Daylight, a Timeless Series Novel (51 page)

I sat on my bed, waiting for Darrien and Jahlem to come and take me to Marcus. In just under an hour, I was going to walk down the aisle, for the second time.

Marcus had laid out a dress, a surprising
ly simple white silk gown that hugged my shape well. The neckline and plunge in the back were lower than I’d have liked, but I wasn’t doing this for me. I was doing this for every single Timeless that existed, both now and in the future. I was doing it to ensure they lived.

My hand curled over the note from Colt one last time. Darrien had delivered it this morning. I was to expect Skylar at the lake
. He was going to pull me to safety before the vows were said. I crumpled it and threw it in the trash. It didn’t matter if Marcus found it. I’d be marrying him anyway.

A soft knock at the door drew my attention.

“Come in,” I said.

The door opened, but where I expected to see Jahlem and Darrien, Marcus stood
, wearing a black tux again. He eyed me carefully as he neared and motioned for me to turn around. With great care, he gently placed a necklace around my neck. I glanced down. It was my mother’s necklace, the one he’d taken from me.

“It
’s only fitting,” he said, “that you wear this, as it was destiny that brought you to me.” He placed a soft kiss on my shoulder.

He looped his arm in mine
, and we headed for what I knew would be the end of my life. There was no more hoping for a rescue, no more plotting our battle tactics…this was me showing my betrayal and marrying the man they’d all fought to keep me from.

There’d be no understanding, no mercy shown. Only hatred at what I’d done…with them never knowing the sacrifice made that could never be undone.

We stopped at the main gate, but though I’d thought Marcus would bring his Trackers and Tresezes, there were none. Only Darrien, Jahlem, Conall and another man was there…
Michael!
The man Colt had threatened, the one who’d betrayed his father.

Michael watched me closely as I stared back. His leathery skin was showing his age
. He’d been around for a long time. His blue and brown mismatched eyes were probing, questioning my allegiance…and they should have been. We passed him, and I looked up one last time. There was nothing trustworthy about him. He’d betray just about anybody in a heartbeat. His cold calculating stare told me all I needed to know.

We stopped at the lake
. The sun sat lower in the sky. It glistened off the water despite the ripples the breeze created. Michael moved in front of us. He carried the silver etched box, still glowing with my and Callon’s powers, and a small leather journal. He motioned for Conall to hold the silver box as he tucked the journal beneath his arm.

Marcus turned me to face him and captured my wrist so the Braid could be wrapped around
us. The blue hue remained as Michael wrapped the Braid around our wrists. My power pulsed in the leather, waiting for its return.

There was no delay, no chance for me to be fearful, no opportunity to contemplate
what Colt’s note said. I had to complete this. I had no other choice, and Marcus was watching too closely. I sighed and listened to Michael as he began the vows. There was no special message like Dex had given. It was short and to the point. Michael read them, and then Marcus repeated.

“I, Marcus
Guerry, of the Sarac clan, pledge my love and my life to you. To forever be your partner in life and your one love. I will cherish each moment I have with you more each day than the day before. I will trust you and rule with you, I will laugh and cry with you. I will love you faithfully no matter the outcome, regardless of the trials we shall face. I give you my heart and my soul from this day forward as long as we both shall live and until in death we should break our bond.”

Love…what did Marcus know of love? I’d say the words, but I knew in my heart I’d never mean them. I could never love the man who’d murdered so many I’d loved. And yet I felt sorry for him
. He wouldn’t know until it was too late that by marrying me it would be the end for him.

“Your vows, Cheyenne,” Michael said.

I nodded. I looked down at the Braid, watching it glow even brighter than before. Marcus’s powers had transferred. Now it was up to me to seal his fate.

“I, Cheyenne
Alexis Wilson, of the Servak and Kvech clans, pledge my love and life to you. I will forever be your partner in life, your one love.” I hesitated, guilt rising. “I will cherish each moment more each day than the day before. I will trust you and rule with you. I will laugh and cry with you. I will love you no matter the outcome, regardless of trials. I give you my heart…” My throat tightened as I said the final words, knowing I’d never give him my heart. “And my soul from this day forward as long as we both shall live and until in death we should break our bond.”

It
started with a tingling sensation. Marcus’s hand clamped tighter on my wrist as mine clamped tighter on his. I began to shake, just as he did. His jaw firmed, and his eyes narrowed. My legs grew weak, and then suddenly it was like a bolt of lightning hit me. I jerked back, the Braid falling to the ground, and I screamed as my arms flayed out. A burst of light blinded me, and I fell to the rocky surface, the cold lake water splashing my cheek and saturating my hair and dress.

Marcus lay a few feet away. He blinked a few times; obviously he’d never been through something like this before.
We lay there, staring at each other, stunned at the impact, the force of power wielded through the Braid. Was this what it would have been like for Callon and me? Was this why Dex had said we needed the solstice to counterbalance our powers? Fear struck me. If it had been Callon, it could have killed him.

More
anguish rolled over me. I was in the water. Skylar was going to come and grab me! If I left now, Marcus would hunt me down again…we’d be back to the same place. Me running, him chasing.

Nausea rose in the pit of my stomach at the thought of what I’d have to endure staying here…but it would keep my family safe. I’d re
quested that we lived in France. I’d done it for a purpose, to keep Marcus as far away from my family as possible. I’d rather sacrifice myself, knowing they were safe. Chances were that when I fought Marcus, I’d die right along with him. They didn’t need to see all their hard work end this way, and I didn’t need the reminder of what I’d never have again—my family.

Marcus inched closer
, waving Jahlem and Darrien off. Apparently it had knocked everyone to the ground. Michael was just now rising out of the water.

“You’re going to be fine,” Marcus said
leaning down and kissing my forehead. “You’ll be disoriented for a few days, but it’ll clear up.”

I nodded, the ache in my head already coming to life. I
lay there perfectly still. I knew I wouldn’t be able to move yet, regardless of the risk I was taking with Skylar. Marcus stood and bent to help me up when something latched onto my wrist. I yelped, but it was too late as I was yanked under the cold surface.

“No!” Marcus’s bellow vibrated the water.

I struggled under the water to see what was taking place, but we were moving so fast I could barely open my eyes. It only took a moment for me to realize Skylar had a hold on me. His legs kicked furiously by my side. He’d come, just as planned!

My arm began to hurt, waves of pain rippling from my wrist to my shoulder. He’d jerked me hard to get me into the water, and now I was sure he’d dislocated my shoulder. My chest began to burn
. I may have had my powers restored, but they weren’t available for use. Just when I thought water would fill my lungs, we burst from the water, and I gasped for air.

Skylar quickly caught me
, and I sucked in a deep breath. My chest heaved as he set me on the ground, and I blinked to take in my surroundings. We were in cave of sorts. Voices echoed in the small space and soon a crowd gathered around—my family. Stares of disbelief and pain stabbed at me.

What had they done?

Chapter 27

Colt pushed his
way to the front and kneeled down, his eyes avoiding mine. He lifted me to my feet while Callon approached to help. I braced myself for what I knew was about to happen. With a quick jerk, Callon slammed my shoulder back into place.

I gasped, my knees growing weak, but
I didn’t even have time to catch my breath before I was swept away to a dark section of the cave. Layla and Nakari quickly took over, helping me change into dry clothes.

No one said a word till Maes’s dark shadow loomed over me.

“We need to leave now!” he barked and then turned on his heels.

Koda’s head appeared behind me
. He was wearing his cloak…how had he gotten a new one? His jaw tensed as he opened the fabric and swallowed me up inside. I was completely covered when I felt him mount what I was sure was Midnight, his monstrous horse.

The pain in my arm was growing worse than the ache in my head. I was sure Koda wasn’t trying to find every branch and stump to cross over, but the continual banging against his chest was about to push me over the edge.
But this would be nothing compared to the berating I was sure was waiting for me when we’d stop.

His arms tensed as he tried to lift me higher in the saddle
. He was trying to absorb the motion of the horse through his body, trying to help ease my pain, but it was too much to bear. I felt my eyes roll back without my consent and my head roll to the side.

Fingers were stroking my cheek
, and the breeze was cooling my heated face. I opened my eyes to find more darkness, but it wasn’t from being inside Koda’s cloak…and Koda wouldn’t be stroking my cheek like this. I stiffened.

“It’s me, Cheyenne
. It’s Colt,” he whispered.

My head began to swim through the fog of recent events. I’d married Marcus, and my family had stolen me away. The chain of events was already in play again. Marcus would be coming after me once his powers were restored…but I’d have powers restored as well too.
Powers that could destroy Marcus as well as myself.

“Why did you come for me?” I whispered. They were supposed to have left me.

“Why did you do it?” he countered.

I pressed my eyes closed for a moment, knowing no matter what I said, he—they’d never understand.

“I had to.”

“No, I gave you an out. You didn’t have to
do the one thing we’ve been trying to prevent all along.”

“It was my destiny, Colt. It was my destiny all along.”

His hold tightened.

“No, this was never your destiny!” he growled.
“You’ve made a mistake…”

“Like your mistake, Colt?” I shot back. “Like you handing me over to Marcus himself? Like you hunting me down and hurting me like you did?”

He sighed heavily as he thought out his reply. “I can’t change what I did, but I could have changed the outcome. I told you I’d come back for you.”

“I could never change
the outcome, Colt, regardless of how hard I fought. I found pieces of my mother’s journal, even she knew what my role in this whole mess would be. She saw it and then I saw it, and as much as I tried to deny it, it was
my
destiny—always.”

He gave no reply, but instead he rested his head on mine.
I glanced around. It was clear that we’d broken away from our group. I was sure they were trying to deter any Trackers or Tresez, confuse them with tracks leading in different directions.

Dawn began to break through the dense forest trees. Streams of light flickered to the forest floor, and the fresh smell of pine hung heavy in the air. Steam rose from my lips, but I wasn’t cold. The familiar ache remained behind my eyes, and I knew it would only be a matter of time before it grew worse. Losing my powers to the Braid had an
effect on me, and I knew now that my powers were united with Marcus’s…the impact would be bigger. I just had to hold on till I knew we were safe, although in the back of my mind I knew we’d never be safe till Marcus was gone.

My arms tingled. I knew what it was…Marcus’s powers were now beginning to bind to me. I knew I’d still be powerless till they’d reach full capacity, but when they did, there’d be hell to pay.

Horses whinnied nearby and I straightened. Just ahead my family waited. Waiting, I was sure, to have me explain how I’d once again failed them all. We came to a stop and Colt dismounted, taking me with him.

A small fire had been built. Clayton, Skylar
, Nakari, Bree, and Andre stood around it. The clanking of metal caught my attention. Nakari still had her bracelets on. She was still powerless. I caught her eyes, and the others followed me in a stunned silence. I knew, as much as I’d try to explain, they wouldn’t understand.

Brogan and Maes were nearby, arms crossed, glares clear. I knew they hadn’t forgiven Colt yet
, but worse than that, I knew those glares laced with flaming arrows of dismay, anger and betrayal were aimed at me.

Daniel pushed his way forward and pulled me into a hug. I didn’t feel the peace that he could
usually produce for me, but I felt something ten times better—his love.

“I was so scared for you, Chey,” he murmured still holding on. “I never thought
I’d see you again. I thought we’d lost you forever.”

And I thought I’d lost them forever too…and still might.

He drew back. Koda, Brogan, Maes and the others moving in closer. Callon stood back behind them, his eyes emotionless, but his stance rigid.

“Why?” Daniel said. “Why didn’t you come with Colt?”

I looked away, unable to tell him while looking into his eyes. I didn’t want to see his anger or disapproval—not from Daniel.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered.

“Sorry?” Maes growled. “Sorry is all you have to say?!” He pushed closer till Koda held him back.

“We were waiting, Cheyenne!” Brogan snapped. “We were waiting for you
, and you never came! Our whole purpose was to prevent you from marrying Marcus, and you did it willingly! How could you?” His hands flew in the air, and he turned his back to me.

“It was my destiny
. I had to marry Marcus,” I said quietly and waited for the explosion.

“Your destiny
?!” Maes began swearing in French and pacing before me. “Where the hell did you get that idea?!”

“My mother’s journals.”

Maes stopped his pacing and abruptly stopped in front of me, too close for comfort. He pulled my chin up, jade-rimmed eyes bore into me.

“You found your mother’s journals?” he asked.

“I found bits and pieces.”

“So you based your decision off bits and pieces?” Brogan bellowed.

“Calm down!” Koda snapped. “We need to hear Cheyenne out first.” He nodded to me.

I looked beyond him
. Callon still said nothing.

“I had enough information to know why she fled
. She knew she wasn’t strong enough. She sought out my father with the intention of making an alliance and creating something strong enough to destroy Marcus—me.”

My jaw firmed, as they remained silent. I knew I was confirming what I’d know
n all along.

“I was the weapon needed to defeat Marcus
. She knew by uniting her powers with Qaysean that they then stood a chance…but there was a catch to it. I had to marry him.”

“No.” Andre shook her head. “You didn’t have to marry him. Marrying Callon would have made you strong enough, you know that.”

“No, Andre,” I said sadly. “I had to marry Marcus. Only Marcus’s powers are strong enough to defeat him…the powers that are now surging through my veins.”

Brogan shook his head and turned away.

“You were supposed to leave me with him. I was removing the threat from you, but now—now you’ve changed it all. Now he’s going to come after me, and he won’t stop till all of you are dead.” I clenched my fingers together tightly. “I was sacrificing one for the lives of many.”

Callon shook his head, but still didn’t speak.

“I believe in you, Chey,” Daniel said. “I know you can still defeat him.” Daniel reached out and grasped my hand. “I haven’t lost faith in you. You were right about Colt being alive. You’ve been right about a lot of things. I’ll fight with you.”

“Daniel’s right,” Koda spoke up. “Cheyenne
’s been right in the past when we had reason to doubt her. We need to trust her regardless of our feelings.”

“And what has she based all of her decisions on, Koda? Emotions, feelings!” Brogan sneered.

“And they’ve been right,” Colt said, his shoulders squaring. He moved closer beside me, his hand coming to rest on my shoulder. “She knew I was alive, knew she couldn’t give up till she found me. We can’t give up on her now.”

“And this coming from the man who willingly helped hand her over to Marcus?!” Brogan bellowed.

“I made a mistake, one that cost us dearly, but I’m here now, and I’m not deserting Cheyenne when she needs us the most. And neither should you.”

Callon moved forward with purpose. His eyes
were dark and hooded, his cheeks unshaven. His fingers curled together tightly forming a fist. He opened his mouth to speak, but then closed it. Daniel neared and placed his hand on his shoulder, but Callon brushed it off. His jaw tightened.

“I—I can’t believe you, Cheyenne,” Callon said between his teeth. “Colt tried to bring you out and you refused! We were ready to take you to safety
. We were ready to risk it all…but instead you gave it all to Marcus!”

He stepped towards me,
and I jerked back, running into Colt’s chest. Daniel pulled him back.

My lower lip shook from his anger
. I knew they’d never understand. I’d been warned they’d see me as the traitor…all they’d given me here was false hope.

“Not only did you betray my heart, Cheyenne, but you gave my powers to the one who would destroy us all.”

“No…” I whispered. “That can’t be. Marcus said you’d get them back!”

Callon turned his back on me.

He lied to you, Cheyenne,
Maes said
, He lied and you believed him.

I stared hopeless
ly at my family. No one would make eye contact. After all the running away they said I’d done…when I finally didn’t run from my responsibility but met my destiny head-on—they scorned me!

All those words of me never being alone—I never felt more alone than I did now.

Callon gave one last glance before he walked away. I watched in stunned silence as he disappeared into the thick forest.

Callon
was leaving me…he was abandoning me just like my mother had said.

His words hit me hard…

I betrayed his heart.

“Give him time,” Colt said, stroking my shoulder. “
I’m still not even sure what you’re planning, Cheyenne, but I meant what I said. I’ll stand by you no matter what.”

“I will, too,” Daniel chimed. “
We’re your family, and family don’t give up on each other.”

Andre sighed. She stepped past Brogan, a hand on her hips.

“I’ll never understand you,” she said. “But your aura tells me you didn’t take this decision lightly.” She took my hand. “Part of me wants to believe that you’ve done the right thing, but…” She shook her head. “I don’t know.”

My head lowered. Footsteps crunched, but I didn’t need to look up to know it was Nakari.
I didn’t dare meet her gaze.

“I made you swear to me that you wouldn’t break Callon’s heart,” she said, her voice cold. “
Why, Cheyenne? He gave everything for you, and this is how you repay him?!”

I kept silent. No matter what I said, what excuses I gave, I knew she wouldn’t listen.

“Maybe Marcus is what you deserve.” She spun on her heel and stormed off, seeking Callon.

“I did it for you,” I whispered. “I did it for everyone.”

Colt drew me closer, as finally the tears started to fall. I’d known they’d react like this. My mother had warned me, but it didn’t make it hurt any less. They’d given me everything; a loving family, a welcome home. I hadn’t wanted to throw it away like this. But I couldn’t run anymore. Destiny had finally captured me, and I’d have to endure her final heartache.

Alone.