Andre moved closer and hugged Quinn as they spoke quietly.
A delicate woman stepped forward, capturing my attention, and I couldn’t help but stare. I’d noticed Nakari’s beauty, but it had a cold standoffishness to it. However, that was probably due to me being unwelcoming. But this woman, she had a presence about her, a softness that I was sure was a reflection of her inner beauty.
There was no hesitation as her blue-green eyes met mine and she gracefully moved closer, embracing me. Her coal black hair, braided to the side, pressed up against my cheek. I inhaled. She smelled of wildflowers, like my mom had.
“What a privilege to meet you, Cheyenne. I count it an honor to have the opportunity to become friends with you.” Layla squeezed tighter, and I couldn’t help but feel her words were genuine.
She drew back, smiling. “You truly are a gift to the Timeless clans.”
“And I’m Brogan,” a deep voice grumbled. I had to take a step back to look up at the sheer size of the man before me. Colt had been large, but Brogan…monstrous was the first thought that popped in my head. His dark brown eyes met mine with a coldness I hadn’t expected, and he didn’t extend his hand. Instead he brushed his thick fingers through his wavy brown hair. I caught sight of his clan ring. He was the leader of the Laundess clan.
“So you’re the hope of the clans.” He eyed me as if I was a speck of dirt on his shoe.
I blinked, and the beast inside growled.
Callon instantly moved closer, drawing me away.
“Yes, she is something special,” he said quickly. “If you’ll excuse us, I was going to take Cheyenne riding this morning.”
Without another word, the clan members parted, and Callon and I made our way out onto the terrace.
“You thought I was going to explode again, didn’t you?” I fought to keep my tone even as we stepped off the stone terrace.
“You just told me last night that you feel angry all the time.” He reached for my hand and pulled me near. “I wanted to remove you from a potentially dangerous situation before the anger had time to surface.”
“Brogan,” I said quietly.
“Yes. I felt you tense up the moment he stepped forward.”
“He doesn’t think much of me.”
“No,” Callon agreed, “you’ll have to earn it.”
“Yeah, I got that impression.”
We quietly walked along the well-worn path until we came upon the stables. The same two large black stallions that Lilly and I had observed a few days ago met us. Callon headed inside, while I waited outside. It wasn’t long before Callon appeared with two horses in tow.
He smiled and handed me a set of reins.
“This is Minuit and Joree,” Callon said, adjusting the stirrups. “The only way you can tell them apart is that Minuit has a tear in his ear.” He raised his hand and stroked Minuit’s ear. “He got it over a mare. Joree was jealous.”
I raised a brow.
“Jealousy can lead to strange things,” Callon observed casually.
I nodded, but didn’t reply. I knew firsthand what jealousy did.
He extended his hand. “I want you to ride Minuit.”
He helped me mount and was soon beside me on Joree. We followed the path towards the forest. We meandered through the tall grasses, crisscrossing stone walls along the way. Minuit was a good horse, calm and placid.
The sun peeked out from behind the gray clouds; warming me and causing me to long for the warmth of the sun back home in Montana and Idaho. I longed for those long summer days with Colt, days I’d never have again.
We remained silent, each in our own thoughts until mine began to drift to Nakari, and what I’d witnessed this morning on the upper terrace. There was no doubt in my mind that she’d lost someone she loved, but was that someone staring me in the face? Or was it just my overactive imagination, the beast within trying to cause more chaos and confusion? There was a fine line between reality and untruth, a line that was always blurring.
“What about Nakari?” I blurted out and cringed. I hadn’t meant to be so blunt.
“What about her?” Callon replied.
“Is she a friend or…”
He turned and cocked a brow at me. “I’ve known her for a long time.”
“So she’s a friend?”
“Yes.”
We rode for a few more moments in silence before I spoke again.
“She was holding a ring this morning, and she seemed sad.” I stared ahead, my blond hair drifting across my face in the breeze.
No reply came.
“Did she lose someone?” I prodded.
“Yes.”
“Did you know him?”
I shifted in my seat.
“It’s not my story to tell, Cheyenne.”
“Oh.” I looked down at my hands. “It’s just that you know so much about me, and I honestly know so little about you. I thought maybe she meant something more to you.”
“Nakari and I are close, but you don’t need to feel threatened by her. I’m betrothed to you, Cheyenne. I love you.”
I sighed. I should have known I was blurring the lines.
I decided it was best to remain silent as we rode on, trying instead to focus on what was before me. I kept my mind on the calming scenery, like the soft rolling hills lush with greenery. Being in nature somehow always spoke to me; it always produced a quietness in my heart. It brought me back to happier times with the ones I loved.
The ones I loved…Callon. He was trying so hard and I was finally feeling hope. Hope that he’d help me tame the beast. He’d felt my anger rising, and he was the one who quickly removed me from a potentially dangerous situation, a situation where I’d cause more hurt and pain for others. But was I ready for a real future with him? Was I worthy of his love after all that I’d done to him?
There was also the issue of being involved. I’d begged not to be left in the dark and yet now I wasn’t so sure I wanted to know everything. With knowledge came responsibility, and with this beast clawing to the surface every chance it got, I couldn’t be responsible—not for myself or other clan members. I’d failed too many times already.
Hours passed before we emerged from the woods. The stables were now in sight. A tall gangly figure was leaning against the rail in the distance. Probably Skylar.
“Lilly is making a meal for us tonight,” Callon said. “We should see if she needs help.”
I stared at his hands. He was rolling the reins in his palms, his fingers clenching down and then releasing it. He glanced at me from the corner of his eye.
He was upset, but over what? Because I’d questioned him?
“Beautiful day for a ride, Cheyenne,” Skylar cheerfully said, grabbing Minuit’s reins. “Did you have a nice time?”
I nodded and faintly smiled, watching Callon closely. Skylar took Joree’s reins as well and we dismounted. Callon didn’t glance back as he and Skylar disappeared into the stables.
He didn’t like me questioning him…that had to be it. I turned and headed towards the estate. I was sure we’d talk about it later. It was no use trying to bring it up with Skylar around. I’d already shown my temper one too many times. It was time for me to approach this calmly.
It didn’t take long for Callon and Skylar to catch up. Callon’s fingers locked over mine, and he began twisting my rings. I glanced up, but he kept his gazed steady on the horizon.
We entered through the terrace doors into the sitting room and immediately heard commotion in the kitchen. Koda and Daniel’s laughter rolled along with Lilly’s motherly voice scolding them. A smile rose as a fond memory of Colt surfaced. I was going to be okay…
Skylar headed for the kitchen, but before I could follow, Callon tugged me towards the stairs. I raised a brow.
“I thought…”
“Later,” he said coldly.
The stairs and hallway were empty. He opened my bedroom door abruptly and forced me inside. Then he closed it, pushing me into the corner. His hands rested on eith
er side of wall, caging me in.
“What are you hiding from me?” His eyes bore into mine.
“I don’t know what you mean,” I protested.
“We rode for hours without you saying a word. It’s like I have to pry everything from you. Why won’t you give your thoughts to me freely?”
“It’s complicated, Callon.”
“No, you make it complicated.” He lowered his head. “Just like the fact that you still haven’t said I love you. Is it so hard for you to say?”
“Oh,” I swallowed.
“I’m committed to you. We have a destiny to fulfill—we have the rings. I’ve already told you I want to spend the rest of my life with you—loving you. Does that not say it all?”
I looked away, my throat tightening. He wanted words, words I wasn’t prepared to say yet. Words I couldn’t say yet…emotions I felt, but my lips wouldn’t allow me to speak them.
“I—I—” I couldn’t speak past the pressure in my chest, the lump in my throat.
“Is it that you don’t believe me, Cheyenne?” His voice softened and fingers traced my cheek. “Do you not see my love? Can’t you feel it? Do you not see that I want all of you, your thoughts, your desires?”
I looked up into his hazel eyes, eyes desperate to hear those words.
“Do you love me, Cheyenne?” he whispered.
“You know I do,” I pleaded.
“Then say it.”
My lower lip began to quiver. I knew I loved him. It wasn’t the same way I loved Colt, but I loved Callon nonetheless. I’d promised myself to say the words so others would know, but now when it came down to it I couldn’t. Why?
Because my love was toxic…
“You don’t trust me.” He lowered his head.
It was a trust issue…I didn’t want to trust him with my heart. I didn’t want to feel pain again, the unbearable sorrow that always came after I let myself love freely.
“I’m not going to leave you,” he whispered near my ear and moved closer.
The tears I’d been fighting to hold back flowed.
“Colt made the same promise, and—,” I barely spit out.
He drew me into his arms. A tender kiss touched my head.
“You can’t live in the past, love. We have to live for the future. Our future.”
“I’m trying.”
I curled into his hold, absorbing the comfort he gave. One day I’d have to say the words…one day soon.
A sharp knock on the door caused me to jump.
“In a minute, Daniel,” Callon said, and I looked up. His fingers brushed the hair from my eyes. “It’s going to get better, I promise.”
Another rap at the door, and Callon sighed heavily.
“Lilly say’s it’s time for dinner and that if I don’t come back with the two of you she’s going to be angry. She’s scary when she’s angry, Callon,” Daniel’s muffled voiced echoed in the hall.
“In a minute, Daniel.” Callon faintly smiled. “I know you love me, Cheyenne, and I know one day you’ll say those words to me.”
“I’m sorry,” I whispered.
“No more sorrys, love, no more sorrys.”
Over the coming days and weeks, the manor started to swell with guests. Clan members from all over the world were showing up, and my head spun trying to keep track of all the new names and faces. There were just too many to remember. I only noticed the cute brunette, Bree, because she was one of Daniel’s friends.
Callon had been busy, organizing things with the clan members and sorting through his various duties, and I’d decided it best to let him have at it. I’d just be in the way, not that he didn’t offer to have me involved. It had been ages since a gathering like this had taken place. It was all because of me, a gathering with expectations that I’d live up to the Kvech name and heritage. It was a large Timeless family reunion of sorts—with a family I didn’t know.
I chose to remain secluded and instead tried to bury myself in practicing with my powers, shooting burst of air at designated targets. I quickly learned that it was draining. I didn’t understand how could I create a fierce storm out of anger and not feel weak, but just causing the curtains to ruffle had me taking naps.
Out of sheer boredom, I’d asked Dex for some books on Timeless history. Now was as good a time as any to get myself acquainted with my legacy.
The first volume was really nothing more than a genealogical listing, who was married to whom and what children were born. It also included their births and deaths. I truly was the last Kvech heir; I didn’t even have a distant cousin alive.
I dove into the second volume, and scanned over the pages until I came to my Servak grandfather, Jorell.
There wasn’t a whole lot that was readable; parts of the writing had been blocked out. It was as if they were trying to record nothing more than his birth and death…and his alliance with the Sarac. From what I could make out, he’d been a strong leader at one time, but what had happened to change all of this? Why did they want to remove history? I sighed. I’d have to ask Dex for more information later. If he’d made mistakes, what’s to say that I couldn’t fall into the same trap if I didn’t know about them?
I’d managed to keep my temper under control. I hadn’t had another outburst; however, I hadn’t been provoked, either. Maes had been preoccupied with Andre since the incident at the lake, and Brogan hadn’t really been around to make conversation. He was busy enough planning and plotting with the other clan leaders.
And then there was Nakari. Callon said I shouldn’t be threatened by her, but I couldn’t help but see her in only one light. It was my fault. I’d started out on the wrong foot with her by stealing her powers. I’d have been angry too.
I’d been watching her when she wasn’t paying attention, peeking from time to time from behind my books. She laughed and smiled while conversing with other clan members, and it was genuine. Clayton, Skylar and Quinn had no troubles fawning over her. Why wouldn’t they? She was beautiful. But when her eyes would reach mine, everything changed. It was as if they held a mixture of regret, anger and confusion. It was no wonder she really didn’t talk with me or I with her…something lay beneath the surface, but I just didn’t know what it was or understand it.
The estate was bursting at the seams, yet I felt utterly and completely alone. The others all had connections with each other, even Maes, and I was on the outside looking in. A round peg trying to fit into a square hole.
Koda, Daniel and Bree rushed by me as I stood in the downstairs hall studying the portraits, and entered the library. Nakari, Andre, Skylar, Clayton and another I couldn’t remember the name of stood stoic, their heads bowed.
I inched closer. Something was going on.
“You don’t need to be here for this,” Callon said. He pulled the library door closed. I moved towards the front door, but then turned and pressed my ear to the wall to listen.
“Did you find out anything about Bailee, Hayes?” Koda sounded nervous.
It was silent for a few moments. “I think you and Bree need to sit down,” Hayes replied.
“What?!” Bree’s voice rose. “What do I need to sit down for?”
“It’s—it’s that, well, it’s Bailee…”
“Spit it out already!” Koda growled.
“Bailee, she’s…” Hayes swallowed. “There was blood all over the house. It looks like she fought off her attackers, but…” He trailed off.
“But what?” Bree pleaded.
He sighed. “She lost the battle in the end.”
My hand flew to my mouth in horror. I didn’t even know this Bailee, and yet I knew she’d been someone important to them. Yet another life lost in this terrible war.
“No!” Bree cried.
“She could still be alive!” Koda protested.
“Her car’s missing, but her computer and clothing bag were found at the house.”
“That means nothing!” Koda bellowed.
“Did you have them check the other h
ouses?” Daniel asked. “She could have run to them.”
“They checked and found blood and tire tracks leading away.”
“Koda,” Bree’s voice broke. “Koda, do you think she’s gone?”
“They found a pool of blood at the bottom of the stairs, another on the couch. The entire house was coated in her blood with her hand and footprints. There were Tresez’s prints as well,” Hayes added. “I’m sorry, Bree, but Bailee is gone.”
The library door flew open. Koda bolted past me and out the front door. My heart ached. How could I have said to him he couldn’t understand my loss…
Callon’s eyes caught mine as he rushed past. He didn’t bother to hide his sorrow. It was another death, another needless tragedy that Marcus had orchestrated.
The estate fell quiet. A gray gloom had wrapped over all of us, and my thoughts couldn’t help but turn inwards. Misery surrounded me, and it was hard not to let the memory of Colt’s death overtake me. I couldn’t deal with so much grief and heartache when I’d barely come to terms with my own.
I’d managed to hide myself away for brief periods of time, but I knew I needed an outlet. I needed to clear my head. I needed to be alone, away from the crowds of unfamiliar faces. I’d even tried sneaking down an unexplored corridor off the main hall, but found the metal studded doors locked. I had to find someplace of my own.
I rose early. The sky was dark and overcast, the clouds threatening to release their tears. It was quiet as I peeked outside my bedroom door. The whole manor was probably still asleep. I continued into the hallway, sneaking down the stairs and out the front door.
The gravel crunched beneath my soft-soled shoes, and I headed towards the forest. I’d never have gotten away with this if Callon had been aware, but with Bailee’s death, they were all preoccupied.
I passed the main fountain and stopped. Andre was sitting there. She tilted her head at me.
“You can’t hide from me forever, Cheyenne,” she said.
I looked away, pulling my coat closer around my neck.
“I’m not hiding,” I replied, knowing full well it was a complete lie. Since the incident at the lake, I’d been avoiding her like the plague. I didn’t need any more guilt in my life. I already had enough regrets as it was.
Daylight, a Timeless Series Novel Page 10
