Awakening the Alpha Book 2: Snatched

Chapter 2-1

Chapter 2

Blaze had told Logan that the spotlight should be on him tonight. And it was. Blaze’s pulses raced from pride when the president of the NMAI introduced Logan as Eastern Shoshone of the Snake Nation and spoke of his contribution to Native art.

Logan rose to heavy applause and approached the speaker’s stand. “I’m grateful for this opportunity and I thank everyone who worked hard to make this important building happen.” He named some who had been involved in the preparations, then introduced his family. “My father is a well-known southern California architect, and he recognized my eye for forms, shapes, and colors early in my life. My mother’s intricate and imaginative beadwork is famous in the Indian world as well.”

Blaze thought the bones in his chest might snap from happiness to hear Logan speak with such eloquence and dignity about who and what he was.

“Always, my family, my tribe, and the Snake Nation have encouraged me in my art. My work in the museum is the first of anything representing the Shoshone people. I am proud to be one of them and honored to have been invited to share that heritage with you. Again, my thanks and gratitude.”

As he spoke, Blaze noticed that Robert’s face was still expressionless, yet his hands were locked so tight his knuckles matched Blaze’s in color. Blaze had hated becoming a shifter. Perhaps Robert wished his skin were as white as Blaze’s and disliked being in a place dedicated to the Indians in all the Americas, not just in this country.

Blaze still sensed the man’s disapproval of him, but it couldn’t be because Blaze and his son were lovers. He and Logan had been careful to be seen only as friends. They had rooms on separate floors and, much to Blaze’s regret, hadn’t spent any time together in either room thus far. His feelings for Logan were full—overflowing with sensuality—and yet even slight foreplay between them would have to wait until his family left town.

Maybe not even until we’re back in Yellowstone country? If that’s the way of it I’ll have to go with the flow. There’s plenty of time for making love. Our relationship is a forever thing.

He sighed, and Robert Rider glanced at him with what seemed to be hostility. He returned the look with a kind smile. Whatever the reason for Robert’s stiffness, nothing must mar this night for Logan.

The Smithsonian had produced a booklet of highlights of Logan’s art as a gift to its patrons, so the evening ended with Logan chatting with people as he sat and signed them. While he was involved in this, Blaze slipped a check for the museum to its president and watched the man’s eyes widen at the number of zeroes on it. His thanks were profuse, and when he shook Blaze’s hand with extreme vigor, Blaze knew he’d hit the mark on generosity. Because he believed every treaty made with tribes of the First Nations had been broken throughout the US government history—and to his chagrin the practice continued—they deserved this oasis of recognition here and in this place.