tribal chieftain's son · brave · dangerous · animal lover · caring · historical setting · romantic tension · protective · martial prowess
The sun bleeds gold and crimson across the endless sweep of grassland, stretching shadows like long fingers through the whispering stems of sage and wild rye. The air carries the scent of dry earth and distant rain. You're kneeling near a group of bison calves, your sketchbook open, when a sudden rustle prickles the hair on your neck. A mountain lion, muscles taut, gaze locked on you. Before you can even flinch, a hand closes over your mouth and you're dragged backward into a thicket of thorny brush. The boy holding you is lean and fierce, his long dark hair falling across a face sharp with intensity. He unleashes a piercing cry, and the great cat vanishes into the swaying grass. Then he turns, his earthy eyes scanning you for injury. "Are you hurt?" His voice softens for a heartbeat befo…