“No, I’ll be fine. I do appreciate you taking the time to help, officer.” I touched his arm. Finally; now I could get out of here.
He shook his head and rose, taking the first-aid kit along with the bloody gauze. “Are you planning on staying here for a while?” he asked.
“No, I just pulled over to look at my GPS system.”
Hesitating, he replied, “All right then. You drive safe and please try to keep it under the speed limit.” A faint grin appeared. “I know a car like this can be tempting to drive fast.”
I situated myself behind the wheel with both legs in, and he closed the door. I watched again in the mirror as he got in his car, but he didn’t depart. I sighed heavily and realized he was waiting for me. Complying, I returned to the highway and turned left, away from where my guardians found me. Lights on, this time I had no planned stops—except gas.
The morning sun finally appeared, and I stretched my leg. It had repaired itself. The fuel gage was pointing to empty again—much sooner than it should have—so I found a small gas station.
I gasped when I opened the door and saw the interior of my new car—bloodstains.
“Crap,” I muttered and looked around to ensure no one saw inside. I didn’t dare leave the car to get cleaning materials. I was on high alert after last night. It’d just be my luck that if I walked inside, my guardians would show up, and we’d have a showdown in the parking lot.
Wayward stares came my way, and I soon realized blood was smeared over my face and not just the interior of my car. Using the paper towels and bottle of water I had purchased earlier, I wiped it away as best I could. I caught the clerk inside watching intently. He was about to come out when I finished up and drove off. I crossed and recrossed my driving trail several times. I still hadn’t seen any sign of my guardians.
I was a mess.
I found a motel and paid for my lodgings. Parking in the rear, I determined the easiest escape route and studied it. I grabbed my bag and marked out how many paces it was to the motel door. If I had to get away, I needed to know the distance. Stepping inside, I tossed the pack to the bed as I bolted the door behind me. It was really pointless to lock it; it wouldn’t stop my guardians if they found me. Either Daniel would jump inside, Colt would kick it down, or maybe Callon would run through the door with all his pent-up anger.
The warm shower was refreshing, and I removed all the caked-on blood and dirt. Once I changed into clean clothes, I tossed my ruined ones in the trash. My shoes were loaded with blood, and I had no choice but to dump them as well. I dug through my pack and located a pair of flip-flops I’d thrown in. I’d have to stop and buy clothes tomorrow.
I sprawled out on my belly. The bed cushioned my sore muscles as I tried to relax. I was mentally and physically exhausted. Yet every creak and groan, every twitch of a hair brought my eyes searching…all day long. Eventually, I gave up and glanced at the clock. I’d slept a mere hour. I wasn’t completely refreshed, but it would have to do.
Picking up my pack and sliding my flip-flops on, I peered out the window through a crack in the curtains. It was still dark with no sign of danger.
I ran to my car, climbed in and locked the doors. I took one last glance around before driving out of the motel parking lot. A black Escalade was parked nearby, an SUV that was remarkably similar to Matt’s.
“Seriously?” I muttered, but quickly decided to blow it off. It was just a coincidence, nothing more. I needed to focus on other things. Besides, there were loads of SUV’s around…nothing unusual at all. I was just paranoid after the day I’d had—that’s all.
I drove through a couple of smaller mountain towns and waited until I thought the coast was clear before finding a department store mid-morning. I wouldn’t put it past my guardians to ambush and drag me out a back door if they found me again. I’d have to be on my toes. They wouldn’t let me go this time, police involvement or not.
I found the women’s department and rushed through, grabbing things randomly from the racks. I couldn’t afford to be picky right now—I just needed clothing. I purchased new running shoes along with a jacket, jeans and a scarf. I was in and out of the store in less than an hour.
I studied every movement on the street as I neared the Camaro. I was thankful the sales woman had allowed me to put the running shoes on before departing. Once inside the car, I locked myself in and drove off.
I hadn’t plotted a course anywhere, but where I’d been would do. Hours passed before I came upon a sign with directions to a ski resort. It was the off-season, and it just might prove to be the best hiding spot yet.
The resort was located against the base of a mountain and was sprawling with large custom homes and condos. The main lodge and hotel were sitting on a ridge overlooking a golf course. There were running trails that wove in and out of the condos and up the mountainside—plenty of opportunities to escape my guardians. I found the property rental office and rented a house for a month. Chances were I’d have to leave soon, but it seemed right at the moment.
The rental office gave me directions to the house, and it was nestled into the hillside facing the nearby lake. From the drive, a large deck overlooked the valley and lake in the background. I parked in the three-car garage and was in awe of the enormous size of my new home.
Vaulted ceilings with large timber beams greeted me in the great room, which opened up to the deck and view. The kitchen was just to the left, with granite countertops and custom cabinetry. The hardwood floors were hand carved, and a large staircase led to the master bedroom and two smaller ones.
The master bath was just as ornate as Dex and Lilly’s. I sighed as memories flooded back. Dex and Lilly had been there for me after the Tresez attack, they helped heal my wounds…but they'd also played their own part in deceiving me. Yet more people I'd opened my heart to, only to have it thrown back in my face. Why did everyone find it so easy to hurt me?
I shook my head and headed back downstairs to the great room. The couches were leather with a little bit of red upholstery on the pillows for accent. It made me smile as it reminded me of my guardians’ cabin. This was the only safe part of them to have with me—happy memories.
I stepped out on the deck. It wrapped around the back of the house, and cozy furniture was arranged around a fire pit. There was a hot tub off to one side. I sighed. I was finally free—alone. Maybe now I’d be able to clear my head and concentrate on what my future would be, what I’d choose and not what others had chosen for me.
I needed an unbiased view of the Timeless clans, not one filtered through Callon and the rest of them. I needed to find out what part I played in all of it.
I returned to unload my car and made myself at home. I smiled, noticing the swimsuit I’d bought. It was really an accident I’d picked it up, and now I’d get to enjoy the warmth from the hot tub without anyone to pester me.
My stomach growled, and I realized it had been several days since I’d last eaten. A good meal before the soak should do me wonders. I studied the map from the rental office and located a grocery store nearby. Within half an hour, I was back at the house eating my dinner. It felt good to be independent once more.
With my stomach satisfied, the idea of a fire sounded good. Soon I got a good blaze going with the dry wood I’d found in the garage. The cool night air was comfortable, and I stared at the flames as they danced across the wood. I let my mind wander.
My anger at my guardians was dulling. I understood they were trying to keep me safe; however, they didn’t understand why I needed to be alone. They wouldn’t listen when I tried to explain, and even leaving hadn’t made them care what had precipitated my deception. Since the beginning, they were always around. I couldn’t walk, read or think without someone hovering—touching. And especially since we’d returned from Dex and Lilly’s, there was the constant tension between us all. Colt and Callon were at each other’s throats—the cold stares, the glaring, and it was all because of me.
Then there was Maes—
I was his only hope. Pfst, I blew air from my mouth and brushed the hair from my forehead. I was nobody’s hope—I was hopeless myself. Hopelessly lost…
I continued watching the embers until they burned out, and then sat in the darkness with only the moonlight shining down on the valley. My eyes gravitated to the lake. The light rippling across the water calmed me. I went inside, and didn’t bother with the lights as I headed to bed.
I changed into my new sleepwear and stared at myself briefly in the mirror. It was a silky ice blue nightie with a scooped neck that fell to my thighs. Definitely more feminine than what I’d been wearing for the last year. I twirled a bit and smiled as the hem fell softly around my knees. I’d never get away with this with my guardians. I was sure he who must be obeyed would have forced me to change. It was a bit liberating to challenge Callon, even though he wasn’t here.
I crawled into bed and curled up in a tight ball on my side. It was strangely silent. I held my breath and waited to hear Colt’s rhythmic breathing beside me. It was only now that I realized just how comforting it was. I wrapped my arms around my legs, staring out at the moonlight through the bedroom window, before I finally drifted off.
I woke to the faintest light in the sky. Dawn was about to break. I stretched my arms over my head and lay there for a few moments, contemplating what I would do. I could lie here longer and watch the sun rise from my bedroom window, or I could get the full effect and watch its golden rays dance across the morning mist on the lake.
I grinned—I’d watch the sunrise from the deck and get the full effect.
Crawling out of bed, I headed for the bathroom and brushed my teeth, then splashed cool water on my face. As I dried my cheeks, I considered changing, but what did it really matter? There was no one here, and if I got chilled I’d grab a blanket off the back of the couch.
I nodded. “You’re free, Cheyenne. No need to ask for permission anymore.” I was making the decisions now, not my guardians.
I headed for the door, pausing for a moment in the doorway. I’d slept hard last night. Could my guardians have found me again? I strained, listening for anything unusual. Did I hear something in the great room? I shook my head. “You’re losing it, girl. They have no idea where you are. All the tracking devices were removed.”
I started down the stairs. The grey light of the morning was quickly changing to brilliant orange by the time I made it to the great room. I hurried to the deck, not wanting to miss the light hitting the lake water.
A rustling from the corner of the house stopped me dead in my tracks.
The air suddenly grew cold, and my breath caught. Before me in the shadows stood Callon, his arms crossed over his chest as he leaned against the wall. Neither of us moved. Our eyes locked as the sunlight filtered through the room.
How could he be here? How did he know where I was?
I blinked back the tears of failure. This couldn't be happening. I'd rid myself of them for good, and yet there he was, standing and staring at me as if all my efforts had been one big joke. He'd known all along…
In a moment, my despair turned to rage, and my fingers tightened into fists. I wasn't going to let him beat me.
“No…” The words dripped with pure rage. “No, no, no!”
Callon stepped forward; his hazel eyes intent.
I shrank back. “Stay away from me! I’m not going back!”
“Chey—,” he began to say.
“No! Keep your distance, Callon,” I growled. “I refuse to be used by you and Colt any longer.”
“Cheyenne, listen to me.” He reached for my hand, and I jumped back.
“Listen to you? I’m supposed to listen to you after all the half-truths you’ve fed me?”
“Cheyenne, stop it. Don’t run from me!” Callon demanded.
I didn’t need to listen to this. My legs took over, and I bolted barefoot towards the front door. My fingers touched the knob, only to be yanked away as a strong arm snaked around my waist and lifted me from the ground. I kicked and screamed, fighting for any ounce of freedom.
“Cheyenne!” Callon bellowed.
I didn’t stop thrashing, and my elbow managed to make contact with his face.
Callon was knocked off balance, and we hit the floor hard, my back slamming into the hardwood. Stunned, I blinked, trying to suck in a breath of air, when he pinned me to the floor and pressed his face to mine.
“Stop! I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You don’t want to hurt me?” I spat between my teeth. “That’s all you’ve done to me since the moment I met you! You only think of yourself. You’ve never considered my feelings. You’ve betrayed, lied, and left me in the dark over the last year! You were like a family to me—families are supposed to watch out for each other, love each other and protect each other. You’ve done nothing but rip me apart and cause me heartache. I’d have been better off if the Tresez had finished me off instead of living every day with you! I don’t need you—any of you. Now get out! I don’t ever want to see you again!”
I trembled under his hold.
His hands suddenly loosened, and he sat back. A profound wound flashed to the front of his eyes before he pressed it back. A trickle of blood came from his nose, and he raised a hand to wipe it away.
He was still sitting there while I pulled myself to my feet. I half expected him to grab me again. Silently, he slid his hand in to his pocket and pulled out a cell phone. He stared at the phone. His fingers traced its outline, before he offered it to me.
What just happened?
“I got you a new phone. I know you crushed your old one.” His voice was cold and hard. “This one has a tracking device in it as well. I’ve programed our number into the contacts list.”
Tears rose to the surface, and my throat became constricted. What was he saying?
“Callon,” I whispered. “I…”
“Colt is waiting outside to say goodbye.” He shoved the phone into my hand and headed for the front door.
“Callon!” I called out. “Callon, please!” I ran to the front door, but he’d already closed it behind him.
I dropped to my knees. What had I done? I pressed my hands to my face as the tears began to flow freely.
My heart ached at the words I’d carelessly thrown out. I’d never been so cruel to anyone in my life. Is this what it would be like for me now? Every time I got angry, I’d toss out mean and hurtful words and make everyone around me as miserable as myself? Or conjure up a lie so quickly it made my head spin? What was I becoming?
The flood of tears slowed, and I made my way upstairs to change, determined to make this right before Callon departed. I couldn’t have him leaving like this, but first I’d deal with Colt. I’d be cautious and listen before I spoke.
Colt was waiting in the garage, arms crossed as he leaned against the Camaro, his blue eyes solemn. He and Callon must have already talked.
I looked down as I approached him and waited for him to speak first.
“Your leg looks better, Cheyenne,” Colt said tenderly. “I’m glad I didn’t hurt you too badly.”
I shifted uncomfortably. “It was my fault, Colt. You were just trying to protect me.”
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do, but sometimes you make it difficult.”
I nodded.
An uncomfortable silence stretched between us. I didn’t know what to say anymore.
He released a heavy sigh and changed the topic.
“Pretty sweet ride. Are you going to let me drive it someday?”
“Sure, whenever you want.” I shrugged my shoulders.
He stood and reached out, his hand cupping my chin and pulling it up to meet his eyes. “Will you go for a ride with me now?”
“If that’s what you want.” I knew he saw how puffy my eyes were. I couldn’t hide it.
“I do.”
I turned to head back inside, when he touched my arm. I looked up in curiosity. A set of keys were dangling in his fingertips, accompanied with
a sly smirk.
“I sorta swiped them when you were sleeping. You tend to sleep really hard.”
He’d watched me sleep…no wait, they’d watched me sleep. They could have taken me at any point, and yet they didn’t. What were they trying to say?
“Ready?” he asked, and I followed him to the passenger door.
He drove out of the garage, and I saw Callon, Maes, and Daniel talking. Daniel’s sad eyes met mine. Callon remained rigid and turned away.
“I’ve been worried sick about you,” Colt commented as we pulled out of the driveway. “I didn’t know how bad your injury was. I hate us being this way.”
“I’m not fond of it either,” I replied.
“We’re leaving you here, and we won’t be back unless you call.”
“I know.”
“You can call or text if you want to talk. You know I’ll always be here for you.”
“I know.”
He pulled off the main road onto a gravel path and parked, rolling down the windows. He remained forward, his hands on the wheel, though he unbuckled his seatbelt.
“I don’t know, sweetheart. This car might be too much power for you to handle. Maybe I should keep it for a while. You know, take care of it for you?” He grinned and turned towards me. “Of course, you could come along with it, and I could look after you too.”
He was seriously doing this now?
“Colt…”
“Or maybe I should just stay here? Which one works for you?”
I slammed my hand onto the dashboard.
“Colt, why would you joke over something like this now?!” I had to bite back the rest; I didn’t want to snap at him like I had Callon.
He grew serious. “Chey, this is the only way I can deal with this situation. I don’t want to leave you, and the thought of it makes me sick. It was Callon’s idea to leave you here; he even paid the rent through August. I wanted you to come home with us.” He looked out the front window. “I’ve been with you for nearly three years. Every day I’ve seen you and felt complete. The one time I did leave you alone for a week, disaster struck. I can’t lose you, Cheyenne. I can’t.”
Promises Page 17