Cheyenne (41 page)

“
No,” he replied, and I looked up, wondering what the explanation was. “I have the ring because I am the firstborn of the Consilador clan. I am the leader, the next in line to rule.”

“
I thought you didn’t understand what your ring meant?”

“
I said I didn’t fully understand it, if you remember correctly.”

“
So it means something more?”

“
Yes.”

I studied him; there was always something deeper than what lay on the surface. Lately, I felt like I never fully understood anything they told me. It was almost as if Callon was suffering from some inner turmoil, but over what, I couldn’t figure. “How long did it take you to figure it out? The meaning, that is.”

“
A while.”

“
So you still have part of your clan left? Some who survived?”

“
Yes,” he replied calmly. Everything about him seemed calm on the surface…what lay beneath?

“
Where are they now?”

“
Spread out all over the world. It’s safer that way.”

If he had clan members spread over the world, did I? I knew I was the last of the Kvech, but what about the Servak? Callon tugged my hand slightly, and we continued. I had so many more questions; so much I wanted to know. I sighed and surveyed my surroundings. We were at the cabin, and Lilly was waiting on the front porch.

Chapter 24

“
Cheyenne,” Lilly said, hesitating as she stepped down off the porch.

“
I’m fine, Lilly,” I replied warmly. “It’s a lot to take in all at once. For so long I knew nothing, and now I’m finding out everything at once. A little time and understanding is what I need.”

She took my arm, and Callon walked us up the stairs to a seat. Stepping away as Lilly sat, he leaned against the rail watching. It took a few moments for me to realize he was there to make sure she didn’t give me too much information. He never revealed too much, always held back…why? I shifted my eyes to her and sighed.

“
Callon,” I said politely. “I’d like to talk with Lilly alone if you don’t mind.” He didn’t move. As I turned, his posture had tightened. His jaw was locked, and he was suddenly very determined. Mr. Evasive had returned again.

I glanced at Lilly, saw her determination also, and smiled.

“
Callon, go inside. We won’t leave the porch; we’ll be safe,” Lilly said firmly. He still didn’t move. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see his eyes narrowing, and a smirk began to form on my lips.

“
Callon,” Lilly said with more authority. “You can watch from inside the window. You’ll be able to see anything coming.”

He crossed his arms before walking in the cabin. I listened, waiting for the screen door to close before proceeding.
He who must be obeyed
was overridden by
she who must be obeyed
. Interesting. I refocused.

“
Lilly, can you tell me more about my parents? There’s so much I want to know.”

She took my hands in hers. “What do you want to know, honey?”

“
My mother, did you know her well?”

“
I knew her the last ten years of her life. I knew your father longer.”

“
Can you tell me more about her? What was she like?”

Lilly’s face warmed. “Your mother was special. She had such a passion for life and your father. I have to admit I was skeptical of her when they were first together. She was from the Servak clan, a clan that was united with the Sarac. My immediate response was not good; I thought she was a spy. I thought she was sent to find your father. As I watched her fight alongside him, I knew I was wrong. She wanted to make right the wrong her people had done.” Lilly’s cool blue eyes held such love. “She had the gift of persuasion, though she never used it on us. She was genuine, didn’t want to change people to get her way. She wanted them to choose to make a difference.”

“
Do I have her gift?”

“
From what I can see, and what Callon has told me, you have some. Not enough to persuade Timeless, but enough to use on humans easily.”

I hadn’t known it was a power. That would explain how I was able to convince the sheriff to leave me home alone, and the bank teller to give me entrance to the safe deposit box. What else could she see?

“
So you can see if I have a power now? I thought it wouldn’t show up until after I made the change.” I wanted to know more.

“
It happens differently for each of us. I can see things in you already becoming pronounced. They will become stronger once you are Timeless. Chances are you will probably have more than one power, as it’s clear that you are very special indeed.”

I’d also healed quicker than in the past and I had a power already. “What other powers do you see? What else can I do?”

Lilly smiled and her light chuckle filled the air. “I know the boys make fun of you, but I do believe that you are able to talk to animals.”

So I wasn’t crazy after all. “Do you think it’s all animals?” I asked, excited.

“
I don’t know. I’ve only seen how Mandi acts around you. I don’t know if I would come out and tell them yet though. It might cause you to be teased more.”

“
You’re right,” I laughed. “No need to give them anything more to tease me about.” I smiled as I stared out into the valley, pondering. “You said I looked like my mother. How?”

She hesitated. “Cheyenne,” she said with love, “you are just as beautiful as your mother; the shape of your face, the color of your eyes. Sahara’s would change colors just like yours, and you have so much of your father’s skin and hair coloring.” She sighed. “There’s so much of them mixed inside of you. You are more beautiful than you realize, and I’m not just referring to what’s on the outside.” She reached for my hands and held them tightly.

“
I can see into your heart. You have compassion for those around you who are hurting, forgiveness for those who have pained you. You’re strong when needed; you’ve been through a lot in your short life but it hasn’t made you angry or bitter. Instead, your experiences have built character and determination.

“
You have a passion for what you believe in. That’s why the boys can’t stand to be away from you. They love you deeply. I can see how Callon and Colt react when you are near. They would give their lives for you. You create happiness, and people are drawn to it. We’re your family now, Cheyenne. We will always be here for you, no matter what.”

I was speechless as a tear rolled down my cheek; she saw the love they both had for me. Love I didn’t deserve—love I had been holding back from accepting. Callon was right: I was afraid of relationships, and until I truly opened up, I wouldn’t understand. I knew I loved Colt, but why was I having the same feelings for Callon? It wasn’t fair. I looked down, shamefully knowing the truth.

“
I told Colt I loved him, but down deep, I know I have feelings for Callon, too,” I whispered. “I feel so confused; how can I love two people the same and yet differently? They’ve both sacrificed for me, and I know both would do more if necessary.” I wiped the tear from my cheek.

“
Callon told me he loved me, though not in so many words. How am I supposed to make a choice? A choice means somebody gets hurt, and I don’t want anyone to hurt. I’ve held back in opening up for so long out of fear of being rejected. I don’t know how much more my heart can take, Lilly. I’ve lost so much. I don’t want to be vulnerable again. I don’t know what else I can give.”

Without saying a word, she leaned forward, drew me into her embrace, and just held me. It was warm, comforting, loving. I didn’t understand how my connection with her could already be so strong, but it was so different than what I had expected. She knew so much about me, about my parents. It was as if they anticipated me finding her someday, to have her fill the empty void in my life, to be able to talk to her about everything and anything. With anyone else, I would never have admitted I had feelings for two men. I would never have put myself out there to be critiqued—with her I didn’t feel judged. I almost felt complete—whole.

I would never forget her words about love. They were my family now. I had a family, adoptive, but it was mine if I was willing to take it. I could be happy in this moment with Dex and Lilly, happy with Callon, Colt, and Daniel. They wanted me, they loved me—they would always be there. All I had to do was accept it.

Lilly drew back and rubbed my arms. “This is not easy for you. I understand. You’re around them twenty-four/seven, and both want to make you happy—both want to protect you. Things will change soon. You’ll see.” She sighed. “Wait here, honey. I want to show you something.”

I nodded as I watched her walk away, wondering what she meant and how she knew what would happen. “Stay put; we’re not done talking yet. I’ll let you know when you can come out,” Lilly’s voice echoed inside the cabin.

Her footsteps disappeared momentarily. I didn’t turn, but felt eyes staring at me through the windows. She returned with a small well-worn piece of paper, and placed it in my hands. The edges were slightly tattered; opening it, my hands began to tremble. It was a picture of my mother. Tears began to well in my eyes, and I couldn’t look up.

“
Lilly,” I said in a quivering whisper. “How old was I when she died?”

“
They’ve been gone for over thirteen years, why?”

“
I know this face. I’ve seen her before.” I took a shallow breath. “I was six. She was across the street from my school. She came to see me on my sixth birthday.”

“
Oh, Cheyenne,” Lilly said passionately. “I didn’t know. I shouldn’t have brought you this picture.” She touched my arm. “I didn’t want to cause you anymore heartache, honey.”

The tears flowed freely as I closed my eyes and grasped the picture to my chest. My trembling lips moved once more. “No, it’s ok. I’m glad she got to see me. I needed this…I needed this closure. Thank you.”

The screen door slammed and footsteps neared, stopping directly in front of me. I didn’t move as massive arms surrounded me; it was Colt. I couldn’t stop the tears as I lay my head on his shoulder. All the feelings I had for my parents, as well as the feelings for my adoptive parents, came pouring out. I had cried when they died, but somehow this was different. I couldn’t contain it.

Colt held me for a long time. Lilly went inside, and he adjusted himself so he was sitting on the bench, drawing me onto his lap. Eventually my sobs quieted, but only after every emotion I was harboring was spent. I had nothing more to give. I knew this would be the last time I cried for them. My dad had always told me to be strong, and I would be. He would remind me that situations were only as bad as I allowed them to be, and my situation of being without a family was over. I had everything I needed here with me now. I had a family; I was a part of something.

“
I’m sorry,” I said quietly. “I’ve made a mess of your shirt, Colt.”

“
I don’t mind,” he said sympathetically. “Are you okay?”

“
Yes.” I sighed. “How did you know to come out?”

“
It’s a gift,” he said with a light chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

I popped my tear stained face up. “You were listening weren’t you?”

“
Yes,” he replied with a sheepish smile.

The weariness showed through. I couldn’t hide it any longer. “How much of our talk did you listen to?” I swallowed.

“
Enough,” he said sincerely.

I dropped my head back into his shoulder and replied in a muffled voice, “I’m sorry.” He’d heard me tell Lilly I had feelings for both him and Callon.

“
I’m not. I told you before I wouldn’t make you choose. I will always be here for you—no matter what.”

“
I don’t deserve your love and affection. I don’t deserve anyone’s…” I trailed off, feeling completely ashamed of my behavior.

Colt’s arms tightened. “Cheyenne,” he said affectionately. “We are the ones who don’t deserve you.” He kissed my forehead, and released his tight hold. I kept my head on his shoulder.

“
Why didn’t you tell me you were brothers?” I questioned.

“
You didn’t ask.”

“
I don’t want to come between you and Callon; family is always more important.”

“
You won’t,” he promised.

“
I already did.” I sat up, staring into his icy blue eyes. It all made sense now. “You weren’t angry with me that night in the tent were you? The night Callon kissed me.”

“
No, I wasn’t.” His jaw tightened.

“
Then why did you treat me like that? Why did you let me think you were disgusted with me, that you didn’t want me…that you didn’t love me?”

He sighed, pain radiating through his words, “I’m so sorry. I was angry, but it wasn’t directed at you. I worked through it; Callon and I are fine now. You don’t need to worry about it anymore.”

There was more to this, more than he wanted to let me know. Callon was the oldest, leader of their clan—did that mean Colt had to listen to him? Obey his orders? Deep down I suspected I was right. I was too emotionally spent to think it out further. I would ask more later. I just needed Colt’s touch, his love. I wrapped my hands around his neck, and buried my face in his neck. I kissed it lightly. He always smelled so good, and I inhaled deeply. His large hand rubbed my back gently.