Awakening: A Timeless Series Novel, Book Four (15 page)

“Fine, I won’t let them find me here,” Shad answered. He tilted his head, the white lock of his hair falling across his face. “So, do you always run and cower when things don’t go your way?”

“I haven’t run,” I said, trying to hide my irritation. He was as good as Maes at pushing my buttons. “I was just letting tempers cool.”

“Huh, seems to me it’s one
and the same.”

“There’s a difference.” I moved to the far end of the kitchen island and opened the pantry door. “Believe me, I know.”

I stepped inside and began searching the shelves for a granola bar. Shad’s frame darkened the doorway. It was obvious he really wanted to talk. This was a good sign. I pushed past him and rounded the island, coming to rest on a stool near the entryway. He followed.

“I’m assuming Marcus sent you?” I glanced in his direction.

“Congratulations,” Shad said. “With powers of deduction like that, he hasn’t got a chance.”

I ignored the remark. “Yeah, and what makes you so special?”

“Ah, now we’re talking!” He moved to the counter opposite me, leaning against it and crossing his arms. “You just gotta check my resume. I mean, I’ve got plenty of experience, about two hundred and fifty years of bringing back Timeless runaways and sending them to their deaths.” He smirked. “Not that I’ll be sending you to your death, of course, as I specialize in exchange deals.”

My lip twitched. How could anyone’s tone of voice be so annoying?

“Your resume isn’t that impressive.” I lifted my hand up and studied my nails, bored.

“It’s perfect for bloodthirsty power
-hungry tyrants,” Shad replied. “I haven’t been unemployed for centuries.”

“I suppose so, but Maes’
s resume is more impressive.” I met his cool stare.

“Can’t be that impressive. He left Marcus for a woman, after all. And not a
good looking one, either.” Shad leaned back on his elbow. He was enjoying this.

I didn’t miss a beat in my retort.

“He left because he got better working hours and conditions.”

Shad glanced away.

“Ah,” I added, “your silence shows your jealousy.”

He shook his head, the playfulness back in his eyes. If you could call it that.

“On the contrary, I get amazing perks. Eating raw steak as often as I like, lovely countryside hikes, a personal groomer twice a week, and seeing Conall get his face smashed in the dirt by Raina on an almost daily basis.”

“Well, seeing Raina hurt Conall does sound lovely…”

“Oh, Raina might’ve transformed, but she’s still got a body to die for, like her troublesome cousin. Something the Servak always did right, if y’know what I mean.” He winked.

I grew still, my hands on the wooden countertop. This was news to me. Finally, something worthwhile.

“What do you mean Raina’s been transformed?” I asked. “Wasn’t she always a Cloaker?”

Shad paused in his pacing, his eyes coming to rest upon me.

“He…he hasn’t told you? Really?”

“Told me what, and who’s he?” I
asked, though I had a pretty good idea who
he
was.

Shad started laughing.

“He seriously hasn’t…oh, that’s too funny!” It took him a while to calm himself. “I can’t believe Maes would be that shallow. But then again, if my true love turned into a walking beehive, I’d be embarrassed about it too. And I’m not talking about her hairstyle either.”

I gasped.

“You’re lying,” I said, though inside I was sure he wasn’t. Shad might’ve been a troublemaker, but he wasn’t a liar.

“If that’s what you want to believe,” Shad shrugged. “Oh, and by the way
, she’s like your fourth cousin twice removed or something. She helped Sahara escape her wedding, so Marcus decided to use her spying talents for himself.” He studied me for a moment while a smirk grew. “To be honest, she was better at it before. Too much buzzing in her head, I think.”

A shadow moved outside the kitchen doorway. I ignored it, looking back down at my hands. Raina was a cousin? She was…family?

“Raina’s a Servak? She’s related to my mother—to me?”

Shad rolled his eyes.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Really, do I have to spell it out for you in glowing neon letters? Raina is a Servak. She was loyal to Sahara to the end, and had a fondness for a puppy like Maes, until Marcus turned her into the Cloaker’s mistress and forced her to become his slave. Maes still misses her treats, too, if y’know what I mean. Shame he has to settle for scraps now.”

I couldn’t utter a word. Why hadn’t anyone ever told me this before?

“Shad!” Maes’s lethal rumble caused me to look up.

“Oh, hello brother,” Shad answered, showing his teeth. As they stared each other down, anger began to grow in my veins. I kicked the stool back
, and in the same instant their heads turned towards me. I stalked towards Maes, my fingers clenched tight.

“Why didn’t you tell me about Raina?!” I pressed my
finger against his chest, and he took a step back.

Maes shot daggers at Shad.

“How am I supposed to defeat Marcus if it turns out half of his allies are my family?!”

Maes didn’t reply, but kept his focus on Shad.

“Do I have any other relatives that I haven’t been told about?!”

Maes pushed me aside and shoved Shad towards the back door. He pointed towards the dining room. “Wait for me there, Cheyenne.”

I didn’t move.

Shad lifted a brow.
“I’m only telling her what she needs to know, Maes.”

“Shut up and get out!”

Whistling, Shad put his hands in his pockets and sauntered out.

Maes took a cleansing breath and dragged me into the dining area. I crossed my arms, waiting for an answer.

“Perhaps I should’ve told you before,” he said quietly. “I didn’t think how it might affect you. I’m sorry.”

I blinked
, caught off guard. Maes never apologized.

“It’s not just that,” I said. “If I have a Servak relative alive, then if I die
, the Servak clan won’t die with me,” I whispered. I had found a part of my family…could she tell me more about Sahara?

“No,” Maes replied, reading my thoughts. “Raina is gone. She’s no longer the same woman anymore.” He reached out and touched my arm. “You are the last living Servak heir, Cheyenne.”

“Shad told me Marcus did this to her? Is this why you hate my mother so much?”

Maes lowered his eyes and turned away
, walking towards the great room. He paused, his head slightly turning.

“If Raina hadn’t been so dedicated to Sahara, she’d still be with me today.”

His footsteps sounded down the hall, and I remained still, riveted by the fact that I had Servak family alive. Regardless of what Maes said, Raina was alive, and if Marcus cursed her, then surely her curse could be broken as well. But what about Andre…

She’s all mine,
a voice whispered in my thoughts. My breath caught.
Maes will despise you as much as Sahara after I place the same curse on her.

No! I shook my head realizing who was speaking to me. The bridge that I opened…Marcus!

“You won’t!” I shouted, not sure if he could hear me. “You’ll never lay a finger on her, Marcus. Not without going through me.”

My only answer was cold silence.

Chapter 10

I paced my bedroom floor as the fire began to flicker out. Shad had wanted to speak with me and had snuck in regardless of the consequences. He was either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid. Although I hadn’t gained information on my dreams yet, he’d given me priceless information regarding Raina. I almost couldn’t believe she was a cousin, and that Marcus had cursed her because she was loyal to my mom. She was yet another sacrifice in this war that had allowed my birth, and it made my heart heavy.

Worse, however, was remembering how plainly I’d heard Marcus’s voice in my mind. He was planning to put the same curse on Andre. Had Maes read it in my thoughts as well?

“What’d you find out?”

Colt’s voice startled me, and I jumped. Obviously he knew of my encounter with Shad. I stopped pacing. He moved closer, growing concerned. “Cheyenne?”

“Shad told me Raina is a cousin of mine, and that she was cursed because she helped Sahara escape.”

Colt looked down, deep in thought.

“Did you know?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“Honestly, Cheyenne, no.” He reached for my hand. “I wasn’t great at keeping up with Timeless events unless it was directly related to me. I was selfish. And now I’m suffering for it.”

I stared into his icy blue eyes. So much remorse passed through them. I couldn’t hold this over Callon or Dex’s head either. Chances were they’d never thought of telling me, and I didn’t ask. We’d all made mistakes—we just had to move on.

“I also heard Marcus’s voice.” I paused, unsure if I wanted to say anything more.

“Really?” Colt asked. “What’d he say?”

I swallowed.

“He said Maes would despise me as much as my mother, because he’d do what he did to Raina to Andre.”

Colt stepped back and added another log to the fire. He turned and looked at me.

“That’s not good. Does Maes know?”

“I don’t know, maybe. He can read my thoughts.”

Colt stood up.

“Then we need to tell him. We need to let everyone know. We can’t let anything happen to Andre.”

I shook my head.

“You already saw how they reacted when they found out I made a bridge with Marcus. I don’t want to make things worse. Besides, Brogan hates me, and everyone would side with him and they’d kick me out. We won’t be able to protect Andre if we’re not around her.”

“Then at least we need to tell Maes,” Colt stated. “He has to know, Cheyenne. You can’t keep this from him.”

I stepped back and sat on the black velvet sofa, rubbing my head. I knew it would be best to tell Maes, so he wouldn’t have to suffer the same heartache again, but I was still hesitant. If he didn’t believe me…

Colt moved beside me.

“Did you learn anything else from Shad?” he asked.

I shook my head.

“No, other than knowing Marcus sent him for his ‘impressive resume
.’” I brushed back my hair. “He was toying with me, seeing how far he could push to get a reaction, and he got one with Raina.”

Colt
frowned.

“You have to keep your cool around him, Cheyenne. We’ll find out what we need to, I know it.”

I leaned on his shoulder, and his arm came around to rest on the back of the sofa. I could already see it would be hard to focus with someone like Shad. He liked to talk in circles, and would poke and prod where he could, just to make me uncomfortable. If I was going to match up to him, I’d need to practice.

*****

Maes and the others had more or less fortified the place from Shad. They’d also banned me from going outside alone for fear that Shad would take me back to Marcus. But there was valuable information I needed, and the chances of Shad trying to take back the unwilling, well, his odds weren’t good.

Shad also didn’t seem to mind the conflict, even if the last conversation with Maes had angered him. He was treading on dangerous ground.

I peered down the long hall. It appeared clear. I quietly closed my bedroom door, and quickly headed for the secret passageway. If Shad couldn’t get inside the house, then I needed to make myself accessible to him outside.

The passageway was cold and dark, but I managed to make my way down and out the back entry. I glanced around; from what I could tell
, everyone was busy with other things. Colt’s job was to make sure of it, but I knew he’d be close by if I needed him.

I
hurried to the treeline and stood in the shadows, watching the first snowfall. A lone black rabbit ran past. Winter was here. It would only get colder, and I wasn’t just referring to the temperature.

“What appears
small and insubstantial can in reality be a heavy burden,” Shad said quietly.

I jumped and turned to face him.
He was leaning against a tree, smirking. I glanced around the forest; sure he hadn’t been there a moment earlier. Where had he come from?

“Got that right,” I replied and turned back to
watch the snow. “Like the unexpected snowflake that hails the coming blizzard.”

“Oh,
mais parfois inattendue est la meilleure voie d'arriver,”
Shad replied.

I remained still for a moment. He’d replied in French to confuse me on purpose. Regardless, I could pick out enough words to understand it had to do with the best way to arrive. He liked the element of surprise.

“Planning and preparation have their advantages too.”

“At times,” he replied.

“But that’s not your style,” I said.

He didn’t reply, but instead studied me.

“Apparently the warning Maes gave meant nothing?” I commented.

“Maes? Ha, he’s just a puppy at heart. Besides, I’ve been living with the threat of death over my head for years. Why should I care now?”

It was obvious he didn’t care, and he wanted to talk.

“You said you could help me with my dreams,” I asked. “But I guess the real question is how’d you even know about them?”

He snorted. “You were the one slipping off to la-la land in the middle of a field where dangers lurk, but you tell me.”

I knew it could only be one of two reasons.

“Well, I think it’s because either Marcus told you, or because you have the same gift as your brother and can read my thoughts.”

“Interesting conclusions.”

“So which is it?” I turned and faced him.

“Neither are really important.”

“Okay, fine. What do you know of my dreams then?”

He smirked. “Enough to know they’re bothering you.” He stood and moved closer to me, staring out into the meadow.

I glanced out into the meadow as well. A hooded figure moved past the front of the building, but I knew it was Colt. Shad shifted on his feet.

“
Anyone could’ve told you that,” I scoffed. “Your specialty in stating the obvious is second to none.”

“You’re one to talk,” Shad retorted. “Anyway,
I mentioned before that exchange deals are my real specialty.”

“Exchange deals?” I turned to face him, crossing my arms. He was changing the subject, but I was interested in this topic as well. “What exactly does that mean?”

“What do you think it means?” He tilted his head.

From past experience I knew he could mean a multitude of things, but in this case I had a clear idea. Marcus wanted me back, but why had he sent Shad instead of his army? What would Shad gain if he returned with me?

“So what’s the exchange? It’s obvious Marcus wants me back, but it looks like you’ll gain something from this transaction, too. Or perhaps he’s holding something over your head?”

Shad’s amber-rimmed eyes danced with amusement.

“Well, now, you’re not as naive as they made you out.”

“You didn’t answer my question. What are you gaining from this?”

“Silly girl.” He turned towards the forest. “So many resources available at your fingertips, yet you cower and hide. Such a waste.” He headed for the trees, and I stood still, confused. He was talking in riddles again.

He headed further into the forest, but then stopped because I hadn’t followed him. He glanced back.

“Is the rabbit going to her hole already?”

I stared at him, and then sighed. I turned towards the array of sheds. I wished he wouldn’t answer questions with questions. How was I going to drag any information out of him without wanting to strangle him first? I was beginning to see why Maes had said he was a thorn in his side.

Weaving between the maze of wooden buildings, I opened the shed door and stepped in, brushing the wet snowflakes from my hair and shoulders. Shad had followed me. I started a fire in the old potbelly stove and pulled a stool close, warming my hands over the flickering flames. Shad hovered nearby, inspecting the shed.

“Drafty hiding place, Cheyenne.”

“Who says I’m hiding?”

“Just an inkling I have. It hurts when your family doesn’t love you anymore. I should know.”

I didn’t reply, his words striking close. It sounded like he’d been outcast from the Tresez, like me and my family. Was that why Marcus sent him?

Shad moved closer to the workbench.

“Actually, I’ve been meaning to ask. Why’d you come back to a family who doesn’t want you?” He leaned against the old bench.

I cursed under my breath. He just wasn’t going to let it be. Well, two could play this game.

“You’re a smart mutt, figure it out.”

Shad chuckled, and I turned back to the fire.

“For one touted as being the Quaysaar’s salvation, you’re a huge disappointment.”

“For one touting such a great resume, I expected a lot more bite.”

Shad gave a faint snort.

“Had I come here to bite, you’d be feeling the sting, believe me.”

Now it was my turn to smile. I was finally getting somewhere.

“I doubt it, Shad.” I picked up a piece of kindling and played with it between my fingers.

He laughed.

“Big words. Shame you’ve nothing to back them up with. You have access to one of the most powerful Timeless in generations, yet you sit here crying like a frightened pup. Not the best strategy for someone so keen on defeating Marcus. I’d expect you to train or something.”

I snapped the twig. That was a question I’d been trying to answer for some time, but I had no response for him.

“Can’t you feel the strength running
beneath your skin?” he continued. “Why are you holding back?”

I sighed. That was the million dollar question alright. A question my family had been quick to answer.

“They’re afraid if I use my powers it will be a beacon for Marcus,” I said. Wait, had it been a good idea to admit that? At least, I hadn’t told him the full truth, that they were afraid of my powers.

“You married him
. Your connection runs deeper than you could imagine. He doesn’t need a beacon to find you, Cheyenne. He knows where you are.”

“So then why send you? Why didn’t he come himself?”

“Because he’s…busy.” Shad grabbed a stool and sat down beside me. “But I guess I have to spell it out for you. Your marriage goes far beyond Sahara’s forfeited betrothal. Once you and Marcus unite the Kvech and Sarac powers, we can bring balance back to the clans. Then we can stop cowering in fear under the humans.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Don’t you see, Cheyenne? The Timeless are blessed. We have such great wisdom and power, yet the humans do nothing but squander and destroy. It’s our duty to stop them from hurting themselves, stop them from causing all the needless wars and pollution, and rule them. Sheep need a shepherd, and you could be one.”

“I don’t want to be a shepherd.” I looked away. “Besides, I thought by marrying we already united our powers?”

“But only a Kvech can balance the power. If anyone else tries, they’ll go mad from the surge. Like what happened to Marcus’s father…”

I stilled. Marcus would go mad without me? Maybe it would be easier to defeat him if I just kept running…but if he went mad, things could get a lot worse. He’d lose all reason, and even without my powers
, he was strong enough to wipe out all the Timeless leaders…my family.

“You can’t run your entire life, Cheyenne. Marcus wants to free you. He loves you a lot, you know.”

I looked up, squaring my shoulders. “Then why did he lock me up? Why’d he send Tresezes to attack my family? Why’d he force me into hiding?”

“Didn’t Callon lock you up as well? Didn’t he force you to want to escape and live alone?”

“It was to keep me safe from Marcus!” I stood and stepped back.

“You didn’t seem to think that back then.”

My voice quivered. “I didn’t…I didn’t know any better.”

“Perhaps. But don’t you think Callon was a little odd in his methods? Keeping all that information from you, information that could’ve protected and saved you…why do you think he did that?