Cheyenne (26 page)

His fingers touched my cheek. “You need to rest. Don’t talk. We’re here now, and we’re not leaving your side. I promise.”

My chest was aching something awful, like it was being crushed. I was hurt, angry, and annoyed. I rose up, twisting to face him, and flipped my eyes open. “Just answer the damn question!” I sucked in a breath and collapsed in agony. My breathing was short and shallow as the pain increased, but I kept my gaze locked on his, blue on hazel. His eyes grew wide, and his lips twitched.

“
Yes.” 

“
Does it…have to do.” I sucked in more oxygen. “ With the…the attack?” I cringed as I endured the pressure on my chest.

“
Yes.”

“
You will tell me about this later!” I closed my eyes again. Colt brushed my hair aside from my cheeks as I collapsed back into his shoulder; his fingers eventually came to rest on my thigh. A rustling sounded nearby.

I peeked from under heavy lids to see Callon had a needle in his fingers.

“
No!” I snapped.

“
Please, Cheyenne,” Callon pleaded. “I can’t watch you suffer.”

“
Cheyenne, listen to Callon. He just wants to help you.” I looked up into Colt’s sympathetic eyes. “Please. We’ll tell you about the lights later.”

I closed my eyes and realized they were truly just trying to help me. I nodded and felt the needle plunge into my shoulder as he injected the medicine. Turning my face into Colt’s chest, I began to cry. Everything that had taken place, all the pain I had to endure came down to one large emotional overload. I couldn’t control it any longer. Colt’s long fingers cradled my cheek.

“
Shh, it’s alright, sweetheart. We’re here; no one is going to hurt you now,” he said softly.

Callon took my left hand in his and stroked it. “I’m so sorry, Cheyenne. I can’t watch you suffer so much when I can help you. Rest.”

Within minutes my mind grew fogged, and the darkness wrapped around me, drowning out everything else.

Chapter 16

It was silent—only the sound of my heartbeat broke through the invisible barrier surrounding me. I was in pain; every labored breath felt like stakes piercing my lungs. My chest burned, and I wanted to scream. I realized I was lying down; I needed to sit up, to relieve the pressure.

I attempted to move my right arm, and it felt as if thousands of needles were pricking my elbow. I opened my eyes and looked down. There was a brace on it. 

Confusion immediately set in. What happened?

I used my left arm and rose to a sitting position. I was in the back seat of the truck. I moved, and all at once everything began to spin. Closing my lids again in an attempt to stop the nausea, I knew it was no use. I was going to be sick.

I managed to throw the door open, and the screeching of the car alarm sent me even faster to my knees a few steps away. I vomited, which caused excruciating pain in my left side. I was barely balancing on my quivering left arm.

The alarm ceased, and a cool hand pulled my hair back and held it at my neck while another arm wrapped around my waist.

“
I’m here, Cheyenne,” Callon said warmly.

I was breathing in short, shallow pants, which made the pain more bearable. I remained arched over the ground, waiting for the spinning to stop.

“
We’re here,” he repeated. “I won’t leave you.”

What was he talking about? Why did he keep saying he was here and wouldn’t leave? Why did my side hurt, and why was my arm in a brace? All the confusion and fear was adding up quickly, and I began to cry. I knew who he was, but why was I hurting so much? What had happened? Callon said he’d protect me…but from what? What was so dangerous that I needed protecting from? I fought to remember, but my mind was so muddled.

Something bad had happened, I was sure of it, but I couldn’t think what. Callon was here though. That meant it would be alright? Wouldn’t it? I was moving towards the point of hyperventilating.

I tried to speak, the words barely forming on my lips. “Where’s Colt…Daniel?”

I looked up and saw Callon’s face riddled with anxiety as he helped me kneel upright again. I leaned into his shoulder, unable to hold myself up on my own.

“
Cheyenne, calm down,” he said as he rubbed my back. “It’s going to be fine. Daniel and Colt are fine. I’m fine. You had an accident, and you’re disoriented. I won’t let go of you. Shh, now. Everything is going to be okay. We’re all here for you.” 

A part of me didn’t want to believe his kindness, but it was warm here, safe. Callon would never hurt me, and he said he’d protect me. Eventually the tears ceased, and my breathing returned to normal. I stared out into the woods. It looked unfamiliar and different, somehow. Slowly I looked up. Callon wiped the remaining tears from my cheek.

“
Where are we?”

Callon sighed. “We had to leave for our packing trip early.”

“
Where are Colt and Daniel?”

Callon looked at me strangely before he answered.

“
They’re here. They’re preparing the horses.”

“
Oh,” my voice was quiet. “Are we in danger?”

“
You don’t need to worry about anything right now,” Callon said. “We’re not leaving you. You’re safe. I promise.”

He promised…then it couldn’t be a lie. Callon never lied. But I still didn’t understand. Was I sleeping? Was this some sort of weird dream?

Callon lifted me to my feet, helped me to the truck, and had me sit on the seat. I stared at him blankly.

“
We’re leaving soon. I need you to stay here in the truck. Don’t move. We’re right here, and we’re not leaving you.”

The only response I could give was a numb nod. Callon walked away, and I glanced to the sky. It was clear. The sun was bright as it rested directly above us. Sighing, I stared out into the woods. The pain was subsiding, and I didn’t feel nauseous anymore.

Callon returned soon, helping me to the ground. He held onto my left elbow and placed his fingers around my waist as he led me behind the truck and trailer. 

Colt and Daniel were waiting, holding the horses. We stopped in front of Colt, his eyes assessing me before he carefully took over as my support as Callon mounted. Then he lifted me up to Callon, hoisting me to sit in front of him. I knew I was in no condition to ride on my own. Colt squeezed my leg and walked off.

I winced slightly as Callon’s arms moved around me to grasp the reins.

“
I’m sorry,” he whispered. I gripped his forearm as I instinctively leaned back. My mind was a swirling whirlwind of thoughts I couldn’t grasp as we set out into the woods.

Daniel led while Colt remained at our side, continually glancing at Callon and then me. I knew they were talking. He wanted to make sure I was okay. Each stride Bo took was painful. Callon tried to ease the impact, but I still felt it. There was no way around it.

I closed my eyes as I concentrated on inhaling and exhaling. It was easier to breathe sitting up. My head began to wobble. Callon moved his fingers to my cheek and gently held it into the crook of his neck until the numbness settled in, and the warm blanket of sleep covered me.

When I woke, the position of the sun told me a long time had passed. We were still riding. I glanced to the side to see Colt’s worried stare. He rode closer and touched my leg.

“
We’ll be stopping soon. You can rest more then.” All I could do was nod.

Within half an hour we halted. We were deep in the woods. Pine trees stretched as far as the eye could see. Callon shifted, and I flinched. At once Colt was beside us, and he plucked me down into his arms.

My feet didn’t touch the ground as he cradled me against his chest. One hand held me while his other cupped my cheek, and he kissed my forehead.

“
We’re staying here for the night,” Colt informed me. “I won’t let go of you. No one can harm you.”

I stared into his loving eyes blankly. Why did they keep saying I was safe? No one would harm me? I didn’t understand, but I felt safe in his arms. He always made me feel loved.

Camp was set up as I remained snuggled in his hold. A fire was built, the tent raised, and the horses tied down for the night. I began to shake as a chill swept over me. Quick glances were exchanged, and Callon appeared next to us with a blanket in hand. He inspected me first and then as he wrapped it around me, I noticed how much of a mess I was. I was still wearing the shorts and shirt from the day at the library, and they were soaked with dirt and blood. 

What kind of accident did I have? I realized I hadn’t spoken since we left the truck. I was so disoriented. I sighed as I gazed up into the night sky. I could see the stars dancing in the distance, and it made me think about how they twinkled. Everything snapped into place at once—clarity on the events leading up to this moment. I became rigid, and Colt tensed. Callon was at our side in an instant as he turned back.

“
I know what happened.” I stared at Callon coherently for the first time today.

“
What happened, Cheyenne?” Colt asked warily.

“
How this happened. The men, the glittering lights. The attack. All the morphine you’ve been pumping into me to help ease the pain must’ve numbed my thoughts. But I know what happened.”

“
We’re here now, and no one is leaving. I promise never to leave you again. You’re safe now.” Colt lowered his cheek to my head.

We sat quietly as I watched Callon and Daniel move about the camp. Colt said he wasn’t letting go, and he meant it. Callon brought water and informed me that if I didn’t drink, he would put an IV in.

I drank.

Daniel warmed food over the fire. I didn’t know how long I had been out of commission, but by the looks of things, it was at least a day and a half. They were all dressed differently, and I was the only one with the bloody clothes on. I could only imagine what the rest of me looked like; I’d have to work on it tomorrow.

Daniel neared. “I’ve made you some soup, Cheyenne. I know it’s not the greatest, but it’ll warm you.” His dark blue eyes were so gloomy, that they made me feel guilty. I wasn’t worth his sadness as they’d tried to protect me.

I touched his hand and squeezed. “Thank you, Daniel.” I ate, even though I wasn’t that hungry. I didn’t want to give Callon the chance to sedate me. I understood his reasoning, but it wasn’t worth having my mind trapped in a fog.

Tomorrow I would have to make them clarify the extent of my injuries. Right now, I was too tired to do much else but close my eyes. I leaned into Colt’s shoulder. The warmth from the fire touched me, and I slipped into a sleepy abyss. 

Warm knuckles were caressing my cheek, and I peered out from under heavy lashes. I was in the tent. I rolled my head slightly to see Colt’s cool eyes staring down.

The sun was up, and the tent was filled with shadowed light; they had to be waiting for me to wake.

“
How are you feeling today?” Colt asked softly.

I didn’t respond right away, as I assessed my soreness.

“
Better,” I replied weakly. “How long have I been asleep?”

“
Not long enough; it’s still early. Do you need to rest more? We don’t have to move quite yet.”

I thought about his words. I wasn’t hurting too much at the moment, but I also wasn’t moving. I was in his arms, and I was warm and content. Despite my injuries, it wasn’t all that bad a place to be, really.

I wanted to snuggle in longer, prolong the moment, but I knew we needed to get going.

“
No, I’ll be fine.” I paused. “I don’t think I can get up easily on my own, though. Do you mind?”

The tent wasn’t big to begin with and with him standing up, that made it even smaller. Helping me stand, Colt left briefly. “Stay here for a minute, and I’ll get your pack.”

He returned with my pack and set it on the ground. He hesitated at the entrance. “Do you need help?”

I gave a faint smile. “I’ll try to manage. How ’bout I call if I need help?”

Colt hesitated. “I’ll be right outside. You can just whisper, and I’ll come.”

“
Alright.”

He exited and zipped the tent closed. I looked at the bag on the ground. This was not going to be fun.

I managed to remove my bloodied articles, but getting the clean clothes on was another issue. The jeans went on without a hitch even though I was bandaged across my chest and movement hurt. I managed to slide the cami over my head and knew I couldn’t do much more.

“
Colt,” I called out and the zipper opened.

“
You need help?” He glanced at me half dressed and stepped forward. 

“
Yes, I can’t seem to get my shirt, belt, or boots on.” His eyes were soft as he reached down and grabbed the cotton blouse in his hands. Gently turning me, he assisted me, placing my arms in the sleeves and then lovingly buttoned it.

I watched his fingers make light work of it, and sighed. I hated feeling so helpless. He reached for the belt, and lifted my shirt slightly as he pulled it through the loops on my jeans. He knelt down and patted his knee.