Copyright
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or used factiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, my not be reproduced in any form without permission from the author. The scanning uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the author is illegal and punishable by law.
Copyright © 2012 by Lisa L. Wiedmeier
Editor: Sam Dogra
Copy Editor: A-1 Editing Services, Jodi Tahsler
Front cover art by: Phatpuppy Art
Cover design by: Timeless Productions
For more information on the Timeless Series visit: http://www.lisawiedmeier.com/ timelessseriesnovels.com / www.facebook.com/TimelessSeriesNovels / http://lisawiedmeier.blogspot.com/
Edition-I
ISBN: 978-0-9839052-3-3
For Sam, who helped me see the true beauty of the words I painted.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
With thanks to my family and friends for their continued love and support, and to my ARC readers for giving up their time and giving me their valued feedback.
A special thanks to Anita and Kim who helped keep me sane.
We promise according to our hopes, and perform according to our fears.
~Francois duc de la Rochefoucauld
Promise is most given when the least is said.
~George Chapman
Chapter 1
A gentle wind ruffled my Palomino Mandi’s blond mane. She was walking slowly; her head hung low like mine. My heart was heavy, filled with sorrow, and broken beyond measure. As we left Dex and Lilly’s cabin earlier this morning, I had tried to hold back the tears—I’d tried to be strong, but without much success.
I sighed. It wasn’t their fault I felt like this. They had offered to make me a part of their family, something I’d longed for since my parents’ death, but once again, circumstances had turned against me. I couldn’t take the pain anymore. The pain of loneliness, the pain of betrayal…I shook my head. I would have to remain distant, close off my heart and not allow the hurt in. If I wasn’t attached emotionally, I couldn’t feel the wound.
This was hardly anything new for me. We had moved so much when I was young, remaining aloof had been the only way I could deal with the loss of friends. It was only recently I’d learned why we could never stay in the same place for long. It had been for my protection. But even my parents’ careful measures, I was sure, hadn’t turned out as they’d planned.
I sighed. It had already been six months since their death…six long months since the day Sheriff Taylor had arrived on my doorstep to tell me the awful news. I had so many regrets, regrets for not saying three simple words: I love you. I promised myself never to let the opportunity slip by again, but it was much harder said than done. I’d almost lost Colt—the man I loved—because of my insecurities but in the end it really didn’t matter. My destiny was already planned out.
The truth that had been hidden from me for so long played on my thoughts, and I raked my fingers in Mandi’s mane. I was something different. I was Timeless. Born human until around the age of twenty, then we would transform, aging one year for every one hundred human years. Death would be harder, but not impossible. Our injuries or illnesses would heal more quickly than average—and some Timeless also inherited powers. Like I was supposed to…
I was the last of the Kvech, the ruling clan—the royal clan thought to have been wiped out. I was unexpected, and potentially dangerous. Everyone feared I’d fall into the wrong hands, become influenced under the wrong beliefs, and have my eventual powers used for evil. It had almost happened to my mother, eldest daughter of the Servak clan. Promised against her will to the Sarac’s leader, Marcus, she had barely escaped his grasp, stopping his dark plans. As a result, she was forced to give me up to my adoptive parents keep me safe…and she had eventually paid the price.
I sighed and shifted my gaze to my left, then right. Callon and Colt were riding in a tight formation, while Daniel led. They were ready for just about anything, except my broken heart. They were the cause of it, my so-called protectors. I had a personal army of three, who would give their lives for me, who’d sworn their undying love and whom I could depend on. But these same three never thought I deserved to know the truth, and they constantly kept me in the dark, deceiving me. I didn’t want to be around them anymore, but I couldn’t leave, not yet. I wasn’t ready.
“Callon,” I said quietly. “Can we please stop? I’m hungry and need to rest.”
He rode closer, and his fingers brushed my arm. I didn’t look at him, but I kept my eyes forward, forcing back the tingles that raced down my spine. Why did his touches always do this to me?
“Can you wait about half an hour?” Callon replied. “We’ll be near a creek and then we can water the horses at the same time.”
I nodded and turned to look at Colt. His icy blue eyes—sorrow-filled since we’d left the cabin—locked on mine, and I quickly looked away. I couldn’t peer into his face; see those blond locks falling over his tanned brow…it hurt too much.
I was the fool; I should have seen it coming. Colt had posed as my best friend. He had been my only close friend since I was a junior in high school. My parents loved him—now I knew why. He was Timeless himself, had worked his way inside my heart, secretly protecting me all along. He helped me every step of the way through my parents’ death, supporting me, allowing me to make some discoveries on my own, before revealing his true identity and the reason he was in my life at all.
I was hurt when I’d found out Colt had only been there as my guardian—I’d thought it was more than that. But when he confessed his love for me, I allowed him back in. I trusted him, loved him, knew he would do anything for me. Like when he ripped a hideous Tresez apart to save me. I felt his love surround me, heard his words of love, and then remembered the pain. I found out I could never be with him—because I’d been promised to someone else from the start.
Callon’s horse, Bo, snorted, and I glanced over at the other cause of my broken heart, Callon. I had been naive enough to trust him, too. Even fall for him. How could I have been so stupid? To fall for the two of them…fall for two brothers? That was yet another secret they’d kept from me. At least that explained how they were able to communicate telepathically—Daniel as well. They were probably talking things out right now, plotting their next move.
Despite their blood ties, each looked so different. I tried to locate the resemblance. Colt was larger than life: broad shoulders, hulking arms, and towering frame. Both he and Callon had the same tan skin, probably inherited from their shared father. Callon was pretty toned himself, but nowhere near Colt’s size.
I tightened my grip on Mandi’s reins. It was Callon’s fault I was feeling like this. He had known my identity the instant he spotted my rings; the proof of my Kvech and Servak heritage. He was the leader of the Consilador clan; the clan that had been ruling in my place. I still wasn’t sure what kind of authority he had, but one thing was for sure: I was promised to him—both he and Marcus, and I had been forced to bear my mother’s broken vows. I could see him shifting in his saddle, his brown wavy hair glistening in the sunshine. His hazel eyes glanced at me, and I looked away.
It probably wouldn’t have mattered anyway. Just because my birth mother didn’t fulfill her obligation to Marcus, that didn’t mean I had to agree to take her place. I accepted neither betrothal; no one was going to tell me who to choose as a husband. I would make my own choice, and it wouldn’t be either of them…in fact, it wouldn’t be anyone riding with me now.
An hour passed before we
finally stopped. Dismounting, I stretched my legs. Mandi wandered to the creek to drink. Colt neared with an outstretched hand. He was holding a sandwich. I kept my gaze on the ground and accepted it.
“Thank you,” I said quietly.
Hesitating, he watched me fiddle with the food. He lifted his hand and touched my cheek. I flinched and walked away, finding a log where I could sit and eat alone.
Our rest was brief, and Callon helped me mount, his fingers locking on my waist. I fought down the urge to growl, to snap at him not to touch me. I knew he was trying to be kind, trying to make amends for his behavior, but I’d never forgive him. Letting things go so far, refusing to tell me what I needed to know…he could reap what he’d sown.
We rode on. The landscape rolled by slowly. The pines moved as the wind touched their tips; an eagle flew overhead, far above the tree line. It was refreshing to notice these things this time around. On the ride in, I had been out of it, attacked by three Timeless men and left broken and disorientated. They had been sent by the Sarac clan to kill children of the Timeless before they transformed. Callon, Colt and Daniel had saved my life—they had saved my life a number of times. But as much as I owed them, I still couldn’t forgive their lies.
The day waned, and as night fell, a fresh chill surrounded me. Well, it was late September. I untied my long-sleeved shirt from my waist and slid it on, glad I had thought ahead.
Darkness came, but we didn’t stop. There was enough moonlight to guide the way. The pace my guardians had set was as relentless as ever, and I was struggling to keep up. I needed to rest, but I didn’t want to slow us down. Callon moved closer, reaching out for my hand. I saw his concern as he checked me over. My lips were parched, and my whole body ached. I needed water.
“Cheyenne, do we need to stop for the night?” Callon asked.
Everything in me wanted to say yes, but I stood firm.
“I’m fine,” I replied coolly. “Just…”
I was interrupted as Daniel came to a sudden halt. In seconds, Callon had dismounted and was at my side to lift me down.
“Don’t lie to us. You’re tired and dehydrated. I don’t want you to get one of your nasty headaches before we make it home.”
Much as I wanted to argue, I knew he was right. I really didn’t want one on top of everything else. They were horrid, part of my transformation. I had suffered one a few weeks ago after we arrived at Dex and Lilly’s, right after I had been attacked by three men. It was more than a headache; a fever accompanied it, and I lost my hearing and sight. I had also almost lost Colt, after our fight by the riverside. I sighed. Sometimes I wondered if it would have been better if he had left me there—at least my heart would have remained whole.
Daniel had the tent set up quickly, and Colt began gathering wood for the fire.
“Here, drink this,” Callon said, handing me a canteen. “Are you hungry?”
“No.” I really wasn’t.
“You should eat more. You’re not Timeless yet. I don’t want you to disappear on us.”
“Sorry that my eating habits bother you, Dr. Callon,” I said flatly. I’d be glad when I was Timeless. Then I’d only have to eat about once a week. The slower metabolism would mean I didn’t have to consume as much food.
“Another ten to fifteen pounds would do you some good.” He paused. “And that’s from a medical perspective.”
I rolled my eyes.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Even though I was still angry with him, I couldn’t deny that I was thankful he was a doctor. He’d already put me back together a number of times. At the rate I was going, I needed access to twenty-four-hour medical care.
Daniel started the fire, and Callon motioned for me to sit. I sat on the ground, curled my legs into my chest and wrapped my arms tightly around them. I played with the Servak ring on my index finger, feeling each etched symbol. I kept my gaze on the fire. Colt knew what this meant; he knew I would twist my ring when I was deep in thought. He sighed.
No one bothered to sit too close. They kept their distance as they began to talk out loud amongst themselves. For what reason I didn’t know—they could talk telepathically and usually did. It was probably just to include me. I was growing more exhausted by the moment. The tent was up nearby; I didn’t have anything to prove by staying awake. I stood up and walked inside the canvas, and the conversation stopped. Not bothering to zip it closed, I curled up on the blanket Daniel had laid out for me. I stared at the fire until my lids grew heavy, and I fell asleep.
I was in the misty forest, alone. A dim light was flickering in the distance, and I followed it. I saw men, rugged warriors, gathered. Their clothing was ragged and worn. A branch snapped behind me, and I whipped my head around to see white fangs nearing.
My heart raced. It was the Tresez—and there were a lot of them. That unmistakable rancid smell touched my nostrils; their midnight eyes glowed with rage. They were just as awful as I remembered, just as large, just as hideous. Their appearance was like monstrous dogs with porcupine quills that rose and fell with each breath. Their pink gums exposed razor-sharp fangs. They circled me. They were going to destroy me—their mission was to kill the children of the Timeless.
I had nowhere to go, no one to help me—I was alone—again. One of the creatures stepped back, creating an opening, while another came from behind…leading me forward. They didn’t attack. They forced me to follow their path—I had no choice. I blinked, and we were at the edge of the forest. A thick fog still hovered above the ground in the valley, but it was light. I could see clearly—a battle was taking place there. My heart cried out. Callon, Colt and Daniel were fighting! They were paired off against the same men I’d seen earlier. I helplessly watched them fall one by one. They were dying for me—to protect me. No! They would not die for me—I bolted out into the field. I ran with everything within me…I couldn’t let them die for me!
“No!” I screamed out.
“Cheyenne!”
I sat straight up, shaking violently. My fingers clawed the ground; I blinked wildly as I oriented myself. It was a dream; the same one from two nights ago. The same terrifying nightmare that had caused me to run into Callon’s arms and kiss him…
“Cheyenne!” Callon’s rough voice called out from the tent entrance. He came inside and knelt down. His jaw tightened as he saw the fear in my eyes. I could tell he wanted to reach out, but he didn’t.
“It was just a dream,” I said in a shaky voice. “I’m fine.” I forced myself to turn away, to lie back down and face the tent wall, curling into a ball. I wanted Callon to hold me, but I needed to be strong. I could handle this on my own. I stared at the tent wall as he contemplated what to do next. Slowly he drew the blanket over me, and I closed my eyes. His fingers brushed my hair behind my ear as he sighed and rose. I didn’t sleep.
My mind kept running over the dream. I couldn’t stop thinking about my protectors. It wasn’t fair! They had hurt me so badly, and yet I couldn’t stop loving them. And even if I didn’t love them, I couldn’t allow them to die for me. Deep down, I knew I wouldn’t stay with them any longer than I had to; however, I would do everything within my power to ensure they weren’t harmed.
By the time dawn came, I was even more exhausted than the night before. I rolled over and saw Callon had placed my pack just inside the door. I crawled forward and began to dig through it. The tent door was still open, and I could see the three men were sitting close by. I knew Colt was watching, waiting for me to come out. I looked up to meet his icy blue stare. His shoulders were tense, his whole body ready to leap up at a moment’s notice. I took a shaky breath and zipped the tent closed.
I changed and sat silently for a few moments. I wanted to wash up, brush my teeth. The canteen was near the fire, next to Colt. I frowned. I was acting like a child just because I couldn’t get my own way. I could face them. I was strong enough—they no longer affected me.
I opened the tent, closing my eyes briefly as I pressed my fingers to my forehead.
I forced myself to take the necessary steps, and I paused in front of Colt. He leaned forward and handed me the canteen, purposely touching my hand. I bit my lip. He knew what I wanted without me asking.
“Thanks,” I murmured and tried to walk away, but he wouldn’t release his hold. Colt’s free hand swallowed my cheek as he lifted my chin up. His eyes held such remorse, and a blond wisp of hair fell over his lashes.
“Chey—” he began.
“No, Colt,” I whispered. “It’s too late.” I could hardly keep a level voice. I was on the brink of tears. What was wrong with me? How could I still love him after all he’d done? I clenched my jaw and turned away. Colt released his hold, leaving Daniel to follow me.
Daniel and I stopped a short distance away. He held the canteen while I brushed and washed. The silence was killing him. I finished and glanced up into his deep blue eyes. His silky black hair ruffled in the breeze.
“I’m really sorry, Cheyenne,” he said. “We didn’t mean to hurt you. I don’t want you to go away. I want you to stay around.” He hesitated and then touched my hand. Dex had told them I would leave the first chance I got—I had said the words myself the night I found out about the betrothal. “I know we can work this out. Just give us a chance. We can make it right.”
I didn’t reply. A sudden chill ran down my spine. Seconds later, I winced as a sharp pain flared above my shoulder blade. That was where the Tresez’s nail had been embedded in my skin. I pinched my eyes closed and arched my back. When the pain subsided, I opened my eyes to see the anxiety in Daniel’s. I grabbed his arm swiftly. “I’m fine, Daniel! I’m fine. Don’t you dare say a word!” I stared intently at him, willing him to agree, and waited for him to respond. He nodded, and I released my hold. My gaze shifted to Callon and Colt. They were tearing down camp—they had seen nothing. We walked back.
“Not a word!” I muttered under my breath.
I went straight to Mandi; I felt her unease. Something wasn’t right, but I didn’t know what it was. Why did my wound hurt like that? It hadn’t been bothering me until right then…
Promises Page 1