Daylight, a Timeless Series Novel (38 page)

The three sat on the floor beside me. Their wary glances didn’t do anything to calm me. I shut my eyes, trying to block them out, but I could still hear their breathing. The only thing I could do was pray Callon and Maes figured out the antidote soon. Staying in this condition would slowly drive me insane.

Too many thoughts began to wander through my mind—dark thoughts. Thoughts about bringing vengeance to Marcus, thoughts I knew I needed to keep under control. My breath shook slightly just remembering his words before we boarded the jet. I didn’t need to see him to know what intent would have been in his eyes. He was growing desperate, threatening everything around me. He’d
even stolen Colt from us, from me, just as he’d stolen the lives of my parents, my life, everything. He was fighting to control me and my powers, and I refused to give in.

We’d lost Colt, but we’d lose no more. I
would not have my heart shattered again. Callon and Maes would find the antidote, cure me, and then we’d plot against Marcus—plot to end his reign of terror.

There was a
loud pop, and then a hissing sound erupted. My eyes flew open. Brogan’s grip on my legs tightened, and Andre’s leg hit my side as she jumped up beside me. Her long black hair dangled close to my cheek as she leaned in protectively.

The scent of chemicals burning, then smoke filled the air. Fire alarms pierced my ears
, and Quinn ran by. A swooshing sound was heard, like a fire extinguisher and then coughing. I cringed inside. Something hadn’t gone right.

“Skylar, Clayton,” Quinn called out. “Help me clear the smoke from the cabin.”

A high-pitched vibration jolted my eardrums, and if I could have jumped I would have. The smoke began to dissipate, and Maes inched closer. Andre and Nakari ran to him. His shirt was blackened, and remnants of black smoke streaked his face.

“What happened?” Andre quaked.

She and Nakari pulled Maes to a seat nearby. Nakari turned over his hands and then disappeared.

“Explosion,” Maes coughed. “Didn’t quite go as planned.” He
was wheezing.

Thankfully we weren’t in the air
, or it would have been disastrous.

Nakari returned with a bowl of water and a cloth. Andre began cleaning his face and hands
, revealing burn marks.

Callon!
Where was Callon? My eyes franticly searched the cabin for him, where…

“Maes, are you alright?” Callon asked and kneeled down beside him
, taking the cloth away from Andre.

Callon’s clothes were blackened too, but it appeared Maes had taken the impact from the explosion.

“I’ve had worse,” Maes replied.

“Nakari, get me some sa
lve.” Callon nodded to the back room. Nakari disappeared.

My heart sank. I knew what happened now. The antidote that they’d been working on had failed—failed in a big way. Callon had promised to take care of me, but I didn’t want to be
immobile the rest of my life. A few tears escaped and trickled down my cheek.

“It’s just a small setback, Cheyenne
. It’s going to be okay,” Brogan said softly.

I closed my eyes. I’d brought this upon myself
. I had been the one who begged we send a rescue party for Colt. I had been the one who believed he was calling out to me…only to find out he was calling out to destroy me. He knew I’d come and bring everyone along. He knew I’d risk it all for him—I’d risked everyone’s lives and was paying the price for it. Just another failure to add to the list.

“What happened?” Daniel quaked. “Callon…Maes, are you okay?”

“We’re fine, Daniel,” Callon replied. “Did you get what I asked for?”

“Yes, but…”

“But what?” Maes growled. “We needed those supplies!”

“Hold on, Maes,” Koda spoke up. “We may have stumbled across something even better.”

My eyes shot open, and my heart raced. What had they found? A cure? They were huddled together around Maes.

“What’s this?” Callon held what looked like a small vile in his hands.

“It was a gift,” Daniel replied.

“A gift from whom?” Maes stood and took the vile from Callon.

“I have my own ideas, but they wouldn’t reveal themselves,” Daniel said. “They said it’s the antidote for Cheyenne.”

Maes’s teeth ground and his jade-rimmed eyes narrowed.

“No. Marcus would rather keep her like this than allow her to be healed.”

“It wasn’t from Marcus,” Koda said. “It was from someone who wanted to help.”

“It’s a trap,” Maes snarled. “No one wants to help—ever.”

“You did,” Daniel replied. “You know there are others out there from both sides helping out with
intel and such. Why would this be any different?”

“It was too risky for
whomever
to get this to you. Marcus would have only allowed it if there was a way to bring Cheyenne to him,” Maes snapped. He clenched the bottle in his hands as if he wanted to crush it.

“Don’t,” Callon’s voice rippled with authority
, and he stuck out his hand. “We have nothing else to go on now. I think it’s worth the risk.”

Daniel smiled and looked over at me
. A moment later he was at my side. He lifted my hand.

“It’s going to be okay. This antidote is going to work
. I can feel it,” Daniel said.

Daniel moved aside as Callon sat beside me.

“We don’t have any other options, love. Are you willing to try?” he asked.

I wanted to scream yes, but I couldn’t. My breathing increased. He pulled back the oxygen mask
, his hazel eyes softening.

“I need you to blink twice for me if you want to drink this.”

I quickly blinked twice.

“Alright.”

Callon gently tilted my head, and a sweet tasting liquid touched my tongue. It smelled of oranges and peppermint, and then burned my throat like when my dad had given me a taste of whiskey. I was on fire! I struggled to scream, to lash out, anything to remove it from my mouth. I began choking, gagging, and part of the liquid spewed from my mouth before it was clamped shut. I struggled not to swallow, but had no choice. Soon everything faded to black.

I took a deep breath. It smelled of lilacs, and I smiled. I loved the scent of fresh cut flowers
. My mom always had them in the house. Lilacs, and tulips in the spring, then she’d move on to wildflowers bouquets. I could picture an old blue canning jar sitting in the front room. Dad and I always tried to talk her into using vases, but she insisted the blue mason jars were much more decorative. I stretched and rolled to my side.

My eyes flew open. I could move!

I sat up only to have the room spin. I fell back down and pressed my palm to my forehead. Pain rippled across my temples. I lay still for a few moments, waiting for the ache to dissipate.

The antidote
had worked—besides the headache.

This time I slowly opened my eyes and looked around. I was in my bedroom in Ireland, and traces of what appeared to be the morning sun trickled through the terrace doors. We’d made it home.

The chirping birds outside my window made me smile. I inhaled again, taking in the scent of the fresh flowers sitting on my bedside table. I was sure Lilly had put them there. She was like my mom, and had a knack with flowers and plants. Anytime she could cultivate a living thing, she did—including me.

My bedroom door creaked open, and brown eyes searched the room. Dex smiled. He and Lilly entered my room.

“Morning, Cheyenne,” Dex said softly. He pulled a chair up beside my bed while Lilly sat beside me.

Lilly took my hand in hers. Her blue eyes show
ed the relief she felt inside.

“We’ve been waiting for you to wake
up,” Lilly said.

“How long have I been sleeping?” I asked.

“Long enough,” Dex replied and then stared down at his hands. “We weren’t sure what was going on for a while, but then last night you became restless. Callon and I figured it was a good sign.”

Lilly reached out to touch Dex’s arm.

“And now you’re awake,” Lilly said. “Honestly, sweetheart, you’re making me age faster than a Timeless should.” She gave a weak smile and brushed her black hair behind her ear. “You’re not leaving here until after the wedding. I can’t handle anymore of this stress.”

“I—I’m sorry…” my voice crackled
, and I tried to clear it. A small coughing fit took over. Dex helped me sit up while I took a sip of water. Whatever was in the antidote must have caused burns in my throat. It was suddenly painful to talk or swallow.

Lilly brushed the hair from my eyes as I lay back down.

“Callon told us about Colt.” She sighed and began to fiddle with my comforter. “I’m sorry. We’re all heartbroken over it.”

I nodded and looked away, staring at the streams of sunlight dancing on my wood floor.

“Cheyenne,” Dex said. “It’s going to be okay. We’ll get through this just like we always have in the past.”

“You have your wedding to worry about now,” Lilly added
, trying to change the subject. “I know it’ll be small, but we can make it just as spectacular and special as it should be.”

I had no doubt in my mind that when Lilly put her mind to something, she’d do just as she said.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

Now it was my turn to fiddle with my comforter. It was probably best that Colt wouldn’t be here for the preparations and wedding. It most likely would have affected my relationship with Callon, and I needed to focus on him. My heart would always be broken
. A piece of me always belonged to Colt, regardless of his choice. It’s just that his choice made it all the more painful. I should have left him as a memory instead of pushing for what I wanted. I’d only caused more heartache for Callon and Daniel. Brogan was right. I was a princess, always thinking she could get her way.

“Callon and the rest are resting,” Dex added. “We told him we’d take care of you when you woke. They’re all a bit…beat up.”

At least I knew where everyone else was, that everyone had made it back without anymore incidents.

“Layla will be up soon, with some warm tea and broth.” Lilly touched my hand again. “Right now we need to focus on your health. Maes said it would be rough here for a bit, that it would take some time before you had your strength back.”

I gave a faint smile. Strength was what I needed to make it through the next few weeks. Regardless of not knowing what day it was, I knew spring was here and that meant our wedding was about three months away.

“She also has some drawings for your dress if you want to see them.” Hopefulness lit Lilly’s
eyes. “Callon doesn’t want you out of bed for a few days anyway.”

Callon may have not wanted me out of bed, but I knew from the feel of my grimy hair, I needed a bath or shower.

“Can I take a bath?” I croaked.

Lilly hopped off the bed and headed towards the bathroom
.

“I’ll start the water while Dex helps you up.”

Dex stood, and helped me walk the few feet to the bathroom door. At least I’d be clean when Callon came again, and a bath would help me wash away those awful memories of Colt. I wanted to remember him like I knew him before, when I loved him.

I needed to have a long conversation with Callon about Nakari too.
If I was going to take my vows with him, I needed to make sure there were no more secrets between us. I’d had to reassure him with my feelings for Colt; it was time he did the same for me.

Chapter 20

My health was slowly returning to normal and so was our family…whatever normal meant anymore. Colt had betrayed us. The wound was deep, and it wasn’t just me that was hurting. Callon and Daniel valiantly tried to hide their pain, anger and sorrow, but the fact that Colt—someone who had at one time been so caring, loving and kind—had now turned into a monster was still unreal. I knew, just as they knew, the wound would always fester.

It also didn’t help that I
’d found out about Callon and Nakari. At least that explained the ring around her neck. I’d yet to bring the topic up with Callon. I’d been waiting for the right time. I didn’t want a fight. I just wanted some understanding.

I adjusted my blanket and resituated my book. I’d taken to the library lately
, following Callon’s sudden immersion in his research. I knew it was his way of dealing with Colt’s betrayal, and Lilly’s distraction was to captivate me with wedding preparations and gardening. I was thankful for her support, but nothing could distract me for long. Luckily, it wasn’t raining, and she had other things that needed her attention besides me.

The sound of papers shuffling on the desk caused me to look up. Callon’s lip
twitched. His head rose, and hazel eyes peeked out from under his brown waves of hair.

“Sorry,” he said.

I gave a faint smile and pretended to read, waiting for him to return to his task. I watched his deliberate movements, the muscles flexing under his blue T-shirt as he stacked books to the side.

I studied his face
. He’d taken to shaving again, and Lilly had been threatening him with scissors. He was required to get a haircut before the wedding, she’d said, or else. His appearance hadn’t changed that much since I met him. He still looked like he was in his early twenties, but his eyes had changed.

He’d always tried to hide his emotions from me. He didn’t want to worry me, but the mounting pressure, constant setbacks, and Colt were taking their toll. Looking into his hazel eyes told me a different story, a story of just surviving.

I was torn. Should I let this whole Nakari situation be swept under the rug, or should I finally just ask? Curiosity won me over. I was beyond being hurt by it anymore.

“Callon, can I say something?” I asked.

“Sure,” Callon said, not looking back as he continued to replace books on the shelves. “What about?”

“
About Nakari.”

Callon hesitated for a brief second, but quickly resumed picking up books.

“What about her?” he replied.

“You were engaged to her
, and you didn’t tell me.”

He
paused, studying a book cover, yet he didn’t answer me.

“It hurt to find out through Colt
,” I went on.

T
he muscles in his neck tensed. “I’m sorry. I should’ve let you know, but at the time there were too many other things to deal with. It seemed like the right decision.”

“You had the opportunity when I asked about her engagement ring,” I said.

He turned and leaned on the bookshelf, his hazel eyes fighting to hide his irritation. “And you had opportunities to tell me plenty of things in the past too, Cheyenne, and didn’t. I’m not holding anything against you for that, and you shouldn’t hold anything against me either. We’ve made a lot of mistakes. If I had a second chance, I’d make better choices, as would you. We need to let this go.”

“I’m not holding it against you
. I just wanted to know why.”

“
I told you in Montana,” Callon answered. “You were emotionally vulnerable, and you would’ve used it as an excuse to lash out further. At least, that’s what I felt. Whether it was true or not isn’t the point. You know now.” He glanced to the desk. “Like I said, the past is the past.”

Before I could respond,
Daniel appeared in the doorway.

“Hey
, Chey,” he greeted me. “Koda and I were going to play cards. You in?” He gave me a boyish grin. He’d also been trying to hide his pain by playing poker with me—teaching me new tricks, as he called it. It was better than hiding in books like Callon had.

“I suppose so
.” I glanced at Callon. He’d moved to the desk again. He waved me off without looking up.

“If I need you
, I’ll come find you,” he said.

He was still irritated that I’d asked, but he was right. I—we needed to let this go. We had enough worries to fill the
Grand Canyon, no need to add more to the pile. I also didn’t need to have ill feelings for Nakari. She’d been dealt a lousy hand in life and love too. I set my book on the small side table and folded up the blanket, laying it over the back of the couch.

Circling around the couch
, I stopped beside Callon’s desk and gave him a peck on the cheek. He squeezed my hand and but didn’t look up. He’d get over my questioning just like I’d get over the admission. Besides, in just a few more weeks, we’d be married. In just a few more weeks, I’d have a husband. I sighed. Callon would love me, and treat me well, I had no doubt, but marrying at twenty? I’d wanted to wait, but I had a responsibility to the Timeless race.

Daniel waited patiently in the doorway, his arm
laced in mine as he led me to the dining room. Koda sat at the table, shuffling cards. A warm smile spread over his face, reaching all the way to his eyes. The way Colt used to smile at me. He’d been the one to get me to play poker in the first place at Dex and Lilly’s. My chest tightened. It made it hurt even more knowing Colt had made this choice himself. There was no rescuing the unwilling.

“No cheating today, you two,” Koda said and winked.

I gave a faint grin. Koda was insistent that there was no way as a beginner I could win as many hands as I had. And he was right. Daniel had been sneaking me cards. There was an advantage to his jumping skill, especially when it was used to torment Koda. It was only fair since Koda had been telling me lame jokes for months now.

Koda tapped the chair beside him, pulling it closer.

“I’m watching you, Chey,” his voice was low. “I’ll catch the two of you. That’s a promise.”

I shrugged. He could try all he liked, but the chances of catching Daniel were slim to none. Koda dealt the cards.

I studied my hand as the play continued, drawing and discarding. I was aiming for a straight flush; however, Daniel was pointing me in a different direction. And by the way Koda had slouched in his chair and his lips twitched, I knew he had something good.

I lifted my hand, my thumb mindlessly rubbed over my Servak ring, Daniel’s sign. I discarded and drew a new card. I forced my lips into a straight line. Daniel had given me an ace.

Koda’s lip curled, and he spread out his cards.

“Straight F-l-u-s-h.” He drew the words out.

Daniel let out a loud sigh and threw his cards down.

“I’m out,” he groaned.

I bit my lower lip.

“
Whatcha got, Chey?” Koda teased. “You’re not going to beat me this time.”

I blew the hair from my eyes and glanced at Daniel. A slow deliberate smirk
rose on my lips. One by one I lay down each card, watching Koda’s jaw drop further each time.

“Royal F-l-u-s-h.” I drew out the words just as he had.

His icy blue eyes grew even larger, and then he blinked. A moment later he pushed his hand through his hair and then he rubbed his chin, staring at the cards on the table.

“How?” he mumbled. A moment later he was on his feet, his knees hitting the dining room
table and jarring me back into my seat. “Cheaters!” He shoved his finger in my face.

“That’s an awfully mean thing to say, Koda,” I reprimanded. I pushed my chair back and stood, stepping away from the table. He looked like he was about to lunge at me at any moment
, like Colt had done with me playfully in the past. “Did you see anything?”

His eyes narrowed
, and a lock of his hair fell onto his forehead. He was past due for a haircut too.

“The two of you did something, I know it! No one is that lucky!”

“Well, you two are the ones teaching me to play poker. Obviously you’re a better teacher than player.” I shot him a playful grin.

Koda reached for me, but I was ready. I jumped back and ran for the front entry
. He followed on my heels.

“You’re not getting away with it anymore, Cheyenne!” he roared playfully.

I couldn’t help but giggle. It had been a while since any of us had let loose and laughed.

“Run, Chey, run!” Daniel cheered. Bree was
scolding him as I ran by.

I
reached the marble floor and slid around the corner, making contact with an entry table. The large vase of tulips crashed to the floor, and water spilled over the marble. Koda stopped in his tracks.

“Oh, you’ve done it now, Chey. Lilly’s going to kill you for that one.” Koda crossed
his arms.

Crap…he
was right, Lilly had been watering it for weeks.

Daniel and Bree moved behind Koda, grinning.

Callon emerged from the library, and I slowly stood. My socks were drenched, and glass crunched under my feet as I tried to move.

“Hold still, Cheyenne,” Callon said and moved closer. “Let me help you.”

Callon carefully stepped onto the glass and lifted me off my feet.

I kissed his cheek.

“Ah, my knight has come to rescue me!” I giggled.

He shook his head and carried me over the broken glass and water. We were heading towards the library.

“Koda, you get to clean up the mess,” Callon called out over his shoulder.

“Wait! What?” Koda’s eyes narrowed and his head shook. “Daniel…”

Daniel and Bree suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs.

“Oh,
I’m sure you’ve got it, Koda,” Daniel called out and then in another blink they were gone.

Koda grumbled as he headed for the kitchen.

Callon and I entered the library. He set me on the couch and carefully removed my wet socks, discarding them in the trash. He lifted each foot, inspecting it closely.

“You don’t feel any cuts, do you?” he asked.

“Not that I can tell.”

“Good.” He sat before me on his knees, his hands running up my legs and stopping on my thighs. Butterflies erupted in my belly
, and I couldn’t help but lick my lips nervously. Apparently he wasn’t irritated anymore.

He’d been a bit distant lately
—we all had—but that was why I was following him around like a lost puppy. We both needed reassurance; and he needed to know how much I loved him. We both needed to know it was going to be okay, that we could go on even with Colt’s choice.

“We haven’t really talked about
other things
,” he said, his hazel eyes softening. “I think we’ve both been a little distressed about finding Colt in the manner we did. It hurts.” He sighed and grasped my hands. “Honestly, it would have been better if we still thought he was dead.”

I pressed my eyes closed, tears
close the surface. I knew exactly how he felt. We both loved Colt dearly, and wanted him back the way he was, before Marcus changed everything.

“He’s a threat now, love,” he continued
, lowering his head. “A threat I’m not sure how to deal with.”

My heart sank even further. I knew Callon had been talking with Brogan and Maes
. He’d purposely left me out of those meetings. He knew I’d still defend Colt, even though I shouldn’t.

“What are we going to do?” I whispered, my voice cracking.

“There’s talk of elimination.” His finger began running over my engagement ring.

A tear trickled down my cheek. I tried to blink the rest away.

“How much more harm can he cause us, Callon? We’re safe here with the enchantment. You’ve changed it so he can’t access it, right?”

“Yes, but the problem is that he knows
things about us. Things about other Timeless that could be damaging, and result in...”

“More deaths
.” I finished his sentence for him.

“Yes.”

“You don’t think he’d try anything before the wedding, do you?” I wanted to trust my instincts and say no, but after what had happened, after he assisted Conall in causing me harm, I couldn’t or wouldn’t put anything past him.

He looked up
, not bothering to hide his wariness.

“I don’t know,
” Callon sighed, “and then there’s the wedding itself.”

“I don’t understand
,” I told him.

He moved onto the couch. His arm came to rest behind me. I turned towards him, and placed my hand in his.

“I’ve been wanting to talk to you about the ceremony so you’d understand. I wanted to wait until I knew we could secure everything, but I can’t wait any longer. You need to know the potential risk for both of us.”