Free Daylight, a Timeless Series Novel by Lisa L Wiedmeier Page B

myself why I’d allowed the beast control.
    Another knock came. “Cheyenne?”
    I inhaled and drew myself off the bed, straightening my clothes. Callon remained turned away.
    “Come in,” I called out and the door opened.
    Dex entered slowly, his gaze moving towards Callon. “Everything okay, Cheyenne?”
    I nodded.
    He stopped before me and began rubbing his hands together. “If this is too much for you, sweetheart, you just need to let us know. Everyone understands…”
    “It’s fine,” I cut him off. “I’m fine.” Once again , I felt the cold touch of dark fingers draping across my shoulders. Guilt poured over me. I’d used Callon. He’d used the rings in the past to manipulate me, and now I was no different, manipulating him, playing with his heartstrings. Giving him hope for something I could probably never give in return—love. How could I tell him that I was afraid to love? That it was toxic? That everyone I’d ever loved had died—was killed—because of me. No, I just couldn’t open myself up again. I wouldn’t be able to face myself if Callon were ripped from my life like…
    My lips twisted , and I glanced towards Callon. He was staring at me. The fire and passion I’d witnessed was gone, washed away and replaced with hurt. I wanted to apologize, but just couldn’t.
    I pushed past Dex and headed for the door. I’d have plenty of time to contemplate what had just happened, but for right now I needed to make an appearance. I’d be strong and I wouldn’t allow love, passion, or friendship to slip in—I couldn’t.
    Callon and Dex followed me as I headed for the sitting room. I entered near the music area. Maes was once again keeping his distance from the others. He paced uncomfortably, but his eyes met mine before I passed. He moved towards me with the grace of a panther, until Dex stepped between us. They exchanged uneasy glares. Eventually Maes hissed and returned to his pacing.
    Apparently he wasn’t welcome here.
    The group fell silent as I neared, and I kept my head level and steady. I wouldn’t make eye contact, wouldn’t open myself up. I stopped, staring at their shoulders.
    “I’m sorry for my behavior last night ,” I said. “It was a bit much to take in when I wasn’t expecting so many new faces. I thought I’d be given more time to grow accustomed to the idea before you arrived.”
    Koda moved closer , and I stiffened. I focused on Skylar’s wild hair instead.
    “This is my fault, Cheyenne ,” Koda said. “I shouldn’t have insisted I come. I should have—”
    “It’s fine.”
    “But I can leave.”
    “No. I’m fine, ” I repeated. “It’s going to be fine.”
    I stepped towards a small game table next to a large window. I took a seat, focusing on the sunshine breaking through the clouds. The uncomfortable silence began again, and I felt everyone’s gaze on me. Daniel jumped to the open seat and moved a checker piece.
    I sighed. Daniel, my one weakness…
    “Your move, Chey,” Daniel said quietly.
    “I’m not in the mood, Daniel,” I replied.
    He was silent for a moment.
    “But you’re in the game chair seat . It’s a rule: you have to play.”
    A dark shadow crossed behind me , Maes. My jaw clenched. It wouldn’t take much to push me over the edge this morning.
    “Here, let me move the first piece for you,” Daniel said, his eyes not meeting mine, but instead staring at Maes.
    “Hmph,” Maes grunted. “Still need someone to fight your battles for you, Cheyenne?”
    The hair on my neck stood on end. Maes was deliberately fueling my beast, wanting to see how far he could push things. I rose, the chair squealing in protest, then made for the door. I wasn’t going to let him play his stupid mind games.
    A hand grasped my arm, and I hissed, spinning around. Maes clasped his fingers tighter, and I growled.
    “Touch me again , and it will be the last thing you ever do, Maes!” I yanked my arm away and headed for the terrace doors.
    I heard