Awakening: A Timeless Series Novel, Book Four (30 page)

Brogan’s gaze focused on me, and I swallowed. The last words I’d heard him say were
that I’d killed Daniel, and I’d thought they were true. He’d been harsh on me, angry, judgmental…was he still? Had I moved up from being pond scum?

He made his way
toward me, and my heart began to race. I stepped back, running into Colt’s chest. Callon moved closer.

Brogan stopped, his harsh gaze meeting Colt and Callon’s, before falling to me.

“We’ve had our differences, princess.” He paused. Layla stepped beside Brogan, touching his elbow. “And I know I’ve been harsh, and what some would call cruel.” He glanced around. “But I’m sorry for doubting you and for hurting you with my harsh words. I’ve only realized now how much damage I may have caused. Mistakes were made and well…I put a period ending your life story when you married Marcus, a period when I should have placed a comma.” He stopped as if he was unable to say the words, waiting to see my reaction before continuing on. “I won’t ever coddle you on the battlefield, and I won’t praise you for things that you should already be doing. I push to make you better; I criticize to make you harder. I do it because I know you’re capable of so much more than you can imagine. I know this because I’ve seen it firsthand.”

I stood riveted, unable to reply. Brogan
had been rough and hurt me deeply, but he hadn’t said anything that I hadn’t thought about myself. And had he just given me a compliment of sorts? He believed in me…

“Speechless, huh?” he snorted and winked at Layla. “I told you I still had that
effect on women.”

Layla elbowed him,
giving me a soft smile.

“We’re proud of you, Cheyenne,” Layla said sweetly. “Regardless of what’s happened, we stand behind you, ready to battle with you—together.”

“Thank you,” I said, finally mustering the words to speak.

She leaned in and hugged me, placing a soft kiss on my cheek.

“Brogan’s like the overbearing brother,” she whispered. “He just wants to see you succeed. And you have to love him even when he’s a jerk!”

Koda moved closer, as Layla stepped back. His eyes held a brightness I hadn’t seen before...they were filled with hope.

“I hear we owe thanks to Jahlem and Darrien,” Koda said, glancing over at them. “Also heard it was a rough ride back.”

I sighed and looked down
, knowing he was addressing the elephant in the room.

“What happened with Skylar,” he said
, reaching for my hand. “He knew the risk going into this—we all did—but he didn’t die in vain. He knew there was a greater purpose, and he sacrificed to get us there—to get you here.”

Koda’s warm fingers tilted my chin up.

“He asked to go with Nakari to help you. This was his choice. He believed in you, Cheyenne. He believed that you’d be the one who could defeat Marcus, and I believe it too.”

Tears I fought to hold back beaded in my eyes.

“We believe in you too,” Bree said, moving next to Koda.

“And I do too,” Clayton said
, standing behind Bree.

I reached for Clayton’s hand, knowing how close he and Skylar were. He gave a faint
nod before Brogan ended the moment.

“Blah, blah, blah,” Brogan grumbled
. “Now let’s move past this and figure out what the hell we’re up against.”

Layla elbowed him in the stomach, but I caught the faint smile he gave me.

My family was back.

We moved into the dining room,
where Dex spread out what appeared to be several maps. We circled the large table, Callon moving beside Dex, while Colt stayed at my side.

“From what Nakari
told me,” Dex began, “Marcus is coming into our backyard for this fight.” His eyes focused. “Nakari couldn’t have played it any better. We have the advantage here.”

Callon leaned over the map, pointing to what looked like mountain ranges.

“This is about a day’s ride from here, in good weather conditions. We’ve got one pass to cross, and the snow’s deepening.” He glanced around. “If we can stay atop the ridge here,” he circled his finger on the map, “we have the advantage of not only seeing them coming, but they’d have to battle us uphill.”

“That’s assuming they come from the north, Callon,” Brogan said. “What if he comes from the east, like us?”

“There’s a canyon, here,” Colt’s finger traced the paper, just beside the mountain ranges Callon had originally pointed to. “It’s only about fifty miles west of where Callon suggested we head.”

“So we’d skip the mountain pass?” I asked
.

“Too risky,” Callon replied, not answering my question. “If he beats us there
, we’ll be sitting ducks.”

“But if we beat him there,” Koda said scratching his chin, “then he’ll be the one who’s vulnerable.”

I studied the map, trying to make sense of it. Both Callon and Colt knew the area better than I did, which was to their advantage. But I didn’t like either idea. Crossing a mountain pass this time of year with all the snow and chance of avalanches…Timeless or not, it would be a hard trek. Our horses would be worn out before we even arrived, and not everyone had internal heat like me.

A
canyon might work, but only if we beat Marcus there. Still, the real question was how would we know Marcus would follow us in there?

“How’s he going to know where to find us? What’s our guarantee that he’ll come to our location?” I questioned.

“You, Cheyenne,” Callon said.

Realization hit. “Because I’m his tracking device.” I shook my head, my brows narrowing and stared at the map. “But I thought closing him off from my thoughts ended that link?”

“You need to reopen it,” Callon replied.

Our eyes met. “What?! Are you crazy?” My hands flew in the air.

“She just got him out of her head, and now you want her to bring him back in?” Colt snapped, moving closer.

“I’ve got to side with her on this, Callon,” Andre said
, pushing her way close to him. “You didn’t see firsthand what he did to her. It’s not worth the risk.”

“But with great risk comes great reward,” Maes
countered.

“
Risking what?” Lilly said, her cheeks growing red. “That we might lose her forever?” Dex rested his hand on Lilly’s elbow.

“It’s not what you think,” Callon said
, holding his hands up, his gaze never leaving mine. “We created barriers, barriers that can’t be broken. However, he has no barriers from you. Taunt him, as he taunted you. Make him think he’s pulled thoughts from your mind, thoughts about our battle plans…”

I finished his sentence. “Ensuring he comes precisely where we want him.”

“Exactly.” He nodded, his gaze softening.

I focused back on the map again, to the canyon Colt had pointed out.

“So if we take the canyon, we can draw his army in, but I don’t see Marcus himself taking that path. He’s going to hold back, hoping to draw me out.”

“Which is what we want, Cheyenne,” Maes said. “A one
-on-one battle, the odds are now even.”

“He’ll hold back some of his army, hide them in the forest,” Jahlem spoke and
stepped up to the end of the table. “He never fights one-on-one.”

“Who does he have now since he’s lost two of his best warriors?” I asked.

“There are others,” Jahlem replied.

“But not like the two of you,” Maes added. “You and Darrien could
find a man and ambush him before he could make a move.”

Jahlem nodded and glanced at Darrien.

“Speaking of men,” I glanced around. “I was told we’d have more here to do battle with. Where are they?”

“A few miles away,” Brogan replied. “It’d be a little crowded to have a few hundred knocking down your door.”

“Are these Timeless who’ve fought before?”

“Yes,” Koda replied. “And they’re ready to see this come to an end. They’ll follow you anywhere you lead, Cheyenne.”

I swallowed. I hadn’t been a great leader in the past; it was time I stepped up to the plate.

“So we head for the canyon as Colt suggested,” I ordered. “How soon can we leave?”

Chapter 24

We were leaving within the hour. At least that’s what we decided based on our battle plan. We needed to get as far ahead of Marcus as we could. We needed the element of surprise.

My shaking hands yanked down a white turtleneck from the hanger in my closet, and I rummaged through my jeans
to find some white corduroys. I needed to blend into the snow as much as possible, and I didn’t have time to go shopping for winter camo gear. I’d barely given myself enough time to shower; but I needed a distraction from my nerves. Luckily, I could dry my hair quickly, one of the benefits of the fire element. I paused and stared down at my palms, trying to stop the twitching. Had I made the right decision in heading towards the canyon?

“Cheyenne?” Colt’s voice echoed in the large bathroom, followed by a knock on the door. “You dressed?”

“Come on in,” I replied pulling the turtleneck over my head.
Keep calm, Cheyenne
, I repeated in my mind, trying to reassure myself the direction we were taking was the right decision. “I’m in the closet.”

Heavy footsteps sounded
, and a shadow paused in the doorway. He was dressed from head to toe in tan, white, and grey camouflage. Obviously this wasn’t the first time he’d fought in the winter months. He gave me a faint smile that quickly faded. His gaze fell to my hands, and I clenched my fists, hoping to hide the quivering.

“I found these boots for you,” he said holding up a pair of off-white
, fur lined boots. “Another option are these.” He pointed to a pair on the lower shelf.

I glanced
at the shelf where he’d pointed, and grabbed the tall brown riding boots, dropping one. I quickly bent and picked it up.

“I think these will work better,” my voice quaked. “The others are a bit too bulky
. It’ll be hard to run in them.” I sat on the cushioned bench, trying to pull them on.

“But your feet might get cold in your riding boots.”

Now it was my turn to give a faint smile. I stood and reached out, touching his hand, heat spreading to my palms.

“Built
-in heater, remember?”

“I think
Callon’s going to like snuggle time in the future.” He winked, trying to make me feel at ease.

Warmth spread through me, and I knew my cheeks had reddened. No matter what had transpired in the past, all the heartache we’d been through, he still wanted
what he thought was best for me.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

He stepped closer, his fingers grasping mine, and I couldn’t help the feelings bubbling up inside, as much as I tried to hide them or push them back. Colt was always my safe place.

“I’m scared, Colt,” I said, my fingers
tightening over his.

“I’ll always believe in you, Cheyenne,” he said, his eyes softening. “I’ll always trust you, and have confidence in you no matter what.”

My heartbeat thudded loudly in my ears, as butterflies fluttered in my stomach. My mind whirled back to what my parents had told me over and over again…love never stops believing. Colt loved me without reservations, always had and always would. Being trusted was the greatest gift that could be given to another, they’d said.

“I love you, Colt. You are, and forever will be
, my sunshine.”

He moved closer, his fingers tilting my chin up
, and placed a tender kiss on my forehead.

“I’ll always love you, Chey.”

We stood motionless, each absorbing one another, our friendship, our love, and not knowing if this would be our last moment together. We were heading into battle, and my hearted ached at the thought that some might not make it through…

“It’s time,” he said.

I sighed, not wanting to break the bond between us, but it was, as he said, time to leave. He grasped my hand, as we headed towards the great room. Hopefully the jacket he found was cream colored as well.

Andre, Nakari
, and Callon turned as we entered. They had also managed to find camouflage to hide themselves in the winter landscape. Andre and Nakari made a straight line for me.

“Here, let me help,” Nakari said, as
she came around behind me. “Sit here.” She pointed to the coffee table and began to braid my hair. “You need it out of your eyes.”

I didn’t argue
. I knew I did, but figured I’d do it on the ride.

Andre grinned.

“She’s bossy that way. Hair’s her thing.” She winked. “You’ll get used to it.”

“I’m not bossy,” Nakari replied
. “It’s just that you’re the one who made a big deal out of her appearance the last time she was with me. Didn’t want a repeat.”

Andre rolled her eyes.

“I saw that,” Nakari snapped. “Be nice or the next haircut you get from me could end in a disaster.”

I gave a faint smile. I knew they were performing this show to help ease my nerves, and it was working. Nakari finished up and patted my shoulder. She and Andre headed for the patio door.

“We’ll wait for you out here,” Nakari said, and the French door closed.

I stood and stopped in front of Callon and Colt. I had a good idea of what was to come next. Callon needed to show me how to establish the one-sided connection with Marcus.

“You ready for this, Cheyenne?” Callon asked, taking hold of my hands.

I nodded.

“I want you to close your eyes, so you can concentrate. I want you to go back into the room, the bright room where you opened up all your memories.”

I pressed my eyes closed and pictured myself back in the now brightly lit room.

“I’m there,” I murmured.

“Find that window you closed, the window Marcus was using to manipulate you.”

I waded through the happy memories, warmth tickling my skin. I couldn’t help it as a smile began to spread, and love seeped through my veins. I stopped before the black window I’d closed, waiting for his next direction.

“Do you see another window beside it? One that’s misty, but has light beaming around the edges?”

I glanced to my right, and a misty window came into view, one that had light illuminating the edges like he said.

“I found it.”

“Open it very slowly. If you do it too fast, he’ll know what’s going on.”

I moved closer, my fingers finding the top ledge
, and I began to push it gently up. The light gathered near the opening while the gray mist slowly seeped inside. I stared at the contrasts of colors, like night and day, the ashy color forming when the two combined, diluting them both.

“Did you do it?” Callon asked
, breaking me from my trance.

I opened my eyes to see the intensity in his.

“Yes, it’s opened.”

“He can’t touch you, Cheyenne,” he
reminded me, reaching for my hands, “but you can reach him. It’s going to be tricky, but you’re going to have to make him think he’s the one initiating contact again.” He squeezed my fingers. “I’m going to be here every step of the way, and I’ll let you know when to make contact.”

I nodded and glanced at Colt. He shifted on his feet, and ran his fingers through his hair.

“We need to get going,” he said.

I again nodded, unable to speak, as my stomach grew queasy, and followed them out the back patio door. A pathway had been dug through the snow
, and we followed it. A large red barn appeared to the left of the house, nestled in pine trees. I heard Mandi’s familiar whinny as we drew near. My family was already mounted on their horses. All of them were just waiting for Callon, Colt, and me.

Lilly shifted uneasily in her saddle as I passed, blink
ing rapidly. She was just as wound up as me about the battle; she also knew that all of us might not return.

“Cheyenne,” Darrien nodded as he held Mandi for me while I mounted. He paused, his hand gripping mine. “I will always fight by your side, Cheyenne.”

My throat tightened, and my eyes watered as he departed. I took a breath. So much weight was upon my shoulders now. I didn’t have the option of failure.

“Let’s ride,” Koda
commanded as he waved his arm, leading our pack.

We took off in a fast trot towards the lake. Daniel rode closer
to me, his eyes downcast. He extended his hand, giving me a pair of white gloves.

“I know you probably don’t need it,” Daniel said, “but just in case
, I wanted to make sure you were warm.”

I grasped his hand before taking the gloves,
and his blue eyes met mine.

“We’re all going to make it, Daniel,” I said
, reassuring myself more than him.

He sighed. “But I don’t have any powers to help
. I—I feel helpless.”

“You’ve done your fair share of helping me in the past
. Now it’s my turn to help you.”

Bree’s mare came alongside Daniel
’s, her gloved hand coming to rest on his forearm.

“He wants to help, Cheyenne,” Bree said, her gaze downcast. “We just don’t know what we can do.”

“I know you two won’t let anyone down,” Colt spoke up as Sam came alongside me. “Honestly, Bree, I can see you clubbing a Tresez to death with a tree branch.” He gave a small chuckle. “I don’t have the same strength that I used to, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make a difference. There are plenty of Timeless in the ranks that don’t have special abilities, but they’re fighting just the same. Everyone contributes; everyone is a part of this battle. We work together as a team.”

Neither Daniel nor Bree replied, but instead gave a hesita
nt nod as they fell back behind us.

I fidgeted in my saddle as we rode on. Mandi gave a wild snort
. I was transferring my unease to her. Daniel, Bree, and Colt’s words had sunk in deep. Callon, Colt, and Daniel were all riding into battle powerless. How were they going to fight? Daniel had always been used to jumping in and out of danger, Colt had his strength, and Callon, he could use his mind to control the enemy if he had to, but now they had nothing to defend themselves with. I couldn’t lose them…

We’re watching over them,
mon espoir
, Maes said in my thoughts.
No harm will come to them, I promise.

You can’t make that promise, Maes
, I replied.
No one can. You and I both know Marcus will be angry. He’ll do anything and everything to cause me pain, including killing them. You know he targets all of you, because I love and care for you.

Maes didn’t reply, but he’d heard me; his ears had twitched in response.

An eerie silence surrounded us, as each of us were lost in our own thoughts, preparing for battle. A fine mist came from the horse’s mouths as we trotted. Hours had passed, and I knew soon we’d need to take a rest. They couldn’t keep up this fast pace for much longer.

Soon we came to a stop beside a small stream. I dismounted and led Mandi to the water to drink. Her head nudged my back, before lowering to the cold water. Her way of telling me she was glad I was back.

I stood beside a tree, staring out into the woods. I was told we had an army waiting for us, but I’d yet to see them. It wasn’t that I didn’t believe them. I just wanted visual proof, something to help ease my mind. But who was I fooling? Nothing could ease my mind. A battle to the death was about to take place, a battle that couldn’t be stopped.

“They’re out there,” Maes said.

I jumped. I hadn’t heard him approaching. His jade-rimmed eyes studied me, and his head tilted.

“It’s your inexperience that gives you reservations,” he said. “Brogan sent them ahead to secure the area. They’ll be there when we arrive.”

I didn’t reply. His hand came to rest on my shoulder.

“You’re ready for this, Cheyenne. Don’t doubt yourself
. You are stronger and wiser than your years. Marcus fears you, because your powers are so much greater and purer than his own.”

Are they?
I couldn’t help but ask.

I wouldn’t speak this otherwise.

Callon neared, his eyes searching the forest. Maes stepped away, but remained close. Callon stopped beside me, giving Maes a curt nod.

“It’s time to give Marcus a glimpse of our plans,” he said, his jaw setting.

“How do I do it?”

“You whisper into the window you opened in your mind. You show him glimpses of the map, the memories you have of our conversation, but twist it slightly, make it appear we’re coming in from a different direction.”

“How will I know if he hears me?”

“You’ll know.”
He reached for my hands, his gaze firm and strong. “You can do this, Cheyenne. I’m right here by your side.”

I swallowed. The thought of opening up a connection with Marcus sent a chill down my
spine. The difference this time was that it was one way—my way. I closed my eyes, focusing in on the room filled with happy memories. Peace began to trickle over me, and I made my way to that ashen window, the coolness of it latching itself to me.