“What?” I looked up.
Colt swallowed.
“Cheyenne, um, you’re so gonna kill me.”
I frowned.
“Nice try, Colt, but you’re going to have to do better than that to pretend you forgot the tickets.” I continued moving with the crowd.
“I’m not pretending!”
I stopped in my tracks.
“You’re serious?”
He burrowed into every pocket, removing his keys, his wallet, his cell phone, but the tickets never appeared. Then he snapped his fingers. “I know. I changed jackets before heading out, and I left them in my other coat.”
My heart sank.
“Aw, that’s a bummer.”
The line began to grow anxious since Colt and I hadn’t moved. He took my arm and pulled us aside, muttering apologies.
“I’m really sorry, Cheyenne.”
I blew out a breath. I’d been waiting to see this movie for ages, but there was no point getting angry. It was just a mistake.
“Should we go back?” Colt asked.
I shook my head. “You know, on the way here we passed the botanical garden, and it was all lit up with Christmas lights. How about we go there for a walk?” I suggested.
Colt grabbed both my hands. “I’m sorry. I know you really wanted to see the movie.”
“It’s okay,” I told him. “We can see it later. Besides, it’ll be more fun hanging with you and the lights.”
He nodded, and we headed back towards his truck. The drive to the gardens wasn’t long. Even before we stopped, I was spellbound. Every tree, shrub and trellis was covered with colored lights, and it was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.
“Wow,” I whistled. “Check it out!” I dashed out of the truck, eager to see more.
“Hey, slow down!” Colt laughed, stumbling after me.
“But there’s so much to see!” My feet took over again, and we walked briskly through the whole garden. At last we came to a bench that offered a perfect view, and we sat down.
“I’m glad you forgot the tickets, Colt,” I smiled. “This is amazing.”
“Yes, you are,” he said quietly. “Thanks for sharing it with me.”
He leaned down and placed a warm kiss on my cheek. A shiver escaped me, but it wasn’t because of the cold. I looked up into his icy blue eyes.
He’d never kissed me before…
“Cheyenne,” Callon’s voice broke through my oblivion. “Sweetheart, I need you to wake up.”
The hazy room came into focus, and I rubbed my eyes. The afternoon had waned, and the cool hush of the evening shadows blanketed the furniture. Goosebumps rose on my arms. I’d been dreaming of Colt again.
“Hey.” He moved closer, rolling me to my back. “I let you sleep as long as I could.” A faint smile rose. “But the guests are getting restless. They want to meet you.”
Guests?
My body tensed, and my heart began to pound.
“Cheyenne.” Callon gripped my shoulders firmly. “Calm down. They’re here to help.”
“But I can’t…”
“Stop!” he growled. “Enough of this.” His voice lowered, “Do you think that for one moment I don’t think of that day? That I don’t have my own regrets for allowing what happened?”
“But you weren’t the one who ran away.”
“I was the one who pushed you away. I was the one who caused to you run in the first place. I’ve made mistakes too, mistakes that can’t ever be taken back.”
He pulled my chin up. “Look at me, Cheyenne. Do you think I won’t feel pain when I see Koda, knowing full well it’s not Colt?”
I lifted my heavy lids and stared into his hazel eyes. Usually so bright and intense, now they were replaced with the same misery I heard in his voice.
“I think about Colt every day. Koda’s presence will bring back memories, loads of them, but we have to move on. Colt would have wanted us to.”
I inhaled a shaky breath and nodded my understanding.
“Go wash up. I’ll be waiting.”
My bare feet touched the cold floor, and a shiver ran up my spine. I headed to the bathroom, knowing what I was about to face head on.
Callon was waiting near the terrace doors, staring out into the darkening sky. I’d never noticed before, but he didn’t stand tall like he used to. My heart ached. I was being selfish. Callon was trying to push me forward, push us forward, and move towards recovery, while all I wanted was to stay in my misery and mourn my Colt. Yet it was worse for me, because it was my fault he was gone. If I hadn’t run away, if I hadn’t insisted I knew better, hadn’t been so hungry for answers I never found anyway, he’d be here, waiting for me downstairs.
“Callon,” I said quietly.
He turned, and for a brief moment I witnessed grief pass through his hazel eyes. He moved closer, his gray T-shirt tight over his chest as he crossed his arms. He sighed heavily. I frowned slightly, unsure of what he was planning. Was he purposely delaying our appearance?
We stood in silence, each searching, for what I didn’t know. Maybe it was for a way to end this misery; maybe it was to find out who we now were. Or maybe it was to see what was to become of us.
He’d told me he loved me, and I didn’t say the words back. That had to have been playing on his mind. I’d never actually verbalized those simple words. I’d given the collective I love you to the group when I ran away, but never said them to him alone.
“Shall we?” He pointed towards the door.
I placed my hand on his arm and forced myself towards the stairs. Soft voices echoed off the walls and into the hall. I instantly recognized Koda’s and stiffened. Callon’s hand clasped over mine, and he pulled us along.
We rounded the corner to the sitting room, and suddenly everything became still. A movement in the shadows caught my eyes. Maes was hovering near the music area, away from the others, insurance that I didn’t disappear.
I focused on the marble and carpets as we neared the group. I didn’t need to look up to know they were all staring at me. Lilly’s shoulder brushed mine as she moved closer. They were all afraid I’d bolt again.
I swallowed, my jaw tightening, and tears misted in my eyes. Koda was just a few steps away, looking concerned. No, please, don’t, don’t remind me…
“Cheyenne,” Callon said. “This is Clayton, Skylar and Nakari of the Silloquize Clan.” He squeezed my arm and an olive-skinned hand rose, forcing me to shake it.
“I’m Clayton,” a man with scruffy brown hair said. “I—I’m glad to finally meet you, Cheyenne.” I managed a nod, and his dark brown eyes warmed. He didn’t continue the conversation, though, probably afraid he’d provoke something he shouldn’t.
What had Callon told everyone?
Daniel came forward, accompanied by a gangly man with wild blond hair.
“I’m Skylar.” He pushed his hands into his pockets and looked around nervously. “I’m so sorry for your, um…” He fumbled for words. “Colt was a good man. He’s going to be missed greatly.”
I choked back a sob. Couldn’t they just say hello and be done with it?
“Cheyenne,” a soft whispery voice broke the tension. “I’m Nakari.”
Dex stepped closer, his hand coming to rest on my shoulder as Callon drew me near and Lilly clasped my hand. I forced myself to meet her eyes.
“I know this is the last thing you want right now, but we’re here to help in any way we can.” Nakari’s gaze drifted towards Callon, and he nodded.
Was she searching for his approval?
She bowed her auburn head, but hesitated in stepping back. Her dark skirt swept over my sandaled feet and she looked up. Eyes as deep as the green forest met mine before she glanced at Callon again, eyes filled with sympathy and grief of her own.
A tall slender woman pushed her way in, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders. Her eyes were a shimmering blue, and she smiled politely.
“I’m Andre of the Silloquize Clan.” Sh
e glared to my right. “Apparently I almost missed the big moment of meeting you.”
“I told you…” Koda began.
“You told me nothing!” Andre snapped. She turned back, forcing her smile to return. “Anyway, it’s nice to meet you.” She headed to her seat again, but not before glaring at Koda with a look that could have melted stone.
Koda…
I knew he was close, but I couldn’t look up. I couldn’t bear the sight of seeing him and knowing it wasn’t Colt.
“Cheyenne,” Koda said softly. “I—I’m sorry. I know this is hard on you…” He cleared his throat, nervous. “Well, if there’s anything I can do to make this easier, you just have to say the word.”
Leave.
I shifted uncomfortably. I knew what my body wanted to do—run. Run fast, run hard, run to my safe place.
Without consent, my eyes met his. That same icy blue, the same blond locks of hair, the same wide berth of his chest, the pleading eyes wanting to make things right.
Daniel moved to stand beside Koda, and my throat began to burn. It was just like seeing the brothers together again. Koda pushed his hand through his hair nervously, and that did it. I snapped my head down, staring at the floor, but the memory was already playing out in my mind.
Callon guided me to a chair and began talking, but his words were lost on me. I was back in the forest, the roaring fires in my ears and the scent of smoke in my lungs. We were almost there, almost to freedom, when Marcus appeared. His hand rose, crackling with electricity, and then the lightning bolt shot out. My fingers tore into Colt’s shirt, screaming at him to move, and yet he remained, shielding me, and taking the full brunt of the blast. Then we were on the ground, and he wasn’t moving. Marcus was laughing, and the darkness ignited within—he was going to pay for this, pay dearly!
“Cheyenne?”
Lilly held onto my arm, and I blinked, broken from the scene. My hand was in the air, my fingers poised as if I was going to summon a hurricane. Just like that day…
I clasped my hands together, feeling that familiar presence awaken within. It was back, waiting at the edge of my conscience. Testing, stretching, goading. Fueled with my fresh rage and sorrow, it stalked beneath the surface, waiting to seize control.
Light laughter broke out, and I narrowed my eyes. Koda, Daniel and Skylar were smiling. My nostrils flared. How dare they! How dare they laugh and joke around as if nothing had happened! Colt was dead—dead! Didn’t they care? Didn’t they care that I was suffocating under a blanket of guilt, grief and anger? Why should I have to suffer alone?!
“Cheyenne, is something wrong?” Lilly asked, her face wrought with concern.
A hiss escaped me.
“Am I the only one mourning Colt’s death?” I growled.
All attention focused on me, their previous conversations forgotten.
“Cheyenne,” Callon said, easing a hand on my shoulder. “It’s okay to laugh and smile at memories.”
I pulled away from Callon, snarling.
“Like what? Memories of him dying on that ravine? Memories of you driving him away? Memories of all we had to endure? And you’re laughing and telling jokes at a time like this?” My voice rose to a shriek. “Don’t you even care about your own brother?!”
“Chey—” Daniel sputtered.
“Shut up!” I barked. “I’ve had enough!”
I bolted from the room, meaning to go to the front door, but Maes was in my way. Knowing I wouldn’t get far, I stormed up the stairs to my room. Heartless monsters, every one of them! Why should they be allowed to share their happiness when all of mine had been stolen away?
Thundering steps chased after me, but I didn’t look back, slamming my door behind me. Seconds later it opened again. Callon was there, staring at me in confusion. A few tears escaped, and I clenched my fists at my side. I couldn’t tolerate Koda’s laughter, identical to my Colt’s. A sound I’d never hear again.
“Cheyenne.” Callon stood beside me as I choked back a sob. “Cheyenne, please. You need to calm down.”
“Why?” I spat. “So you can pretend nothing happened, that Colt’s still here and we’re all fine?”
Callon sighed.
“You’re not the only one suffering, Cheyenne. I miss Colt more than you can imagine…”
“Like hell you do!”
“Stop it!” Callon gripped my shoulders. “You might not think I do, but I remember that day as clearly as if it happened yesterday. And it hurts just as much. But I’m not letting it rule me. I can’t afford to.” His hold relaxed. “Why can’t you just let me help you?”
I didn’t reply, as suddenly the answer came. I knew what I had to do. I had to close myself off. But this wouldn’t be like before. Now I wouldn’t let anyone inside. Nobody would be allowed to play with my heart again. And I wouldn’t let them get away with all the hurt and lies they’d dealt me. No, I’d let it out, let loose that dark thing inside me and let it have its revenge. I’d let it have the power it thirsted for. I’d let it have me.
“Cheyenne, answer me.”
I looked up at him.
“It’s done,” I whispered.
“What? What’s done? I don’t understand…”
“I do,” Maes snarled. He shoved past Callon and grabbed my wrist, forcing me to face him. His muscles were taut, consumed by hot rage, and he glared deep into my eyes. “What have you done, Cheyenne?”
“Leave her be!” Lilly screamed. She hurriedly placed herself between us, fighting Maes’s hold. “Hasn’t she been through enough without you manhandling her like this? Haven’t your words cut enough, Maes!” She pushed us back, away from Callon and Maes. Dex joined her, his arms coming around us.
“Maes, I think you need to leave now,” Dex commanded.
“She will never be worth anything if you all continue to baby her!” Maes roared. He stormed out of the room.
“You need to rest, sweetheart,” Lilly said softly as she gently rubbed my back.
Callon stood in the doorway, completely torn. Now I finally saw the pain he’d been fighting, holding back for my sake.
“I’ve been a fool,” he said softly. “You weren’t ready for this. Forgive me.”
He turned and headed for the stairs. The sight of him walking away, leaving me again, frightened me, and set off a dull ache. The darkness, however, remained, delving deeper as my lips parted, wanting to call him back. No, I didn’t need him and his false comfort. I’d keep everything to myself and bury it. I wouldn’t cry, I wouldn’t love, and I’d become the weapon they all wanted.
I pulled myself free from Dex and Lilly.
“I’m tired. I’m going to bed.” I headed for the bathroom, closing the door behind me and pressing my hands to my face. No more fighting—I’d given the beast what it wanted—regardless of my own feelings.
And they would have to reap the consequences of what they’d sown.
Chapter 5
Sunlight peeked through the sheer windows, bringing with it the cool morning air. I shivered, but it wasn’t from the cold. Last night’s events kept replaying in my head, and each memory burned deep inside. I’d felt the beast wrap around me last night, and I didn’t struggle. I’d just waited for it to take what it wanted—me.
I rolled over. The room was empty. It wouldn’t take the group downstairs long to figure out what was going on, that I’d allowed this beast its freedom. Callon had probably already informed them. There was no point in hiding it any longer. I’d do what they asked of me and leave love out of the equation. How I was going to do this, I didn’t know. I only knew love hurt, and I was tired of hurting.
I forced myself up and into the bathroom, stopping before the mirror. My reflection told me what I already knew. I was no longer me anymore. The Cheyenne that had been so naïve was gone, replaced with another. One who would be stronger, and wiser—no longer feeble. They wanted me to move on…I would.
As I exited the bathroom, I found the terrace doors open and Callon standing
near the rail. He’d left me last night when he could have turned the tide, could have talked me out if it, prevented this hostile takeover. All I’d gotten was please forgive me. Why should I pay the price for his mistakes?
I’d tossed and turned all night. The crimson eyes were no longer looking up at me, but staring right through me. It scared me, but I’d reached out and taken the beast’s hand, inviting it in. I had no other choice. There was no turning back now. It had taken my emotions and buried them in the fires, along with any dreams of happiness I might have had.
I straightened and moved towards Callon. He turned and again we stood in silence. He was searching for the right words to say, words I couldn’t give him.
He moved closer and brushed a stray hair behind my ear before his hand came to rest on my shoulder.
“Where are you, Cheyenne?” he whispered. “Why are you leaving me again when all I want to do is help?”
I looked away. “I haven’t gone anywhere.”
“You keep running.”
I met his hazel eyes. “I’m right here.”
“No, it’s your body, but it’s not you.” His free hand came to rest on my waist and he gently tugged me closer. “I want you, love, the you that you’re hiding from everyone else, but I don’t know how to bring you back.”
Bring me back? The only way to bring me back would be to turn back time or erase my memory. Make me forget all the awful moments that constantly flashed before my eyes. Make me forget the guilt for all my mistakes. Force me to forget what my heart felt for Colt.
“I want to forget…” I whispered, and the beast moved inside.
Callon hesitated, but I didn’t. My mouth was suddenly hovering above his. I pressed closer, and my eyes shut.
I could feel my breath hitch as I neared the corner of his mouth. Slowly and deliberately, my lips touched the corner of his mouth and glided across his. It was like the softest of whispers. His warm tongue jolted my senses as it ran over my lower lip, and soon my mouth was covered in his gentle caress.
My hands moved over his chest, slowly making their way to his neck. They slid higher, the texture of his rough cheeks under my fingertips. I pushed them further into his dark wavy locks. I knew exactly what I was doing.
Daylight, a Timeless Series Novel Page 6
