Daylight, a Timeless Series Novel

by Lisa L Wiedmeier

  “Cheyenne.” Callon said softly, convincing. “He’d want you to see it.”

  Callon helped me to sit up and pulled me to the side of the bed. I stood and suddenly my legs felt like jelly.

  “It’s okay. I’ve got you.” His arm quickly snaked around my waist. “You’ve been in bed a long time. It will take time to get your strength back. But I’ll be here every step of the way.”

  He led me to the bathroom, and for the first time I actually took in my surroundings. The room was decorated with white marble and ornate fixtures. Callon didn’t live in any ordinary home. This was plush and elegant, luxury at its finest.

  After cleaning up and opening the door, I was astonished at what I’d chosen to ignore. An expansive four-poster bed adorned the center of the room, the bed I’d slept in with its silken fabrics. Large oil paintings hung throughout and a sitting area with antique furnishings was nestled in a private corner. I glanced to my left and saw the sunlight peeking through the curtains.

  “Do you like it?” Callon’s hand covered mine.

  “Yes,” I whispered. “It’s just that I…”

  “I know,” he replied. “But you’re here now, and you can take it all in.”

  His hazel eyes glowed with warmth. These were eyes that I’d come to adore and the man I needed to make things right with.

  “I’m sorry.” Once again, I was crying, but these tears were for a different reason.

  “I know.” He drew my hand up and kissed my knuckles. “Let me distract you for a while, okay?”

  I nodded and allowed him to lead the way.

  My bedroom door opened and I hesitated as Callon stepped out into the hall. I looked back. This was my safe place. I couldn’t leave.

  “It’s going to be okay.” He tugged on my hand.

  I lowered my head and stepped into the unknown.

  The shadows seemed to follow me as we headed down the long hall. My feet padded quietly over the carpet, and we headed down the cascading stairs. I couldn’t bring myself to look up, not yet. My heart began to race as Callon took me through another larger living space. The gloom from the darkened room seemed to close in around me.

  Light, I needed light!

  “Here,” Callon said as he opened a door and led me out onto a terrace.

  I inhaled, not realizing I’d been holding my breath.

  “Let’s just sit in the sunshine for awhile first, okay?” His fingers squeezed mine, and I nodded.

  He took us to a double chaise and we sat, looking out into the lush forest surrounding us. A lake lay in the distance, dark and mysterious.

  My mind wandered to the light of the candle. It was the light that brought me out, as well as the memory of Colt and my realization that I’d pressed Callon’s hand to my chest. He’d been staring into my eyes, and I’d finally seen him. He’d brought me back.

  “Callon, I need to tell you something…” I had to let him know about this feeling, this unknown darkness before it got out of control.

  “You haven’t been well, Cheyenne.”

  “It’s more than that, it’s…”

  “You feel something different.”

  I inhaled a shaky breath. He knew.

  “I didn’t know how to handle it. I didn’t know what to do except hide.” I pushed my shaking hand to my forehead. “I—I didn’t try to kill myself with the medicine, either.”

  “Oblivion was your only safe place,” he said, expressing my thoughts for me.

  I nodded, lowering my head in shame. “Colt was my light, and with him gone, I didn’t know where to turn.” I swallowed. “I didn’t know how to tell you. It was like the words wouldn’t form on my lips to speak. I’m sorry.”

  He drew me closer, his arms coming around me. “I’m going to help you. We’re going to help you.”

  “I’m scared, Callon,” I whispered. “I’m scared of falling back.”

  “Then let me help you.” He rubbed my back tenderly.

  “I need you. I don’t want to go back there. I’m so sorry for all that I’ve put you through. You deserve so much more.”

  His fingers brushed the hair from my eyes.

  “I’m the one to blame here,” he said. “I contributed to your sorrow, and put you through so much. I’m the one who doesn’t deserve you. Let me be your light, Cheyenne. Let me be your strength. Let me love you the way you were meant to be loved.”

  “I don’t know if I have anything left.”

  Callon rested his hand on my chest, and my heartbeat quickened.

  “It’s right here,” he said. “Not gone, only hidden. You’ve been through so much. Of course you’d try and protect yourself.”

  “We have to find the rest of me before it’s swallowed up by the...” I couldn’t even say the words, as if that would confirm it.

  “Then let’s search together.”

  He leaned closer and placed a tender kiss on my forehead. I snuggled in close as we quietly took in the moment. Callon would help me. He wouldn’t allow me to lose to the gloom and despair, but I needed more. My eyes drifted to his right hand, where he wore his Consilador ring. His clan ring that bound us together.

  I couldn’t stop myself as I reached for it. I just needed that deeper connection, that tingling sensation running under my skin to let me know I was alive and he was here with me. My breath caught as I locked my ring over his, and I heard his gasp as well. The electricity flowed through me as he further sealed his fingers with mine. I held on, allowing the pulsing rhythm to warm my cold heart. I took in every ounce and let it roam freely. I didn’t need to hold back anymore.

  “Callon?”

  Daniel’s voice broke the moment, and Callon unlocked our fingers.

  “Yes?” he replied.

  “Is everything…”

  “It’s fine.”

  I curled my legs to my chest as I watched the sun disappear over the horizon. A shiver rolled over me. Nightfall, shadows were coming…shadows I knew were something more.

  A warm hand touched my shoulder.

  “Cheyenne?” Daniel’s brows pinched together, his expression grim. “We want to help.”

  “I know,” I whispered.

  “You want to come inside? Are you hungry?”

  I nodded, pulling my legs to the edge of the chaise.

  It was time to start moving on.

  I followed Daniel up the terrace stairs and into the main sitting area. Callon ambled behind, unrushed. As I entered, a surge of unease hit me as the dimly lit room cast shadows in every direction.

  “We call this the sitting room,” Daniel smirked. “Cuz all we end up doing in here is sitting.” He disappeared for a moment as he clicked all the lights on. “That’s better,” he said.

  I took in the sitting room. Floor to ceiling windows flanked the walls, which would give an excellent view of the terrace and scenery during the day. Directly in front of the windows was a semi-formal sitting area anchored with a large rug. Beyond that lay a grand piano with chairs and what looked like a music area. Black instrument cases were arranged nearby.

  Daniel waved me further into the room towards a smaller sitting area. As I glanced about, I noticed large oil paintings were placed at intervals along the walls between the windows. Some were landscapes and others were portraits. Were they of the O’Shea family?

  “If you’re cold, we can make a fire later,” Daniel added as he pointed to the massive fireplace.

  “I’d like that,” I replied. The light and warmth would hopefully fill the empty feeling inside.

  “There’s also a lot of pictures and stuff to look at when you’re ready,” Daniel said. He pointed to the gallery hallway and I nodded.

  “There’s no rush,” Callon said. “Take your time.”

  He led us back towards a dining area that housed an enormous table. It must’ve seated at least twenty or more. Everything was built to such scale, it was making my head spin.

  “How about some dinner?” Callon asked as he pushed us through a doub
le swinging door leading to a chef’s kitchen. He pulled out a stool for me as he disappeared into a large pantry and returned with various items.

  Daniel moved closer, his shoulder brushing mine. His face was full of anxiety. Despite his cheerful words, I could tell he was lost on what to do to help me. Even his touch was different. In the past it had always brought comfort, even as it did the other day, but right now I felt nothing.

  “So you finally decided to come out of your hole, huh, Cheyenne?” Maes’s growl caused me to jump. I turned, frowning.

  “Maybe,” I replied and turned away. I really didn’t need his coldness right now.

  “Congratulations on a fine job as the lost Kvech heir,” Maes went on. “Running from your responsibilities. You are certainly your mother’s daughter.”

  “Leave her be, Maes,” Daniel said with icy coolness.

  “I don’t think so, Daniel. She’s hidden herself long enough. Heck, she even tried to end her miserable life, coward that she is.”

  My eyes flared, and I spun around, my hands shaking.

  “You know nothing, Maes.” My teeth began to grind together.

  “I know that you’re afraid.”

  “I—I was…I am broken hearted.” Why was he doing this? “Can’t you let me grieve Colt’s death?”

  “You don’t have time to grieve, you—”

  “Stop!” Callon bellowed.

  He stepped forward, glaring at Maes. His knuckles were white from gripping a kitchen knife. Daniel moved closer to me.

  Maes stood immobile, the veins in his neck bulging. Suddenly he began spouting words in French, his hands flailing around, before he stormed off, slamming the door behind him.

  Callon’s eyes met mine for the briefest moment, before he turned and continued cooking as if nothing had happened.

  “It’s okay, Chey,” Daniel whispered. “Maes has been going on like this since we got here.”

  I folded my shaking hands together in my lap. An unsettling feeling bubbled in my stomach, and suddenly I leapt up, running from the room. Maes’s words had hurt, but every one had been true. I wasn’t a leader who could stand up to Marcus. I was a coward who couldn’t face reality. The darkness stirred again, and I held a hand to my chest. How much more till I was pushed too far over that edge?

  Daniel appeared, and I stopped mid-stride. He blocked my way to the exit, his blue eyes unsure.

  My body trembled. I was once again hurting those around me. I turned away from him as other footsteps neared.

  Callon moved closer. His usual confident step staggered as he drew me into his hold. “I’m sorry. I should have stopped Maes.”

  I collapsed into his chest, my fingers gripping his shirt. “I’m tired of failing,” I murmured.

  “You’re not a failure. I am.”

  Now Callon was taking the blame for me. No, this wasn’t his fault. It fell solely on my shoulders. I’d allowed the shadows to creep in. I’d allowed myself to believe that I could be with Colt. I was the one who ran away… This wasn’t because of Callon’s doings. This was because I was being stubborn and didn’t want to listen.

  Callon pulled me into the sitting room near the fireplace. I looked up to see that Daniel had already started a fire.

  “I know the darkness is frightening, Cheyenne,” Callon said softly as he grasped my chin and forced me to look into his eyes. “But you can’t have shadows without light. You just have to find it.”

  My vision grew hazy for a moment, and a slight smile emerged from my lips as Colt’s image began to form before my eyes.

  Chapter 3

  That familiar feeling rustled within me and I sat up, gasping. A fierce chill ran over me. I pulled my legs to my chest, wrapping my arms around them.

  “Hey, it’s all right, Cheyenne,” Daniel croaked as he appeared at my side, looking like he just woke up himself. “You fell asleep on the couch.”

  I was still in the sitting room. Footsteps approached from the hall, and I turned. Callon paused, glancing at Daniel. Callon gave a slow nod and moved closer.

  “Did you have a bad dream?” he asked.

  I looked away. What had happened? Last I remembered, I was sitting with Callon and Daniel and then began having memories of Colt…somehow I fell asleep with no dreams till now. But wait, it wasn’t a dream. It was a feeling. It was that unknown something inside me wanting to wake again.

  “Sweetheart, you have to tell me so I can help,” Callon cooed softly. His hand rested on my forearm.

  Tell him what? I didn’t know how to explain it. This wild presence inside me wanted its release again like on the mountainside.

  “Cheyenne, look at me.” He lifted my chin and forced my eyes to meet his. “It’s okay. But I can’t help unless you speak.”

  Daniel shifted uncomfortably.

  “I’m fine,” I whispered.

  “You’re shaking, Cheyenne,” Daniel said, his voice quivering. “I—I just want to help.”

  “I know.”

  “Time will heal all wounds, Cheyenne. You just need time,” Callon said.

  I shook my head. Time would never heal this wound; I could only hope it would make it bearable.

  I looked beyond Callon’s shoulder and watched the morning light stream through the terrace doors. Sunlight was what I needed. “I want to go outside.”

  “Let’s go.” Callon stood, extending his arm.

  I followed him and quickly walked out to the terrace. The morning air was crisp and clean, and I inhaled deeply.

  “Over here,” Daniel chirped with false cheer, and I went to the chaise he’d moved closer.

  As the red and coppery lights began to glow on the horizon, I stared out at the lake, watching the mist retreat from the dark surface, dancing its way back into the forest. It would stay in the background waiting for night again, not unlike what was inside me. Always lurking, waiting…

  The sun lingered across the treetops, and the streaks of light now glistened off the water. Warmth finally touched my cheeks, and I closed my eyes. A peace began to flow over me, and I realized Daniel had moved closer as well.

  I was back—here if only for the moment—if only for the day.

  “I’m going to be all right,” I murmured.

  Callon squeezed my hand as I continued to soak in the light.

  “Do you want to tour the place?” Daniel piped up. “You only saw a small bit yesterday.” There was still that uncertainty as he brushed the hair from his eyes.

  “I don’t want to overwhelm you.” He pushed his hands into his pockets.

  I smiled. “I’d love to.”

  The playful grin that I loved about Daniel emerged, if only for a moment, allowing me to glimpse a small bit of happiness. Quickly he pushed it back down and replaced it with worry.

  “How about we start from the front?” Callon asked.

  I nodded and headed after them into the house. We passed through the main sitting room, connecting to the long gallery, and then out the enormous entry doors. I didn’t bother to look back as we strolled down the large stone porch with a fountain circling it. We stopped, but the long gravel drive continued, disappearing into the lush trees.

  “Turn around,” Daniel said.

  I did as he asked and was shocked at the sheer size of the home.

  “Welcome to the O’Shea Estate,” Callon said.

  “It’s a bit overwhelming,” I muttered. I couldn’t remove my gaze from the gray stone. It wasn’t anything I could have imagined. Acres of green fields flanked both sides, before they disappeared into the forest beyond. “So it belongs to all of you?”

  “It belongs to me,” Callon replied. “To you and me now.”

  I looked down at the gravel beneath my feet…you and me. Not Colt, Daniel and himself, but he and I. I swallowed, and pushed back the tears that wanted to flow. There would never be anything belonging to Colt again.

  “Cheyenne?” Daniel jumped closer.

  I faintly smiled, trying to give them some optimism. I
should focus on the estate. I needed a distraction, and this would serve well.

  The stone terrace we’d passed over earlier ran around the entire front of the house. It was dotted with small seating areas and stone benches. To the left were the large windows that opened up to the main sitting area inside; to my right lay a second wing.

  As we moved down the gravel drive, I took into account the details of the landscape. Every bush had been hand-trimmed, and the grass was manicured with the most precise detail. Even the flowerbeds were spectacular. How many workers oversaw these?

  “I’m very particular,” Callon commented, as if he knew what I was thinking.

  I lifted a brow. “I’d never have known.”

  A small smile emerged as he reached for my hand.

  “You have no idea,” Daniel said, the first time he teased in a while.

  “Come on,” Callon said.

  We headed back to the main entrance, and I couldn’t help but wonder where the black entry doors came from and how they got them here. I felt so slight and small standing before them. They had to be at least ten feet tall.

  I followed Callon inside, and my gaze fell upon the hallway. It was filled with beautiful tiles that I hadn’t noticed earlier.

  “They’re from a local quarry,” Callon explained. “It’s called Connemara marble.”

  “It’s stunning.” I said. The lighter and darker shades of brown blended together seamlessly. If was as if an artist had meticulously perfected each one with a fine brush.

  My eyes took in the stairs. The handrails, spindles, and stairs were made of the same material with a red oriental carpet runner trailing down the center.

  Daniel suddenly appeared to my right, and I caught sight of another room with glass doors and bookcases. A library.

  He pointed to the top of the stairs, and I followed Callon up. A small bench sat below a scenic oil painting. I paused, studying it. Somehow it was oddly familiar.

  “It’s the lake you can see off the terrace,” Callon explained. “We used to swim in it in our younger days.” He remained still, as if lost in some far off memory. I watched as his jaw tightened and brow furrowed before he looked away from the scene and faintly smiled. “It was always cold, but we didn’t seem to mind.”