“Hey, are you okay?” Matt reached back, holding onto the passenger seat. “I didn’t mean to upset you…”
I cut him off. “Can anyone see inside if I curl up on the floor?” He didn’t reply. “Matt! Can anyone see me on the floor of your SUV?”
“Curl up on the floor,” he calmly replied. “They won’t see you.”
I dove onto the floor behind his seat with my fingers laced around my pack. My pulse was thundering in my veins, heat rising in my cheeks. My guardians were going to find me before I even got away! What would they do to this poor guy who had stopped to help? How did they know? If Matt challenged my guardians, he’d be in for a blood bath! Matt was large, but four against one—four Timeless against one man—the odds were stacked against him.
“I take it you don’t want whoever is gaining on me to know you’re here?” Matt asked.
“Yes,” I said quickly.
“Are you in some sort of trouble?”
I didn’t reply.
“Friends?”
I remained quiet. It was none of his business—and it would only bring him trouble if he got involved.
“I see,” he said. “By the look in their eyes they seem to be a little…what’s the word I’m looking for…consumed.”
“Are they close now?” I squeaked.
“Yes.”
“How many?”
“It looks like four.”
“Let them pass! Slow down and let them pass, please!” My palms were sweaty; I could only imagine what my guardians were doing right now.
“Why?”
“It’s none of your damn business!” My hand flew to my mouth, and he spoke again before I could cause more damage.
“It seems to be my business, since you’re in my SUV and asking for my help.”
“You offered!” I snapped, forgetting any apologies. I felt like he was pushing my buttons on purpose.
Matt wasn’t slowing down.
“Okay, fine then!” I shot out. “We had a fight, and I left. They didn’t want me to leave, they wouldn’t let me go, but I did! Is that enough information?”
Just the basics, that’s all he needed to know.
“They didn’t want you to leave, and they wouldn’t let you go?” he repeated. “Is that right?”
“Yes!” I screeched. “Now please let them pass before they knock you off the side of the road!”
“I don’t think they could do that,” he growled confidently. “But I’ll let them pass.”
He slowed, and I curled myself into a tight ball against the doorframe. I wasn’t afraid of my guardians; I just didn’t want to go back. I had to leave. The roar of the truck engine sent goosebumps down my arms, and my guardians hovered outside—I knew it. How had they found me? They were peering inside the windows—searching for me—I was sure of it. I felt electricity tingling my senses. The engine roared on, and I waited…and waited.
“Are they gone now?” I asked.
“Soon,” he replied. “So do you still need to buy a car?”
“Yes.”
“You need to leave town?”
“Sort of.”
“So you need to leave town or you don’t. Which is it?”
Wouldn’t this guy just give up with questions already? My annoyance came lightning fast. “Why do you need to know so much?”
“Because obviously you’re in some serious trouble and it seems like you’re mostly likely in over your head.”
I sprang up from the floor and swung to face him.
“Who do you think you are, telling me I’m in over my head?! You have no idea who I am or what I’m capable of! I’m sick of being told I’m weak, and I don’t know what dangers lie in wait around each corner. I’m more than able to take care of myself without your assistance!”
He smirked at me. “Got a bit of spirit, do you?”
“Pull over!” I pointed to the side of the road.
He slowed and parked on the side of the highway. I reached for the door only to find it locked. I jiggled the handle a couple of times with no success. I glared in his direction to find him staring at me once more. My jaw clenched.
“Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get you upset. I shouldn’t have asked you questions the way I did. I’m just trying to help. I’m not the enemy.”
My jaw was beginning to ache, and my hands were a bit shaky from the rage that was consuming me. I inhaled a few unsteady breaths.
“I’m sorry, Cheyenne. I’ll help if you want, and I won’t ask any more questions, but I’m not leaving you on the side of the road, especially in light of your situation.”
I didn’t reply. If I spoke, I was sure to rip him up one side and down the other—I was on an emotional overload, and an explosion was sure to happen if I didn’t get myself back under control.
“I’m going to drive you to a dealership, okay? But I’m not going to leave until I know you have your own transportation.”
I nodded. “All right then, let’s go.”
I sat back in the seat once again, my pack pressed to my chest as I hugged it. No more questions…Matt was just going to take me to buy a car, and then I’d be on my way. I’d be gone, and my guardians wouldn’t be able to find me.
The purchase didn’t take long, though I had to wait for the salesman to get me plates and a full tank of gas for the new Chevy Camaro. I needed something with speed, something that could remove me from my guardians’ sight, leaving them stuttering for words.
Matt waited outside until he knew for sure my transportation was acquired. He was standing by his SUV as I approached. The least I could do was thank him.
“Matt,” I said somewhat apologetically. “I really didn’t mean to jump into your truck and insult you by thinking you were a limo.”
“It’s okay.”
I cut him off, holding up my hand. “Let me finish, please. I’m also sorry for my rude behavior. I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that—you were only trying to help. Thank you.”
A faint grin appeared, and he nodded. “You’re welcome, Cheyenne. I’m glad I was able to assist.”
I looked down at my hands and then at my Camaro. “I really have to get going.” I stuck out my hand to shake his. “It was nice meeting you, Matt.”
His fingers squeezed mine. “It was nice to meet you too, Cheyenne. Good luck.”
I nodded, climbed into my new transportation and slowly drove away.
It was almost unreal. At long last, I was free. Free to do what I wanted, to explore. Liberated to find out who I was, to be alone and breathe. The burden lifted momentarily, only to have my chest crushed by another realization—I was alone once more, away from the only family I had. A single tear fell.
Freedom always came at a price.
Chapter 11
I drove for hours on the back mountain roads and became acquainted with how the Camaro handled itself. I loved the fact I could take corners faster than in the Jeep—the car really hugged the road better than I could have imagined. It was late afternoon before I had to stop for gas. I stretched my legs as I fuelled; the warm weather was absolutely wonderful. I closed my eyes and absorbed the moment. One bonus to being Timeless was that there was no need to stop for food and water often—it would have slowed me down. Another side benefit was sleep, or rather the lack thereof. No more eight to ten hours a night minimum; now three to four would do me. I was assuming I’d be able to go on as little as my guardians did someday, but that probably wouldn’t come until later.
I kept a watchful eye on the rearview mirror. I was unsure if they knew what type of car I was driving—I wouldn’t put it past them to find out. If I was able to manipulate human males, I was confident they could do the same to the females. They had done it to me many times over the past year. All they had to do was turn on the charm to some poor unsuspecting clerk in the sales office, and they would get what they wanted. Thinking back, I should have used an alias instead of my own name—it was too late now. Next time I’d think ahead—plan
even better—although I was hoping there wouldn’t be a next time.
I drove well past midnight, until the weariness was too much. Not thinking it wise to lock myself up in a hotel with limited escape routes, I found a secluded spot off the main road. One benefit of having a black car was that it made it easier to hide when the sun went down. Without lights, no one would know I was there.
I cracked the windows, double-checked the locks, ensured the key remained in the ignition, and reclined the seat. I stared out at the main highway through the brush and trees, watching the occasional car pass by. I was confident I had done well today…positive they had no idea where I was. I even parked in such a way to make an easy escape if necessary. My blinks became longer, and my eyes grew heavy—it had been a long day. A calming peace came over me; I was safe. I was more than capable of taking care of myself—my guardians were wrong. I’d sleep for a few hours and be on my way again—I was free.
The rumble of an engine woke me; my eyes flew open, and the sound faded into the distance. My chest heaved, and instantly my palms became sweaty. Did I dream it? Had it been real? I flipped the seat upright and held my breath, listening intently. My fingers twitched as I held them just above the ignition. I couldn’t afford to make a mistake if it was my guardians—I couldn’t jump the gun too quickly. It would only result in a chase, and I wanted to avoid one at all costs. They were more experienced drivers. I snorted. They’d probably run me off the road if they got close enough—I wouldn’t put it past Callon.
Moments ticked by as I peered intently at my surroundings, but nothing changed and finally my pulse began to slow. I took a deep breath.
“It was a dream,” I assured myself. “It wasn’t real.”
Daniel was my biggest fear. I wouldn’t hear him coming. He could sneak up on me before I’d be able to avoid him. He’d proven many times at the cabin how easy I was to catch off-guard. He’d gotten a thrill out of scaring me.
As the edginess began to fade, I was glad I hadn’t made the hasty decision to leave. If it was my guardians, I’d have blown my cover. I talked myself into waiting another half hour. I’d have plenty of time to head in a different direction. I took a cleansing breath—a second later Daniel was sitting next to me.
“No!” I screeched, as Daniel jumped me outside next to Colt.
In a split second, I touched Daniel’s arm and took his powers. He didn’t have time to stop me. Surprise and shock filled Daniel’s face as Colt latched both his arms around me, pinning me down and breaking my hold on Daniel. Twisting, I attempted to take Colt’s powers, but he blocked it. I jumped us to the front of the car and tried to squirm my way out. Callon and Maes sprinted in our direction, but I jumped again as they neared.
Irritation and anger raged within. I’d allowed this to happen. How could I have been so foolish? I wasn’t going back!
“Cheyenne! Stop! I don’t want to hurt you!” Colt growled as his hold tightened.
“No!” I bellowed. “Let me go!”
Maes and Callon circled me again and I jumped once more as they made their approach. I couldn’t allow Maes and Callon to latch on—I could only move one person at a time. My mind was running wild. Colt and I were leaping so quickly, he began to lose his grip. I slid out from under his arms and jumped. As I vanished, his bulky fingers locked around my wrist, and I flew like a ragdoll into his chest as he yanked me back. Gasping, we jumped again—and I landed him into a large pine tree.
The branches crackled loudly…and so did his deep laughter.
“Nice one,” his thunderous voice rang out. “But it’s going to take more than that to make me let go!” He lowered his head. “You’ve only got twenty-five minutes before you run out of time. I can hold on longer than that.”
“We’ll see about that, Colt!” I spit through my teeth. I was not giving up. I couldn’t!
I squirmed free again, but his fingers kept hold of my wrist. He tried to pull me closer to get a better hold.
“A little help here would be nice when you get a chance,” Colt said coolly. “Someone needs to grab her feet. I don’t want to hurt her.”
Callon and Maes almost made contact with us before I jumped again. I aimed for a large boulder; however, I hit it with Colt. Something snapped loudly, and I screamed. An excruciating pain ran up my left leg. Colt grabbed my free wrist, since I was distracted, and thrust it behind my back, pinning it there. He held tight.
“Damn it, Cheyenne!” he growled in misery. “I didn’t want to hurt you! Why won’t you listen to me?”
Twisting, I watched Callon and Maes close in. Daniel was just a few paces behind. I jumped us again and smashed Colt into another tree. I wasn’t giving up. I clenched my jaw, suppressing the pain in my leg. I could feel sticky wetness trickling into my shoe; it must be bleeding badly.
“Maes,” Callon shouted. “You need to phase and jump at her before she hurts herself more. Once you have a hold, it’ll be easier for Daniel and me to latch on. She can’t jump if all of us are on her. Daniel, get ready.”
Time was running out: I maybe had only ten minutes left. The pain in my leg was intensifying, but I couldn’t give up—I had to get away! I thought quickly and developed a plan. It would only be a matter of seconds before they realized all they needed to do was cover my eyes.
I jumped myself and Colt to an open area. He kept my arms pinned tight with one arm lifting me from the ground. His free hand was moving to my head…no, Daniel must have told him! Out of the corner of my eyes, I watched Maes leap. My heart was pounding. I had to get this right. I jumped us a few feet, turning slightly as Maes and Colt collided with each other. I was knocked free. I gritted my teeth and held back any sounds. In the split second they realized what had happened, I was gone. I landed next to the Camaro with agony spread across my face.
Callon sprinted. “Cheyenne!” he cried out. “Don’t move! Let me help you. You’re hurt! Please!”
“No,” I said through clenched teeth. “Leave me be.” I jumped into the Camaro and started the engine—he was already at the window. Callon’s fist drew back—he was going to break the glass! I slammed my foot on the gas petal and sped away. He barely missed. I glanced back. Dirt was flying everywhere, but they were running now. I hit the pavement and left my lights off. The truck was parked further down the road as I flew by. How did they find me?
Four hundred and twenty-six horsepower was screaming down the highway in the dark with nothing to light the way—I quickly muttered a prayer that no other cars were on the road. I flicked on the GPS system. I needed to pull off; I needed to find a business loop or something…someplace I couldn’t get trapped. Groaning, I tried to keep my attention on the road—the truck was no longer in sight. As I turned off, I found a section of road I could use. I parked and waited in silence as beads of sweat dripped down my brow. I was trembling from pain—the adrenaline was gone, and I had no idea how much blood I’d lost.
I needed to push the bone back in place before it healed. I had hours or days, not weeks. The healing time depended on how bad the injury was. I groaned and stretched out my broken leg. Inhaling, I pushed my hand to my shin. With one good thrust, I shoved the bone back in. I screamed, throwing my head back into the seat. Tears dripped down my cheeks, and I fought to control my trembling. I forced myself to keep still and managed to control my breathing until I was able to tolerate the pain.
A soft knock on my window nearly sent me through the roof. I jerked my head up, and glanced in my rearview mirror; a state patrol car was parked behind me. I hadn’t heard him pull up. I swallowed and lowered my window.
“Are you okay there, Miss?” The trooper was in his late thirties, with silver streaks through his dark hair. I knew he saw the tearstains, probably blood as well.
“I’m fine, officer,” I said with as much composure I could muster. “Did I do something wrong?”
He stepped closer, flashing his light into the car. “You don’t look like you’re fine,” he said with fatherly concern.
He concentrated on my face, and then gazed at my hands as he tilted his head so he could see beyond the steering wheel. He pointed the light on the floor, his demeanor remained calm, steady. “If you’re fine, then why’s your leg bleeding?” He lifted his head once more.
“I fell earlier and cut it up. It’s not that bad.” If I could just touch him…
A few moments passed as he studied me further. “I have a first aid kit in my car. Would you mind if I take a look at it?”
I didn’t have a choice in the matter. “Okay,” I replied quietly.
I watched the trooper in my mirror. He returned quickly with a first-aid kit. I unlocked my door, and he opened it. I lifted my left leg out to the side. The lack of light had hidden the worst of the damage. I might not have been so brave if it had been the middle of the afternoon. His jaw tightened, as his fingers gently traced the wound. His flashlight highlighted it, and I fought not to flinch as the thick blood stuck to his fingers
“You said you fell earlier?” His eyes locked on mine. “How much earlier?”
“About half an hour ago.” Once again, I remained calm and steady, although my stomach was uneasy.
He opened his first aid kit and began cleaning the wound. I held completely still, gritting my teeth as the gauze ran across my leg.
“What were you doing wandering around half an hour ago?” the trooper asked.
“I was trying to find a bathroom and fell into some rocks.”
Each lie became easier. This would have to stop soon.
“Nasty fall, I’d say.” He exhaled. “It almost looks like you snapped it in half, but I can see the bone is still attached.” He was moving his light back and forth, examining the wound further. “You should probably get some stitches, but I have a feeling you’re going to say no.” He tilted his head.
“You’re correct.”
As he finished, my leg was actually starting to feel better. It was healing.
“I guess that’s as good as I can get it.” A pile of bloody gauze lay to the side on the pavement. “You should really have it looked at. I can drive you into town if you’d like.” His hopeful gaze met mine.
Promises Page 16