Promises (33 page)

Nothing needed to be said as our wordless conversation played out. We both knew what our hearts wanted, what song they sang to each other. I inhaled deeply; I could smell the scent of the woods on him. The grass, pine trees and crispness of the morning air. His heavy sigh pushed heated breath upon me as he tilted his head towards mine. His smooth cheek pressed against my ear.

“
I’ve missed you, Colt,” I whispered. “I’ve missed your laughter and your smile. I’ve missed the closeness we once shared. I want it back.”

His arms tightened as his fingers touched my neck. “I never took it away. It’s been here waiting for you all along.”

“
I won’t come between you and Callon, but I can’t just comply. I’m going to follow my heart and see where it leads. Destiny or not, I owe this to myself.”

“
Be careful what you ask for, Chey.” He pressed me closer.

I heard his warning, but I had to find the truth in things for myself. No one could sway me any differently.

A throat cleared nearby, and we slowly drew back. Looking into Colt’s icy blue eyes showed me the turmoil that was still near the surface. He was fearful for me, fearful that I’d be crushed again, that he’d lose me forever.

“
Chey,” Daniel called out quietly.

Colt lowered me to the ground. Daniel stood waiting, unsure.

“
I just wanted to see you,” he said nervously. “I’ve been worried sick about you.”

I stepped towards him. “You’re here now.” A split second later Daniel was in front of me with only a brief moment of hesitation before he drew me into a hug.

“
I hate you being gone,” he mumbled near my ear. “I need my little sister around to tease and torment.”

As simple as his words were, a peace began to flow over me. It was as if he cloaked every other emotion except contentment. How he was able to do it, I'd never understand, but I was simply grateful he could do it for me.

“
Are you guys going to hug all day?” Maes grumbled. Daniel and I drew apart.

“
Have big plans for the day then, Maes?” I asked as I moved towards the couch. Colt followed me as Callon and Maes took the chairs across from us. Daniel jumped to the large windows just behind Callon and Maes.

“
Time will tell. How’s your head?” Maes replied.

I felt their eyes fall upon me. Colt’s hand moved behind me and touched my hair.

“
What’s going on, Cheyenne?” Colt asked as I looked up.

“
I fell yesterday, but I’m okay.”

“
You fell?” Colt raised an eyebrow.

The seat cushion beside me moved as Daniel sat.

“
How’d you fall?” Daniel added.

I sought out Maes’s dark eyes. Obviously he hadn’t told them. He nodded, and I decided it was best to address Callon so he’d know I was communicating with him as the leader. I was starting over with everything, and the first step would be showing him some respect.

“
I’m able to move air, and I got a little too carried away,” I replied. “I guess I made a mess of some trees, and when it was all over I collapsed to the ground. Actually, now that I think about it, I’m not sure if the fall caused the bump or if flying debris did.”

Colt pushed my hair aside near my temple and inspected the lump.

“
So you collapsed afterwards?” Dr. Callon was gathering information to make his diagnosis.

“
She could hardly walk afterwards and then complained her head hurt,” Maes added. “She slept on the couch for a number of hours and was out all night.” His expression turned serious. “I’ve never witnessed anything like it, Callon. The power that came from her…” he trailed off. “We’ve got to start some training right away. If this gets out of control, it could become very dangerous.”

A shiver crept through me. At once, Colt’s hand slipped over mine, squeezing in reassurance. What were they talking about? I was dangerous…my mind began whirling. Was I truly a weapon like Maes had said?

“
Can you show us the damage she did, Maes?” Callon asked.

“
It’s a bit hard not to miss it.” Maes shook his head. “I’m just glad I took her to a more secluded area.”

I looked up at Colt. “Could I hurt someone?”

“
It’s going to be fine, Cheyenne,” Colt said. “We’re Timeless, remember?” He fought to give me a small smile. “We heal quickly.”

A soft knock at the door interrupted the conversation. Callon’s eyes met mine.

“
Are you expecting someone?”

I shook my head.

He rose and strolled towards the entry door. Moments later, he returned with a large vase of white and red roses. I frowned, watching as he set them on the coffee table.
Who sent me flowers?

Callon reached over and pulled out the card.

“
Who’s Matt?” His eyes burned, flashing with dangerous intensity. My cheeks grew cold. Colt snatched the note from Callon, reading through it himself. He turned towards me, crumpling it in his fist.

I stared back in shock. Why would Matt send me flowers? And roses, of all things…

“
Cheyenne?” Daniel asked. “Who’s Matt?”

“
My neighbor,” I uttered. I fiddled with my Servak ring, averting their stares. What was Matt trying to do? He
knew
they’d come to visit…had he sent them on purpose to stake some sort of claim?

“
Your neighbor?” Colt growled.

I nodded. All three of them were on edge, and I took a slow breath. I had to be careful with my words before I caused a huge blow up over nothing. “I think he sent them because he knew my birthday was coming up.”

“
The card didn’t say happy birthday, and it’s still over a month away,” Callon said darkly.

I glanced at Maes, who remained stoic.

“
I don’t know why he sent them.” I admitted.
“Can I see the card?”

“
Where does he live?” Colt asked between his teeth. His brows were pinched tight and his lips thinned.

I sighed.

“
It doesn’t matter. He’d told me he was leaving town on business.”

Callon moved closer and sat on the coffee table. “How often has he been coming around?”

“
I’ve only seen him when I’ve been out, at the grocery store or on my walks. He’s never done anything more than talk with me.”
Although he did make me dinner…

“
Is that all?”

“
Yes.”

“
Is he stalking you?” Daniel asked.

I stared at the ground. They were questioning my judgment…I had to let it go. A big blowout was what I was trying to avoid.

“
We’re just friends.”

Silence fell as they talked out the situation in their heads. It was more than jealousy; they were afraid of something. But what? Maes had been here protecting me. If there were real danger, he would have told them or helped me.

Callon sighed and caught my gaze.

“
Cheyenne, we’ll talk this out with Maes. If we can’t get this cleared up, we won’t have any choice but to take you with us when we leave. Do you understand?” He waited for a reply I wasn’t sure I wanted to give. “Every part of me says we should leave right now. But I don’t want to cause you any more difficulties when you are so near to some closure.”

I looked down at the hardwood floor. I didn’t understand why Matt would do something like this. It didn’t make sense. He was nothing more than a friend. He’d even agreed to keep out of the limelight while they visited. So why would he do something that would obviously rile my guardians?

Unless he was doing it to proclaim that if they wanted me back, they have competition…

Sighing, I grabbed the flowers and dumped them in the trash. I slammed the lid down, making sure each petal lay crushed with the empty tins and dirty wrappers.

When I returned, all four were on their feet.

“
Cheyenne,” Callon said, somewhat nervous. “You have to understand…”

“
I understand, Callon.” I glanced up into his uncertainty. “I’m not mad. I know you’re still not all that keen for me to be here myself.” I swallowed. “I’m…almost done thinking about things. So please, I’ll go with you if I have to, but I would like to talk it out first. Promise me you’ll do that before you make any decisions.”

Callon remained quiet. A flicker of emotion passed through his eyes, and he didn’t try and hide it. He knew I was letting go, trusting him. Starting over…

“
We only want to do what’s best for you,” he said at last.

“
I know.”

“
So,” Daniel spoke to ease the tension. “How about we do something fun? Any suggestions?”

His bright smile made my lips twitch into an answering grin. “There are loads of trails, a few shops, the lake…”

“
Have you been out to explore it?” he asked. “And what about that small island? I bet that would be fun.”

“
It’s a bit chilly this morning for a swim, but this afternoon it’ll be perfect.”

“
This afternoon it is, then!”

“
In the meantime,” Callon said. “There are things we need to talk about.”

I rolled my eyes but didn’t argue. The social part of their visit could come later.

“
Maes informed us Tresezes have been reported in the area,” Callon stated. “Have you been careful?”

“
Of course.” But I sure wasn’t going to tell him about my last incident.

He nodded, his eyes searching.

“
It seems they’ve followed you here,” he added. “They’ve not come around the cabin since you left.” His eyes darted towards Maes suspiciously.

“
Nothing out of the ordinary, Callon. Maes has kept me safe.”

“
You lost your phone?”

I nodded.

“
We brought you a new one.” He shifted uncomfortably. “Tracking device attached.”

“
Thanks,” I replied.

“
Mandi misses you,” Daniel blurted out. “Actually, she’s been bugging Sam, and I think Sam would be grateful if you came back.” He gave me a playful grin.

Callon continued on with questioning, and Daniel jumped in as he saw fit to lighten the subject. Colt, however, remained quiet. As we sat beside each other, his fingers gently played with my hair. From time to time he’d glance down, as if he wanted to speak, but he always held back.

Callon glanced disapprovingly at Colt, and Colt’s hand moved to the back of the couch. I tensed. Their relationship was still rocky, and it was all because of me. I shifted away from Colt slightly, ashamed to look at him. I had to be careful; I didn’t want them to get drawn into another fight.

“
Hey, is that the time?” Daniel asked, rubbing the back of his neck. He was trying to disperse the tension. “The water should be just about right now for a swim.”

“
Good idea,” I said. “We should go while it’s still warm.” I didn’t wait for an answer and hurried upstairs to change. I could only hope they wouldn’t bite each other’s heads off while I was gone. But one day I wouldn’t be able to run from this. I’d have to follow my heart, and accept whatever choice it decided. The thing was, I didn’t know if they would…

I stopped at the top of the stairs and stared at three men who stood waiting for me. Heat rose in my cheeks, and I looked away, concentrating on climbing down the stairs without tripping.

“
Ready?” Daniel chirped, and I shook my head nervously.

What was wrong with me? I’d seen them without shirts on before, and suddenly I was too shy to look up?

“
What’s wrong?” Colt asked as he walked beside me. “You’re all red.”

I kept my eyes focused on the forest.

“
Where’s Maes?” He had disappeared when I was changing, before my arrival in this sauna of embarrassment.

“
He’ll be here soon. Are you okay?” Colt touched my bare shoulder.

I fought to keep my cheeks from turning redder.

Callon and Daniel moved closer, and I cringed.

“
Cheyenne?” Callon reached for my hand.

“
Stop!” I moved away, covering my face with my hands. “It’s been weeks since I’ve seen you—you—well, like this! It’s…making me…”

At once, they hooted with laughter. Bravely, I snuck a peek through my fingers and saw bright smiles all around. Colt winked.

“
I’m glad to know I’ve still got what it takes,” he chuckled.

I shook my head and started off towards the lake.

I led the way. There was no need to embarrass myself further. We waited at the dock’s edge for Maes. Daniel moved up beside me as I stared out at the water.

“
You don’t need to be embarrassed, Chey,” he said lightly. “You’ve actually made their day.” I looked to see his genuine smile. “They’ve missed you greatly.”

“
Thanks, Daniel.”

His eyes twinkled, and as I attempted to back up he snatched my wrists.

“
I’ve missed you too,” he said slyly.

“
Daniel, no!” I screamed. In the next moment, we were both splashed into the cold lake.

“
Daniel O’Shea!” I yelled as I broke the surface. “You are in so much trouble!” I twisted in the water, trying to find him. He’d disappeared halfway to the small island.