Promises (9 page)

The crease in his brow grew. “Stay here until I come for you. I’ll carry you out. Daniel is bringing you some food and water.” His fingers brushed my hair back once more. “We’ll be home tonight. You’ll rest better there.”

I hated being so dependent upon them; I needed my guardians as they needed me. What if this had happened while I was out in the forest alone? Who would have helped me? Would I have been able to survive this on my own?

Callon withdrew the blanket and carried me to the truck. I couldn’t even walk on my own—I was growing to dislike this reliance.

Gently Callon placed me in the seat, and I moved to the middle. After I was buckled in, he then drew a blanket around me as he slid in beside me. Colt took the driver’s seat. I would’ve thought I’d be more comfortable in the back, but Maes was there. They wouldn’t put me near him—lack of trust.

I slept the majority of the drive. From time to time, Callon would wake me, trying to get me to eat and drink. I drank what I could, but I couldn’t eat. I shivered for a long time before I eventually warmed. We arrived at the cabin after dark, and Callon carried me in and placed me in bed.

I vaguely realized I didn’t recognize this room. It was bigger; it wasn’t the same one I’d stayed in before. He pulled the blanket off and tucked me under the covers. He sat next to me on top of the comforter, and his fingers pushed my hair out of my eyes. I sensed he was trying to comfort me again—different this time around—unsure. It was as if he wanted to hold me, but didn’t—or couldn’t.

At least not yet.

In the morning, I took in the new surroundings—Callon’s room. I’d passed by it enough to know. The room was larger, more elegant. The furniture was a deep mahogany, and rich warm colors filled the walls. The glass balcony doors overlooked the yard, and there were two exits, one leading to the hall and the second to a private bath.

Sighing, I slumped back in bed. Once more, my guardians had saved me. They’d protected me from the Trackers and cared for me while I had the fever. I hated being indebted to them; it played with my heartstrings too much. I was bound to them as they were bound to me.

I rolled over and almost screamed. Callon was sitting at the edge of the bed, watching me. I hadn’t even heard him come in. His fingers brushed my forehead.

“
Are you feeling better?” he asked softly.

“
Yes.” My voice croaked.

“
Your fever’s gone.”

I nodded. I still ached slightly, but at least I wouldn’t have to worry about another ice bath. I rolled to my left side and pulled my right arm from under the covers. I wasn’t ready to move yet; the bed was soft, and I was content just to stay still. I had a lot to think about. I still didn’t have a clue what Maes really wanted from me. Like a certain evasive man who was in the room with me, he never answered my questions. Then there was still the issue of Trackers. Would they find us here, or would Maes keep them at bay?

Was I even right to trust Maes? Would this whole thing backfire?

I sighed again.

Callon’s hand drifted down my arm. He let his palm slide across my rings, rearranging them, before he locked his fingers between mine. As our rings touched, an electrical current raced down my spine. I attempted to pull away, but he held on, and my pulse quickened.

“
You felt that didn’t you, Cheyenne?” Callon whispered.

“
No. I…I have a chill, that’s all,” I replied, trying to move my hand again. It wouldn’t budge. What was going on?

“
Then why’s your hair standing on end?”

“
That’s just your imagination!” I retorted. I’d always known Callon held power over me, but this was going too far. It was almost as if he was controlling my emotions…

Suddenly Callon rolled me to my back, staring straight at me. A flickered of excitement ran through his hazel eyes. He was getting a thrill out of this? Damn him!

“
It’s not my imagination. I can see it in your eyes. I told you we were bound eternally. It’s stronger than the both of us…we can’t do anything to stop it.” His thumb began stroking my wrist.

“
Yes, we can. Let go of my hand,” I said in a shaky voice. His gaze held me captive, and my cheeks flushed. We remained unmoving for a few moments. Was he willing me to love him?

Callon drew back, placing his hands in his lap. “You’re weak from this latest transformation. I want you to rest.”

The doctor was suddenly back in full swing.

I frowned. It was true I’d barely recovered from the latest phase of my transformation, but I didn’t feel weak or tired. I was sick of being bedbound. I wanted to go out and
do
something. The possibility of the Trackers finding us was high, but neither they nor the Tresez would come into town…they’d be seen. Besides, we already had a spy in the house. I was beginning to think I might be safer taking a trip rather than staying here.

“
I want to go into town.”

“
No, it’s not worth the risk,” Callon replied firmly.

“
Who’s going to come after me, Callon?” I asked. “It’s obvious Maes is keeping the Tresez and Trackers away. I feel fine, too, and there’s little chance another transformation will take place anytime soon. I’m tired of being held a prisoner by you.”

There was no reply.

“
After all you’ve put me through, all the betrayal and lies, it’s the smallest thing you can grant me.”

I sat up and touched his arm. His eyes drifted to my fingers.

“
You think your touch will persuade me, Cheyenne?”

“
I don’t need my touch to persuade you, Callon. I want, no,
need
to go into town—today.” I knew if he thought about it too much, he’d say no.

“
What you need is your rest.”

“
I need some freedom. A little shopping trip won’t hurt. Besides, I know there’s nothing in the house to eat right now.”

Callon released a heavy sigh. He stood up, breaking my hold. “Get dressed, and I’ll think about it.”

It wasn’t a “no” yet…

“
Where are my clothes?” I asked.

“
In the bathroom closet.”

I nodded and began to crawl out of bed.

“
I need to do some shopping as well. The weather is getting cooler, and I’m going to need warmer clothes.” I hesitated, watching his reaction. “We’ve been doing what the three of you have wanted from the beginning. It’s time
I
get to make some choices.” Without waiting for a reply, I walked into the bathroom and closed the door. I listened, but got no response. It was a good sign…I hoped.

I wiggled my toes on the cold travertine floor and glanced about. I was amazed at how elegant Callon’s bathroom and closet were…just like his bedroom. Warm, with a bit of old world styling. Now if only his personality would reflect that…

Soon I was showered and ready to go. As I opened the door, Callon was sitting on the bed, waiting.

“
You really look much better today,” he said warmly.

“
Glad you approve.” I rolled my eyes. “Now let’s go. I’m starving!”

He stepped towards me.

“
We’ll do it my way, Cheyenne.”

Ah. He’d flipped into “he who must be obeyed” mode. Would Mr. Evasive be making a comeback, too?

I headed for the door. Colt and Daniel’s bedrooms were nearby, and my old room was at the end of the hall. They’d probably put Maes there. Hurt momentarily rose to the surface. Another sign of my independence lost—they wouldn’t even trust me enough to let me have my own room. I was going to be under closer watch than ever.

Callon followed close behind me. Colt, Daniel and Maes were waiting in the great room. I glanced around. The stone fireplace, where I’d enjoyed many a warm fire with Colt, stirred my feelings again, and I swallowed. The scent of the leather furniture reminded me of the hours we’d spent playing poker together. The accents of red on the pillows triggered a dull ache, as I recalled Daniel and Colt tossing them at me playfully…our carefree times together would be no more.

I looked down at the hardwood floor. The dark maple finish made me feel just as dark and moody. Even the vaulted ceiling with the wood beams seemed to be closing in on me. The sunshine from the windows near the piano brought the only warmth. Everything reminded me once more that for all the joys I’d shared, this place was still my prison. That was why I had to get out, no matter the risks. Get out and away…

As I turned for the door, I noticed that Maes was still half dressed. I shook my head.

“
What is wrong with you two?” I narrowed my eyes at Daniel and Colt. “Maes can’t go into town half dressed!” I turned to Colt. “Colt, don’t you have something Maes can use today? You two look similar in size. I’ll get him his own clothes when we go shopping later.”

Colt didn’t answer. I glanced at Callon for some support, but he just shrugged. I released an exasperated breath and grabbed Colt to drag him towards his bedroom. “Come on, Maes.” Maes reluctantly followed. “Stupid men,” I muttered under my breath.

We stopped at Colt’s closet. Colt wasn’t paying attention; he was too focused on glaring at Maes.

I pushed past him and began rummaging through his shirts. I was amazed at the quantity of clothes one man could have, but then again he’d been alive for a long time.

I picked out a shirt and shoes and handed them to Maes. A smirk was building on Maes’s face. He was enjoying Colt’s discomfort.

“
Put them on, Maes. I need to know if they fit,” I said.

“
Bien sûr
, Cheyenne,” Maes answered, an amused smile on his lips. Colt snarled, but he didn’t say anything. I rolled my eyes. They were both acting so childish.

Colt stepped closer and crossed his arms around me. I knew it was a protective response, but it didn’t stop me from holding my back rigid. Maes took a deliberately long time getting dressed, playing with the sleeve buttons, and I was all but ready to scream when he finished.

“
Finally!”

We moved out of the closet. Colt didn’t remove his hands from my shoulders. We reached the great room, and Callon shot Colt a dark glare. Colt ignored him. He moved to my side, his arm still around my shoulders. Annoyed, I pulled myself free.

“
Ready?” Callon asked.

“
Yes.”

We loaded up into the truck, and as I’d guessed, I got to sit up front. Daniel and Maes jumped in the back, and we drove off. Normality seemed to have returned; things were almost back to the way it had been before we left for Dex and Lilly’s. I knew there was still the threat of Trackers and Tresez, but it must have been manageable or Callon wouldn’t have agreed for me to leave the cabin. Colt and Daniel chatted, and Callon was his usual tense self, always searching for danger.

Maes remained quiet. I studied him in the rearview mirror. His gaze was focused on the landscape, his head tilting occasionally as if he heard something. Was this what he was like on the drive here? I’d been so out of it I hadn’t paid attention. Was he watching for danger, listening for voices, or was he plotting something? Was he going to take advantage of Callon’s generosity and have me ambushed?

“
Where do you want to eat breakfast, Cheyenne?”

Callon’s voice broke me from my trance.

“
Anywhere,” I replied. “I’m famished.”

Callon took me to a fast food restaurant, and I ate the breakfast sandwiches quickly, burning my tongue in the process. Callon stared in amazement; they’d never seen me eat like this. I’d never seen me eat like this…

“
Where to next?” Callon tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, eager to get going. I raised an eyebrow. Apparently he was actually allowing me to choose the destinations today.

“
We need to go shopping.” I turned to Maes, to gauge his reaction, but he only nodded. His attention was focused elsewhere.

We made our way downtown and headed to a department store. Our first stop was the men’s department. All four of my guardians kept within arm’s length. Both Callon and Colt made sure they were between Maes and me at all times. I chose some items and handed them to Maes. He hesitated.

“
Maes,” I said firmly. “If you’re going to be around us, then I need you to keep some clothes on. You stand out enough as it is.” A wicked smirk rose on Maes’s lips, and I rolled my eyes.

“
I can pay for my own things, Cheyenne,” Maes’s accent rolled out as we neared the counter. It only seemed to come out in certain circumstance—stress and annoyance.

As he approached the counter, I tugged on the back of his jeans pocket.

“
You have an invisible wallet, I see. Invisible money too?”

“
I have money.”

“
I’m sure you do; however, I’m buying.” Maes inhaled sharply as he laid the items on the counter. “Besides, I owe you. You saved my life. It won’t make up for it, but it’ll make me feel better.”

Maes reluctantly took his bags, and we headed for the women’s section. I scanned the racks and was soon almost buried by the clothes Colt began stacking in my arms.

“
Colt, cut it out! I can pick out clothes on my own,” I said.

“
Oh, right, sorry.” He stepped back. “I was just trying to be helpful.”