Lost Girl in Transition Ch. 11

He then poured some shampoo onto his hair, and after working up a nice, bubbly froth, rinsed the suds from his head. Now thoroughly clean, he turned off the water and dried off, but instead of slipping back into his underwear, he opted instead to go commando.

It just didn't feel right to put on dirty underwear after a shower, and besides, sometimes it was nice to go without. After slipping into his jeans he buttoned them up, but since his

T-shirt was soaked in Mato's pee, he realized he would have to go shirtless. Not exactly the best look to bring to the dinner table, but there weren't any other options so he would just have to do it.

As he stepped out into the hall, steam poured out behind him, following him into the hallway as he headed for the dining room. On entering he saw that the table was already set, placemats laid beneath white square plates and shiny silverwear placed next to them. In the center of the table was some type of pie, but instead of fruit and a lattice crust, it consisted of chopped vegetables in a custardy filling.

A large bowl of salad sat directly next to it, as well as a platter of rolls that were fresh from the oven. The scent of the food alone made Lucas's mouth water, and eager to dig in, he gazed desirously at the food. He was still inwardly drooling when Wanakee moved into his sight, and on noticing the pitcher of water she was carrying, he offered a smile and a polite nod.

"The food looks great," he said. "Thanks a lot for cooking."

"No problem," she slowly replied, but her gaze was focused on his bare chest.

"You need help with anything else, I'll bring it out for you."

"Uh, no. That's okay, we're all set." Still staring at his chest, Wanakee seemed absolutely unable to tear her eyes away.

"Sorry about not wearing a shirt." A sheepish smile played across his lips. "My top was pretty soaked with Mato's pee so I kinda had no choice, you know?"

"Understood, you don't have to explain." Finally lifting her eyes to his face, she gave him a soft smile. "I'd let you borrow something if I had it, but none of my T-shirts would fit you."

"No worries, I don't mind eating topless," he said. "But I'd probably feel less self-conscious if you joined me."

"Nice try, but It's not gonna happen," Wanakee replied, and as Lucas chuckled, she smiled in return. "Ready to eat?"

With a nod of his head, Lucas conveyed that he was, and after taking a seat directly across from each other, they began to load up their plates. The food was delicious, perfectly cooked with just the right amount of spices, but it was the vegetable pie that Lucas enjoyed most, and he served himself a second portion.

"What's this dish called?" He asked.

"Quiche," Wanakee responded. "It's French cuisine."

"French, huh?" He placed the slice of pie onto his plate. "Well I'm not usually into fancy cooking, but this is really good stuff here, Wanakee."

"Thanks, glad you like it."

"Oh I do, you're a real good cook."

Her eyes gleamed with pride, a satisfied smile flashing across her face. But no sooner had she finished her own serving of quiche, did she scoot her chair back and rise to her feet.

"Be right back. Just gonna run to the kitchen and get something special."

"Okay." Curious as to what that something special was, Lucas watched as she headed off.

A few moments later she was back, carrying a bottle of wine and two long stemmed glasses. She popped the cork, then poured him a glass before serving one for herself. But as his hand reached out and he prepared to sample it, she suddenly took the drink from his possession.

"Oh, God. Wait a minute. You're only eighteen, aren't you?"

Lucas said nothing, only offered a disappointed look.

"I totally forget that you're still so young," she said. "I mean with the way you look, no one would ever guess you were just a baby."

"Because I'm not," Lucas quickly replied. "Eighteen is a legal adult."

"Well yeah, I know," Wanakee responded. "But the legal drinking age is twenty-one."

"You're twenty," Lucas countered.

"Only for two more weeks."

"Well I'll be nineteen in a month, so I'm not that much further behind you."

"I don't know if I should let you have this." The expression on her face conveyed serious uncertainty. "I mean what if your parents find out? They might get mad and think I'm trying to corrupt you."

The chuckle Lucas gave bubbled up from his throat. "I don't think anyone has ever corrupted me in my life."

"Well what if they do find out?" She asked. "You think they would mind that I let you drink?"

"I've been to plenty of house parties over the years, and they know I drank at every one of them. Were they happy about it, no. But they're already aware that I do what I want."

"I don't know," Wanakee said. "Just feels like I'm doing something wrong."

"Wanakee, come on. You actually think someone's gonna bust in here and find out that we drank? Young people booze on this rez all the time, so It's not like we'd be the first."

Seeming to realize that he had a point, Wanakee released the glass of wine she had poured for him.

"So you're a Scorpio, huh?" Her eyes watched intently as he sipped his wine.

"Yep."

"That makes sense," Wanakee replied.

"What do you mean it makes sense?" His brows pushed gently together.

"Your demeanor..." The corners of her lips tugged into a faint smirk. "You act all cool on the outside, but I can tell you've got a fire going within. The heat you exude is tangible, hard for anyone not to notice when you're around."

"So you're saying I'm hot." Lucas grinned at her.

"Well clearly you're easy on the eyes, but I'm also sensing there's a lot of intensity to you."

"True." Taking a sip of his wine, he sat back in his chair. But as Wanakee's gaze drifted towards his developed biceps, Lucas realized with glee that she was eyeing him up. "Are you checking me out?"

"I don't know, what do you think?" A cheeky grin appeared on her lips.

"I think you are," he replied. "And now It's pretty clear why you brought out the wine."

"Oh stop," she said. "I am not trying to get you drunk."

"Uh-huh." He grinned widely. "All that talk about not wanting me to drink because I'm underage. It was all part of your game plan, wasn't it?"

"You're being silly," she replied, but her gaze was firm now, eyes glossing over with clear desire.

"I can see from your expression that the wheels are turning in your head," Lucas said. "Tell me what you're thinking."

"Truthfully?"

"No, lie to me."

She giggled, then lowered her gaze to his left bicep. "Your Sitting Bull tattoo, I really like it."

"Thanks."

"Did it hurt when you got it?"

"A little, but my pain tolerance is higher than most people, so it wasn't as bad as I had expected."

"Well It's definitely bitchin'. The artist did an amazing job."

"Yeah he did. You ever wanna get inked up again, go see Jeremy at Wicked Ink out in Whitefish."

"I might do that," she said, and after finishing the last bit of wine in her glass, she rose to her feet and collected their dishes.

Lifting himself up as well, Lucas grabbed the leftover quiche and empty platter that had held the rolls, and after following Wanakee into the kitchen, assisted her in putting everything away. While she put the extra food in containers, he loaded the dishwasher and started it up. Once everything in was place and the kitchen was back in order, they drifted back into the dining room and towards the door.

"Thanks again for repairing the porch steps," Wanakee said. "And also for fixing the curtain rod. You did so much today I feel dinner wasn't repayment enough, but I want you to know I really do appreciate it."

"No problem, I was happy to help."

Now standing directly in front of the door, Wanakee turned the knob and opened it. The cool night air drifted in, bringing with it a few autumn leaves that settled at their feet. Each knew it was time for Lucas to leave, but neither offered a goodbye so they just stood there staring at one another, as if waiting for the other to make the first move. Then finally, Lucas did.

Taking her into his arms, Lucas placed a palm against the small of her back. Using his other hand, he brushed her long hair over her shoulder, then allowed his thumb to drag along her cheek before intensifying his already firm eye contact.

"Anything else I can do for you?" His voice was husky, breath steadily quickening as he gazed into her eyes. "You know I'm more than happy to help out any way that I can, so if there's something else you need, just let me know and I'll get right on it."

"You've done enough for the day," she softly said. "But if I find myself needing anything extra, I'll be sure to give you a call."

Smiling at her, he caressed the soft skin of her lips. Just slightly, he pressed his chest against her breasts, testing the limits to see if she would move back. When she didn't he grazed his palm against her ass, checking the firmness before cupping it in his hand. Then slowly and with purposeful seduction, Lucas pressed a kiss to the side of her neck.

Closing her eyes at the feel of his lips, Wanakee allowed herself to be pushed back against the wall. Rather than look surprised as he pinned her against it, she only seemed to revel in his strength, and as his tongue peeked out to glide across her clavicle, she let out a soft, low moan.

Spurred on by her sound of pleasure, Lucas brought his lips to her mouth, kissing with a gentle tenderness that made her ease out a sigh. At first she was hesitant to kiss back, lips moving gingerly against his own. But as the palm on her backside coasted between her legs, Wanakee lost all inhibition and gave in.

Now kissing him with gusto, Wanakee looped her arms around his neck. Her body relaxed against him, feminine form going soft with his masculine touch. Then suddenly his fingers were against her center, thumb making tight circles against the heat beneath her leggings.

Stiffening like a bow, she cried out and trembled against him, then licked her lips and lowered her gaze to watch his fingers continue their work. Exuding both heat and moisture, Wanakee's pussy lips were clearly engorged, and wishing like hell that he could touch them with bare hands, Lucas let out a sigh and gazed into her eyes.

"I've got the biggest erection right now," he said. "Wanna feel how excited you make me?"

She nodded, then lowered a hand, feeling the bulge in his pants with her small, feminine palm. Still fondling her through the leggings, Lucas watched as she caressed him, rubbing her palm along the length of him before squeezing his manhood gently.

He needed to penetrate her. He needed to be thick and hot inside her core, spreading her pussy until she cried out his name. He wouldn't just have sex with her, though, he would pleasure her in a way that she truly deserved - slow but passionate, and with a tenderness she had never experienced before.

"I want you, Wanakee." His voice was breathy but firm with need. "Let me make love to you. Please."

"No, we gotta stop." Grabbing the hand that was still at work, Wanakee forced his fingers to come to a halt. "It's too soon, Lucas. I'm not ready to sleep with you yet."

"We don't have to have sex," he breathily replied. "I can get you off in other ways besides penetration."

"No." She shook her head before breathing more words. "I can't, It's not the right time."

"Okay." Disappointment was rife in his voice, but heeding her wishes, he removed his hand from between her legs.

"It's just that I haven't been intimate with a man in a long time." Her eyes stared up at him, fingers tucking a lock of hair behind her ears. "Not since Mato's father got me pregnant."

"No need to explain," he said. "You need a bit more time and that's okay with me."

Seeming relieved by his response, Wanakee gave him a little smile. "Thanks for understanding."

"No problem." Dragging his fingers through her hair, Lucas gazed into her eyes. "I'll call you when I get home."

"Okay," she replied, and as he leaned down to give her a kiss, she tilted her chin upward to accommodate him.

"Goodnight," he said before crossing the threshold onto the porch, and with moonlight sweeping across his form, headed down the steps and towards his truck.

A few seconds later he was pulling away, but a glance at his rearview mirror told him that Wanakee was still on the porch. Her eyes followed him, watching as he drove off into the cold October night.

* * * *

When Tristan and Claudia arrived at the rez, it was fifteen minutes to eight o'clock. Blustery cold, the wind hit them as they exited the car, cutting through their winter coats and tousling hair around their faces. As they approached the modest little house, the front door opened and Ray stepped outside, watching as they climbed the steps and joined him on the porch.

Pleased to see Tristan's father, Claudia offered a smile and a little wave. But after noticing that his lips barely curved in return, she immediately knew that something was up.

"Hey, dad." Carrying two overnight bags on his shoulder, Tristan gave his father a warm smile.

"Hello Tristan," Ray replied while standing firm at the threshold. "I tried to call you an hour ago. Why didn't you answer?"

"I ran out of juice," Tristan replied.

"Oh, I see," Ray responded. Yet instead of shifting his body to let them in, he remained rooted to the spot.

"Something's wrong, Isn't it?" Gazing past his father's wide shoulders, Tristan peered inside the house. "What's going on? Why won't you let us in?"

"You have a visitor, son. I thought you should know before stepping inside."

"Okay, well who is it?"

Ray looked from Tristan to Claudia, then back again before easing out a sigh. Yet instead of spitting out the words, he shifted his feet and led them inside.

"Just come inside, son," he said over his shoulder. "They've been waiting awhile."

Both eager to enter the house, Tristan and Claudia walked forward, stepping over the threshold and into the dwelling before shutting the door behind them. Warm and cozy inside, it smelled of cooked food and cinnamon. But as Claudia's peripheral vision picked up on movement, she shifted her gaze to the living room couch. Staring intensely, Claudia focused on the girl who sat on the couch. Blonde in color, her hair was pin straight and reached her collarbone. But it was the baby in the blonde girl's arms that caused Claudia's posture to suddenly go rigid.

"Hi, Tristan." Slowly, the girl stood up, cradling the baby while heading towards the couple.

"Shauna?" Gaping as she walked closer, Tristan's eyes focused on the baby.

"I know It's been awhile," she said. "But I figured you deserved to know."

"Deserved to know what?" Tristan asked while staring at the swaddled infant, but clearly he knew just what she meant.

"That you're a father," she replied, and as she stopped in front of him, her gaze went serious.

"What?" Utterly stunned, Tristan's mouth fell open.

"She's yours, Tristan. And she needs a daddy so please don't deny her."

"What the hell, Shauna." Tristan's expression was incredulous. "If she's mine, then why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"Because I planned on giving her up for adoption. But when I gave birth and held her in my arms, I realized I could never give her away."

"She's at least a couple months old. Why show up now?"

"Because I knew It'd be weird to just come here out of the blue with a baby. It took a lot of courage for me to do this, okay?"

"And when you first discovered you were pregnant, you didn't think to let me know?"

"Because I figured you didn't want a baby," Shauna countered.

"Well you still could have told me," he angrily said. "I mean shit, I've had a daughter for four months and I didn't even know it!"

"I'm sorry, okay?" Her eyes were watery and her voice shook. "I was really scared, and I didn't know what to do."

"This is crazy," Tristan declared. "I haven't seen you since the missionary outreach program last summer. That was in August. A year and a month ago!"

"I know," Shauna replied. "Maggie was born in May, so she's four months old now."

"Maggie?"

"Yeah, that's her name." Gazing down at the infant in her arms, Shauna smiled and stroked her tiny face. "She looks like a Maggie, doesn't she? I mean It's as good a name as any other."

"I guess," Tristan said, but it was clear the name was of little concern to him. "Look Shauna, I'm not trying to be a dick or anything, but are you certain that she's my kid?"

"What!"

"It's just that you and Ryan used to always flirt. And you sometimes hung out together."

"I hung out with a lot of people last summer, including girls."

"Well there were rumors going around," Tristan said. "People mentioned how you and Ryan had hooked up."

"How could I have hooked up with Ryan when you and I were always together?"

"I don't know," Tristan responded. "I just figured that maybe it happened at that party."

"What party?"

"The party we threw to thank your church for coming to the rez. It was the night before you went back home, remember?"

"You and I were together that night, Tristan. We had sex, dumb ass, don't you remember?"

"Of course I do, but then you left my house to hang out with some friends."

"Wait a minute." Her eyes began to narrow. "Are you actually suggesting that I left your house to go bang another guy immediately after we had just finished?"

"No, that's not what I meant." Tristan blinked rapidly, then shifted his stance. "I'm just saying that if something had happened with somebody else, I wouldn't be mad about it."

"I'm not a slut, Tristan. And for your information, you were the only guy I slept with while on the rez. As a matter of fact, I haven't slept with anyone at all since you and I had sex last summer."

"Really?"

"Yes really, you fucking asshole. You were it."

"Okay." Seemingly uncertain of what to say next, Tristan just stood there and looked at the baby. "Well okay then, so she is mine."

"Yeah, that's right." Pinning him with a long, hard stare, Shauna waited for him to speak again.

"Okay, so I'll take responsibility." Rubbing the back of his neck, he struggled to form more words. "I mean I don't like have a job right now, but I'll start looking and get some money together."

"I don't want money from you, Tristan. I just want Maggie to know her dad and learn about her culture."

"No," Tristan said. "It's only right. I'll pay child support."

"Money Isn't what I need right now, okay?" Shifting the baby in her arms, Shauna gazed down at the sleeping infant girl. "Maggie and I need a place to stay."

"What about your dad's?" Tristan asked. "Aren't you still living with him?"

Shauna shook her head, then bit her lip. "He kicked me out four months ago."

"Well why the hell did he do that?"

"After I gave birth to Maggie and he saw she was Indian, he kicked me out of the house."

"You mean he didn't know the entire nine months?"

"No, I lied," she responded. "Told him I'd gotten pregnant by a white guy."

"So where have you been living these past four months?"

"With a friend, but we got in a fight over Maggie earlier this morning, so I had to leave."

"What do you mean you fought over Maggie?" Having been silent during all this time, Tristan's mother gazed curiously at Shauna.

"My friend was jealous that I had a baby and she didn't," Shauna replied. "So she'd do all sorts of weird things, like fake breastfeed Maggie without my permission. Then last night I caught her trying to take Maggie out of my room, and that's when I realized I needed to leave."

"She sounds unbalanced," Winona replied. "I'm glad you and Maggie got out of there."

"Yeah, so am I," Shauna said. "And I did try to get us into a women and children's shelter, but they have a two week waiting list, so we're out of options."