“Up you go,” he said.
Hesitating, I replied, “I have my own horse, you know.”
“I know, but you have to do whatever I want today, remember?”
He was up to something, I was sure of it. I vacillated as I approached slowly. When I was within reach, he grasped my waist and lifted me into the saddle. Quickly, I threw my leg over before he leaped up behind. He moved his arms around to hold the reins, gave Sam a kick, and we were off in a bolt of speed. The sudden burst caused me to fall back into his arms. He leaned down and kissed my cheek. Turning, I glanced back to see Callon standing on the porch, his arms crossed and his posture rigid.
Was this safe? There were five of them when the Tresez attacked…
We rode in the opposite direction from the falls. The valley sloped down before it condensed into a dense forest. Colt slowed Sam to a walk as we entered the trees. The forest was darker; the pines narrowed slightly and then produced two large cavernous walls flanking each other. We rode in silence through the narrow canyon, twisting and turning our way through the various passages. I could imagine how someone could very easily become lost; it was difficult to see the sun beyond the rock walls. It was also eerily familiar.
My eyes explored the canyon, watching the bird’s spiral down only to shoot back up to the other side before landing on the other rock wall. I listened to the wind as it whistled past, caressing my skin as it drifted by.
We stopped at a small, trickling creek. Colt dismounted and extended his hand. I swung my leg over and jumped down. Affectionately, he took my hand and led us into an even more compressed section of rocks. We turned to our sides and slid through. What appeared next caught me by surprise. I paused at the dark cave opening, and Colt saw my hesitation. Smiling, he tugged me forward.
I didn’t have a flashlight, and I sure didn’t see one in his hands. I wasn’t fond of cold, dark places. Typically things I didn’t like made their homes there. A chill rippled down my spine as I thought about what spiders or creepy creatures might lurk inside.
“Colt, I’m not sure this is a good idea.” I said warily. “We don’t have any gear to do cave exploration.”
A sly grin appeared as he twisted around. “We don’t need any gear, sweetheart. You’ll be fine. Just don’t let go of my hand.”
Great! All I needed to do right now was to get lost in a cave. I didn’t need to add this to my succession of unfortunate events. I planted my feet and spoke forcibly, “I’m not fond of cold, dark places. If you haven’t already figured out, I don’t like spiders, and they tend to inhabit places like this.”
“I’m sorry, but if you remember correctly, part of the deal last night was that you would do whatever I ask,” he replied with a cunning grin.
“I know, Colt, but I’m really nervous about this. I don’t want to be lost in a cave. This would be on my top five of the worst places to die,” I pleaded.
“You’re not going to die. Besides, you’d go to heaven, and I’m sure there aren’t spiders there,” he chuckled.
“What makes you so sure I would go to heaven?” I shot back. “I could be banished to hell for all you know.” The images of kissing both him and Callon came to my mind. That couldn’t be a good thing.
“I think I know you pretty well to say you wouldn’t be going to hell.”
“Pretty well, huh?” I replied sarcastically. “So I still have a chance?”
Colt rolled his eyes and pulled us forward. “Come on. I’ll make sure you’re safe. I promise I won’t let a spider touch you.” I unwillingly followed into the darkness. He was true to his word—he didn’t let go of my hand. I inched even closer as the shadows surrounded us, and then I reached out and latched onto his shirt.
We walked slowly, deeper into the belly of the cave. The ground below began to slope, and I pushed myself even closer. As he stopped, my grip tightened. I knew I was next to him, but I couldn’t see a thing. He removed my hand from his shirt, and turned.
“Cheyenne, you need to stay right here. Don’t move. I don’t want you to fall and get hurt.” As quickly as the words were spoken, he was gone.
Panic instantly set in. My pulse quickened, and a sensation of overwhelming fear was beginning to overtake me. I crouched to my knees and wrapped my arms around them. I strained my ears to hear him. My breath came quicker. It didn’t matter whether my eyes were open or closed…it was all the same—darkness.
I didn’t hear Colt’s return, but then he crouched down and placed both his hands on my shoulders and helped me stand.
“I’m right here,” his soft voice said. “You’re not alone.”
He took my hands in his, and turned them over as he placed a small round object in each palm. They were rough and jagged; it felt like two small rocks.
“Touch them together,” he said softly.
Knowing I couldn’t see what I was doing, I slowly raised them until the rocks touched in the palms of my hand. A small glowing light started to appear. I watched in amazement; the light grew in brilliance the longer they were touching. I looked at him wide-eyed; his face was filled with delight.
“How is this possible?” I said in amazement. “I’ve never seen anything so incredible.” Just as the words left my mouth, my gaze wandered to my surroundings. The small rocks were amazing; however, what I saw now was spectacular. The cave was filled with beautiful colors. The stalactites that were suspended from the ceiling were breathtaking. I reached out, touched the rock wall, and the light disappeared. Colt chuckled, and I placed the rocks back together again. The illumination grew brighter. This time thinking ahead, I placed both rocks in one hand while I extended my other to experience the beauty unfolding before me.
The texture of the rock was surprising. I was expecting it to be coarse, but it was smooth under my fingertips. The wall was slimy as the water oozed in tiny droplets to the floor. The colors were dazzling—red, orange, and green. It was as if an artist used watercolors to swirl them together, circling the stems of the stalactites. I took a step closer, and Colt touched my hand. He lifted my arm and rested the stones against another larger piece of granite cascading down from the fissure. It began to glow just as the smaller stones did in my hand. The illumination filled the entire cavern. I stopped breathing for a moment. I had never seen anything so exquisite. The cavern was filled with so many colors it was almost blinding.
We were standing near a ledge overlooking a deep crevasse filled with stalactites and stalagmites. I stared out into the distance. The surrounding beauty dazzled me, and a tear formed. I sighed. This was the Colt I knew; this was the man who wanted to share things he found beautiful and amazing with me. This was the man who wanted to share a piece of his heart with me. I forgot once again that I was the one producing the light and moved my hands away from the granite. Only the dim light now remained.
I stared up into his eyes. Deep oceans of love flowed from them, filling me. This was who I loved; the sincere, gentle, caring man who willingly opened his heart and wrapped me up in its embrace. He could capture my heart with the simplest of things, and I would give it freely—without reservations. In that moment, no one else mattered, and no one else existed.
I draped both my arms around his waist and pushed my head into his pulsing chest. The stones dropped from my fingers and fell—it didn’t matter now. I didn’t need to see his face to know how he felt—how I felt. I could feel the energy that radiated from our bodies in the darkness.
His hands sought out my face, rendering me helpless with his touch. Our lips met and enveloped each other in their passion, wildly searching for more. My hands were racing to his neck, and I tugged him closer. His arms moved, found my waist, and lifted me further into his able-bodied arms. His fingers traced my spine, stopping at my hairline as he gently found his way to my hair band and pulled it out. He locked his fingers in my hair, and drew my neck back. His lips drifted from mine, creeping down my neckline, caressing my collarbone with his warm breath.
My breaths were heav
y. I was locked in the moment. There were no heavy breaths from Colt; as always, he was totally and completely in control. I hated being the one out of control all the time, being weak, so run by hormones. With the effect he had on me, I knew I wouldn’t stop him if he were to try, but I knew in my heart he never would until I let him know I was ready.
“Colt,” I said weakly as his lips moved across my neckline.
“Umm,” he replied.
“How do you do it? How can you maintain so much control all the time? You’re breathing is normal, calm, and mine is so erratic,” I said breathlessly.
“Years of practice, my love,” he said calmly.
I thought about what he said as I took longer breaths, slowing my racing heart. “Years of practice?”
“Yes.”
Now I was curious. “Exactly how does someone have years of practice? How many other woman have you practiced on before me?”
He paused in his caress. His balmy breath remained on my neck. It was probably a good thing I couldn’t see his eyes. I’m sure it would have given something away.
“It’s not important,” he whispered.
“Maybe not to you, but it might matter to me.” His lips began their assault once more, distracting me—he was good at it.
“Colt, how many? You know everything about me, but I know nothing about you. It isn’t fair. You’re holding all the cards, and I get nothing. You know I’ve only been with you.”
“That’s not an accurate statement,” he said with slight justification. “You’ve kissed Callon three times since you’ve been with me.”
I stiffened, and my heart sank. I was going to hell for sure now. He had me—he knew what happened in the bathroom the night before. I felt so foolish; this was why he was acting so possessive. I was right. It was because of Callon, and this time I was the one who caused it.
“I’m sorry, Colt,” I said in a hushed tone. “I don’t know what came over me last night. I was so panicked, so scared…I—I shouldn’t have done it.”
“You don’t need to be sorry,” he said gently. “I know you’re struggling. You have so many choices ahead of you. I’m not going to judge you. I told you I wouldn’t make you choose. I love you, and that’s all you need to know right now.”
I felt like such a fool. I didn’t deserve him; he was too understanding. It was as if I could do nothing wrong in his eyes. I rested my head into his shoulder, pulling my arms tightly around his neck. He held me securely, and I took in his graciousness.
A tickling sensation touched my neck, I quickly realized both his arms were around me—I stiffened.
“What’s wrong?” he said quickly.
“There’s something on my shoulder!” I said in a panic. “Get it off now, please!”
He leaned back and released his hold as he dropped me to the ground and instantaneously swept my shoulder clean, laughing lightly.
“It was just a bat,” he chuckled.
“I told you I don’t like creepy, crawling creatures,” I said with trembling lips. “Especially those that can fly. Can we go now?” He drew me close again, bent and picked something up before taking my hand. I followed in the same way I had when we came in—as close as possible. One hand in his as the other locked onto his shirt. We walked slowly. He was careful to make sure I didn’t stumble or fall. The walk out seemed to take less time. As we neared the entrance I could begin to see daylight. I squinted as we came into the sunshine. It took a few minutes for my eyes to adjust. We stopped briefly, and Colt pried my fingers loose from his shirt.
“You can let go now,” he said softly.
“Sorry,” I replied sheepishly.
He tilted my chin in his large fingers. “Are you okay?”
I nodded in agreement. I saw his other hand held the two rocks from the cave. He grasped my hand again as we continued through the crevasse to where Sam was waiting. Colt left me by the rock wall as he dropped the two rocks into Sam’s pouch and returned with a sandwich. He motioned at a boulder to sit, and handed me the food with a bottle of water.
“Sorry, sweetheart. I know it’s a little late for lunch, but the time got away from us.”
I smiled, taking the sandwich and water. “I don’t mind. Thank you for sharing that with me. You show me so much more than beautiful places—you show me pieces of your heart.” He returned the smile and watched me eat. As I finished, he stretched out his hand, and I followed. He lifted me at the waist and helped me into the saddle. A micro-second later, he was directly behind. Extending his arm, he took hold of the reins. Sam proceeded slowly, lingering in the moment with us, winding our way through the dense trees until we came to the opening revealing the valley once more.
Another hour passed before the cabin came into view. It had been a wonderful day; I was beaming from the inside out. Tilting my head up, I saw Colt’s satisfied grin also. I lifted my hand to his neck and drew his lips closer. I sighed as they briefly met mine. He placed the reins in one hand, as his arm drew me closer. I didn’t want this day to end. I was totally and completely happy—I didn’t want that to change.
Chapter 26
As we arrived at the gate, Colt hoisted me down with one swift movement while he dismounted. I watched as he and Sam entered the corral, and Colt removed the saddle and bridle. Colt pulled down food for Sam also. He latched the corral closed, and his eyes locked on mine as he leaned down and kissed me. He took my hand as we headed for the porch. Voices filled the air, drifting out towards us. A heated discussion was taking place, and Lilly was irritated.
“You can’t keep her in the dark, Callon,” Lilly said in frustration. “She has to know. It will only cause her heartache later if you wait.”
“I know. Please, Lilly, let me do this in time,” Callon replied firmly. “There are many factors involved here.”
Colt froze, his body rigid, and his grip tightened around my fingers.
“I know many factors are involved,” she said in exasperation. “You should have put a stop to it long ago. You cannot treat her like this. If you won’t tell her, I will.”
“Lilly,” he said with authority. “Let me handle it.” His voice trailed off, and the room suddenly became silent. Colt must have telepathically told them we were here.
Colt didn’t move, and I glanced up to see desperation in his icy blue eyes. My pulse suddenly quickened. Something was up, and it had to do with me—and from their discussion, it didn’t sound good. Was I right earlier? I was going away from Colt? Was this the reason for his behavior? I stepped forward only to be stopped; looking back, I narrowed my eyes at Colt in a question. He didn’t want me to move, but reluctantly he released me.
I opened the screen door, and all attention turned on me. Lilly and Callon were facing each other, and Dex’s hand was resting on Lilly’s shoulder. Daniel was nearby; sympathy filled his dark blue gaze. Colt’s hand touched my shoulder, and we stopped just behind the couch.
Warily, I spoke, “What’s going on here? What are you keeping from me now?”
Dex stepped forward, the worn journal in his hands. “Cheyenne,” he said calmly. “Why don’t you have a seat? We need to talk.”
I was silent as I stared at him. I didn’t want to sit; I wanted to know what was going on. “No, thank you. I’m fine standing.” Colt’s arms moved and rested across my shoulder and collarbone. I lifted my hand and latched onto his arm for support. If I was leaving, I didn’t want to go without him. I stood immobile—waiting for the impact of what was to come.
“We need to talk about the symbols at the front of your journal.” Dex hesitated, his hazel eyes searching mine. “They mean more than you know. These are the symbols on the rings each clan carries. Each grouping represents a clan. If you look closely at your ring, you can see the symbols in the drawings are the same.” He opened the journal and revealed the marked page. I lifted my right hand and studied the two—they were identical. At least that made sense now.
He continued. “Each symbol represents something of impo
rtance to the clans. Your ring has two symbols. One resembles a three-leaf clover in shape. If you look closely,” he pointed to it on the page, “your ring begins and ends with this symbol. It represents unity, being bound together.”
He was hesitating. “Is there more?” I questioned.
“Yes, there are five pages in the journal, but there are six clans that carry these rings. Each ring contains at least one of the same symbols as yours; unity, being bound together.” He leaned forward. “Cheyenne, you bind all these clans together. You are the key to our survival.”
I swallowed…the key to their survival? I narrowed my eyes slightly. “Why were you afraid to tell me that?”
He didn’t reply immediately.
He glanced at Callon before continuing. “Of the six rings, two are of more importance than the others. These rings each have two of the clover-like symbols—just like yours. Both have the symbols for eternity and love. You are bound to these two equally.”
I averted my gaze to my ring, studying the symbols. It began and ended with the same symbol—the clover. I furrowed my brow as I looked up. “I don’t understand, Dex. How am I bound to them?”
“You are betrothed to them,” he said as his jaw tightened.
“I’m promised in marriage to them?” I said in disbelief.
“Yes.”
Colt’s arm tightened around me slightly.
“I don’t understand,” I said. “How? Who promised me, and who am I promised to?”
“You are betrothed to the Sarac clan.”
“How? Who made this decision?” I said, slightly irritated that something so important could be decided for me without my input. Who in their right mind does something like that? No matter how old these Timeless were, we weren’t living in ancient times.
“Your grandfather, Jorelle, promised your mother to the Sarac clan. She didn’t follow through on her marriage so the obligation was passed down to you.”
I snorted through my nose. “Well, that’s not going to work real well, now, is it? Why were you afraid to tell me? It really doesn’t have any relevance if it’s never going to happen.”
Cheyenne (A Timeless Series Novel) Page 31
