Chapter Six
Big Cypress Reservation, Florida
Trescina grimaced as another mosquito buzzed around her. Despite the light, chilly breeze, the little blood-sucking vampires were looking for their next victim. She pulled up the hood of her windbreaker jacket and waved her hand to shoo the pest away.
It was hard to believe it was January already. Her short vacation to visit an old friend had flown by. She waved to a couple of young teens on horseback and grinned when she saw their wide eyes follow her as she carefully skirted them in order not to scare their mounts.
“How does she do that?” Joe Billie said in awe.
Josie Tiger shrugged. “Grandfather says they are her animal spirits,” she replied, tapping her heels to the side of her mount.
“Why can’t I have a cool animal spirit like that? M
