AwayFromtheSun (3 page)

“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 inside. 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.”

“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.

They gathered around the small wooden table in her parents’ kitchen as
Ina
dished out venison stew and placed hunks of buttered cornbread on the table.

“Remle has provided well for us,”
Ina
told Shashonee. “We have meat on our table for each meal.”

The widow gave an approving nod. “My adopted son took to our ways as if he’d been born Lakota. He has honored our family many times.”

“We appreciate his kindness.”
Ina
smiled.

After eating a hearty meal, they moved to the living area. Shye looked around at the dismal décor of the small cabin. Most of the homes on the reservation were the same—small, dreary, and poverty stricken. She hoped the money she’d left during her heists had helped the people at least afford better food and warm clothes for the forthcoming winter season.

“Shye tells us that we will be moving back to the farm,” her father told Shashonee. “We could build a home for you on our land if you would like to come with us.”

“I am grateful for your offer and overjoyed to hear that the land of our people is back in the right hands. But my years are many and I do not wish to leave the home I shared with my husband.”

“I understand. If you should change your mind or have need do not hesitate to send word to us. Everyone on the reservation will be invited to Shye’s wedding.”

Shashonee looked at her with bright eyes. “You and Trip are going to join?”

“Yes, as soon as the house is rebuilt.”

“Do you plan a late fall wedding or will you wait until spring?”

“We’d like to marry right away,” Trip spoke up. “I will be looking into helping my lovely bride-to-be with financing the rebuild of her home and of course a new house for her parents.”

Her mother nodded and clasped her hands together while rocking in her chair with a big smile on her face. “I have nearly finished her wedding dress.”

“And my gift to Trip is almost ready,” her father added.

“Sounds like all you need is the house,” the widow said.

“Yes.” Shye felt a bit awkward over not having enough money to rebuild right away. Though she’d saved over thirty thousand dollars, she knew the cost of building two new homes would be much more.