Remembrance: A Timeless Series Novel, Book 7

By Lisa L Wiedmeier

They say death is the final chapter, but for Cheyenne, it was the beginning of a new story.

Yet for Kitty and Hunter, their mother passed away in childbirth. Only knowing her through stories from their father, it comes as some surprise when they find her alive in Paris. Cheyenne, however, has no memory of her children, nor can

• Language: English
• Publisher: Integrity Financial Services, LLC
• Release date: May 16, 2016
• ISBN: 9780990355731

Lisa L Wiedmeier

Taming the wilderness of my imagination, one story at a time. I love hiking, camping, watching my boys fish, and taking long walks with my yellow labs, Taylor and Mandi. I enjoy cooking when the mood hits, and not only have I published novels, but I'm the master of redesigning just about anything. I'm the DIY author who has made Idaho her home for 28 years, and I can't wait to spend another 28 years here.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Cheyenne

You’re safe . You’re coming home … I repeated the words over and over again as I stared into Colt’s icy blue eyes. My lower lip trembled, and a tear trickled down my cheek. I wanted to believe his words, to accept the warmth of his embrace, but I didn’t know him.

He reached out and brushed away the tear. A shiver escaped me. How could a man I didn’t know bring out such strong reactions from me? Why did my body want to respond even while my mind refused to accept it?

I turned and looked out the small jet window; night had fallen like a dark cloak, covering over more than just the sky. He thought I was safe, that everything was alright now that I was coming home, but thinking this was over was far from the truth. Once Mathieu found out I was missing, he’d search for me, and Colt would pay a steep price for his actions. I wouldn’t let that happen.

Cheyenne, a woman’s voice called, but I didn’t turn towards it. Cheyenne, she said again, and this time, Colt touched my arm.

I slowly looked up. The tall, dark-haired woman they called Andre was extending her hand.

It’s Andre, she reminded me, even though I remembered. I have clothes for you. Let me help you change and clean up.

I stared at her for a moment in the dim cabin light before Colt reached over and unbuckled me and helped me stand. He gently pushed me towards Andre, who took hold of my arm. I wobbled slightly as a bout of dizziness hit me. I kept my head down as she led me to the back of the plane and into a bathroom.

You’ve got blood caked in your hair, so you might want to shower. She pointed towards the tiled enclosure. And clean clothes are on the counter. I’ll be right outside the door; you’ve got fifteen minutes before I come back in.

She turned and clicked the door closed behind her. I took a step towards the door and hesitated. I wavered about locking it, but it’d do little good to keep them out. Instead, I turned towards the mirror and gasped. The right side of my hair was coated in dried blood, and my right eye was turning a purplish black. I tenderly fingered the paper stitches on my temple and pulled the coated bandages off. I winced. The gash was still tender to the touch.

I reached inside the shower and turned it on, twisting my left wrist in the process. It had been broken. I remembered bending it backward in my failed escape, but now it seemed to have healed properly. I had hoped to heal myself with my trip to Paris, but it seemed the destruction I’d be causing was more than my physical injuries.

How had it come to this?

I stepped into the small shower and let the warm water run over my head and down my body, trying to wash away the mess I’d made. In a few weeks’ time, I’d gone from longing to have a family to love and cherish, to forcing myself upon one. Despite their words of assurance that I was the woman in the picture, I had been the one who sought them out, not the other way around.

I’d spent the last sixteen years in a state of depression, living in a loveless marriage, trapped inside a box with no way out. And now that I had an option, fear ruled me. Fear of Mathieu, of Jacque, of believing Colt’s words and finding out there was truth to them. What if they were right? What if the lack of emotion and my inability to love Mathieu had been a sign all along that I didn’t belong with him?

A knock sounded on the door, so I turned off the water and reached for a towel. I was drying off when it opened. Andre stepped in as I dressed. As soon as the jeans and white t-shirt were on, she moved closer and gently touched my arm, facing me towards her.

Her blue eyes studied me, and she pushed her long black hair behind her ear before she reached for a brush and motioned for me to sit on the small toilet as she combed out my hair. She was slow and methodical, taking care not to pull too much, especially around my temples.

She sighed.

I’m not gonna lie, Cheyenne. I’m angry right now, she said. I’m angry that you had to suffer so long without us. I’m angry that we didn’t find you sooner. I’m angry Colt nearly broke to pieces over your death only to find out you were alive. She rested her hand on my shoulder like a heavy weight. I’m angry you had to be without your children.

She stepped away, and I turned slightly, watching her in the mirror. She placed the brush on the counter and rubbed her forehead, hiding her red eyes.

It isn’t fair that you’ve missed out on so much, she murmured. She shook her head, and sad eyes met mine. Come on; I’m sure Colt wants to spend every moment he can with you.

My heart tightened, and a lightning bolt of pain shot up and into my right eye. I winced, trying to hide it, but not before Andre saw.

It hurts, huh? she questioned, studying me closely. We can have Callon take a look at it; I’m sure he can give you something to help ease your pain from the botched escape. She sighed. Let’s not try another one; I’d rather bring you back in one piece for your children.

I knew where the pain was coming from. It wasn’t entirely from my botched escape; it was from a deeper-rooted problem. Memories. Memories that always loomed in the shadows, but would never move closer—they always brought the pain.

Andre walked towards the door and glanced back, expecting me to follow. I hesitated for a moment but complied. I was going to have to face Colt again, and deal with the situation I’d managed to get myself into. I abruptly stopped as I realized Colt stood outside the door, waiting. He stepped forward, extending his hand to touch me, but pulled it back, unsure, as he glanced at Andre.

Slow and steady, she said as she passed him, and moved to take a seat near the front of the plane.

Colt glanced at a couch closer to the back and pointed towards it. Why don’t we sit here? he suggested, his voice noticeably strained.

I headed for the leather couch and sat. Colt sat beside me and reached for my hand, but I pulled away and put it into my lap. He released a heavy sigh and placed his arm on the seat back. He didn’t need to touch me to feel how close his hand was to my neck. I could feel the heat he emitted. He angled himself so he was facing me, his heavy gaze upon my face.

The dark-haired man they called Maes rose and stepped closer. He stopped in front of the last row of seats and crossed his arms as he studied me.

Andre says you’re still hurting, Maes commented in French. Callon can help you.

No amount of medicine could help me; it never had in the past. I shook my head, and Colt lifted his hand to my neck. A chill ran down my spine, and I stiffened.

We’re not here to hurt you, Cheyenne, Colt said as he tenderly rubbed my neck. I want to help.

I pulled back and slid further away. I thought of reminding them my name was Rici but figured it’d do little good. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched his jaw firm.

Colt, Maes said in warning.

Does she understand me, Maes? Colt asked in frustration.

Shad said she spoke to him in English, so I believe she does, but she doesn’t want to admit it.

So what do we do? a husky voice asked as the one Colt called Brogan came up behind Maes.

Don’t call her Rici. Call her by her real name, Cheyenne. The more she hears it, the more she’ll believe it. We need to remind her who she is, but gently.

More shadows loomed behind Maes, and I fiddled with the ring on my index finger, unsure of what to do or say that would help me in my situation. They were talking as if I couldn’t hear their conversation.

If we push too much, I think she’ll retreat inside herself, Callon said, stepping to the front of the group, his hazel eyes set on Colt. We know this from past experiences. He sighed and brushed his fingers through his brown hair. I also think we need to keep her separated from the family for a while. She needs to be comfortable with a few of us before we introduce her to the rest.

I agree, Brogan added as he too circled behind Maes and made eye contact with Colt. His large frame cast a shadow over us in the already dim cabin.

I watched from the corner of my eye as Andre and Shad stopped next to Maes. Andre’s hand rested on Maes’ arm.

But what about Kitty and Hunter? We can’t keep her from them, Colt said, crossing his arms over his chest.

She doesn’t know who they are, Colt, Shad spoke up. Slow and steady is what we need.

I knew who Colt’s children were, but I wasn’t their mother. I couldn’t be, but…

Colt rubbed his neck. So how do we separate her? Do we block off rooms in the estate?

Daniel jumped beside Colt and sat, touching his shoulder. What about the old caretaker’s cottage? Daniel suggested. It’s far enough away from the main house, but close enough if we need anything. It’s secluded, and the younger ones don’t know about it. I’m sure I could get it cleaned up quickly.

Colt nodded. It’s settled. Daniel, call Dex and Lilly to get things ready. And see if Nakari can go into town and find Cheyenne some clothes. He stared Daniel down for a moment. Lilly doesn’t know yet, and I’d like to keep it that way until things change. Tell her it’s for a friend that needs our help.

Got it. Daniel stood, took a phone from his pocket, and walked away.

Callon nodded to Colt and the others to follow him. The group moved away while I remained seated. Obviously, they needed to talk something out in private. But who was Lilly and why couldn’t she know about me?

I clasped my fingers together and rested them on my lap, knowing Andre was hovering nearby. She seemed torn between joining the others and staying near me. It wasn’t like I could jump out of the plane, or had another escape route. I decided to ignore her and focus on their whispers. I’d gotten good at eavesdropping on Mathieu and Jacque’s conversations. I closed my eyes as I began picking out their voices.

I think it’s in her best interest if she doesn’t know where she is, Brogan stated.

What do you mean? Daniel questioned.

If she had no idea how she got to the cottage, Brogan answered, especially in light of what happened at the hotel.

Her botched escape and injury, Koda added.

Couldn’t we change the enchantment? Colt pondered. Then she couldn’t leave.

We could, Callon replied. However, if you remember the last time we had to change it…

Colt blew out a breath of air. I remember that all too well, and I’d rather not make the changes until all the heirs are of age.

Agreed, Daniel said.

A warm, delicate hand touched mine, and I startled. Andre was sitting next to me, her blue eyes studying me closely. I blinked and looked down at our hands. I thought about pulling away, but I had the feeling she wouldn’t allow it.

You understand them, don’t you? Andre said.

I didn’t reply. Once again, if they thought I understood, it’d only give them false hope, and until I could comprehend everything that was going on, it wasn’t fair of me to grant it to them.

We’re taking you to the O’Shea estate in Ireland, Andre explained. You’ve been there before. We stayed there together after Colt’s death. You were as frightened and scared as you are now.

Colt’s death? What was she talking about? Colt was here claiming to be my husband; how could he be dead?

It took a lot to get through to you. You were pretty angry, but we didn’t give up, just like we won’t give up now.

I adjusted my position slightly, trying to maneuver my hand free, but she wouldn’t let go. Instead, she pulled it closer and inspected my clan ring.

I don’t know where you got this, but it’s not real.

I stilled and looked up at her.

Your Servak ring is held by Raina until Hunter comes of age, unless he chooses to rule the Consiladors.

Why would she say such a thing? I was about to open my mouth to speak when I thought otherwise. She was baiting me, trying to get me to reply to prove that I understood. Shad seemed to appear from nowhere, and the heat from his eyes burned into me.

Shad stared at me intently as he took a seat across from us. Was he watching for a reaction too? He’d come to me at the estate in France, saying he was searching for a lost treasure. I’d assumed he was a thief, but I was wrong. Why was he convinced I was the one in the picture? Other than the birthmark, they had nothing else, and I had no memories. Andre released my hand, and I pulled it back into my lap, turning slightly away from her.

Why? I asked in French, staring at Shad, knowing he’d understand my question.

He didn’t answer right away. Was he baiting me too, trying to make me ask in English? Or was he contemplating his reply?

Because I never gave up hope for you, Shad replied in French.

I tilted my head.

You once saved me, he went on, and it was time I repaid my debt.

How did I save you? We continued our conversation in French, but more ears were listening as Colt and the others moved closer.

A sly smile rose on Shad’s lips like he was making progress in a battle.

Your Mathieu left me beaten and near death, but you sacrificed your safety to ensure I lived.

Mathieu did this to you? I whispered and shook my head. I’d known Mathieu to be unsympathetic, but the story bordered on cruelty, and that was all Jacque. Even with Mathieu searching for me, it would be Jacque who’d fight the battle. And why couldn’t I remember such an event if I saved his life? I needed more. Before or after my attack?

Attack? Shad replied, sitting up straighter and moving to the edge of his seat. What attack?

I pursed my lips, knowing I’d made a mistake in asking the question. It was obvious it was before the attack. Otherwise I’d remember it. I looked around as I heard Maes mumbling to Colt, relaying our conversation. Why hadn’t they heard of it? Mathieu and Jacque had said the attack originated from the other clans; surely they had knowledge of it since they were the other clans.

My palms grew sweaty, and I clamped my fingers together. Despite how long ago it had taken place, and how hard I fought to push back the emotions, it still felt like yesterday. I opened my mouth to speak but closed it as my eyes watered. Almost seventeen years later, and I couldn’t stop the tears that continued to rise to the surface.

I was with child. I swallowed. I lost it.

The moment Maes relayed my reply to Colt, he pushed Brogan aside and nearly leaped the chair as he tried to get near me. Andre scrambled out of the way as Colt took her seat. He held my hands, his icy blue eyes probing.

My eye twitched as razor sharp pain shot through it and landed in my right temple. I sucked in a breath and fought to maintain my balance. Colt quickly grasped my shoulders, laying me down. I blinked as a flash of light flickered in the recesses of my mind, bringing forth a fuzzy image that disappeared just as quickly. Where had this come from?

Chey? Colt said. Tell me what’s going on. He began gently stroking my forehead, brushing the hair aside. I want to help.

I shook my head to dislodge the pain and bring back the image.

Maes hovered behind Colt a moment before he knelt and rested his hand on my forehead. The twitching in my eyes grew worse, and I closed them, hoping to stop it. I inhaled a shaky breath and heard what sounded like a very faint voice in my mind.

Tell me about your attack; I want the details.

Without warning, images of Mathieu and Jacque began tumbling to the forefront of my mind. The images were similar to the dream I’d awoken to earlier. I gasped as my body shook, and I fought to cover my ears as Jacque’s high-pitched screams became low, venomous growls.

A sob escaped me, and I looked up to see Mathieu standing near a door, watching without emotion. Fear, anger and then despair pulsed through my veins as I tried to curl away. Strong hands pushed mine back, and I was crushed into a large chest. All at once, the voices and vision vanished.

I clung to Colt’s shirt, still trembling. These images were different than the dream I’d had earlier, and yet similar. This time was short-lived but still rocked me to my core. Where were these visions coming from? Why did I see them only now? Why couldn’t I hear their voices? And why did Mathieu stand aside while Jacque tormented me?

Maes, Colt asked, what’d you see?

Could he see inside my mind? Was he the one asking me to show him my attack? Did he produce the vision? Was it a real memory?

Maes didn’t answer, but as I drew back, his green eyes saddened, and he looked away.

How? I whispered in French. Why?

Here. Daniel suddenly appeared with a bottle of water as he knelt beside us. Drink this; I promise it’ll help.

I stared at him, hesitating. His eyes dimmed, and he reached out and touched my hand.

Please, he whispered. I want to help.

I pulled far enough away from Colt to take the small bottle and began to drink. Almost immediately, the effects of the drugs they’d placed in the water hit me.

We won’t hurt you, Chey, Daniel said, taking the bottle from my hands as I slowly slouched forward and into Colt’s arms.

My blinks grew longer, and Colt began to stroke my head.

What’d you give her, Daniel? Colt said, his voice slowly fading out. I don’t want her to fear us.

I gave it to her, Callon’s muffled reply came. She’s in pain, and I needed to force my help upon her. I won’t fail her again, Colt. I can’t.

Chapter 2

Cheyenne

Istretched and inhaled . The scent of fresh flowers perfumed the air. I rolled to my side, still having a hard time opening my eyes, and sank further into the soft feathery bed. This second breath brought forth the delicate aroma of linens that had been hung in the sunshine to dry.

I couldn’t help but smile as the warmth from the blankets and the fresh scent brought up a pleasant memory of pulling sheets and quilts from an outdoor clothesline in the woods. Of wrapping myself up in them and giggling as I was told to take them inside…

I stilled as it faded…where had that come from? I fought to bring it back, to see who was there, but it dispersed into the background and was gone like a whisper on the wind.

I opened my eyes and blinked a few times, adjusting to the light shining through the small bank of windows nestled at the top of the far wall. The array of recent events quickly flashed to the forefront; I wasn’t at home in my bed. I wasn’t with Mathieu, but instead with Colt and his family, and this wasn’t going to end well.

I glanced around; a dark chest of drawers rested on the left side of the room with a taller set on the opposite wall, just a few steps away from the canopy bed I was lying in. A stone fireplace with two wooden chairs took center stage on the far wall facing the bed, probably the only source of heat for the small bedroom.

The white-planked walls and wooden ceiling beams told me this was an old cottage; the caretaker’s cottage one of them had said. I glanced to my left; an aged wooden door was closed. There looked to be barely enough clearance to open it with the oversized bed taking up so much of the tight space.

I rubbed my temple. The horrible ache that had come with the memory of Jacque and Mathieu was gone, but Callon’s words of not failing me again stuck in my mind. How had he failed me? I didn’t know him, other than what I’d learned stalking their family. It was clear, however, that he had medical training. He was the one Hunter ran to when his sister was ill, and the one everyone said could help me.

The door creaked open, and Colt’s bulky frame nearly overwhelmed the small doorway. He gave me a faint smile before entering and closing it behind himself. He sat on the edge of the bed, his icy blue eyes searching for something that seemed just beyond his reach.

I’m sorry for our behavior on the plane. I wasn’t aware Callon had given you medication in the water, Colt said and reached for my hand, grasping it before I had time to pull away.

Sudden warmth tingled through my veins, like an electrical current, and I blinked.

You feel that, don’t you? He tilted his head, watching me carefully. I felt it.

I looked away at the small windows as the leaves rustled in the breeze. His touch was becoming more dangerous by the moment. How could my body have such a strong reaction to it? The next thing I knew I’d want to kiss him to find out how deep this connection went, but I’d already done that—this was wrong, all wrong. I shouldn’t be here, but this was my fault for stalking him and his family, for wanting to be a part of something I had no right to.

His name may have floated around in my thoughts easily, but it didn’t bring up any memories with him. The only ones I had were with Jacque and Mathieu…and those were horrible at best. I was sure Mathieu was out searching for me, and when he found me here with Colt, I was positive it would end badly.

But did I have to go back with Mathieu? Would he, could he, understand that I wasn’t happy? Maybe time apart might be helpful. I wanted to shake my head but stopped myself. No, that wouldn’t work. We had already spent time apart—a lot of it—and it never helped, only caused me more misery.

Colt stood and pulled out fresh clothes from the chest of drawers, stacking them in a neat pile in his arms. He stepped back towards me and extended his hand.

Come with me, Cheyenne; I’ll show you where the bath is so you can clean up.

I didn’t move right away as he patiently waited, and I thought out my options. I could refuse, but where would that get me? If I complied, there was a chance I might be able to make some sense of this mess I’d gotten myself into, and ask questions, but to whom was the real problem. I needed an unbiased opinion, and I wasn’t sure if anyone could give me one.

I sat up slowly, unsure if my world would spin if I moved too fast, and draped my legs over the side of the bed. My bare feet met the worn dark wood floor. Colt took hold of my elbow as I stood, and led us down a narrow hallway, stopping as he opened the old six-paneled door.

He stepped into the bathroom and placed the pile of clothes on top of an antique dresser that had been turned into a vanity. I followed him inside, a chill running over me as the cold stone floor touched the bottom of my feet. The walls were a silvery blue with a few patches of plaster missing, and an oval mirror with a black frame rested over the sink. To the right of it was a pine cabinet holding crisp white towels.

Colt pointed to another door. The toilet is in here, and behind the main door is the tub.

I glanced to where he was pointing.

There are toothbrushes and other items in the vanity drawers for you. I’ll be back in fifteen minutes to check on you. He quietly exited the bathroom and closed the door behind him.

Apparently, I’d only ever be allowed fifteen minutes alone. I stared at the closed door, wanting to lock it. However, it was an old lock that required a key, and I didn’t have one.

I opted out of the shower since I’d taken one the night before, and instead washed up with the items he offered in the drawer. I changed into the clean clothes he’d provided and realized I hadn’t been given any shoes. Shoes or no shoes, if I needed to leave, I would, and not having them would provide little deterrent.

A soft knock on the door sounded and then it opened. Colt’s blond head peeked around the corner, and once he saw I was dressed, he pushed it open the rest of the way. He’d changed too. He gave me an awkward smile and pointed towards the hall for me to follow. My shoulder brushed his chest as I passed, and I inhaled his woodsy scent. A fuzzy image floated to the front of my mind, and I stilled.

I was warm, but it wasn’t because of the temperature or even a blanket. It was because I was being held close. Peace filled me as if I hadn’t a care in the world. I breathed again, woodsy…

Cheyenne?

Fingers touched my elbow, and I blinked.

Are you okay? Colt stared down at me, his brow pinched tightly. You stopped walking and looked like you were in a trance.

I looked away instead of answering him and took a few steps down the hall. The smell of freshly baked bread and roasting meat replaced the woodsy scent. His fingers remained on my elbow as he guided me. This was the second time I’d been in a dreamlike state and couldn’t move, but at least this dream or vision had been pleasant.

We entered a larger room that held a small kitchen with a free-standing island, and a round dining table in the far corner. There were two sitting areas, one by a stone stacked fireplace, and the other was in the opposite