He pulled back for a moment, his hot lips pressing against my neck.
“I want to forget everything,” I said breathlessly. I knew he wanted this, but…
His arms wrapped around me tightly as my assault moved back to his mouth. My assault only intensified as we moved back into the room.
He hadn’t used the rings to manipulate me. Instead, this time I was turning the tables. My back hit the bed, and in a swift movement, without missing a beat, he pulled me up, the heavy weight of his form pressing into mine.
Nothing else mattered right now. I finally felt alive. This beast was taking control, and the raw power surging through my veins was almost overwhelming.
No…
I pushed Callon back. He hovered above me, confused, just as confused as I was. This wasn’t right. It was the beast taking control. No matter what he’d done to me, he didn’t deserve to be treated like this—ever.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered. “I can’t do this.”
“Do what?”
My eyes wandered to the terrace doors. Why couldn’t I banish my heartache out those doors forever? Why did I allow this beast control?
“Cheyenne?” a mumbled voice called from behind my bedroom door.
We stilled. Callon slowly looked at my door. He sat up and moved away, standing with his back towards me.
I lay still for a few moments, reminding myself why I’d allowed the beast control.
Another knock came. “Cheyenne?”
I inhaled and drew myself off the bed, straightening my clothes. Callon remained turned away.
“Come in,” I called out and the door opened.
Dex entered slowly, his gaze moving towards Callon. “Everything okay, Cheyenne?”
I nodded.
He stopped before me and began rubbing his hands together. “If this is too much for you, sweetheart, you just need to let us know. Everyone understands…”
“It’s fine,” I cut him off. “I’m fine.” Once again, I felt the cold touch of dark fingers draping across my shoulders. Guilt poured over me. I’d used Callon. He’d used the rings in the past to manipulate me, and now I was no different, manipulating him, playing with his heartstrings. Giving him hope for something I could probably never give in return—love. How could I tell him that I was afraid to love? That it was toxic? That everyone I’d ever loved had died—was killed—because of me. No, I just couldn’t open myself up again. I wouldn’t be able to face myself if Callon were ripped from my life like…
My lips twisted, and I glanced towards Callon. He was staring at me. The fire and passion I’d witnessed was gone, washed away and replaced with hurt. I wanted to apologize, but just couldn’t.
I pushed past Dex and headed for the door. I’d have plenty of time to contemplate what had just happened, but for right now I needed to make an appearance. I’d be strong and I wouldn’t allow love, passion, or friendship to slip in—I couldn’t.
Callon and Dex followed me as I headed for the sitting room. I entered near the music area. Maes was once again keeping his distance from the others. He paced uncomfortably, but his eyes met mine before I passed. He moved towards me with the grace of a panther, until Dex stepped between us. They exchanged uneasy glares. Eventually Maes hissed and returned to his pacing.
Apparently he wasn’t welcome here.
The group fell silent as I neared, and I kept my head level and steady. I wouldn’t make eye contact, wouldn’t open myself up. I stopped, staring at their shoulders.
“I’m sorry for my behavior last night,” I said. “It was a bit much to take in when I wasn’t expecting so many new faces. I thought I’d be given more time to grow accustomed to the idea before you arrived.”
Koda moved closer, and I stiffened. I focused on Skylar’s wild hair instead.
“This is my fault, Cheyenne,” Koda said. “I shouldn’t have insisted I come. I should have—”
“It’s fine.”
“But I can leave.”
“No. I’m fine,” I repeated. “It’s going to be fine.”
I stepped towards a small game table next to a large window. I took a seat, focusing on the sunshine breaking through the clouds. The uncomfortable silence began again, and I felt everyone’s gaze on me. Daniel jumped to the open seat and moved a checker piece.
I sighed. Daniel, my one weakness…
“Your move, Chey,” Daniel said quietly.
“I’m not in the mood, Daniel,” I replied.
He was silent for a moment.
“But you’re in the game chair seat. It’s a rule: you have to play.”
A dark shadow crossed behind me, Maes. My jaw clenched. It wouldn’t take much to push me over the edge this morning.
“Here, let me move the first piece for you,” Daniel said, his eyes not meeting mine, but instead staring at Maes.
“Hmph,” Maes grunted. “Still need someone to fight your battles for you, Cheyenne?”
The hair on my neck stood on end. Maes was deliberately fueling my beast, wanting to see how far he could push things. I rose, the chair squealing in protest, then made for the door. I wasn’t going to let him play his stupid mind games.
A hand grasped my arm, and I hissed, spinning around. Maes clasped his fingers tighter, and I growled.
“Touch me again, and it will be the last thing you ever do, Maes!” I yanked my arm away and headed for the terrace doors.
I heard murmurs as I passed over the threshold. The cool air met me and I inhaled, closing my eyes for a moment. I was quickly losing control.
“Wait, Cheyenne…” Lilly called out.
“Leave her be,” Callon interrupted.
“But—”
The terrace door closed.
I moved towards a chaise on the far side and took a seat. I allowed my eyes to wander to the field and forest as I calmed the inner creature. No heart, no heartbreak, I reminded myself. I couldn’t even allow Daniel in.
Callon’s face flashed before me. I’d wounded him deeply. I’d been cruel and heartless in my actions, and yet I hadn’t stopped it. I’d let it play out, watched him suffer and watched the beast enjoy it. I couldn’t even speak, to ask for his forgiveness. It was too late now—I had no choice but to hold back any feelings of love. I’d do as they asked. I’d marry Callon, but I’d just be the weapon they all wanted. A weapon used in battle and abandoned when it was over.
A bright light hit my eyes, and I had to squint. I shielded my face with a hand, searching for the cause. Something was reflecting off the water. The calm undulating waves stirred an idea. A walk by the lake would help calm my anger, and then I wouldn’t have to hear their murmurs of disappointment.
I slid off the chaise and hurried into the field.
“Where are you going?” a voice called out. I stopped, and turned back.
A woman had appeared on the terrace, and now she was heading towards me. I frowned, remembering she’d introduced herself as Andre. How long had she been watching me?
Huffing, I spun back towards the lake. I didn’t have to answer to her. Annoyingly, her footsteps rushed behind, and she caught up with me.
“Pretty impressive words with Maes back there,” she smirked. “I’m surprised he backed off. I’ve never seen him bow to anyone, but then again, if looks could kill, even he would’ve been fried on the spot by you.”
I didn’t reply, although the thought of Maes frying was appealing.
She snapped off a tall blade of grass and began playing with it.
“So do you always talk this much, or is it just me?”
“Just you,” I said under my breath, though I instantly regretted it. I didn’t mean to be so harsh. I just wanted to be alone. I twirled my fingers, causing the grass to sway around us, remembering Maes’ words. I needed a distraction.
“Ah, good to know. Must mean you’re a good listener.”
I raised an eyebrow. What an odd thing to say. I quickly resumed my walk, finding the worn path to the lake. My eyes remained on t
he water. The solitude would be welcoming, but then again, I wasn’t alone.
I stood at the lake’s edge, the water lapping at my toes. Andre plopped down on the small beach, removing her shoes and curling her toes in the sand.
“It’s been ages since I’ve done this.” She smiled. “Something about feeling the cool earth beneath your feet. Well, what can I say?”
I nodded, completely understanding the want or need to be outside and just lose myself in nature. But that didn’t matter anymore. All that lurked around every corner were shadows.
Letting out a deep sigh, I sat on the shore too. I followed the curve of the lake until it disappeared beyond the trees. One day, if given the opportunity, I’d explore more, but right now I knew I was still on a tight leash. And I didn’t need more people guarding me twenty-four/seven.
“It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?” Andre pointed to the darker parts on the lake. “The calming sound the water makes as it laps against the shore. Can’t beat it.” She began chuckling, “Maybe that’s because the rest of them drive me crazy at times.”
I tilted my head. “They drive you crazy?”
“Hell, yes! Especially Koda and all his stupid jokes. Just you wait till he turns his attention on you.”
“Oh great…” My thumb began to run over my Servak ring. Just what I needed, for Koda to act like Colt and tease me.
“I’ll try and keep him away as long as I can, but he’ll pester you mostly because he likes you. He couldn’t stop talking about you.”
My eyes narrowed. “He was talking about me?”
Andre raised a dark brow. “Yeah, even with what happened, he could see how great your powers are going to be. He said once you can control them, you’ll be an unstoppable force.”
“Right,” I mumbled. “I’m nothing but a child who can’t do anything right.”
She shook her head.
“He didn’t mean it like that, Cheyenne.”
“No one ever does.” I grasped my Servak ring. I’d made too many mistakes that day and the days leading up to it, and now everyone here was going to rub my face in it.
Andre rose. “I’m going for a swim. Want to come?”
“I don’t have a swimsuit on.”
“Neither do I.” She smirked, stripping off her clothes. “Underwear works.” She ran past me and dove into the water, gasping as she came up. “Holy crap, it’s cold!”
I couldn’t help but smile. I rose and neared the water’s edge. I spread my fingers out over the surface and watched the ripples. I suddenly realized I was feeling weak. Was using small doses of my power causing it?
“Is it deep?” I asked.
“Nothing you couldn’t handle,” she replied.
The reflection from the sun hitting the water’s surface nearly blinded me. I had to close my eyes. I stepped closer to Andre, wading deeper into the water, hoping to avoid the glare. Suddenly, the ground beneath my feet vanished, and I fell right into the water. I came up, gasping. The water was like ice!
“Well, if you were that prudish about getting undressed, you should’ve said something,” Andre chuckled. “You okay?”
“Just fine,” I said, gritting my teeth. “There must’ve been a ledge there.”
“Whatever. Come on, let’s go!” Andre began swimming away.
I followed, a strange feeling drawing me to the murky depths. Was it because it was as deep and dark as I felt inside? Or was it the chill, the same chill I felt with this angry beast inside me?
Andre stopped. She faced me, her eyes wide. “What was that?”
“What?”
“Something just ran over my foot—AH!” She disappeared below the surface before she’d finished her yelp.
“Andre!” I screamed. “Andre!”
I dove under, searching for her, pushing myself further down, but the water was too cloudy. Something had stirred up debris from the bottom.
A faint light began to emerge from the dark, and I swam towards it. If there was light, I could use it to find her. My fingers came to the bottom and I stilled, allowing the debris to settle and my eyes to adjust. The glow returned, and my eyes widened. I reached out towards the light, and my fingers struck something round and metallic.
A shiver ran down my spine; something wasn’t right. A moment later, someone screamed above the water. Abandoning the light, I flew to the surface. Bursting into the cold air, I searched for Andre again.
She was gone.
Splashing caught my attention. I caught her hand before she went under, but her fingers slipped through mine. No, I had to save her!
I plunged down again and swam towards her last location. I held my breath, watching the water for ripples or bubbles. Three pops appeared about twenty yards away on the surface, and I hurried towards them. My chest tightened as something drifted over my arm, but before I could grasp it, it was gone. I searched for as long as I could, but fatigue took over, and eventually I had to come up for air.
The lake surface was peaceful now. Fear of losing Andre spiked my adrenalin, and I looked again. But with so much dirt below, I couldn’t see more than a few feet in front of me, and the light I’d seen before had disappeared.
Suddenly husky voices bellowed from the shore. Callon, Koda and Maes were there, about to jump into the water. I didn’t wait for them, and swam deeper, exhausted or not. If only I could see! I clawed through the murkiness, wishing I could summon a hurricane and rip the water clean. But I didn’t dare. Not after what happened last time.
My lungs burned, and I pushed myself to the surface. A pair of hands grabbed my shoulders, and I half-screamed.
“Where is she?!” Maes demanded, his hold so tight it left marks on my skin.
“I-I don’t know!” I spluttered. “She was here and then she disappeared…”
“Where’d you last see her?” Koda swam ahead, scanning the depths.
“She was right over there,” I pointed, struggling to remain calm. This was my fault again.
“Cheyenne!” Callon pulled me towards him. “It’s going to be okay. We’ll find her.”
“I—”
A scream broke my concentration. A few hundred yards ahead, Andre appeared, and was fighting to stay afloat. Maes grunted and swam towards her, Koda directly behind.
Andre struggled hard, but her head slowly began sinking below the surface again. Something was dragging her down!
“Andre!” I screamed, trying to swim towards her.
“No!” Callon’s arm wrapped around my waist. “Koda and Maes will get her. Just tell me what happened.”
I ignored Callon, unable to tear my eyes from Andre. She couldn’t die on me, not now.
Maes dived, then Koda. Moments passed, and the water grew still. Tears began to form in my eyes.
No, not again! My love wasn’t toxic. I was!
Finally Maes burst from the water, Andre in his arms. Her head fell limply to the side but she began coughing. Maes and Koda started swimming towards us. Callon released his hold and yanked on my wrist.
“Swim!”
We paddled to shore, reaching the sand moments before Maes, Koda, and Andre. A group had formed on the banks. Lilly’s hands were pressed to her mouth. I collapsed as Callon moved away, barking out orders.
“Nakari, get some towels and blankets,” he ordered. “Lay her here, Maes.”
Andre’s face was pale and her eyes closed, but she was coughing. Callon rolled her to her side, trying to help clear the water from her lungs.
What had I done?
My hands began shaking, and my legs wouldn’t allow me to stand. I crawled closer, peering through the crowd. Callon was speaking to Andre quietly as Maes held her head. Koda touched her hand and squeezed. Dex moved in closer, checking her pulse.
“Can’t a girl have a swim when she wants?” Andre muttered between her coughs.
What had happened? I kept replaying the events in my head, but nothing made sense. What had dragged Andre away?
Maes’s jade-rimmed eyes
met mine. The veins in his neck were growing at an alarming rate.
“What happened?” Maes growled. Before I could answer, Nakari appeared with Daniel, towels and blankets in hand. Callon and Dex began wrapping Andre up.
“Daniel,” Callon called out. “Take Andre back. Nakari, take Dex with you.”
Within moments they disappeared. Ah, Nakari could jump like Daniel. Lilly began running towards the manor. With them gone, all the attention turned towards me.
Maes looked like he was about to hit someone. “Start talking, Cheyenne!”
“I—I don’t know what happened.” My lips trembled.
Callon pushed Maes aside, his hazel eyes etched with concern.
“Are you okay? Are you hurt at all?”
I shook my head.
“Can you stand?”
He grabbed my arm and helped me up. Koda moved beside Maes, wary he might do something aggressive.
“Cheyenne, what happened with Andre?” Koda asked again. His eyes had softened; those same icy blue eyes and blond hair now dangling over his lashes. I looked away.
“I’ve told you, I don’t know. One minute she was there and the next…”
The group remained still, studying me. Did they think I was lying?
“Why didn’t you do anything, Cheyenne?” Maes snarled.
My chest tightened. “You don’t think I was trying? I searched the entire lake bed for her!”
“You didn’t try hard enough!” Maes barked. “All that power at your fingertips and you’re still worthless!” His eyes flashed. “The lost Kvech heir, our lost leader and salvation…what a joke!”
“I never asked for this!” I shot back. “You’re the one who keeps piling expectation onto me. You keep saying I’m your hope. Well, I’m not! All I bring is death and destruction!” My hands began shaking.
“Cheyenne, calm down,” Callon reached for my hand.
I backed away from him, breathing hard. I didn’t want to give him my poisonous touch.
“You’d be better off with Marcus,” Maes mumbled. “At least he’d put that power to good use.”
Instantly my hands rose, the beast within wanting release. If Maes wanted power, a fight, he’d feel it firsthand. The ground began rumbling, mirroring my emotions. At once, Callon grasped my arms, pinning them to my sides.
Daylight, a Timeless Series Novel Page 7
