“I’m not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me all night.” A satisfied grin spread over his lips. Sighing, I continued forward as he drew down the covers, and I slid under. I touched his hand as he was about to pull them back over me.
“I’m still cold. Do you mind?” I didn’t need to say another word. He hopped over the side of the bed, and removed his shoes as he crawled in next to me. He pulled me into his arms, and I lay my cheek on his bare chest again. His warmth filled me as I curled up as close as I could.
“Colt,” I whispered.
“Umm?”
“Thank you. I feel like I’m even more of a burden. I’m sorry.”
“Maybe I want to bear your burden.” He kissed my head, as his hand rubbed my lower back, careful to stay away from the wounds.
“It’s not fair for me to ask that of you.”
“You didn’t ask. I took it—just me being selfish again. Besides, if someone weren’t out to get you, none of this would be happening. You were never that accident prone.”
“Will it ever end?” I wondered out loud. “Will my life ever be normal again?”
He sighed. “You weren’t born under normal circumstances. Your life as you knew it will never be the same again. You’re forever changed.”
I looked up, with my brows creased. “Why me? Why was I chosen?”
“Who knows why things happen to some of us and not others. It’s not always our choice. You are special, Cheyenne. You have no idea who you will become someday, the woman you are becoming now.” His fingers began to lightly stroke my cheek, our gaze locked together.
I didn’t understand my destiny, didn’t understand why any of this was happening to me, but at least I had Colt. I had his undying love, his protection, and his strength. I was strong, but somehow with him I felt stronger—more capable. I could do this if he were here with me.
Lifting my chin with his fingers, his lips caressed mine once, twice, three times before he drew back slightly. “I love you,” he murmured on my lips.
I closed my eyes. “I love you too,” I whispered faintly. I snuggled back into his arms, and drifted off to sleep—warm, secure, and loved.
Chapter 23
The morning light was bright and cheery. Colt had kept his word, and I woke up still in his arms. I lifted my chin and saw his dazzling smile.
“Morning, sunshine.” He tenderly kissed my forehead. “Did you sleep well?” he asked cheerfully.
Stifling a yawn, I replied, “Yes, actually I did. How late is it?”
“Ten a.m.”
My eyes grew wide. “Geez! I slept for over twelve hours? Why didn’t you wake me? I’m sorry I made you lay here all that time. You should have told me.”
“You were really tired. You barely moved. The only way I could tell you were still alive was your breathing.” A grin crept over his lips; I couldn’t help but stare at them and think…
“Besides,” he continued, “it wasn’t so bad for me. I spent the last twelve hours alone with you in my arms. I’m not complaining at all.”
I sighed. “You know, I really don’t deserve you. There are plenty of other girls out there that wouldn’t be this much trouble.” I really was lucky.
“Yeah, but what fun would that be?”
I leaned up and kissed him before I climbed out from under his arms. I sat at the edge of the bed facing away and scanned the room. He still hadn’t brought my backpack in yet. It was as if he was holding it ransom, for some reason. It didn’t make sense. “Colt?”
“Yeah?” he replied as his arm wrapped around my waist and he drew me back against his chest.
“Do you know where my backpack is? I’d like my blue shirt.” He squeezed my waist and climbed out of bed as he left the room. Moments later, he returned with clothes in hand, smiling. I glanced up as he handed them to me. “Why can’t I have the whole thing?”
“Because if I have your clothes, you can’t run off.”
“And where would I be going?”
“You’ve done it before.” He arched a brow.
I rolled my eyes. “You’re impossible. I could buy new clothes in a number of different places. They’re called stores.” I took the clothes and went to the bathroom to change. Lilly said they’d wait to talk to me about the journal because of the trauma I’d been through, but I was ready to know more. Callon had mentioned last night we needed to get moving again. We didn’t have much time left here.
As I stepped out of the bathroom, Colt was leaning against the wall, arms crossed. He had already showered and changed; somehow he always beat me. I stood still for a few moments just drinking in the sight of him. His jeans were well worn in all the right places, and his snug t-shirt accentuated his brawny muscles. He cleared his throat, and I realized I was ogling him. His smile deepened.
“How do you do that?” I asked.
“Do what?” He tilted his head.
“Get changed, cleaned up so fast? I know I’m not that slow. How can you be so much faster?”
“It’s a gift.” He smirked.
I knew I wouldn’t get very far so I dropped the subject. I followed as he led the way to the great room, admiring the view along the way. As we rounded the corner, Lilly smiled warmly as Colt and I headed for the table. She had made me breakfast.
“Thanks, Lilly. It looks delicious.”
“You’re welcome, my dear.” She touched my shoulder gently. “Are you feeling better today?” she asked sincerely.
“Much better, thank you.” I gulped the food quickly, as Colt watched in awe.
“I guess you really were hungry this morning,” he said chuckling.
Grinning, I took my plate to the sink to wash it. Once done, we headed for the couch. Dex had the journal in his hands; he appeared to be waiting. I plopped down next to Callon; Colt sat on my other side. Daniel gently tugged my hair as he passed and sat next to Dex; a faint smile appeared on Dex’s face.
“We’re going to talk about the journal today?” I looked at Dex hopefully. “I’d like to know more about it if you can tell me.” I wanted to know more about who I was.
“There is a lot I don’t understand, Cheyenne. I’ll do my best.” He seemed to pause to collect his thoughts before continuing. Lilly moved to sit in the loveseat beside him, and I waited anxiously for him to resume.
He looked down at the journal in his weathered hands, running his thumbs over the spine. “The writings in the back of the book are mostly your family history. It’s written in an old, forgotten language, not many know it.” He sighed. “I’ve had difficulties with it and will try and give my best interpretation. However, you must keep in mind it might not be perfect.” His hazel eyes were sincere and warm as he studied mine.
“I understand.”
“Callon has already shared with you a lot about your parents, where they came from, and how they joined together to fight the Sarac.” He waited until I nodded. “When your mother, Sahara, left her father, Jorelle, it caused her great heartache. She loved him very much, but she knew Makhi was just using him to get what he wanted. Makhi convinced her father to betroth her to Marcus, his son. The joining of the two clans was thought to create a powerful, almost undefeatable, alliance. Your mother was very beautiful, and Marcus wanted her not only for her power but also her beauty. She, of course, wanted nothing to do with him—she saw through his mask.”
He shifted in his seat, his eyes still locked on mine as his fingers continued to rub the worn leather journal.
“Your mother managed to leave the Sarac, only to hear they had killed her father out of anger and desperation, hoping she would return because of it. She was now driven to destroy them; she knew their hearts’ desire was power and greed. She sought out Qaysean after hearing rumors he was alive. She asked for his help, but your father didn’t believe her. He thought it was a trick. After many months together, though, he realized she spoke the truth. A relationship developed, and they fell in love. They shared a common goal: to rid the world of the Sarac leader
s. Fighting side by side for many years, they grew stronger together—they became a threat to the Sarac.”
He hesitated. “I know this is a lot to absorb. Do you want to hear more?”
“Please, Dex,” I replied earnestly. “I need to know more.” I’d been waiting for so long, and we’d come all this way.
“Marcus was enraged at the thought of your mother with another man, especially Qaysean. When your father killed Makhi, Marcus vowed to destroy them both and end the Kvech family line. Your mother became pregnant with you and everything changed. Their whole life revolved around protecting you, keeping you a secret from Marcus. If he knew about you, you would have been killed with your parents.
“Your parents sought out Gene and Alexis. They didn’t know them, but knew of them. They were the most capable amongst us. Your parents could have asked Lilly and me, but it was far too dangerous since we were part of their rebellion. They sought out someone who was not close to them, someone Marcus wouldn’t think to look for. Gene and Alexis took you in, knowing someday they would probably lose their lives for you.”
The tears began to stream down my cheeks and I ducked my head to hide them. My adoptive parents knew all along they would die for me, yet they still said yes. Why? Why was I worthy of such sacrifices? Colt’s bulky fingers began to rub my back gently. I raised my head up again. “It’s okay. I’m okay. Please tell me more.”
“Your parents had planned on returning to you someday, once Marcus was gone. He still knew nothing of your existence.” His voice deepened, and the emotions filling it were almost palpable. “Your parents never had the opportunity to return. Marcus found and killed them. Gene and Alexis became your sole guardians. They loved you as if you were their own, Cheyenne. They protected you over the years so many times and tried to teach you the valuable things that would help you later on. They tried to provide you with the best they could without ever letting you know your true identity.
“Callon, Colt, and Daniel came into your life a number of years ago. They were told nothing of who you were; only that they needed to protect you. They all agreed willingly. Dangers were lurking everywhere—help was needed. You met Colt, but Daniel and Callon were always on the sidelines, watching and waiting, protecting when needed. There was a lot that took place you never knew about. Gene and Alexis kept moving so often because they were searching for a better location, something more secure. They were unable to share their secret with anyone—even you.”
It all made sense now, their constant travels, our moves.
“It was just as Callon told you: Gene and Alexis were murdered. Marcus covered his tracks by making it appear to be an auto accident. We’ve come to the conclusion he knew nothing about you until recently. The way he’s been acting would make us believe he just thinks you to be another child of the Timeless.”
I stared at my rings. They represented who I was, what I belonged to. All of these people were protecting me from something I didn’t understand, something I knew nothing about. They were willing to sacrifice their lives for me; some already had. I kept my head down.
“You knew my parents,” I said in a whisper.
There was a moment’s pause before he replied, “Yes, we did.”
“Did you know of my existence?” I wasn’t sure from what he’d already told me.
“No, they hid it from us. They didn’t want to put our lives in danger. They knew we would have taken you in without question. We didn’t know until Callon told us. It was safer this way.”
My lips quivered, and my voice cracked, “What were they like?” I raised my eyes and saw the oceans of sorrow Dex had for me.
“They were the most wonderful, caring people we had ever met,” Lilly said tenderly. “They had such a great love for each other and were determined to make things right for everyone. They wanted to ensure we as Timeless were safe from the Sarac clan.” She shifted in her seat. I knew she wanted to come to me, but she remained seated. Dex’s fingers touched her arm in support.
“You have so much of both of them in you. Your father was musical. The guitar here was his. We could sit and listen to him play for hours. He had a way with the music, just as you do. He was strong and had a deep passion for life.”
A tear glistened in her lashes as she smiled. “Your mother had a passion too, but it was different. I see it in you as well. You remind me of her in so many ways…you’re just as beautiful. I can see you have the same determination and temperament; you’re independent and strong—just like she was. She was a fighter—you’re a fighter.”
She rose, stopping before me on her knees, taking my hands in hers. “Your parents loved you so much. They gave their lives to protect you. Gene and Alexis gave their lives to protect you, and we would do the same.”
I couldn’t say a word as I stared into her sincere blue eyes. Every feature about her was loving, caring, and truthful. I had no doubt in my mind she meant everything she said. The tears were building, and I was fighting to hold them back. They had known my parents; I could do what they had done—be brave and help defeat the evil in our world before it passed to the mortal world. I had their characteristics. I belonged to someone—and they loved me.
My younger years had been spent wondering about my birth parents, what had really happened, how they had died. I never knew if they loved me—I had known nothing about them. What I did know was my adoptive parents loved me; they treated me as their own and sacrificed to keep me from harm. They had given up so much for me to live. I never got the opportunity to tell them how I really felt about them. I never told them how much I loved them, as an adult, understanding all the sacrifices they made for me—I would never make that mistake again.
I sighed. There was so much more I wanted to know, but at the moment, I was emotionally overwhelmed and quickly losing control of my tears. I withdrew my hands from Lilly’s and rose from the couch. Colt reached for my hand; I squeezed his fingers and let them drop. I headed for the front door and walked out onto the porch, stopping briefly to look out into the valley. I saw movement out of the corner of my eye and knew one of them would be shadowing my every move.
I stepped off the porch and headed for the river Colt had taken me to when we first arrived. I guessed the direction and strained to hear the sounds of rushing water. Footsteps followed at a distance; I knew it wasn’t safe for me to be alone. I fought to push the tears down. The fresh air was helping to clear my head. As far back as I could remember, when I was stressed or just needed to think things through, solitude is what I needed.
I walked for a long time; my head running through the last discussion. All the details I had been missing—the pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together. There was still so much I didn’t know or understand. I heard the sound of the water and lifted my head. I stopped at a nearby ledge overlooking the river. A shiver ran down my spine; this had to have been where Colt jumped. A path lay to the right; I followed it to the river’s edge. A large boulder sat in a shaft of inviting sunlight, and I climbed down to sit. I closed my eyes and listened to the water as it harmonized with the rocks it splashed over. It was a soothing sound.
Callon sat next to me, but I didn’t look up.
“It’s a lot to take in, Cheyenne,” Callon’s empathetic voice said. I didn’t answer, but I agreed. We sat in silence for a long time.
“There’s so much you need to know, so much I want to tell you,” Callon’s voice was warm, caring. “In time, we’ll be able to talk freely, and you’ll understand why I’ve held back.”
I curled my legs to my chest, wrapping my arms around myself. I rested my chin on my knees. I turned and saw Callon was facing me, his eyes searching mine. It was strange the way he was staring; it seemed as if it held a deeper longing. I tried to look away, but my gaze kept drifting back. His eyes were so mesmerizing the way the brown, green, and amber swirled together. There was so much more to him than I knew, so much I didn’t understand. It was as if at times he showed me his warmth, and then only a small
crack.
I sighed. “Why are you so willing to sacrifice your life for mine, Callon?” I asked. “I don’t understand. You don’t have to do this…no one does.” A warm breeze touched my cheeks.
“You’re right, I don’t have to do anything.” He paused. “I do it out of love and devotion. I do it because of who you are, and what you will become.”
I didn’t understand. “Love and devotion? How can you? You really don’t know me.”
“I know you more than you think. You forget I’ve been with you for a couple of years. You just never knew it.”
I averted my eyes, staring down at my hands—at the rings. “You didn’t answer my question, Callon,” I said calmly as I began running my thumb over the Servak ring, letting my fingers feel the ridges in the symbols.
I kept my focus on the ring, as he continued. “I’ve watched over you for such a long time, observed you change into the woman you are now. The little things you do. I know when you’re upset, you like to be by yourself. You pull yourself inward to deal with your emotions. Sometimes you like to run or walk or you’ll play music to calm yourself until you can resolve the issue.
“When you’re deep in thought, your eyes tend to turn grey. When you’re happy, they’re blue. When you’re sad, they’re a blue green. When you tease or contemplate something, you bite your lower lip.” He lifted his hand to mine, stopping me from playing with my ring, and I glanced up. “When you want to be distracted, you play with your ring.”
His eyes were such deep pools of emotions, emotions he was holding back. He continued, and I looked down once again. “Most of the time, you’re not afraid to show your feelings, and when you’re angry, you let it out. You spit out words and regret them later. When you’re happy, you spread the happiness to others around you.” His fingers began to caress mine. “You’re not afraid to be alone, and sometimes you actually prefer it. You have a passion for life. You’re not afraid to take chances, except in a relationship. You’re scared of heights, and you don’t like cliff diving.” He let out a soft chuckle at that.
Cheyenne (A Timeless Series Novel) Page 28
