Awakening: A Timeless Series Novel, Book Four

by Lisa Wiedmeier

  I looked away. We were a family at one time, but I’d been the one to tear it all apart. But in the end, I’d repair it. I’d restore their faith in me. I had to.

  I headed for the stairs, heavy footsteps following behind.

  “Cheyenne, wait!”

  I paused in the upstairs hall. “I’m sorry, Colt.”

  I knew I’d just made our living situation worse. I’d only wanted to find out what Shad knew, not hand everyone over to Marcus so he could destroy everything. Even Colt didn’t understand, but he didn’t need to. He’d defend me no matter what, because he loved me, and nobody could show him otherwise.

  Colt caught up to me and gently turned me around. A stream of blood trailed down his chin from his lip, a result of Brogan’s fist.

  “You don’t need to be sorry, just don’t ever shut me out again. I’ll always be here to help you, to defend when necessary, and be your light. I can’t stay away from you—ever.”

  His love would always be a wonder to me, but he gave it freely. He was my only light, and I was going to need it to survive.

  “Come on.” I tugged on his arm. “We’re both bloody and need to get cleaned up.”

  Colt showered in the main bathroom, while I chose to bathe in my bathroom since he informed me he’d fixed the pipe issue to busy himself while I was gone. The old cast iron tub water had a brownish tinge to it, but I slid in regardless. The pipes were old, but at least I had a tub to soak in.

  My muscles still ached from the tumble with Shad. I slipped under the water, rinsing the crusted blood from my forehead and hair, grateful it no longer hurt.

  As I lay resting my head on the tub’s edge, the warmth from the water seeped into my pores. I closed my eyes and replayed the day’s events.

  Colt had called me out on hiding, on allowing others to control me by their actions…and he was right. I had. He also challenged me to fight, which I thought I had been, but I realized I really hadn’t.

  I’d been whining about my circumstances, about what I’d been put through, about all the losses I’d seen…yet I truly hadn’t done anything to stand up and fight—until now. Shad was a key to this somehow. Whether Marcus sent him or he just showed up, there were things I could learn from him. He might know things about my dreams, Marcus’s secrets, how to defeat him once and for all.

  “Cheyenne?” Colt’s muffled voice sounded outside the bathroom door.

  “Be out soon,” I replied. I knew he was waiting patiently for me. I had locked him out for over a week. He’d have questions.

  Stepping out of the tub, I grabbed a towel and dried off. Gathering what little clothing I had, I pulled on a t-shirt and jeans. Goosebumps rose on my arms. I didn’t like our cold living conditions, but there wasn’t a whole lot we could do about it yet. At least I knew Colt would have a fire roaring, and I could warm myself there. I grabbed a sweater from the hook and shook out my wet locks. What I wouldn’t have given for a blow dryer.

  I took a brush from the counter and then left the bathroom to find Colt and Daniel waiting. Daniel immediately headed toward me.

  “I—I’m sorry, Cheyenne. I didn’t mean to accuse you earlier.” He reached for my hand. “I didn’t mean to assume you deliberately made a connection with Marcus.”

  “I know.” I squeezed his fingers, and headed towards the fire.

  He had just shown a normal reaction to why this happened. I’d have done the same myself. Daniel was just as faithful as Colt. Both would defend me to the end.

  I sat on the rug before the fire, rubbing my hands near the flames. Colt and Daniel sat on either side of me. Colt took the brush from my hands.

  “Here, let me help,” he said, and I didn’t argue as he began brushing through my tangles. He wanted a distraction, and this was the only thing around.

  “So why Shad?” Daniel asked, not holding back his questioning.

  “He says he knows things about my dreams, and he could help me figure out a way to defeat Marcus,” I answered.

  “How?” Colt asked. “Maes would surely have more information than Shad. Why not ask Maes?”

  I sighed. “Maes won’t tell me things because he thinks I’ll try something stupid. Shad and I have no connection whatsoever. He won’t think twice. He won’t care if I get hurt.”

  Daniel didn’t need to reply for me to know what he was thinking. I saw it flash through his eyes. He’d rather I didn’t try and dig up information, because he didn’t want to see me get hurt either. However, I was way beyond being hurt. Since the age of eighteen I’d lived it every day.

  I touched his hand.

  “It’ll be fine, Daniel. I have to search for a way to destroy Marcus before he destroys us.”

  “She’s right, Daniel,” Colt said.

  I turned to look into icy blue eyes, which were filled with worry, but he was committed to support me no matter the cost.

  “We’re beyond having choices anymore. Cheyenne’s strong enough. She’ll figure out a way, and it’s our job to back her up no matter what.”

  A faint smile rose before it quickly faded, and he returned to brushing my hair.

  Daniel looked over at me.

  “Where do we start?” he asked.

  I sighed. “I have no idea, but I’m sure we could come up with something.”

  He nodded and Colt moved beside me, setting the brush on the small table.

  “Let’s get started then,” Colt said.

  *****

  A week had passed and my head was still spinning with questions, ideas, and wrong directions. They’d banned Shad from being around us, but I knew he hadn’t left. We’d also decided it was best to allow Brogan and everyone else’s anger to diminish before I began looking for Shad, but a chance had come up, and I didn’t want to waste it. Colt had spotted him roaming just outside the walls, waiting and observing. If I could get to him via the secret passage, I could try and get him to spill his secrets, and nobody else would have to know. If he was anything like his brother, this would take time, too, so I needed him to feel safe.

  I stopped at the bottom of the stairs. The great room was empty, and the house appeared quiet. My stomach growled, and I put my hand on it. Maybe a quick bite to eat first before I headed out. I made for the kitchen, stopping before the old metal fridge, and opened it.

  I rummaged through the shelves. Surely there had to be something to snack on in here. I knew it’d still be a few days till Lilly and the others prepared a meal. What I wouldn’t have given for a frappe drizzled with caramel right now, regardless of the cold temperatures. I closed the fridge and turned around.

  “Looking for this?” a voice asked.

  A small screech escaped me as I spotted Shad leaning against the wooden island. He was holding some bread slices and a jar of peanut butter. And someone had finally given him a shirt.

  I studied him for a moment, as his amber-rimmed eyes searched mine.

  “Why are you in here?” I asked.

  “Hey, you’re the one who wanted to ask questions, right? Thought I’d make it easier for you.”

  I felt my brow twitch.

  “Don’t you realize the others will tear you to pieces if they find you here?”

  “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 Callo
n 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.