“Uh, yeah,” he replied hesitantly.
I gave him a meaningful look. “You know, I don’t really remember packing them. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”
A sheepish smile spread over his lips as he pulled me to his lap. “They look very nice on you. So does your blouse.” He gave me a tight squeeze, forcing the air from my lungs.
“What’s the big deal?” I squeaked. “Are you into pushing the air out of me today or what?”
“Maybe.” He relaxed his hold, and I hopped up. My body missed his warmth, but I shook my head. I needed to stop that.
Colt followed me to the kitchen as I rummaged for some food. He sat at the table and watched me eat.
“So, you picked up my clothes after I left town?” I brought the conversation back to the topic at hand.
Colt crossed his arms and looked away, hesitant.
“What’s done is done. I just want to know.” I pressed as I took a bite of my cereal.
“After.”
“So how did you know where to find me?”
He looked away.
“You’re always going on about how I need to trust you, Colt,” I said firmly and put my spoon down.
His eyes met mine.
“You can trust me to protect you.”
“Trust is a two-way street.” His distant gaze told me that this particular street was a dead end.
We were silent for a bit, when I noticed we were the only ones around.
“Where are Callon and Daniel?” I asked.
“They ran into town. They’ll be back later this afternoon.”
I glanced out the kitchen window and noticed my Jeep was missing; they must have taken it. I continued eating and saw my journal on the table next to my laptop, right where I left it. I picked it up and started thumbing through.
“Have you looked at this?” I lifted my head.
He ran his fingers through his hair. “Er…”
“It’s okay,” I assured him. “I was just wondering if you understood any of it.”
“No, not really. Callon thinks he might know someone who can interpret it. It might take a little while to make contact.”
I nodded and placed the journal back on the table. I was going to have to get some help deciphering it since it was a dead end for me, and starting with Callon’s lead would probably be the best option right now.
I finished breakfast and went to the sink to wash and dry my dish. Colt tagged along again, leaning against the counter to watch.
Our friendship was starting to feel normal again, although I knew it wouldn’t be the same as it was. He’d confessed his feelings to me, and I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to accept them so readily.
I concentrated on the running water. I would just have to take it one day at a time.
“So,” I smiled, “what’s on the agenda today, boss?”
His brow lifted. “Just you and me today.”
My smile deepened. Despite my previous misgivings, I liked his answer. It had been a while since it was just he and I, like old times, and I missed it.
We went for a small hike to a ridge where we could see a massive range of mountains in the distance, some still covered in snow at the peaks. Colt picked me wildflowers, and, as we passed a small creek, he proceeded to splash me.
We returned to the cabin and lay in the hammock together on the front porch just as it started to rain.
The raindrops were tapping out a soft rhythm on the metal rooftop before it trickled down the sides. I took a cleansing breath. It smelled so fresh. I buried my head into his chest as I rolled to my side.
I could lay here all day taking in his scent. He always smelled so good. It wasn’t a woodsy smell; it was a mixture of musk and something else I couldn’t place. It wasn’t cologne. It was ten times better, and it was all over him.
I lifted my head and stared into his gorgeous blue eyes; they were so soft and caring. I wanted so bad to reach up and kiss him, to make him want me the way I wanted him right now. Instead I decided to control my hormones; it would be safer for now. Questions might be better.
“Colt, can I ask you something?”
He smiled and nodded. “Sure, anything.”
“Do you know what Callon and I talked about the other day?” I assumed he would probably know by now, and was hoping Callon had left out the part where he’d wanted to kiss me witless.
”Mostly.” His tone was guarded.
“He told me that sometime after I turn twenty, I will become Timeless. He said that for weeks he had agonizing pain, and for each person it’s different. How did it happen for you?”
He relaxed, seeming almost relieved by the question.
“Callon’s right. It’s different for each of us. I had physical pain as well, but not for as long as he did. He suffered for months, though he only told me that later. Daniel was different, too. He went through it the easiest.” He began to stroke my cheek. “Cheyenne, you don’t need to worry. We’ll help you through it. Callon has some ideas about what he can do to help ease the transition.”
“So did it stop right on your twentieth birthday?”
Colt shook his head.
“No, for me it didn’t start until I was in my twentieth year. I don’t remember exactly, but I think I was about six months into my twentieth year before the actual transformation took place. I think Callon’s took place right around his twenty-first. It’s not an exact science. Your body will change when it’s time and not before.”
“How did you know you were changed?” I questioned.
“I don’t know if I can explain that one. You’ll just know.”
I turned away and laid my head back down. His hand moved to my hair, and he twisted a strand in his fingers. I kept still for a long moment, not sure whether I wanted to follow through with my final question.
“Colt?” I said finally.
“Yeah?”
“What’s going to happen now?”
“What do you mean?”
“Do I have to stay in hiding until I become Timeless?”
He shrugged. “Probably, but we just don’t know yet. It’s not safe for you to be without us.”
“What about my home in Idaho? Will I ever be able to return?”
“I don’t know, possibly someday. We’ve taken care of everything though. You don’t have to worry.”
“What about this cabin?”
“We’ve had the house for a long time; we use it when we need to. The location is pretty secure.”
“Did you have a home in Idaho too?” I knew I had never been to it.
“We rented one, It was actually really close by,” he sighed.
“What about your parents?”
“They passed away a long time ago.”
“I’m sorry.” I paused. “What about you, Callon and Daniel? Have the three of you always been together?”
“Of course.”
My mind began to wander to the issues about my safety.
“Do you think the Sarac will find me?” My stomach became a little uneasy. Colt stopped playing with my hair and tightened his arm around my waist. He tilted my chin upwards.
“I won’t let anything happen to you.” His brow creased, and I saw firm determination in his eyes. “Do you understand me? I’ll protect you no matter what. You don’t seem to understand what you mean to me. I cannot and will not allow anyone to lay a finger on you. I’d die for you.”
He pulled me closer, sliding his hand to the back of my neck as he pressed his lips to mine. It was tender and sweet. I closed my eyes and didn’t resist.
His mouth firmed as he felt me let go. His velvet softness sent a tingle down my spine. I parted my lips to catch my breath, and he pushed forward, twisting and melding them to his form. He slowed and drew back enough to kiss my jaw and began to work his way down my neck until he was at my collarbone, tracing it in warm kisses.
But his words didn’t sit well with me. Breathlessly, I called out his name, “Colt.�
��
“Mmm?” he mumbled as his lips continued their assault on my senses.
“I don’t want you to die for me,” I said weakly.
Colt stopped and raised his head. I spoke again more firmly before he could answer, “I want you to promise me that you’ll live for me, not die.”
He just stared and I was pinned by his piercing gaze.
“Cheyenne, I’ll live and die for you, if that’s what’s necessary,” he vowed. “I’ll do whatever’s required to keep you safe. I want you, and I don’t want to lose you unless by my own death to save your life.”
He was speaking in a tone I’d never heard before; deadly serious.
“I have been with you for over two years, and in those two years I have loved you more and more each day. Do you know how hard it was to not allow you to see this? I had to hide my feelings, and it hurt so much. You need to know what I would go through to keep you sheltered. I’m Timeless, and until you transform, I’ll be your protector.
“Remember what you said before you left? You told me that you didn’t deserve me, that you weren’t sure if you could love me back in the same way. But you love me. You said it yourself. I’m willing to take whatever you want to give me.” His eyes looked deep into mine. “I know you may have feelings for Callon. I can see that. But I’ll never force you to choose me.”
I couldn’t speak. I didn’t know what to say. A tear trickled down my cheek. He knew my heart so well. I closed my eyes.
“I’m sorry, Colt.”
“I’m not.”
His lips were at mine again, this time fuelled by frenzied emotion, like when he’d kissed me after they’d caught me at the bank. His mouth pushed against mine and moved in ways that suggested an emotion I didn’t completely understand. He stopped abruptly as we heard a car coming up the road. It had to be Daniel and Callon.
I rested my head on Colt’s chest again as he played with my hair once more. The car stopped and the doors opened. A set of footsteps closed in, and I lifted my head to see Daniel smiling down upon us.
“Hey, guys,” he said cheerfully. “Did you miss us?”
“Yes, of course,” I replied.
Daniel reached for my hand and pulled me from the hammock. I barely managed to land on my feet. I stumbled a little, and he caught my arm. I shook my head.
“Where are we going, Daniel?”
He led us to the edge of the porch by the stairs where we stopped with my Jeep in view. He pointed to the windows, now repaired. “We got your Jeep fixed up. You should’ve seen their faces when we brought it in, window broken, blood on the interior, and the alarm dismantled. I bet they thought we were in the Mafia or something.”
Colt walked up beside us.
“Thank you, Daniel,” I said. He had such a sparkle in his eyes. It really put me at ease.
We went inside and Colt was heading towards the couch with me in tow until I redirected him to the piano. I needed to think; I needed to gain some clarity. He began fiddling with my hair as it fell over my shoulders. I turned so he could see me smile and then closed my eyes, letting the music take me where I needed to go. I played for a long time, while he patiently sat and waited. I would almost always start and end with the same song, my song. I sighed and he squeezed my shoulder.
“Finished?” Colt said softly.
I nodded, and we headed for the kitchen. I was getting hungry. Daniel was sitting near the fireplace where he had been listening to me play.
“Hey, Daniel, want me to make you some dinner?” A sly smile began to spread over my lips. Panic filled his eyes, and he made a motion of clutching his throat as if he was choking. I burst out laughing, and even Colt snickered.
I sorted through the groceries they’d gotten in town. Colt stayed by my side all evening, but we didn’t say anything more. I didn’t know what to say; my feelings were in a tangle, and I’d already made such a fool of myself. I just couldn’t comprehend how he could be so understanding.
Chapter 13
I was determined not to hurt Colt anymore. I would make sure everything I did and said was conscientious. I wouldn’t allow him to die for me. Somehow I would have to make sure that such a situation would never arise. For now, though, my focus needed to be on the journal. Given the amount of new information I’d taken in, I needed to work out what message my parents had left me.
I hopped out of bed with a new agenda. First on the list was me going for a run.
I threw my running clothes on, pulled my hair into a ponytail, grabbed my iPod, and headed for the front door. I didn’t look up as I passed; someone would follow automatically and I didn’t care who.
I swung the front door open and bounded off the porch. I heard some scrambling inside and then steps running behind me. I didn’t turn to look. I just turned my music up and kept going down the dirt road.
I ran all the way to the highway; it was about five miles before I headed back. The last mile I picked up the pace and really pushed myself. My mind was clear, and I was anxious to get started on the journal research again.
I came to rest on the porch, my side aching and lungs gasping. I remained hunched over for a few moments trying to catch my breath. It felt good to run; it helped me put events into perspective.
I hopped up the stairs and headed for the bathroom. I didn’t make eye contact with Callon or Colt as they waited on the porch. Daniel collapsed in the chair beside them, and I smiled.
This turned into my routine. I would rise in the morning and run, and they would each take turns following me. I always ran the same distance, to the highway and back, turning up my music and pushing myself to move faster and harder.
I solely focused on the journal, scouring the internet, searching for anything that would shed light on its contents. Not the easiest of tasks, as before now I’d never heard of the Timeless or any of the clan names, and Google wasn’t that well informed, either. Still, I managed to find a few scraps. I was curious about how being Timeless fit into the history of the world.
“What about this?” I said pointing to the computer screen.
Callon glanced over my shoulder and scrolled down. “No, it’s different. See the symbols, they’re close, but it’s not the same.”
I released a frustrated sigh.
“What about your friend? You said you might know someone who can help us?”
He picked up his phone and thumbed through it. “I’m working on it.”
I hesitated, then opened the notebook full of my notes. I stared at the paper. “There’s a lead in North Dakota…”
“No,” Callon said.
“But…” I glanced towards Colt for support and watched him shake his head.
I closed the notebook and shoved it away.
“You two can be so difficult.”
“You keep forgetting there is a murderer looking for you, Cheyenne,” Callon said without looking up from his phone.
“Right,” I mumbled and rolled my eyes.
Once again we were running out of options.
I decided to change tactics.
“Okay, so what about my transformation into a Timeless?”
Colt moved to sit across the table.
“What about it?” Colt replied.
“You said you each suffered, did you have symptoms beforehand to alert you?”
Callon turned towards me closing his phone.
“I think your warning sign is your headaches.”
I lifted a brow. “Seriously?”
“Yes. Before Gene and Alexis’s deaths, we’d been discussing the possibilities.”
“But they never took me to a doctor…”
“Because they’d never been as severe as this past one or I’d have suggested it.”
I looked down a bit worried. “So what if another comes?”
“Callon’s a doctor, Cheyenne,” Colt said. “He’ll take care of you.”
I nodded.
“I’ve gone through many transformations, Cheyenne,” Callon reassured. “I
know what I’m doing. I’ve already got a plan of action for the next one.”
I looked up into Callon’s sympathetic eyes. “But when will it come?” Just the thought of losing the ability to help myself frightened me. What if the next one was worse than the last one?
“We don’t know.”
There was so much I didn’t understand, but to be fair, they did mostly tell me what I wanted to know except for Mr. Evasive.
I had been so consumed with the journal that I didn’t realize summer was passing. I’d recently found books at the local library I wanted to check out. I was planning to talk to Callon about it tonight. The morning started out routine, except for the fact that both Callon and Colt were gone and the truck was missing. Daniel was on running duty. Usually he ran behind, but today he was alongside. It distracted me, since he kept smiling as we moved along.
It wasn’t unusual for him to be smiling like this; it just meant he was up to no good. He was a bit of a trickster, taking great enjoyment jumping out from behind walls and scaring me. Of course, I always screamed, which only encouraged him. His favorite pastime was to remind me of the Jeep incident. And when he learned I was not fond of spiders that only added to his ammunition. I could handle bugs and even snakes, but when it came to spiders…I shuddered at the thought.
I returned to the cabin and cleaned up. As I was about to throw my shoes in the closet, I noticed clothes were set out for me. A pair of jeans and my favorite green cotton shirt. What did someone have planned for me today that I needed to wear jeans?
Daniel was waiting in the great room when I returned. I never understood how he could get cleaned up so fast. His smile unnerved me. He was up to something, and it probably quite heavily involved me. I liked surprises; however, his usually meant trouble.
“You done?” he asked, a little too perkily for my liking.
I replied cautiously, “Sure.”
He jumped up and was by my side in a flash. I had to do a double take. How did he move like that? There was a trick to it, and I swore I would eventually learn the secret.
Daniel took my hand and pulled me through the front door. The truck was back, but there was a horse trailer behind it. Why did they need a horse trailer? We continued until we stopped at the outbuilding. He let go of my hand only to step behind and cover my eyes.
Cheyenne (A Timeless Series Novel) Page 14
