“The night was dark and full of stars, hardly any clouds in the sky. I rode toward the horizon with the wind on my back. I was relaxed, enjoying the throttle of the engine and the freedom.” He paused to rub the back of his neck with a sheepish grin, “Until I saw the lights. Like something straight out of a science fiction movie, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Bright lights in a wide spectrum of colors and a greenish tinge that reminded me of the Northern Lights.”
“What did you do?” I asked, totally sucked in by his story.
“I decided right then and there that I had to know the source of those lights. They seemed to call to me, to tug at my body like physical hands. It was fuckin’ weird,” he admitted, and Bryce smirked while Ghost shook his head.
“I guess we always knew you were a little fucked up,” Valan laughed.
“I rode toward those lights and followed for nearly an hour until I came to a clearing out in Juniper Hills. It was always peaceful up there. Quiet and calm away from the city and the stars were always so bright. Patty used to say that all the time,” he sighed and ran his hand through his cropped silver hair. “The first thing I found when I stopped my bike were the lights dimming. I thought I would miss where they came from and it made my heart hurt for some strange reason. I ran until I found a woman, beautiful and slender, a fucking knockout with blonde hair and green eyes that seemed to see into my soul.”
“Holy shit,” Jake replied the same moment Valan smirked. “Wish I would have found one like that.”
“Love at first sight?” I asked dreamily, leaning my head on Pete’s chest.
“Oh yes, and I never would have believed it possible. Still wouldn’t believe even if you all swore but I couldn’t deny what I felt and knew. Patty was everything I ever desired, my dream girl. I never knew a love like that and haven’t since. When we had Pete, I thought life was perfect.”
Peter didn’t say anything, but I could feel how much that statement affected him. Surprised I could sense him so intensely my eyes nearly filled with tears. I squeezed him tighter as Mack continued.
“She didn’t tell me who she was for a long time. I think she wanted to make sure I loved her first and wouldn’t freak out or leave her. Patty admitted she wasn’t fully human. She’s from the future –”
“Bullshit!” Valan stood and began to pace. “How can you expect us to take this all in as gospel?”
Ghost shook his head, “Bro, I got to agree. This is insanity.”
“Not the fucking Terminator,” Jake joined in, leaning back in his seat.
Bryce stood and inhaled a deep breath, “I’d think the same as all of you if Edge and I didn’t share a similar moment.”
Three heads swiveled to look at Pete. Peter leaned forward slowly and reached toward Bryce. The moment their outstretched hands touched, a greenish glow enveloped their bodies and a crackling like static electricity filled the stagnant air. Everyone in the room gasped, and several jumped from their seats.
“You boys are half human and half . . . alien I guess. Maybe? Time traveler? A combination of both? I never learned what her species was called although I know they were some kind of humanoid with far superior technology and intellect. I don’t know the specifics. I’ve spent years researching but have come up empty for the most part.”
“So what does this mean for us, Mack?” Bryce let go of Pete and sat down.
“I don’t know. You’re part of a time traveling race that seeks the stars and protects the secrets of what she called Riders.”
“Riders? Like this club?” I asked, frowning at his description.
“Precisely. This club was founded to protect the line of those who travel, who jump – I guess you could say – in time. The founders were members of her race who crashed on Earth when their ship had several malfunctions. Humans weren’t ready to accept alien intervention in their lives. So they stayed hidden and established this club, having children with humans and establishing relationships in order to build for the future.”
“So are they aliens or part human or what?” R.J. frowned.
“They’re just like you and me – the same looks and anatomy – but with far superior strength, intellect, and enhanced senses.”
“Enhanced senses,” Jake repeated. “Shit.”
Ghost whistled. “Is that why Jake, R.J., and Pete are so close?”
Mack nodded.
“Ravage Riders? So I get the Riders part. What about the Ravage?” my curiosity seemed to grow the longer we sat here.
“Ravage because Riders can access ripples in time or any part of the timeline. They ravage or repair tears in the continuum and can jump through black holes. Their power is astounding.”
Silence greeted his words for several minutes.
“Is it only me and Bryce?” Peter’s question made Mack smile.
“No, I believe every member of this club has an affiliation of some kind.”