Fated, A Timeless Series Novella (A Timeless Series Companion Novel) (2 page)

Lilly gasped.

“I don’t believe it,” she breathed. “She looks just like Qaysean!”

My eyes widened. Her tanned skin, the shape of her nose, the slight dimple on her cheek; they were identical to the
late
Kvech leader I knew so well. He’d been our strongest ally, until he and his wife Sahara were brutally murdered by Marcus. But that was impossible. They’d never had a child. If they had, Dex would’ve known about it.
I
would’ve known about it.

“
That can’t be
,” Alexis murmured. “We’ve never met Qaysean, or Sahara.”

“Besides,” Gene cut in, “if they had a child, they wouldn’t have told us. Such a thing would’ve been a closely guarded secret.”

I briefly closed my eyes.

“And even if they did have a daughter, Marcus would’ve killed her,” Alexis added. “He wouldn’t let any Kvech heir live, no matter how young.” She touched Lilly’s shoulder. “Lilly, it must just be coincidence they look familiar. Maybe she’s a distant relative.”

Lilly conceded a nod, though her brow was creased. She wasn’t quite convinced. But I had other things to worry about than conspiracy theories. The Kvech line had been wiped out, and nothing would bring them back.

“So, Callon,” Gene said, breaking the silence, “will you help us?”

I stood tall, flicking rainwater off my sleeves.

“Yes,” I said. “I see no reason not to get involved when you face so much uncertainty. I’ll watch over Cheyenne, and help her adjust when the time comes. You have my sworn vow.”

“Oh Callon, thank you!” Alexis leapt from the bench and swept me in a hug. I blinked, not expecting such an intimate gesture. “You’ve no idea what this means to us.”

“Words can’t express our gratitude,” Gene said, stepping forward and shaking my hand. “Callon, we won’t forget this. We’re indebted to you.”

“Don’t worry,” I said, smiling. “We’re all in this together, and Marcus has had his way for too long. I won’t let any harm come to Cheyenne. I promise.”

“And we’ll do our best, as well,” Dex said. “We might not be able to help Cheyenne directly, but you are always welcome to ask for anything. Perhaps one day you could bring her to meet us?”

“Yes,” Alexis said. “I’m sure Cheyenne would love to visit, once she learns who she really is.” She glanced over us, and clasped her hands together. “Thank you, all of you. I just know you’ll love her. She is such a caring, kind and thoughtful girl. She’ll touch your hearts as she’s touched ours.”

“I look forward to meeting her,” I said. “Leave me your contact details. I’ll be in touch once I’ve made further arrangements.”

Gene handed me a card with his address and cell phone number, before he and Alexis bowed. After speaking our goodbyes, they made their way back to their car, and shortly drove off.

“Thank you for agreeing,” Dex said, gripping my shoulder. “I know how busy you are with the front lines, but Cheyenne is so dear to them, and I’d trust no-one else.”

“It’s fine,” I said, though in reality I was wondering if I’d been too hasty to accept. When I had so many things to keep track of—Marcus’s movements, the Sarac’s
hideouts, the Tresez’s lairs, as well as the location of my friends—did I really have time to babysit some kid?

I’d have to rope in some help.

“You’ve always made wise decisions, Callon,” Lilly said, seeming to catch my hesitation. “When it has become so difficult for Timeless children to thrive, it is worth doing whatever we can to save those still left.”

“Yes,” Dex nodded. “You said yourself we can’t let Marcus continue this mad slaughter. Even the smallest of steps can lead to something great.”

I chuckled.

“You seem to know me too well,” I said. “Don’t worry, I meant what I said. I’ll protect Cheyenne.”

“Then we wish you all the best,” Dex said. “Please call us if you need anything.”

“Yes,” Lilly said. “We’re always here for you.”

“I know,” I answered. “Thanks.”

She patted my arm.

“Take care, Callon.”

“You too,” I said. “Safe journey.”

We made our goodbyes, and then Dex and Lilly
headed
into the rain. I hung back in the shelter, thinking about the best course of action. It would be easier to watch Cheyenne if I had more pairs of eyes. I was sure Daniel would love to come over; he was getting really bored back home. And it might take time, but I’d find a way to locate Colt, too. Last I heard he was hiking in Ecuador, which would make him almost impossible to get hold of. But I was sure he’d come running when I told him there was a damsel in distress.

Sighing, I studied Cheyenne’s photograph again. She really was beautiful, with her blonde ringlets and carefree smile. But she was also so vulnerable, with no idea of her heritage or the danger she was truly facing. Keeping her safe from hazards she didn’t know existed was going to be tricky. My work had definitely been cut out for me.

I shoved the photo in my pocket and strode towards the motorcycle. I was going to have to make a lot of phone calls, and I wasn’t looking forward to arguing with real estate agents and bank managers again after I’d worked so hard to settle down in Montana. But this was an emergency. I was sure I could pull a few strings and make it work.

Slamming my foot on the
kick-starter
, the bike engine roared
to
life. I revved it a few times, then released the brake and rolled out to the road.

It was time to organize a family reunion.

The sky was darkening as I rode towards the freeway. The rain had let up, but it was cold and windy, so I couldn’t tear down at top speed. Still, while it was a slow-going drive through the trees and fields, it gave me time to think about our meeting at the cemetery.

I was still convinced Gene and Alexis weren’t telling the whole truth. Whether they were afraid their information was dangerous, or if they didn’t completely trust me, I didn’t know, but whatever it was, I was determined to get to the bottom of it. I couldn’t quite put Lilly’s comment out of my mind, either. In fact, thinking back, Gene and Alexis had been quick to think up excuses as to how Cheyenne
couldn’t
be related to Qaysean and Sahara.

Perhaps too quick…

Car headlights flared ahead, so I steered to the side of the road to let it pass. No, I was over-analyzing this. If there had been a child of the Kvech line, Marcus would’ve killed them years ago. He had so many spies within the clans, everyone was wary of disclosing information to anyone. And he was making the most of it, trying to force us against one another so he could step in and crush resistance to his rule. And he’d almost succeeded, too, when a traitor in the Laundess clan had laid an ambush and…

The engine suddenly squealed—I’d pulled too hard on the throttle. Sheepishly I changed gear, but the noises grew worse. The handles started to vibrate, and I cursed. Great; I’d forgotten this
old
piece of junk could be temperamental in the rain. Before the whole thing spluttered and died, I managed to veer to the road’s edge and stop beneath a group of trees.

I switched off the ignition, tapping my fingers impatiently. Just
half an hour
to let the engine cool, and then I’d check it over. Not that I’d be able to figure out how to fix it. Colt had salvaged this thing from a scrap yard a few years ago, and was the only one who knew how to get it working when it played up. Hopefully a little rest would solve the problem. It was still a ways to the highway, and I wasn’t in the mood for hitchhiking.

As I waited, thunder rolled overhead. The clouds had turned black, and the scent of moisture was thick. I swallowed. It was going to be a total downpour any second. Damn it, why did the truck’s transmission choose last week to fail? I was going to be soaked to the skin.

Lightning blazed across the clouds, blinding me, and at the same time the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. I glanced around the trees, the shadows dancing in my face. A cold feeling welled in the pit of my stomach, and I licked my lips.

Something was out there.

Brushing my hair back, I kept a close watch on the branches. The wind and rain whipped through them, and I half-closed my eyes. My ears honed in on the sounds, then filtered through each one. Between the whispering breeze and spitting raindrops, I came across the soft padding of paws, and my jaw tensed.

It was close.

Slowly, I stood up from the motorcycle, and swung my leg over. The thunder boomed again, echoing across the fields, and I removed my helmet. One of the bushes flickered, and I spun around to face it. The rain was coming thick and fast now, making visibility next to nothing. I crouched, alert for movement.

Suddenly a black shape smacked into my chest. Yelling, I was thrown into the bike, and pain screamed through my shoulder as I clipped the
handlebar
. The motorcycle toppled over, and I cried out as the foot pedal dug into my back. A horrible rotten stench was everywhere, and a heavy weight pinned me down. Snarling, I snatched at the shadow, grabbing handfuls of fur, and threw the creature off.

It skidded in the mud, a low growl rumbling from its throat. I staggered to my feet, wiping the cut on my face. At first I thought it was a wild animal, but as I peered closer I realized my mistake. Razor-sharp teeth poked from fleshy gums, and coal-black eyes stared me down. I swore, bracing myself against the fallen bike.

A Tresez!

Without warning it lunged again, but this time I was ready. I caught it by the scruff of its neck and wrestled it to the ground. We crashed into the mud, and it thrashed and kicked, sending water and muck into my face. I twisted round, tr
ying
to hold it down, and its claw grazed my thigh. Ignoring the pinprick, I spread my weight and trapped its head in my elbow, clamping my hands around its jaw. I had to get it immobilized. The position was too awkward, though, and I lost my grip.

The Tresez bolted free and pounced again, its massive paws slamming into my breastbone. I groaned, the air knocked from my lungs, and crashed onto my back. That disgusting breath was all over me, and I kicked and clawed, fighting to get away. The Tresez howled, and buried its teeth deep into my forearm. I shrieked, flooded with pain as blood began to pour down my sleeve.

Raw adrenaline took over, and I thrust my knee into its belly. The Tresez yelped, and sank its claws into my leg. Pain was nothing anymore, and I struck out again, listening to the
crack
as I broke its hind leg.

The beast backed off, limping, breathing in heavy pants. I wasn’t going to let it escape. Not caring for my own injuries, I threw myself on top of it, digging my hands into its throat and squeezing hard. The Tresez squirmed, trying to bite me again. I had to be careful to avoid the spikes at the back of its neck, which had sprouted out in
defense
. The rain also made its fur slippery, but I wouldn’t lose my grip this time.

At last I managed to wrap its head in the crook of my elbow, and I yanked its neck back as far as it would go. A sickening
snap
echoed in the darkness, and the beast fell limp in my arms, dead.

Breathing hard, I shoved its body aside and sank onto my knees. I was covered in mud, blood and sweat. Thunder roared again, and the downpour continued, making my clothes cling to me like a second skin. The wind picked up, too, and I started to shiver. Timeless or not, I needed to assess my wounds and get out of the cold.

I raised my good arm, checking my injuries. My face was swollen and bruised, and my right leg was bleeding. When I tried to move my left arm, I howled—it was pure agony. I could barely move my fingers. That stupid dog had done more damage than I’d thought. But more than anything else, I was angry I’d let it catch me off guard. I’d not been attacked by a Tresez for years; you could smell them a mile off, and their tracks were easy to find if you knew what to look for. It must have used the rain to hide itself.

My whole body was shaking uncontrollably now,
as
I struggled to my feet. I couldn’t hang around, and not just because of the weather. Tresez liked to hunt in packs, and I was in no position to fight a group of them off. But how had they found me? I’d taken all the precautions, used all the safe routes…