Free Daylight, a Timeless Series Novel by Lisa L Wiedmeier

behind me. Seconds later it opened again. Callon was there, staring at me in confusion. A few tears escaped, and I clenched my fists at my side. I couldn’t tolerate Koda’s laughter, identical to my Colt’s. A sound I’d never hear again .
    “Cheyenne.” Callon stood beside me as I choked back a sob. “Cheyenne, please. You need to calm down.”
    “Why?” I spat. “So you can pretend nothing happened, that Colt’s still here and we’re all fine?”
    Callon sighed.
    “You’re not the only one suffering, Cheyenne. I miss Colt more than you can imagine…”
    “Like hell you do!”
    “Stop it!” Callon gripped my shoulders. “You might not think I do, but I remember that day as clearly as if it happened yesterday. And it hurts just as much. But I’m not letting it rule me. I can’t afford to.” His hold relaxed. “Why can’t you just let me help you?”
    I didn’t reply, as suddenly the answer came. I knew what I had to do. I had to close myself off. But this wouldn’t be like before. Now I wouldn’t let anyone inside. Nobody would be allowed to play with my heart again. And I wouldn’t let them get away with all the hurt and lies they’d dealt me. No, I’d let it out, let loose that dark thing inside me and let it have its revenge. I’d let it have the power it thirsted for. I’d let it have me .
    “Cheyenne, answer me.”
    I looked up at him.
    “It’s done,” I whispered.
    “What? What’s done? I don’t understand…”
    “I do,” Maes snarled. He shoved past Callon and grabbed my wrist, forcing me to face him. His muscles were taut, consumed by hot rage, and he glared deep into my eyes. “What have you done, Cheyenne?”
    “Leave her be!” Lilly screamed. She hurriedly placed herself between us, fighting Maes’s hold. “Hasn’t she been through enough without you manhandling her like this? Haven’t your words cut enough, Maes! ” She pushed us back, away from Callon and Maes. Dex joined her, his arms coming around us.
    “Maes, I think you need to leave now,” Dex commanded.
    “She will never be worth anything if you all continue to baby her!” Maes roared. He stormed out of the room.
    “You need to rest, sweetheart,” Lilly said softly as she gently rubbed my back.
    Callon stood in the doorway, completely torn. Now I finally saw the pain he’d been fighting, holding back for my sake.
    “I’ve been a fool,” he said softly. “You weren’t ready for this. Forgive me.”
    He turned and headed for the stairs. The sight of him walking away, leaving me again, frightened me, and set off a dull ache. The darkness, however, remained, delving deeper as my lips parted, wanting to call him back. No, I didn’t need him and his false comfort. I’d keep everything to myself and bury it. I wouldn’t cry, I wouldn’t love, and I’d become the weapon they all wanted.
    I pulled myself free from Dex and Lilly.
    “I’m tired. I’m going to bed.” I headed for the bathroom, closing the door behind me and pressing my hands to my face. No more fighting—I’d given the beast what it wanted—regardless of my own feelings.
    And they would have to reap the consequences of what they’d sown.

 
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 5
     
     
    Sunlight peeked through the sheer windows, bringing with it the cool morning air. I shivered, but it wasn’t from the cold. Last night’s events kept replaying in my head, and each memory burned deep inside. I’d felt the beast wrap around me last night, and I didn’t struggle. I’d just waited for it to take what it wanted— me .
    I rolled over. The room was empty. It wouldn’t take the group downstairs long to figure out what was going on , that I’d allowed this beast its freedom. Callon had probably already informed them. There was no point in hiding it any longer. I’d do what they asked of me and leave love out of the equation. How I was going to do this, I didn’t know. I only knew love hurt, and I was tired of hurting.
    I forced