Forgotten Enemy (The Powers of Influence Book 1)

by C. B. Haight

  She mostly practiced on Cynda. Rederrick volunteered once, and Jenny was glad to help as well. She felt it was too presumptuous to ask anyone up front if she could delve into their personal feelings. So for now, she settled for volunteers.

  She reached into Cynda so many times now Collett could identify her thoughts almost immediately. She could even sense Cynda from a distance. The same was true for Jenny too. Though, she hadn’t experienced any images or memories again as she had with Jenny that first night. Collett began to assume it was the intense sadness and pain she experienced with Jenny that made her imagine them. They’d been so vague at the time, so she put it out of her mind.

  She could almost pick Rederrick out at a distance as well. One or two more times with him, and she would be able find him anywhere in the house simply by reaching for him. It was strange. It was as if she could identify a person from the nature of their feelings, almost as if it was a kind of fingerprint.

  Nate, Cade, and Cody had yet to volunteer. In fact, Collett still hadn’t met Cody. He took the latest watch each night and slept during the day. Their schedules conflicted constantly, and she was too busy to think about it.

  It was four-thirty, she thought as she checked her watch. She was waiting for Cade in the workout room upstairs. They kept things on a schedule to make it simpler for everybody. Collett found she liked the routine of it anyway. Currently, she sat in her traditional meditation pose trying to focus her mind and clear her stray thoughts. Each day she came up here about an hour before her training with Cade to meditate. She was still hoping for some clue to her past, though she still had yet to be successful.

  However, right now, she thought about her upcoming session with Cade. The tone of her self-defense training had begun changing since their outing into the woods. If Collett was honest with herself, she would admit things began changing long before that.

  Cade’s touches slowly became more familiar, and she welcomed each one. She used to loathe their workouts together, now she found herself eagerly looking forward to them each day. She was like a schoolgirl waiting for the bell to ring so she could meet her boyfriend after class. Her legs started to bounce in anticipation, and she forced herself to stop it before it really got started.

  With her eyes closed she heard Cade enter the room. Smiling, she opened her eyes and looked into his intense gaze. He smiled right back. He looked just as eager to see her.

  “You’re late,” she scolded lightly.

  He extended his hand down to help her up, “Couldn’t be helped. I had to get Rederrick to free Nate. He is going to come up here in a minute and help us out.”

  Collett couldn’t keep the disappointment from her eyes. “With what?”

  Cade grinned as he heard the disappointment in her voice. There was a satisfaction in knowing she wanted time alone with him. “You need to learn how to work in tangent with someone,” he told her.

  Her brows furrowed.

  “While you’re getting better with your self-defense, it’s likely you will have one of us with you. You need to learn each of our strengths, that way in a bad situation we can work as a team. Today you get to team up with Nate.”

  “Against you? Two against one hardly seems fair.”

  Arrogantly Cade replied, “Don’t you worry about me.”

  “When do we get to team up?” she quipped.

  “I think you know my strengths by now…” he kissed her forehead tenderly then finished, “and my weakness.” He moved to her lips, brushing his against hers sweetly.

  Collett loved and hated hearing that at the same time. She didn’t want to be his downfall. Another thought suddenly occurred to her then. What other weaknesses did Cade have? She wondered.

  “Cade, are the legends true about you?”

  He stepped back and narrowed his eyes with confusion, “What do you mean?”

  “You know about silver and regeneration, and other stuff like that. The stuff you hear about in fiction.”

  Out of reflex, Cade lifted a hand to the scar on his chin and quietly answered, “Yeah some of it’s true. I can heal fast, regenerate as you said, but not from wounds inflicted by silver weapons. As far as the whole vampire slave thing…” He shrugged, “I don’t really know. They exist, but not in the ways people think. Really they are just another form of demon. They can’t turn people into being like them, but they do live on blood. Most of us call them leech demons. I do know that when I smell one, their putrid odor sets my temper off right away. My skin tingles and my hair rises. I have never met one I didn’t want to tear into pieces on the most basic level. Really, though, any demon gets my adrenaline pumping for battle. So maybe it is inherited, or maybe it’s just because of their evil bloodsucking nature. Who really knows?”

  She considered it, “What about the full moon, in the movies werewolves lose control. Can you control what you are even then?”

  Cade’s mind flashed back to a time long ago when he couldn’t, a time long ago when he had to fight to control his urges and instincts. “Some of what you hear is myth, and before you ask, we can’t infect people by biting them, or at least I have never been able to. So don‘t worry, you‘re safe,” he teased with a grin. Cade thought for a moment, then answered as best he could. “The full moon stuff… it’s partly true, partly myth. It’s complicated, but I can control myself now.” He rubbed at his scarred chin again.

  Just when Collett was going to ask him what he meant, Nate strode into the room, saving Cade from having to explain, for now anyway.

  “You ready for a piece of me, Cade?” Nate quipped playfully.

  Collett twisted around and directed her attention to Nate. He stepped onto the mat and jumped on the balls of his feet a couple of times, much like a coiled spring. She was slightly stunned by his appearance. Nate wore loose, black jogging pants, with white stripes down the legs. His feet were bare, but what shocked Collett the most was not his pants, nor his bare feet. It was his upper body.

  Nate wore no shirt today to cover his trim and sculpted torso. Collett knew Nate was fit, and knew he had been in the military, but she honestly would have never guessed Nate would look like this. Each and every muscle on his body was shaped and defined. Toned and puckered abs stretched tightly across his middle. Sharp distinct muscles defined his chest, and round and bulging biceps were cut into his arms. There wasn’t a single unused muscle on this man.

  Nate’s usual long-sleeved, button-up shirts and jeans were amazingly deceiving. Underneath his clothing was an entirely different person.

  “You can quit starring now,” Cade teased.

  Collett looked back to Cade with wide eyes, “How exactly am I supposed to help him?”

  Cade couldn’t help but chuckle, “He’s not so tough, and first you’re going to warm up with us, then we’ll take it one step at a time. Trust me, we need to do this. You need to understand his techniques.”

  She turned to her partner, and watched as Nate bounced twice more, then easily back-flipped, landing smoothly on his feet. She shook her head in wonderment, at his perfect balance.

  Nate stood still for a moment, “Ready?”

  Collett almost said no, but Cade answered for them both, “Yeah we’re ready. You?”

  “Born ready,” he responded eagerly.

  Cade tilted his head at the challenge, “We’ll try a basic hostage first. Remember Nate, she doesn’t have much experience.”

  Nate smiled, “So what do you think? I play the hostage. I’ll let you save me,” he said sarcastically.

  “I don’t think so Nate. She’s the one The Faction is after, and she’ll play my hostage.”

  “I see. I didn’t realize you were into that kind of thing.” Nate said grinning at Collett and raising his eyebrow suggestively.

  Collett blushed at his teasing nature. She had no idea Nate was so full of it. The one time he’d shown her how to properly load a 9mm handgun, among a few others, Nate had been all business. Of course, he had laughed at her expense the other morning
at the breakfast table, but still, he was cheerfully full of himself at the moment. She decided she was looking forward to getting to know him a little better.

  Cade put his hand on her back, and they moved onto the mat together. After warming up and stretching out, he said, “I’m going to pin you against me with my arm around your neck and the other one around your waist. You need to learn how to anticipate and silently communicate with Nate or anyone else.”

  After Cade had carefully wrapped his arm around her, Nate and Cade proceeded to instruct her on all sorts of signals and moves, to get away from an attacker. Sometimes their opinions conflicted. Other times they agreed.

  After more than thirty minutes into her instruction, Collett began to feel the slight change between Cade and Nate. She sensed the pure energy and frustration in Nate. He was edgy and alert, as if he wanted to get past the instruction and onto the fighting.

  Once again, Cade wrapped her up in his arms tightly, effectively immobilizing her head. Just like they had instructed her, Collett gripped Cade’s thumb and forefinger and pretended to yank back. As quick as a rattlesnake, Nate used her choreographed distraction to attack Cade. Only this time his fists connected in a fast double punch to the back of Cade’s ribs.

  Cade let go of Collett as practiced, and let go of an oath, too. “What was that?” Cade snapped unbelieving.

  “Just keeping it realistic…” Then in an almost childlike plea Nate begged, “Come on, Cade, let’s go a round. It’s been a really long time, and I think I can actually take you this time.”

  “We’ll go a round later, right now I think teaching Collett is far more important,” he answered like a patient father.

  Collett could feel Nate’s urgent need to expel his energy, and she sympathized with it, so she tried offering assistance. “You know it might be a good idea. If I watch I can get a feel for Nate’s style, right?”

  Cade smiled. He was truthfully just as eager to mess around as Nate. He bowed his head slightly, “Point taken.” He looked to Nate. “But after I kick your butt, you agree to help me some more with her training.”

  “Yeah, yeah c’mon. Let’s go, old man.” He bounced up and down again punching the air with his fists.

  Cade quipped, “Don’t go too far, Collett. This won’t take very long.”

  Collett smiled, and she moved back away from the mat out of range.

  Cade and Nate moved around each other, both men sizing up his opponent, carefully assessing each other. Then in a flash of flesh, they both rushed at each other. It was so quick Collett was afraid if she blinked she would miss something. They both threw fists and arms up. Some were offensive punches, others defensive blocks. Cade hit Nate in the stomach, and Nate arched his back slightly, letting the movement absorb some of the blow, but he still grunted from the impact. In retaliation, Nate then promptly swung his body around and kicked Cade in the back. Cade stumbled forward a step and spun around.

  “You’ve gotten quicker,” he said impressed. He rushed forward with unnatural speed, and somehow Nate ended up on the floor. Cade laughed, “Still not quick enough, though.”

  Nate bucked his hips and swung his legs, flipping his prone body upright, “Again,” he said forcefully.

  They traded fists and kicks once again. It all happened so fast, it was a speeding blur of motion. Obviously, Nate had extensive training in martial arts. His movements were quick and fluid, one move leading into the next. This time, their combat went on for several minutes. Nate fought like a demon, forcefully trading blows with Cade.

  She noticed Cade easily moved into the same routine that had dropped Nate to the mat the first time. This time however, Nate had learned his lesson. He ducked low avoiding the quick grab. Then he swung gracefully around kicking out at the back of Cade’s knees, so hard Collett started at the sound of the sickening impact.

  Cade’s knees buckled and hit the mat, though he seemed uninjured. He sprung up quickly and adjusted his neck back and forth with a loud popping, then turning around, Cade faced Nate’s smug look. “Not bad. Two out of three, then?” he asked, lifting one eyebrow inquisitively.

  Just like that, it started again. However, this time, the intensity increased. Nate’s skill and speed were impressive. It was obvious to Collett he was a rarity among men. She knew firsthand how quickly Cade could move, and Nate’s skill and tenacity were still keeping Cade on his toes. He was clever and learned quickly. It was obvious Cade was superior. Nate would make a very close second though.

  Finally, Cade flipped Nate up and slammed him down to the mat.

  Both men grinned. The room was charged with testosterone. Nate was breathing harder now. His sandy blond hair was wet from his sweat. “Almost,” he muttered.

  “Not even close,” Cade shot back. “Come see me when you’re older.” He extended his hand to Nate and asked, “Done?”

  Nate Nodded, “For now.” He let Cade pull him up from the floor.

  “Now that you feel better, can we get back to helping Collett?” Cade asked lightly.

  “You’re the boss.”

  Collett stepped forward, “How did you learn to do that. It was absolutely remarkable.”

  Nate smiled and pointed to Cade, “Mostly I learned from him, and then I picked up a few other things here and there. One of these days I’ll get him down.”

  Cade’s lips tilted, “Not likely, pup.”

  Collett looked at Nate, still impressed with his skill, “Well, if this comes down to a fight, I’ll be very grateful to have you on our side,” she stated earnestly.

  Nate’s smile was sincere when he boasted, “If it comes down to a fight, there is no better team in the world to keep you safe. We won’t let you down. Now then, shall we?” he invited, leading her onto the mat.

  And just that easily, Collett had found one more friend, one more person who cared about her, and one more person who was willing to fight for her.

  ****

  Collett’s training with Cade and Nate left her stiff and sore later that night. Cade had insisted on going over several possible scenarios, several times. After dinner she had come up to her room for a long, hot bath to soak her aching body. Though it seemed she healed quickly, Collett found she wasn’t immune to the annoyance of minor and temporary pain.

  After the water had gone from scalding to tepid, Collett eased out of the tub and wrapped herself in a large body towel. She took her time and rubbed lotion over her arms and legs. She opened the door to get dressed, and a little squeak of surprise escaped her lips at the sight of Cade sitting on her bed with a smug smile.

  “We have to quit meeting like this.” He teased referring to their first awkward meeting in the hallway. Truthfully though, that was their second meeting, if you counted him saving her in the woods.

  Collett went to the dresser and pulled out her clothes roughly, “What are you doing here, Cade? What if I had come out of that bathroom naked?” She snipped at him.

  Cade shrugged, “Lucky me,” he said simply. “Besides, you’re too shy to stride around here naked. Not that I’d mind if you did.”

  Collett felt the heat in her face as her cheeks turned pink. “Next time let me know you’re here, just in case I lose my inhibitions.”

  “How exactly, is that comment supposed to motivate me to announce my arrival?” He teased.

  Collett rolled her head around to loosen her stiff neck. “Just think about how mad I’ll be if you don’t.”

  Cade pretended to think about it, and then shook his head, “Still not helping. In fact, I think that might have hurt your case.”

  Collett glared at him sharply, and she raised her hand to knead the tightness in her shoulder.

  Cade began to recognize her movements. “Stiff neck?” he asked concerned.

  “A little, my trainer is unforgiving.” Collett proclaimed with a sweet smile.

  “Come here.” He said and swung his legs down and patted the bed in front of him.

  Collett narrowed her eyes. “I don’t think so
. I need to get dressed.”

  Cade put his hands up in surrender, “No funny business. I swear. Just let me help you loosen some of those knots in your neck before you get dressed.”

  Collett gazed at him suspiciously, considering his offer. Then she relented, and made sure he understood her terms, “No funny business.” She said in a mock scold.

  “Nope, Scout’s honor!”

  She glared at him skeptically, and chastened “You probably weren’t even a Boy Scout.”

  “Honey, I’m old enough to be the original Boy Scout.” His eyes glinted.

  With a small smile, Collett moved closer and tucked her towel tighter. She sat in front of him on the edge of the bed. Cade kneeled behind her, and put his hands on her shoulders. His warm touch gave her butterflies in the pit of her stomach. He carefully and gently kneaded her muscles, knowing exactly where to focus. Collett closed her eyes and relaxed into the soothing motions.

  “Better?” Cade asked.

  “Yes, much better. I’ll give you another hour to stop.”

  Cade chuckled. He continued to rub her neck and shoulders for a little longer. Then he surprised her by asking, “You said the other day you have a hard time reading me. Why is that?”

  Collett opened her eyes, and thought about it, “I don’t really know. Why?”

  He sat back on his heels and shrugged, “I’ve been thinking about it.”

  She said nothing for a moment then offered him her theory, “Maybe you can guard your feelings. I have felt things from you before, just slight impressions really.”

  His hands stopped the gentle massage for a moment. “Like what?” he asked genuinely curious.

  “When we first met, you were so angry at the man holding me captive.” Collett replied. “I was terribly afraid of you then.”

  Even the memory of it ignited the fires of his temper. “He wasn’t a man.” Cade ground out fiercely.