True Family
Summary: True gets a visit from someone from her own time and the seven have to determine how to deal with yet another unique situation
Author's Note: This is written as an extension of Wolfpyre's Magnificent Seven "True Universe," by permission of the creator. This is a rather unique storyline so if you have not read Wolfpyre's "Truly Magnificent" or "True Wonder" this story may not make much sense.
Warning: Spanking of minors. If you do not like or approve of this PLEASE to NOT read this story. Some harsh language.
Warning: This story is unbeta'd and is my first attempt at posting here.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Magnificent Seven characters and I am writing this just for fun, for no personal gain. Certain characters as well as this AU were created by Wolfpyre, thank you for letting me play in your sandbox
Disclaimer 2: I do not speak any of the foreign languages represented in this fiction and have used certain words found in online sources without an understanding of syntax, my apologies to anyone with a clear understanding of these languages.
True Family
The green-eyed girl with the honey blond curls watched patiently for her opportunity to approach the one she had come back several centuries to find. She had already been watching for an entire day to catch the girl alone. Confident that she had not yet been spotted by anyone she would wait a week if it took that long. It didn't though. She watched True approach the jail house and made sure that all seven of her guardian's were still in the saloon.
Like a cat she jumped off the roof, landing with perfect balance and heading toward her quarry. A smile pulled at her lips. This should prove to be quite fun.
She entered stealthily and saw the girl thumbing through wanted posters at the desk. "True Daire McCallan or I guess I should say Tanner."
True like to have jumped a mile and just stared in astonishment for a full twenty seconds before she was in motion. "Rhianna! Is that really you?"
"As I live and breath," the girl, only slightly taller, answered meeting True halfway to share a heartfelt embrace. The two hugged for a full minute.
"What, what are you doing here?"
"Well, building on Canyon's sacrifice, I thought I would come to further deactivate that growth inhibitor in your neck."
"What?"
"Okay, I must admit there is a bit more to it than that, it's a rather long story. How long before your –" Rhianna broke off her question pulling her gun and spinning toward the door as it burst open. She found herself facing down the barrel of a gun held by a blue-eyed man bearing a striking resemblance to True. A green-eyed blond man was not a step behind, his gun drawn as well. In short order all seven peacekeepers were in the room.
"Y'all put your guns away," True demanded in an irritated voice. Rhianna had already put hers down recognizing the men as those that True now considered family. "This is my cousin, Rhianna."
"Rhianna, this is my brother, Vin Tanner," she stated giving her cousin a pointed look and thinking the explanation at her cousin as hard as she could as she pointed to the long haired sharpshooter and then to each man in turn, "Chris Larabee, Ezra Standish, Buck Wilmington, JD Dunne, Nathan Jackson, and Josiah Sanchez."
"Very nice to meet you gentleman," Rhianna answered inclining her head and giving them all a smile.
"But how's thet possible?" Vin wanted to know, "How come you never mentioned a cousin?" he asked True, before he turned back to Rhianna, "And why've ya been lurking around for a day watchin' True?"
"You are very good Mr. Tanner," Rhianna complimented the man True now called brother. "Actually True's parents and my parents were cousins which makes us second cousins I believe. Never could keep that straight. Anyway no doubt True didn't mention it because most everyone in our clan could claim to be cousins in one way or another. I was just telling True that how I came to be here is a very long story so if you would care to make yourselves comfortable, I will be more than happy to recount it for you."
"You sure don't sound like True," JD said.
"Well, though we are from the same time and the same clan, we carried very different responsibilities."
"You mean you're not a thief?" Chris asked pointedly stepping forward to take her gun. She gave it up without argument, realizing that these men were only trying to protect True and assuming they would give it back once they had determined that she was not a threat.
"That I am not, Mr. Larabee, though I will admit that on occasion I might have purloined certain articles that did not belong to me."
"Precisely what was your responsibility within your clan then?" Josiah wanted to know.
"Well to state it over simply. I was a spy, amongst other things," she hedged, unwilling to share the extent of her own gifts with strangers, even if they were True's new family.
"And why are you here?" Vin came back to the point.
"To deactivate True's growth inhibitor. You see some time has passed since Blaed visited here and gave True Canyon's message and returned declaring her dead." Rhianna turned to True "Yes, I know all about it," she stated quietly before continuing. "More time than has past here for you. Remember I am from the future."
"But you don't look any older than the last time I saw you," True observed, "And that was well before my last run that got me sent here. And what reason would the Division have for sending you back here?"
"That was the easy part. I just allowed myself to get caught. Of course there were some payoffs made to ensure that I came back to the right place and the right time. Unfortunately, we didn't time it well enough. I am sorry True, about what happened. I wish... I wish I could have made it to you sooner."
True just shook her head and mumbled, "Not yer fault."
"Now to answer the rest of your questions I am going to have to sit down, because as I said, this may take awhile." The girl took a seat shaking her honey blond curls and taking a deep breath. She waited until everyone seemed as settled as they were likely to get.
"True, do you remember Rold?"
"That sick piece of sh- ah," with glance at Vin True self-edited her speech, "Dung son of Ruarc's? Yeah I remember him."
Rhianna turned her attention to the seven men gathered around. "You see gentleman, this individual is the son of one of the clan elders. As such he was protected when it became evident that he had certain depraved interests that included children."
The men recoiled at her words, understanding her meaning all too well.
"Ruarc attempted to hide this for quite some time and then he started to use his son's depravity against the clan's enemies. Not all of the elders approved of this, but none put a stop to it. This did allow Rold to quench his lusts outside of the clan. Ruarc's next idea was that Rold could be rehabilitated if presented with the right bride and it was determined for certain reasons of which True is aware but I shall not recount now that I would make the perfect bride. In the clan, marriage is seldom condoned prior to the age of 15 so Ruarc had the brilliant idea for me to have a growth inhibitor implanted so that when I was of a marriageable age, Rold would still find me, shall we say, attractive."
More than one of the gathered men let out with a curse at this revelation. "And this Ruarc guy was supposedly on your side?" Buck asked incredulously. For once, Vin didn't even comment on True's harsh language when she iterated her revulsion for both men involved in no uncertain terms. "What about your folks? How come they didn't step in?" JD wanted to know. Rhianna allowed the commentary to die down before proceeding with her tale.
"My parents are dead," Rhianna answered without emotion. "And though only the Division has the authority to legally use growth inhibitors, such restrictions have seldom been an issue with our clan. So, while I am physically still as I was on my twelfth birthday, I am chronologically fourteen years in age," Rhianna allowed a disheartened sigh to escape her lips before she continued.
"As I said, not all in the clan were in favor of this and there was a growing fear of Rold. However, Ruarc yields much power. So to avoid open controversy, a plot was devised by which I would take Rold with me on a mission and get caught. Prior to embarking on this mission, certain connections – friends if you will - made arrangements to have my growth inhibitor removed."
"Unfortunately the growth inhibitor has taken a great deal of time working its way out of my system and I have only just begun to age again, and I daresay not yet at a normal rate. At the same time as that procedure was done, I was able to glean the information to further deactivate True's growth inhibitor. As I mentioned certain payoffs were made to ensure my sentencing. Never having been caught before it was unique that I should be sentenced to undergo Traa Eebyrrtys. In addition, other arrangements were made so that in all the records I will be listed as dead, having not survived the Traa Eebyrrtys. There will be no observers coming to look for me. The nature of some of Rold's more heinous crimes were 'leaked' and he was sentenced to death."
"Thus, I was able to make my way here, to help my cousin. The clan was rid of a monster, though I am no doubt now outcast. None in the clan will believe me dead, and all will know that I purposely allowed our capture, but they cannot reach me here so I am safe from retribution."
Rhianna paused after telling her story, allowing the seven men to absorb the tale and casting a concerned glance to her cousin. True had once held a great deal of Clan loyalty and Rhianna was unsure of her reaction.
True gave her a smile and wink. She understood. The monster had to be stopped, clan leader's son or no. Besides True had learned a great deal since coming to this time and place and now questioned many of the old clan ways herself.
"Woo Eee! That was quite a tale!" Buck exclaimed.
"Indeed, this young lady seems to be quite the raconteur."
"Eh? She's a what?" JD wanted to know.
"Why thank you Mr. Standish," the green-eyed girl answered inclining her head. "Storyteller," she clarified for JD, and all the rest, as she was quite certain that she had been the only one to understand the gambler.
"So who's she gonna be related to?" Buck asked with a grin.
Rhianna cast a questioning green gaze around the circle of men. Refraining from reading them out of courtesy, since they were True's family now.
"Well, I'm still out for obvious reasons and I'd say Vin's got his hands full with True," Nathan observed with a smile which caused True to make a face at the dark skinned healer.
"I'm afraid I do not understand," Rhianna said, thinking that a quick reading of just their public minds might be in order.
"When True arrived we decided the most expedient solution to her perilous dilemma was to provide the impression that her coming here was deliberate and yet completely dissimilar from her actual predicament. Thus Mr. Tanner was appointed her brother and guardian," Ezra explained.
"My situation is completely different from True's," Rhianna was quick to point out catching his meaning and wanting to forestall any ideas these men might have. True seemed content enough with her new family, but Rhianna was well used to her freedom. "No observers will come looking for me."
"Least we hope not," True said skeptically. "Who all knew? Any chance of a leak? And Ruarc ain't gonna take Rold's death lightly. The clan'll have a blood contract out on you."
"True, the clan can't reach me here and the Division's been taken care of. The only one who might come to check on me is Blaed and his new partner is Degan so I don't have a thing to worry about. I came to deactivate your growth inhibitor, visit for a bit and then explore this century." The blond girl turned her eyes to the gathered men. "So you see, I am not in need of a guardian as True was. I will be taking my leave in a few days time."
"Like hell you will!" Chris answered. "If you think we are going to let a twelve-year-old little girl – "
"I already explained to you, Mr. Larabee, I am actually fourteen."
"Well, you don't even look more than eleven," was his sharp retort, "And I don't care if you are fourteen. That still's not old enough to go traipsin' around the countryside on your own, especially when you might have bounty hunters of one kind or another after you." He leveled one of his best glares at the girl, who far from being intimidated responded with one of her own. As green eyes met in silent confrontation the others struggled to hide signs of amusement.
Knowing both Chris and Rhianna, True was having difficulty not breaking out in a laughing fit. Due to her position in the clan, Rhianna was used to very little if any censorship. Back home, True had actually wished once or twice that someone would take her down a notch. This could get down right interesting.
"Well, with those green eyes, she could easily be related to Chris or Ezra," Josiah observed.
"Yeah, and she sure does have Chris's glare," JD added with a laugh, "Though she talks more like Ezra."
"Alas, as delightful as I might find it to have a young relation, my fear would be that my mother might make one of her untimely debuts and this situation could quite possibly decline to one of catastrophic proportions."
Vin's grin had been getting wider by the second, "Guess that mean's she's gonna be your responsibility cowboy," the sharpshooter drawled.
The comments drew Rhianna's immediate attention away from Chris. "Gentlemen, you don't seem to be listening to me. I am not going to be related to anyone and I would thank you kindly not to speak as if I am not even in the room."
Chris's gaze shifted to Vin's blue one and after a moment of silent communication he gave a nod. Though Rhianna didn't appear to be quite the hellion that True was the black clad gunman could tell she was going to be somewhat of a handful. He was probably the best choice.
"So what's the relationship gonna be?" Nathan asked seeing Chris's nod.
"Isn't anyone listening to me damn it!"
"Watch your mouth," Chris growled. "You're stayin' and that's that."
"Though I do not generally indulge in the baser vernaculars, it appears to be the only way to get your attention."
"Rhianna, I wouln't –" True tried to warn her old friend to no avail. True was well aware how Chris would react to an outburst of Rhianna's temper and tried to convey that to her cousin, but Rhianna was shielding now.
Green eyes flashing in anger the young blonde continued, "You need to get it through your idiodic skull that there is no way in hell that I am staying here for more than a few days visit with True. If you think otherwise you can go screw yourself."
While the others fell utterly silent, Chris was at the girl's side in an instant lifting her out of her seat by her arm and applying several hard smacks to the astonished girl's backside. "Ouch!" she said belatedly unable to process what had just happened. Not just because the blond man had just delivered the first swats she had ever experienced in her lifetime but because she hadn't "felt" him coming. She always knew when someone was going to attack her. ALWAYS!
"I do not know who you think you are –" she started, indignantly rubbing the sting from her backside.
"I'm the one that is about two breaths away from putting you over my knee and giving you a proper tanning," he growled, "So I suggest you adjust your attitude and watch your language, little girl." Once again green eyes met in silent conflict. However, Rhianna was having no difficulty reading Chris now and knew good and well he would follow through with his threat. Given the current discomfort in her nether regions she had no desire to find out what a "proper tanning" would feel like. Seeing the girl's capitulation Chris added, "From this point on I am also your uncle. Understand?"
Rhianna gave a curt nod and attempted to pull her arm from his grasp, but was not released. "I didn't hear you."
"Yes, I understand," she added tersely not bothering to keep the frustration and insolence from her tone.
Chris landed another swat on her stinging bottom, "Yes, sir," he corrected.
Though a smart reply was on the tip of her tongue one look at his blazing green eyes had Rhianna swallowing it. "Yes, sir," she finally added quietly.
Chris released her with one more look of warning. "She can be the daughter of my older brother who died some years back. Been staying with her mother's relatives back east after her ma died too."
"Gee, Chris, I didn't know you had an older brother," JD said, earning himself a slap on the back of the head from Buck.
"He don't you idiot! That's the story."
"Oh, yeah."
"Might, I also suggest, given her diminutive size and the possibility of residual affects of the growth inhibitor in her system that you present her age as eleven?" Ezra offered.
"Absolutely not!" Rhianna said at the exact same time that Chris said, "Good idea, Ez." Chris gave the girl yet another of his infamous glares. "I already told you that you don't look anywhere near fourteen. It's best this way. No more arguments."
Rhianna simply sighed. She had resigned herself to her fate for now. She needed to deactivate True's growth inhibitor then she could see about finding an opportunity to take her leave. She wondered what the odds were on getting her gun back since these men seemed adamant on treating her like a five-year-old. Better to not even bring it up just now, though she had every intention of seeing her property returned.
Ezra turned to the girl. "Though I am loath to suggest this you may need to alter your speech ever so slightly as well. Even a child receiving the best education in an eastern school would not likely have your way with words."
Giving a nod Rhianna stated, "I'm a spy. I can adopt pretty much any speech mannerism you want me to," the edges of her mouth lifted slightly, thinking of giving the men a few demonstrations, but decided against that. She was unsure about her new uncle's sense of humor and he seemed a bit too comfortable with corporal punishment.
With very little more discussion it was decided that Chris, Vin, Nathan, Rhianna, and True would go to Nathan's clinic to see about deactivating True's growth inhibitor. All were amazed at how quickly the procedure transpired, though afterward True fell into a deep sleep. One that Rhianna was largely responsible for though no one was aware of this. Vin carried the girl to the boarding house so she could rest in her own bed. Nathan went to inform the others that all was well.
Chris took the opportunity to talk to Rhianna as they headed over to the boardinghouse. "I'll see about getting another bed moved into my room," he said.
"Mr. Larabee –" his glare cut her off, "Uncle Chris," she quickly corrected. "There is no need for you to give up your privacy. My circumstances being completely different from True's, I came prepared to take care of myself for some time. As long as this establishment has another room available, I can pay for my board." She did not bother to explain that she had changed only a very little of the gold for money and then increased her assets through a few well placed wagers.
Chris considered this for a moment before answering. "I really would like to have my own room," she added purposely allowing a note of wistfulness to creep into her voice and casting him a hopeful look.
Chris nodded. "The corner room next to mine is empty. We'll talk to Mrs. Whitaker about it." They had reached the boarding house and Chris took a seat on the porch, pointing to indicate Rhianna should take one as well. "Now I want to talk a bit about the rules."
Rhianna allowed herself a dramatic eye roll before putting on her poker face. Chris noted both and found he was rather curious about this girl from the future. She may be True's cousin, but it was obvious they were very different from one another.
"When True came, she was pretty much used to doing as she pleased. Sounds like where you come from is pretty different from here."
Rhianna nodded. THAT was the understatement of the century.
"You said your parents were dead. Did you have someone else that you answered to?"
"No. Other than the clan elders. I have been on my own since I was five," Rhianna stated, though in reality she'd always been on her own. Her parents having died before she was six months old. Oh, she'd had custodians, many of them, but she'd never had someone to truly care for her. At five she started using her gift to further the clan and her childhood such as it had been was ended.
Chris closed his eyes and shook his head. He didn't like to think of the future that the girls came from, where kids were not allowed a childhood. He laid his hand on her leg and Rhianna was nearly overcome with the wave of sympathy and compassion she felt from the man. She could also detect the underlying anger for those that held power in her world, but had to shield lest his emotions overwhelm her.
"Well here you are not on your own and you have someone to take care of you. That means you have some rules to follow. Number one, we want to keep you safe. This means you don't go wandering off and you try your best to keep out of trouble. You let me or one of the boys know when you're headed anywhere and you always need to be back here for meals and by dark."
Rhianna nodded her understanding though internally she railed against such restrictions. Still whether she decided to follow this man's "rules" or not, it would do no good to antagonize him at this very moment.
"You will be respectful. No foul language. You're to be obedient and I expect you to be honest too. You decide to break the rules you're going to find yourself over my knee. Understand?"
Rhianna's lips tightened slightly, but there was no other discernable change in her facial expression though she was absolutely livid. This man was threatening to SPANK her if she misbehaved? She was not some little child! Who the hell did he think he was?
Chris reached to tip her chin and their eyes locked. "Do you understand?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. Now you've had quite the day. How about we see about getting you some food?"
"Actually, if possible I would really like a bath."
Yet another difference between True and Rhianna Chris thought with a grin. This one really could be related to Ezra.
That evening after dinner, all seven men were lounging in the sitting room at the boarding house. Rhianna sat cross legged on the floor just observing how they interacted with one another, and noting with a pang of jealousy how contented True looked cuddled in Vin's lap. She remembered feeling this same way when she had watched True with Kieran.
She was surprised when she sensed someone moving into her personal space and even more astonished when she realized Buck's intent moments before he lifted her into his lap without so much as a pause in his narrative concerning the new dressmaker in town. Rhianna was unused to physical contact and sat stiffly for several moments, but Buck seemed oblivious and just continued talking to JD. Rhianna noticed Ezra's eyes on her and the slightest of smiles crossed his face when she finally relaxed into Buck's encircling arms. Their eyes met and he winked at her. She considered opening her shields and reading him but decided against it.
Finished with his description of the town's newest female, Buck turned his attention to True. "So Trouble, you still enjoying your break or are ya ready for school to start up agin?"
"Now what do you think, Buck?" she asked scrunching up her nose in disgust. Everyone chuckled at this. "I've still got well over a month of freedom and I'd just a soon not even think about school 'til then."
"Almost forgot about school," Chris said, looking at Rhianna.
"I assure you, I have no need whatsoever for additional academic instruction."
"You are going to go to school," Chris stated in a no nonsense tone.
Rhianna decided it was hardly worth the argument since she didn't even plan on staying here that long. She just shrugged, and mumbled "S'cummey yn Jouyl lhiam, stronaasagh fer oainjeragh." (I don't give a damn, overbearing bastard) This brought a giggle from True, and the others exchanged curious glances. Chris was relatively sure he'd just been insulted but decided to leave it be for the time being.
"So, Rhianna," Buck started. "Anyone ever shorten your name?"
"I should say not."
"Rhianna Dawn McCallan, er ah, Larabee, that's a lie," True interrupted with a grin. "Growin' up everyone called her Rhi," but she hates it.
"Bee dty host Imshee! (Shut up, Brat)" The blond responded sending a glare to her cousin. "I've far more tales of you than you of me, not to mention I'm still bigger."
True's eyes twinkled with mischief, "'S that a threat?"
"Er dagh ooilley chor. (Absolutely)"
True laughed. Not in the least intimidated.
"What's that yer talkin?" JD wanted to know.
"That's the clan language. You best watch it Rhianna or I'll tell Chris whatcha said to him."
Rhianna's face turned a bit red and she cast a quick glance in Chris's direction hoping he wouldn't ask. He returned her look and raised his eyebrows as if in silent query.
Vin cleared his throat, "Think it's past someone's bedtime."
"Aw, Vin," True started to argue but stopped when he gave her a warning look.
"Two someone's actually," Chris added sending a meaningful glance to Rhianna.
The girl checked the clock in confusion. It read 8:15. "You must be joking."
"Come on, Rhianna, you can borrow one of my nightshirts," True said to intervene before her friend ended up it a world of hurt. With a heavy sigh, Rhianna climbed from Buck's lap and followed her younger cousin. How True had ever adjusted to this life was beyond her.
When Vin came to bed that night, he was surprised to find True still awake. "What's up Sunshine? Ya feelin' alright?" he asked with concern.
"Yeah, I feel fine. I was just thinkin' about Rhianna. It's really good to see her again. I wish she'd stay."
Vin's brow furrowed. "Whatcha mean? She is stayin'."
"Not likely."
"She tell you that?"
"No. I just know her. She ain't used to answering to no one. Boy she was surprised when Chris spanked her," True chuckled. "That's the first time in her life that's ever happened."
"She didn't get into trouble all the time like someone else we know, huh?" Vin asked poking True in the side. She giggled and pushed his hand away. "Let's just say Rhianna's real good at not getting caught. Besides, she didn't ever have anyone to answer to. I know she was jealous of me having Kieran, even if it meant I got spanked once in awhile."
"She never had anyone?"
"Nope. An' she started younger than I did on account of her gift."
"Younger?" Vin was incredulous! He knew True had started working her trade at six. "What's her gift?"
True looked up at Vin, pleading for him to understand her next words, "I can't tell ya. It's not my place. Rhianna's a real private person."
Vin gave her a squeeze. "I won't ask you to betray yer cousin."
"Thanks, Vin."
Two days later, Rhianna and True sat in the lower branches of an apple tree on the edge of town. "You know I'm not going to be staying?" she asked her friend.
"Figured. Why not?"
"Well, it's down right repressive for one thing! I am rather concerned that if I stay I will indeed find myself over Chris's knee and I daresay that is an experience that I can live without. As it is I seem to find myself on the receiving end of far too many warning swats." To her extreme aggravation, Rhianna had found that the slightest bit of attitude or back talk resulted in a firm physical reminder of what Chris considered appropriate behavior.
"Ain't that bad. I've been spanked aplenty and lived through it. You know even Keiran used to spank me."
"Yes, those were the few times I was not envious of your having a big brother."
"But it is kind of nice having someone who cares," True allowed her blue eyes to meet her cousin's green one's so that she could read the honesty in them.
Rhianna looked away. She'd never had the benefits of close family and though she might have always wished for them, the prospect rather scared her. "It's too late for me."
True snorted, "Oh, sure cause you're so very old ain't ya? That's just bullshit and you know it."
"So are you going to tell then?"
"I ain't no snitch. Sides, I already told Vin I didn't think you'd stay."
Rhianna grabbed her cousin's hand with a smile. "Just so you know, it has been great seeing you again, True. I'm not going to tell you before I go, though. That way you'll have plausible deniability and Vin won't tan your backside."
"Yeah, well if I were you, I'd be worried about you're backside when Chris finds out you've run off."
"As noble as his intentions are toward a young girl who he believes needs his protection I think he will be rather pleased to be rid of the responsibility. I don't think he will try to follow me."
True snorted. "You don't know Chris. It's about lunchtime. Let's head back."
The girls headed back to the boarding house, but parted ways when True stopped to visit with Creed as they passed the hardware store. Having already met True's friend from school, Rhianna decided to continue on.
Always hyper aware of her surroundings she watched Ezra entering Potter's store and then noticed a man with brown hair and ruddy complexion follow with a dangerous look on his face. Rhianna trailed behind, her curiosity piqued. She lifted her shields and allowed herself to read the man. HATE. ANGER. He was unsure but thought he recognized Ezra as someone who had conned him out of a large sum of money and then run off with his sister. Easton Simmons. Well, just because the name wasn't right didn't mean it hadn't been Ezra. She'd been here long enough to realize that. Rhianna swallowed hard, noting the man's hand reaching for his gun.
She ran quickly ahead of him, bumping into him intentionally and disturbing his balance. "Uncle Ezra, Uncle Ezra," she called in her most childlike voice, grabbing his hand when she reached his side and placing herself between the man and Ezra. "You promised me a peppermint, remember?"
Ezra looked at the girl perplexed until she tilted her head toward the brown-haired stranger. "Why so I did," he drawled with a smile shifting to put himself between the girl and the man who was now looking rather uncertain."
"Can I help you, sir?" Mrs. Potter asked the stranger.
"Uh, no," he answered turning to retreat.
Mrs. Potter turned to Ezra and Rhianna, "Now I thought this was Mr. Larabee's niece Mr. Standish?"
"Oh, Ezra isn't really my uncle, Mrs. Potter," Rhianna answered quickly. "Actually, we were all rather surprised to find out that he was in fact my mother's second cousin once removed. Her family is from back east you know? Southeast really," the girl continued allowing a slight imitation of Ezra's southern drawl to creep into her voice.
"Amazing. Isn't it a small world!"
"Quite," Ezra answered his eyes dancing with merriment.
After purchasing Rhianna her peppermint and checking on a special order of Ezra's the two took their leave.
"I thank you for your timely intervention, however, that was a very foolish and dangerous thing to do my dear," Ezra said.
"The man was hardly going to shoot me, and now I daresay he's rather wondering if he recognizes you. So does he?" Rhianna wanted to know.
"That, angel, is none of your business. Now I had best escort you to your noon repast so you do not end up in trouble with Mr. Larabee for being late."
***
The attempted robbery at the hotel was just the opportunity Rhianna had been waiting for. Two of the seven peacekeepers stayed with the prisoners while the rest headed to the saloon. It would be a late night for the men and Rhianna knew that she probably wouldn't be missed until mid-morning the next day.
She had secured a horse just the day before, though only having paid half the amount she owed for the fine steed. The girl had been able to convince the seller that the horse was a gift for her uncle and he had accepted half of the money up front with the other half to be rendered when her uncle determined that the animal was to his liking. The man had readily agreed upon seeing that she did indeed have the full asking price and knowing that the horse would be stabled with Yosemite who was a friend of his.
Rhianna had to admit it was with mixed feelings that she left Four Corners. She loved her younger cousin and rather liked the seven men that made up True's new family. She knew that given very little time, it would have been easy to forget that Chris truly was not her uncle. The moon was out and she was careful on the road so as to avoid injury to her horse. Then when morning dawned she was able to make up some time.
***
"Are you alright?" Chris asked and she could feel the concern hitting her like ocean waves.
"I'm just fine. These miscreants had only just seen fit to detain me. I think if you search their saddles you might find money bags bearing the markings of the Durango Bank."
Josiah and Ezra were quick to do just that. Chris in the meantime dismounted and headed for Rhianna. Given the look in his eyes, the girl was more than a little tempted to spur her horse to make a hasty retreat. As if reading her mind the black clad gunfighter grabbed Tempest's reigns. "Get down here."
She did so, licking her lips and trying to think of a plausible story as to why she was a day's ride from Four Corners. Looking into Chris's eyes, Rhianna quickly slammed her shields in place, not caring to read her self-appointed guardian. His look was frightening enough and she wasn't sure if she really wanted to know if his plan was to shoot her. Chris ran his hands gently over her head, then her arms, and the rest of her checking for any signs of injury.
Once he was assured she really was okay he took her arm turned her sideways and landed five extremely powerful swats on her rear. Tears sprung unbidden to her eyes though they did not fall. "We'll finish this discussion when we get home, now you go sit under that tree, and don't move until I come to get you," he said so quietly Rhianna doubted anyone else could even hear him.
The bank robbers were tied in no time at all and it was decided that they would ride towards Four Corners until dark and then make camp. Chris went to fetch Rhianna who had not moved an inch in fear of dire retribution. "You'll ride with me," he stated curtly.
Rhianna's taut nerves just snapped, all sense of self-preservation momentary leaving her, "Well, that's just asinine. I have my own horse." After she said it Rhianna all but bit her tongue. What in the world had prompted her to sass Chris in the mood he was in. Yes, she was rather disgruntled at having her escape foiled, but she had never demonstrated any suicidal tendencies in the past.
"A horse that's only half paid for," he said in a low voice as he lifted her up, and placing his foot up on a rock, positioned her over his knee. He rained several painful spanks down on her upturned bottom before placing her back down. "Now I suggest you stop giving me attitude, little girl," he said quietly. Rhianna dashed the tears from her eyes and meekly allowed herself to be lead to Chris's mount.
Given the close contact with Chris on the ride, Rhianna could not completely shield Chris's emotions. He was very angry, but the anger was spurred by the tremendous worry he'd had from the moment he'd discovered her missing. Rhianna was confused. She had only known Chris for a matter of days. Why did he care?
She squirmed a bit trying to find a comfortable position, which was impossible. Though short the spanking had guaranteed her an uncomfortable ride. "Quit your squirming. We'll be stopping soon," Chris told her. "It's your own fault for gettin' mouthy."
When they stopped for the night, Rhianna was once more told to sit and not move. Josiah set up a quick camp and started a meal while Chris and Ezra made sure that the prisoners were secure. Afterwards Chris did a quick patrol while Ezra checked on Rhianna.
"How are you doing, angel?" he asked.
"I've been better," she answered waspishly.
Ezra put his arm around the sullen girl drawing her toward the warmth of the fire. "Well, your discomfort is of your own making. I doubt Mr. Larabee would have offered any chastisement until we had reached our destination if you had chosen to keep your mouth shut." Ezra stood, his arms encircling the girl and his chin resting on her head.
"I know. A hand poorly played on my part."
"Emotions will at times get the best of all of us."
"You understand that I had to try for independence."
"I suppose you did, but you caused us all a great deal of concern. Were I not quite certain Mr. Larabee shall attend to you most thoroughly I might be tempted to add to the discomfort in your posterior."
Rhianna just sighed and leaned into Ezra. It felt good to lean on someone. She was beginning to really worry about what Chris had in store for her when they reached Four Corners. After a time Chris returned and Ezra moved to check on the prisoners. Josiah who had offered her shoulder a quick squeeze of encouragement earlier now offered a plate of food.
"No thank you. I'm not hungry."
Chris turned his head from the cup of coffee he'd been studying. "You'll take that and eat it all," he barked. "You can't have eaten anything all day."
Rhianna did as she was told. Not wanting to further agitate the man. After finishing her food, she gave Chris no argument when he insisted on tucking her into a bedroll situated right next to his own. She was astonished when he brushed a kiss across her forehead. This entire situation was bewildering to the girl who still could not fathom why the men had come after her. Then, though his anger was still palatable, the dark clad gunfighter tucks her in and gives her a kiss goodnight? Though puzzling through it half the night, Rhianna could not come to any greater understanding.
When the travelers arrived in Four Corners the next morning, Ezra directed the prisoners to the jail while Josiah lead the horses to the stable. Chris took Rhianna straight to the boarding house and up to her room.
"So you want to tell me why you ran off in the middle of the night?" Chris asked seating himself on the bed and pulling her in front of him.
"I never had any intention of staying," she answered adopting the lazy southern drawl which Ezra used simply because she knew Chris found it annoying.
"You understand why I'm about to blister your backside?" he asked.
"Not precisely."
"What did I say was the number one rule?"
"Staying out of danger?"
"That's right and that was one dangerous thing you did, up and leaving like that and in the middle of the night. Not to mention I told you that you were staying and I specifically told you not to go anywhere without telling me so you disobeyed me. And you stole a horse."
"I did not."
"You only paid for half of it so that's as good as stealing it."
"Well, I assumed he'd come to you looking for reimbursement and that you would give it to him. That mean's the horse would be 100% paid for."
"That would also make the horse half mine which would mean you were stealing from me."
Rhianna swallowed hard. She should have kept her mouth shut.
"I think we better get this over with," Chris said starting to unbutton the front of her trousers. She attempted to forestall his efforts. "Listen here," he said giving her a shake. "I should be using my belt, but I understand you've never been spanked before so I plan on using my hand. You keep fighting me and I'll change my mind."
Rhianna quit fighting and allowed Chris to take down her trousers and pull her over his knee. He was surprised to find thin white cotton underclothes as opposed to woolen long johns and decided to leave them be this time. Chris raised his hand and brought it down with a resounding SMACK! Surprised at just how much more it hurt than her previous encounters, Rhianna immediately started struggling to get off of Chris's lap to no avail.
"If you don't settle down, I'll take your underthings down too," he warned. Though she continued to wiggle, Rhianna calmed her movements. Chris continued swatting noting as he did so Rhianna was quite different than True who would have been hollering already. Swat after swat rained down covering Rhianna's entire bottom with sharp stinging blows and turning it a brilliant red, which could be seen through her light cotton underclothes.
Though biting her lip, Rhianna could not keep quiet and when Chris moved his attention to the tender undercurve of her bottom, she actually yelped. By the time he finished, her backside was red and radiating heat and Rhianna was bawling as if there were no tomorrow.
Chris righted her and helped her to fix her pants and then held her in his lap until her tears subsided. Rhianna allowed herself to cry as she never had in her entire life while Chris gently stroked her hair and murmured soft endearments to her. When she was finally cried out, he spoke. "I would just as soon not have to do that again anytime soon."
She shook her head against his chest. This was the last thing she ever wanted to have happen again. In addition to being enormously painful, it was quite possibly the most humiliating event of her life.
"You need to understand, though, that I will do it again if you don't behave. And if you EVER take off on your own like that again or try riding in the dead of night, you'll be feeling my belt on your backside."
Rhianna shuddered at the thought. She knew that True had been on the receiving end of much worse punishments and didn't know how the younger girl stood it.
"That goes for stealing or pulling any kind of cons as well. Now for the rest of your punishment for this little escapade you'll stay in your room until suppertime after which you will go straight to bed. For the rest of the week you will stay inside the boarding house unless you're with me or one of the other boys. You understand?"
"Yes sir."
Chris kissed the top of her head and then set her gently on the bed.
A while later there was a knock at her door. "Come on in, True," she said though not rising from her position where she lay face down on the bed,
The younger girl entered, giving her cousin a sympathetic look. "I tried to warn you."
"Yes you did. Thank you for your attempt."
"He tanned you good, huh?"
"I don't have anything to compare it with, but it certainly felt like it. I know you've had worse, though, and when you were half my age."
True grinned. Rhianna never was one to wallow in self-pity. "So you're stayin'?"
"Not even if I'm thirty-years-old will I venture from this town again unless I have explicit permission from my 'Uncle Chris'."
The younger girl's blue eyes danced in merriment at her cousin's proclamation. "So tell me all about it. Where do them fellas Ezra took to the jail come in?"
Rhianna switched herself into storyteller mode and told True all about her adventures after which True declared her cousin to be positively insane. "I can't believe you said that to him, and I really can't believe he didn't shoot you."
"I almost did," said a voice at the door. True spun around in surprise, but Rhianna didn't seem the least bit taken aback by Chris's presence.
"Thanks for the warnin'" True muttered giving her cousin a dirty look.
"It's hardly a punishment if you have someone up here chatting with you the whole time," Chris stated darkly.
"I'm goin' I'm goin'" True said giving Rhianna a wink.
Rhianna had very little time to lament her room restriction as she had a steady stream of visitors. Somehow she sincerely doubted that True have so many visitors following a punishment and Rhianna wondered at this unique family into which she had been thrust. Nathan arrived shortly after True.
"Chris said you weren't hurt, but I thought I best come and check you out myself," he explained after he entered.
"Nathan, I'm fine. The only part of me that's ailing, I don't think you would do anything about if you could."
"You got that right. You earned yourself a sore backside, little missy." He moved over to her anyway his healing instincts demanding that he assess her conidtion for himself.
"So I've been told."
After a cursory examination Nathan seemed satisfied, "Well, if you're sure you're okay, I'll leave ya be."
"Nathan?"
"Yeah?"
"Chris says I can only leave the house tomorrow if I'm with someone. Can I come to the clinic with you?"
"Sure, I'd be glad for some company."
"Thanks."
Rhianna was quite surprised when Vin came next. He entered after knocking and without a word sat on the bed next to where her head rested on the pillow. Vin just put his hand on her head and sat there for the longest time. The girl found the quiet companionship more comforting than she might have expected or would ever admit. Finally, he broke the silence. "True says this is kind of a first for ya. Gonna be okay?"
"I know True's survived a whole lot worse."
"Yeah, but you're not True."
"I'll be okay. Thanks Vin."
"No problem. True said you've never had a family 'sides her and Kieran."
"That's right."
"You do now. Ya know thet right?"
The girl didn't answer. She was just beginning to realize the truth of his words.
"I know thet takes some gettin' used to. Weren't easy fer me neither. Think you'll find it's right nice hav'n others that care 'bout ya though."
Rhianna didn't answer but gave his words careful consideration.
"An just so's ya know. You try pullin' any fool dangerous stunts when Chris ain't around and I'll be more'n happy to step in and warm your tail."
"Oh, well now that makes me feel ever so much better," Rhianna answered sarcastically. Vin landed a very light, playful smack on her backside as he got up.
"Ouch!"
"You best watch yourself, kitten. Yer no match for the big dogs 'round here."
Much to her surprise, Rhianna dozed then which was something she never did. Since she was out of diapers she slept no more than about four hours a night, six if she was exhausted and that was all the rest she ever required. This was one reason the 8:00 bedtime was so repulsive to her. She ended up stuck in her room for hours with nothing to do. She'd actually started keeping a journal out of sheer boredom.
She came fully awake with a start as she realized Buck was approaching and gasped sharply when she sat up forgetting her sore bottom. Buck knocked and entered with a tray of food.
"How you doin', Sassy?" he teased.
"What did you just call me?"
"Asinine? You actually called Chris asinine? And when he was already madder 'n a hornet? You have definitely got guts. That or you're just plain loco." Buck set the food down on the bedside table and reached over to place a kiss on the top of her head. "Glad to see yer alright."
"Thanks," she said turning red. She hadn't anticipated the men being so worried for her or the obvious displays of affection. Perhaps their time with True and some of the close calls they'd had with her lead to this behavior.
"I'm supposed to tell you to eat every bite of that. Nathan told Chris you look underfed."
Rhianna sighed heavily and rolled her eyes. "I think I am going to have to have a long talk with Mr. Jackson."
Buck chuckled. "Might not want to do that. I gotta warn you, he's got some mighty terrible tasting concoctions. Don't want him to get it in his mind that you're truly ailin' and need one of his special teas." Buck screwed his face up into an expression that made it look as if he'd swallowed a lemon whole.
The green-eyed girl smiled. She definitely found Buck the most entertaining of the seven.
"I better skedaddle before Chris comes up here to chase me out."
Rhianna had a bite or two of the sandwich and nearly half the soup. That ought to placate Chris. She pulled out her journal and decided to document her failed attempt at liberating herself. Barely had she finished her entry when Josiah arrived.
"Does everyone have to see for themselves that I am indeed still in the world of the living?"
Josiah chuckled. He had a low rumbling laugh that made Rhianna feel warm inside. Josiah walked over to look at the tray. "Chris was headed up to check on you but Mary wanted a word so I told him I'd come up and see that you ate your lunch."
"I really ate as much as I'm able."
"How about you take a couple more bites of that sandwich and finish up that milk and I'll tell Chris you did pretty good with it."
Deciding this was the best compromise she would be offered Rhianna had two more small bites of the sandwich and looked askance at the milk.
"All of it?"
"Don't like milk, huh?
"It doesn't agree with me," she obfuscated.
"How bout half?'
Rhianna choked down half the milk.
"That's a girl," Josiah said, his face breaking into a huge smile that was hard not to return. He ruffled her hair then took the tray. "See ya at dinner."
Mid afternoon JD popped in. "Hey Sheriff," she greeted him when he peeked around the door after first knocking, "How are the prisoners?"
"They're settled in just fine," he answered taking the one chair in the room and turning it around before straddling it. "Came over to see if there were any sandwiches left. Thought I'd drop in and check on ya."
"I'm recovering fairly well, thank you."
J.D. grinned. "You know those fellas all had bounties on their heads?"
"Really, what do you think the odds are that Uncle Chris let's me share in the reward?"
"Not too likely. You should've seen the look on his face when he found out that one of them had killed four people, one a girl not seventeen years old."
"I guess it's rather fortuitous that he and I had our discussion prior to him finding out that bit of information."
JD nodded. "I think is it was pretty lucky."
Another knock at the door interrupted the conversation and Ezra stepped in.
"Mr. Dunne? I thought that you were guarding the prisoners."
"Buck's watching them so I can get some lunch. I best get back."
The young Sheriff departed and the conman entered a book in hand. "Given your confinement, I thought you might be interested in some intellectual stimulation to take your mind off your current state of discomfort."
Rhianna accepted the leather bound book. "Shakespeare huh?"
"He was a literary master, I assure you."
"Thanks Ezra. I was getting rather bored."
"Do not mention it, angel."
Having the book to read made the next couple of hours go amazingly fast and Rhianna soon sensed Chris approaching. He didn't bother to knock, just walked on in. One eyebrow raised in query upon seeing the book.
"I think this is Ezra's idea of a joke. Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare."
Chris grinned. "Ready for supper?"
"I am most definitely ready to be out of this room for a bit," she answered hopping up and heading toward the door. Chris put his arm around her when she reached the door and pulled her against him in a quick hug, which Rhianna found herself returning. For someone unused to physical contact, Rhianna was amazed how quickly she was adapting to it.
When they reached the dining room Rhianna eyed the hard wooden chair with some consternation, but one look at Chris and she took her seat…gingerly. She couldn't help being somewhat petulant, however when the man insisted on dishing her plate for her.
"I am not a baby," she said in exasperation. True all but giggled having experienced an almost identical encounter with Vin shortly after she had arrived. She could only hope Rhianna fared better than she had.
"Nathan says you need to eat better." The girl cast an angry look at the healer. "And since I've seen how you dish your own plate, I decided I'd just go ahead and do it for you."
"I cannot eat all of that."
"You will, unless you really want me to treat you like a baby and spoon feed you."
Rhianna ground her teeth in frustration, but her earlier punishment had her checking her tongue. She started in on what she considered to be three times the food she needed.
"So you glad to be sprung from your cell, Sassy?" Buck wanted to know.
"Very much so."
"Hardly even a punishment with all the visitors you got," Chris snorted casting an angry glare at those gathered around the table. No one even bothered to pretend to look repentant. Each one of them being far more concerned with making the newest member of their family realize that she was in fact just that – family.