Awakening: A Timeless Series Novel, Book Four (38 page)

Dex stopped behind Daniel, tapping him on the shoulder as the music changed.

“May I?” Dex asked.

Daniel placed a warm kiss on my cheek.

“Love you, Chey,” he said quietly. “Destiny may have tried to screw you, but in the end you won.”

“Thank you,” I whispered.

Dex extended his arms, waiting for his dance.

“The father of the bride does get his dance,” he said quietly.

“Of course,” I replied.

He sighed
, and we began our dance.

“I know I said I didn’t know if you’d ever get to this moment with Colt,” Dex said, his voice low and constricted. “And I said it with so many reasons in mind. I, like a number of others, had always seen Callon as the better fit. I doubted Colt’s leadership abilities, but with what’s happened over the last year, I now see that I was wrong.” He swallowed, his hazel eyes watering.

“Colt isn’t the same man I once knew. He’s changed. He’s changed because of you, Cheyenne, because of your love.”

Now it was my turn for my eyes to water. I knew Colt had changed, had seen it in so many ways. He’d sacrificed his life for me, endured being under Marcus’s hand like I had and then stood strong by my side, believing in me no matter the cost.

“I know,” I whispered, knowing I didn’t need to say more.

“He’s going to be a great leader,
and the two of you side by side will bring peace to the Timeless race. I just wanted you to know that you have my blessing, with no hesitations.”

The music hadn’t stopped before Callon maneuvered his way in to dance with me. Warmth radiated
around him, warmth that had been gone for a long time. Just like Colt, the lines in his face seemed to have softened, the stress wrinkles under his eyes gone. There was clarity to his eyes that I’d never seen, and one I hoped would stay.

“You feeling alright?” Doctor Callon had returned for a moment.

“Yes, of course.”

“I had to ask, since you did just bind your powers together with Colt.” A small smile rose. “It’s not something one does all the time, although…”

I rolled my eyes and laughed.

“Yes, third time is
the charm,” I snickered. “Can I tell you how many times I’ve heard that in the past month?”

“Not enough,” he said warmly. “I’m just sorry it took that long to get it right.” He hesitated.

“What?” I asked.

He sighed. “I know you’ve probably already heard this from Dex, but you’ve made the deepest impact on Colt’s life. I don’t think you understand the magnitude of it. I had a brother before, but now, regardless of what we’ve been through, I have a friend, someone I know I can rely on—forever. Because of you, I now have both my brothers back.”

“And because of you,” I said, “because of you I’m here today, to share it all with you.”

The music stopped and Callon drew my hands to his lips, placing a soft kiss on them. Colt’s shadow lingered behind me, and his soft fingers brushed my neck.

“Lilly wants to cut the cake,” Colt said.

I nodded and squeezed Callon’s hand
, knowing it was more than Colt’s life that’d changed.

Colt led me
over to the cake, and I glanced over my shoulder. Nakari had come to stand beside Callon, their fingers entwining. Callon would find his happiness, and I couldn’t have been happier knowing that one day they’d marry, and she’d officially be my sister.

The cake was cut and drinks were served
. It didn’t take long before loud laughter filled the barn. I watched as they interacted. It had been too long since they’d had the freedom to be themselves, to relax and enjoy each others’ company. I glanced over my shoulder. Colt was busy talking with his brothers, so I headed for the main doors.

All the activit
y had caused my cheeks to heat, but the night air cooled them. I stood just outside the door, staring at the starry skies, taking in their simple beauty.

“It’s been a while since you’ve stargazed,” Maes said
, coming up beside me.

I smiled.

“It has,” I replied.

“I think it’s something I’d like to take up.”

My brow rose as I glanced at him.

“You? Star gazing?” I couldn’t help but release a small chuckle.

“What’s wrong with that? Andre says I need to learn to relax, settle down. I thought this was the best start.”

“She didn’t mean stargazing, Maes.” I knew exactly what she meant. She wanted to get married.

Maes winked at me. He knew too.

“Maybe I’ll surprise her soon.” He shrugged
.

He opened his mouth to speak again, but then closed it.

“What?” I asked.

His jade eyes softened.

“I was just thinking,” he said, “how my father made the wrong choice in choosing the Sarac over the Kvech.”

He paused, staring down at his hands.

“I’m glad the curse was broken, because now future Timeless generations don’t need to live in fear.”

“I’m glad it was broken too
. I got you out of it.”

He smiled.

As I glanced around I couldn’t help but wonder where another Tresez was at.

“Where’s Shad?” I asked.

Maes sighed. “He felt the need to leave, but he does wish you the best.”

“Ah,” I said guess
ing why he departed. “He’s still a loner at heart.”

Maes nodded, but said nothing more.

We stood silently in each other’s company, each disappearing to our own thoughts. Maes’s curse was broken, but there were still issues that needed to be dealt with, like ensuring the clan’s powers were balanced more equally. In time I’d discuss this further with Maes, share with him my visions for the future of the clans, because I knew no matter what, Maes would always support me.

Daniel jumped beside me
, causing me to startle. He grinned.

“Sorry, forg
ot that scares you, but you need to come back. Koda and Brogan are about to arm wrestle!”

Daniel took my hand before I could reply and jumped me beside Colt. He placed a kiss on my cheek and then jumped beside Bree.

“I’ll wipe your sorry…” Koda bellowed.

“You can’t do it!” Brogan jeered.

“Let’s end this here and now!” Koda replied pointing to a table.

“Fine by me!” Brogan said
, joining him at the table.

They placed their arms out, joining hands and began arm wrestling to see who truly was the strongest. Colt’s arm came around my waist, lifting me to a chair and then nuzzled his lips against my neck.

“Come on, Koda!” Andre said, slurring her words and falling into Maes. “I’ve got twenty on you! Don’t let me down.”

She pushed herself off Maes and tumbled towards Nakari who was
on her other side. Maes’s fingers missed her arm, and she toppled to the floor. I couldn’t help but laugh. I’d never seen her this way, all of them were so lighthearted.

“
Aww, damn!” Nakari blurted, picking Andre up and pulling off her shoe. “You broke my heel!”

“They were ugly shoes anyway,” Andre snapped and then snorted. “You’ve had them since like the nineteen hundreds!”

“Yeah, well at least my makeup doesn’t look like a monkey put it on!”

Andre, Maes
, and the others all burst out into snorting laughter.

The table shook and then split apart
, sending Brogan and Koda to the floor.

“I won!!” Koda shot to his feet
, lifting his hand.

“No!
” Brogan bellowed. “The table broke. Do-over!”

My stomach began to ache with all the laughter
, and Colt lifted me down from the chair.

“I think it’s time we bid our family farewell,” Colt whispered in my ear. “We’ve spent more than enough time with them.”

Butterflies erupted in the pit of my stomach once again, and I turned to him. A twinkle in his eyes grew, a twinkle I’d thought long gone. He grasped my hand firmly, leading us out the side door of the barn, but the others didn’t notice.

He scooped me up in his arms, and I squealed as he chuckled. I’d never felt so nervous and excited at the same time.

We stopped just outside my bedroom terrace door. He leaned down and opened it, carrying me inside. The scent of roses, and the soft illumination of candles burning swirled around us. He moved inside the room, and set me down.

Rose petals were scattered over the floor and bed, with a single red rose resting on my pillow. He turned me towards him, his fingers tilting my chin up, and I couldn’t help
the quiver that came.

“Do you want to change?” he asked gently while stroking my cheek.

I couldn’t even respond, so I shook my head.

“Don’t be scared, sweetheart,” he whispered. “I’d never hurt you.”

“I know,” I replied, my voice quivering.

“I still remember the young woman who didn’t want to talk to me the first time I met her.” He smiled. “The woman I had to coax a conversation out of.”

“Coax? Um, I remember being tricked into showing someone all his classes.”

“You
would have ignored me otherwise.”

I shrugged. “Maybe. I also remember a
n unruly man who instead of washing my Jeep, decided to wash me instead.”

A broad smile rose. “Who
, me?” He turned his head, giving an innocent look.

“Yes
, you.” I put my hands on my hips.

“Well, I can’t help it if you were dirty and needed a bath.”

I rolled my eyes.

He moved closer, his smile fading.

“I can’t believe how far we’ve come.” He brushed the hair behind my ear. “There were times I didn’t think we’d make it, not with all the challenges we’ve had to overcome.”

I grasped his hand as it rested on my neck.

“I wasn’t sure either,” I said, “but we fought the odds and won.”

“We did,” he replied, “and I’m never letting go.
”

His head lowered and velvety smooth lips touched mine in a soft caress. His fingers came to my neck, gently stroking it, and the
n he drew back. His eyes never left mine as he pulled off his jacket and bow tie. I watched as he untied his shoes and removed them and then his socks. He unbuttoned his shirt and dropped it to the floor as he slowly moved forward. I began to tremble as his hands touched my arms. His fingers ran up my shoulders and neck as he tilted my chin up, and his lips sought out mine.

His kiss
held such passion that it took my breath away. He was weaving and parting, helping me forget all the nerves that rolled through me. I moved my hands to his chest and rested them there.

Fingers
traced down my back and then began unbuttoning my dress. They moved over my bare skin as he firmly gasped my waist, and held me close as his kiss deepened. His kiss slowed, and he drew back.

I gazed up
into eyes that were on fire. He was showing me a passion so deep that everything inside me wanted to melt. My breath grew heavy, and I forced myself to move. I slipped my shoes off, one by one, the silken texture of the roses touching my feet. His fingers lingered at the base of my neck before he moved them over my shoulders and slipped them under the straps of my dress.

I couldn’t look away as he stared at me, his eyes roaming every inch and then he pushed my dress off. It fell like water cascading from the falls
, and I gasped. He lifted my chin, and a love so soft formed in his gaze that I couldn’t move.

“A rose doesn’t release it
s true aroma until the petals are removed,” he whispered on my lips. “Its true beauty isn’t revealed until it is opened, my love.”

I let myself fall, giving in to his touches. Finally, there’d be no more heartache and suffering. I’d be with the man I loved, forever more, and nothing was ever going to take it away from me.

I was free.

Timeless Clans Glossary

Timeless – a form of immortality, aging one year for every one hundred years.

Kvech Clan

              Adalmund – former leader of the Kvech clan – Cheyenne’s grandfather - deceased.

             
Jasalyn – spouse to Adalmund – Cheyenne’s grandmother - deceased.

             
Qaysean – former leader of the Kvech clan – Cheyenne’s father – deceased.

             
Cheyenne Wilson – leader of the Kvech clan – betrothed to Callon and Marcus.

Consilador Clan

              Callon O’Shea – leader of the Consilador clan – betrothed to Cheyenne.

             
Colt O’Shea – brother to Callon, second in line for clan leadership.

             
Daniel O’Shea – brother to Callon and Colt, third in line for clan leadership.

             
Bree – clan member.

Sarac Clan

              Makhi Guerry– father of Marcus – deceased.

             
Marcus Guerry – leader of the Sarac clan – betrothed to Cheyenne.

Servak Clan

              Jorell – former leader of the Servak clan – Cheyenne’s grandfather – deceased.

             
Sahara – daughter of Jorell – Cheyenne’s mother – deceased.

             
Cheyenne Wilson– leader of the Servak clan – betrothed to Callon and Marcus.

             
Darrien – guardian of the Servak clan leader. Skilled warrior, twin brother of Jahlem.

             
Jahlem – guardian of the Servak clan leader. Skilled warrior, twin brother of Darrien.

             
Raina – clan member, once a Cloaker, second cousin to Cheyenne

Coltooro Clan

              Dex – leader of the Coltooro clan.

             
Lilly – spouse to Dex.

             
Gene Wilson – clan member, Cheyenne’s adoptive father – deceased.

             
Alexis Wilson – clan member, Cheyenne’s adoptive mother – deceased.

Silloquize Clan

             
Koda – leader of the Silloquize clan.

             
Nakari – member of the Silloquize clan.

             
Clayton – member of the Silloquize clan.

             
Skylar – member of the Silloquize clan, deceased.

             
Andre – member of the Silloquize clan.

Laundess Clan

              Brogan- leader of the Laundess clan.

             
Layla – spouse of Brogan.

             
Tre & Jayna – clan members, twins.

             
Quinn – clan member.

Quaysaar – the forgotten/forbidden clan

Maes – leader of the Quaysaar clan, a Tresez.

Shad – clan member, brother to Maes.

Conall – A Tresez, and loyal follower of Marcus.