Thunder Read Online Free Page A

have hit me.” Selah fisted her hands at her hips. It was more an act of disrespect to her well-being. Raza seemed to enjoy instilling fear in her.
    Raza smiled broadly. He tousled her ponytail and rubbed her head. “I know how to aim, little girl.”
    She jerked her head away. Anger swelled, making her legs tremble. “I’m serious, Raza. I’m telling Father. You know what he told you about throwing near us.”
    Raza stood over the fallen form. He stooped, grabbed a handful of blond hair, and lifted Bodhi’s head from the sand. “Good job, little sister. He’s a Lander. You distracted him long enough for us to close the deal.”
    Selah ignored the little sister remark. This was not the time and it wouldn’t get her anywhere. She lost focus when she allowed herself to get visibly angry, and he knew it. She peered over his shoulder, looking at Bodhi for a wound. No blood, just a big bump separating his hair on the back of his head. She winced. That was going to leave a mark.
    She knitted her brow and thrust out her chin. “I wasn’t distracting him for you. He’s my catch. Not yours.”
    â€œNot today, little sister. My ’rang took him down and he’s mine. It’s five thousand credits if that mark is still there inthe morning.” Raza tied Bodhi’s limp arms behind his back and proceeded to truss his legs.
    Selah opened her mouth to protest. But what good would it do her? She knew Father would back the boys and ignore her attempt at hunting. Emotion stormed in her like a raging bull. She wanted to lash out. Scream. Stomp. None of it would help. They’d just laugh. She was so frustrated she could cry, but she refused to give them the satisfaction.
    Cleon, carrying the staff, bow, and a few knives, returned from checking the other fallen bodies. “Sissy, it looks like you got yourself in a bit of trouble here.”
    Selah winced and gritted her teeth. Her brothers called her sissy to bug her. It was partially her fault for letting them see that it got to her.
    â€œI did no such thing.” Selah looked up the beach at her bucket and kapos, unwilling to admit she was defenseless. They’d never let her live it down. “I knew exactly what I was doing.”
    Raza tied the last knot and rose. “What’s their condition? Anything we have to worry about?”
    Cleon dropped the booty and shook his head. “No, nothing at all.” He pointed at Bodhi. “This guy is a real bad one. They’re all dead. Got to keep him tied up tight or there’ll be trouble.”
    â€œHe was helping me,” Selah said, looking for any way to make them give her credit. Maybe if she could convince them that she’d charmed him, they might relent.
    â€œSaw the whole thing.” Raza pointed his finger at her. “You’re stupid to get yourself in the middle. Hunting is not for babies.”
    â€œTomorrow I’m a woman.” She tossed back her ponytail and crossed her arms over her chest.
    Raza laughed. “Yeah, saw how well you handled yourself. Couldn’t have been worse.”
    Cleon lowered his head. To his credit, he wouldn’t treat her this badly if Raza wasn’t around. He was protecting his own status with their older brother.
    Selah turned on Raza. “You saw it all? You were going to let those Waterside boys beat me up?” She glanced sideways at Cleon.
    His cheeks turned bright red. His pale complexion always gave him away when embarrassed. “You weren’t in danger. I was right here. Besides, the Lander seemed capable.”
    â€œThat’s not the point.” Selah noted Cleon spoke only for himself. At least she could count on him in time of need. She turned and pointed at Raza. “Were you seriously willing to let them beat me to build your ego and prove I’m not fit to be a hunter? Or was it payback for my skill in thwarting your attempt to be my