Awakening: A Timeless Series Novel, Book Four (36 page)

“And I love you too.”

Chapter 28

The warm breeze swirled around me, and the scent of wildflowers danced in the air. I stared out across the crystal clear lake, the same lake where I’d married Marcus almost a year ago.

Images of his face flashed in front of me, the anger, the lies, the deceit. He’d been a master of disguise, cloaking his real self until it all but vanished. I’d caught glimpses of the man he was once, but it had been swallowed up, sacrificed for the power he thought would bring him happiness.

A tear streamed down my cheek. So many had died in this war, and Skylar’s scraggly hair and gaunt face still haunted me. My family assured me he
hadn’t died in vain, but I couldn’t help but feel the weight upon my shoulders. He’d died so we could live.

I sighed. So much had changed since his death, and so much still had to be accomplished to bring the clans together again.

My recovery had taken longer than expected. At times it felt as if fingers from that dark void wanted to latch out and grasp me, wanted to suck me back down into that black oblivion. But Callon had taught me how to use his powers well, and Colt had been there to help me see the light. As long as he was by my side, I’d never have to worry.

Once we knew that vault was securely fastened, Colt and I began traveling, along with the other clan leaders, searching for those still in hiding, who’d thought the Timeless
were lost forever. There had been only one missing piece, the
Braid del Amour
.

Colt and I couldn’t marry until it was found, and until today, we were beginning to lose faith. Marcus’
s compound, although it had already been searched, was our last hope.

It
had taken a lot to bring me here. Too many memories lingered, for Colt as well. But somehow he was more mentally prepared than I. Even now my pulse raced, as I waited for Colt to come. Darrien had found the braid, and Colt and I would be leaving soon, but there was another task I needed to perform first. I still had possession of three clans’ power; the Kvech, Servak, and Sarac. This wasn’t good, as it would weaken the other clans too much and make the current imbalance even worse. Since I was the only Kvech alive, and since Marcus hadn’t had an heir, that meant I could only give back the Servak’s power, the power Marcus had drained and abused the most.

Of course, not everyone had agreed with the person I was going to give it to. Raina was the last Servak with any blood connection to the Servak leaders, as cousin to my mother. Her curse had also been broken with Marcus’s death, that awful blackness removed from her soul, but some still doubted her loyalty. I couldn’t deny my own unease, either, but I’d been given many second chances, and Raina deserved
one as well.

Warmth radiated near my back
, and I closed my eyes as Colt’s arms came around me. I tilted my head, allowing him access to my neck as he placed a small kiss there. His fingers caressed my arms, and the tightness in my shoulders eased. My pulsed slowed, and a peace began to flow over me, not unlike the peace Daniel used to give me. But this was different; Daniel’s peace was that of a brother, but Colt’s peace held his undying love for me.

“They’re ready,” he said.

I didn’t move, wanting to prolong the moment. Eventually we separated, and I took his hand as we made our way from the lake back to the compound. A chill raced down my back the moment we passed through the gate. Marcus was gone, but his presence lingered and would, I was sure, for many years to come.

We passed through the lower courtyard and stables and headed up the stairs leading to the French doors. Jahlem stood waiting,
wearing a smile. Freckles I’d never noticed before played across his nose and cheeks, and a twinkle grew in his caramel eyes. Even his step was light, his shoulders relaxed. Happiness, Jahlem was happy for the first time in a hundred years. He had freedom and a purpose now, a purpose to help restore the Servak clan with Raina and Darrien.

“Cheyenne, Colt,” Jahlem greeted us warmly. He extended his arm towards the door. “They’re waiting in the study.”

My boots clacked on the marble floors, and I purposely made an effort not to glance up the stairs. It was bad enough being in the study of doom.

My eyes brightened as we entered. What used to be dark and dreary was now
light and airy. Fresh color now lined the walls, and large picture windows had been added to the sidewall where none existed.

Raina rose from the couch, and I almost didn’t recognize her. Hair as white as bleached sand trailed over her shoulders and back, her olive complexion brightening her sky blue eyes. Even her clothing was no longer black
. Instead, a bright lilac dress covered her tall, thin frame. Her cheeks were full and pink, and a light shone in her eyes I’d never seen before. This was the Raina my mother knew and loved.

“Cheyenne,” she extended her hand. “I’ve been waiting for you, cousin.”

I grasped her hand, my smile broadening. A tingling sensation erupted in my stomach. Family, I had family.

She pointed towards the couch, and we both took a seat. Darrien, Jahlem
, and Colt stood nearby.

“I know this isn’t easy for you,” she said, her smile fading. “You never knew who I was before Marcus cursed me. You never knew me as Sahara and Maes did. You don’t know my strengths and weaknesses, and even I’m not sure what they are any longer.

“But I want you to know that without my Cloaker curse, I’m truly your loyal servant. I was one of the leaders of our rebellion, fighting to stop the Sarac from taking over, and you know I helped Sahara escape her wedding.” Her voice quieted. “I paid a terrible price and did many horrible things. For that I make no excuse.” She raised her head. “But I swear to you, I’ll live the rest of my life atoning for those mistakes. I want to heal our broken people, and make the Servak strong again as we once were.” She grasped my hand. “Give me the chance to right the wrongs I’ve caused, and restore our clan.”

I swallowed, knowing what I was about to give up.

“You’re right, Raina,” I said. “I don’t know you, or who you were before you were cursed. But I do know that you’re family, and the blood of the Servak clan runs through you as it does me.

“I was given second chances, and so should you. I’m entrusting you with the leadership of the Servak clan, to uphold our laws and to rule justly. To seek justice wisely and have compassion in place of punishment. Can you live by these laws? Will you seek to do what’s right in the eyes of the Timeless?”

Tears of joy rose in her eyes, and she smiled.

“I promise to uphold the laws for the Timeless, to rule justly and to be wise and have compassion in place of punishment.”

I pulled my Servak ring from my hand, and placed it on her right index finger. I grasped her hand, ensuring my Kvech ring touched hers, and closed my eyes. I began murmuring the words Dex had taught me, the words that would release my Servak powers to Raina, allowing her to be the clan leader.

I opened my eyes as
the enchantment finished, watching the green aura float around her. Her eyes were closed and her head lifted high, absorbing the powers. She blinked, and the aura shattered. It was done.

Her eyes shimmered for a moment, and she sighed.

“So that’s what it feels like,” she whispered.

I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry.

“It’s like there’s a spring of water bubbling up in me,” she giggled. The spring I no longer had. “You won’t regret this, Cheyenne. And even if you’re not the clan leader any longer, you’re still a daughter of the Servak. Visit me anytime you need advice or help. My door will always be open.”

“I will.” I grabbed her in a brief hug; the closest I’d ever
feel to my mother’s embrace.

Colt tapped my shoulder.

“That was well done, Cheyenne,” he said. “But it’s time to go.”

Darrien moved towards the back windows, stopping at the desk and opening a draw
er. He pulled out a silver etched box. He held it reverently as he moved towards me.

“I believe you’ve been searching for this,” Darrien said, a proud smile growing. “May you finally find peace and happiness, Cheyenne.
”

“Thank you, Darrien.” I gently took hold of the box.

I looked up at Colt, his gaze softening. The fall solstice was just around the corner. We wouldn’t have to wait another three months. He took hold of my hand, kissing my fingers, and hand in hand we headed for the terrace doors. We were moving on to our new lives, on to a blank future, one
we’d
create.

Destiny had found me…and lost.

*****

I stood staring out the back patio doors at our
home, Selavon, watching the morning rays hit the lake. The fall solstice would be here in a matter of hours. And it would be only a matter of hours before I walked down the aisle for the third and final time.

Butterflies erupted in my stomach, and I pressed my eyes closed. I didn’t need to be nervous about it
. After all, this would be my third time, but the fact that it was with Colt made all the difference in the world.

I sighed. After much pleading and begging, Lilly finally relented
and gave up he plans of having a large wedding. It was going to be small and intimate, clan leaders and those closest to us, our family. However, since she’d given me a small concession, I had to do the same for her. She was in charge of everything, outside of picking out my dress. Layla had offered to make another, but I declined. I wanted everything to be different about this wedding. I wanted it to be mine.

The front door opened, and heavy footsteps neared.

“I didn’t think you’d be up yet,” Callon said quietly, “considering the party last night.”

I turned and smiled, remembering the dinner,
the dancing and drinking we’d done the night before. Since Lilly was in charge, we had our night before celebration.

“Well, I didn’t drink as much as you boys,” I replied. “Timeless or not, I’m sure one of you must have a hangover.”

He chuckled and moved closer, his smile reaching his eyes.

“I just came by to pick up Colt’s tux,” he said. “He thinks Lilly left it in the closet
. He didn’t want to bug her and get her all worked up again.”

I lifted a brow.

“Again?”

“Uh, yeah. After you left, Koda knocked over some flowers and stuff for the wedding. Let’s just say I’ve never seen Koda run so fast.”

I laughed.

“Well
, feel free to look around,” I replied. “I won’t be getting ready for a little while yet.”

He nodded, but then hesitated.

“I’m really happy for you, Cheyenne,” he said softly. “I know we would’ve been content, but Colt, he’s always been the one for you.”

“Thank you,” I whispered and tears rose as I remember all he’d sacrificed for me. “You’re going to find your happiness too.”

“I already have,” he replied. “I already have.”

I turned back to the doors and stepped out, making my way to the small dock. Brightly colored leaves crunched under my feet as the cool September morning sent goosebumps down my arm. A familiar tingle hummed under my skin, sending warmth to my limbs.

I stopped at the edge of the dock, sitting and crossing my legs. Ripples appeared across the water’s surface as fish sought their morning meal, along with the occasional splash as they jumped about.

I couldn’t help but let my mind wander back to Colt, to his proposal. I smiled, as warmth filled me. It was here, on this very dock, that he’d asked me to marry him. We’d just returned from finding the braid
.

The orange and red glow from the sunset tiptoed over the waters surface, as we sat
mesmerized by the simple beauty. Colt’s warm breath touched my neck as he leaned in closer.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you, sweetheart,” he whispered near my ear. “Something that will change our lives forever.”

I leaned in closer, waiting for him to continue. He grasped my hand placing a warm kiss on my knuckles.

“There are so many things I could say, words that would tell you of my great love, but you already know. There are so many actions I could take to express my love, but
none more than this,” Colt said.

He stood, taking me with him and then
knelt on one knee. Butterflies erupted in my stomach knowing what was to come next.

“In all the years I’ve lived, I’ve never once met anyone like you who’s touched my heart more deeply, and
enternally. Cheyenne Alexis, will you marry me? Will you spend the rest of enternity by my side?”

“Yes,” I whispered unable to utter more.

A commotion started over my shoulder, drawing me from my reviere, and I smiled as Lilly barked orders at Koda. The barn doors were fully open, and he was moving the tables inside. Daniel and Bree were setting up white wooden chairs, while Nakari’s auburn hair jumped beside Lilly with a bouquet of flowers.