Cheyenne (49 page)

After some hesitation, Callon glanced at Colt and Daniel before he walked away. They moved in closer, making sure I wouldn’t escape. I watched Callon reach into the pack that was strapped on Bo and pull out various medical supplies. Apparently, he was more prepared than I had thought. He strode back, dropped two pills in my hand, and extended the canteen.

“
Thank you.” I swallowed the pills and then attempted to walk away. As I took a step, he blocked my path. My lip curled. Why did he always have to do this? “I just want to brush my teeth and wash my face. I’m not going to wander off.” He didn’t move, but I wasn’t going to back down. “Please, get out of my way.”

Finally, Callon backed off. His eyes moved to Daniel, who jumped up to come after me. Taking the canteen from my hands, he helped me wash up.

“
Are you sure you’re okay, Cheyenne?”

“
Don’t worry about me!” I snapped. My words came out harsher than I intended, but my pride wouldn’t let me apologize.

When we returned, I was surprised to see Callon and Colt had already broken camp. They really wanted to move fast. Maybe they were hoping that if they got me back to the cabin soon, I couldn’t run away. I headed for Mandi, but Daniel took my arm and tugged me toward Callon. As he let go, Callon took hold, and I glared at him.

“
You’re not riding by yourself today,” Callon said.

I furrowed my brow in my most impressive scowl. “Why not?”

“
I’m not taking any chances with you,” Callon answered. “You’re riding with me.”

“
Why? There’s nothing wrong with me. It was just a simple headache. I’m feeling better since I took the pills, anyway.”

Callon wasn’t listening. He seized my arm again, so tight it almost hurt.

“
We don’t have time to argue.”

I stared at him.
He who must be obeyed
was back in full swing. But there was something in his hazel eyes that hadn’t been there before.

“
There’s a good chance we’re being followed, Cheyenne.”

He was being honest with me, not withholding information for once.

“
A good chance? So you’re not sure?”

He didn’t reply, so it must not be too serious. Sighing, I shook my head. A little information was better than none at all.

“
Fine, but only for the morning. This afternoon I’ll ride alone.”

“
We’ll see,” Callon replied.

He led me over to Bo, lifted me into the saddle and swung himself up behind me. He reached under my arms and took hold of the reins. I remained rigid; I didn’t want to lean into him.

“
Relax, or I won’t let you ride by yourself later.” Callon gently pulled me back into his chest as we set off at a trot.

It was a faster ride this morning. I could tell that the trio were worried I was about to have another episode, another part of my transformation. The last one had been pretty bad; they wanted me home if it were to happen again. I knew that headache wasn’t coming; however, the nail wound above my shoulder was burning again. Mandi, too, was restless, and not just because I wasn’t riding her. She had only acted like this twice; when there was thunder, or when there were Tresez. And there wasn’t a cloud in the sky…

My eyes widened. I looked around, but no one else seemed to notice anything out of the ordinary. Callon said we
might
be followed. I sighed. Was I imaging things? My worries didn’t lessen, even when we stopped for lunch. All three hovered around me. For once I didn’t complain as I ate; something was definitely amiss. When I finished, Callon took hold of my elbow and led me to Bo. I dug my heels into the ground and yanked my arm free.

“
I said I’d ride with you this morning, but I’m riding by myself this afternoon.”

“
I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Callon replied. He was casting quick glances around us. Something was definitely amiss.

“
Look, my headache’s gone, and I ate lunch, too. You don’t have to baby me.” Riding so close to him again would drive me mad. Danger or not, I couldn’t stand it anymore.

Callon hesitated before answering. “You’ll tell me if something’s wrong?”

“
Yes, I promise.” I couldn’t be petty now; I needed to trust them.

Callon released his hold, and I went to Mandi. Colt was holding her as I prepared to mount. He ever so slyly placed a hand on my waist, pushing me into the saddle. I frowned at him for a few moments, then looked away, but not before I caught his solemn expression.

We trotted out once more, and Callon rode close behind me. A draft touched my neck, and the hairs stood on end.
An unusually warm breeze.
I’d felt it before…

Suddenly, Daniel disappeared from atop Charlie. Everyone stopped dead. Mandi became restless, prancing and snorting.

I stroked Mandi’s neck.

“
It’s okay. Stay calm, girl. Everything’s fine.” She stilled almost instantly. I saw the bemused glances from Callon and Colt and couldn’t help but feel a little smug. They’d made fun of me before—they didn’t believe I could communicate with her.

Daniel reappeared. He was uneasy.

“
There’s a large party following us, approaching from the south. They’ve broken into three smaller groups.” He looked to Callon. “They’ve sent the Trackers.”

My breath caught. Trackers! Callon was right about us being followed. The Sarac clan must have sent Trackers to kill me. I couldn’t believe it. This was exactly the situation I’d seen in my dream.

The brothers exchanged glances; a lengthy period of time passed without external communication. My heart pounded as I waited for directions. Callon moved closer and took my hand.

“
Cheyenne, go with Daniel. He’ll take you around the Tracking parties and get you to safety. If all else fails, you need to head north and hide. We’ll find you.” He paused and I saw the unease roll over his face. “You mustn’t let them see you, or they’ll kill you.” He squeezed my fingers. “Do you understand me?”

I nodded, as the details sunk in. Callon quickly removed his pack and tied it on Mandi’s back. “There’s enough food to last a couple of days. I know you’ll be resourceful if needed.” All of a sudden, I was reminded of my berry trick, and tears welled in my eyes. I didn’t want them to risk themselves for me.

Callon and Colt turned and began to ride off. I couldn’t stop myself.

“
Callon, Colt!” Both halted to look at me. I swallowed. “Don’t…don’t think this changes things. But don’t make it worse by not coming back. Promise me you’ll return!”

Callon said something, but it never reached my ears. The sound was drowned out in the rush of galloping hooves.