I held the clothes, staring at them as if I’d never seen such things before. How could this have happened? Callon had been right all along; I was a fool to have doubted him. A blind, arrogant fool…
Maes didn’t look back at me as I followed him across the meadow to a small stream. He waited in silence as I removed what was left of my bloody shirt and shorts. At least I could be thankful for my swimsuit. I splashed the cold water on my face and arms, removing the dirt and blood. My fingers grazed my neck and stopped as they passed over Maes’s necklace. The ruby stoned lie…
I snapped the cord off and threw the necklace into the stream. I’d done this myself. I’d been the fool yet again. With no one to turn to for advice or help, I could only believe what I’d been told. Maes had taken advantage of that, building a false sense of security, before separating me from my guardians and bringing me to Marcus.
I should’ve known dogs were only loyal to their true masters.
I headed back towards Marcus, not bothering to wait for Maes. He spent a long while looking at me, like a trophy hard won.
“You look better.” He moved closer, and I stepped back. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
“What do you call throwing me around in the air?” I answered coldly.
“That was you foolishly thinking you could escape. You’re surrounded by my army, my dear. They would’ve done much worse if in my place.”
I clenched my fists. “You mean showing me your power, and forcing me to submit.”
A smirk emerged. “I have to say, this is one of the things I like about you, Cheyenne. You say it like it is.”
“Well, I have to say, Marcus, there’s nothing about you that I like at all.”
We stared each other down. Eventually Marcus turned away and gestured to his horse.
“You’re riding with me,” he said.
I looked around; his army was emerging from the forest. It was much bigger than I imagined, and there were some still hiding in the trees. I gritted my teeth and mounted. I was in no position to attempt escape, not yet. I’d have to bide my time. Marcus smiled, climbing behind me, and drawing me close.
“Behave,” he whispered in my ear, “and everything will be fine.”
We set off briskly, led by a Tresez patrol. We rode for hours in silence, while my mind tumbled over everything once more. It had all changed so quickly. Now Colt was snatched from me, I’d been led astray through more treachery, and I was sitting in the arms of my enemy.
I was on a one-way path to hell, charging blindly with all my failures trailing behind me.
“Why didn’t you kidnap me the moment you saw me, Marcus?”
“What do you mean?”
“When I jumped into your truck in Helena…”
I could almost feel his smile as he chuckled softly.
“I didn’t want it to be that way,” he replied at last.
“Why?”
“Because you’re different.”
“How?”
He exhaled, and his warm breath pressed against my neck. “You’re not your mother.”
I’m not my mother? “What do you mean?”
“You don’t seek power. In fact, you’ve actually run from it.”
I laughed coldly. Oh, I’d run all right, and look at where it had gotten me.
“Maes told me a lot about you. I have to say all of it has turned out to be true,” Marcus continued. “You’re kindhearted, which is quite frankly astounding considering your parentage. That’s what intrigues me most about you.”
Maes had been spying on me? Why was I not surprised?
“I also wanted you to see me for who I am, not the man they say I am. I was hoping to start our marriage off on the right foot.”
I dug my elbow into his ribs.
“I have no intention of following through on either of my betrothals.”
Marcus chortled.
“So both, huh? Oh, don’t worry. Poor Callon won’t get his way.” He leaned in closer, his voice hardening. “And don’t think I don’t know about Colt either. I’m the only one to whom you’re rightfully pledged. You just remember that, Cheyenne. I can end their miserable lives in an instant if you choose to disobey like your mother.”
A shiver ran through my body. He was threatening me with their lives. If I ran, he’d kill them…
“That’s right, love. You should fear me.”
I clenched my teeth, struggling to keep my emotions intact. He didn’t need to see how much his words affected me.
He fell silent again as we continued deeper into the forest. It was hard to keep the flood of regret back. So many mistakes; silly mistakes that never had to be made, and not all of them mine. But it was no use lamenting now. I couldn’t change the past.
I glanced towards the Trackers. Watching them ride, always alert to their surroundings, told me they were very skilled. He’d brought his strongest men with him, his strongest to keep my guardians away.
Scouting parties sometimes ventured ahead, returning and reporting to Marcus, but always in French. It was his way of keeping me unaware of progress. My heart sank. He had every avenue covered. Short of a miracle, I wasn’t going anywhere.
We rode through a large valley until we came upon a rushing river. The current was swift, the white water crashing over nearby boulders. A group of Trackers split off, searching for a way to cross. Soon they found a spot, and waved us over.
The first Tracker crossed, his horse struggling to pull him through the rushing depths. He secured a rope on the opposite side, and we waited as those on foot used the line to cross.
With only the riders left, we began our descent into the cold water. Maes moved closer, watching me out of the corner of his eye. Marcus’s hands remained on the reins, and the water quickly covered us. The pressure of the current pushed against my midsection, and I grabbed hold of the saddle horn.
Suddenly a creaking caught my ear, and I looked up as an enormous pine tumbled into the river. The impact created a huge wave, which barreled right towards us. Marcus panicked, trying to get clear, but our horse lost its footing, and we were knocked into the water.
I was sucked under the surface as the current swept me away. I struggled to right myself, twisting to see I was quickly nearing the rapids. I knew I was no match for the current. I could, however, use it to my advantage. Using my legs, I attempted to redirect myself, bouncing off the boulders to change directions. If only I could move the water like the air…
The wild waters churned around me, and soon the white bubbles took over, blocking my vision. I smashed sideways into a rock and rolled off, back to the surface. Gasping and fighting to remain afloat, I opened my eyes. Marcus and Maes were not far behind. A stony determination was etched upon their faces. Accident or not, I wasn’t getting away.
The rocks were coming faster. The distance between each had grown smaller, and maintaining any sort of direction was proving difficult. I couldn’t even fight towards the shore. Another rock hit my left shoulder, and I winced as I was spun around. My back smashed into a large boulder. Any air in my lungs burst forth as pain rippled up my spine. Stunned, I barely noticed a large hand lock around my wrist and pull me to the surface.
“I’ve got you, Cheyenne,” Maes said. He pressed me across his chest and began swimming to shore. Marcus’s dark gaze remained upon me.
A group was waiting as we arrived.
My feet never touched the ground as Marcus yanked me from Maes. We immediately headed towards his horse. He tossed me up into the saddle and caught me before I fell off the other side as he mounted behind me. He forced my leg over, and his arm secured my waist. I was gasping for breath, and I attempted to free my hand. He thrust it down harshly as he held it under his steely grasp.
“Don’t even think about it, Cheyenne,” he said with an eerie calmness.
“I didn’t…do anything!” I said between my teeth.
“Don’t lie to me. You knocked that tree down to free yourself!”
�
��You said you’d kill them if I did! Why would I do something like that when I knew there was no escape?” I snapped back.
Marcus said nothing more. The Trackers watched, waiting for his orders. Quickly Marcus waved his hand, and we were on our way again. Maes moved alongside us in his human form; his black gaze met mine, and for just a split second I thought I saw remorse.
Remorse? I shook my head. It was a little too late for him to be having regrets.
I wanted to cry. I wanted to let out all those stupid pent-up feelings. I wanted to cry for allowing myself to fall for Maes’s trick, for allowing Matt into my life. For letting Marcus treat me like this. Why did I have to have a heart?
The ride was much more uncomfortable; the rapids had bruised me everywhere, and I couldn’t settle, not to mention the wet clothes. Marcus released his hold on my hand but kept his arm secured around my waist. Gently, he eased me forward and pulled up the back of my shirt. Sighing, he ran his fingers over my spine, applying slight pressure as he advanced up to my neck. I flinched as he hit the tender areas.
“You wouldn’t be in pain right now if you hadn’t tried to swim away.” He lifted my shirt down, and eased me back into his chest. “We’ll be stopping soon, and you can rest then.”
I didn’t bother to reply.
Within the hour we stopped and made camp for the night. He helped me down and Maes immediately stepped up beside me. Marcus latched on my wrist, knowing it would only take a second for Daniel to whisk me away if he appeared. That was, if my guardians were even close…
He led me through the large camp. A tent had been erected in the middle, close to a fire—surrounded by the entire Tracking party. As dusk approached, I could make out multiple fires. This really was an army. And even with this much power, he still needed me…
We neared the first fire. The three Trackers from the meadow were there. He pulled me close to the warmth.
“You need to keep an eye on her while Maes and I take care of things,” Marcus said firmly. “Don’t screw this up like last time.”
Nodding, the dark-haired Tracker stood up. My palms instantly became clammy. Marcus pushed me forward, and I resisted. At least if I remained with Marcus, he’d keep me alive. I didn’t get the impression these three valued any life outside of their own.
“Cheyenne, go,” Marcus said. “You’ll be fine.”
The dark-haired man took hold of me as Marcus moved away. He led me to sit on the ground near the fire. I glanced back, watching as Marcus and Maes disappeared into the forest of tents. I curled my legs to my chest, trying not to remind myself I was sitting with three men who’d tried to kill me on multiple occasions.
I kept my attention on the fire. My thoughts drifted to my guardians, and my breathing hitched. Were they even alive? Marcus had threatened to kill them if I left, but had he done it anyway? I hadn’t seen any signs that they were tracking us.
I wrapped my arms tight around my legs, and my tears spilling once more. If anything had happened to them…
“You caused a lot of trouble last time we met, sweetheart,” the redhead said coolly. I looked up, wiping the moisture off my cheeks. “If I remember correctly, you smashed a rock into my face.”
I was in no mood for intimidation. “If I remember correctly, you deserved it.”
“You’re just a little firecracker aren’t you?” he chuckled. “No wonder Marcus wants you so bad.”
“No,” the blond broke in. “There’s more to it. She holds something that he can’t resist.” My eyes met his across the fire. “She holds the rings, boys. The last surviving heir. Power and greed can overtake a man’s soul. Throw a little beauty into the mix and, well... ” A malicious grin grew. “He’s been following you since the day you jumped into the river. You’re only alive because of Maes. Marcus deliberately sent his second in command to keep an eye on you.” I felt the blood drain from my face. “You shouldn’t be so trusting with strangers, because nothing is what it seems.”
I closed my eyes. Every word, every warning Callon had given me, had come true. He’d told me not to trust Maes, life debt or not. But I’d been too stubborn and self-absorbed to listen.
“That’s right,” the blond sneered. “How are you ever going to live with yourself, knowing you’re the reason your friends are going to die?”
Fury burned through my veins, and I glared at the smarmy Tracker. I lifted a finger, sending a spiral of fire upward, knocking him back. He cried out, but he was back on his feet in seconds, about to lunge. I leapt to my feet and dodged his outstretched hands. I wasn’t going to be the victim again. The other two joined their companion, trying to box me in. I twisted my wrist upward, and a large inferno shot into the darkness, forcing them to retreat. Without a second thought, I bolted for the forest.
The commotion grew as I wove in and out of the tents. I kept my focus forward, forcing myself to run faster. I made it to the edge of camp, mere feet away from the forest. Heavy footsteps thundered behind me, and I twisted around, breathing heavily. The number chasing me had grown.
I began rotating my hands above my head, setting off a circling wind filled with dirt, rocks and brush. I closed my eyes, felt the intensity building—the hurt and anger flowing freely—pulsing out raging currents of air. My fingers began to produce that now familiar tingle, and I opened my eyes. The tornado was in full swing, snarling around me and sweeping tents, trees and men in its path.
Suddenly a shadowy figure started to walk towards me, seemingly unaffected by the gale. I growled and increased the velocity. Still he continued, as if walking through a summer breeze. I shut my eyes once more as the air seemed to be sucked out from around me. I began to tremble as I felt my power growing—it wouldn’t stop. That horrible feeling intensified, and I screamed. It was going to destroy me!
Two hands held my face. “Cheyenne, stop this,” Marcus said. “You’re safe. They won’t harm you.”
I fought to suck in air, the dizziness about to overtake me.
“You need to stop the wind. Look at me.” I opened them to see his steely eyes willing me to end it. “Stop the wind.”
I shut my eyes again and released the wind. It ended as suddenly as it had started. Just as before, my head began to ache, and all my strength vanished. Marcus caught me as I collapsed and held me as I began to cry. Every emotion I’d tried to hide came to the surface. All I wanted was to be in Colt’s arms. I needed my light when I was drowning in such darkness.
“I’ve taken care of it, Marcus,” Maes said.
“Good,” Marcus replied. “Help me get her back to the tent.”
They helped me walk back to the tent. The army of onlookers stared, taking in the destruction. Marcus laid me onto a bedroll, and I curled up into a ball on my side. Marcus covered me with a blanket as Maes departed.
“This takes a lot out of you?” Marcus asked.
“Yes,” I replied faintly and shut my eyes.
“The last time it seemed to take a number of hours before you recovered.” He patted my shoulder. “It’ll get better.”
How did he know that? Had he been watching from afar as Matt? Had Maes told him? Or…
A dull ache settled in my stomach. All those chills I’d felt when I thought situations seemed to be off…
Marcus had been watching me from the start.
“The first time you saw me was at Dex and Lilly’s cabin.” My voice shook. “You were outside in the storm. You were watching me through the windows.”
He didn’t reply, but as I rolled over to look at him, his eyes told me everything.
“The Trackers told me you’ve been following me since that day at the river.”
Once again, he didn’t confirm or deny.
“Did you send Maes in after me?”
“No, he did that on his own.” He brushed the hair from my cheek. “I’m grateful he did. He told me you wouldn’t have survived.”
The pieces of this mystery were slowly falling into place. “You knew I was with the O’Shea’
s at their cabin. You were waiting for me that day in the alley?”
“I knew you were with the O’Shea’s, but I wasn’t waiting for you,” he replied. “That was sheer luck. I was actually waiting for Maes. We were supposed to meet up, and he was going to update me on your progress. Neither of us expected you to make a run for it, although we knew it would’ve been soon.”
“You followed me after I left you…that was your truck at the motel.” I stared at the tent ceiling. “Did you send the police officer too?” I’d wondered how he’d found me so easily.
“Yes.”
“If I hadn’t walked away, you still would’ve come for me, wouldn’t you?” I met his grey eyes.
“You belong with me, Cheyenne, not them. They’ll never be able to teach you what I can.”
“But aren’t you teaching me that vengeance is right?”
He touched my cheek. “How did one so young become so wise?” He smiled faintly. “It was prudent on your parent’s part to have Gene and Alexis raise you. They’ve taught you well.”
“Hate begets hate, Marcus. Killing won’t bring back those who’ve lost their lives.”
“It won’t bring back their lives, but it sure makes me feel like I’ve avenged them, and sometimes that’s all a man needs to survive.”
“I don’t want to just survive anymore.”
“Nor do I. I want this war over, and I want you with me.” He lowered his head so I couldn’t see his eyes. “It’s taken me some time to figure it out, but after spending time with you, it’s become clear.” His eyes met mine, and for a brief moment I saw his vulnerability. “You’re the only one who’s ever brought me some peace, and I don’t intend to lose it—ever.”
I closed my eyes as the pounding in my head grew worse. I brought him peace…but the only thing he brought me was misery. I began to play with the ring Callon had given to me at Christmas. The braided ring reminding me we were all bound together. If only I’d listened to Callon, I would be in the arms of the two people I loved the most.
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