Awakening: A Timeless Series Novel, Book Four (21 page)

I glanced down at my clothes. This was going to have to work. I bent and dug through the rubble
, searching for a matching pair of shoes. I managed to dig up a pair of dark brown leather boots, and slid them on.

Finding a brush, I combed through my matted blond locks and pulled
them back into a loose bun. I dug through the drawers, which surprisingly enough Marcus hadn’t touched, and found some makeup. He’d see through this ruse, no doubt, but I had to try something. I wasn’t going to let everyone down again.

“You ready?” A knock came
on the bathroom door.

I hurried over and opened it. Darrien was waiting just outside. He looked me over and nodded. I didn’t need to explain to him what I was doing. They just needed to play their part.

“Let’s go,” Darrien said.

I followed him out
of the room and then down the hall, stopping at the top of the stairs to calm my nerves. I was going to be playing a very dangerous game, one where I could get burned at any moment.

Darrien looked back at me,
almost as if he was unsure I should even see Marcus, but I inhaled and took the steps slowly. We paused at the bottom of the stairs. Darrien held his hand up for me to wait. He disappeared around the corner into the sitting room.

I stared at the large French doors. Lights in the distance outline
d the stables, and also revealed the new snowfall. My mind wandered to Shad. Regardless of his role in all of this, I didn’t want to see him die. If he’d stayed, it would’ve turned out like my dream. Marcus would have used me to end his life…I could only hope he’d gotten away. I could only hope he’d see it as a second chance. No one deserved to die like that.

Thoughts of death made me think of Daniel.
Tears misted near the surface, and I stared down at the marble floor, trying to clear my thoughts. Marcus would only see my tears as weakness, and I’d been weak enough for everyone.

“This way,” Darrien said. He was waiting at the entry.
His fingers grasped my arm, stopping me, his gaze unsure. “Are you sure you want to do this now, Cheyenne? I could make an excuse.”

Be strong
, I told myself. I had to do this. I shook my head and squeezed his fingers, assuring him it was okay.

I rounded the corner to find Marcus staring out the back windows that lined the sitting room. A dim lamp was lit in the corner
, and a fire was crackling in the fireplace. Darrien nodded and disappeared from sight.

Marcus remained perfectly still, watching the snowfall from the night sky. His posture was relaxed
, with his hands in his pockets. He wore a dark grey sweater and jeans, and his hair had been combed back.

A brown leather sofa with two side chairs faced each other. An oversized wooden coffee table lined with black metal sat between them,
with a red rug beneath it. The dark furniture and walls seemed to make the space smaller, almost suffocating. I stepped closer to the sofa, resting my hand on the cold upholstry.

“Did you rest well?”
Marcus asked quietly, not turning around.

“Somewhat,” I replied.

The fire snapped loudly and I jumped. I stared at the flames, remembering I was the one who’d administered the lethal burn to Daniel. The desperation in his eyes came to the forefront, and I pressed mine closed for a moment.

“Having regrets?” Marcus whispered in my ear, his fingers wrapping around my arm.

My eyes shot open. He was standing in front of me, his blue eyes searching. However, there was no anger or resentment, only curiosity. He’d read my thoughts?

“About?” I replied.

His lips twitched, and he tugged me forward, gesturing towards the couch. I sank into the leather, but perched close to the edge. Marcus sat beside me, his arm coming around me to rest across the seat back. I couldn’t afford to relax, but he lounged comfortably.

He didn’t speak, but instead studied me. I returned the favor. The man who sat beside me was different from the man who’d greeted me this morning. Gone was the icy coldness, and gone was the ragged beard. In its place were shaven cheeks, and something different. It wasn’t warmth, but something close to it.

It was as if I was looking into Matt’s eyes. Matt who’d come and befriended me while I was alone. Matt who seemed concerned about me, the man who’d genuinely wanted to make me happy.

No
, Matt didn’t exist. He never had. Matt had always been a disguise to trick me into thinking I was safe. Was this what he was up to? He wanted me to have the false illusion that he was harmless? My skin prickled. No, Marcus could never be harmless—ever.

He made no apologies for his earlier behavior, nor for the condition of my room. Not that I expected it, but his eyes spoke of remorse over his actions.

He reached forward, and I leaned back. He paused.

“I’m not going to harm you, my angel,” he said quietly, and moved his hand to my cheek, brushing a stray
strand of hair behind my ear.

His fingers lingered on my neck
, and a shiver ran down my spine.

“It’s a shame, really,” he said. “I had so much planned for us, our future.”

I knew what his plans were; he’d whispered them in my ears. He wanted to rule the Timeless and humans alike, with me by his side—but why? Or was his plan to kill me now? No, he could’ve already done that, many times, and yet he hadn’t.

“We still have a future,” I said, cringing inside.

“Perhaps.”

The clang of dishes on a tray caused me to look away. Marcus sat back and motioned for a light
-haired boy to set the tray down on the table. The young man turned and departed without making eye contact. Marcus placed a plate covered in a silver dome in front of me, and another in front of himself. The blond boy returned briefly with a bottle of Merlot and two glasses, and then disappeared again.

Marcus poured the Merlo
t into the stemware and placed a glass before himself and me. He then removed the silver domes, revealing our dinner. Two rosemary crusted lamb chops sat atop wild rice. A rich dark glaze circled the plate.

He pulled two white napkins from the tray, and set one on my lap, as well as his own.

“
Bon appetite
,” he said and proceeded to eat his meal.

I picked at my meal, my appetite not present.

What game was he playing? One moment he was intent on making sure everyone in his compound knew I’d returned and submitted to him, and the next he was trying to wine and dine me? He was a master at this game, and I was still the student.

He finished his meal, and pushed our plates away. He handed me
my glass of Merlot, and sat back in his seat, crossing his legs and swirling his wine.

“It mixes oxygen into the wine and enhances the flavor,” he said, as if I’d questioned his behavior. “You should try it.” He took a sip from his glass.

I stared down at the stemware in my fingertips; nothing was going to enhance tonight or any future nights. But I did as he asked and swirled the wine.

“Now take a sip,” he said.

I again did as he asked, and sipped the red wine. My eye twitched as the flavor settled in my mouth. Licorice, tar, and tobacco lingered on my tongue, and I forced it down.

“It’s a full bodied wine, fleshy, as this particular bottle was from a cold climate.”

I couldn’t have cared less where it came from, and set the glass down.

“It’s an acquired taste, not unlike me,” he said, his voice low and dangerous.

He set his glass on the table and leaned closer, stopping an inch from my face. His heavy breath smelled of currants and licorice from the wine. I didn’t move, but held my ground. I couldn’t show fear.

He inched closer, his lips just above mine.

“Your family ruined our wedding night, my angel,” he said, and placed a kiss on the corner of my mouth. “I think that should be rectified right away…”

I fought the urge to shove him away. My heart began to race.

The crash of a door slammed open, and heavy footsteps made him draw back. He stood facing me, his eyes turning dark.

“Marcus,” a dark figure said, remaining in the hall. He proceeded to speak French, and then footsteps echoed on the marble.

Marcus took a breath and headed for the hall. Silence fell.

I waited till I heard the door open and close, and then bolted for my room. I knew he’d play this card
. I just hadn’t expected it so soon. I didn’t stop until I was safe in my room, where I collapsed on the dilapidated velvet couch.

I’d been lucky this time, lucky that he’d been distracted. I pressed my hands to my forehead. I knew he’d try again. I needed to be ready to deflect him if necessary.

Chapter 15

I paced the cold marble floor in my bedroom, unsure of what my next step should be. I’d been lucky this evening after Marcus’s comment of a ruined wedding night, lucky to have something distract him from me. How was I going to keep him at bay? Using my powers wouldn’t work, as he’d already quite easily demonstrated he could control me. I hadn’t a clue what to do.

My bedroom door opened and I tensed. Surely Marcus wouldn’t…my heart began to race. To my relief, it was Darrien and Jahlem who passed over the threshold, and into the light streaming from the bathroom into the bedroom. I took a small breath. Their arms were loaded with wood.

“We brought firewood,” Darrien said.

“Thank you.” I helped them stack it by the fireplace. Jahlem began arranging the wood to start a fire.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

Obviously he’d seen the panic in my eyes earlier.
I nodded, but I was only okay because they were here.

Jahlem reached for a match when I stopped him. He looked at me strangely when I rubbed my hands together, and then flicked my fingers at the dry wood. The warmth coursed through me as the flame began to take hold. Darrien
knelt beside me, and I showed them my palms with the blue flame still pulsing.

“Something new I picked up,” I said, and then closed my palms
as my mind wandered to Daniel again. The fire dispersed. Funny that I now seemed to have complete control of the element here, but then again I knew why.

“I only knew one other who could do this,” Darrien said quietly. “It was long ago.”

I looked up into hazel eyes.

“Who?” I asked.

“Jasalyn,” he replied.

“So it was true…” I whispered. “Dex and Maes guess
ed it came from my Grandmother, but they weren’t sure.” I stared at him. “You saw this firsthand?”

“Yes.”

I sat back on my knees, staring at the fire. There was so much I didn’t understand.

“But why now? Why would it show up now, and not when I first turned Timeless like my other powers?” I asked.

Jahlem settled in beside me.

“There are powers, inherent powers, that sometimes need what we’d call a
jump start
to start working,” Jahlem explained. “Your father married Sahara, but her powers were minor compared to his. This element never manifested itself in him because she wasn’t strong enough to ignite it.”

“But I married Marcus,” I said
, thinking over his words. “He was more than powerful enough to jump start this for me.”

“More than powerful enough for many other things too, Cheyenne,” Darrien added. I turned to face him.

“What do you mean?”

“There are things hidden
. Sometimes they have to be coaxed to the forefront. Given time and training, you have the potential to become most powerful.”

It suddenly all made sense.

“Marcus wants me here because he knows this.”

They didn’t answer, which only confirmed it. He wanted me here to coax the powers out, to control me.

“But wouldn’t he have the same powers? We united in marriage, united in powers.”

“Yes, but it’s not like you think,” Darrien replied.

“I don’t understand,” I told him.

“You united powers, but they will remain solely yours unless you share them with him.”

“Wait…what?”

“He can’t take your Kvech powers
. You can only give them to him of your own will,” Jahlem answered.

“But he has the Consilador’s powers
. He took them.”

“He only received them because they were in the braid when you married.”

“But mine were in the braid as well.”

“And his joined yours, Cheyenne, but only temporarily,” Jahlem replied. “Now he has his, and you have yours, unless you give them to him.”

I stared at them. Why hadn’t my family told me this? Once again they had neglected to point out a piece of important information…or was it because I hadn’t asked? So much had gone on after marrying Marcus. Had they assumed Callon had already told me about how this worked? Should he have told me? Or had he been waiting till after our wedding to tell me?

“So how would someone give them to another?” I
asked, wishing once more that I had the knowledge that would help me in my quest to defeat Marcus.

“We’re not sure,” Jahlem replied.

My brow rose.

“This is a Kvech thing
. Other Timeless don’t typically deal with the transfer of powers,” Darrien explained.

“It’s only a Kvech thing?” I repeated. “Great, I should’ve known.”

“The Kvech are our ruling clan for a reason,” Jahlem said. “If they were to marry and unite their powers, giving their partner full access, it could be disastrous. No one person was meant to have all the clans’ power. It would cause them to go mad.”

I stared at the marble floor, remembering my past conversations with Dex. Each clan had powers, all held together with their rings. They’d lose their powers if the rings weren’t charged through wearing them. But powers could be taken away…or given away, as in the Consilador’s case. Where did that leave the Servak powers then? The Servak ring hadn’t been worn in a long time.

“Does he have the Servak powers?” I asked, unsure if they even knew the answer.

“He doesn’t,
” Jahlem replied. “But he still holds power over us.”

“How?”

“It’s because of your mother,” Darrien said. “When she fled to Qaysean, Marcus didn’t hesitate to kill her father. Marcus inherited his ring, although we managed to smuggle it out eventually. Yet Sahara didn’t wear it for many years. With our clan’s power drained, Marcus seized our weakness. He bound us to the Sarac, and if we attempt to desert him, he will destroy the last of our power, and the Servak will be no more.”

My heart sank. Another clan on the brink of destruction.

“There is some hope returning, however,” Jahlem piped up. “Marcus’s hold over the Servak is weakening.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Since your marriage to Marcus, you’ve rescued the Servak, because you united yourself to him using the braid. Now you’re the Servak leader, keeper of our power.”

“But Marcus still holds the Sarac, the Quaysaar
, and the Consilador’s powers.” I argued.

“He doesn’t hold the Quaysaar, only controls it like he did with the Servak, but again
, his hold is weakening,” Jahlem said.

“And you hold the Kvech and the Servak,” Darrien added. “The
Kvech’s strength is easily equal to two clans. You are evenly matched.”

“No, we’re not,” I whispered bitterly. “He’s been Timeless for centuries
. He knows so much more about everything. I’m still a child in comparison. Even if we’re equal in powers, I’m no match for Marcus.”

They lowered their heads, deep in thought. Every action taken, every word spoken
, would have to be scrutinized to ensure I didn’t accidently give something away to Marcus. Then again, what did it matter? He could control me at will. He didn’t need all the clan’s powers when he had me at his fingertips.

I stood and walked towards the balcony doors, pulling the torn curtains aside. Light snow was falling across the valley, covering it with a white blanket, and suffocating what lay beneath until the spring rains came. Was this what it would be like for me? I’d lie beneath the surface, but the rain would never come to set me free. I’d forever be trapped in this cold, lifeless void for all eternity…

I had truly never had a choice. All my false hopes about being with Colt, then Callon. This was how I’d spend the rest of my life to keep my family, the Timeless race, and the human race free from Marcus. I had to. If he could control me, I couldn’t be around anyone else but him.

“I want to rest,” I said quietly.

The only reply I received was the sound of fading footsteps and a door clicking closed.

I sighed and turned towards the ruins of my bed. I hadn’t gotten enough rest earlier
. The heavy weight of sleep still tugged at my lashes. Maybe a nap would help clear my head. I dragged what was left of the mattress and comforter to the floor near the fire, and tossed my cashmere sweater to the side, leaving my tank top on. I curled up on the remnants of the navy blue bedding and closed my eyes. I forced myself to think of my sunshine, my Colt. His memory would be the only thing that could keep me sane, keep my light from being smothered by darkness.

F
lashing images of Colt, Callon, and Daniel danced before my eyes. The Colt I knew and loved before our lives had been turned upside down. The happy smiles, the warm embraces, the laughter that filled my heart. The quiet moments we’d had together, the glimpses into his heart. Memories of walks in fields of wildflowers, of a crown made of flowers.

Callon’s hazel eyes flashed to the forefront, the intensity in them at times. The fierce protection, the safety
and strength I’d always felt with him, the passion he’d locked away, but gave freely to me.

Daniel’s sweet smile drifted by, his constant teasing and laughter.
Long walks in Montana and his desire only to make me happy.

I focused on
Colt, Callon, and Daniel, who loved me, and I loved in return. I floated in these happier memories of my life until sleep captured me, and my mind fell silent.

A shiver escaped me
, and my lashes fluttered open. Darkness cloaked my room, but a different kind of unease drifted over me. The remnants of the fire flickered beside me, giving off just enough light to see a shadowy figure looming near the edge of my makeshift bed.

I didn’t move, but instead lowered my lashes and watched it. Had Jahlem and Darrien returned? But why would they linger at the edge of my bed? Unless…

The silhouette moved closer, and my heart began to race. Marcus was in my room, standing at the edge of my bed. I’d been a fool to send Jahlem and Darrien away; they were my only defense against this monster.

He moved closer yet, his body coming into view. He was wearing only long silk sleep pants, his muscular chest revealed. Tattoos
covered his chest, torso, and biceps, running over his shoulders, and I was sure they lined his back as well. A golden flicker of light ignited on his torso, and spread across his chest. My eyes opened wider as I realized these weren’t just tattoos, but symbols that seemed to be carved into his skin by this golden light. Had these been present before or had they only arrived since our marriage? Was it like what Darrien and Jahlem had said happened to me? Had our marriage jumpstarted different powers in Marcus?

“You see me,” Marcus said, his voice low and dangerous. “You’re curious.”

I didn’t reply, fearful I might set him off.

His movements were careful as he drew closer. Each step was purposeful and precise
, and he paused at my side. My heartbeat thudded in my ears, and I lay completely immobile, unsure whether this was my own fear or his doing.

He sat on the edge of the mattress, his left arm coming to rest over my hip. He lifted his right hand, and brushed curls from my cheek. His fingers lingered on my neck. Another shiver raked me.

“Your heart races, my angel,” he said. “You fear me, as you should.”

I did fear him, feared what he was about to do, and what I wouldn’t be able to stop. He leaned in, his eyes darkening
, and lingered above my lips.

“You make no sense to me,” he whispered. “Yet I’m utterly drawn to you.”

He settled on top of me, the weight of his chest pinning me in place. I struggled to free my arms from the blankets, and a wicked smile emerged on his lips.

“Always the fighter,” he rumbled. “Always thinking she stands a chance.”

He lifted up enough for me to free my arms and hands. I pushed against his chest, releasing a surge of power, only to be shoved back down in the mattress myself. My breath caught, but I wasn’t done fighting yet.

The beast within me stirred, and I shoved harder against his chest, a fire igniting in my palms. A bellowing laugh left his lips, and I watched a golden dragon swirl to life across his shoulders. It moved down his chest, swallowing the flames. A moment later
, his hands clamped around my wrists, pinning them above my head.

“Oh angel,” he whispered, in a voice that terrified me, “you’re going to be so much more satisfying than your mother.”

He crushed his lips to mine, forcing them open, twisting and turning, causing me to lose my breath. I tried to scream, but he swallowed the sound. He clamped one hand around both my wrists, and his free hand trailed down my arm. He stopped on my collarbone, his fingers tracing the hem of my tank.

I fought against his hold again, but it only grew tighter. No matter which way I turned, I couldn’t knock him off. His free hand grasped my jaw firmly, digging into my skin. His thumb pressed on my lower lip, forcing my jaw open, giving his tongue more access.