Daylight, a Timeless Series Novel by Lisa L Wiedmeier Page A

He strode into the forest. I trailed behind, fixing my gaze on his broad shoulders. Last time I’d done this was when he’d fished me out of a river, and I’d struggled to keep up. Now that I was Timeless, it wasn’t so hard, though I did notice he wasn’t taking such big strides as before.
    My mind wandered back to Callon, and my shoulders sagged. How many more second chances was he going to give me before he decided this fresh start was over? I’d told him I needed help, and yet once again I’d run away. Maes was right; I was a whimpering pup.
    “I said I didn’t mean that, Cheyenne,” Maes said.
    I stopped. “What?”
    “You’re not a whimpering pup.”
    “Why would you say that?” How did he know what I was thinking?
    “Because I know you well enough to see you’re wallowing , and you need to stop. What’s done is done. Move on.”
    I was quiet for a moment. “But you told Callon I ran away at the first sign of trouble.”
    He didn’t reply.
    “Well, I think you’re bipolar,” I huffed. “One moment you’re supportive and then next you’re…”
    “I won’t coddle you. You’re stronger than that.” He picked up his stride, forcing me to jog.
    We spent t he remainder of the way back in silence. The beast inside had finally calmed; however, I knew it would return again. It was far from over.
    I hadn’t realized how far I’d run into the forest, but the sun was high by the time we finally reached the meadow. Callon, Daniel, Dex and Lilly were on the terrace, looking tense. I hesitated, unsure of how they’d react. I was sure it would only be with disappointment.
    Rustling in the grass caught my attention, and I looked across to the lake. Callon and Daniel stood just a few feet away. Both were worn out with worry. I clenched my hands, my nails digging into my palms. I couldn’t face him, not after what I’d put him through.
    Callon took a step forward, then paused.
    “Cheyenne?” He wasn’t sure what else to say.
    The dull ache in my chest grew more intense. I’d let him down, again . I’d run instead of seeking him out. Practically telling him he wasn’t good enough to comfort me.
    “I’m sorry,” I murmured. “I’m so sorry.”
    Warmth engulfed me, and I clung to him. I wanted to cry, but there weren’t any tears left to shed. He pressed me close, crooning softly in my ear.
    “Why?” he whispered, “Why didn’t you come and find me?”
    I could’ve given a dozen excuses, but in reality it came down to one : fear. Fear of all the failures and all the letdowns yet to come. Fear of that unknown thing inside of me, feeding off all my hurt and anger. Fear that one day I’d allow myself to be overrun and I wouldn’t care anymore, destroying everything I held dear. “I’m sorry.”
    Callon’s soft lips pressed against my ear.
    “I’m here for you. I’ll always be here for you, love.”
    I moved in closer, wanting to wash away the memories of letting him down once again.
    “What am I going to do with you?” He stroked my back.
    “I’m more trouble than I’m worth, Callon.” I knew the truth in my words. He’d warned me so many times, and yet I hadn’t listened, and had paid the price for my recklessness. How could he have so much patience with me?
    “No.” He kissed my ear lobe and drew back, gripping my cheeks. “You’re more than worth it. I’m just lost on what to do.” He sighed. “Come on, you look miserable. You need to rest.”
    I nodded and followed, my hand held in his. I kept my gaze averted as we passed the terrace. I didn’t need to see any more discerning stares.
    Callon escorted me to my room and waited while I changed and cleaned up. He was waiting beside the bed with the covers down. I crawled in.
    “Will you be okay if I leave for a while? I can send Lilly up,” he offered.
    I nodded my head.
    He brushed the stray hairs from my eyes. “I’ll be back in a few hours to check on you. We have more guests arriving.”
    I looked away. The