Awakening: A Timeless Series Novel, Book Four (17 page)

Whinnying in the distance caught my attention. I searched through the meadow and trees, listening for Mandi. A snort sounded and she
headed for me. I brushed the loose hair behind my ear, feeling the air on my naked arm where I’d burned my sleeve, but I didn’t really feel the cold. And as I thought about it, I wasn’t cold at all.

Mandi stopped a few feet before me, her head bobbling up and down. I took a step forward and then paused. What if I burnt her, too? Her caramel eyes studied me with uncertainty.

Sorry, girl, but you need to stay away till I can figure this out.

She nodded in understanding and waited for me to pass. As much as I wanted to ride her back, it just wasn’t safe. I couldn’t take a chance of hurting her.

Mandi followed me as I trudged through the snow. I’d already been walking for hours, and the sun was now setting. It’d be dark by the time I arrived, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to sneak by without anyone noticing. They’d all be lined up by the fire in the great room, in a perfect position to see the missing sleeve and charred material. Unless I snuck up through the rear entrance.

I tensed, thinking back to the last time Colt and I used it. Had we locked it from the inside or not? I was pretty sure we had.
I sighed; I’d have to use the front entrance.

Finally,
Mandi and I arrived home. The light from a small lantern illuminated the front steps to the old building. Either Colt, Daniel, or Lilly had placed it out there for me. They were waiting for me to return, so they knew I’d been gone.

I lead Mandi to the corral and pushed the latch
, opening the gate. Sam and the other horses neighed as she returned. She followed me into the old barn, nudging me in the back for her dinner. I grabbed the pitchfork and added some straw to the trough. She began eating while I leaned against the stable gate, thinking about how I was going to explain my appearance.

Midnight and Sam neighed; I glanced up to see shadows approaching. I cringed. Had Colt seen me arrive? I
started to step forward, about to confront him, telling him to keep his distance, when the shadows spoke. It wasn’t Colt or Daniel, so I stayed hidden. I’d just have to wait them out before I returned to the house.

“Brogan,” Layla said. “Just listen to me.”

I tensed. Brogan and Layla were here? Great! I knew how Brogan would react. All hell would break lose once he saw me.

“I don’t want to talk about it again, Layla,” Brogan grumbled.

“You don’t want to talk about it because you know I have a point.”

I inched closer. What were they talking about? I stilled, and glanced back at Mandi. I shouldn’t be eavesdropping on their conversation. It was wrong, and I would’ve been upset if I caught him doing the same. I stepped back to
ward Mandi, trying to distance myself.

“You may not believe this, but there is good that can come from this,” Layla said, moving closer to the corral.

I could make out their figures through the moonlight now. They were closer than I thought. I could try and sneak out through the shadows, but I’d probably be seen. I bit my lip. I didn’t have a choice but to wait it out.

“What good, Layla? She’s going to destroy us all,” Brogan replied.

“No. I know you don’t believe that, Brogan. You tested her in Ireland. You saw something in her then. I’m just asking you to search again.”

Brogan’s head lowered as he gazed down upon Layla. His hand reached out and touched her cheek.

“I have been searching, Layla. Sometimes I look at her, and I see Qaysean’s spirit and determination, but then it shatters when I see her pathetic mother.”

Layla reached up and grasped his arm.

“You can’t continue to judge her for her mother. She’s more than proven her worth.”

Brogan shook his head. “But she married Marcus. All that we’ve fought for is gone
. She’s signed our death sentence.”

“Not necessarily
. We just haven’t given her a chance.”

“We don’t have time for chances. The end is upon us
, Layla, and I’m at a loss on what to do anymore. Marcus hasn’t attacked yet, but it’s only a matter of time. Callon is gone. He abandoned us because of her. How can I believe in something that has the power to destroy us?”

“Faith is for things hoped for, but not yet seen. Give her a second chance, Brogan.”

I fought back tears. Layla believed in me.

Their conversation turned to murmurs as they moved on
, and I remained still. It was as I said before. The tide was turning. My family was adjusting their thoughts, and beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. With them behind me, I could accomplish anything. It wasn’t too late.

Mandi nudged her head against my arm and I leaned in, hugging her. I was going to proudly return to the
family and let them know what new talent I’d acquired. I was in control, I was calm, and I was going to win this battle once and for all.

I
headed for the house. The snowy top layer crunched under my boots. I smiled as I passed the lantern. They cared for me, wanted me to return, and had placed this light here as a signal.

The steel doors squeaked as they opened
, and footsteps rushed across the stones. I closed it behind me and didn’t try to hide the charred fabric. Colt rounded the corner, smiling, and then it turned to a frown. He stopped in his tracks as his eyes caught sight of my sleeve.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“Never better,” I replied and moved closer into the light.

Colt’s fingers moved to brush my arm, but I pulled it back and held up my hand.

“Let me explain first.”

He nodded and followed me to the great room.
Everyone’s voices grew quiet, as their focus shifted to me. I stopped before the fireplace, Colt remaining at my side. Just as I was about to speak, the steel doors protested again. I waited as Brogan and Layla rounded the corner. Brogan’s eyes remained focused on me, but he didn’t lecture.

I glanced
around the room. Andre was in the highback chair beside the fire, Maes sitting on the armrest. Koda, Bree, Daniel, and Nakari took center stage on the large couch. Dex and Lilly stood side by side beside the couch while Brogan, Layla, Skylar, and Clayton remained behind it. Funny how only now I realized just how close Skylar and Clayton were, always inseparable. Their friendship was one that ran deep.

A shadow moved outside the window. Shad was observing our conversation.

I looked down at the blackened material. Suddenly, I was unsure how to explain everything.

“What happened to your arm, Cheyenne?” Dex asked, sensing my unease.

“I found a new power,” I said. “Fire.”

“Well
, that explains the missing sleeve,” Koda said. “Obviously you weren’t able to control it?”

“Are you hurt?” Lilly asked
, stepping forward till Dex stopped her.

“I’m fine, Lilly.” I tilted my arm around
, showing them I didn’t have any burns. “I can’t say the same for Shad though.”

“Shad was with you?” Maes’s low voice rumbled.

“You can’t keep him on a leash, Maes. He followed me, but I think he regrets his decision.”

Colt reached out to touch me again
, wanting to inspect my arm, but I stepped away, putting my hand up.

“Here’s the deal. Shad got burned because he touched me. I won’t take a chance with you. I have to figure this new power out before I can trust myself.”

“Before you can trust yourself?” Brogan sneered. “Great, you’re going to set this place on fire in your sleep, aren’t you?”

“Brogan, hear her out,” Dex said
, moving beside me, and then turned to me. “How did this happen? What were you doing when it started?”

“I was practicing in a meadow…”

Brogan cut me off. “You were told not to use your powers!”

“Brogan!” Layla said firmly. “Let her finish.”

Brogan’s lip twitched as he stared Layla down, but he remained quiet.

Dex nodded
at me again.

“My hands were cold
, and I began rubbing them together. I also blew on them to warm them when they caught fire.”

The room remained silent.

“I shoved my hands in the snow, but they didn’t burn. Shad came over to help and, well, my sleeve caught on fire. He touched my arm and burned himself. Then, just as suddenly as it came, it disappeared.”

Again it was silent.

“So you have no control over it?” Dex asked.

“I did manage some control when I remained calm. The moment I panicked, everything changed.”

Dex began pacing the floor, rubbing his chin.

“Maes,” Dex said, “have you dealt with anything like this in the past?”

“No, but it’s an element power. It could’ve lain dormant in Qaysean, skipped his generation. It was rumored that Jasalyn had this power.”

“No,” Dex replied. “I would’ve seen it in the Timeless History…”

“The books I saw in Ireland with all the blocked out sections?” I asked. “The books you showed me, which had the leaders’ powers crossed out because they could be used against them?”

Dex’s hazel eyes hardened. I was questioning his authority.

“The point I’m making here, Dex, is that no one knows where the power is coming from. For all we know, this could have been from Marcus, but it doesn’t matter. I have it, and I can learn to control it. And I will use it to our advantage.” I squared my shoulders, standing taller. “If you think you can help me, great. If not, stand aside. A war is being waged against us, and I’m stepping up for battle.”

I made for the stairs when Brogan blocked the way.

“I can’t, in my right mind, allow you to sleep in here with the rest of us, Cheyenne,” Brogan stated calmly. “You yourself said it just happened. What if it happens while you’re sleeping, and you burn this place down?” He looked around the room for support, before his brown eyes focused on me again. “Show us you can control this first. Give me a reason to believe in you again.”

I blinked. Brogan was willing to give me a second chance. I scanned the room. My gaze locked with Nakari’s
. Her green eyes showed her wariness, but she didn’t turn away. Her mouth opened to speak, but then closed. Was she also willing to give me a second chance?

I faced Brogan once more
, offering another option.

“I’ll sleep in the shed,” I said.

“Cheyenne, wait,” Colt protested. “You can’t allow this Dex. She’ll freeze.”

“I won’t freeze, Colt.” I faced him with a faint smile. “Amazingly enough, I wasn’t even cold on the walk back. I have my own built
-in heater now.”

“It doesn’t matter. Shad’s out there
, and you’re not to be alone with him.” He turned and faced Brogan. “You’re treating her no different than Shad, banning her outside.”

“You heard her, Colt,” Brogan replied. “She’s fine with it.”

“It’s not right!” Colt growled.

I could’ve stood and listened to him argue for me for hours, but I’d already made up my mind. Sleeping out in the shed was a small price to pay to regain their trust.

I left the house. Colt’s voice echoed in the entry as he continued his protest, but I’d already moved on. I grabbed the lantern and rounded the old stone structure, heading straight for my shed. It’d be a little uncomfortable to sleep on the ground, but at least I knew I wouldn’t be cold.

I dropped the lantern on the wooden workbench, and grabbed a few pieces of firewood from the rusty metal pail. It didn’t take long for the flames to ignite and the orange glow to fill the small space.

I dumped the remnants of my jacket on the dirt floor. At least I could use it as a pillow. Besides, I knew Daniel and Colt would show up with blankets and clothes soon. They’d make sure I was comfortable.

I’d scored a major victory tonight. Brogan had protested, but instead of instantly judging, he gave me an alternative. He was giving me a second chance; Layla had convinced him to
. She believed in me. And Nakari, she may not have spoken a word, but something had changed with her. I no longer saw hatred in her eyes. Now I just needed to learn to control this element before it got the best of me. Burning Shad was most likely what he deserved, but my family—I had to protect them no matter the cost, and sleeping outside to ensure their safety was fine with me. I’d do whatever it took to regain their trust again—whatever it took.

Chapter 12

“Hey,” Colt said. He and Daniel stood in the shed
’s doorway. Their arms were loaded with blankets and clothing. Daniel dumped his pile on the ground and sat beside me.

“Want some company?”
Daniel asked.

“Sure,” I replied.

Colt rummaged through the pile, pulling out a t-shirt and sweater. He handed it to me.

“Here, you need a new shirt.”

“Thanks.” I glanced at the floor, my cheeks flushing. It wasn’t like I had a separate room to change in.

“Oh,” Daniel chirped, and grabbed Colt’s arm. “We’ll wait outside while you change.”

Colt winked as he and Daniel closed the shed door behind them. I quickly pulled off the blackened sweater and t-shirt, tossing them to the floor. I slid the new t-shirt and cream-colored sweater on, and then headed towards the pile they’d handed me. I found a white jacket and slipped it on as well. I opened the shed door.

“All done,” I said and headed back to my stool.

Colt made a beeline for me, and pulled me into a hug, lifting me from the ground before I could stop him.

“Colt, no!” I pushed against him. “I could burn you!”

Colt held tight. “You’re not going to burn me.” He kissed my head and set me down. “You’ve got this.”

He drew back,
smiling. Daniel stepped closer. He was grinning from ear to ear.

“What?” I asked, not sure what was going on.

“You’ve made huge progress, Cheyenne,” Daniel said, his arms spreading as if he were showing me the distance. “They’re—”

“They’re starting to believe again
,” Colt finished his sentence.

Warmth filled me. It wasn’t just me seeing it; Daniel and Colt were, too. I couldn’t
help myself as Daniel stumbled back when I threw myself into a hug. I didn’t need to be afraid; I couldn’t burn the ones I loved when they made me so calm and secure. Daniel’s hold tightened.

“I love you, Chey. And our family has finally come to their senses,” he whispered.

“It’s like Andre’s been on a political campaign,” Colt chuckled. “She’s single-handedly worked her magic on each and every one of them. It’s amazing!”

Daniel drew back, and I saw the hope in his eyes again.

Colt pulled out two more stools, and we sat warming ourselves by the fire.

“So can you do it again?” Daniel asked. “Can you create the fire in your hands?”

“I don’t know if that’s a wise idea, Daniel. Last time it got out of control quickly, and I’d rather not blow any chances of restoration with Brogan and the others right now,” I replied. “Besides, I can’t afford to burn through any more clothes.”

“Oh, didn’t you know?” Colt chimed in. “I brought you a flame retardant sweater.”

I shook my head. “It’s not safe.”

“You won’t know until you try, Chey,” Daniel said. “We believe in you. We’ve been holding you back from training with your powers. It’s time now. You can do this.”

Colt stood and opened the door.

“We can do it outside, away from the wooden structures. There’s snow. If it gets too wild, drop and roll.”

“You need to practice so you can show Brogan and the others that you’re controlling the element. If you mess up with us, it’s no big deal, but if you do it in front of the others, it won’t look good,” Daniel added, standing and taking my hands, encouraging me forward.

I stared at the
shed wall, thinking through my options. I did need to train, but any mistakes I made in front of Maes, Brogan, or the others would be judged. I couldn’t afford to be judged right now. I needed to prove my worth again.

I stood up and headed towards Colt.

“Let do this then,” I said, walking to the door. “But promise me you’ll stand clear, I don’t want to burn either one of you.”

“Got it,” Daniel replied as he tagged along
beside me. Even his walk had a perkiness I hadn’t seen in ages.

Colt moved alongside me as we headed away from the sheds and into the meadow. He pointed ahead where the stream lay.

“You’ll be near water. It’s the safest place.”

I nodded and
stopped at the water’s edge. I turned to face Colt and Daniel. They’d remained a good twenty feet back.

“Whatever happens, don’t touch me.”

They didn’t reply.

“I won’t do this unless you promise to stay where you are. Touching me will result in burns.”

“We promise,” Colt replied.

I stared down at my hand. How was I going to reproduce the fire? I wasn’t even sure how it had started in the first place. I flexed my fingers. For once, I wasn’t even cold. I was comfortably warm
, standing out in the winter night with nothing but a jacket. No hat, no gloves, no scarf, and yet I felt like it was seventy degrees.

“What did you do last time?” Daniel asked.

I didn’t reply, but instead rubbed my hands together and then blew on them. I jerked back as the blue flame ignited. I took calming breaths, watching the flames turn from blue to orange, red, and yellow. The fire stayed steady and strong in the palm of my hands. I looked up at Colt and Daniel, like a child with a new toy eager to show her friends.

“I knew you could do it!” Daniel beamed.

Colt remained silent, keeping a focused eye on me. I concentrated on my element. The fire sat in the palm of my hand like a ball waiting to be thrown. I flicked my fingers upward, and watched it leap in the air, only to return again. I tried tossing it to the side, again flicking it with my fingers, and watched in amazement as a ball of fire landed in the snow. I glanced down. My right hand was no longer on fire. I pressed my hands together and it ignited once again.

Interesting…

I pointed my arm again into the snowy meadow, but this time instead of flicking my fingers, I pressed them out and watched as a jet of flame left my fingertips. This power had different settings. I couldn’t help it as a grin grew.

What else could I do with it?

I pressed both my hands together. The fire grew brighter, larger. I focused on creating a pillar of flames, imagining it to be a sword. I began swinging it around, the length of it growing until I split my hands apart, and they transformed into golden whips of fire.

I snapped the golden whips in the night sky, splinters of orange and red dripping
onto the snowy white surface. I lifted my arms higher, and the cracks grew wilder, faster, until the sparks gave the illusion of fireworks. I stilled, and the sparkles of white light drifted effortlessly to the meadow.

I was the master of this element; I’d just proved it to myself, to Colt and to Daniel. And tomorrow I’d prove it to Dex, Maes, Koda, Brogan
, and the others. They would believe in me again—starting tomorrow.

I closed my eyes, soaking in the moment.

“I’m speechless, Cheyenne,” Daniel said quietly. “I—I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like this…”

I knew I wasn’t done yet. There was at least one more thing I needed to test, needed to know. I turned to face them again.

“I want to try something else, but I need you to promise me you’ll remain where you are, no matter what,” I said. “Promise me, no matter what you see or hear, you won’t try and save me.”

“Cheyenne, I don’t…” Colt said.

“Promise me. It’s going to look worse than it will be.”

Colt and Daniel exchanged glances, but didn’t respond. I knew I’d probably only have one shot at this before they came running. I closed my eyes and felt the warmth spread through me. I widened my stance and stretched my arms out from my side
s. I focused on the heat rising beneath my skin. I pushed harder, forcing it out, and opened my eyes to see the flames consuming me.

Colt dashed forward, but I held up my flame-ridden arm and stopped him. I needed to remain calm,
or else this could be disastrous. He stopped in his tracks, his eyes growing wide.

“You’re on fire,” he said.

“I know,” I replied.

The heat continued to rise, but it wasn’t overwhelming. I lifted my arm up and flexed my fingers through the flickering flames. My skin wasn’t burning
; however, I had no idea if my clothes had remained intact. I felt the flames reach my neck, and I again closed my eyes, trying to force myself to breathe. The fire trickled up my cheeks and into my hair. I slowly opened my eyes again to see the long strands of hair lift from my shoulders like they were full of static electricity. I looked back at Colt and Daniel. Koda had arrived.

“Gives a whole new meaning to woman on fire, Cheyenne,” Koda said nervously. “Flame on!”

A dark shadow lingered in the background. Was that Shad watching? Or was it Maes? I didn’t need more of an audience than I already had…especially since I didn’t know if I’d be clothed after this little stunt.

“I think you’ve got this,” Daniel said. “Can you back it down now?”

I maintained eye contact with Daniel, willing myself to calm, to disperse the flames. Ever so slowly, the heat spread away from my cheeks, over my shoulders and then down my legs. I stood completely still, until I felt the chill of the night air.

I blinked and glanced down.

“Well, naked as a jaybird sure seems fitting now,” Koda chuckled.

I cringed and felt a different kind of heat rising in my cheeks. What had I done?

Heavy footsteps crunched in the snow, and Colt’s oversized jacket engulfed me in its warmth. A moment later, he plucked me from the ground and carried me back to the shed. He set me down and grabbed my shoulder.

“Are you okay?” he asked
. “Did you burn yourself?”

I shook my head, too embarrassed to look up. Obviously I could control it with my hands, but allowing the flames to engulf me was a bit of a problem. I’d taken it too far.

“Cheyenne, look at me.”

I couldn’t bring myself to do it. They’d all seen me somewhat indisposed before, but the only people I knew who’d ever seen me completely naked were my parents
, and that was when I was little. I should’ve thought of the consequences before going, as Koda said, full flame on.

Colt’s fingers tilted my chin up.

“I know it’s a little humiliating, but I’ve seen you in your underwear before. There’s not much difference.”

I rolled my eyes. I knew he was trying to help, but at this point I was beyond reasoning
with.

“Just go grab me some underwear please.” I pointed towards the door. “And tell Koda not to blab this to anyone else.” I headed for the stool and sat, my back towards the door.

Colt disappeared to get what I asked for, but I could hear Daniel and Koda murmuring outside. They were waiting for their chance to speak to me…and for Koda to tease me, I was sure.

I added another log to the fire. I might have been warm enough with my clothes on, but being naked brought on a chill. Obviously my clothes were acting as insulation, keeping the warmth inside me. But with nothing to prevent the heat from escaping, it was like having a window open on a cold winter day.

I tightened Colt’s jacket up around my neck, hugging it to myself and inhaling his woodsy scent. It was dangerous, thinking this way with a bridge opened to Marcus, but I couldn’t help but remember all the times Colt had held me, loved me, and cherished me. I sighed. I wished for simpler times, wished for the life I had before my parents were murdered.

The shed door opened
, and Colt placed my garments on the wooden counter. He nodded and then disappeared out the door again, allowing me to change. It only took me a few minutes to dress. He’d found another pair of jeans, a sweater, socks and boots for me, along with a jacket.

A soft knock sounded on the door.

“You can come in,” I said and lifted my hair from the inside of the jacket.

Colt, Daniel
, and Koda poured in, filling up the small space.

“That was quite the fireworks display, Cheyenne,” Koda said, winking. “Any plans for a show in the future?”

Colt elbowed him and sat on the stool beside me. Daniel stepped closer while Koda propped himself up against the workbench.

“Are you okay? Anything burned? Hurting, sore?” Colt asked
, taking my hand.

“No, other than embarrassed, I’m fine.”

“I think I’d advise against performing your last act tomorrow,” Koda teased. “Might not go over well with the others.”

I narrowed my eyes.

“I just wanted to see how far I could go,” I snapped. “I needed to know my limits, Koda.”

He lifted up his hands.

“I understand, just thought I’d give you my two cents worth.”

“He’s just trying to help, Chey,” Daniel added. “We want you to manage this new power.”

I had learned a lot about my new element with the little bit of time I’d had testing it out. I just had to focus on the flame and think about what I wanted it to become, like I’d done in the meadow earlier with the butterfly. I was capable of mastering this element and using it in war. The fact that no one could touch me while I pressed this power out made it all the better. I knew I wouldn’t go full on flame, knowing the consequences, but even without it I’d literally be untouchable during a battle.