“I think you’ll be busy later,” he replied.
“Promise?” I whispered, and his warm smile deepened.
“I promise.”
I listened to them chat while Colt rubbed my arm. I was still a little chilled. I leaned more into his arm, as my eyes became increasingly heavy. I slouched into his chest, and a delicate hand brushed my cheek as a blanket was laid over me. I knew it was Lilly. Soon I didn’t hear their conversations anymore as I drifted off to sleep.
I woke to an eerie silence; it was still dark. The fire was down to glowing embers, and no one was talking. Colt had both arms around me, and I was tight against his chest. The blanket I had over me was now brushed to the side. I surveyed the area. A thick mist had moved in, and everyone else was gone. Colt’s arms flexed, and I attempted to look up, only to be stopped when his hand came to rest over my mouth. I was immobile as he held me; all I could do was be completely still.
My heartbeat quickened. He wouldn’t act like this unless something was wrong. And this felt like something was very wrong. I stared out into the mist, trying to allow my sight to adjust to the darkness. Something was there, but I couldn’t see anything until the fire sparked. Suddenly, through the misty darkness, I saw two black eyes staring at me. A small whimper came from the back of my throat, and Colt’s arms stiffened. The creature was low to the ground, in a crouched position, ready for an attack. A shiver raked me as the hair on the back of my neck stood on end.
It crept through the mist, and I began to see its shape. It appeared to be similar to a dog or wolf, but the size was enormous. Even crouched down, it was taller than me. Its upper lips curled as it growled, exposing razor sharp fangs. Just as the hair on my neck rose again, so did the porcupine-like quills it had on its neck.
Colt slowly lowered his head slightly. His deep voice sent a chill down my spine as he spoke, “Don’t move.”
Another low rumble came from behind. I didn’t think my heart could race any faster, but it did. I felt the blood rush from my cheeks as my head began to spin. There were two! He couldn’t fight two at once. Cautiously, the gruesome creature in front began to creep closer. Its ears twitched as it listened, and the hair on its neck rose and fell with each snarl. Colt was tense. His arms vibrated with adrenaline, his steely muscles flexing against my skin.
The beast continued its crawl forward. The grisly creature arched itself as it prepared to spring. I shook from fear. Each breath I took was heavier than the last. It only took a fraction of a second, and Colt was on his feet, wrestling the beast over the top of me. I jerked my head to the right. The second frightful animal was leaping in the air, only to be hurled in a different direction. Callon was positioned on the other side of me. Both revolting creatures began stalking again as they repositioned themselves, ready for the next round.
Almost in unison they leaped again, teeth gnashing, eyes filled with a wild rage. I turned to the side; Colt positioned himself so the beast leaped into his arms, and he snapped its neck. I whipped my head towards Callon. The other monster’s leg had been dislocated; it was limping away, howling in bitter anguish through the thick mist. Daniel and Dex’s voices rang out warnings and then I heard the echo of cracking and howling.
I lay motionless on the ground, unsure what just took place. Were these the same shadows I used to see at my house? Callon and Colt dragged the hideous beast away into the mist, and I was alone. The crackling of the fire caught my attention, and I froze. A deep menacing growl rang from the back of a third beast’s throat, and two black orbs locked on mine. I quickly sprang to my feet; desperately searching for Colt, but the mist was too thick to see him.
It crawled its way forward as our gaze remained locked. I stepped back over the log. I didn’t have many options. I could run into the field and quickly be overtaken, or I could head for the trees to my right. The possibility of diving behind trees as protection sounded better than being completely vulnerable. I took another step backwards and stepped on a large branch we hadn’t yet thrown on the fire. Lowering myself slowly, I grasped it with my right hand. I wished I had shoes on.
The beast’s hair rose and fell with each nasty breath it took. I steadied my nerves. I wasn’t going down easily. My eyes grew wide as I watched it crouch. A second later, it was in the air. I swung the branch with everything I had. I made contact with its head, and it stumbled to the side.
“Cheyenne!” Colt’s thunderous voice rolled out. The creature leaped again as I staggered to my feet and ran. Both men were following behind me as I bolted for the trees. I darted behind a tree just as Colt and the beast rolled past. It broke free and came for me again. I took off sprinting. Colt was already to his feet in pursuit.
“Run, Cheyenne, run!” he bellowed.
I was doing my best to weave in and out of the trees when I was knocked to the ground. The monster’s snarling teeth were next to my face. I released a blood-curdling scream. A moment later it was gone. Callon had ripped it away. I scrambled to my feet once more and ran. I had no idea where I was heading; I was just trying to stay alive.
The mist was too thick for me to see any great distance. It wasn’t until I came upon the top of the ravine that I realized the danger I was in and froze. The hair on the back of my neck stood up as I heard the heavy snorts nearby. Cautiously twisting myself, fear seized my breath. Two additional creatures stood before me, and a third, smaller one was off to the side. I crept back and stood at the edge of the ravine. There was nowhere left to go but down.
“Colt,” I called out in a shaky voice. “Anytime you want to help me would be great.” I shook and tried to slow my breaths—it was next to impossible. The animals moved a step forward in unison, pink gums exposed, fangs dripping with saliva. They were fanning out slightly, ensuring I wasn’t going to get away this time. Their ears twitched and then pointed back. I had no choice but to hold my ground as they made their approach.
“Colt, have I ever told you I don’t like mean dogs? These dogs look really mean.” I scanned the dark mist in search of him. The dogs’ ears twitched again, but their focus remained on me.
“Colt,” I called out again with more desperation. “Remember how you said you wouldn’t leave me? This would constitute leaving me. I’d rather not be alone.”
“You’re not alone, Cheyenne.” Colt’s deep voice reached out and found me. I wasn’t out of danger yet, but some relief washed over me. The creatures didn’t move, and I kept my gaze locked on them. Callon and Colt were moving closer; the creatures saw them too. In the next second, they both sprang for me. I jumped to the right and landed in Daniel’s arms—we disappeared.
“I have you,” Daniel said, and I never felt such relief as I did in that moment.
“What took so long?” my quaking voice replied as I latched onto him tightly. He had jumped us closer to the third smaller creature. It just stared at us. It was strange; it looked timid.
“Go home,” he said firmly, and the creature ran.
“How did…”
“I’ll explain later. We need to leave.” He jumped us through the misty shadows until we were back at the campsite. He pried my arms off and said, “Stay here. Dex and Lilly are close.” And then he was gone.
A hand gripped my shoulder. I flinched as I tried to fall into a defensive crouch.
“Cheyenne,” Lilly’s soft voice said. “It’s okay, they’re gone.”
I stared at her blankly for a second, trying to get my bearings straight. “You scared me. Where did you come from? Are you okay?” She was so small and seemed so helpless against these creatures.
“I’m just fine, my dear. Dex and I took care of a couple further out before they got here.”
“There were so many…”
“Yes,” she replied as she drew her arm around my shoulder. “They travel in packs, mostly threes, but tonight there were more.”
“What are they?”
“They are called Tresez. They’re very dangerous creatures, especially at night. With their black
eyes and fur, they’re difficult to see. The mist here made it even more challenging.”
I glanced around through the misty darkness as I heard crackling of branches in the distance. “Do they roam the mountains here?” I said, panicking.
“No,” she replied. “They were out on a hunt.”
“Out on a hunt?” If they were out on a hunt, and they didn’t roam the mountains here, then they were searching for something very specific. “What were they hunting, Lilly?” I said slowly, already guessing her answer.
Concern grew in her eyes. She hesitated. “You, Cheyenne. They were hunting you.”
“But Colt said we’d be safe…” I trailed off looking at the embers in the fire. My mind repeated Lilly’s words. “Because of who I am?” my voice cracked.
“No, because of what you are. They know you’re going to be Timeless, but they don’t know who you are.”
“Who are they?”
“The Sarac are the ones who sent the Tresez.” She threaded her arm through mine. “The Tresez are weapons the Sarac use. They send them out randomly to hunt down and destroy the children of the Timeless because you’re still human, an easy target. If the Sarac knew who you were, the stronger ones would be here instead.”
“They sent weaker ones? They will find out someday, won’t they? And then we’ll have to face even stronger beasts,” I worried. “How did they find us?”
“Yes, I am afraid they will discover the truth someday. As far as finding us, they must have been tracking you and the boys without them knowing. We will be ready if they send more. Of course, there are no guarantees. We can only do our best and pray we overcome.”
It hit me at once; I was the cause of all of this. They came because of me. How many other times while I was at my home in Idaho did they come for me? “I’m so sorry,” I said in realization. “I didn’t mean to drag you, Dex, or anybody into this mess. They’re after me, not you.”
“Cheyenne, look at me, honey.” Lilly’s blue eyes were so soft and caring. “You didn’t drag anyone into this. We came willingly. There is a greater purpose to all of this than just who you are. We know what you’re capable of, we know what your heritage is, and we know what you will become someday. You have something so great deep inside of you, and one day you will understand. We are here because we love you. Each one of us would give our lives for you.”
Her words were filled with such compassion and love. I wanted to believe her. She loved me? Already? She drew me into her arms in a hug, and I realized just how much I missed my mom. It was so comforting to have Lilly near, even though I had only known her a short time. There was a deeper connection I didn’t understand, didn’t know how to explain. A tear rolled down my cheek. How did I get so lucky to have people like them around me? People who I hardly knew, but still loved me.
“Thank you, Lilly. I would give my life for you as well.” And somehow I knew in my heart I would. We held our hug until we heard footsteps nearing. I turned to have Colt pull me away. My feet left the ground as his massive arms surrounded me. He hastily kissed me.
“Cheyenne, are you okay?” his voice was filled with deep concern.
“I’m fine, Colt.” I quivered slightly. “I’m fine because everyone was here for me.”
“We will always be here for you, always,” he said passionately as his lips touched mine again softly. He gave me a squeeze and set me to the ground as we went back to the fire. Daniel was adding more wood as we sat.
“Thanks, Daniel,” I said. His boyish face glowed in the firelight.
“Anything for my favorite horse whisperer,” he replied with a faint grin.
Callon and Dex returned to the fire and sat with the rest of us.
“Thanks, Dex,” I said softly.
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. Can’t say things aren’t exciting when you’re around.” He winked as a smile creased his weathered cheeks.
I took Callon’s hand in mine, trying to express my true gratitude, my trust. “Thank you. You’ve done so much for me, and I don’t know if I’ve ever really showed you how much I appreciate it.” I paused. “Without you, Colt, and Daniel, I wouldn’t be alive today.” I leaned closer, and hugged him. His warm embrace meant something more now, a connection that I hadn’t felt before. His lips touched my ear and goose bumps rose.
“You’re welcome,” he whispered.
I sighed and slowly drew back, snuggling up under Colt’s arm. It felt strange now when Callon touched me. It was more than just a touch. It went deeper. I didn’t understand how it had changed.
We sat by the fire quietly, as they were still on guard. Each sound in the forest was carefully evaluated. I replayed what had taken place, and knew I would not sleep again tonight. I always knew Colt was strong, but to see him break the neck of the massive Tresez caused me to shiver. Callon’s strength was different—but both were equally strong. I was very well protected, and loved—and grateful.
Chapter 22
For safety reasons, we waited until dawn before we broke camp. Tension was in the air from the night before; I knew it was going to be a long ride back to the cabin. I insisted I could ride on my own, and Lilly finally helped me convince the boys I was fine.
We rode in a tight formation; Daniel led, with Callon and Colt flanking me. Dex and Lilly were close behind. The sun was shining for the moment, but we could see the dark storm clouds on the horizon. The clouds billowed in the distance and turned the sky a grayish black. It seemed a severe storm was on its way, and we were directly in its path. Anxious, Mandi trotted with wild snorts. We all knew the last lightning storm caused her to run; I wasn’t sure how she would react this time. I was with her, but did that make a difference?
We were still two to three hours away when the storm hit. The winds began their assault first, blowing dirt and dust high into the air, making visibility low. It came in sudden bursts, screeching, reaching, trying to grasp out in anger, whipping and slapping at us angrily. Even my jeans did nothing to stop the cold and the stinging dirt particles.
The winds continued, and then the torrential rains began. The water pounded against us, cutting as it cuffed our exposed skin. I lowered myself and buried my face closer to Mandi’s mane. It did little good, and the driving rain continued its relentless battering. She was becoming restless, prancing her hooves into the ground. Callon attempted to grab her bridle when lightning struck with such magnitude that it shook the earth around us. Mandi reared up on her hind legs and bolted, with me still attached.
The reins fell from my fingers. I thrust myself forward to latch on to her mane. I knew I couldn’t control her. I followed her rhythm while she ran. This was the second time I had been on a runaway horse; this time, however, I had a better idea of what to expect and how to react. I could barely make out the sound of pounding hooves behind us over the rushing wind and rain. Mandi was too fast for them to catch her. Rapidly I began to realize I was on my own.
As unpredictable as she had started, Mandi suddenly came to an abrupt halt. I scrambled to right myself quickly so I wasn’t tossed from the saddle. Her head flashed from side to side and then she let out a wild series of snorts. The sound made my skin crawl. Something wasn’t right. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of what had caused her to halt; three Tresezes were crouched in the deep grasses. I realized she had gained too much distance from the rest. It would take several minutes for them to arrive—minutes I didn’t have.
I lunged forward and grabbed the reins. I had no idea what I was about to do, but at least I would have a little more control. I spoke to Mandi while I held her steady; I could only pray she understood.
“You’re going to have to help me, Mandi,” I said somewhat calmly, trying to prevent them from jumping. “We need to run fast, very fast. I need you to keep me safe. You’re the only one who can help me now.” As soon as the words were off my lips, she bolted again, and I leaned forward. Something brushed across my back as she took off in a gallop. I didn’t dare look back. I knew what
had touched me—a Tresez.
Mandi ran like a thoroughbred racehorse, faster than anything I had ever experienced. We were barreling across the valley at such a rapid pace that I had the sensation I was flying. We were one, moving in unison, our bodies twined together in a single motion. The gully we crossed the day before lay ahead. It was wide enough to ride down, but today, we didn’t have that luxury. I glanced back; the three creatures were running full speed, each flanking the other. Callon and Colt were in close pursuit. We had no choice; we had to jump the gully, all fifteen to twenty feet.
My heart leaped into my throat. I touched Mandi’s neck and tried to reassure her. “We have to jump this, girl. We don’t have any other options. You can do this. I believe in you, Mandi.”
She showed no hesitation as we leaped out over the gully, landing safely on the other side, with me still in the saddle. My pulse was racing, blood surging through my veins. Rain was pelting my face; each drop that hit stung. I twisted again to locate the creatures, and watched Colt leap from his horse as one ran towards him. Callon was chasing down the second.
My heart skipped a beat. The third remained in pursuit; it had jumped the gully also. It was faster and stronger than the others; and quickly gaining ground. I could barely see Daniel, Dex, and Lilly coming from behind; the blinding storm was too strong. Mandi jumped, and I lost my balance. I tumbled to the ground and rolled to my side, springing to my feet. I had no explanation how I was able to do this so gracefully, other than adrenaline.
My eyes flashed wildly, trying to take in the layout of the land. I spotted a sturdy branch and grabbed it. I swiftly readied myself as I planted my feet. As the creature came into clear view, it slowed its approach. It began stalking, circling, and slowly creeping closer.
It was becoming harder to see. The wind and driving rain were coming down with such force that it was difficult to stand upright. With eyes as black as midnight, only the Tresez’s yellow fangs and pink gums had any coloring to them. As it rushed towards me, I gathered enough momentum in my swing to hit it on the skull, causing it to stumble. It only took a few steps and turned quickly again. Panic rose in my chest. This beast seemed larger than the others and had every intention of ending my life.
Cheyenne (A Timeless Series Novel) Page 26
