Cheyenne (36 page)

“
Did you have fun?” she asked cheerfully.

“
You should really ask them.” I pointed to the trio. “They would be able to explain it better.”

She turned her head and called out, “Boys?”

Not one answered or even glanced in her direction; they were apparently deep in conversation. I turned my back to them and my attention to Lilly and was about to speak when Colt swiftly swept me up into his arms.

“
Sweetheart,” he said with concern. “You’re all wet. We need to get you dried off.” With those words, he pulled me away from Lilly and carried me further into the meadow.

“
Chicken!” I firmly said as he drew me closer and kissed my cheek. He didn’t reply as he finally slowed and set me in the soft grass. He helped me untie my boots and pull them off. I slid my wet t-shirt off as well and lay them in the sun to dry. We shifted to our backs, and stared up at the sky and falls in the distance.

The sun warmed my skin as I lounged, bringing sleepiness along with it. It was as if the thunderous roll of the cascading water was singing to me, beckoning me to rest and listen to its lullaby. It was a soothing song, one that took me back to past memories—good, pleasant ones. Memories that would bring back laughter, smiles, and love.

I lay with my hands under my head. The clouds formed into long strips of white mirroring the mist rising in the air, and moving slowly, steadily, evenly toward the horizon. I shifted my vision to the mountain, and could see where the water had torn through it, carving its way into the rocks and creating the caves and indentations. I imagined how it must have been some time ago as the wild waters raced down, meeting their destiny with open arms. They dove off the ridges, elated to meet the rocks below, and then as if in a joyous celebration, reaching up and dancing in the mist. I sighed.

Colt rolled to his side, propping himself up with his elbow and stared at me. “What are you thinking about?” he asked quietly.

I sighed again. I loved looking at him. “Lots of things.”

He placed his other hand across my waist and drew me closer. “Like what kinds of things?”

I grinned. “Good things.”

“
Like?” He raised his brows.

“
Like how beautiful it is here.” I wasn’t referring just to the falls, and I got the impression he knew that too.

“
I see. Anything else?”

“
Sure.”

“
And?”

I chuckled as I teased him. “Oh, you want me to tell you?”

“
Only if you want to.” He grinned.

“
I was just thinking how difficult you’ve been today…from first thing this morning you have been very devious.” I tried to look stern without success.

“
Difficult, devious?” he asked in surprise.

“
Oh yes. To start with, you rubbed mud on me. Second, you wouldn’t let out of the bathroom until I modeled the suit for you. Third, you tickled me in the bedroom. Fourth you made fun of me about talking to Mandi. Fifth, you forced me into rock climbing, and sixth, worst of all…you made me jump!” I nodded firmly. “Difficult and devious, yes.”

“
Wow.” He said considering his crimes. “I guess I have been bad today. Am I in trouble?” A sly grin spread across his face.

“
Yes, you are.” I tried to sit up. “I’ll go and talk with Lilly right now.” He pushed me back down and wrapped one leg over mine.

“
See,” I said smiling. “There you go again.”

He lowered himself so his lips were just above mine.

“
I never claimed to be perfect,” he said softly.

I brushed my hand across his cheek.

“
Oh, you’re perfect, Colt,” I whispered. “More than you know.”

“
So, despite these minor setbacks, did you have a nice day?”

“
I wouldn’t call any of them setbacks, and no I didn’t have a nice day.” I paused purposely. “I had a wonderful day because I was able to spend it with the people I love.” I leaned forward slightly, and kissed him tenderly. “Thank you for a wonderful day, and thank you for giving me some freedom.” He followed me back down, his lips lingering over mine in tender caresses; just enough pressure to make me long for more, but then he stopped.

“
You’re welcome,” his deep husky voice tickled my ears.

Through heavy lashes I watched a grin appear. “You’re so bad, Colt. Your day will come.” His grin grew.

The day was coming to a close. The sun was setting, and soon darkness would arrive. He helped me to my feet, and we slowly strolled hand in hand back to the rest. Daniel had gathered firewood and had a fire started. My shirt was now dry, and I put it back on. Colt had placed my damp shoes near the fire. I got the impression we were staying the night.

“
I’m sure you’re starving, honey,” Lilly said as she handed me a sandwich.

“
Thank you.” She smiled, and I ate my dinner. We sat around the crackling fire, and chatted about the day’s events. Daniel got a little too detailed.

“
You should have seen her face when I walked off the falls,” he chuckled. “I waited at the bottom as Colt and Callon ran off the side with her screaming.” He had a twinkle in his deep blue eyes. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone scream that loud. I heard you above the falls!”

It was my turn to smile as Lilly let loose.

“
You did what?” she said in an elevated motherly tone.

“
Uh…” He cringed as he realized what he’d said.

“
You had better be nice to this poor girl! I heard about what she did to you before with the berries. I’m sure she can take care of herself if needed,” she scolded them.

“
You know,” Dex chimed in. “I could show Cheyenne some things that would work better than the berries.” He winked at me. They stared at him blankly for a few moments, and I began to giggle.

“
I look forward to talking with you later, Dex,” I said cheerfully. Colt drew his arm around me and snuggled me in closer.

“
I think you’ll be busy later,” he replied.

“
Promise?” I whispered, and his warm smile deepened.

“
I promise.”

I listened to them chat while Colt rubbed my arm. I was still a little chilled. I leaned more into his arm, as my eyes became increasingly heavy. I slouched into his chest, and a delicate hand brushed my cheek as a blanket was laid over me. I knew it was Lilly. Soon I didn’t hear their conversations anymore as I drifted off to sleep.

I woke to an eerie silence; it was still dark. The fire was down to glowing embers, and no one was talking. Colt had both arms around me, and I was tight against his chest. The blanket I had over me was now brushed to the side. I surveyed the area. A thick mist had moved in, and everyone else was gone. Colt’s arms flexed, and I attempted to look up, only to be stopped when his hand came to rest over my mouth. I was immobile as he held me; all I could do was be completely still.

My heartbeat quickened. He wouldn’t act like this unless something was wrong. And this felt like something was very wrong. I stared out into the mist, trying to allow my sight to adjust to the darkness. Something was there, but I couldn’t see anything until the fire sparked. Suddenly, through the misty darkness, I saw two black eyes staring at me. A small whimper came from the back of my throat, and Colt’s arms stiffened. The creature was low to the ground, in a crouched position, ready for an attack. A shiver raked me as the hair on the back of my neck stood on end.

It crept through the mist, and I began to see its shape. It appeared to be similar to a dog or wolf, but the size was enormous. Even crouched down, it was taller than me. Its upper lips curled as it growled, exposing razor sharp fangs. Just as the hair on my neck rose again, so did the porcupine-like quills it had on its neck.

Colt slowly lowered his head slightly. His deep voice sent a chill down my spine as he spoke, “Don’t move.”

Another low rumble came from behind. I didn’t think my heart could race any faster, but it did. I felt the blood rush from my cheeks as my head began to spin. There were two! He couldn’t fight two at once. Cautiously, the gruesome creature in front began to creep closer. Its ears twitched as it listened, and the hair on its neck rose and fell with each snarl. Colt was tense. His arms vibrated with adrenaline, his steely muscles flexing against my skin.

The beast continued its crawl forward. The grisly creature arched itself as it prepared to spring. I shook from fear. Each breath I took was heavier than the last. It only took a fraction of a second, and Colt was on his feet, wrestling the beast over the top of me. I jerked my head to the right. The second frightful animal was leaping in the air, only to be hurled in a different direction. Callon was positioned on the other side of me. Both revolting creatures began stalking again as they repositioned themselves, ready for the next round.

Almost in unison they leaped again, teeth gnashing, eyes filled with a wild rage. I turned to the side; Colt positioned himself so the beast leaped into his arms, and he snapped its neck. I whipped my head towards Callon. The other monster’s leg had been dislocated; it was limping away, howling in bitter anguish through the thick mist. Daniel and Dex’s voices rang out warnings and then I heard the echo of cracking and howling.

I lay motionless on the ground, unsure what just took place. Were these the same shadows I used to see at my house? Callon and Colt dragged the hideous beast away into the mist, and I was alone. The crackling of the fire caught my attention, and I froze. A deep menacing growl rang from the back of a third beast’s throat, and two black orbs locked on mine. I quickly sprang to my feet; desperately searching for Colt, but the mist was too thick to see him.

It crawled its way forward as our gaze remained locked. I stepped back over the log. I didn’t have many options. I could run into the field and quickly be overtaken, or I could head for the trees to my right. The possibility of diving behind trees as protection sounded better than being completely vulnerable. I took another step backwards and stepped on a large branch we hadn’t yet thrown on the fire. Lowering myself slowly, I grasped it with my right hand. I wished I had shoes on.

The beast’s hair rose and fell with each nasty breath it took. I steadied my nerves. I wasn’t going down easily. My eyes grew wide as I watched it crouch. A second later, it was in the air. I swung the branch with everything I had. I made contact with its head, and it stumbled to the side.

“
Cheyenne!” Colt’s thunderous voice rolled out. The creature leaped again as I staggered to my feet and ran. Both men were following behind me as I bolted for the trees. I darted behind a tree just as Colt and the beast rolled past. It broke free and came for me again. I took off sprinting. Colt was already to his feet in pursuit.

“
Run, Cheyenne, run!” he bellowed.

I was doing my best to weave in and out of the trees when I was knocked to the ground. The monster’s snarling teeth were next to my face. I released a blood-curdling scream. A moment later it was gone. Callon had ripped it away. I scrambled to my feet once more and ran. I had no idea where I was heading; I was just trying to stay alive.

The mist was too thick for me to see any great distance. It wasn’t until I came upon the top of the ravine that I realized the danger I was in and froze. The hair on the back of my neck stood up as I heard the heavy snorts nearby. Cautiously twisting myself, fear seized my breath. Two additional creatures stood before me, and a third, smaller one was off to the side. I crept back and stood at the edge of the ravine. There was nowhere left to go but down.

“
Colt,” I called out in a shaky voice. “Anytime you want to help me would be great.” I shook and tried to slow my breaths—it was next to impossible. The animals moved a step forward in unison, pink gums exposed, fangs dripping with saliva. They were fanning out slightly, ensuring I wasn’t going to get away this time. Their ears twitched and then pointed back. I had no choice but to hold my ground as they made their approach.

“
Colt, have I ever told you I don’t like mean dogs? These dogs look really mean.” I scanned the dark mist in search of him. The dogs’ ears twitched again, but their focus remained on me.

“
Colt,” I called out again with more desperation. “Remember how you said you wouldn’t leave me? This would constitute leaving me. I’d rather not be alone.”

“
You’re not alone, Cheyenne.” Colt’s deep voice reached out and found me. I wasn’t out of danger yet, but some relief washed over me. The creatures didn’t move, and I kept my gaze locked on them. Callon and Colt were moving closer; the creatures saw them too. In the next second, they both sprang for me. I jumped to the right and landed in Daniel’s arms—we disappeared.

“
I have you,” Daniel said, and I never felt such relief as I did in that moment.

“
What took so long?” my quaking voice replied as I latched onto him tightly. He had jumped us closer to the third smaller creature. It just stared at us. It was strange; it looked timid.

“
Go home,” he said firmly, and the creature ran.

“
How did…”

“
I’ll explain later. We need to leave.” He jumped us through the misty shadows until we were back at the campsite. He pried my arms off and said, “Stay here. Dex and Lilly are close.” And then he was gone.

A hand gripped my shoulder. I flinched as I tried to fall into a defensive crouch.