Awakening: A Timeless Series Novel, Book Four (11 page)

Colt hovered behind me, unsure of what to say or do. For once I wanted his warmth, his touch…but it could never be. That time had passed.

He stepped past and placed another log on the fire. I sat on the couch and watched him stoke the fire, bringing flames out of the ashes.

I
’d told Lilly and the others it was my choice and my decision. I’d also told them it wasn’t their fight. But how was I supposed to fight Marcus alone? I hadn’t a clue on where to start or how to end it when the time came. I wished for the library or Ireland, or even Marcus’s store of books. Surely my mother left me notes in her journal on how I could accomplish what she failed to do, but how would I get access to them? It’s not like I could just march into Marcus’s compound and demand my mother’s things…

And then there was my dream earlier. It wasn’t as violent as the nightmares in the past, but it was
equally disturbing. I’d talked myself up, but in my heart I was just as unsure as the rest. What if Marcus could make me do his will? Is that why he wasn’t attacking?

Colt sat down beside me, his arm coming to rest on the seatback
, and I felt myself leaning into him.

“You may have made the decision, Cheyenne,” Colt whispered. “But you’re not alone.”

We sat in silence, each lost in our own thoughts when my vision began to blur. I rubbed my eyes, and when I looked around, I was at my home in Idaho. A shadow moved behind me, and I turned to see myself. I was pacing the floor in the living room.

I glanced up at the clock at
exactly the same time my image did. It was seven o’clock. Memories pushed forward, feelings, emotions I’d long pressed back. I knew what night this was, knew what was going to happen next. I ran for the door, trying to escape, but it wouldn’t open. No matter how hard I yanked and pounded on the wooden structure, it wouldn’t budge.

My lower lip began to tremble as I sat on the bottom stair
, watching the nightmare unfold again…

“Mom, where are you?” There was
a frantic tone to my voice I’d never heard before. “I’m really getting worried. Call me.”

I watched myself pace the floor, staring at the phone, waiting, hoping
, and praying she’d call soon, but nothing happened. The other me ran to the computer and began frantically searching the internet for any news, anything that would explain why my parents weren’t there already…but again nothing.

As her heart thumped with anxiety, so did mine. Every emotion mirrored my own. My hands shook with hers as she clicked off the television. We glanced at the clock again
. It was ten p.m.

I jumped
when the sound of crunching tires echoed down the drive. A moment of relief passed through me, but I knew it wouldn’t last. I knew who was coming…

I couldn’t help myself as I moved beside my image; surprise washed over my
other self’s face when she saw it was Sheriff Taylor.

“Cheyenne Wilson?” Sheriff Taylor said, his voice warm and calm.

“Yes,” I replied, and we both gripped the doorframe.

“I don’t
know if you remember me, but I’m Sheriff Taylor.”

My head shook with hers. “Yes,
I remember you.”

He stepped closer, but then hesitated. His fingers were white from gripping
his hat so tight. I pressed my hands to my mouth, knowing what would be next.

“May I come in?” he asked. “I need to talk with you.”

Our breaths grew heavier. “S—sure.” We moved back into the hall. “Watch your step. My parents and I are going camping this week. I have all the gear out in the hallway.”

I
stared at the camping gear I’d lined up. I’d been so proud of myself for prepping so well. I’d done it so my father wouldn’t have to. I wanted to make it easy for him…I did it because I loved him, loved them.

I
sat on the couch; Sheriff Taylor perched on the coffee table before me. I covered my ears, not wanting to hear his words…but they were there just the same.

“Cheyenne,” his voice was soft and gentle. “I’m afraid I have some bad news for you.”

Everything froze in that moment. No breath, only a heart pounding against my ribs. Only my temples throbbing with a pulse.

“There’s been a terrible accident, and your parents, Gene and Alexis,
were involved. I’m sorry. They didn’t survive.”

Tears poured from my eyes,
and sobs echoed in my ears. Every single regret I’d felt threatened to swallow me whole again. I fell to the floor and curled up into a ball, rocking myself back and forth. I was alone…

“Cheyenne!” Colt’s voice boomed. “Cheyenne! Stop, tell me what’s happening!”

I blinked and stared into icy blue eyes. Colt’s fingers held my face firmly, and I lunged forward into his arms. He held me tight, his hand stroking my head.

“What’s wrong? What happened?” he said near my ear.

It was real, a real memory. Every feeling that I’d managed to push away, to hide in the depths of my mind had reemerged. Why would I allow myself to go back down that path? I didn’t need the reminder; I needed to move on…to fight.

“Tell me, sweetheart. I can’t help if you don’t tell me.” He drew back
, and I shook as he touched my cheek. “Tell me.”

“It was a memory, an awful memory,” I whispered. I pressed my eyes closed
, trying to forget.

“About what?” he asked.

I lowered my head, pulling his hands to my chest and holding them there.

“Gene and Alexis’s death.”

He didn’t reply immediately, and I heard his unsteady breaths, the uncertainty.

“Why?” he asked.

“I don’t know. It just happened.”

He helped me stand
, and we sat up on the couch together.

“You can’t
dwell on those memories, Cheyenne. You can’t allow them to affect you like this so many years later.”

I stilled. He thought I allowed a memory like this? But had I? I hadn’t even thought of Sheriff Taylor’s arrival in years…not since the one-year anniversary of the
ir deaths. How could I suddenly be transported to the scene? It was as if I was truly there again, but I wasn’t. This felt familiar, but how? Unless it was Marcus…

Colt rested his head on mine.

“I wish I knew what I could do for you to help you, but I’m lost, Cheyenne.”

I
knew there was nothing he could do for me; there was nothing anyone could do for me…it was a lonely road I was traveling. A lonely, dangerous road that only allowed room for one.

My heart began to slow
, and my breathing leveled out. But the ache in my heart remained like it was fresh and new. I’d wanted Colt after the news, wanted him to comfort me and yet he wasn’t there. Even though he was here now, the empty void remained. It was just the start of the many disappointments I’d had in my life, the start of disappointments I had with him.

But I didn’t need to focus on that right now. I needed to focus on how to defeat Marcus
, but first I needed some answers.

“Why are we here, Colt
?” I asked. “Why can’t I search for Callon myself? Why are we just sitting at this mine when we could be doing something more?”

He sighed, the tension in his arms changing. His fingers laced through mine. What was he holding back?

“Colt?” I said, pushing him to answer my questions.

“Dex and Brogan have forbidden it,” he replied. “They won’t allow you to leave, even if I’m with you.”

“Why?” My brows puckered. Did they think I’d chase him further away?

“They’re afraid you may hurt others
.”

I stared down at our intertwined fingers. “Hurt others?”
I knew where this was leading; they’d been keeping me away from everyone here. Why would it be any different elsewhere?

“Your powers, the sudden bursts, the dreams. We can’t be out where you can hurt innocent humans or other Timeless, Cheyenne. Marcus’s hold has deepened
, and until we know the full extent of it, staying at the mine is the safest place for us.”

“For me,” I said
, clarifying it. “They’re afraid I’ll lose control.”

But what about the rest of the family?
They didn’t need to stay here, but they were…to keep an eye on me. What if they were wrong? What if Marcus was making moves and searching for me? Then what? I couldn’t just sit here doing nothing. I needed to take action, to make a plan and prepare. I needed to take that first step.

The first step
was the one thing I’d been told to avoid…using my powers. If Maes and Dex were right, then I’d already established a bridge between Marcus and me. What did it matter now? I needed to learn how to control these new powers; I needed to know what lay inside. I needed to know what weapon I could use to destroy Marcus and save the Timeless clans…and the world.

“I need your help, Colt,” I said
quietly, knowing what I’d be asking of him.

His fingers
tightened over mine.

“
I’ve just been waiting for you to ask, Cheyenne.”

“
I need to train. I need to know how to fight Marcus…” I hesitated. “I need to use my powers. I need to help you regain your powers so you can fight.”

Colt had been inside
Marcus’s camp for months longer than me. He might have an idea where to start or what might work. I had to start somewhere, and I had to start now.

We sat in silence as I waited for Colt to reply. He
knew what I was asking of him, knew the consequences of our actions. He was taking into account all the details, just as I had been doing since we’d arrived. I’d been over and over everything I knew, making lists and writing down the facts I could piece together. Unfortunately, there were huge gaps in my knowledge, and much of what I had was speculation.

“This is going to be very dangerous, Cheyenne,” he
finally replied. “We don’t have an enchantment to run behind. By using your powers, you’d make us all vulnerable. You’re going to be putting everyone’s life at risk, but there is another way. We have to train, but we need to work on your endurance.”

“What do you mean?”

“Hand to hand combat.”

I should’ve been happy with Colt’s choice, but instead the burden
only became heavier. He was right; we’d—
they’d
—be vulnerable if I used my powers. I knew hand to hand combat alone wouldn’t defeat Marcus, but I’d do anything to ensure I was strong enough to fight him. I had no other choice.

Chapter 7

My fingers traced the moisture on the windowpane. The weather was growing colder; the season was changing
quickly from fall to winter. It wouldn’t be long till the snow came and we’d truly be stuck here till spring.

A black shadow caught my attention. Maes was out on patrol, searching for any signs of Marcus. It’d been weeks since
the Tresez attack, weeks of being hovered over and not allowed to step outside without supervision. Time was of the essence here, and I hadn’t been allowed to train. Every movement I made was watched to ensure I didn’t accidently lose control, and I hadn’t so far.

The dreams had calmed down too. They’d gone back to memories, memories I’d much rather have forgotten. Maybe Maes and Dex were wrong after all
—maybe I hadn’t opened up a bridge with Marcus. Unless, as Maes said, Marcus was studying me, searching for my weaknesses.

I watched the meadow
carefully, waiting for Colt to appear so we could go on our “walk.” It was the only way I’d been able to practice hand-to-hand combat safely. During my confinement, Colt had found a secret passageway in my room leading down to a door outside the kitchen. My task was to make it down and out into the meadow without being seen. It should have been easy, but eyes were everywhere, and there was no more trust for me.

It would
only be a matter of hours before the sun fell. We’d already been trying for days and I’d yet to see blond locks leaving the front entry. Wasted days that Marcus could be plotting and days that other Timeless could be dying, while I sat here in my prison, powerless. Footsteps sounded in the hall, and I looked towards the door. Koda stood in the doorway, his expression conflicted. He turned the doorknob a few times, staring down at it, then glanced at me.

“
Just checking to see if you’re still here,” he said. “I’ll let them know.”

I nodded. He hesitated for a moment and
then closed the door, his heavy footsteps echoing down the hall.

I looked out the window again; Colt had left and was heading towards the back of the building. This
was my sign. I went to the door, opening it slowly, and peered around the corner. Koda was leaning against the far wall near the stairs, but his head was turned away from me.

He’d hesitated when he’d come to see me
. He would blow my cover if he knew. It was now or never. I closed the door quietly and hurried to the corner of my room stopping before the sconce light beside my bed. I lifted my hand and twisted the tiny spindle on the bottom. A small puff of dust appeared, and I pushed on the wood panel, entering the passage.

Once inside the cramped space, I searched the landing for the candle and matches Colt and I had left there. I found
them, then closed the door. I struck the match and lit the candle. It was pure luck that we’d found this secret passageway. Colt had been cleaning, when his head struck the lamp beside my bed. A screw fell from the bottom, and as he tightened it and twisted the small spindle on the bottom, a door popped open from the paneling. The passageway inside not only gave access to the other rooms, but also allowed a discrete escape.

I kept to my right and found the narrow wooden stairs leading down.
Slowly and carefully I made my way through the small passageway, clearing cobwebs as they appeared. I had a fear of finding spiders, but a greater fear of letting my family down. I had to train. I had to learn to battle Marcus with or without their help—there was no other choice.

When Colt had suggested that we train in hand-to-hand combat, like we had in Ireland, and we all train as a group, the protests rose
quickly. For as much as Lilly and the others now wanted to seemingly help, they were fearful of me, of what would come of it, and I was forced to find another way.

Low murmurs rose as I neared the landing. I paused, staring down the passageway leading to the exit. Streams of light filtered through the cracks in the old walls; the kitchen was ahead.

Every step I made was slow and concise. I couldn’t have a floorboard squeak, because it’d draw attention to me—I would certainly be louder than a mouse. I held my breath so I wouldn’t sneeze and inched my way closer. A few more feet, and I’d be beside the rear exit. Colt warned me the door could creak, but we had found some oil and hoped it would do the trick. I just had to make sure no one else was behind the building. From there, if I could make it to some low-lying brush nearby, then I’d be able to make it to the forest.

I hesitated at the doorway, my fingers near the latch. The low murmurs I’d heard
and thought were coming from the kitchen, now sounded closer. Closer, as in outside the door. Where they waiting for me to try and leave? Had they already figured this out? Did Koda know and deliberately allow me to sneak by?

“I thought you were out on patrol?” Andre said.

I stilled, pressing closer to hear.

“I am,” Maes said.

“But…” Andre replied.

I peeked through the small crack in the siding, trying to catch a glimpse. Maes stepped closer to Andre, taking her hand in his.

“I just can’t figure this out,” he said, staring down at the ground. “I’d have thought that Marcus would be coming hard for Cheyenne, and yet he’s gone silent. Cheyenne’s outburst of powers, since we’ve been keeping close tabs on her, has seemed to go silent too.” He looked up. “Has she said anything to you? Have I missed something?”

Andre sighed. “She’s not talking to anyone, not even to Colt or Daniel. She’s gone silent herself. Every time I try to find her, she hides.”

“She’s bottling it all up,” his voice lowered. “I’ve seen it before, but this time it’s different. I don’t know whether to expect her to explode in anger, or explode in some great source of power. It’s like it’s lurking under the surface, but it’s darker.”

I remained still and
eventually the voices began to fade. I blew out my candle, setting it nearby. With the lightest touch I could manage, I unlocked the latch and cracked open the door. Through the small space I scanned the area. It appeared clear. I opened the crack further and took a cleansing breath as I realized no one was around. Closing the door behind me, I ran for the brush and hid in the twigs. The leaves may have gone, but I’d found earth colored tones to wear to disguise myself. If I kept my head down, they wouldn’t see my eyes and all would be fine. I crawled further into the brush until I reached the forest. Glancing back, I confirmed no one had followed. I took off in a sprint. I needed to find Colt.

Maes
and Andre’s conversation summed up my family’s fears. They were scared of me, as they probably should be. But I wasn’t going to sit back and do nothing. I’d follow their rules, at least for the time being, and avoid using my powers, but I wouldn’t let them dictate everything.

Colt and I had
decided to head for the falls. The sound of the water would possibly hide our grunts and groans from combat. It was also far enough away that if I got out of control no one would get hurt—except possibly Colt.

The cool air caused s
team to escape from my mouth. Timeless or not, running uphill would wind anyone. I glanced up. The cloud cover had returned, thick and full of moisture. It wouldn’t be long till we had our first snowfall, but I needed it to hold off a little bit longer. I needed more time outside, more time to train, more time before they could see tracks in the snow and follow them.

I
began to slow as I heard rushing water. I was close now. Colt should be ahead in the clearing. I stopped short, catching movement nearby. I crouched behind a large pine. I had to make sure it was Colt. I didn’t need to be caught and returned to our temporary home. If they found out, it’d be even worse than before. I’d never be left alone without watchful eyes.

A blue denim jacket caught my eye.

“Colt,” I said and moved out from behind the tree.

He turned and gave
me a faint smile.

“What took you so long?”

“The usual,” I said. I didn’t need to tell him of the conversation I’d overheard. I was sure he already knew. “We haven’t much time. The sun’s going to be setting soon, and we’ll have to get back. We need to get started.”

He nodded and pointed towards the fall
s. “Why don’t we start here.”

I stopped beside him, eyeing the falls. While the water was still flowing, it wasn’t as deep or fast as it had been the first time he’d brought me here.

“How do you want to do this? I mean, what do you want to try first?” I turned to face him.

He removed his jacket and tossed it to the side.

“I want you to show me what Brogan and the others taught you at the estate.” He moved closer, his stance widening.

“I don’t want to hurt you, Colt. You’re not as strong...”

He gave me a sly smile. “I’ll be fine, Cheyenne.” He waved his fingers in a
come on
move.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” I replied.

He had no idea what I’d been taught while he was away. I had a few surprises up my sleeves. I moved closer, my hands in a defense mode, ready for anything he wanted to start. I just had to be sure I didn’t use my powers.

Without warning Colt lunged, catching my leg. He
tried to trip me as he bent over, but instead I clamped my hands together and elbowed him in the back while twisting and rolling over and off his shoulders. I landed on my feet on the opposite side. He stumbled, but hopped up on his feet again, a wicked smile growing.

“Not too bad. Skylar must’ve shown you that move.”

“You have no idea what I’ve learned, Colt.”

“Well
then, I won’t take it easy on you.” He winked, and in the next moment, he grabbed my arm, tossing me over him. I hit the ground hard.

I gasped, but recovered
quickly.

He took a few steps back
. His hands rose and his legs spread, ready for another attack. I stood up and moved closer, waiting for his next move.

His arm came out and around in a kickboxing move, but I blocked it and landed a blow
to his stomach. He twisted on his feet and his leg swung out, nailing me in the back. Again I fell, but rolled away and leapt to my feet as he closed in.

I dropped to the ground and swung my foot out
, hitting his shins hard and knocking him from his perch. As he tumbled, he managed to grab my arm and flip me over beside him. A moment later he had me pinned to the ground, his weight holding me in place.

His chest rose with each breath he took. This had winded him more than it would have in the past. He
relaxed his shoulders, his eyes growing soft. He released one of my hands as he sat upright atop me.

“Did I hurt you?”

He thought he could still hurt me.

“Colt,” I said as my hand pushed on his shoulder. “
I’m fine.”

He gave a faint grin.
“Okay, then how do you get out of this situation?”

It was a low blow, but I didn’t have a choice. I whipped my knee up and nailed him in the stomach. His hold loosened enough that I rolled him off and leapt to my feet. He crawled to his hands and knees. He looked up at me,
wearing a smirk.

“I deserved that.” He
slowly stood and rotated his shoulders back. “Run, little mouse, ‘cause I’m coming for you.”

He bolted
after me, and I took off up the hill. Heavy footsteps pounded directly behind me. I knew he was faster than me, but I could use the trees to hide. I darted to my right, landing behind a large pine and used it to block him as I fled to the left.

I
glanced back. He was right behind me. My fingers grasped the thin pine branches and I released them like a spring, hitting him in the face. I heard his grunt, and ran on. I wove in and out of the trees as I climbed the ravine, but soon realized Colt was no longer behind me.

I
stopped, completely winded and hid behind a rock. Where had he gone? I waited a few moments for my breathing to slow before I inched around the side of the rock. The forest was growing darker; dusk was coming, making it harder to see between the shadows. There was no sign of him so I stepped out from behind my hiding spot. He had to be close…unless…

My heart began to race. What if more Tresez had found us? What if they attacked Colt? He didn’t have the same strength anymore to defend himself. I strained to hear any sounds; any noises that told me Tresez were near.

Bulky arms came around me, pinning my hands to my side, and a small screech left my lips.

“Gotcha,” Colt whispered
near my ear.

Instant relief passed over me and I squirmed to turn around, but he wouldn’t allow it.

“Colt,” I started to say when his hold grew tighter. “Colt,” I warned him.

“Stop me
then,” his voice grew low, dangerous. “One day you might be in this situation, someone grabbing you from behind. How are you going to get free?”