Awakening: A Timeless Series Novel, Book Four (22 page)

His free hand moved again, this time coming to rest on my hip, only to pull my tank up. Cold fingers traced my stomach and ran up to my ribs. A thumb skimmed just below my bra.

Sheer panic spread through me as he then moved his hand to my pants, his fingers searching for the button. He jerked the
waistband back and forth till the button snapped. Nausea rose in my stomach at the realization of what I’d have to endure to keep my family safe. I kicked my leg free and pounded it on his thigh as I fought to scream.

All
of a sudden, he stilled. He drew back, his breaths as heavy as mine. He lingered above me, blinking. His eyes then softened, and he released my wrists, removing his weight from me by leaning on his arms.

“I’m sorry.” He sat up, facing the fire. “I can’t take what isn’t offered.”

He rose, and I watched him walk towards the hall. With the click of the door closing, he was gone, just like that.

The shock took a long while to wear off as I lay there
shaking. Tears misted in my eyes. I’d been so close to having Marcus take the one precious gift I’d held on to tightly. I’d saved myself for my wedding night, but not for a man like this. It was supposed to have been for Callon. But none of that mattered now. Callon was gone. Marcus was my husband. And soon nothing would matter anymore. I’d never felt so violated in my entire life, and he hadn’t even…

I rolled over towards the fire and tossed another log on. I didn’t want to think about it. I wasn’t going to get any more rest this night. I had no idea if Marcus would
change his mind and return. I grabbed my sweater from the floor and put it on. Sleeping fully clothed would be a small defense, but it was something I could do. A tear trickled down my cheek. What had I gotten myself into?

The morning couldn’t come soon enough. I’d shoved the mattress away from the fire and had been pacing for hours, waiting for Darrien
or Jahlem to appear. I was terrified to leave the room, terrified of what lay beyond these walls, and frightened of what Marcus might do next.

A knock came
on my bedroom door, and the familiar click of it opening. Footsteps sounded, and I moved back into the corner, feeling like a trapped animal. I had no idea who’d entered.

“Cheyenne?” Darrien’s gruff voice called out.

I darted from the corner and threw myself into his arms. He stumbled back slightly, but held on. I’d never been happier to hear his voice, and see this brown-haired Tracker in my entire life.

“What’s going on?” he asked.

Another set of footsteps echoed in the hall and I looked up to see Jahlem’s auburn head appear. His caramel eyes focused in on me and he hurriedly shut the door. He quickly came to our side.

“Cheyenne.” Jahlem’s hand rested on my back. “What’s wrong?”

I buried my head in Darrien’s shoulder, my hold growing tighter at the memory.

“Marcus came last night…” I mumbled into his sweater. “Please, please don’t ever leave me alone again.”

Darrien’s hold grew stronger.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered
. “We shouldn’t have left you.”

“Did he touch you?” Jahlem asked. “Did he hurt you, Cheyenne?”

I drew back from Darrien and looked at both of them.

“He could have, but he stopped. I don’t know why, but I’m grateful he did.” I looked down. “But he might not next time.”

“There won’t be a next time,” Jahlem promised, shaking his head. His eyes darkened and his fingers fisted at his side. I had no doubt he’d make good on his promise. But I should have been able to protect myself with all these powers at my fingertips, and yet I couldn’t. Marcus had proven that clearly.

“
Go change,” he added and glanced at Darrien, hesitating. “Marcus wants to see you.”

“No,” I whispered and shook my head.
After what took place last night I wasn’t ready to see him yet—if ever.

Darrien moved closer, squeezing my hand.
I didn’t have a choice. I turned away, shaking my head. Surely he wouldn’t try anything in public, would he?

“We won’t leave you alone—ever,” Darrien said.

I heard his words, but they brought little comfort. If Marcus wanted me alone, he’d make it happen. I headed towards the bathroom. I just needed to be strong.

I changed and opened my bathroom door. Darrien and Jahlem stood stoic near the broken sofa. They didn’t need to say a word for me to
feel how the tension in the room had changed. Darrien shifted, and I spotted Marcus standing behind them. My heart skipped a beat.

“Cheyenne,” Marcus
greeted me, stepping away from the fireplace. “I’ve been waiting on you.”

My breath caught. He moved closer, cautiously.

“I told Darrien and Jahlem they could leave, but they refused.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Obviously they’re taking this bodyguard thing too far.”

“They just want to ensure my safety. They remained because I didn’t know you were here yet.” I said, trying to justify their actions.

“Ah, fair enough then,” he replied and stopped beside me.

His blue eyes were soft, caring, not unlike Matt’s. He reached out, but pulled back when I leaned away. I glanced over his shoulder at Darrien and Jahlem; both had their hands on their hips, ready to grab what appeared to be whips.

Marcus’s eyes flashed hurt, but not anger.

“I’m sorry, my angel. I should’ve known better. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

He gestured towards the door.

“Come, I have something I’d like to show you.”

I didn’t immediately move. I waited for him to take the first step, and followed behind. Darrien and Jahlem flanked me as we headed down the hall. We paused at the top of the stairs; Marcus looked back, as if about to say something, but he seemed to change his mind.

As we came to the bottom of the stairs, Marcus turned and headed into his sitting room, only to return quickly. He carried two winter coats. He held a dark blue one out for me, opening it to help me put it on. I swallowed nervously, but stepped closer
, allowing him to assist. I buttoned it up and turned to face him.

He reached out and took my hand before I had time to protest, leading us out the French doors and down the stone steps into the courtyard. The pathway had been cleared, making the walk easier, but already large piles of white were stacking up. The cloud cover had remained, but the snow had stopped its descent for now.

We continued until we reached the stables. Two large Tresez stood guard in front of the entry. What were they guarding? I knew from my previous visit the Tresezes roamed near the stables, but I’d never seen them keep guard.

The two Tresez parted
, and Marcus slid the door opened. A long corridor filled with stalls lined the walls. A few horses stuck their heads over their doors and snorted, and then Conall stepped out of a lone stall near the middle. He remained near the door.

His appearance hadn’t changed since the first time I’d met him. His chiseled face still held arrogance; the long scar running from his eye to his nose still
didn’t improve his looks. His familiar dog tags jangled atop his black sweater.

“Ah, little one,” he said coolly looking down
at me. “Looks like you’ve come back for an extended stay.”

I didn’t reply.

“You have what I asked for?” Marcus questioned.

Conall turned to his master. “Yes.” He gestured to the stall.

Marcus tugged me forward, stopping at the stall door and glancing over the edge. A smile grew on his lips, and then he turned towards me.

“A gift,” he said. “A gift for my angel.”

He released my hand and opened the stall, ushering me in. I gasped as I saw what was before me, a badly mangled Tresez. Chunks of fur were missing from its hind legs, a large gash ran from the top of its ear to its neck. And its front paw was bent at a wrong angle. Its head lifted, and a bloodied but visible white strip of fur running from between his ears down to his neck appeared.

Shad!

I reached for Shad when Marcus grabbed my arm, yanking me back hard. I hit the sidewall, and gasped.

“Traitors always pay the price, my angel,” he whispered near my ear, pinning me in place. “There’s always a cost to one’s freedom.”

I jerked away, and stepped back. His eyes that just a few moments ago held warmth had darkened. Vengeance, hatred, and fire pulsed through them now. Marcus had replaced the Matt I’d thought I’d seen earlier. Any remorse he’d shown in my room had been crushed and trampled. Why did his mood whiplash like this? Was the Consilador power on top of his own too much? Dex had told me that the clan’s rings protected the clan leaders from going mad with power, and Marcus had no rings for either the Quaysaar or the Consilador. Or was his pleasant side all a trick? A ploy to lure me in and get what he wanted?

He stared at me for a long moment before he turned and walked out of the stable. Darrien and Jahlem
moved towards me, but Conall stepped in their way.

“Let her be,” Conall growled. “Let her see what she did to him.”

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I stared at Shad. I’d done this to him, like I’d done this to Daniel. I’d tried to save Shad, but his knowing me just caused him pain and suffering. I dropped to my knees, cradling his head in my lap. I stroked his fur. “I’m so sorry, Shad,” I wept. “I’m so sorry.”

He didn’t move, nor did his eyes open. His breaths
were labored, and my heart broke for him. He might not have been a friend, but I’d never thought of him as my enemy, either, and I was so sick and tired of all the death. I’d managed to kill yet another Timeless. I was married to a walking time bomb, never knowing what would set him off. I sat still for a long time, holding Shad’s mangled head, praying for a miracle, but I knew none would come.

“Why do you care?” Conall finally asked.

I looked up; he’d moved inside the stall and was leaning against the wood. Gold-rimmed eyes studied me, filled with curiosity.

“Because I do,” I whispered. “Because every life is worth saving.”

“He was a wretched soul,” Conall sneered. “All he ever cared about was causing chaos, just to get back at his pathetic older brother. He’s a worthless piece of…”

“Are you any different, Conall?” I asked. “Haven’t you done things in your life
that you’ve regretted? Haven’t you been selfish?”

He didn’t reply.

“We all have,” I said, staring back down at Shad. “But a life is a life, something that shouldn’t be taken brutally by the hands of another. We all deserve second chances.”

“Well, he outlived nine…”

“And you’re probably just as close in Marcus’s eyes.”

He sighed and headed to leave.

“It was once said, Conall, that lies don’t become truth. Wrong doesn’t become right, and evil doesn’t become good, simply because it’s accepted by the masses,” I said. “It’s time we stood up to make a difference—all of us.”

“You’re treading on dangerous ground, little one. Take care with the words you speak, or something tragic could happen to
someone else you love.”

Conall left, and I closed my eyes. He’d left me with a threat, but what did it matter
? What else could any of them do to me that I hadn’t been through already?

“Cheyenne,” Darrien said. “This may help.”

I looked up to see both Darrien and Jahlem crammed in the stall with me. Darrien had a bucket of water and rags, while Jahlem held some sort of salve. They bent and began cleaning Shad’s wounds. Jahlem began applying salve where he could. I had no idea if this would help, but we had to try something. I couldn’t let him die.

Chapter 16

Shad’s eyelashes flickered
, and hope rose inside me. Was he going to live? Conall had departed hours ago, allowing me and Darrien to clean Shad’s wounds, while Jahlem stood watch outside the stall. Shad released a small moan and then shifted into his human form. My heart raced. He wouldn’t be able to shift unless he was healing, or so Maes had told me.

“Shad,” I whispered, stroking his hair. “Shad, can you hear me?”

He groaned and rolled to his back. His breathing was still labored. Jahlem’s auburn head appeared over the stall door.

“Is he awake?” he asked.

“He’s shifted, but I don’t think he’s there yet.”

“Keep him quiet. I don’t want Conall to find us here.”

He passed Darrien a grey wool blanket, which we placed over Shad.

“We have a plan, Cheyenne,” Darrien said
kneeling beside me, “but you’re going to have to play along.”

“Oh?”

“We’ve found a replacement for Shad, which should work as long as Conall doesn’t get too close.” He eyed me carefully.

“A replacement?”

“It was already dead, but it’s similar in size. It’s our best chance.” He explained what they planned to do.

I
twisted my Servak ring. It would be difficult to pull off, but this was Maes’s brother. I couldn’t allow him to die.

“Alright.”

We waited as long as we dared, hoping to give Shad the best chance of escaping with us. When his condition began to improve, Darrien tapped my shoulder.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Yes.” I stepped aside as Darrien and Jahlem helped Shad to his feet. Shad’s weary amber-rimmed eyes looked at me.

“Why?” he croaked.

“I don’t need a reason,” I whispered. “All life deserves a chance.”

Jahlem and Darrien took him away quietly. I waited for their return. Soon footsteps approached; too soon. I swallowed. What if it were Conall returning? I waited to the side of the stall door, ready to blast
anyone who came in.

“Bonjour?” a weak voice called out.
“Nous sommes venues vous aider.”

I remained still, trying to figure out what they’d just said. The only word other than
hello
I was able to pick out was
help
. I opened the stall door to find two small, dark-haired men carrying a limp Tresez. One glanced over his shoulder, wary.

“Nous
sommes seulement,”
the other said. I frowned, recognizing the word for
alone
.

I waved for them to follow me, and we stopped at the stable doors. I peeked out into the courtyard. A few Tresezes and Trackers were milling about, but there was no sign of Conall.

“Cheyenne,” Jahlem whispered, and I nearly jumped out of my skin. “We’ll carry him out and then you can start your performance.”

I nodded, suddenly nervous.
They’d found a replacement for Shad, one that I could burn to a crisp while Shad escaped, but we had to make sure neither Marcus or Conall looked at the body too closely. I closed my eyes, trying to prepare myself. Why wouldn’t they allow me to just do this in the stable? They could find his ashes later…but if I destroyed something of Marcus’s, his anger could get the best of him. That anger could be transferred to others around me, like Darrien and Jahlem, and I couldn’t afford to lose either of them.

“Let’s go,” Jahlem said
, tugging my elbow. He and Darrien dragged the bloodied Tresez body out into the open.

I followed, my head hung low. Darrien and Jahlem crept back into the gathering that had started to flock around me. I knelt and forced myself to remember feelings and emotions I’d fought to push back. I thought of my parents, both my adoptive and birth
sets. I thought of my betrayal of Callon. I thought of Daniel, and what I’d done to him, and to Colt. I brought out all the heartache and misery I’d endured over the years from Marcus’s hand, and I felt the crimson-eyed beast come to life.

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I stretched my hands out over the battered and bloody Tresez, willing the fiery fury to come to life. The blue hue began to grow in my palms until it turned to a scorching
red-hot flame.

I flicked my fingers, holding them out, till the limp Tresez began to burn. I stood and moved back, pouring out more power until a blazing fire roared. It wasn’t enough, as
the crimson-eyed beast mourned my losses, and soon the twisting and turning of my hands created a swirling vortex of flames. I moved the tower of fire back and forth, ensuring the Tresez would be burned beyond recognition.

The Trackers moved back as the heat increased
, and the ground began to rumble. A lone figure walked down from the terrace steps, stopping before the crowd. Marcus had come to watch. I closed my eyes, allowing the beast control, feeding it with my sorrow and despair.

Images of my parents flashed before me, camping gear lined in a hall. The voice of Sheriff Taylor telling me they’d never come home. Anger, pure
, white hot, and raw, raged through me as I saw Marcus’s face after Colt’s death.

But a
ll too soon the power started to leave my veins, the anger disappearing. Marcus was taking control, calming the raging beast; forcing it back down. He was the one controlling it now. That was why I hadn’t been able to summon it.

He approached me, and a hint of remorse flickered through his eyes. Was this Matt or Marcus? He stepped closer and wiped the tears from my cheeks, his eyes searching mine.

“I’m sorry. It had to be done,” he said quietly.

“No,”
Darrien said loudly. “It never should’ve happened.”

Marcus’s
eyes darkened. Darrien had challenged him in front of his army, taking his focus off the Tresez ashes. But his plan had backfired as Marcus’s rage now turned on me.

Without warning
, his fingers wrapped around my neck, and he slammed me to the ground. All the air in my lungs was forced out. I hadn’t expected an explosion of violence like this. His knee landed on my stomach as his fingers grew tighter. I fought to free myself, but he was suppressing my powers. He had me pinned in such a way I couldn’t even kick him.

“I’ll teach you to speak against me in front of my men!” Marcus hissed. I struggled to take a breath, and his blue eyes turned black. From under his shirt, his tattoos began to glow
, and I slowly felt myself drifting away.

A whip cracked, and a silvery strip of leather latched around
Marcus’s wrist and broke his hold. Marcus fell on top of me, but quickly scrambled to his feet. I rolled to my side, gasping for air.

Jahlem and Darrien circled Marcus, while the other Tresez and Trackers backed up. The whips snapped in the air, and a dance of sorts began. Marcus glanced at me, as if he wanted to use my powers, control me to do his bidding, but
for some reason he decided against it.

Another snap, and he jerked himself forward as
the crack landed on his cheek. With the flick of his wrist, he slammed both of my Servak brothers into the stable walls and held them there, their legs dangling.

I began to panic
. Visions of all the heartache and death I’d seen over the years nearly overwhelmed me. He’d kill them if I didn’t stop him. I crawled to my knees and stumbled as I landed at his side. I grabbed his face, forcing his eyes upon me.

“Matt
!” I cried. “Matt, come back to me!”

A flicker of light flashed in his eyes,
but it quickly disappeared. Instead, rage, deeper than before, began to etch the lines of his face. The muscles in his face tightened under my hold, and I blinked. He was focusing his anger on me again, but there was more to it this time. Golden strips began to trace up his neck, and my hold wavered.

“Matt,” I cried out
, softer this time. “Matt, you have to come back. I need you.”

He blinked
, his breathing changed, and then slowly the black faded to blue. He released his hold on Jahlem and Darrien, staring at me.

“Cheyenne,” he murmured. His gaze fell to me, and sorrow washed through him. He drew me gently into an embrace. “I’m so sorry.”

Relief washed over me like rain from a summer storm. And I swallowed. From the corner of my eye, I watched Jahlem and Darrien get up. They were still alive.

Without warning
, Marcus scooped me up and carried me inside. He took me to his sitting room, and set me on the leather couch. He sat beside me, lightly holding my shaking hands.

“Cheyenne, please forgive me. I—I…”

“Where do you go?” I asked, trying to keep Matt on the surface.

He lowered his head.
“Matt’s always here, but he gets pushed aside as this darkness grows inside me. You have your crimson-eyed beast, but I have a golden dragon whose thirst is becoming harder and harder to quench.”

“I need Matt to stay here with me. Matt is the one who cares for me
. Matt is the one I have a future with.”

“But Matt is weak
. The only way to make him strong is for you to give him your powers.”

I stilled.

He looked up, his gaze softening.

“I only say this because I know, Cheyenne. I watched my father drown in this darkness, with no lifeline to save him. I watched your grandfather Jorell do the same. I thought your mother would save me, but she chose a different path.”

His fingers brushed my cheek.

“You’re my last hope, my angel. Without you, all will be lost.”

He leaned closer, his warm lips touching mine. I wanted to push him away, but I didn’t dare. I had Matt here with me now, and I needed him to stay. Tenderly, he began caressing my lips, coaxing me to give in. My mind was whirling. The thought of what had happened last night with Marcus made my stomach grow queasy. My pulse began to race. Was this truly Matt here with me now, or was this Marcus trying to deceive me again? I had no idea where the line was drawn between them, who really controlled who.

Everything I once thought was
black and white was turning to shades of grey.

Boots echoed in the hall and Marcus drew back. Darrien and Jahlem were standing in the entry, ready to fight again if needed.

I glanced between the two and then stood up and headed for them. I needed to keep the peace for the moment and keep them out of his sight. They followed me up the stairs, and down the hall to my room. Once inside, a wave of emotions hit me. How could I have thought being here would save my family?

Darrien pulled me to the broken sofa
and I sat.

“Are you alright?” He
kneeled in front of me, inspecting my bruises. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have challenged him. I was just trying to focus his attention elsewhere…”

“I know.” I touched his hand.

Jahlem disappeared into my bathroom, and reappeared with a wet towel. He leaned over me, wiping debris, and I was sure blood, away. I closed my eyes, trying to slow my racing pulse.

“Are you okay?” I asked. They’d been thrown up against the stable walls
and choked as well.

Darrien squeezed my hand. “You don’t need to worry about us, Cheyenne.”

“But I do,” I said, my eyes opening. “No one deserves to be treated like this or to die at his hand.” I pushed Jahlem away and pressed both my hands to my temple. I was dealing with a man who had multiple personalities, one who could switch temperments with the blink of an eye. How was I supposed to deal with that? Besides, I didn’t even know if our plan worked.

“Did you get Shad away safely?”
I asked.

“
He’s safe,” Jahlem replied.

A huge weight lifted off my shoulders. Shad would be safe, at least for the time being. But now
an even bigger question came to mind. Was Marcus telling me the truth about fighting the darkness? Part of me wanted to believe him, yet the other half assumed it was just a trick. How was I to know for sure?

“Have you seen different sides to Marcus?” I asked.

“What you mean?” Jahlem replied, settling in on the floor in front of me.

“He told me before you came that he’s fighting the darkness from taking over. Like
what you saw earlier, his anger switching to remorse in the blink of an eye.”

They didn’t reply
, but exchanged glances.

“It’s like he’s two different people,” I said and then hesitated. “H—he said that if I gave him my powers
, it would bring him back from the edge. That I was the only one who could save him.”

“No,” Darrien said
shaking his head. “You can’t save the unwilling. He’s too far gone. Giving your powers to him will only seal our fate.”

“But what if he can be saved? Isn’t that what we did for Shad? We knew he wasn’t a good person, but we gave him a second chance. Why couldn’t we do the same for Marcus?”