want, been there, done that too many times. Cole