Leopard 02 - Wild Rain

two passages can be explosive.”
    “Do you know how completely ridiculous that sounds? If I was watching a movie, I’d burst out laughing.”
    “Except you know what I’m saying is true. You’ve felt the animal roaring to get out. I’ve seen you come close to the change.”

    “Why wouldn’t my mother tell me? In all the stories she told me, she never once mentioned I could assume another form.”
    “I don’t know, Rachael, but I’m certain you’re one of us.”
    “And if I’m not?” Her dark eyes moved over his face. “If you’re wrong, would that mean that we can’t be together? Are you allowed to be with someone that isn’t a part of your people?”
    His palm cupped her face, his thumb sliding over her skin. “I’ve been banished, sestrilla, no one can tell me what I can or cannot do.” He leaned down to kiss her. “I’m coming back for you.”
    “You’d better come back for me. I don’t want to wrestle alligators by myself.” She tried not to cling to him, although she wanted to hold him to her. There was nothing she could say or do to stop him.
    Rachael knew how stubborn he could be. It was impossible to argue with him when he made up his mind to do something. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. Whatever past they may have had seemed to intrude at the worst times. She knew him. She knew what he was like. “Just go, now, while it’s dark. Remember, if you’re right and he followed us, he could already be searching the riverbanks to see where we came out.”
    “You’re upset.”
    “Of course I’m upset. I’m stuck here with this stupid leg and you’re going to risk your life to stop this hit man.” She shoved her hand through her hair, angry and near tears. “Don’t you realize he’ll send another? And one after that? And another and another? He’ll never stop.”
    Rio nodded. “I figured as much. It doesn’t matter, Rachael. We’ll take them one at time and if necessary, I’ll have a little talk with him.”
    Her face drained of all color. “No. No, promise me, Rio. You can’t ever try to get near him. Not for any reason. You can’t hurt him. And you can’t try to see him.”
    The anxiety on Rachael’s face twisted at his insides. “Rachael, I’m coming back.”
    “I know you will.” He had to. She couldn’t stay in a cave beneath the riverbank forever—unless he was with her. She might be able to live anywhere with him. The thought was frightening. She’d never considered that she might want to spend her life with someone. A lifetime seemed a long time to want to be with someone, yet, if she could have him, she would want more than one lifetime with Rio.
    Rio forced himself to turn away from her, from the look on her face, so lonely, so vulnerable, so much pain in her eyes. He didn’t dare gather her to him, he’d never let her go. He waded away from her.
    “May all the magic of the forest be with you and may good fortune be your companion as you travel.”
    Her voice was rough with raw pain. “Good hunting, Rio.”
    He stopped, keeping his back to her. He had glimpsed pain in her before. Knew the signs of trauma and betrayal. Was familiar with rage born of helplessness. The anguish went deep and left scars. He couldn’t look at her. Her suffering was harder to bear than his own. “I don’t know anything about love, Rachael. Meeting you was unexpected, but everything about you makes me happy. I’m coming back for you.”
    He continued to wade out into the water. She was crying. Her tears would be the end of him. He’d rather face the entire bandit camp than face her tears. There was no way to change what he had to do.
    He couldn’t comfort her. There had been violence in her life. He recognized the signs. He could only hope that by doing what was necessary he didn’t lose his chance with her.
    Rio went under the water, swimming through the narrow tunnel he had painstakingly scooped out and shored up with an artificial tube. It had taken several years to find the chamber and secure an entrance.
    He had several places scattered around the river and forest he could use if necessary. His people were a secretive, cautious species and he had learned over the years the value of preparation.
    Once under the small falls, he swam underwater to the center of the river and allowed it to sweep him farther downstream. He didn’t want to leave tracks or scent for the hunter after he’d taken such careful precautions to keep Rachael safe. It was a