Cheyenne (A Timeless Series Novel)

by Wiedmeier, Lisa

  I managed to jerk one knee up, nailing him square in the groin. He fell to the ground in agony. I caught sight of the dark-haired man and saw his rage as I bolted for the shadowy woods. The thundering of his footsteps was not far behind. Could I outrun them, outlast them until help came? I just needed to keep the space between us wide enough so they couldn’t catch me. I would find a hiding place and wait it out. I could do this!

  The flickering lights were still ahead, bouncing back and forth. It was difficult to keep track of their location. It suddenly registered where I had seen them before, at the cathedral. I had also seen them outside the library windows, but I mistook them for passing headlights.

  I entered the woods about thirty feet to the right of the lights with two of the three men in close pursuit. As I continued into the darkness, I was now not so confident in my ability to keep the distance.

  What would happen if they caught me? Would Colt, Daniel, and Callon find me? Argh, and the heavy pack wasn’t helping. Why didn’t I just drop it?

  I was in mid-stride when two arms locked around me and I tumbled to the ground, smashing into a small fallen log. The air forcefully exited my lungs, and a piercing pain completely immobilized my left side. A second later my pack was being ripped off and thrown to the side. For a brief second I had the sensation of a weight being lifted from me, and I scrambled to my feet as I ran.

  I took two strides before I smashed into a tree, my right elbow hitting with a loud crack. Instant agony shot up my arm to my shoulder. I lay slumped on my side on the cool forest floor. This was the danger my protectors were talking about. How had I not seen it?

  “This is my kill!” one of the three men shouted. “I want to have some fun first, see how long she’ll last. It’s been way too long since I’ve had an opportunity like this.”

  Their footsteps closed in. They were going to kill me? Why? I hadn’t done anything except defend myself. At the bar, the dark-haired one acted as if he knew me. I didn’t understand. I’d never seen him before. All three were close—I had to get away.

  I pushed myself to my knees using my left arm and stumbled to my feet, desperate to flee. I barely turned before I saw a hand closing in on my head. His fingers locked in my hair as he dragged me forward. Raising my good elbow, I wheeled it into his side, but he only bent slightly. There was a growl at the back of his throat, and seconds later I was hurling toward the ground. I once again landed on my right side, crippled with pain.

  “She won’t last if you keep throwing her to the ground!” one snapped.

  “Don’t tell me what I can and can’t do,” the dark-haired one said through his teeth. “I plan on making it long and drawn out. She will suffer greatly for what’s she’s done.”

  Black spots were flashing before my eyes as I lifted my head. I needed to get up, or they were going to kill me—I had to keep moving. My breaths were labored, every one bringing excruciating misery. Were these the same ones who killed my parents? The ones Colt, Callon and Daniel were trying to protect me from?

  One of them was standing over me, but I couldn’t tell which one. My face was planted in the ground while the other two argued. I closed my eyes, my head slumping to the forest floor.

  “You idiots! Have you seen the rings on her fingers?”

  Suddenly an ear-piercing scream echoed through the trees. The voices became muffled. There was shouting, but the words jumbled together in my mind. Forget them, I had to move! I had to get away…

  Every inch of my being was in agony, I forced my head up, only to collapse again.

  “Cheyenne!” a deep voice yelled near my head. It was somehow familiar. I couldn’t pry my lids open…they were so heavy. The voice was louder now. “Cheyenne! Don’t go to sleep. Stay with me! Open your eyes!”

  Someone gingerly rolled me onto my back, and my lashes flickered. It was Callon, and his face was intense. He was asking me questions, but they didn’t make sense. I opened my mouth to speak, taking short shallow breaths.

  “Are…they…gone?”

  “Yes, sweetheart, they’re gone.” His jaw was so tight, the muscles in his neck were bulging, and his gaze remained focused.

  “They acted like they knew me,” I whispered.

  “They’re gone.”

  “The lights…the glittering lights. Did you see them? They were the same…the same as the cathedral…at the library…the same as…” Every last ounce of energy left me, and my eyes rolled shut.

  Clank, clank, clank. It was the clang of objects hitting metal trays. I was so heavy, weighed down, but I was no longer in pain. I couldn’t open my eyelids, no matter how hard I tried. I could only listen.

  My right arm was lifted, gently laid on a cold surface and the whirling of what sounded like a medical machine began. A wet cloth touched my temple, and a tugging sensation came next. Warm hands exposed my ribs to the cool air and then lifted my shirt. The hands were gently probing, pushing. They stopped on my left side. I heard heavy footsteps and then something rolling across the floor followed by a hum. A light pressure behind my head brought me some comfort, as it was cradled in a large hand. My shoulders left the table as another set of hands tenderly wrapped a cloth around my chest, and then laid me back down. My right arm moved once again. There was the sound of Velcro being pulled apart and my arm was folded and placed in something. Low voices fill the room, but I couldn’t distinguish them.

  “Did you find anything else?” a concerned voice asked.

  “I think we’ve found them all. She’ll most likely have a concussion. Two of her left ribs are broken, but I didn’t see any fragments puncturing her lungs. The brace will help support her elbow for now.”

  “We need to move her. I’ve given her enough to keep her sedated for a while.” He sighed. “We don’t have a choice.” A tender touch to my forehead brushed my hair aside, and I drifted back out of consciousness.

  I woke, this time to the sound of humming. I listened closely. It was the truck’s engine—we were on the move. I was seated in an upright position; the cool air from the vent was blowing across my face. I inhaled deeply only to flinch, and my eyes remained closed.

  “Cheyenne, are you in pain?” Colt asked as his arm moved behind me. I was resting against his shoulder.

  “I’m okay,” I whispered. I managed to force my eyes open. He was leaning over, intently studying my face. I was in the backseat. Daniel sat on the opposite side and squeezed my fingers.

  “Colt, are you okay?” The last I’d seen him he was being attacked himself.

  “I’m fine, sweetheart.”

  “Daniel,” Callon called out, and I watched as Daniel touched his shoulder. Callon was now seated next to me; I blinked in amazement even though I knew he could Jump. Callon was now poised to take action. I couldn’t focus clearly and closed my weary lids again. My head and elbow were starting to ache.

  Gently taking my wrist in his fingers, Callon took my pulse. “Cheyenne,” he said tenderly. “Are you in pain?” He lifted my shirt and touched my ribs, I gasped and he froze. He pulled his hand back slowly. “I can help you. Can you breathe okay? Is there any pain elsewhere?”

  I didn’t care about the pain; I wanted answers. “What happened, who were they?” I whispered.

  His voice was apologetic, broken. “I’m so sorry…” He trailed off.

  “The lights—did you see the glittering lights?” I needed them to know. I knew it was important somehow as I’d seen them several times now.

  He was filled with agony, remorse. “I didn’t—we shouldn’t have put in this kind of danger.”

  “Did you…see…the lights?” It was getting hard to speak.

  His fingers touched my cheek. “You need to rest. Don’t talk. We’re here now, and we’re not leaving your side. I promise.”

  My chest was aching something awful, like it was being crushed. I was hurt, angry, and annoyed. I rose up, twisting to face him, and flipped my eyes open. “Just answer the damn question!” I sucked in a breath and collapsed
in agony. My breathing was short and shallow as the pain increased, but I kept my gaze locked on his, blue on hazel. His eyes grew wide, and his lips twitched.

  “Yes.”

  “Does it…have to do.” I sucked in more oxygen. “ With the…the attack?” I cringed as I endured the pressure on my chest.

  “Yes.”

  “You will tell me about this later!” I closed my eyes again. Colt brushed my hair aside from my cheeks as I collapsed back into his shoulder; his fingers eventually came to rest on my thigh. A rustling sounded nearby.

  I peeked from under heavy lids to see Callon had a needle in his fingers.

  “No!” I snapped.

  “Please, Cheyenne,” Callon pleaded. “I can’t watch you suffer.”

  “Cheyenne, listen to Callon. He just wants to help you.” I looked up into Colt’s sympathetic eyes. “Please. We’ll tell you about the lights later.”

  I closed my eyes and realized they were truly just trying to help me. I nodded and felt the needle plunge into my shoulder as he injected the medicine. Turning my face into Colt’s chest, I began to cry. Everything that had taken place, all the pain I had to endure came down to one large emotional overload. I couldn’t control it any longer. Colt’s long fingers cradled my cheek.

  “Shh, it’s alright, sweetheart. We’re here; no one is going to hurt you now,” he said softly.

  Callon took my left hand in his and stroked it. “I’m so sorry, Cheyenne. I can’t watch you suffer so much when I can help you. Rest.”

  Within minutes my mind grew fogged, and the darkness wrapped around me, drowning out everything else.

  Chapter 16

  It was silent—only the sound of my heartbeat broke through the invisible barrier surrounding me. I was in pain; every labored breath felt like stakes piercing my lungs. My chest burned, and I wanted to scream. I realized I was lying down; I needed to sit up, to relieve the pressure.

  I attempted to move my right arm, and it felt as if thousands of needles were pricking my elbow. I opened my eyes and looked down. There was a brace on it.

  Confusion immediately set in. What happened?

  I used my left arm and rose to a sitting position. I was in the back seat of the truck. I moved, and all at once everything began to spin. Closing my lids again in an attempt to stop the nausea, I knew it was no use. I was going to be sick.

  I managed to throw the door open, and the screeching of the car alarm sent me even faster to my knees a few steps away. I vomited, which caused excruciating pain in my left side. I was barely balancing on my quivering left arm.

  The alarm ceased, and a cool hand pulled my hair back and held it at my neck while another arm wrapped around my waist.

  “I’m here, Cheyenne,” Callon said warmly.

  I was breathing in short, shallow pants, which made the pain more bearable. I remained arched over the ground, waiting for the spinning to stop.

  “We’re here,” he repeated. “I won’t leave you.”

  What was he talking about? Why did he keep saying he was here and wouldn’t leave? Why did my side hurt, and why was my arm in a brace? All the confusion and fear was adding up quickly, and I began to cry. I knew who he was, but why was I hurting so much? What had happened? Callon said he’d protect me…but from what? What was so dangerous that I needed protecting from? I fought to remember, but my mind was so muddled.

  Something bad had happened, I was sure of it, but I couldn’t think what. Callon was here though. That meant it would be alright? Wouldn’t it? I was moving towards the point of hyperventilating.

  I tried to speak, the words barely forming on my lips. “Where’s Colt…Daniel?”

  I looked up and saw Callon’s face riddled with anxiety as he helped me kneel upright again. I leaned into his shoulder, unable to hold myself up on my own.

  “Cheyenne, calm down,” he said as he rubbed my back. “It’s going to be fine. Daniel and Colt are fine. I’m fine. You had an accident, and you’re disoriented. I won’t let go of you. Shh, now. Everything is going to be okay. We’re all here for you.”

  A part of me didn’t want to believe his kindness, but it was warm here, safe. Callon would never hurt me, and he said he’d protect me. Eventually the tears ceased, and my breathing returned to normal. I stared out into the woods. It looked unfamiliar and different, somehow. Slowly I looked up. Callon wiped the remaining tears from my cheek.

  “Where are we?”

  Callon sighed. “We had to leave for our packing trip early.”

  “Where are Colt and Daniel?”

  Callon looked at me strangely before he answered.

  “They’re here. They’re preparing the horses.”

  “Oh,” my voice was quiet. “Are we in danger?”

  “You don’t need to worry about anything right now,” Callon said. “We’re not leaving you. You’re safe. I promise.”

  He promised…then it couldn’t be a lie. Callon never lied. But I still didn’t understand. Was I sleeping? Was this some sort of weird dream?

  Callon lifted me to my feet, helped me to the truck, and had me sit on the seat. I stared at him blankly.

  “We’re leaving soon. I need you to stay here in the truck. Don’t move. We’re right here, and we’re not leaving you.”

  The only response I could give was a numb nod. Callon walked away, and I glanced to the sky. It was clear. The sun was bright as it rested directly above us. Sighing, I stared out into the woods. The pain was subsiding, and I didn’t feel nauseous anymore.

  Callon returned soon, helping me to the ground. He held onto my left elbow and placed his fingers around my waist as he led me behind the truck and trailer.

  Colt and Daniel were waiting, holding the horses. We stopped in front of Colt, his eyes assessing me before he carefully took over as my support as Callon mounted. Then he lifted me up to Callon, hoisting me to sit in front of him. I knew I was in no condition to ride on my own. Colt squeezed my leg and walked off.

  I winced slightly as Callon’s arms moved around me to grasp the reins.

  “I’m sorry,” he whispered. I gripped his forearm as I instinctively leaned back. My mind was a swirling whirlwind of thoughts I couldn’t grasp as we set out into the woods.

  Daniel led while Colt remained at our side, continually glancing at Callon and then me. I knew they were talking. He wanted to make sure I was okay. Each stride Bo took was painful. Callon tried to ease the impact, but I still felt it. There was no way around it.

  I closed my eyes as I concentrated on inhaling and exhaling. It was easier to breathe sitting up. My head began to wobble. Callon moved his fingers to my cheek and gently held it into the crook of his neck until the numbness settled in, and the warm blanket of sleep covered me.

  When I woke, the position of the sun told me a long time had passed. We were still riding. I glanced to the side to see Colt’s worried stare. He rode closer and touched my leg.

  “We’ll be stopping soon. You can rest more then.” All I could do was nod.

  Within half an hour we halted. We were deep in the woods. Pine trees stretched as far as the eye could see. Callon shifted, and I flinched. At once Colt was beside us, and he plucked me down into his arms.

  My feet didn’t touch the ground as he cradled me against his chest. One hand held me while his other cupped my cheek, and he kissed my forehead.

  “We’re staying here for the night,” Colt informed me. “I won’t let go of you. No one can harm you.”

  I stared into his loving eyes blankly. Why did they keep saying I was safe? No one would harm me? I didn’t understand, but I felt safe in his arms. He always made me feel loved.

  Camp was set up as I remained snuggled in his hold. A fire was built, the tent raised, and the horses tied down for the night. I began to shake as a chill swept over me. Quick glances were exchanged, and Callon appeared next to us with a blanket in hand. He inspected me first and then as he wrapped it around me, I noticed how much of a mess I was. I was still wearing the s
horts and shirt from the day at the library, and they were soaked with dirt and blood.

  What kind of accident did I have? I realized I hadn’t spoken since we left the truck. I was so disoriented. I sighed as I gazed up into the night sky. I could see the stars dancing in the distance, and it made me think about how they twinkled. Everything snapped into place at once—clarity on the events leading up to this moment. I became rigid, and Colt tensed. Callon was at our side in an instant as he turned back.

  “I know what happened.” I stared at Callon coherently for the first time today.

  “What happened, Cheyenne?” Colt asked warily.

  “How this happened. The men, the glittering lights. The attack. All the morphine you’ve been pumping into me to help ease the pain must’ve numbed my thoughts. But I know what happened.”

  “We’re here now, and no one is leaving. I promise never to leave you again. You’re safe now.” Colt lowered his cheek to my head.

  We sat quietly as I watched Callon and Daniel move about the camp. Colt said he wasn’t letting go, and he meant it. Callon brought water and informed me that if I didn’t drink, he would put an IV in.

  I drank.

  Daniel warmed food over the fire. I didn’t know how long I had been out of commission, but by the looks of things, it was at least a day and a half. They were all dressed differently, and I was the only one with the bloody clothes on. I could only imagine what the rest of me looked like; I’d have to work on it tomorrow.

  Daniel neared. “I’ve made you some soup, Cheyenne. I know it’s not the greatest, but it’ll warm you.” His dark blue eyes were so gloomy, that they made me feel guilty. I wasn’t worth his sadness as they’d tried to protect me.

  I touched his hand and squeezed. “Thank you, Daniel.” I ate, even though I wasn’t that hungry. I didn’t want to give Callon the chance to sedate me. I understood his reasoning, but it wasn’t worth having my mind trapped in a fog.

  Tomorrow I would have to make them clarify the extent of my injuries. Right now, I was too tired to do much else but close my eyes. I leaned into Colt’s shoulder. The warmth from the fire touched me, and I slipped into a sleepy abyss.