Free Promises by Lisa L Wiedmeier Page B

gone.”
    I nodded. I still ached slightly, but at least I wouldn’t have to worry about another ice bath. I rolled to my left side and pulled my right arm from under the covers. I wasn’t ready to move yet; the bed was soft, and I was content just to stay still. I had a lot to think about. I still didn’t have a clue what Maes really wanted from me. Like a certain evasive man who was in the room with me, he never answered my questions. Then there was still the issue of Trackers. Would they find us here, or would Maes keep them at bay?
    Was I even right to trust Maes? Would this whole thing backfire?
    I sighed again.
    Callon’s hand drifted down my arm. He let his palm slide across my rings, rearranging them, before he locked his fingers between mine. As our rings touched, an electrical current raced down my spine. I attempted to pull away, but he held on, and my pulse quickened.
    “ You felt that didn’t you, Cheyenne?” Callon whispered.
    “ No. I…I have a chill, that’s all,” I replied, trying to move my hand again. It wouldn’t budge. What was going on?
    “ Then why’s your hair standing on end?”
    “ That’s just your imagination!” I retorted. I’d always known Callon held power over me, but this was going too far. It was almost as if he was controlling my emotions…
    Suddenly Callon rolled me to my back, staring straight at me. A flickered of excitement ran through his hazel eyes. He was getting a thrill out of this? Damn him!
    “ It’s not my imagination. I can see it in your eyes. I told you we were bound eternally. It’s stronger than the both of us…we can’t do anything to stop it.” His thumb began stroking my wrist.
    “ Yes, we can. Let go of my hand,” I said in a shaky voice. His gaze held me captive, and my cheeks flushed. We remained unmoving for a few moments. Was he willing me to love him?
    Callon drew back, placing his hands in his lap. “You’re weak from this latest transformation. I want you to rest.”
    The doctor was suddenly back in full swing.
    I frowned. It was true I’d barely recovered from the latest phase of my transformation, but I didn’t feel weak or tired. I was sick of being bedbound. I wanted to go out and do something. The possibility of the Trackers finding us was high, but neither they nor the Tresez would come into town…they’d be seen. Besides, we already had a spy in the house. I was beginning to think I might be safer taking a trip rather than staying here.
    “ I want to go into town.”
    “ No, it’s not worth the risk,” Callon replied firmly.
    “ Who’s going to come after me, Callon?” I asked. “It’s obvious Maes is keeping the Tresez and Trackers away. I feel fine, too, and there’s little chance another transformation will take place anytime soon. I’m tired of being held a prisoner by you.”
    There was no reply.
    “ After all you’ve put me through, all the betrayal and lies, it’s the smallest thing you can grant me.”
    I sat up and touched his arm. His eyes drifted to my fingers.
    “ You think your touch will persuade me, Cheyenne?”
    “ I don’t need my touch to persuade you, Callon. I want, no, need to go into town—today.” I knew if he thought about it too much, he’d say no.
    “ What you need is your rest.”
    “ I need some freedom. A little shopping trip won’t hurt. Besides, I know there’s nothing in the house to eat right now.”
    Callon released a heavy sigh. He stood up, breaking my hold. “Get dressed, and I’ll think about it.”
    It wasn’t a “no” yet…
    “ Where are my clothes?” I asked.
    “ In the bathroom closet.”
    I nodded and began to crawl out of bed.
    “ I need to do some shopping as well. The weather is getting cooler, and I’m going to need warmer clothes.” I hesitated, watching his reaction. “We’ve been doing what the three of you have wanted from the beginning. It’s time I get to make some choices.” Without waiting for a reply, I walked into the bathroom