Daylight, a Timeless Series Novel

by Lisa L Wiedmeier

  “So I get to wear a wedding dress? I—I guess I just thought it would be nothing more than Dex marrying us in a simple ceremony.”

  “Well, if we were under different circumstance, this would be the wedding of all weddings,” Layla said. “We haven’t had a clan leader marriage in a very long time. However, even though it will be a small simple ceremony, it’s just that I, no, we…” She looked up at Brogan. “We want to make it as special as we can.”

  I couldn’t help but feel a bit of warmth swimming inside me. This was what family did for each other, loved and tried to make everything that was important as special as they could, regardless of the circumstances.

  “So you’d make me a wedding dress?”

  “I am a good seamstress. Andre, Lilly, Nakari and Bree can attest to it. Of course I’d show you some drawings first after we figure out what you want.”

  I smiled. “I’d love for you to make me a dress.”

  Layla’s blue-green eyes lit up, and she rushed forward, wrapping me in a hug.

  “Thank you, Cheyenne. I won’t let you down.”

  She stepped back, and I looked at Brogan. He had his usual brooding expression, but at least now he didn’t eye me like a speck of dirt on his shoe. Maybe I was making progress with him, but then again…

  “How long have you and Brogan been married, Layla?” I asked.

  She smiled lovingly at Brogan. “A very long time.”

  “Was it an arranged marriage?”

  “Yes.”

  I smirked. “Well, I think you got the short end of the stick on that one.”

  Brogan’s lip twitched, and it almost looked like he was about to smile.

  “Yeah, I know I did,” Layla replied, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

  “Hey now,” Brogan grumbled.

  I turned and headed for the library. I needed to tell Callon the good news, although chances were he’d asked Layla to make a dress for me.

  The library door was open, and as I stepped in I found Callon on the couch. A few large books lay open on the ottoman. He turned and smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. I moved closer and leaned over the back of the sofa, placing a small kiss on his cheek.

  “Hey,” I said softly and eyed the books. “Doing some research?”

  “Always.” He patted the seat beside him. “Why don’t you join me?”

  I stepped around the front of the couch and plopped down beside him. He lifted my hand and placed a tender kiss on my knuckles.

  “You and Layla talked?” he asked.

  “Yeah.”

  “She asked me if you’d be open to the idea,” he revealed.

  “Ah, I thought maybe you’d asked her.”

  He brushed the hair behind my ear. “No, this was all her idea. She really is quite talented. I don’t think she’ll disappoint you.”

  He pulled a large book into his lap, and I leaned in closer, trying to see what he was reading. It looked like a medical journal, but not a modern one. The pages were yellowed, and corners tattered, like they’d been folded over at one time or another. Even some of the text seemed to be smeared with a brownish substance.

  “You searching for something?”

  “More of a review if anything.”

  I lifted a brow. “Review?”

  He placed his arm on the back of the couch, his fingers touching my hair.

  “The magic Marcus uses is ancient. At one point in time, we knew how to treat certain ailments or injuries caused from it. If we’re going to battle him again, I need to make sure I have as much knowledge as possible to help where it’s needed.”

  “This has the potential to be bad, doesn’t it?”

  “Yes,” he said grimly. “I don’t want to repeat what happened on the ridge.”

  He sighed and then opened his mouth to continue, but then closed it.

  “What?”

  He shook his head.

  “Callon, don’t hide things from me.”

  His hazel eyes held such turmoil.

  “Please, Callon, just tell me.”

  He stroked the back of my head.

  “I don’t want you to get your hopes up, Cheyenne, that Colt will…” He looked down.

  I pulled his stubbled chin towards me. “Will what?”

  “That Colt will be the same. Honestly, I’m not sure what to expect.”

  “You think Marcus has damaged him?” I worried.

  “No one leaves Marcus untouched, no one.”

  “But don’t you think that we can bring him back?” I pressed.

  “I want you to be prepared for what you may see.”

  “You don’t want me heartbroken again.”

  “Yes.”

  I stroked his cheek. “It’s going to be okay. We’re going to find him, bring him home and have a complete family again.”

  Callon held my hand against his jaw, and nodded slowly. We spent a moment in comfortable silence, when the library door opened.

  “Callon, Cheyenne,” Koda said anxiously. “Clayton’s sent a message.”

  Almost at once, I jumped up and hurried towards the sitting room, Callon directly behind me. The room filled quickly. Koda stood in the center.

  “Clayton says he’s got proof that Colt is still alive and that he knows where he’s being held prisoner. They’ll be back in about three days.”

  “Where?” I moved closer, my heart racing.

  “Montana.”

  Daniel jumped beside me and squeezed my hand. “See, I told you,” he whispered.

  It was just as I’d been telling them all along. I knew Colt was in Montana, and it wasn’t just from the package’s postmark. He was calling out to me, to us, and soon we would be bringing him home.

  “Where in Montana?” Brogan asked.

  “Possibly the cabin,” Koda replied.

  “Possibly?” Maes rose to his feet. “We’re supposed to go on possibly?”

  “They’ve been moving around a lot. It’s hard to pinpoint, but we have proof.”

  “So how are we going to leave here? We had the element of surprise last time. I don’t think it will work again,” Brogan said.

  “Quinn’s had the helicopter repaired. It’ll give us enough lead time to board the airplane and be on our way,” Koda replied.

  “He has a helicopter large enough for all of us?” I asked. “I mean, I thought more than just three of us would be going.”

  “It’s large enough, Cheyenne,” Callon said. “I’m assuming he has all the clearance paperwork done for the jet too, Koda?”

  “A jet?”

  “Yeah.” Daniel smiled. “There are perks to being Timeless. Private jets, helicopters, estates in foreign countries.”

  I blinked. I had no idea, but it shouldn’t have surprised me. My parents had always been able to afford a comfortable home for me. A private jet wasn’t that much of a step up.

  “So, we leave by means of the helicopter,” Maes said, “and board the jet. Then what? Marcus is going to be right behind us.”

  “He’ll be right behind us alright.” Koda smirked. “Hours behind us. Quinn’s been keeping an eye on activity at the airports, not just the ones in Ireland. We’ll know the moment his team departs.”

  “But won’t he know that we’ll be heading to Montana?” I asked. “I’m assuming that Quinn will have to file some sort of report stating where the jet is heading.”

  “Like I said before, Quinn has helpers out there. A false report will be filed,” Koda said.

  “Giving us enough time to get in and get out,” Callon added, his eyes focusing on me. “Cheyenne, you’ve been telling us all along Colt’s in Montana, and so far you’ve been right. Where do you think we’re going to find him, at the cabin?”

  Warmth welled up inside me. Callon was showing more faith in my abilities.

  “You’re asking our resident princess here?” Brogan snarled. “She has zero planning and strategizing experience, and we’re to go off her senses and good feelings?”

 
; Daniel’s chest swelled. “She hasn’t been wrong yet!”

  “Calm down,” Dex stood and moved between us. “Cheyenne may not have all the experience and knowledge you do, Brogan, but unless we allow her to step up, she never will.”

  Brogan’s hands flew in the air. “I give up. Let’s all get ourselves killed. In fact, let’s make a party out of it!”

  “Brogan,” Callon commanded, “calm down. If we play this right, I think this rescue is possible.”

  “I can’t go on think,” Maes grumbled. “I have to know it’s going to work.” His jade-rimmed eyes bore into me. “Where, Cheyenne?”

  “The waterfalls.” The words blurted from my mouth without warning.

  “The falls?” Daniel’s eyes narrowed.

  “The ones on the way to Dex and Lilly’s?” Callon asked.

  “Yes.” I sighed, knowing why Colt would be there.

  “Why there?” Koda asked.

  I looked down at my Servak ring and twisted it. I didn’t need to look around to know all eyes were on me and what I was about to say.

  “Because that’s where I first knew I loved Colt,” I whispered. Tears brimmed near the surface and Daniel’s arm came around me.

  “Great!” Brogan snapped. “Now we’re off on a wild goose chase because the princess thinks life is a fairy tale and Colt will magically appear!”

  “What gives you this idea, Cheyenne?” Dex asked. “Why the falls?”

  He pushed his hands through his hair. Lilly moved beside him, her fingers sliding through his.

  “The bracelet.” I turned and looked at Callon. His mask was on again. “Colt risked sending it because he knows it was a place I’d never forget.”

  Callon looked away, and I felt a twinge on my chest. He knew I’d forever have feelings for Colt. I couldn’t just push them away. However, even if Colt returned, I’d have to ensure Callon knew where I stood—always.

  “It’s not far from the ridge,” Maes said and rubbed his chin.

  “The ridge where I jumped in the river?” I asked.

  “Yeah,” he replied.

  “What’s the fastest route?” Koda asked.

  “Balsom Pass,” Andre answered.

  “You know the area?” Maes questioned.

  “Probably better than you.” A sly smile rose on her lips. “No excuses to leave me home this time, puppy.”

  Maes rolled his eyes, and I couldn’t help but smirk.

  “Then it’s settled.” Koda looked towards Callon. “I’ll make the arrangements for the horses and gear at the closest entrance to Balsom Pass. Brogan can get the vehicles situated and we’ll be good to go.”

  Callon nodded.

  “But what about the Cloakers?” I asked. “Won’t they be in Montana?”

  “Possibly,” Maes replied. “Cloakers operate in colonies, like bees or ants. They have to follow the queen, the queen being Raina. Raina’s here, which means they’re all here now, but if she travels, they’ll follow or die.”

  “Follow or die?” I said.

  “The colony can’t survive without the queen. And unfortunately, we can’t prevent her from traveling,” Dex added.

  “So the risk remains,” I murmured.

  “We leave in three days,” Callon said. He left the room, heading for the library.

  “It’ll be okay,” Daniel murmured. “He’s under a lot of pressure.”

  I sighed. The pressure I was creating wasn’t helping either.

  I headed for my room. I had plenty of time to pack, but being alone was probably best at the moment.

  “Cheyenne,” Callon called out from the library.

  I stopped and changed direction. He had his back turned towards me, but his hand extended.

  “Here,” he said.

  He was holding my bracelet.

  I plucked it from his fingers, unsure what to say.

  “Callon…”

  “It’s fine. I have a lot to prepare for, so I’d like to be alone.”

  I sighed. What’d I said about my feelings for Colt had hurt him. It would have hurt me as well.

  “Thank you.”

  I slipped the bracelet on my wrist and headed for the stairs. Koda, Brogan and Maes’s voices murmured through the hall. Dex and Lilly stood near the dining room conversing. At the top landing, Bree and Daniel talked as well. There was a lot at stake here, an awful lot.

  I entered my bedroom and left the door open. Crawling on top of my bed, I snuggled up between the pillows. My fingers ran over the dark stones of Colt’s bracelet. I’d given him back the other half, the other half that glowed when the two touched. He’d given it to me as a reminder, that no matter how far apart we were, I could always bring them together to remember our love. A love that haunted Callon.

  Callon’s words from the library echoed in my mind, and I swallowed. He said I needed to be prepared, that Colt might not be the same…or was it that Callon who wouldn’t be the same? Would having Colt around cause problems? Would they fight like in the past?

  I pressed my hand to my chest. I knew deep down that I wouldn’t be able to handle it if they did. It would only break my heart to have to tell Colt to remain distant, to push him away after bringing him home.

  A tear trickled down my cheek. Whatever happened was going to shake things up. I just had to make sure it didn’t shake me over the edge.

  My small pack sat in the hall just outside my bedroom door. Dawn was arriving; we’d be leaving within a few hours. I entered my closet one last time, searching for a pair of gloves.

  “Hey,” Andre said. I turned to see her in the doorway. “You ready?”

  I nodded, too afraid to speak. My stomach was in knots, and I was a bundle of nerves. I left the bathroom and glanced around my bedroom. Colt’s bracelet sat on my bedside table; I couldn’t forget to bring it. I cleared the distance and placed the stoned bracelet on my wrist. I pulled my sleeve down to cover it and turned to meet Andre’s intent blue eyes.

  “Be careful, Cheyenne,” she said.

  I looked away. I didn’t need any explanation of her warning, I knew what she was referring to, what all of them had made reference to. I needed to guard my heart. But most importantly, I needed to guard Callon’s too. He was my fiancé now, and I’d have to keep my distance from Colt. If I hurt Callon, I’d have the wrath of others to deal with.

  I headed out the door. Someone had already picked up my pack.

  Daniel’s arm looped in mine. A nervous grin rose and quickly disappeared. He’d been warned just like I had. Colt may not be the same, but neither he nor I wanted to believe it. Colt had sent us a message to come find him and that was what we were going to do.

  Daniel jumped us down the hall, stairs, and into the sitting room where our group was gathering. He jumped to Bree’s side, while Brogan, Koda, Maes and Callon stood near the terrace doors, reviewing our plans. We’d been through it hundreds of times, but it still didn’t make it any less stressful. One mistake could cost us dearly.

  Nakari gave me a sidelong glance as Andre joined her. At least I wouldn’t be alone with her. Andre acted as a buffer, though things had gotten better between us. Both Nakari and I had wordlessly agreed that we weren’t going to be best friends, but we’d tolerate each other. She’d keep her distance from Callon, and I’d keep my distance from her.

  “Cheyenne,” Lilly said. She reached for my hands, tears forming in her eyes. “I need you to promise me that you’ll be cautious. I know what you want, both you and Daniel, but…”

  “I know, Lilly,” I replied. She didn’t need to remind me.

  She drew me into a hug. “Please be careful. I want you back in one piece.”

  “I will.”

  Dex neared, stress and worry filling his hazel eyes. “Don’t use all your power at once, Cheyenne. Conserve them. Chances are you’re going to have a fight on your hands, and Callon will need you. Anticipate your enemies like you’ve been trained, and remember that you’re more than capable.”

  “Let�
�s go,” Koda called out.

  Dex leaned in and hugged me, placing a kiss on my cheek.

  “We love you.”

  “Love you too,” I replied and headed for the terrace doors.

  Brogan lagged behind, speaking softly to Layla before he followed.

  The hum of a helicopter hung in the brisk air. We were meeting it in the field by the lake. Koda held up his hand in the predawn light, and Callon moved beside me, his fingers locking over mine. He had two packs over his shoulder, one of which was mine.

  The winds whipped up loose debris around us as the mechanical beast settled on the ground. Within moments Koda had the side door open and was ushering us in. There were six seats in the back. Brogan, Maes and Andre took the seats facing us. Callon had me sit in the middle, and he and Daniel helped me buckle in. They dumped the packs on the floor. The door closed, and Koda climbed in the front seat as Quinn lifted off the ground. Nakari sat on the floor and wrapped her arm around my leg. Callon pushed his arm behind the buckles, securing his fingers onto my waist while Daniel grasped my hand.

  Cloakers or no Cloakers, I wasn’t going anywhere.

  The red horizon loomed before us, and I felt the familiar tingle over my skin as we left the safety of the enchantment. It was a race against time now.

  Nobody spoke. I couldn’t even hear a breath as the misty green landscape flew by. Everyone kept their gaze to the sky, ready for just about anything.

  A flicker of black caught my eye, and I tensed. They’d assured me that Raina wouldn’t be able to fly this high. She did have limitations.

  “It’s alright,” Daniel whispered. “It was just a crow.”

  I nodded, but still kept my vision on every speck that seemed out of place.

  Soon, though not soon enough, the whine of the engine changed. We were landing.

  Nakari rose to her knees, and everyone snapped open their buckles. Callon pulled me tighter against his side, and Daniel kept hold of my hand. Koda had already jumped out of the helicopter before it was properly seated on the helipad.

  The side door flew open, and we piled out. Everyone formed a tight circle around me. My heart began racing faster. We only had a short window to get off the ground and not draw attention to ourselves.

  Maes and Koda led the way and stopped just outside of a hangar. Koda held up his hand, and we paused. Maes disappeared around the side, and we waited.