“We have special gifts too, gifts he’s used in battle many times over. We’re not easily replaced.”
Darrien may have thought that, but if Marcus was angry enough, he could do just about anything without thinking and only regret the consequences later.
I leaned over, resting my elbows on my thighs, and pressed my hands to my face. I was running in circles here. Other than seeing the madness Marcus was capable of, I hadn’t learned a single thing. I still needed to find his weakness. I needed to know what I could use at some point to defeat him…or I needed to figure out the truth about sharing my powers.
If in fact this could save him, was his life worth saving? He’d done so much wrong in his life; the other Timeless clans would never accept him. They’d always see him as a threat. And if he could be changed, would he have a relapse? Would his former dark self rise again, and the war start all over again? Would I want that kind of future threat for my children?
I clenched my fists. How was I supposed to stop a madman when every turn was a dead end?
A hand touched my shoulder and I glanced up. A short and stocky blond-haired Tracker had entered the garden. He stopped just a few feet away, his right eye twitching.
“We’re leaving in the morning,” he said. “Be prepared to ride.”
He turned on his heels and departed.
“We’re leaving?” I asked, but I couldn’t help but wonder why the Tracker’s eye was twitching.
“Stay with her Darrien,” Jahlem said, his shoulders squaring. “Let me find out what’s going on.”
Darrien nodded, and we went back to my room. Darrien started a fire while I paced the floor. Why were we leaving, and where were we going? Did Marcus want out of here before we got snowed in for the winter? Where would we go…unless he’d done as I’d asked and we were heading to France?
Before I agreed to marry him, I’d asked for a home in the French countryside. I wanted to be as far away from my family as I could, to protect them. Was he actually honoring my wish? The Tracker had said be prepared to ride, but Marcus had flown me in on a helicopter before. It didn’t make sense.
The bedroom door opened, and Jahlem entered. He brushed his auburn hair to the side and stared at the floor.
“We’re leaving,” Jahlem reported. “We’re riding out at first light.”
“But where are we heading?” I asked.
Jahlem glanced at Darrien, seeming to communicate something with his eyes.
“North, towards the mine.”
“Wait, what?!” I gasped. “We have to stop him!”
I started for the door. I couldn’t just sit here and do nothing; we had to warn my family.
“Cheyenne, no,” Darrien said, capturing my arm and pulling me back.
“You can’t reason with him right now,” Jahlem added, the lines in his face smoothing.
“I can plead with him. It worked earlier when he was trying to hang the two of you!”
“He’s not himself. You can’t reason with this side of him,” Jahlem replied.
“I can’t ride with him tomorrow, knowing he’s marching off to kill my family!”
“Your family have probably already left,” Darrien said, his eyes softening. “When they found out you were gone, they would’ve fled someplace safer.”
“They’d have known Marcus would try and use you against them,” Jahlem added.
Tears formed in my eyes. They would’ve known, but I didn’t see them leaving.
“I can’t leave them helpless,” I cried. “I have to protect them.”
“And you will,” Jahlem said. “But we don’t have a choice. We have to ride tomorrow.”
“I won’t go!”
Darrien drew me into a hug, his warm hand rubbing my back.
“If you don’t show up tomorrow morning,” Jahlem said, “he’ll come looking for you. There’s no place you can hide where he won’t find you. He’ll force you one way or the other, Cheyenne. I just don’t want to see the other.”
Tears streamed down my cheek. I didn’t want to admit it, but I knew the truth of Jahlem’s words. Marcus would always find me. If I went willingly, possibly I could reason with him along the way. He’d listened to me when I called for Matt, but the question was, would Matt answer again?
Chapter 17
I waited restlessly near the stables with Darrien and Jahlem. The charred markings on the stones from our fire display yesterday were still visible. Marcus’s army had gathered, and the Trackers and Tresezes were impatiently waiting for his command. Even Conall seemed distracted.
The dawn light was glowing on the horizon; it wouldn’t be long till we were on our way. I should’ve been tired, but I wasn’t. My nerves were on edge, and I couldn’t take my mind off the night Marcus came to my room. A shiver raked me. No, I didn’t need to think about what could have happened. I needed to focus on what might happen to my family if they hadn’t left the mine.
Darrien stepped closer, his jacket brushing my shoulder. Marcus was coming down the terrace steps, his eyes intent on me. He wore a dark brown leather riding coat, his grey turtleneck sticking out from underneath. His blue jeans peeked out as he walked, and his boots echoed in the courtyard. Steam seeped from his mouth, making me think of the dragon that had appeared on his chest. He was in a dangerous mood, and I needed to be careful.
“Cheyenne,” he said calmly, but his eyes told a different story. Delight danced behind them, satisfaction that I was about to do his bidding.
“Marcus,” I replied coolly.
He grabbed my arm, but not with as much force as before, then led me towards a group of horses. A brown mare snorted, and I stopped beside her. Marcus helped me mount, his fingers purposely lingering on my leg. Nausea rolled in my stomach.
He mounted his stallion, and we set out with him riding beside me. Within moments Darrien and Jahlem flanked my sides with their mounts. Marcus glared at them, but said nothing.
We rode for hours, and other than the horses’ heavy breathing, all was quiet. But though the silence remained around us, my heart and mind were buzzing. I prayed my family had escaped already, as Darrien had said. Yet part of me wanted them to have stayed, to know that they hadn’t completely deserted me. I missed them so much, but it had to be this way; it was the only way I could protect them. In the end my sacrifice didn’t matter. I was bringing the battle to their doorsteps, and I was going to be the one who dealt the deathblow if I couldn’t stop Marcus from controlling me.
Marcus rode nearby, and from time to time I caught his glances. They weren’t cold and purpose driven. They were unsure, almost as if he doubted his actions. I gazed at his back as he rode. Was Matt trying to ask for help, or was Marcus about to play a dirty trick? If Matt were here, I could reason with him, but if it were Marcus, I’d get nowhere.
We came to an abrupt stop outside a large valley. Marcus dismounted. Conall shifted at his side, his pack of Tresezes behind him. I edged my mare closer, till Jahlem caught her reins. Marcus shook his head. Something was going on, and Conall wasn’t too happy about it. But what? Had he caught my family’s scent? Had they tried to return to Marcus’s compound for me? Or was I just hallucinating that they actually cared?
Conall shifted, but not without glancing at me. He then darted off into the forest again, part of his Tresez pack following.
Marcus turned towards me, and his army of Trackers began to dismount. Jahlem held my mare steady as I dismounted. I didn’t want Marcus to touch me again.
“Water her horse,” Marcus commanded Jahlem, approaching us.
Jahlem’s eyes met mine, and then he glanced towards Darrien. Darrien moved closer to me. When they said they wouldn’t leave my side, they’d meant it, no matter the cost.
Eventually Jahlem took my mare and his and Darrien’s horses to a creek nearby. His eyes never left me.
“Walk with me,” Marcus said. “You can stretch your legs for a while.”
I didn’t reply, unsure. While his posture was relaxed, I kn
ew it could change in an instant. Was this another illusion? I knew I really didn’t have a choice, so I took a step and he and Darrien fell in alongside me. Our boots crunched through the snow. I looked up towards the clear skies, wishing a sudden blizzard would arrive.
“Why’d you come?” Marcus said.
I blinked. What kind of a question was that? I’d been forced to come with him…
“You could’ve fought me, Cheyenne, yet you didn’t. Why?”
My heart began to race. Was this another of his twisted games? I’d only know if I answered carefully.
“I didn’t have a choice.”
He stopped and stared out into the valley.
“You always have a choice, my angel.”
I wanted to snort. I’d never had a choice, especially with him. If I had fought him, everyone would’ve paid the price. He turned on me, his eyes darkening around the rims. I stilled. I’d seen this before; this was when his dark side would appear.
Darrien latched onto my wrist, ready to pull me back if necessary.
“You fight when I want you to obey, and you obey when I think you’d fight,” Marcus said, his voice low and cold. “Tell me what I’m to think of that?” He began circling us. “I’m taking you to see your family’s end, and yet you don’t even protest. Why? Why would you be willing go along with such a plan unless you have a plan of your own?”
I swallowed. I’d made no plan other than to stop him, unless Conall had seen something, but what?
“I—I don’t know what you’re talking about, Marcus,” I said. “I came because you ordered it.”
Darrien’s hold grew tighter.
“If I hadn’t come, you’d have forced me,” I continued. “You’d have used my powers against me, like you plan to do to my family. How am I supposed to fight something like that?” My breath caught. I’d spoken without thinking, the words just flowing. I’d just admitted that I didn’t know how to stop him.
A wicked smile grew on his lips, and he stopped pacing. His fingers grasped my chin tightly.
“You can’t stop me, my angel. No one can.”
Tears rose to the surface. He was unstoppable unless…
“Matt doesn’t want to hurt anyone. Matt is who I need, Matt is…”
He cut me off.
“Matt is a worthless being whose sole existence is to bring me down!” he snarled. “He was pushed aside because of his weaknesses, just as your crimson-eyed beast fights to push you down.”
“No,” I whispered. “My beast no longer fights for control. Only you fight to control it.”
He held my chin tighter, his own jaw tensing, when something flickered in his eyes. He dropped his hands and looked away. Darrien pulled me closer. Soft blue eyes met mine, and then Marcus walked away.
I inhaled a shaky breath. Had Matt fought back? I stepped forward, but Darrien held me back.
“No,” he said. “Leave him be.”
Darrien and I returned to Jahlem and our horses. Marcus remained in the valley, his back towards his army.
What was he doing? Was he fighting an internal battle?
Could I save him?
I squinted as a bright light flashed in my eyes. I glanced into the forest, trying to find its source.
“To your left,” Jahlem whispered.
I made a slow, conscious effort of turning left, and petting my mare. I didn’t need to draw attention to myself, or whatever was trying to get my attention. For just a fraction of a second, I caught sight of auburn hair.
No way…Nakari? Why? Unless she was trying to stop me, but from what? Going to the mine, or joining forces with Marcus? Was she here to track the enemy, or was it an attempt to contact me?
I stared at my mare’s brown mane, stroking it. Nakari didn’t care for me, even after the speech Andre had given her, although I thought I’d seen a change. I shook my head. No, she was keeping tabs on me, trying to give the family an upper hand.
But why would she let me know she were here if that were the case? She was risking being seen to get my attention. Was this what Conall was concerned about? Were there other members of our family here? Surely they wouldn’t come for me after I’d killed Daniel…unless it was for revenge.
I sighed. I wouldn’t blame them if they tried something, anything, to stop Marcus and me—anything to save the Timeless race.
Soon Marcus returned to his stallion and we mounted, ready to ride again. It had taken me days to get here, days where I alternately ran, walked, and rode the wild horse, Maximus. At the rate we were riding, we’d arrive at the mine much quicker. The deepening snow didn’t seem to matter, but a blizzard could make a difference.
I grumbled to myself. Why didn’t I have the power to conjure up a storm? What I wouldn’t have given to change the clouds and wind, and cause more snow to fall…but what did it matter? If I possessed that power, Marcus would figure out it was me and control it for himself.
Marcus rode closer, jostling Jahlem for his position at my side. His blue eyes had returned, but they remained darker on the outer edges.
“I could kill her on site,” he said.
I didn’t reply, and kept my head forward. I knew who he was referring to. Nakari was a fool, but Marcus did nothing except issue a threat. I thought I knew why. If she were to try something, Marcus would have me kill her. We may have not gotten along in the past, but I’d never wish death upon her. I’d already brought enough pain upon my family. Any more and I would break completely.
Marcus eventually moved away, but his threat remained. If Nakari were here for me, I’d have to chase her away.
Day turned to night, but in spite of the snow and cold, we kept on riding. We were on course to arrive at the mine the following morning. I could only hope Dex had convinced everyone to leave. Surely Brogan would’ve ordered it. Even Colt wouldn’t have stayed knowing I killed his brother, but Lilly, she would’ve held out till the end.
I pulled my jacket tighter around my neck, and a chill escaped me. Fire ran through my veins, but I had to take care that I didn’t pulse too much energy out. I’d already burned off all my clothes once. If it happened while with Marcus, it’d be ten times worse.
I glanced around. I wasn’t the only one chilled. Even the Trackers, who typically rode high in their saddles, were hunched over to keep warmth close to their bodies. This was one time it was an advantage to be a Tresez. Their fur kept their bodies insulated from the cold.
The morning sun was beginning to break through the trees, when we came to a stop beside a frozen stream. The Trackers dismounted and began to break through the ice, allowing the horses access. I dismounted, but stayed close to my mare. I didn’t need to have Nakari try and assist when her assistance wasn’t wanted.
“Over here,” Darrien called. He’d started a fire. “This will warm us up a bit.”
I glanced around; other Trackers had done the same thing. Apparently Marcus was allowing a break. A familiar looking Tresez with golden-rimmed eyes moved closer. He showed his teeth before shifting. He stalked closer, his broad shoulders blocking my view.
“Little one,” Conall snarled. “Your friend is treading a very dangerous line.” He didn’t need to tell me who he was referring to.
“I didn’t invite her,” I said, and turned towards the fire, warming my hands.
Conall moved closer, sitting on a toppled log near the fire.
“She’s going to meet an unfortunate demise soon if she sticks around.”
I ignored his comment. He was just trying to wind me up. It wasn’t going to work. He hadn’t been able to catch her. Nakari had been too swift for him, and it was rubbing him raw. Conall didn’t like to lose—ever.
“Cheyenne,” Marcus said.
I grew still. What did he want now? He hadn’t spoken to me since threatening Nakari.
“Cheyenne,” he said again, but this time there was a softness to his tone. Was this Matt?
Darrien and Jahlem stood up.
“Have a seat, boys,” Conall
snarled and stood up, towering over them. “She’s not married to you.”
Three Tresezes emerged from the forest and circled Darrien and Jahlem. My heart began to race. Marcus’s hand touched my elbow.
“Cheyenne, please. I’d like to talk, to be alone with you.”
I stared at Darrien and Jahlem, their hands poised over their whips, ready to resist if I uttered the word.
“Okay,” I replied. What could he do to harm me that he hadn’t already done? We were with a large group of Trackers, half of which I was sure were Servak; however, I didn’t know whose side they were on. I did have Darrien and Jahlem ready to leap at a moment’s notice, if needed.
He tugged me towards another fire nearby where I could still maintain eye contact with Darrien and Jahlem. He gestured for me to sit on a convenient log. I focused on the flames, so I wouldn’t have to look at him. I didn’t want to inspire false hope that Matt was actually here.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t, I—I don’t mean to continually threaten you with your family’s safety.” He stilled, staring at the flames too. “I feel so lost with you, Cheyenne. One moment I can feel peace, real peace, and I have hope that we may have a future together…and then in the next moment I’ve turned into this horrid creature who wants nothing more than to rule and control you.”
I pulled my hands into my lap, and he continued.
“I wasn’t always this way. The Matt you saw at the cabin, that was the real me. It’d been a long time since he’d been seen. I thought I’d lost him forever, but then you came into my life. I stole you away because I found out I couldn’t live without you. Because I knew without you I’d forever turn dark.”
He grasped my wrist tenderly and pulled me to face him. His once chiseled features had softened, and his eyes pleaded.
“You married me for a reason, Cheyenne. You saw the possibility of saving me. It’s in your nature. You saved Shad, regardless of the consequences.”
He knew about Shad? Had he been testing me?
“I’m begging you to save what’s left of me. To bring me back from the edge of destruction, and together we can save the Timeless race.” He reached out, his fingers tenderly brushing my cheek. “That’s been your goal all along, and I need you by my side to make this happen. I’d do anything to make you happy. I’d give up everything for you.”
Awakening: A Timeless Series Novel, Book Four Page 23
