by Austina Love
With a yielding smile, he sat down and pulled her onto his lap.
Chapter Two
“My name is easy to speak of,” he began. “After Ty’s death I became a licensed bounty hunter as you know. When I turned to the tribal elders for spiritual guidance they took me on a vision quest. In that realm the spirits revealed that I would travel far and strike with fast and deadly force. The medicine man gave me my Indian name and his blessings.”
“I’m blown away. How did I miss this about you?”
“You were not meant to see until the spirits felt the time was right just as I was not permitted to know that you are Shadow the Ghost Dancer before I gave my heart to you.”
“Our destiny was arranged before we even knew it.” She gazed into his eyes, overwhelmed with love for this incredible man. “I’ve noticed your darkening tan and longer hair, but never considered this.”
“Yeah…I guess our ancestors know what they’re doing after all,” he said with a light laugh.
“The one who betrayed you…had you given your heart to her as well?”
His gaze shifted into the distance and his voice sounded remote. “She was a liar and a thief.”
“I take that as a yes.”
“I loved her…yes. We were high school sweethearts at Bluff Ridge Academy. Her parents didn’t like me though because I lived on the rez.”
“You…lived on the reservation?” Shye stared wide-eyed.
“Until I graduated, yeah, but you wouldn’t know that because you grew up on your parents’ farm then left for the Air Force straight out of school.”
“And though we are of the same people we are from different worlds. I even attended a different school than you because the reservation kids were bussed up north.” She shook her head slowly, half in amazement and half in shame. “I take it that your girlfriend was not Native American?”
“No, she was a white girl. Most of the kids at school were white and didn’t take well to mixed couples. We endured our share of ridicule.”
“You must have truly loved her then. I heard about that school and how tough the kids were. I knew about the prejudice going on against the Bluff Ridge kids. That was one of the main reasons Ina and Ate insisted I attend the school closer to town. I wanted to be among my people like the reservation kids, but my mother and father said no.” She looked away, feeling suddenly out of place with him. He’d taken the hard road while she’d had it easy.
“Hey,” he said in a gentle voice. “I’m glad you went to a safer school. Native American girls had it rough up there and I spent a lot of time defending my girlfriend and fighting the bullies who tormented the Indian girls.”
She waited a few moments in respectful silence, not wanting to rush him. Clearly his past carried many scars. When he offered no more, she softly asked, “What happened? Didn’t she wait for you when you joined the service?”
“She waited.” He leaned back and stared up at the sky. “We had plans to marry before Ty got killed.”
Shye didn’t know what to say to that. Suddenly this man she’d known only several weeks had an ex-fiancé. She wondered if she’d accepted his proposal too soon. “Wow…you had a history with this girl…”
He slid one hand into the thick of her hair and turned her head toward him. Their eyes met.
“I know what you’re thinking,” he said. “You wonder if I am over her. The answer is yes, I am over her. I hope she never shows her face around here again. I’ve never hurt a woman. But she has tempted me to cross that line.”
Shye studied the flash of mixed emotion in his eyes. Though the lines on his face remained hard and stoic like those of a true warrior, the rage and heartbreak flickered in his unflinching gaze.
“Will you tell me what she did?”
With a heavy sigh, he offered her an easy smile. “Women…they always want to know about the other woman even if she is no longer in the picture. Men don’t want to hear about the other men.”
“I can’t help my naturally inquisitive nature.”
He gave her a spirited wink. “No worries, I’ve nothing to hide.” After shifting her weight on his lap and sliding both arms around her waist he continued, “Natayla and her sister hooked up with me and Ty during a field trip in our junior year. The four of us had become a tight group and shared almost everything together. Ty thought it was awesome that we’d found sisters to date. He longed for a family since our parents had died long ago. But things didn’t work out with his girl. She was shallow and had roaming eyes. He couldn’t trust her, so he broke it off and eventually found another woman, who he married.”
“The mysterious ex-wife who took off after his death?”
Trip nodded. “I promised her that I’d never reveal her whereabouts so please don’t ask. I am a man of my word.”
“I respect that. My curiosity is only with you, not your brother’s ex. I like a man who can keep a promise.”
“And I love a trustworthy woman…especially one who enjoys blowing things up,” he teased.
She let out a light laugh then shrugged. “What can I say?”
He stroked her hair while gazing at her in open adoration. “I wish I had met you first.”
A quiet moment ensued as they seemed to meditate over his words. Then Shye hesitantly pressed on.
“So this Natayla, what did she do? I saw darkness in your eyes when you spoke of her.”
“She tipped Draven off. Let him know that Ty had evidence and was about to make the bust. I believe she did it to get back at Ty for dumping her sister.”
“Oh my god…your girlfriend was Pike’s informant?”
“Yeah.”
“Now I really understand why you were so guarded with me in the beginning and why you suspected I may have been working with them. I am so sorry you were betrayed and that the woman you’d loved took part in your brother’s death.”
“I never saw her after the night Ty was killed. She stole all the cash from my home safe and took off. So much for love…that woman doesn’t know the meaning.” Again the fury shadowed his face. “I never was able to prove her involvement, but I know she was the one. I found a crumpled piece of paper in the trash with Draven’s name and number scribbled on it in her handwriting. Doesn’t take a genius to put those pieces together.”
“No…it doesn’t. I was a fool for Gage. Thought I could trust him because we grew up together and you saw where that got me.”
He nodded. They stared into each other’s eyes for a while in a silent exchange—sharing a deep connection and a longing for justice.
“The betrayal lingers, doesn’t it?” she murmured.
“Like a bitter pill.” He drew her face close to his. “But your sweetness has enabled me to love again. I’ve never loved any woman the way I love you. Everything about you thrills me in a new way.” His lips touched hers in a tender kiss.
“I feel the same about you.” She placed her hands alongside his face. Her thumbs softly traced the high cheekbones above a perfectly straight masculine nose. “I hope that I can also erase the bitterness from your soul.”
“You have, my love.” His eyes shimmered in the beams of moonlight filtering down. “And because of you, I have the power to deliver justice to an old enemy. The Rain Riders were very generous to reward me with this gift. I asked for nothing when I agreed to help you and I did not expect anything in return.”
“Our people value a generous spirit above all else.”
“Yes, and you are a very giving woman to risk your life and deliver that money to the poor.”
She shrugged modestly. “Ah, I didn’t need it…” Then she laughed. “At the time.”
“Don’t worry, babe, we’ll find a way to rebuild your home.”
“May I?” She reached for the rain stick.
“Of course.”
“Amazing…” Shye ran her fingers over the long hollow cactus branch. The wood felt smooth to touch except for the patterned prickly points where the needles had been pushed insi
de. She recalled how the elders made the unique instruments used in sacred dances. They meticulously pushed each cactus needle through the branch to the inside, then cut the ends off the cactus branch and inserted a handful of river pebbles inside before sealing each end again. One end was fashioned for the hand while the other was wrapped in thick leather so the stick could also be used for walking. Most of the time rain sticks were used only in dances though. “We were right…the riders did leave Pike for you.”
“Yeah, pretty cool, huh? I am honored and humbled that they’ve given me the means to take Draven down for good.”
Slowly, she flipped the stick end over end to hear the sound of rain emulated by the cactus needles and pebbles rolling back and forth inside. The rain stick she held at this very moment was of ancient style and most likely priceless since Nagi, herself, had given it to Trip.
“You know, with this stick you no longer need evidence or have to deal with turning Pike over to the FBI as planned. You were worried that his position as a cop would enable him to slip through the system. There is no system where the Rain Riders are concerned…only justice.”
“That is one of the first thoughts I had when Nagi spoke. I felt a huge wave of relief knowing that the prick is finally mine, once I find him again.”
“You’ll find him. He’s most likely lurking around the villages somewhere trying to unload the priceless heirloom he stole from my farm.”
Trip glanced at the charred remains of her house. “I’m sorry you lost your house, babe.”
“At least they didn’t strip the land,” she said with a sigh. “Had you not come along, Carter and his crew might have done more damage before I found a way to get my property back. Your help accelerated the process and saved most of it.”
“They did defile your family’s burial ground.” His expression saddened. “I wish I could’ve prevented that.”
“Me, too. But the Rain Riders exacted their punishment on all the men guilty of that crime and they left Pike for you. We can’t ask for more. The spirits have been generous.”
“You have an indomitable spirit.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I know I have found my true soul mate in you.”
“Your life with me may never be normal, but I will never betray you.”
“Normal is boring. I look forward to each day with you.”
She smiled and relaxed in his strong arms. “The clouds have moved away and left us with a beautiful moon to enjoy.”
“Are we riding up to give your parents the good news tomorrow?”
“Yes. They will be overjoyed and even more delighted to hear about tonight’s encounter.”
Trip gave a short laugh. “I’m glad they decided to like me before knowing I am one of them.”
“Yes, I can understand that. I don’t like fake people either. You won the hearts of my parents with your undeniable charisma and generous spirit. That you are Native American is a bonus and you’ll never have to wonder if they accepted you based on anything except for what is in your heart.”
In one smooth move he laid her down and slid his body over hers. “But how you feel about me is what matters most.”
She gazed up into his shimmering eyes. “You know I love you with all my heart.”
Their lips met tenderly at first then quickly sealed in a hot kiss. His tongue slipped into her mouth as they merged into an intense exchange of affection. He smelled wonderful. A hint of sensual cologne lingered on his skin even after the rain and his partially dry hair fell around her face. With a deep sigh, she slid both hands into those long sexy strands and pulled him closer.
“Baby…” he purred as his body sank against hers, pressing it into the soft grass.
The hard bulge in his jeans became nestled between her thighs as he shifted position. She moaned softly into his mouth as they kissed with hot desire. Muscular arms slid beneath her back. One arm slid up the middle so that his hand supported the back of her head. As their passion climbed higher he rolled onto one side and began undressing her with his free hand, keeping the other behind her head while kissing her with intense hunger.
A familiar ache welled inside. She reached beneath his clingy t-shirt to caress the sinewy muscles and rippling abs. Her fingers grappled with the fly of his skintight jeans to release the masculinity concealed there. Within minutes they were undressed and lying skin-on-skin beneath an August moon.
Trip repositioned his hard body so that he lay over her again while gazing down with those make love to me eyes.
She gasped and threw her head back as he filled her. A feral groan rose in his broad chest. He made and held eye contact when her gaze returned to him. Her body ached for him.
“I want to take you to heaven all night, my angel,” he murmured while nuzzling her neck.
“Mm…yes…” She wound her legs around his waist, inviting him to push deeper. “Take me higher, baby…take me above this day.”
“Wildflower!” her father called as he hurried across the dew-kissed lawn on feeble legs. “Many moons have passed since you came to us.” Morning sunlight cast a shimmer on the still wet grass.
“Ate!” She gave him a fierce hug, then turned toward her mother who came trotting up behind. “Ina! I’ve missed the two of you so very much.” She drew back to look into their eyes. “I bring good news.”
“What could make us happier than your return?” her mother gushed. “Come inside. The spirits spoke of your return and I have made your favorite stew with cornbread.”
Trip greeted them warmly. “Jerky for you.” He smiled and handed her father a large bag of dried beef strips. “And fresh fall flowers for Shye’s lovely mother,” he said, presenting a beautiful bouquet to her.
Her father grinned and tore open the bag while her mother buried her nose in the flowers and took a deep breath.
“Mm, I can’t wait to eat, you are the best mother ever. But first, hear what I have to say. Then we can celebrate.”
Her parents stood with anticipation brimming in their eyes. “What is it, child?”
“We have the farm back. Trip persuaded Gage to sign it over to me. The land of our ancestors is back in our hands forever this time.”
Their eyes shifted between her and Trip then back to her. “Are you sure?”
“Yes!” She pulled the papers from her backpack. “See for yourself. We are heading into town later to pick up the deed.”
“Wildflower,” her father said, his voice was low and carried a serious tone. “Gage was killed on the highway. How can this be?”
“Before Gage died he drove up to find me. He thought I was staying with Trip’s friend, but I wasn’t there. Trip and Gage sorted the details and signed the papers before Gage had his accident on the road.” She led her father off to the side and whispered, “The Rain Riders, Ate, they came.”
His eyes widened and a broad grin beset his wrinkled face. Black eyes twinkled in sheer delight. “My wildflower has indeed been chosen as I foresaw in my vision.”
“Yes…I have been blessed by the Great Spirit.” She bowed her head.
“My heart is full, young one. You have fulfilled your calling just as grandmother predicted.” He laid gentle hands on her head. “May they ride with you always.”
She looked up with a big smile, thrilled that she’d pleased her aging father. “Trip has also been favored by Nagi. She has given him her rain stick. He is Lakota, Ate.”
A surprised look flitted through his eyes. “You have made a good choice in him. I liked his generous spirit and patient ways the first time we met. When is the wedding?”
“As soon as we rebuild the house and move you and Ina back home.”
Her father nodded his approval then they rejoined Trip and her mother.
“Today is a day of great celebration,” her father told them. “Our wildflower has returned and her fiancé has proven his loyalty. Soon we will return to our homeland and have a giant feast to celebrate their wedding.” He turned toward Trip. “Thank you for helping our family.�
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“We are all family here,” Trip replied with a modest smile. “I grew up among these people.”
Her mother clapped her hands together in obvious joy, then rushed over and hugged Trip. “Welcome to our tribe, my son.”
Shye felt like she could burst with joy over this perfect reunion. She had stayed away for so long to protect them from everything that had happened and her quest was now a success. Carter and Gage were gone, thanks to the riders and the farm was hers as her ancestors had decreed long ago.
“Come and eat,” her mother said.
As they strolled up the short walk to the porch, Shye heard the sound of footsteps approaching from behind. She whipped around. There at the end of the walk stood Chief Blackwater’s widow.
“Shashonee,” her mother greeted in a welcoming voice. “We are about to have dinner and celebrate Shye’s return. We would be honored if you join us.”
The widow nodded with a crooked smile, which revealed missing teeth. “Lila pilamayaye.”
“Your thanks is not necessary. We are grateful that you have blessed us with your presence.”
Shashonee huddled up to Shye. “My son tells me that you have met.”
“Yes,” Shye said, feeling deeply touched that this esteemed woman had come for a visit. “Remle is a good man. He helped us.”
“He speaks very highly of you.”
“Thank you.” Shye bowed her head in reverence. “He is very good friends with my fiancé.”
“Yes, of course.” She grinned. “We know Trip very well.”
Shye smacked a hand to her head. “Oh how stupid of me. Forgive my absent mind. I learned only last night that Trip grew up here among the people.”
The widow laughed and her eyes shone despite her very old age. “You are a blessing to our people…Shadow.”
Chills trickled up her spine when Shashonee called her by her chosen name Shadow. Other than Nagi, Trip was the only one who at times referred to her as Shadow. Just hearing the mention of her spirit name made her tingle with the desire to shift.