He said something more, but it was caught in the wind as he turned and walked away.
I paused for a moment and then had to hurry to catch up—his strides were long. We walked along the riverbank, eventually finding what he was searching for. A trail led up and out; however, it was on the other side.
He turned slightly and eyed me carefully. “Do you think you can swim the river?”
“I think so,” I replied with all the confidence I could muster. The water was rough. I really wasn’t sure if I could or not. Maes took my arm, and we waded through the water—it was just as cold as the day before. The current was swift as it tugged at my legs…a few steps more, and it was over my head. He released his hold and began to swim, but I was no match for the undercurrent. I fought with everything I had to stay on course. Within moments, I lost the battle and was pulled downstream. Maes saw my wide eyes and caught me, swimming us both to shore. I crawled out of the water, and lay in the morning sun, catching my breath.
Maes stood towering over me with arms crossed. “The current’s dangerous. I was actually surprised yesterday. I didn’t expect to find you alive.”
I knew I wouldn’t have lived if Maes hadn’t come along. I was indebted to him—yet another I owed my life to. He extended his hand and pulled me from the ground.
“This trail is easier. You should be fine.”
I examined the trail before us. It was wider; I’d be able to make the climb without assistance. After reaching the top of the ravine, I looked back. I knew I had covered a greater distance than the trio would have known. They wouldn’t have searched this far out. I wasn’t so sure I’d be able to find the truck again on my own. I had no idea which direction it was.
We began our descent down the mountain, heading southwest through the forest. I was achy, sore from being thrown around by the Trackers and thrashed by the water, and I had to jog to keep up with Maes. Hours passed, and I began falling further and further behind. Finally Maes stopped and waited until I caught up. I was breathless, exhausted.
Maes face flickered in a hint of sympathy.
“Wait here,” he said. I watched him disappear briefly, only to return as a Tresez. I knew it was Maes, but I was still fearful. Something about his jade-circled eyes made me uneasy. I made my approach slowly, and he nudged his head against my hand, bending down at the same time. Reluctantly I climbed on, locking my fingers in his fur. Once I was on his back securely, he began to run. I had to concentrate; it was like riding Mandi bareback.
I rode like this for the remainder of the day and a portion of the night until we finally came to a stop. I dismounted, and Maes blended into the darkness then reappeared in his human form.
“The truck is just on the other side of the ravine. I think it would be best if we walked from here. Stay close behind me at all times,” he commanded.
He moved at a slower pace this time so I could keep up. Moonlight trickled through the trees, illuminating the way. As we reached the top of the ravine, he paused. His eyes were searching the shadows; the truck and trailer were just ahead. I saw no movement, nothing to cause alarm. Yet we didn’t move. Instead he drew me closer to his back, blocking me from sight. His fingers tightened, and the muscles on his bare back tensed. Ever so slowly, he twisted around, wrapping his long arms around me and pushing my head into his steely chest as he stepped back, pressing me into the tree’s bark.
“Stay very still,” Maes murmured. “Close your eyes.”
I remembered what happened the last time I didn’t listen about closing my eyes, how the Ghosters almost took me, and complied immediately. Footsteps neared, and I tensed as his fingers crept up over my mouth. I remained still. Only my shallow breaths echoed in my ears as my heart raced.
“It’s clear. Let’s move on,” a husky voice growled in the distance.
“They must have gone a different direction,” another replied.
“Get the dogs to follow their scent. We have to find her before they do,” a third rugged voice called out.
I heard multiple footsteps; a large group was leaving—searching for me. Would Maes really protect me? What if they came back and found me? Maes’s grip loosened only slightly as we stayed motionless for a long time. I kept my eyes closed tight. Maes saved me for a reason. He wouldn’t just hand me over, or he’d have already done so. Eventually, he let me go.
“Stay close,” Maes ordered.
We walked down the ravine to the truck, and I checked the doors—they were locked. I seriously considered leaving now, making my break for it, as I stared down the dirt road. However, I couldn’t leave without Callon, Colt, and Daniel knowing I was alive. I knew they’d be frantically searching, and deep down I needed to see them safe too. Maes told me they were okay, but I needed to see it for myself. Besides, I had no idea if Maes was truly trustworthy yet. I hesitated near the bed of the truck.
“Will the Trackers come back?”
Maes leaned against the truck and crossed his arms.
“Probably not. I told the Tresez to lead them off in a different direction, away from here and away from Callon.”
I furrowed my brow. “You can speak to them telepathically?”
“Yes.” Maes continued with his previous thought. “Callon will probably show up here in the next day or two to start their search over for you. We’ll wait here. I’ll know when someone is coming, so we’ll have time to get away if needed.”
“You think Callon will show up here?”
“Didn’t I just say that, parrot?
“Parrot?”
“You’re repeating everything I say like a parrot,” Maes flatly replied.
“Oh…” I trailed off my mind latching onto another thought. “You don’t like them…” I finished my sentence internally, because you’re enemies.
Maes’s glare told me his answer.
“Then why are you staying if you know they’ll be returning?” I pressed.
Maes rolled his eyes. “Are you that dense? Someone needs to make sure you’re kept safe. I know how many accidents you’ve had. I could’ve done far better.”
His hand suddenly shot out, catching a large moth in midflight. He let it struggle for a moment before he crushed it in his palm. I stared, wide-eyed. Opening his fingers, he flicked the broken wings away with his free hand.
“I need you as much as you need me at this point.”
“I see.” I pushed my fingers to my forehead and began to rub my temples. This was becoming complicated. Maes wasn’t planning on going anywhere anytime soon, and in a matter of days, the trio would be back, too.
Getting away was going to be harder than ever…
Chapter 4
Maes started a fire, and I sat close to its warmth. I was completely exhausted. I curled up and rested my head on my knees. The night air was chilly, and my jeans were still damp, so it wasn’t long before I was shivering.
Maes placed his arm around me. I squirmed to shake him off.
“You’re cold, and I can help.”
He wasn’t giving me a choice about it. I remained rigid for a few moments before I sighed in surrender. “Fine.”
Maes drew me into his side, and I fought the urge to dislodge myself, even though just moments before I knew I had no choice. When was all this reliance on others going to end? It was as if I was incapable of doing anything on my own, and I hated it. I was an utterly and completely useless member of not only the human race, but the Timeless race as well!
This enormous oddity next to me was a mystery as well. His eyes…I’d never seen anything like them. The day’s excitement was catching up with me, and I struggled to stay awake.
“What’s with your eyes, Maes?” I asked groggily.
He sighed, and the silence between us stretched out. Somehow I knew he wouldn’t answer me. Soon darkness draped over me like a warm blanket, and a sleep-laden sigh escaped me.
“Cheyenne!”
A distraught voice snapped me out of sleep, and I jumped. Maes crushed me to his s
ide, forcing me upright. I was disoriented, and everything was spinning in circles. I had to lean against him for support. Maes didn’t wait for me to orient myself, and pushed me in front of him, locking an arm around my ribs. I gasped. Three furious faces were before me; my guardians had arrived.
“Stay back, Callon!” Maes shouted, his French accent thickening.
“Let her go, Maes,” Callon growled. “She won’t cause you any trouble.”
I tried to pull away, but Maes was holding on too tight.
“Maes, let go. You’re hurting me,” I said in a shallow voice. He was all but lifting me off the ground. He shifted slightly but didn’t let up on his hold.
“If I let go of you, Cheyenne, they’ll attack me,” Maes said through his teeth.
I sought out Callon’s eyes, my pulse quickening as I realized the danger.
“Callon, please listen. Maes won’t hurt me. He saved my life. You have to trust me on this one.” Callon’s expression didn’t change. Maes’s grip tightened, and I bit back a wince. He was going to crush me. “Back off, or he won’t let go!”
My guardians retreated. Maes took a step back as well—with me still attached.
“Maes!” I snapped. “They did what you said. Now let me go.” At last his grip loosened, and I stepped away. However, he kept his hand on my arm, so I couldn’t move far.
Colt’s jaw was locked. His bulky muscles tightened through his shirt. If he had his way, he’d yank me away and fight Maes here and now. Daniel was ready to snatch me the moment Maes released his grip, planning to jump me away to safety. Callon’s hazel eyes were narrow and intense—I was fearful of what would happen. I needed to maintain the peace. I owed Maes for saving my life—I had no other choice than to trust his word.
“Callon, Maes saved my life twice. He knows who I am. He wants to help.” Callon didn’t respond. His focus remained on Maes. “The Tresezes chased me down after Daniel and I separated in the forest. Maes stopped them from attacking.” I waited for him to say something—silence. “Then I jumped into the river to get away, but the current was too strong. If Maes hadn’t been there to pull me out, I would’ve drowned.” I attempted to step forward to touch Callon, but Maes’s hand was like a vice around my wrist. I wasn’t going anywhere.
I sighed.
“Look, if Maes wanted to kill me, he would’ve done so already. I’ve been alone with him for two days now; he’s had plenty of opportunities to finish me off. He’s here to help, not to harm. Please, Callon, you have to trust me.”
Finally, Callon’s stance softened. The tension began to dissipate, and everyone seemed calmer. I turned towards Maes. “You can let go now, as I think you’ve successfully cut off all circulation to my arm.” Maes released me, but he still appeared ready to spring forward if needed. I stepped toward Callon. His fingers tenderly took hold of mine. His eyes were deep pools of worry.
“Are you okay, Cheyenne?” I fought the urge to surrender to his touch. “You had us worried.” The crease in his brow grew.
My emotions from this whole ordeal struggled to surface. I thought I’d never see them again…
“I’m so sorry you had to go through all of this.” He was hesitating. It was obvious he wanted to draw me closer, but he didn’t.
I shut my eyes for a moment to regain control before I looked up.
“I’m fine. A little beat up, but fine, thanks to Maes. I wouldn’t have made it this far without him.”
Callon looked to Maes. “I’m a bit surprised, Maes. I didn’t expect this of you.” His words were filled with deeper questions. “I would’ve thought it’d be easier to kill her than keep her alive…”
The stare off continued in silence. The tension in the air was back, vibrating like electricity. Callon squeezed my fingers as I stepped toward Daniel. A mixture of relief and affection passed through me for Daniel. He’d fallen in the forest with the Tresez, and he’d been knocked unconscious. Though I’d seen him alive in the field during the battle, the magnitude of his sacrifice hadn’t registered. “In the future, Daniel, you need to work on where you jump me.” I was happy to see him, but my lips trembled.
Daniel’s arms engulfed me, and I sank into his embrace, fighting back the sobs of relief. “I’m sorry. I’ll do better next time,” he said sincerely. I was glad he hadn’t been hurt for my sake. With one last tight squeeze, he moved away. Colt hesitated as I looked up into his icy blue eyes.
“Colt O’Shea, I am still angry, and this changes nothing,” I said sternly. Then I softened my tone. “But, I want to thank you for watching out for me. Thank you for risking your life for mine.”
An instant later Colt had me against his chest as his steely arms tightened around me. He kissed my cheek firmly, and his lips wandered to my ear. “Cheyenne,” he whispered passionately. “I’m so sorry. I never meant to hurt you so deeply. I did know about Callon and Marcus. I knew someday you’d find out, but I wanted you to be so in love with me that nothing else mattered. I was wrong to hide it from you.” His sultry breath sent goosebumps down my arms. “I need your forgiveness. Tell me what I need to do to change your mind. Tell me what I need to do so you’ll love me again. Please, Cheyenne.” His warm lips touched my ear.
“When hell freezes over!” I snarled in a whisper, pushing back the urge to remain in his strong arms. “Now put me down.” There was no way I could get tangled up with Colt so quickly again, regardless if I needed comforting right now or not. The hurt he’d caused me ran deep.
“I can arrange that, love.” Colt kissed me again and dropped me to my feet, a small grin appearing. It took everything I had not to smile back; I wouldn’t let him get to me.
“Daniel, Colt, load the horses and gear now,” Callon ordered. He stepped towards me, and firmly took hold of my arm. “You’re staying with me now. We no longer need Maes’s services,” he said coolly.
Maes moved, blocking our way to the truck.
“I don’t think so,” he said, folding his arms. “I need her. I’m not leaving here alone.” His jaw tightened, and his eyes grew even darker.
Callon pushed me behind him, still holding my arm. “I listened to Cheyenne, but I don’t need to listen to you. Now move,” he rumbled.
“I’ve saved her life twice for you now,” Maes said. His accent deepened. “The three of you have done nothing but hurt her and place her in constant danger. Someone needs to make sure she’s kept safe.” His eyes narrowed. “Either I’m coming with you, or she’s coming with me.”
“And how do you plan on taking her, Maes?” Callon’s agitation rang clear. “If you haven’t noticed, there are three of us and only one of you.” I could feel the tension in Callon’s grip. He was ready for a fight.
“I’d say you were hopelessly outnumbered,” Maes purred slyly. “Your threats are empty, Callon. I’ve stolen her from under your noses before, and I’ll do it again if I have to.”
They stared each other down. Moments passed, and I was growing anxious. Colt and Daniel were directly behind me, both on edge. Daniel lightly touched my arm. I knew what I needed to do.
“Callon,” I said. “Don’t forget Maes saved my life.”
Callon’s eyes never left Maes. “I’ve saved your life, too.”
“Let him come along. He doesn’t want to harm me.”
“That’s all he knows, Cheyenne, how to hurt and kill Timeless.”
“And yet I’m still alive,” I challenged. “We have to believe him.”
Callon’s head turned, appalled that I’d say such a thing.
“It’s no different to when we first met, Callon,” I said, not backing down. “And you got me to trust you in the end. We need Maes. He could be very useful.” I leaned closer, whispering, “We’d be keeping the enemy close.”
I watched the distress pass through Callon’s eyes. He knew I was right and had been thinking the same thoughts himself, but he hated the idea of putting me in further danger.
“What are you proposing then?” Callon turned towards Ma
es.
“I need to stay close. We’re going to have to figure this out as we go. I can see she hasn’t changed yet. You’re going to need my help until she does.”
There was a long silence.
“Keep your distance then,” Callon said. “I don’t trust you. The minute you even think about crossing us, I’ll kill you.”
“As will I,” Maes replied coldly.
Despite their parting death threats, a small sense of relief washed over me. At least they weren’t trying to rip each other’s throats out. I’d seen enough fighting recently; I didn’t want more.
Callon led me towards the truck. We stopped at the driver’s door, and he placed me against it. One hand rested on the window next to my face while his other caressed my cheek with his knuckles, blocking my escape.
I hated it when he touched me, loved it and loathed it at the same time. I despised the power it had over me. Even after all the lies, a gentle stroke from his fingers could melt away my defenses like they were nothing. I had to hold on to my anger. I couldn’t let him make me forget…
“Cheyenne,” Callon said gently. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if we lost you. You don’t understand how much you mean to me. It’s more than just love; it’s deeper than being bound by the rings. I have waited a lifetime for you, and I’m not giving up so easily.” He drew even closer, his mouth soft, only a slight bit of tension in his brow. “I’m truly sorry for what happened. I should have told you when I knew for sure. I didn’t want you to suffer more than you already had, but in the end you have. One day, I hope you’ll forgive me.”
I was using the last ounce of energy within myself to hold back any emotions. I didn’t want to feel them—I was calm, unruffled. Callon couldn’t change that. He lowered his head in a kiss, and I turned away. He stopped and then grasped my jaw as he pulled back. A hurt passed through his hazel eyes—I’d wounded him.
Recovering quickly, Callon lowered his lips to my ear as he whispered, “One day, you’ll respond to me. You’ll love me like you love Colt. You’re hurt, I understand…but I’ll win. I haven’t waited this long for nothing.”
Promises Page 5
