Daylight, a Timeless Series Novel (7 page)

“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.” She 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.

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 the 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 los
e 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.”