Renegades by Austina Love Page A

running the other through his long black hair. “I hold the black feather to shift into my shadow and the white one to return to my human form.”
    “ Nagi …the ghost dancer, has given you this power?”
    “ Nagi Howiwacipi …Shadow the ghost dancer, yes she came to me in a vision on the highway. It was quite terrifying actually but when she’d gone, the feathers were in my hands. I went to an esteemed chief of our people for guidance. He knew the story and explained the vision.”
    “Incredible.” He gave a slow shake of his head. “I’ve heard many tales during my visits with the Native American people, but never met anyone directly touched by their spirit world.”
    “My father prayed the night I told him about Carter’s trickery. I had an amazing experience during his prayer. I saw myself with him and that’s when I first heard the name coming from the trees. He told me what they meant and that I was chosen. It was Chief Blackwater who had filled in the blanks.”
    Shye glanced nervously at the bank then back at Trip. “Carter has stepped up his watch. I haven’t seen one teller leave the bank yet and it’s past noon. They always go across the street for lunch but not today.”
    “Yeah. He was fairly pissed off when the Sherriff refused to bring you in.” He brushed a messed lock of hair from her face. “I don’t want to lose you after just finding you.”
    “You had fair warning to bow out. I told you I’m on a mission,” she said teasingly, adding a playful wink.
    “Something tells me that we are running a parallel course.”
    “Oh?” She arched one brow. “Am I going to learn more about the mysterious Trip Viper now?”
    “Hm…” He leaned his forehead against hers. “If I tell you my secrets you might lose interest. I sense you’re a woman who loves a challenge.”
    “Sharp man.”
    “What’s your plan for today’s run?”
    “Not getting caught,” she replied with a laugh. “You’ll be right here? I need my fast getaway driver who’s as hot as his bike.”
    An easy smile swept over his face, the smile she already loved so much. His eyes carried a hint of concern yet the way he looked at her made her feel like the most desirable creature on earth. Even his worry failed to hide the open adoration he had for her. When he gazed at her this way flutters filled her stomach.
    “I’ll be as fast as you need me to be, then slow and easy when you’re in my arms later tonight.”
    Oh god… She placed one hand over her heart. “I best get this job done because I’m definitely looking forward to later .” Brushing a soft kiss over his sensual lips, she pulled back slowly. “See you in a few minutes.”
    He grabbed her hand before she slipped away. “Hey, babe…be careful.”
    With a nod, she eased her hand from his and headed toward the bank. Mike Carter had been poking his head outside every half hour, no doubt watching for any suspicious activity. Surely he’s seen the strange happenings on his security cameras. I bet he’s racking his brain trying to figure out how his teller, La and even he showed up on video hauling sacks of money from his bank.
    She tried to appear casual while loitering in the main square. Typically the small town was bustling this time of day. Maybe the intense heat kept everyone inside for the afternoon. Glancing up at the sky with one hand shielding her eyes, she could practically see heat waves radiating in the air. The thought occurred to her that Carter had tightened the reins on his employees in light of recent events. Nobody had been in or out of the bank except customers. Tellers hadn’t taken their lunch nor had La been seen outside of Gage’s office.
    If nobody comes out, then how can I steal their shadow and continue draining Carter’s funds? Surely he’s having a hell of a time explaining the missing money especially since he couldn’t release the videotapes without incriminating himself. She wondered how Gage had handled losing his