Free Awakening: A Timeless Series Novel, Book Four by Lisa Wiedmeier Page B

do this.” I gave her warning. I didn’t want to hurt her if I had another episode.
    “ I don’t want to do this,” she replied.
    “Then go.” I shooed her with my hands.
    “I won’t leave until you come back.” She crossed her arms.
    “Come back and hurt someone, Nakari? It’s best if I stay away.” I crossed my arms as well. I could be stubborn too. “What do you care, anyway? You think I’m a worthless—”
    She cut me off. “You’re not worthless, Cheyenne . Just selfish.”
    I should have reminded her of my selfish act when I removed her bands. Surely I had only been thinking of myself and what I could benefit from her powers…like her ability to jump, which was why she was now in front of me, demanding I return.
    “Well then, leave me to my selfish ways.” I stepped past her, but this time she didn’t follow. I glanced back; she remained still, watching me walk away . No, letting me depart.
    It was odd. The rage I’d felt towards her when I’d woken from my nightmare weeks ago had all but disappeared. Granted , we didn’t like each other, but the only other time I’d felt such hatred towards her was in Ireland after I thought she’d kissed Callon…and awoken the beast. This anger, it was different somehow, and vanished just as quickly. I shook it off. I didn’t need to concentrate on Nakari right now, not when bigger threats were on the horizon.
    The rain dissipated, and glimpses of the sun began to peek through the clouds. Soon the rain would turn to snow, and the bitter chill of winter wouldn’t allow me to escape like this, at least not for long periods of time. The shed would be cold, even with the stove…I’d have to find a new place. One where they’d just leave me be till we—I—could figure out how to end this. I just needed more time and resources, but I might not have that option.
    Marcus hadn’t hunted me down yet, and Dex and Brogan had confirmed that he didn’t seem to be trying all that hard, but chances were he would come after us soon. But when? Would he wait it out over the winter, causing us to believe he didn’t need me anymore? Or would he come before the bitter cold set in and wipe them out?
    I wasn’t prepared to fight him yet. I wasn’t even allowed to use my new powers for fear of becoming a signal , so I had no idea what I could do. But if I left now, it might save their lives. Then again, he’d hunted down both my adoptive parents and my birth parents and killed them even though I wasn’t with them. He’d hunted them because they’d done him wrong, and the way Marcus saw it, every one of my family members had done him wrong. I just had to end this before he got the opportunity to end it for us .
    I followed a small creek unti l I crested a ridge, and the trees opened up to a clearing. It was filled with a sea of purple and pink wildflowers that ran down to the edge of a deep blue river. The wildflowers acted as the perfect backdrop to the majestic mountains shooting straight up from the earth behind them. The mountains were rugged and jagged, traces of fresh snow sat in steep crevasses, and tuffs of grey clouds lingered near the peaks.
    This would have been someplace Colt would have found and brought me to. He would have wanted to share this simple beauty with me. For the first time since marrying Marcus, I felt warmth, real warmth spread through me.
    I followed a narrow animal trail towards the crystal blue water. I lowered my hands and opened my palms, allowing the delicate stems to glide over them with their silky softness. The fragrance began to linger in the surrounding air, drifting higher and filling my senses. I inhaled and let my mind wander to happier memories.
    A small smile traced my lips as I imagined my mom dancing through the flowers. She’d twirl and make small ballerina leaps , causing my dad and me to laugh at her foolishness. She’d pick a flower and place it in her hair…and if Colt were here he’d have made a crown of flowers