r see it before?_

Wolf Paw wore the markings of the Bird she was named after, the Bird
that was her spirit guide. Neither she nor he had been aware of it. But
it must mean that they were destined for each other, and that what had
already happened between herself and Wolf Paw _had_ to happen.

To live out her life with Wolf Paw and never to see White Bear again was
like being told she would never again see a day with sunlight.

But it was as the spirit Bird had sung to her-- _What must happen, must
happen_.

She breathed deeply. She hated having to tell White Bear about Wolf Paw.
If he had been willing to come with her, she would not have had to say
anything. Wolf Paw would not have tried to hold her. And if she gave
birth a moon or two too soon, White Bear would have forgiven her. But
now she had to use Wolf Paw to hurt White Bear.

To hurt him so as to heal him.

_But when I am gone from here, who will heal me? Must the shaman suffer
wounds that can never be healed?_

_Yes, if she has dealt such wounds._

"You would not want me anymore, White Bear," she said. "These past moons
since you left us I have been Wolf Paw's woman."

He raised his tear-streaked face from the pillow and stared at her.
"What are you saying?"

"Wolf Paw lost his wives and his children at the Bad Axe. He was like a
dead man. I wanted to heal him, and I will heal him, by living with
him."

His eyes widened. She could see anger darkening his cheeks.

He said, "After my father took me to live here, you waited six summers
for me while Wolf Paw courted you. Could you not keep him off for a few
moons?"

She held out her hands imploringly. "Before, when he was an honored
warrior and had his family, he had no need of me. He wanted me as he
wanted another feather to hang in his hair. But now he needs me. Without
me he would be as good as dead. And he is the last brave in our band."

"I need you."

She put her hands over her belly. It was still flat, but she knew what
was there.

"I am carrying Wolf Paw's child."

He pushed against the bed till he was sitting bolt upright, and he
pounded his fist on his knee. He was still badly wounded. He could hurt
himself. What if he tried to get out of bed, and tore the wound open?

But when he looked up at her his eyes were large and dark with sadness.

"I still love you, whatever you did with Wolf Paw. And I will love _any_
baby you bear."

She felt his hands seize her heart, tearing it out