AwayFromtheSun

by Austina Love

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

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  For my beloved Austin whose spirit lights my way.

  Chapter One

  With a yielding smile, he sat down and pulled her onto his lap.

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Shye’s hand automatically moved to her own neck and lovingly touched the connection she would always share with Shadow…the Ghost Dancer.

  Shifting is a precious gift when life gets in the way. Will Shye fly into the shadows forever to escape heartbreak?

  Shye’s life seems like it’s finally coming together when more trouble blows into town and her wedding plans with Trip are placed on hold. The temptation to remain forever in the shadows becomes too strong when Shye disappears to clear her mind.

  Will Trip find her before his old nemesis strikes again? Or will Shye give in to the forbidden desire of darkness and power?

  As the targets continue to shift you will be shocked by the outcome of this exciting conclusion!

  The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Away From the Sun

  Copyright © 2013 Austinaa Love

  ISBN: 978-1-77111-505-6

  Cover art by Martine Jardin

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

  Published by eXtasy Books

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  Away From the Sun

  Sweet Hitchhiker 5

  By

  Austina Love

  For my beloved Austin whose spirit lights my way.

  With respect to my Native American ancestors most of whom I have never met. While writing this book I heard the drums of my past and experienced a reawakening in my soul. Though I do not resemble them in appearance, their spirit is in my blood. Visions I saw can only be attributed to my connection to those who walked before me.

  Everything I describe regarding Native Americans in this book came from my imagination and visions from my mind.

  Special thank you to my readers. My wish is that you feel the story and become swept away by the mystical aura I felt when writing it.

  To Jay and Tina, thank you for everything.

  Chapter One

  She tromped through the tall weeds beneath a half moon. Trip couldn’t take his eyes off Shye’s slender yet curvy hips that swayed as she cut her own path. Carrying a rocket launcher on one shoulder, dressed in painted on black pants, knee high leather boots and a black half-top, she looked as hot as she was dangerous.

  Beams of moonlight danced off the lustrous black mane of raven hair trailing down her back. She hadn’t said much on the ride down from Remle’s cabin to her farm. What should’ve been a time of great celebration had been delayed by filth—the dirty underworld of drug runners that had taken over her farm during the past weeks.

  “Are you sure this is what you want?” He placed a gentle hand on her bare arm.

  She turned and gazed up at him with eyes that never ceased to melt the ice of past betrayal from his heart. “This is the only way to purify my land,” she replied in a voice softer than the look of fierce determination in those huge black doe-eyes. “Isn’t fire nature’s way of burning death from the earth? I must remove all traces of the white man’s shame from my home before moving my parents onto the land.”

  “I’m sorry it went down this way.” He caressed her soft cheek with one hand. “I had hoped we could’ve taken your land back long before the situation got this far out of control.”

  She offered a brave smile. “I was really far off track when I assumed Carter had wanted the land for its rich soil and valuable minerals. Who would ever suspect the town banker as a major player in a drug ring?”

  Trip’s thoughts did a quick rewind. “You know, babe, if none of this had happened, you and I may have never met.”

  “True,” she agreed with a little laugh. “If I hadn’t been robbing his bank I wouldn’t have needed a fast getaway driver…and you are fast.”

  He couldn’t help but grin with pride. “But it was your gutsy moves that forced Carter to hire Draven. I’ve been tracking that prick for years. Seems like our agendas worked well together so far.”

  “I had no idea that Pike was working with Carter…and Gage yet!” She shook her head. “If things keep going like this, my peaceful village will become a ghost town. We’ve lost the banker and the lawyer. Wonder who’s next?”

  “The killer,” he stated. “Draven can’t get too far carrying that rain stick around. From what I saw, the Rain Riders will take his ass if he runs off with their sacred relic.”

  “But he could sell it.”

  “If he does word will travel like wildfire and we’ll pick up his trail again.”

  “True.” She nodded. “Anyone who acquires a relic of such value won’t be able to hide their excitement. What are your plans now? Will you take to the road again in search of him?”

  He slid one arm around her bare waist while holding his own weapon in the other. “Not without you. We agreed to marry once your mission is complete and the farm was back in your hands.”

  “Ina and Ate will be very pleased.” She stood on tiptoes to place a sweet kiss on his lips.

  “I hope your mother and father are as happy about our wedding plans as they are over returning to their home.”

  “They will be. They’ve wanted me to settle down for a long time.”

  “Can you settle down?” he teased.

  “With you…yeah. Just because we’re getting married doesn’t mean we have to slow down. I’ve really taken a liking to riding on your Harley. I hope there are some joy rides in our future.”

  “As opposed to running from the law and chasing criminals?” He laughed.

  Her sweet light laugh was laced with irony. “Yeah…”

  “Then I’ll just have to make sure you receive all the rides your heart desires.” His lips brushed hers in a light kiss. “I can’t wait to make you officially mine,” he murmured while their lips still touched.

  “We can get married here if you like.” Her voice rang with hope and her eyes sparkled. “I have no doubt that Ina has been working furiously on my dress. I can’t imagine a more fitting way to celebrate the reacquisition of my family’s plantation than by joining myself to you here…where all my ancestors before me shared their vows. I believe their spirits live here and will bless our union.”

  “You have the loveliest way of expressing your faith.” He smiled in adoration. “I could never deny you a thing. If your wish is that we marry here on this beautiful and sacred property then of course I agree.”
He gazed around, peering into the vast darkness that spread out around them as far as he could see. “Yes…this is the perfect place for us to become wed.”

  “You do realize that after tonight we won’t have a house until I find a way to rebuild.”

  “That’s one of the reasons I asked if you were sure about what you intend to do. Not for me, because I can sleep anywhere. I’m used to life on the road. And I have money saved to help so that is not my concern either. But you…you grew up here. This was your home.”

  “This…” She made an outward sweeping motion with one arm toward the seemingly endless acreage. “Is my home. That…” She pointed to the two-story house. “Is nothing more than a shell that has been contaminated with greed…a human trait that is lower than low among my people.”

  “I’ll live anywhere you want, but there’s no way I’m firing the first shot into your house,” he said with a grin.

  She laughed. “I understand. I can do it.” She gazed into his eyes with such intensity an ache rose in his groin. “Thank you, baby…thank you for agreeing to make our new home here.”

  He shrugged modestly. “You don’t owe me thanks. I am honored to share this enchanted land with the most mysteriously alluring woman I’ve ever known.”

  Their lips met for another tender kiss. Her mouth lingered on his and her tongue flitted into his mouth. He sighed heavily and pulled her closer. They sunk into a deep exchange of affection that left them both misty-eyed when she finally eased back.

  “Ready?” Her smile was as soft as her pretty voice.

  “After you, angel.” He motioned for her to walk ahead of him. “Besides, the view is better from back here.”

  He heard a light giggle as she marched on ahead. Her cute little behind with those apple cheeks drew his focus. Then his gaze did a bit more wandering over her shapely legs and upward along her graceful back and arms. She was without a doubt, stunning. He was anxious to complete their task in hopes they’d find peace in their lives at last.

  After plowing through unkempt grass that had overgrown the long winding drive, they reached the huge house in which Shye had been raised. A sense of sadness washed over him that she felt the need to destroy the dwelling. Still, he understood her reasons and the thought of building a new home and making a fresh start together excited him.

  * * * *

  Shye positioned the rocket launcher on one shoulder and took a firm hold. “My favorite thing about serving in the military was the simulated war games. I loved blowing things up.” She drew a heavy sigh. “But I never thought I’d be using my skills to level my own home.”

  She glanced at Trip who stood watching with sincere eyes. His sympathy for her plight shone in those dark depths. It’s just a building, she told herself. The sooner I purify the land the sooner my parents can come home. Without further delay she fired the first grenade into the house. A loud pop followed by a whoosh whipped through the air seconds before a massive explosion rocked the ground. She reloaded and launched another, then another until the home she’d been raised in became a blazing inferno.

  Trip draped one arm over her bare shoulders. “I don’t think you needed my help, babe.” A gentle finger lifted her chin and turned her face toward his. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah…” She said through misty eyes. Tears threatened to break forth, but she held them back. “I’m fine. How can I feel bad about this after we beat Gage at his game and got my land back?”

  They stood side-by-side and stared in silence as fire consumed the building. Shye loved his silent strength. He had his own demons to face yet he’d helped her first. She knew he longed to avenge his brother’s death, but when he had a clear shot at Pike, he’d stayed and helped her instead.

  “I smell rain,” she said after a long stretch of quiet between them. “The riders are coming.” Their unexpected approach sent a shiver through her soul. Instantly she recalled her time with them.

  “Should we leave?”

  “No.” Shye gave a slight shake of her head. “They come to wipe wasicu treachery from the land.” Pointing to the eastern horizon where a half moon had crept high overhead, she added, “Watch.”

  Clouds thickened but did not block the moonlight. An eerie reddish hue spread through the night sky as the riders took formation. Her pulse quickened with the desire to ride among them again. A knot of excitement tightened in her stomach as they drew closer. She could hear their horses snorting then watched in awe as the Rain Riders guided their fiery steeds downward from the sky. Thundering hooves hit the ground. Shye couldn’t tear her gaze away.

  Seconds after the riders made contact with Mother Earth the rain began to fall. She glanced at Trip who stood in utter amazement at the sight before him.

  “Incredible,” he barely muttered.

  Soaking rain merged into a torrential downpour, drenching their hair and clothes. Shye welcomed the clean wash sent by the spirit world to take away the stain of betrayal and the filth of greed. Late August heat faded beneath the cool water pouring over them. She let her weapon slide to the ground at her feet and simply stood with an open mind and heart. Trip seemed extremely tuned in as always and held her hand, lacing his long masculine fingers with hers.

  The riders scattered to the four winds, waving their dream catchers in one hand while shaking their rain sticks with the other as they swept over the land. They raced along the property lines, urging their horses to fly across the acreage with amazing speed and dexterity. She heard their whoops and whistles in the distance then closer when they returned to the house.

  Dressed in fringed leggings, loincloths, and bone breastplates, the warriors were a spectacular sight to behold as they cleansed the land. Shye did not expect this. Their visitation humbled her and made her realize just how sacred this land had become. No wonder they came back and attacked the men who stole my farm. This beautiful piece of ground belongs to my people not just to me. “I am very blessed to be chosen by Nagi,” she whispered to Trip.

  “They chose wisely,” he added in a soft voice. “You are brave and relentless.”

  “I am loyal, that’s all.” She smiled modestly. “Here they come again. They are magnificent. I can’t believe my ancestors from many generations past have come to purify our home.”

  She gasped as the herd of wild-looking horses carrying the greatest Lakota warriors of all time stepped toward her. Some of the braves looked young with ebony braids hanging far past their bronze shaded shoulders. Feathers of various colors were tied into their hair with leather thongs. Many of the older men wore full Indian bonnets over their gray hair that revealed their esteemed position among the nation. Long trails of feathers hung down their backs. Young or old, the burning spirit of a people who would never die shone brightly in their dark eyes. Even the wrinkles of age did not hide their indomitable spirit.

  Suddenly Nagi Howiwacipi—Shadow the Ghost Dancer—emerged from the gathering then slid from the bare back of her black stallion. She looked more beautiful than ever dressed in her white doeskin dress and moccasins. Her wild black hair whipped around her pretty face in the gusty wind. Nagi stepped forward then turned toward Trip.

  Shye clasped a hand over her chest when Nagi held her rain stick out to him. What’s going on? Has Trip found special favor among my people at last?

  Trip knelt on one knee before her and bowed his head. Shye watched in astonishment.

  Nagi laid a gentle hand atop his head. “Icimani Un Ki Zuzeca…you have done well by helping Shadow right the wrong committed against our people.”

  Shye blinked a few times and shook her head, stunned by the honor bestowed upon Trip and even more astounded that Nagi had given him a Lakota name—Journey of the Snake—Trip Viper. He never did tell her how he got his name when she’d inquired many weeks ago. The mysteries behind her man had finally begun to unfold. She knew very little about his past except that he had a brother who’d been a cop and was killed by Pike because he’d uncovered their drug ring. But Trip had never mentione
d his parents or disclosed any details of his past to her other than what had happened to Ty.

  His gorgeous long black hair draped around his face as he remained knelt before the original ghost dancer herself. Rain-soaked clothes clung to his muscular body like a second skin as he rested one bent arm over his knee and waited.

  Nagi’s sweetly melodic voice floated over them as she spoke to him. “You have earned the right to avenge your brother’s death. Take my rain stick…it will expose the truth. The riders will come when your mission is fulfilled and the guilty will spend eternity in torment.” She smiled sweetly, then added, “We ride above the law. Your brother’s killer will not escape punishment this time.”

  Trip nodded respectfully, but did not speak. He held out one hand to receive the rain stick.

  “Beware of deception.” Nagi placed the rain stick in his hand then stepped back. “The rain stick stolen from this land must be returned in order to restore harmony to the spirit world.”

  Then as quickly as the riders and Nagi had appeared—they rode off into the night sky.

  Shye stood in stunned silence while processing all that had just transpired. Trip rose from his position and turned toward her. His hair had grown a few inches during their supernatural encounter, which amazed her. A lingering stiff breeze blew the silken strands off his ruggedly handsome face. At that very moment he did not look like a white man—but resembled an incredibly gorgeous Indian brave.

  Her breath caught in her chest as he stared back at her with eyes like night and a smoldering gaze burning in those dark alluring depths. “Why didn’t you tell me that you’re Native American?”

  A beguiling smile tugged at the corners of his sensual lips. “I wanted you to love me wholeheartedly without prejudice. I knew that if you could fall in love with a white man even after what they did to you, that your love would be true and pure.”

  “You’ve been betrayed, haven’t you?”

  He nodded. “Once and that was enough.”

  “I just realized how very little I know about you.” She reached up and touched his face. “Will you tell me about who betrayed you and how you got your name?”