Chapter 2

"Stella... where have you been child? There is a storm brewing. Come, take shelter, said her guide. Watching her walk pass he noticed the charm. Stella... where did you get that neckalce?"

"Oh... It was given to me by a lady at one of the shops. She said the symbol belonged to a tribe. However... the name escapes me now," said Stella as she headed to her room. Watching her walk away, he knew exactly what tribe owned that piece of jewelry. Which meant Stella was the queen they had all been looking for.

"Stella... I must leave for a bit child. Please stay in till I get back."

"I will Rashim, just watch the wind don't blow you away," giggled Stella.

Leaving the shelter he ran to the village. "Excuse me, can you tell me where I could find a phone?"

"We have only one phone here. It's at the small Inn up the path. Very expensive to use, said the elderly lady with suspicion. I shall take you." Walking him up the path, she could smell the evil upon him, letting her know he was one of the hunters looking for the queen. The queen that would bare children for McCanna, rebuilding what was lost.

Once he was inside, the lady ordered a coffee and listened.

"Talon... tis Rashim. I've found the queen. After all this time it was Stella, beautiful Stella Bonasera. She's the queen. She was in the village today and given the necklace. Trying to hear what the voice on the other end was saying, she only caught bits and pieces. Yes... we will be floating down river on friday. Yes... we will be awaiting your assault. Goodbye."

Hanging up the phone, he thanked the lady and headed back. As she watched him leave, she changed into the hawk and took off into the storm.

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Deep in the Jungle.

He loved the rain. Leaving his home, he ventured out to the water. This was the perfect weather for swimming. With the lightening brightening up his way, he reached the edge and jumped in. Splashing around as the rain pelted against the water he heard her call. Coming back to shore in all his naked glory, she changed to her human form and smirked.

"Always the naughty young man McCanna. What I wouldn't give to be young again. Such a gorgeous beast of desire."

"Always you flirt Hilda. What is the problem now? Or did you just come here to get your daily fix?" said McCanna with a sinister grin.

"A little of both I think, she laughed. But in all honesty, I've seen your bride, she is beautiful. She wears the necklace. I know it's her because as I placed it on her, she felt it to her core. Everything in her expression changed. You will have to be gentle as she is still virginal."

"Virginal? Is she not in her forties?"

"She is McCanna, but it seems her studies have drawn her away from knowing the life other young ladies know."

McCanna felt himself swell. The mention of his bride being virginal brought him to hightened desires.

"If I was you McCanna, before you meet her don't be showing her that or you are liable to send her screaming back to America."

MaCanna laughed. "Always you tease, Hilda. I swear you are not four hundred and forty years old."

"I'll take that as a compliment McCanna. Now the reason behind my visit. Your bride is in danger. It seems her guide recognized the necklace. He made a call to someone informing them of her being the Mombasa queen. They have planned to kill her as they head down river for their expedition."

Hilda seen the fire in McCanna's eyes. She could see the features change to that of the beast. Trying not to cringe, Hilda stood her ground.

"When do they leave?" McCanna hissed.

"Friday morning. I know not the time," said Hilda.

Walking back to his home, McCanna stepped inside followed by Hilda who seen Persu and stopped.

"Persu... no. Stop that damn growling, now. Watching as the giant leopard bowed down to his master, he stroked his fur. Sit Hilda, he will not hurt you."

Listening to his purr, as his master stroked him, Hilda sat with caution. "I never understood your need to have him in your home," said Hilda.

"He is my protector, my guardian. The one that was sent to watch over me and my home."

"Let's just hope he can protect your future wife," said Hilda.

Giving her another growl, for her rudeness, McCanna tapped his head. "He understands you Hilda. I've told you that several times now. You both need to learn to be nice to each other."

Sticking out her tongue at Persu, she placed water over the fire to boil for tea.

tbc...