“I’ll meet you there, if you don’t mind. I need to cover your tracks.”
I nodded.
We climbed down, and he departed in a different direction while I headed for my car. I was sure he would circle around behind me until I got to the trailhead. When I arrived at the house, he was waiting at the front door, changed. I ran upstairs and threw on my swimsuit, meeting him with my towel in hand out front.
“Ready?” The word rolled from his tongue in his French accent as he arched a brow, and a faint smile appeared.
He was actually smiling?
I nodded, and we departed for the lake. The walk was short, only half a mile. The sun warmed as afternoon strode on, and the cool mountain lake would be refreshing. We found a vacant dock, stopped at the edge, and Maes dove in. I tossed my towel and removed my shorts, and dove in as well. I gasped as I came out. The water was colder than I thought.
Maes was a good swimmer, even in his human form; however, I could hold my breath longer than he knew. He must have been in his torturing older brother mood because he pulled me out away from the dock and left me hanging in between the dock and a small island. He knew it was a hard swim; he was expecting that I’d ask for help.
The instant his fingers released me, I immediately dove under, deep enough that he assumed I swam away. I held my breath for about five minutes, and rose closer to the surface.
“Cheyenne!” I heard Maes’s muffled cry. “Cheyenne!”
I broke the surface and saw he was halfway to the dock in a frantic search. Whistling, I snickered. It was about time I pulled one over on them, even though they weren’t truly here. I saw the relief wash over Maes, and in the next moment a wicked smile grew on his face. He dove back under, and I knew he’d pay me back for that one. I attempted to swim to the island, but he caught up quickly. As I resurfaced, breathless, he was in front of me, smiling. Exhaustion was quickly setting in.
“Nice one,” he complimented. “I probably deserved it. You did better than I thought with the swimming.”
I was barely holding on and couldn’t answer.
“You want some help now?” he chuckled.
I nodded, and he turned me around. His arm pulled around my waist, and he swam us to shore. I collapsed into the sand, as he towered above me. Breathlessly, I attempted to speak, “That wasn’t…very nice…of you. I’m not…going swimming…with you again.”
Maes chuckled, “You’re getting stronger. I didn’t know you could hold your breath that long; you gave me a good scare. I thought I was going to be doing a search and rescue for your body.”
“When are you going to learn not to underestimate me?” I grinned.
“I don’t know. I kind of like surprises.” He plopped down beside and watched me breathe. As he moved down to his elbows, he rolled to his side.
“Like me taking your powers?” I giggled.
He rolled his eyes. “I can guarantee that won’t ever happen again.”
“Just out of curiosity, did you know what was happening at the time?”
“I thought it odd. A feeling of intense cold pulsing through my veins, but before I could figure out what it was, it stopped. I knew you were up to something. I just didn’t know what at the moment. I really didn’t think anyone would be able to take my powers—ever.”
“Wow, I pulled one over on The Great Maes.” I smirked. “I don’t get the impression it happens often.”
“Very few have succeeded.” His eyes drifted towards the water, his thoughts deep in some sort of memory.
“What do you mean by you didn’t think anyone would be able to take your powers?” This was a new development.
“Well,” he turned towards me. “The power I hold now is limited because of the curse. I guess I figured since it was limited from the curse, you wouldn’t be able to remove it from me, but then again, you are the last living Kvech heir.”
“Limited?”
“Yes. When your grandfather cursed us, it limited our powers, but over the years I’ve been able to manipulate the curse.”
“Manipulate it how?”
He sighed. “The curse in its original form forced us to serve the Sarac on all fours like dogs. My grandfather was a shape shifter, so the curse limited us to only that power and forced us to remain as dogs, as Tresez. Tresez is the binding of three—three coming together, heart, soul and mind, to become the shape we desired. It used to be easy, just a simple thought, but after the curse…well, it can be exhausting.”
“So you shouldn’t be able to shift? But you do, how?”
“Manipulation.” He grinned. “I’ve figured out a way to do it, but it drains me.”
“It drains you every time you do it?”
“Yes.”
“But you shift effortlessly all the time…at least it looks effortless.”
“It’s not something that I let others see. It’s a weakness I’d rather not have my enemies know about it.”
How had I missed this? “But I’ve never seen you sleep?”
“When I first manipulated the curse, I’d be down for days. Now I only need a small bit of time to recover.”
“Oh.” I watched him carefully. “So am I your friend or enemy?”
A smirk appeared, but no reply came.
I sighed, and my mind wandered back to my past Tresez attacks. If they were all shape shifters, they would have changed back when they died, but they couldn’t…or could they? If he’d learned to do this, then surely others would have too.
“I’m confused.”
He raised a brow.
“If you can do it, then others can as well?”
“Few, but I believe really it’s only because the curse is weakening.”
“Weakening?” Daniel had told me some information when Maes wouldn’t, but I didn’t have any details.
“It’s not as strong as it used to be, which is another reason I believe it doesn’t wipe me out as much.”
I nodded and processed this information. Why was he so willing to share his secrets with me now? His eye coloring was another question I had. Why was there only a bit of jade on the outer edge of his iris and nowhere else? He’d never answered me in the past. Perhaps that was for another time. I had other questions I wanted answered first, and his mood had certainly improved from the morning’s episode. I sat up and crossed my legs contemplating. “Maes, can I ask you a question?”
He shrugged. “Depends on what the question is.”
“My mom, Sahara, how well did you know her?”
A black veil draped over his appearance, and suddenly I became chilled.
“Well enough,” he replied coldly.
“What was she like?” I asked earnestly. Besides Dex and Lilly, no one had firsthand information.
“You really don’t want me to answer that question.”
“Please? I’ve only heard what little Dex and Lilly have told me. They say she switched sides to fight against Marcus. You saw her before she ran away. I just want to know what she was like.”
He kept his eyes out upon the water and a vein pulsed in his forehead.
“Please, Maes, I just need to know.”
I sat quietly waiting for his reply, which never came. I reached out and touched his arm, hoping for any tidbit of information that might provide me with some comfort. “Please,” I whispered.
His head moved slowly, and his green-rimmed eyes were filled with hatred. My breath caught.
“She was a conniving, heartless woman who worked relentlessly at destroying everything in her path.”
I blinked, shocked at such a statement. Tears rose to the surface. Why would he say such a thing? Lilly made my mother out to be a saint. I shook my head. “No, that can’t be the truth,” I barely uttered.
“Truth is sometimes hard to accept, Cheyenne, but Sahara was as cold as they come. She left her father alone to die. He died because of her selfishness.”
“How can you say that?” My fingers curled into the palm of my hand. “Lilly said she
was wonderful and loving. My mom sacrificed her life for me.”
He snorted. “That’s what they’d like you to believe. I saw it firsthand. She never sacrificed anything. She took until she left things lifeless to satisfy her own desires.”
“How dare you speak of my mother that way!” I shot up like a rocket and squared myself.
“You’re just as much of an Ice Queen as she was,” Maes said, standing up. “You never knew her. You never knew what she was like, and you never will! You only stick up for her because you are bound by blood.”
Anger rose like steam from a kettle, and my hand flew towards his cheek. I felt the sting of his flesh against my palm as I made contact. “Don’t talk about her like that!”
My hand throbbed as we stared each other down. No remorse showed on his face, not even the slightest tinge of compassion.
Tears began streaming down my cheeks. How could I believe Maes would ever be kind to me? How could I think I wanted to hear about my mother with his knowledge? How could I have thought there was a softness growing in his heart?
“You are just as cruel and heartless as her then,” I said through clenched teeth. “How am I supposed to trust you? How can I even like you? You’re no different than the others; I’m just a means to your end. You’ll get what you want—your freedom—and then I’ll be useless.”
I stormed towards the water, intent on leaving him and his words behind me. Within moments, he was beside me as I struggled to swim toward the dock. His arm wrapped around my waist as he turned me to assist me back. It took total and complete control to not lash out at him, scratch him, and punch him. I didn’t want him touching me. I didn’t want him near me ever again.
We arrived at the dock, and he helped me out. I immediately went for my towel and shorts. I didn’t even bother to put them on as I fought to put the distance between us.
He appeared beside me, silently matching my stride.
I ignored him. A fire was brewing, and I knew it wasn’t going to be pretty.
I shoved the front door open and attempted to slam it in his face. His fingers stopped it. Exasperated, I moved through the house to the hot tub and dipped myself in the warm water.
He sat across from me.
“You give me whiplash with your moods,” I commented.
His arms lay resting on the outside of the tub, relaxing as if nothing took place. His fingers brushed through his black locks, pushing them back. He was a one-person mood roulette, and I had no idea which Maes was showing when the spinning stopped. Was I the enemy or the friend?
My head began to ache, and I rubbed my fingers on my temple.
“I think you need to leave. I want to be alone,” I said with remarkable calmness. “If I need you, I’ll find you. Otherwise, I’d appreciate it if you’d keep your distance.”
“You’re going to dismiss me so quickly, are you?” he purred.
“Yes, I’m ‘dismissing’ you, if that’s how you want to put it. You’re supposed to be out of sight.”
“I never said I’d be out of sight. I said I’d protect you while you were away from the O’Shea’s.”
“I want you out of sight,” I said flatly.
“So one disagreement, and you’re pushing me away?”
I looked up, and he raised a brow. I let out an exasperated breath, climbed out and went inside. He remained.
I showered and dressed, coming back down to find he’d finally departed. His shirt was draped over the kitchen chair. I grabbed the guitar and headed back to the deck. Dusk arrived, along with a chill in the air, and I started a fire in the pit. I needed to remain calm. I sat on the sectional with the guitar close to my heart, and watched the flames while thinking of Callon. He’d been thoughtful sending the guitar; he knew, just like Colt, what I needed, sometimes before I even knew it.
Sighing, I pulled the guitar down and played a few chords, then closed my eyes and listened to the music. I played softly. It was like whispers on the wind, dancing, lingering in the night air. It was always only for me, to soothe my heart, fill the cracks, wash over the pain. I played until my heart was full and the anger gone. As I lay the guitar to the side, I once again watched the flames, and my mind wandered to the events of the past few days.
“That was really beautiful, Cheyenne,” Matt’s voice called out, and I jumped.
My eyes searched the darkness. He was standing at the edge of a deck overlooking mine. He was my neighbor? I sighed heavily; I just couldn’t catch a break, could I? I returned my gaze to the fire, deciding whether to answer or not.
“It wasn’t for you,” I finally replied.
“Regardless, it was beautiful,” he said in appreciation.
It was silent for a few moments before he spoke again, “May I come over?”
“No,” I replied firmly. “I’m busy.”
“I can see that. I’ll be right over.”
I jerked my head up; he was gone before I could reply. Did I lock the front door? I rose and was startled to see him standing on the deck before me with two bottles in his hands.
“Can I offer you a drink?” His hand extended towards me.
“I don’t drink, Matt.” My eyes locked on his.
Who was this guy entering into my house uninvited?
“Sure you do.” A sparkle appeared as a sly grin rose. “I’ve seen you do it a number of times. Besides, yours isn’t alcoholic.” He stepped closer and winked as he set the bottle on the table beside me and then moved to the seat across the fire. I glanced at the bottle; it was root beer.
“So you’re my neighbor?” I raised an accusing brow.
He smiled. “Yes, but I didn’t know it until I heard music and came to investigate. That’s very remarkable. Your guitar playing, that is. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything quite like it.” He paused, twisting the bottle in his fingers. “The way you played, it was as if you were speaking, pouring out your heart over the chords.” His gaze drifted to me once more. “Had a bad day, did you?”
Surprised, I stiffened. “Why would you say that?”
“The melody didn’t sound very upbeat. It gave me the impression you were sad, angry or hurting at different points in the music.”
I averted my attention to my Servak ring, I began playing with it, twisting it around with my thumb. “I only play for myself.”
“Ah, I see. Well I’m glad I got to benefit from your playing tonight.” He sighed. “Thank you.”
Silence fell over us. Toying with my ring, I stared into the fire. The warmth touched me just enough as the coolness of the night set in.
“So did your friends come to visit today?” He took another drink from his bottle as he casually awaited my reply.
“Why would you ask me that?” I refused to make eye contact; I’d be an open book.
“I saw a t-shirt sitting on the kitchen chair when I came in. I thought you might need a friend to talk to.”
A friend, huh? Like I needed any more friends at the moment… I glanced inside and knew what he saw, Maes’s shirt. Sighing, I replied, “Yes.”
“I’m assuming it didn’t go well?”
“You could say that.”
“Which one?”
“Which one what?” I replied.
“Which one stayed?”
I refused to reply. This was getting too personal.
He continued. “They all came this morning, three left, but one stayed behind. You requested that he leave earlier tonight. Would that be correct?”
Was he trying to manipulate me now? “If you know, why are you even asking me? Why’d you ask me this morning at the coffee shop?” I inhaled, forcing down the anger as I balled my fists. “Have you been following me around all day?”
“No, I just saw them leaving this morning, and I overheard part of your conversation tonight telling someone else to get out.”
“You were ease dropping on my conversations?” My voice rose. I was becoming livid.
“You weren’t speaking softly on the deck
earlier. I paid a little more attention because I wasn’t sure if you might need some assistance.” He paused for a moment, gauging my reaction. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. I just want to help.”
“I thought you said you didn’t know we were neighbors until you heard my music?” My eyes narrowed as I caught him in his lie.
“I didn’t, but I’d heard an argument and would have come to aid whoever needed it.” His grey eyes softened.
“You also said that you saw four men here this morning. You didn’t know I was here?”
“No, I only pieced it all together when I heard the music and saw you here. Like I said, I just want to help. That’s all.”
I looked away. There was nothing he could help me with. This was a mess I’d created all on my own, and I’d have to make things right with Callon. I stared at the flames of the fire, understanding how it could be all-consuming, devouring, eating away until nothing was left but a pile of ash. Is that was I was to become, a pile of ashes to be blown away in a strong wind?
“I get the impression they haven’t been completely honest with you,” he said quietly. “They’ve lied to you for whatever reason.”
“How do you know all this?” I questioned as our eyes met once more across the flames.
“You’re an open book, Cheyenne. I can see the pain and hurt in your face. You came here to figure things out. That’s why you said undecided when I asked how long you’d stay. You don’t know how long it’ll take you to work this out. I also think there’s more to this story you haven’t opened up to me yet.” He leaned forward. His eyes bored through me, and a chill ran down my spine. “I also saw the picture you were holding this morning. Whoever it is, you miss her. There was a longing in your eyes. I have the feeling you don’t have any family left, that you’re all alone.”
Realization hit hard. I knew nothing about my mother. When was her birthday, what was her favorite color…what was her temperament really like? Then there was the fact that he knew I was all alone. As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him.
“It bothers you, but you’re too strong to admit it. It seems to me you’ve been through a lot in your short life.”
Promises Page 19