Free Fated, A Timeless Series Novella (A Timeless Series Companion Novel) by Lisa L Wiedmeier, Sam Dogra

went off, and I flinched. Renewing my grip on the branches, I grabbed it from my pocket .
    “Hello?”
    “Hi Daniel.” That was Gene’s voice. “ You must be cold out there. Do you want to come in for dinner?”
    “Is it safe?” I asked, keeping an eye on Cheyenne.
    “Cheyenne won’t come down,” Gene assured me. “Once she’s had dinner she usually spends the rest of the evening in her room. Alexis made pulled pork. I hope that’s okay?”
    “Perfect!” I said. It’d be great to get out of this tree and warm up with a nice hot dinner .
    I slipped the phone back into my pocket, and checked Cheyenne’s window again. She was reclining on her bed , reading a book. She wouldn’t move for ages. Making sure she wasn’t peering out her window, I jumped down to the ground, then to t he front door. Gene was waiting , and he led me into the warmth. I pulled off my coat , shaking out the rainwater.
    “You must be frozen,” Alexis said, pulling out a plate. “Sit down and let my pulled pork warm you up.”
    “Thanks.” I took a seat at the table and soon I was tearing through the food . The pork was delicious. I’d definitely have to convince Callon to start cooking again.
    “How have things been so far?” Gene asked, nursing a mug of coffee .
    “Nice and quiet,” I said. “A few movements in the forest now and then, but nothing that’s made me worry.”
    “Good,” Gene said. “ Colt told me about last week with the Tresez , but it’s reassuring there hasn’t been much trouble since. We’re really grateful for what you and your brothers are doing.”
    “S’no trouble,” I replied, cleaning my plate with a piece of bread . I’d have to get this recipe. As I finished my last mouthful, a sudden thought occurred to me. “Hey, isn’t it Thanksgiving soon?”
    “ Yes, in t wo weeks,” Alexis said.
    “ Wow, how times flies ,” I said. It seemed like only yesterday when Callon had called me in Ireland , asking me to help him . But I had something else on my mind. “ You know, I’d really like to get Cheyenne a present . ”
    “Oh?” Gene raised an eyebrow. “What did you have planned ?”
    “ Nothing too fancy,” I said. “ I know she likes reading. Maybe a book?”
    “She’d enjoy that,” Alexis said. “Of course, she won’t be able to know it’s from you, but we’d be glad to give it on your behalf.”
    I nodded, though inside I was a little hurt . My promise of silence to Callon couldn’t be broken , I knew, but it wasn’t fair . Even without speaking to her, I knew Cheyenne and I were really alike. Aside from my brothers, I didn’t have very many friends, and I would’ve given anything to be hers. Colt didn’t know how lucky he was. Still, if my gift could give her some happiness, it would be worth it .
    Even if she’d never know it was from me …
    “Would you like a hot drink?” Alexis asked , interrupting my thoughts . “Coffee, or hot chocolate, perhaps?”
    “A hot chocolate would be great ,” I said, licking my lips. Timeless or not, my sweet-tooth hadn’t dam pened. Much to Callon’s dismay. “You’re a very talented cook, Alexis.”
    “Oh, it’s hardly a talent,” Alexis smiled, reaching for a mug. She cast a glance over Cheyenne’s plate, and sighed. “ I only wish I could figure out a recipe to make Cheyenne finish her dinner for once .”
    “Has she always been a light eater?” I asked.
    “That’s the thing,” Gene said. “She used to eat more than she does now, and I’ m not sure why she’s gone off her food .”
    “You think it might be a sign of her turning Timeless ?” I tapped my fingers on the table.
    “I’d say it’s still too early,” Gene answered. “ Dex has told me of a few cases where the transformation happened a year before it was meant to , but it’s rare. And I’m sure Cheyenne would have mentioned something, at least to us.”
    I chewed my lip. Callon would probably want to hear about this.
    Alexis handed me a hot