RainRiders Read Online Free Page B

tears to her eyes but she fought them back. He seemed so utterly distraught yet there was nothing she could do to ease his pain. Reaching up, she placed a soft lingering kiss on his lips.
    He didn’t voice the words but she felt the promise in his kiss. Without looking at him again for fear she’d not be able to answer their call, she turned and walked away.
    “Shye, wait!” Trip blocked her at the door, heartache written all over his face.
    Their eyes met and locked in an intense exchange. She felt his anxiety, his pain and moreover—his profound love. Knowing she’d never find another love like his, she silently questioned her decision to leave. Can I deny the ghost dancer without angering the spirit world? This is my gift. I have been chosen to right a wrong. Her pulse raced. On the other hand, can I leave this amazing man like this? Can I run off and leave him here to suffer alone?
    Remle approached and laid one hand on Trip’s shoulder. “She has been called by a higher force, my friend. She hears them coming.”
    “What?” Trip sounded horrified.
    “Once called upon by the Rain Riders she cannot refuse. Doing so would dishonor her tribe.”
    “How do you know of them? What are they?”
    “Did you forget that I was Chief Blackwater’s son? I grew up listening to the stories told by the elders.” Remle sighed and lowered his eyes. “The riders are a force summoned to avenge the spirits of those who have left this world. Someone must have desecrated sacred ground for the riders to come.”
    Shye felt the truth in his words. “My farm. The home of my ancestors. The drug runners must have found our burial ground and dug it up.”
    “There’s a burial ground on your farm?”
    “Yes. Remember I mentioned how important it is that my mother and father be laid to rest there?”
    “Yes…I do recall you telling me that.” He nodded but still seemed distressed. “Then let me go with you.”
    “You cannot go where she is going,” Remle spoke up. “Stay with me and fight off the others when they come.”
    Trip whipped around to face his friend. “You expect me to simply give her my blessing to ride off with ghosts?”
    “If you make her choose, I have no doubt Miss Shye will choose you.” Remle cast her a consoling look. “But if you cage the eagle its spirit will never be the same.”
    She stared up at Trip as he turned back toward her. “This is who I am. I was Shadow when we met. I cannot change. But he is right. If you force my hand, I would choose you.”
    A host of mixed expressions flitted through his eyes. “I can’t upset the balance of your world. Though I will be lost without you, I won’t force you to choose. We pledged ourselves to marry and when you return, I want to make you my wife.”
    “Even if I must disappear now and then?”
    “Yeah…I know we had agreed to wait until I take Draven down, but I don’t want to lose you. Since you must go, will you ease my agony by agreeing to marry me after your mission is completed?”
    “I’d love to marry you. I’d marry you right now if I could but Nagi waits.”
    Strong yet gentle hands framed her face. His lips drew close to hers. “I will wait for you… Shadow . I’ll be riding the roads watching for your return. I love you.”
    “I love you too.” She returned his sweet kiss with deep affection. “I’ll find you.”
    Shye stepped outside with some hesitation and closed the door behind her. Just when she thought they had a decent plan to take back what Gage had stolen, the tables turned. Almost everyone in her community had heard of the Rain Riders, yet nobody had ever seen them. Just like many legends—rumored to exist, but never seen. Still, in her soul she sensed this was the right thing to do. She’d danced with Nagi on the highway but had never ridden with spirits. This new calling frightened her somewhat.
    However, she’d never been one to bow to fear.
    The sky looked rather strange tonight. A peculiar red hue hung in