Free Promises by Lisa L Wiedmeier Page A

On the vanity sat a change of clothes. Managing to scrape together enough energy, I peeled the wet clothing off and applied the dry. I was unsteady on my feet, using the vanity to balance myself when there was a soft knock at the door before it opened. Callon’s head peered through. Seconds later, he had a hold of my arm before I toppled over. He carried me to bed.
    Colt was waiting with a blanket in hand to wrap me in. Callon lay me in bed, and I curled into a tight ball, trying to warm myself. I was so cold, the shaking wouldn’t stop, and my body felt like I had been run over by a freight train.
    The fire was gone…now the frigid cold set in. Callon and Colt sat close, one on each side, each taking turns rubbing my arm, back and legs. They were trying so hard, I didn’t have the heart to tell them it was painful. I fell asleep and shivered through the night.
    A gentle touch pulled the hair away from my face, tucking it behind my ear, and I heard a soft click as Callon checked my temperature once more. “How are you feeling?” Callon asked.
    I blinked slowly, trying to focus on his face. “Better,” I murmured.
    “ Your temperature is remaining steady at ninety-nine.” His knuckles stroked my cheek, another one of his small ways to try and provide me with comfort. “Do you think you can move this morning? We need to leave as soon as possible. It isn’t safe here anymore.”
    “ Yes.” I tried to sit up only to fall back down. The room was spinning.
    The crease in his brow grew. “Stay here until I come for you. I’ll carry you out. Daniel is bringing you some food and water.” His fingers brushed my hair back once more. “We’ll be home tonight. You’ll rest better there.”
    I hated being so dependent upon them; I needed my guardians as they needed me. What if this had happened while I was out in the forest alone? Who would have helped me? Would I have been able to survive this on my own?
    Callon withdrew the blanket and carried me to the truck. I couldn’t even walk on my own—I was growing to dislike this reliance.
    Gently Callon placed me in the seat, and I moved to the middle. After I was buckled in, he then drew a blanket around me as he slid in beside me. Colt took the driver’s seat. I would’ve thought I’d be more comfortable in the back, but Maes was there. They wouldn’t put me near him—lack of trust.
    I slept the majority of the drive. From time to time, Callon would wake me, trying to get me to eat and drink. I drank what I could, but I couldn’t eat. I shivered for a long time before I eventually warmed. We arrived at the cabin after dark, and Callon carried me in and placed me in bed.
    I vaguely realized I didn’t recognize this room. It was bigger; it wasn’t the same one I’d stayed in before. He pulled the blanket off and tucked me under the covers. He sat next to me on top of the comforter, and his fingers pushed my hair out of my eyes. I sensed he was trying to comfort me again—different this time around—unsure. It was as if he wanted to hold me, but didn’t—or couldn’t.
    At least not yet.

Chapter 5

    In the morning, I took in the new surroundings—Callon’s room. I’d passed by it enough to know. The room was larger, more elegant. The furniture was a deep mahogany, and rich warm colors filled the walls. The glass balcony doors overlooked the yard, and there were two exits, one leading to the hall and the second to a private bath.
    Sighing, I slumped back in bed. Once more, my guardians had saved me. They’d protected me from the Trackers and cared for me while I had the fever. I hated being indebted to them; it played with my heartstrings too much. I was bound to them as they were bound to me.
    I rolled over and almost screamed. Callon was sitting at the edge of the bed, watching me. I hadn’t even heard him come in. His fingers brushed my forehead.
    “ Are you feeling better?” he asked softly.
    “ Yes.” My voice croaked.
    “ Your fever’s