Fated, A Timeless Series Novella (A Timeless Series Companion Novel)

by Wiedmeier, Lisa L

  For once I deliberately ignored the girls, who stared after me as I passed them. No, today I had eyes for only one, and nothing was going to distract me from my task.

  She was already seated, right at the back like I’d predicted. She was studying a textbook, though occasionally her eyes would wander to the window. I approached slowly, trying to look as if I couldn’t decide where to sit, despite the room being mostly empty.

  Still she didn’t look up, even as I came right to her side. She was trying to ignore me.

  In that case…

  “Is this seat taken?” I asked, patting the chair beside her.

  Cheyenne jumped. Flustered, she looked up at me. Her eyes were a tense gray. I was caught by the color for a moment. How could it change like that?

  “No,” she replied. I smiled, hoping to put her at ease. She briefly checked around her, wondering if it was really her I’d been addressing. Given that this whole row was empty, it didn’t take her long to realize I’d meant to talk to her.

  “I’m Colt O’Shea,” I said, “and you are?” I stuck my hand out.

  Cheyenne hesitated. The gray in her eyes darkened, conveying her wariness. I didn’t budge, knowing she’d have to cave eventually. Come on, Cheyenne. I know you don’t like getting involved with others, but you’re not going to brush me off that easy.

  “I won’t bite.” I winked at her. Finally, Cheyenne’s icy exterior began to crack, and she took my hand. Her fingers were so delicate, so small compared to my own. She’d not stand a chance against a Tresez.

  “I’m Cheyenne, Cheyenne Wilson.”

  Ah, an introduction! I knew I’d get through to her.

  Running a hand through my hair, I pulled up a chair. Now I had her attention, I needed to keep the conversation going. My eyes fell to her textbook, which was full of math equations.

  “Whatcha reading?”

  Cheyenne glanced at me, as if I’d spoken a foreign language.

  “Calculus.”

  She was going for the one word answer trick, a telltale sign she wasn’t in the mood to carry a conversation. Well, Cheyenne, you don’t know who you’re up against.

  “Sounds like fun,” I said.

  Cheyenne raised a brow.

  “Should be, since we’re in Calculus.”

  “Oh.”

  Uh oh, the ice shield was forming again. I needed a different approach before she’d freeze me out.

  I opened my pack and began rummaging through, taking out my books. Cheyenne watched—I wasn’t sure if she was amused or annoyed. However, as I checked through my stuff, I realized my calculus book was still in my locker.

  What a perfect opportunity.

  “You know, I thought this was my English Literature class,” I said. “Um…” I glanced at her sheepishly. “Do you mind sharing? It seems I’ve got my schedule mixed up.” I flashed another smile. “I’d run back to my locker, but I don’t want to get a tardy my first day in a new school.”

  “Sure.” Cheyenne pulled her chair over and slid her book closer. Inwardly I grinned. Yes! I knew the sympathy card would work. She hesitated again, before sighing. “You know, you should probably have someone help you…”

  “You offering?” My face brightened.

  “Uh…” Cheyenne murmured to herself. She seemed to be having second thoughts.

  “Don’t tell me you’re as disorganized as I am,” I joked.

  She rolled her eyes, in a way that very much reminded me of Callon. She held out her hand.

  “Alright, let’s take a look at your schedule.”

  I grabbed the paper from my bag and let her have it. She scanned it quickly, her eyes changing to a bluer tint. I was spellbound. How could she do that?

  “Hey, you have the same schedule as me.”

  My smile grew.

  “Wow, what are the chances?” I said, leaning back in my chair. “Guess you’re stuck with me, huh?”

  “Looks like,” Cheyenne said. She was trying to sound disappointed, but I couldn’t help but catch the glimmer of hope in her voice. Maybe now, after keeping to herself for all these years, she’d finally be willing to open up.

  The bell rang, and the last students flocked in. The teacher called for attention, then started to write on the board. Cheyenne grabbed a pen, and started to write. I followed her lead, taking down notes, and gave her an occasional smile. Gradually, she started to smile back.

  And right then, I knew this was going to be the start of something incredible…

  Chapter 3

  “There’s no point doing anything if you can’t have fun along the way.” ~Daniel

  The wind screamed in my face as I sat in the upper branches of the tall elm. Rain splattered into my hood, and I wiped my soggy nose. I could barely hear the song playing on my iPod, so I pulled out my earphones and sighed. I’d been waiting since Cheyenne had come home from school, and the weather had just grown worse and worse. It was getting colder, too. Sooner or later it would start hailing, and then I’d be in for it.

  Why did Colt always get the easy jobs?

  Shivering, I hunched closer to the branch, watching the kitchen window. Inside, Cheyenne was eating dinner with her parents. Looked like pulled pork and salad was on the menu tonight. My stomach growled. I bet it was really hot, too. Just the thing for a day like this. And though as a Timeless I didn’t eat much, my mouth still watered. Callon had made us live off soup for weeks, as there’d been a problem with his bank account that had yet to be sorted, and I was sick of it. In a way I was kinda thankful for the breeze, as the smell from the Wilson’s kitchen would’ve driven me crazy.

  The patter of raindrops seemed to slow, and I sat back against the trunk. Just a couple more hours, and Cheyenne would go to bed. Then I’d head home. Gene and Alexis had taken a lot of precautions around the house, so I knew she’d be safe overnight, and Colt would take over when he came to pick her up for school tomorrow. The problems came when she decided to go for walks alone, which was why I had to keep watch every evening. It would be just plain stalkerish if Colt always appeared to escort her everywhere.

  Still, I didn’t like this job much. I was all for protecting Cheyenne, but Callon said I had to be invisible, that I couldn’t approach her or talk to her at any time. Because if we ran into trouble, I’d only be able to jump her away, and that would open up a whole can of worms. She was a few years from turning twenty yet, and it would be too much to drop the bombshell that she was Timeless this soon. Especially when Callon was convinced there was something special about her; something Gene and Alexis were hiding from us…

  Movement caught my eye, and I looked towards the forest. I couldn’t see anything, but just to be safe, I jumped to the base of the elm, then to the border of the trees. Last week Colt had caught a Tresez prowling, and had snapped its neck before it could report to the rest of its pack. And while I might not be able to match my brother’s strength, I had my own tricks to keep Cheyenne safe.

  A quick search turned up nothing. Disappointed, I closed my eyes, wiping the water from my face. This was so frustrating. Every time I thought I saw something, I’d be proven wrong. Of course, I’d rather not run into a Tresez if I could help it, but it was so boring sitting around and chasing shadows.

  Also, wandering around in the open like this was dangerous. Like three days ago, when I’d almost landed myself in big trouble. I’d been checking over the area where Colt had killed the Tresez, and had come close to stumbling into Cheyenne. I hadn’t realized she was in the front yard when I’d jumped towards the house. Fortunately I’d jumped out again so quickly I doubted she’d got a decent look. But since then, I caught her glancing around more often, as if she knew she was being watched. It drove a cold wedge in my heart. I wasn’t the enemy. I was her defender.

  And as I’d kept an eye over her these past few months, I could see she needed more than just protection. The way she’d close herself in her room and stare dreamily out of her window, or curl up on her bed listening to music…it
was just like me after Dad locked me up at home in Ireland. As the youngest son of the Consilador leader, I was a prime target for Marcus. For almost four years he’d made me a prisoner in my own home, and it had driven me insane.

  It couldn’t have been any easier for Cheyenne, who didn’t even know the danger awaiting her. How much I wanted to be there for her, to let her pour her heart out as I’d wanted to in those dark times. I knew exactly how it felt to be so isolated. Surely I was the best person she could talk to.

  Instead Callon had locked me away from her, too…

  A fresh blast of cold hit my cheeks, turning them raw. I pulled my hood up, and jumped back to the treetop. Enough feeling sorry for myself; better get back to work. I glanced through the kitchen window again. Cheyenne had gone, leaving her parents sitting at the dining table. I noticed half of Cheyenne’s plate was still there. Seemed she was a light eater, too.

  I turned to the bedroom windows. Cheyenne’s room faced this side, so it was easy to keep tabs on her. Usually she’d start her homework right about now. Sure enough, she sat at her desk, scribbling away on some paper. Occasionally she’d stop to take a sip from her glass of water, or to tap her pen against her cheek, or check something on her laptop. As she reached for her book bag, I caught the headphones dangling across her chest. I wondered what kind of music she liked…

  Suddenly my phone went off, and I flinched. Renewing my grip on the branches, I grabbed it from my pocket.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi Daniel.” That was Gene’s voice. “You must be cold out there. Do you want to come in for dinner?”

  “Is it safe?” I asked, keeping an eye on Cheyenne.

  “Cheyenne won’t come down,” Gene assured me. “Once she’s had dinner she usually spends the rest of the evening in her room. Alexis made pulled pork. I hope that’s okay?”

  “Perfect!” I said. It’d be great to get out of this tree and warm up with a nice hot dinner.

  I slipped the phone back into my pocket, and checked Cheyenne’s window again. She was reclining on her bed, reading a book. She wouldn’t move for ages. Making sure she wasn’t peering out her window, I jumped down to the ground, then to the front door. Gene was waiting, and he led me into the warmth. I pulled off my coat, shaking out the rainwater.

  “You must be frozen,” Alexis said, pulling out a plate. “Sit down and let my pulled pork warm you up.”

  “Thanks.” I took a seat at the table and soon I was tearing through the food. The pork was delicious. I’d definitely have to convince Callon to start cooking again.

  “How have things been so far?” Gene asked, nursing a mug of coffee.

  “Nice and quiet,” I said. “A few movements in the forest now and then, but nothing that’s made me worry.”

  “Good,” Gene said. “Colt told me about last week with the Tresez, but it’s reassuring there hasn’t been much trouble since. We’re really grateful for what you and your brothers are doing.”

  “S’no trouble,” I replied, cleaning my plate with a piece of bread. I’d have to get this recipe. As I finished my last mouthful, a sudden thought occurred to me. “Hey, isn’t it Thanksgiving soon?”

  “Yes, in two weeks,” Alexis said.

  “Wow, how times flies,” I said. It seemed like only yesterday when Callon had called me in Ireland, asking me to help him. But I had something else on my mind. “You know, I’d really like to get Cheyenne a present.”

  “Oh?” Gene raised an eyebrow. “What did you have planned?”

  “Nothing too fancy,” I said. “I know she likes reading. Maybe a book?”

  “She’d enjoy that,” Alexis said. “Of course, she won’t be able to know it’s from you, but we’d be glad to give it on your behalf.”

  I nodded, though inside I was a little hurt. My promise of silence to Callon couldn’t be broken, I knew, but it wasn’t fair. Even without speaking to her, I knew Cheyenne and I were really alike. Aside from my brothers, I didn’t have very many friends, and I would’ve given anything to be hers. Colt didn’t know how lucky he was. Still, if my gift could give her some happiness, it would be worth it.

  Even if she’d never know it was from me…

  “Would you like a hot drink?” Alexis asked, interrupting my thoughts. “Coffee, or hot chocolate, perhaps?”

  “A hot chocolate would be great,” I said, licking my lips. Timeless or not, my sweet-tooth hadn’t dampened. Much to Callon’s dismay. “You’re a very talented cook, Alexis.”

  “Oh, it’s hardly a talent,” Alexis smiled, reaching for a mug. She cast a glance over Cheyenne’s plate, and sighed. “I only wish I could figure out a recipe to make Cheyenne finish her dinner for once.”

  “Has she always been a light eater?” I asked.

  “That’s the thing,” Gene said. “She used to eat more than she does now, and I’m not sure why she’s gone off her food.”

  “You think it might be a sign of her turning Timeless?” I tapped my fingers on the table.

  “I’d say it’s still too early,” Gene answered. “Dex has told me of a few cases where the transformation happened a year before it was meant to, but it’s rare. And I’m sure Cheyenne would have mentioned something, at least to us.”

  I chewed my lip. Callon would probably want to hear about this.

  Alexis handed me a hot mug, and sat down again. Her face was creased with worry.

  “I really wish she’d speak to us more,” she said, knotting her fingers together. “I’m glad she seems to get along well with Colt, but she’s always keeping everything to herself.” She slouched a little. “I suppose it’s our fault. If we hadn’t had to move around so much…”

  “Alexis, enough,” Gene said, resting his hand on her wrist. “We’re doing everything we can. Don’t forget, these teenage years are pretty testing even for a human family. Once she turns eighteen, we can explain the truth, and there’ll be nothing to worry about.”

  Suddenly I heard soft footsteps on the stairs.

  “Hey Dad?”

  My eyes widened; it was Cheyenne! Before she reached the hallway, I jumped to the sitting room. Phew, that was close. Then I realized I’d left my coat on the back of my chair in the kitchen.

  Oh no!

  “Hey, have you had company?” Cheyenne’s voice rang clear through the hall. “I thought I heard voices.” I swallowed.

  “Oh, it was just one of my colleagues,” Gene said. He didn’t sound nervous at all. “Stopped by to drop some papers for tomorrow.”

  “I see,” Cheyenne said. “Is that his coat?”

  There was a long silence.

  “Yes,” Alexis said. She didn’t sound quite as confident as her husband. “Don’t worry, your father can give him it tomorrow.”

  “He must’ve been in a hurry,” Cheyenne joked. “He didn’t even finish his hot chocolate, and you make the best, Mom.”

  “Ah, you know these business types,” Gene said. “Always in a rush.”

  “Kinda like you, huh Dad?”

  I heard them all laugh, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I wasn’t out of hot water yet, though. I’d better get going before Cheyenne found me. It wasn’t going to be pleasant jumping home without a coat, but Colt could get it back for me tomorrow.

  I jumped outside again, and into the heart of the storm. In seconds my T-shirt was plastered to my skin, and my hair was slick across my scalp. Grimacing, I shoved my hands in my pockets and quickly jumped off towards home.

  I’d bring an umbrella next time.

  “I think you forgot this yesterday.”

  Colt threw my coat onto the couch beside me, his keys jangling in his other hand. He must’ve just arrived home. I sat up, turning the volume down on the television.

  “Oh, thanks,” I said. “Did you have a good day at school?”

  Colt rolled his eyes.

  “Yes, Dad, it was fun.” He plopped into the couch beside me and snatched the remote, flicking channels. “You know how much I love calculus.” He put
his feet up on the coffee table. “But I bet you had fun on the way home last night without a coat.”

  “Yeah, I did get a first-hand experience of what it’s like to be a fish,” I smiled. I gave a long stretch. “Well, if you’re home already, guess it’s time for me to head over to the Wilson’s.”

  Not today you won’t.

  Both Colt and I spun around. Callon was at the door, dressed in his leather jacket and boots. He had the keys to the motorcycle in his hand.

  What’s up, Callon? I asked. Isn’t it me who watches Cheyenne in the evenings?

  Callon ran his hand through his hair.

  Yes, usually, but there’s something I need to confirm for myself tonight.

  I stood up, grabbing my newly-returned coat.

  Want me to help?

  No, Daniel, Callon said. I’ve got to do this alone. Don’t worry, you can have a night off before the weekend.

  I frowned.

  Don’t you trust me?

  Callon’s jaw tightened.

  Of course I do. I wouldn’t have called you here otherwise. No, it’s just Dex told me something this morning and I need to get into Cheyenne’s room to check something.

  Colt’s brows shot up.

  You’re going to break into their house? Why?

  Callon rolled his eyes.

  You guys ask too many questions. Don’t worry, she won’t know, and I’m not going to take anything. I’m only going to look around.

  Colt huffed.

  It’s still an invasion of privacy, Callon. I don’t think you should go ahead with this.

  At least tell us what you’re planning, I added.

  Callon sighed.

  Alright. Well, you already know there’s a possibility Cheyenne might be the last Kvech heir. Gene and Alexis keep denying it, but a few things don’t add up. She just looks so much like Qaysean, and the way her eyes change color like Sahara’s, it can’t be coincidence. I need to find out more about her real parents, or if she has anything that links her to the Kvech clan.

  Doubt you’ll find much, Colt broke in. She’s told me she doesn’t have any photos of her birth parents, and no heirlooms, either. Anyway, she wouldn’t have stuff like that lying around.