Black Raven's Pride
He Had Given Her the One Thing She Treasured Most…and He Didn't Even Know ItEden Maes came back to the Native American pueblo to clear her family's name for the sake of her baby boy. What she found was danger…land only one strong helping hand.She knew that as a tribal cop, it was Nick Black Raven's duty to protect her. And as a man who'd once loved her, it was his debt of honor. But as the father of their child…. Would he remain a slave to his badge or could the call of family claim his heart forever?
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“We belong together, you, me and the baby. If you let it happen, Chris could be the son I never had.”
Eden reached for his hand. “You don’t understand. Chris is the son you did have. He’s yours, Nick.”
Nick stared at her, a stunned look on his face. “But you said I wasn’t…” He looked down at Christopher.
A lump formed at the back of Eden’s throat as Nick touched the baby’s soft skin almost in awe. Surprise had turned to wonder, and now to gentle love that all but tore her breath away.
“Why didn’t you tell me the truth before?” he asked. “I want the whole story, Eden.”
Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,
Your summer reading list just wouldn’t be complete without the special brand of romantic suspense you can only get from Harlequin Intrigue.
This month, Joanna Wayne launches her first-ever miniseries! You loved the Randolph family when you met them in her book Family Ties (#444). So now they’re back in RANDOLPH FAMILY TIES, beginning with Branson’s story in The Second Son (#569). Flesh and blood bind these brothers to each other—and to a mystery baby girl. All are her protectors…one is her father.
Familiar, the crime-solving black cat, is back in his thirteenth FEAR FAMILIAR title by Caroline Burnes. This time he explores New Orleans in Familiar Obsession (#570).
It had been Hope Fancy’s dream to marry Quinn McClure, but not under a blaze of bullets! Are Urgent Vows (#571) enough to save two small children…and a lifelong love? Find out with Harlequin Intrigue author Joyce Sullivan.
With her signature style and Native American characters and culture, Aimée Thurlo revisits the Black Raven brothers from Christmas Witness (#544). In Black Raven’s Pride (#572), Nick Black Raven would die to protect Eden Maes, the one-time and always love of his life. And he’d be damned before anyone would touch a hair on the head of their child.
So if you can handle the heat, pull the trigger on all four Harlequin Intrigue titles!
Sincerely,
Denise O’Sullivan
Associate Senior Editor
Harlequin Intrigue
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aimée Thurlo is a nationally bestselling author. She’s written forty novels and is published in at least twenty countries worldwide. She has been nominated for the Reviewers’ Choice Award and the Career Achievement Award by Romantic Times Magazine.
Aimée was born in Havana, Cuba, and lives with her husband of twenty-eight years in Corrales, New Mexico. Her husband, David, was raised on the Navajo Indian reservation.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Nick Black Raven—The past had caught up to him. But the secrets buried there could destroy everyone and everything he loved.
Eden Maes—Loving Nick had always carried a price. This time, with even more to risk, she was determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
Jake Black Raven—Nick’s twin brother stood to lose it all. But honor and family loyalty were everything.
Rita Korman—She wanted to be a free spirit, but life had clipped her wings.
Wayne Sanders—He was Rita’s brother and best friend. But he had his own agenda.
Patrick Korman—He was his own man, and no one would ever tell him what to do, including the tribe.
Deputy Torres—He was up for promotion and nothing was going to stand in his way—including Nick Black Raven.
To Evelyn who will always walk beside Christopher. And to Camilla and Natalie, two very helpful babies.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
San Esteban Pueblo is a fictional composite of the Tewa Pueblos in New Mexico. The religious rites depicted herein have been abbreviated in order to avoid offending those whose religious beliefs depend on the secrecy of the rites.
Contents
Chapter One
Nick Black Raven held on tightly to the reins of his mount as lightning flashed across the night sky and thunder shook the earth. Restless, the black stallion stomped at the ground, eager to get going.
“You’re getting soft, Bravo. Since when do you care about storms?”
Bravo pinned back his ears and tossed his head as if annoyed by Nick’s comment. Then, suddenly, he focused on something ahead he alone could sense, and dipped his head hard twice, hoping to loosen Nick’s hold on the reins.
“Stop that. The last time I gave you your head, it took me twenty minutes to bring you to a halt, and I had to run you into a circle to do that. This time we’re going to play by my rules.”
As soon as he’d spoken, the harsh gusts of the leading edge of the storm struck, bringing with them a torrent of swirling dust and grit. Cold rain was likely to follow.
“Okay, maybe you’re right. Let’s head back. It’s really a miserable evening.” Nick lifted the bandanna he wore around his neck and covered his mouth and nose, hoping to avoid another lungful of dirt. “Let’s race the storm back to the ranch before we get drenched.”
Nick loosened his hold on the reins and touched the animal’s flanks with the heels of his boots. In an instant, Bravo leaped forward, galloping across the desert canyon at a speed worthy of the lightning flashing overhead.
