Daylight, a Timeless Series Novel (42 page)

Our danced ended, and Koda immediate took Skylar’s place. I didn’t even have time to protest before we were moving around the floor. I stared at his shoulder, unable to look into his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” Koda said.

“It’s fine,” I replied and focused on moving with the air.

“It’s not fine, Cheyenne.” He squeezed my hand. “I fought Lilly hard about not getting a haircut just for this reason, but she wouldn’t give up.”

“Well, she knows now.” I’d seen her sorrow, knew she meant no harm in it.

“It’s why I was so late. I didn’t want to upset you and was trying to figure out any way around this.”

“I told you
, it’s fine.” We waltzed past Daniel, his worried gaze meeting mine.

“Then look at me.” He stopped us in our dance, but the others continued on.

Slowly I lifted my head. Icy blue eyes that held sorrow met mine.

“We all miss him.”

“I know,” I whispered, tears once again rising to the surface.

He pulled me into the dance again for which I was grateful. I didn’t need to be crying, not on the eve of my wedding. I needed to focus on the here and now—focus on Callon.

I glanced around the tent. He and Nakari were talking quietly at one of the tables. He was leaning in towards her, and a jealous tinge ran over my skin. Why was he talking so privately with her? They’d had plenty of time to air things out in the past few months.

We suddenly stopped again, but this time Maes had tapped Koda on the shoulder.

“My turn,” Maes said as he eyed me.

No smile crossed his lips as he turned me out onto the dance floor
, moving us further away from Callon and Nakari.

Let it go,
Maes’s voice rattled in my head, and I looked up. “There’s nothing for you to be jealous over. Let it go,” he said aloud.

There were plenty of things to be jealous for…Callon had been engaged to Nakari for one thing
, showing there had been an attraction at one time. Second, regardless of me trying to push the past behind us, she’d kissed him not that long ago.

You’ve made mistakes too
,
need I remind you?
Maes said and I sighed.

It really was getting annoying have this dog read my thoughts so easily.

Glad I can still annoy you, mon espoir
.

I rolled my eyes.

Daniel wriggled his way in next, spinning me across the floor with ease, bringing laughter to my heart. Somehow he always had a special way, a way to lighten and brighten my mood just when I needed it.

“My turn,” Brogan’s rough voice startled me. He’d come up from behind
, and I hadn’t seen him.

I stared blankly at him for a moment. He held out his hands.

“I’ve seen you dance with everyone else, so I know you can do it, princess.”

I awkwardly placed my hand in his and the other on his arm. I kept my eyes just off to the left like Skylar had taught me. I didn’t need to mess up now
. Brogan would be quick to jump all over it.

“You surprise me, princess,” Brogan said, but there was no sarcasm laced in his words.

“I have that effect on people,” I replied, not sure where this conversation was leading.

“I didn’t think much of you when we arrived.”

I didn’t answer, but knew quite assuredly that he thought I was no more than a speck of dirt on his shoes.

“They say eyes are the window to one
’s soul,” he continued. “And when I looked into your eyes, I didn’t see the strong leader of Qaysean. I saw the weakling Sahara, who ran from her destiny.”

I looked up, my body stiffening. If he was trying to pay me a compliment, he sure was missing the mark.

“Well, Sahara
changed
her destiny!” I snapped, my eyes narrowing. “Don’t ever call my mother weak.”

He lifted a
hand and a small smirk rose. “Easy now, princess. Let me finish.”

My jaw tightened, but I kept dancing.

“I admit I misjudged you. I didn’t like the fact that Callon and the rest were pinning their hopes on someone so young.” We paused in our dance. “You are both your father and mother’s daughter, and you combine their strengths and abilities far beyond anything we could have ever hoped for.”

I stood silently
, staring up into sincere brown eyes. Eyes that no longer showed distrust or anger, eyes that told me he, Brogan, believed in me.

“You are a rare gem, princess.
One worth protecting. And I am proud to call you our leader.”

“May I cut in?” Dex asked, his hazel eyes unsure.

Brogan nodded and stepped away, leaving me stunned.

The music changed
, and Dex pulled me into the dance. At least dancing with Dex didn’t give me a neck ache from looking up.

“Brogan doesn’t pay compliments
easily,” Dex said quietly. “You have earned a great gift, Cheyenne. You’ve proven yourself to him.”

“I can see that.” I stared off after Brogan.

“He’s right,” Dex said, drawing my attention to his warm smile. “You are a rare gem.”

“Thank you,” I replied.

Dex didn’t need to say another word, none of them did. Brogan’s words alone told me how everyone felt…and I couldn’t help but feel the love and warmth of my family around me.

Family
was what helped me through this, family who stayed loyal. Family was all I needed to make it through everything.

Our danced ended
, and Dex hugged me.

“I love you, Cheyenne, like the daughter I never had.” He placed a kiss on my cheek and slowly walked away.

My skin vibrated with electricity the moment Callon’s fingers touched my back. He moved in closer, his fingers tracing my spine.

“It’s time for our slow dance, love,” he whispered near my ear.

Goosebumps once again rolled over my skin, and I allowed him to turn me into his arms. His eyes danced with delight, and I soaked up every moment of it.

We moved around the floor as if we were floating on a cloud. My eyes never left his. Gone were the thoughts of Colt and jealously over Nakari
. Only the man before me now was the center of my attention, the center of my universe.

He drew me closer, his fingers sprawling across my bare skin until I could scarcely breath
e. I rested my head on his shoulder as his hot breath ruffled my hair. I sighed. What this man’s touch could do to me just wasn’t fair, and he hadn’t used the rings once since we’d arrived in Ireland.

The music slowed
, and the evening had waned into night. We stood still for a few more moments, taking in each other’s presence. Tomorrow would be different, tomorrow I’d be married.

A shiver escaped me
, and I smiled.

“Let me take you inside,” he murmured. “You’re cold and need your rest. Tomorrow is going to be a big day for all of us.”

He pulled back and kissed my forehead. Taking my hand, he led us through the maze of tables, but not before I caught the glance between him and Nakari once more. This time, I didn’t acknowledge the jealousy. I couldn’t change the past; I could only work for my future.

We entered the sitting room
, and I hadn’t realized how cool my skin was until the warmth from the room wrapped around me. It had been a magnificent evening, everything had gone to plan and I’d spent such a lovely time with everyone…yet something wasn’t quite right. I couldn’t put my finger on it.

We took the stairs slowly, Callon holding my arm while I lifted my dress
, ensuring I didn’t trip. We made it down the dimly lit hallway and paused outside my bedroom door.

My stomach began to churn nervously and the questioning in Callon’s eyes came into view. I’d been quiet, too quiet for him
, and he knew something was bothering me. He stepped closer, his hand coming to rest on my neck, playing with the loose locks of hair.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

I could lie and say nothing, or I could tell him what was on my heart. I went with my heart.

“Are you sure you want to marry me?”
My voice shook with the unknown.

A gentleness I’d never seen before washed over his face, and he leaned in closer. His eyes lowered and he focused in on my lips. I couldn’t help but lick them.

“I think you know the answer, love,” his voice was low and sultry.

My heart stuttered in its beat
, and I couldn’t help but focus on his lips too.

“It—it’s just that I—I want you to be sure,” I stuttered.

“Oh?” His lips brushed mine and my knees felt weak. “Well then,” he murmured over them. “Let me show you.”

My lids fell shut the moment the fullness of his lips covered mine. His fingers firmed around my neck and drew me closer so he could spread his molten hand across my back again. My skin caught fire with his touch
, and I pressed into him more as his tongue caressed my lower lips. I parted my lips with a sigh, and he surged forward.

I was hungry, desperate for his touch to fill me again. It made me feel alive and wanted. His fingers moved lower down my spine
, and my heart slammed against my ribs fiercely. He tilted my head to the side and deepened the kiss.

His tongue dueled with
mine, slashing and breaking down all the defenses I’d erected to protect myself. Callon was the one, the one who loved me as a woman, not like the child I had been. He’d torn down all my walls and helped me rebuild them with his love and affection, his adoration and strength. He’d been the one to bring me back from the pits of utter destruction.
Callon…

His fingers began to trace my neck, his thumb brushing my cheek, and my pulse thundered in my ears. I fought to catch my breath as his hand slipped lower still, moving just inside the seam of my dress to grasp my hip.

I pushed my fingers through his hair, willing him to kiss me more, to deepen it further. Tomorrow wasn’t soon enough. I wanted his touch now.

Voices echoed in the hall
, and his kiss slowed. He drew back slowly, his mouth lingering over mine.

“Does that answer your question?” he whispered and pressed his forehead to mine
, still trying to catch his own breath. His fingers caressed my cheek, and he sighed, standing straighter.

I wanted to answer, but the words had been removed from my mouth. My chest heaved
, sucking in the precious oxygen.

He leaned in placing a soft kiss on my lips once more.

“I love you, Cheyenne. I always will.”

He opened my bedroom door and I entered, turning back to catch one last glimpse. “Tomorrow,” I whispered
, repeating his words from earlier. “Tomorrow we’ll be together, forever.”

Chapter 23

My hands were trembling, and no matter what I tried, I couldn’t shake this nagging feeling in my gut. I leaned over the toilet for the third time, emptying the contents of last night’s dinner. All night I’d been tossing and turning, unable to calm myself to sleep, and now the nausea had become too much. What was wrong with me?

“You’re just a ball of nerves,” Lilly said sympathetically. She stroked my head pulling my hair back. “It’s going to be okay, sweetheart
. We all get nervous about walking down the aisle.”

I wasn’t afraid of walking down the aisle
. I was fearful for what might happen to Callon and me afterwards. We’d lose our powers, be defenseless, but that wasn’t the only thing. Something else was very, very wrong, and I didn’t know how to explain it. Callon’s words the previous night should have taken away any of my final doubts, yet this feeling still troubled me. I didn’t dare share it with Lilly or the others. It was pointless really; they’d only keep reassuring me it would all be okay. What had bothered me the most was that it hadn’t been this bad earlier in the week, but now that the day was here, the worry had grown worse.

“Any better?” Andre poked her head into the bathroom. “Want me to get you something, Cheyenne?”

I shook my head and lay it back down over the rim of the toilet. Maybe it was all in my head…maybe it was just nerves.

“Do you want me to get Callon?” Lilly asked hesitantly.

“No,” I moaned. “I can’t see the groom before I walk down the aisle. It’s bad luck.”

“Well it’s going to be bad luck if we can’t get you down the aisle without puking,” Andre added, then put her hands on her hips. “When was the last time you slept?”

I turned away, allowing my hair to fall over my eyes. I’d been doing a great job hiding the dark circles till now. They’d all been too busy with the wedding to notice. It had been at least a week, maybe longer. I couldn’t even remember anymore. My mind just didn’t want to shut down long enough to allow me rest, which was probably why I was this worked up.

Mon espoir?
Maes called out.

My head shot up
, and I narrowed my eyes. “You called Maes?!”

Andre slithered away from the bathroom door
, and a tall dark figured appeared. It was bad enough having Andre read my moods, but now she had to send in the mind reader too? How had I been so blessed?

Lilly stood, touching my head one last time. “We’ll be back in a few hours to help you dress.” She exited the bathroom leaving me alone with
him.

You are blessed.
His lips curled slightly.
You’re not well?
He kneeled down beside me.

“Is it that obvious?” I said sarcastically. “What gave you the first clue?”

He studied me for a few moments, his eyes looking deep into mine and then, without warning, he scooped me up.

“Hey!” I yelped.

You need fresh air.

He took me out onto my terrace and set me in the chaise, but he didn’t leave. He sat beside me.

Why are you afraid?

“You can speak out loud,” I said.

“What are you afraid of,
mon
espoir
?” he asked again, gently.

I could have lied, could have denied everything, but this was Maes
, and he’d be relentless until I confessed.

“I’m nervous.”

“About marrying Callon?”

“No,” I hesitated. “About our safety.”

“
Oui
.” His rough hand rubbed his chin. “That’s an understandable fear to have, but I promise you, like I’ve promised you in the past, I’ll always protect you.” Jade-rimmed eyes looked deep into mine. “You’ve got an army of warriors here ready to battle for you at a moment’s notice.”

I knew that, but it still didn’t ease my nerves.

His hand closed over mine, swallowing it.

“Would you like me to stay with you until Callon receives you during the ceremony?”

I knew I could defend myself quite well before the ceremony while I still had my powers. “I’m not worried about the before, Maes, it’s the after.”

He raised a brow.

I rolled my eyes. Did I have to spell it out? “When I’m powerless.”

“
I see.”

I lay back against the chaise and allowed the gentle breeze to cool my skin. I stared out towards the forest. The sun was dipping further into the sky
. Within a few hours I’d be walking down the aisle to Callon, at sunset.

Birds chirped madly and swarmed over a small group of trees. A lone black crow suddenly emerged from the branches and flew by, the sparrows chasing it away.

“It’s a sign, Cheyenne,” Maes said thoughtfully. “The sparrows are chasing away your fears. Let them go and enjoy your day.”

Maybe it was a sign
, like he said. Maybe I just needed to let them go.

Maes moved to the chaise beside me and we sat silently
, taking in the lush landscape around us. Before long my eyes grew heavy, and I found myself drifting off. Perhaps the sparrows had chased away my fears…

“Is she awake yet?” a voice whispered nearby.

“We need to get started,” another replied, sounding like Andre.

I stretched and opened my eyes.

Bree and Andre were leaning against the terrace rails, staring at me.

“Feeling better?” Bree asked eyeing me carefully. “We could get Callon or Dex if you want.”

“I’m fine,” I croaked and cleared my throat.

I glanced out over the horizon
. The sun was lower than it had been when I first closed my eyes. I stretched again and sat up. I paused for a moment, a hand on my stomach, waiting to see if I was going to have issues again.

“You look better,” Andre said
, evaluating me closely. “Maes said you slept for a couple hours. Not enough, but at least now the dark circles aren’t as noticeable.” A sly smile rose. “Might not have to use all the plaster I brought after all, Bree.” She nudged Bree’s arm and they both chuckled.

“Ha, ha, ha,” I replied. “Very funny.”

“Of course it’s funny. I said it,” Andre said.

I stood and headed for my bedroom. At least the weather was cooperating. The evening was going to be warm and beautiful, a rarity here in Ireland.

The table that had been carefully stocked with beauty supplies last night was once again set up and waiting. Nakari stood to the side. She gave a faint smile and then looked down.

This wasn’t easy for her, the whole wedding planning and preparation, but she’d been more regal than I’d have been in the same situation. Regardless of my jealously, she was strong
, and I admired her.

I sat in the chair once again and allow Nakari and Bree to work their magic on my hair. They’d left
the bulk of it down this time so long ringlets fell down my back. Pieces here and there were twisted and pinned, with delicate pink flowers finishing them off. Layla took over when Bree and Nakari were done and added my makeup for the final touch.

Lilly arrived
, and she and Layla helped me into my wedding dress. I stood before the mirror, once again admiring Layla’s creation. The dress was even more beautiful than I remembered. The way the silk reflected in the light causing it to look like shimmering stars amazed me. My fingers traced the embroidered band that ran across the top.

Lilly stepped behind me and placed a simple but elegant necklace around my neck. It consisted of freshwater pearls that were twisted together with
what looked like sapphires, forming a seamless string. She handed me matching earrings too.

She moved
in front of me and adjusted them, her eyes tearing slightly.

“This is your something old and something blue,” Lilly said
, trying to hold back her tears. “It was Sahara’s. She would have wanted you to have it.”

Emotions welled up inside of me that I fought to push down. My fingers traced the necklace. This was my mom’s. Lilly didn’t need to say it for me to know it. I felt it.
How I wished she was here to see me now, and Alexis, too.

Gentle fingers touched my elbow. Nakari had something
clenched in her hand. She pressed something small and warm into the palm of my hand. Her mouth opened to speak, but then closed, unsure. I opened my hand to see a silver charm bracelet with a single heart-shaped charm attached.

“It’s something borrowed.” She swallowed. “You need something borrowed.” She looked down and locked her hands together.

My fingers ran over the metal, the ache in my heart tightening. I handed it back to her. Confusion filled her eyes and then I lifted my wrist.

“Can you help me put it on?”

A tearful smile rose, and she helped me latch the bracelet in place.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

Nakari, Layla, Bree and Andre quietly left the room while Lilly remained at my side for a few more moments.

“You’re not the same girl I met two years ago, Cheyenne. I—we are so proud of you.”

I nodded and kept my eyes averted. I didn’t need to shed tears now.

“I wish Sahara and Qaysean could have been here…” she whispered trailing off and then sighed. “Daniel will be here soon. Your bouquet is waiting at the bottom of the stairs.” She leaned in and kissed my cheek. “I love you, sweetheart.”

“I love you too.”

My bedroom door quietly clicked closed
, and I was alone.

I stared at myself, the woman before me still a mystery.
She had scars running down her back from a Tresez attack, and her chest still contained remnants from the burns. How she’d managed to get to this point would probably be one of the wonders of the world. In just a short period of time, I would be walking down the aisle. I’d become Cheyenne O’Shea…no longer Cheyenne Wilson. What I would have given to have my birth and adoptive parents here to see me walk down the aisle, to have shared in my life for longer than what I’d had. But if they hadn’t been taken from me, would I have become the woman I was today? Or would I have been weak, and relied on them instead of stepping up to claim the destiny that had always been mine?

A cruel twist of fate had changed everything
, and I’d never know the answers. But the only thing that mattered now was that I was marrying Callon, and I was fulfilling what destiny had lain out before me.

I’d kicked and screamed the entire journey, endure
d heartaches no one should have, but I’d lived to see another day…and we’d end this tyranny with Marcus soon.

I turned away and looked at my nightstand. I knew what l
ay in its small drawer, Colt’s bracelet. I’d brought back the other half on our failed rescue attempt. I couldn’t help myself; I wanted to touch it one last time. My steps were purposeful, and I sat on the bed and opened the drawer. The black stone bracelet looked dull and drab sitting there, all the life and brightness it once knew now gone because its other half was missing. Just like our other half was missing—my other half. I sighed. It was time to give up childish dreams and come to grips with Colt’s choice. He wasn’t one of us anymore.

A soft knock drew my attention. I closed the drawer
, shutting out those emotions, locking them away forever. I stood. The door opened, and Daniel entered, a warm smile spreading as he stared at me.

“Wow,” he said, his eyes dancing with happiness. “I think Callon
’s going to be pleasantly surprised.”

He jumped beside me. He was wearing the same black tux as last night, but today his vest was black and his tie white.

“You’re not looking so bad yourself, Daniel.”

“But I’m not the one on display for everyone.” He winked, but then turned serious. “Bree told me you weren’t feeling well earlier.” He hesitated. “Nerves?”

I nodded, knowing it was a lie. I still had that underlying feeling something was off, but Maes had told me to let it go, and I had. I needed to focus on walking down the aisle and saying my vows…and losing my powers for who knew how long.

He shoved his hands in his pockets and looked down.

“I just want you to know, you’re the closest thing I’ve ever had to a sister. And now that it’s official, I just wanted to say…” He paused and took a breath. “I just wanted to say I love you an awful lot, Cheyenne. You’re one of the best things that ever happened to us, my brothers and I. And regardless of the fact that Colt’s not here with us anymore, you were the one who drew us together as a family again. You completed us.”

He leaned in kissing my cheek and embraced me. His warmth spread through my limbs and calm
ed my nerves.

“You were the ones who completed me, Daniel,” I whispered. “And you’re the best brother I could have ever hoped for. I love you too.”

He held on for a few moments before he stepped back. He tried to hide the fact that he brushed a stray tear from his eye, but I saw and it touched me even more. I was the lucky one. I was gaining not only a loving caring brother, I was gaining Callon too. A man who could move me like no other. I was gaining a husband who’d love me no matter what. The same way I’d love him back.