Promises (27 page)

“
How dare you speak of my mother that way!” I shot up like a rocket and squared myself.

“
You’re just as much of an Ice Queen as she was,” Maes said, standing up. “You never knew her. You never knew what she was like, and you never will! You only stick up for her because you are bound by blood.”

Anger rose like steam from a kettle, and my hand flew towards his cheek. I felt the sting of his flesh against my palm as I made contact. “Don’t talk about her like that!”

My hand throbbed as we stared each other down. No remorse showed on his face, not even the slightest tinge of compassion.

Tears began streaming down my cheeks. How could I believe Maes would ever be kind to me? How could I think I wanted to hear about my mother with his knowledge? How could I have thought there was a softness growing in his heart?

“
You are just as cruel and heartless as her then,” I said through clenched teeth. “How am I supposed to trust you? How can I even like you? You’re no different than the others; I’m just a means to your end. You’ll get what you want—your freedom—and then I’ll be useless.”

I stormed towards the water, intent on leaving him and his words behind me. Within moments, he was beside me as I struggled to swim toward the dock. His arm wrapped around my waist as he turned me to assist me back. It took total and complete control to not lash out at him, scratch him, and punch him. I didn’t want him touching me. I didn’t want him near me ever again.

We arrived at the dock, and he helped me out. I immediately went for my towel and shorts. I didn’t even bother to put them on as I fought to put the distance between us.

He appeared beside me, silently matching my stride.

I ignored him. A fire was brewing, and I knew it wasn’t going to be pretty.

I shoved the front door open and attempted to slam it in his face. His fingers stopped it. Exasperated, I moved through the house to the hot tub and dipped myself in the warm water.

He sat across from me.

“
You give me whiplash with your moods,” I commented.

His arms lay resting on the outside of the tub, relaxing as if nothing took place. His fingers brushed through his black locks, pushing them back. He was a one-person mood roulette, and I had no idea
which
Maes was showing when the spinning stopped. Was I the enemy or the friend?

My head began to ache, and I rubbed my fingers on my temple.

“
I think you need to leave. I want to be alone,” I said with remarkable calmness. “If I need you, I’ll find you. Otherwise, I’d appreciate it if you’d keep your distance.”

“
You’re going to dismiss me so quickly, are you?” he purred.

“
Yes, I’m ‘dismissing’ you, if that’s how you want to put it. You’re supposed to be out of sight.”

“
I never said I’d be out of sight. I said I’d protect you while you were away from the O’Shea’s.”

“
I want you out of sight,” I said flatly.

“
So one disagreement, and you’re pushing me away?”

I looked up, and he raised a brow. I let out an exasperated breath, climbed out and went inside. He remained.

I showered and dressed, coming back down to find he’d finally departed. His shirt was draped over the kitchen chair. I grabbed the guitar and headed back to the deck. Dusk arrived, along with a chill in the air, and I started a fire in the pit. I needed to remain calm. I sat on the sectional with the guitar close to my heart, and watched the flames while thinking of Callon. He’d been thoughtful sending the guitar; he knew, just like Colt, what I needed, sometimes before I even knew it.

Sighing, I pulled the guitar down and played a few chords, then closed my eyes and listened to the music. I played softly. It was like whispers on the wind, dancing, lingering in the night air. It was always only for me, to soothe my heart, fill the cracks, wash over the pain. I played until my heart was full and the anger gone. As I lay the guitar to the side, I once again watched the flames, and my mind wandered to the events of the past few days.

“
That was really beautiful, Cheyenne,” Matt’s voice called out, and I jumped.

My eyes searched the darkness. He was standing at the edge of a deck overlooking mine. He was my neighbor? I sighed heavily; I just couldn’t catch a break, could I? I returned my gaze to the fire, deciding whether to answer or not.

“
It wasn’t for you,” I finally replied.

“
Regardless, it was beautiful,” he said in appreciation.

It was silent for a few moments before he spoke again, “May I come over?”

“
No,” I replied firmly. “I’m busy.”

“
I can see that. I’ll be right over.”

I jerked my head up; he was gone before I could reply. Did I lock the front door? I rose and was startled to see him standing on the deck before me with two bottles in his hands.

“
Can I offer you a drink?” His hand extended towards me.

“
I don’t drink, Matt.” My eyes locked on his.

Who was this guy entering into my house uninvited?

“
Sure you do.” A sparkle appeared as a sly grin rose. “I’ve seen you do it a number of times. Besides, yours isn’t alcoholic.” He stepped closer and winked as he set the bottle on the table beside me and then moved to the seat across the fire. I glanced at the bottle; it was root beer.

“
So you’re my neighbor?” I raised an accusing brow.

He smiled. “Yes, but I didn’t know it until I heard music and came to investigate. That’s very remarkable. Your guitar playing, that is. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything quite like it.” He paused, twisting the bottle in his fingers. “The way you played, it was as if you were speaking, pouring out your heart over the chords.” His gaze drifted to me once more. “Had a bad day, did you?”

Surprised, I stiffened. “Why would you say that?”

“
The melody didn’t sound very upbeat. It gave me the impression you were sad, angry or hurting at different points in the music.”

I averted my attention to my Servak ring, I began playing with it, twisting it around with my thumb. “I only play for myself.”

“
Ah, I see. Well I’m glad I got to benefit from your playing tonight.” He sighed. “Thank you.”

Silence fell over us. Toying with my ring, I stared into the fire. The warmth touched me just enough as the coolness of the night set in.

“
So did your friends come to visit today?” He took another drink from his bottle as he casually awaited my reply.

“
Why would you ask me that?” I refused to make eye contact; I’d be an open book.

“
I saw a t-shirt sitting on the kitchen chair when I came in. I thought you might need a friend to talk to.”

A friend, huh? Like I needed any more friends at the moment… I glanced inside and knew what he saw, Maes’s shirt. Sighing, I replied, “Yes.”

“
I’m assuming it didn’t go well?”

“
You could say that.”

“
Which one?”

“
Which one what?” I replied.

“
Which one stayed?”

I refused to reply. This was getting too personal.

He continued. “They all came this morning, three left, but one stayed behind. You requested that he leave earlier tonight. Would that be correct?”

Was he trying to manipulate me now? “If you know, why are you even asking me? Why’d you ask me this morning at the coffee shop?” I inhaled, forcing down the anger as I balled my fists. “Have you been following me around all day?”

“
No, I just saw them leaving this morning, and I overheard part of your conversation tonight telling someone else to get out.”

“
You were ease dropping on my conversations?” My voice rose. I was becoming livid.

“
You weren’t speaking softly on the deck earlier. I paid a little more attention because I wasn’t sure if you might need some assistance.” He paused for a moment, gauging my reaction. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you. I just want to help.”

“
I thought you said you didn’t know we were neighbors until you heard my music?” My eyes narrowed as I caught him in his lie.

“
I didn’t, but I’d heard an argument and would have come to aid whoever needed it.” His grey eyes softened.

“
You also said that you saw four men here this morning. You didn’t know I was here?”

“
No, I only pieced it all together when I heard the music and saw you here. Like I said, I just want to help. That’s all.”

I looked away. There was nothing he could help me with. This was a mess I’d created all on my own, and I’d have to make things right with Callon. I stared at the flames of the fire, understanding how it could be all-consuming, devouring, eating away until nothing was left but a pile of ash. Is that was I was to become, a pile of ashes to be blown away in a strong wind?

“
I get the impression they haven’t been completely honest with you,” he said quietly. “They’ve lied to you for whatever reason.”

“
How do you know all this?” I questioned as our eyes met once more across the flames.

“
You’re an open book, Cheyenne. I can see the pain and hurt in your face. You came here to figure things out. That’s why you said
undecided
when I asked how long you’d stay. You don’t know how long it’ll take you to work this out. I also think there’s more to this story you haven’t opened up to me yet.” He leaned forward. His eyes bored through me, and a chill ran down my spine. “I also saw the picture you were holding this morning. Whoever it is, you miss her. There was a longing in your eyes. I have the feeling you don’t have any family left, that you’re all alone.”

Realization hit hard. I knew nothing about my mother. When was her birthday, what was her favorite color…what was her temperament really like? Then there was the fact that he knew I was all alone. As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him.

“
It bothers you, but you’re too strong to admit it. It seems to me you’ve been through a lot in your short life.”

I couldn’t hold back the tears any longer as they flowed freely. “I think you need to leave now, Matt,” my voice crackled. “I’d really like to be alone.”

He sighed. “I won’t bother you any more tonight. If you need me, you know where I’ll be. I’ll let myself out.” He began to stroll away, then stopped and turned back. “I just want to help, Cheyenne.”

I wiped the tears, and watched him enter the house and exit through the front door.

I brought my attention back to the fire and rolled over in my mind what just transpired. I really was an open book. Even a complete stranger could read me. He could see the pain and heartache. I added another log, tossing it into the flames. The red embers consumed it, eating away at the loose bark, chopping away at its outer protective shell. Inch by inch as I watched, it peeled away the layers until nothing was left but flames, hot and fiery.

I pushed the guitar over and lay down. The tears had stopped; I just stared at the bright firelight until I couldn’t keep them open any longer, until the weight of sleep pushed them down. I was sure Matt’s eyes were watching me from a distance, I just didn’t care—I couldn’t care anymore.

I awoke and stretched, realizing I was no longer outside. I sat up quickly. I was inside my room under the covers, still dressed. I looked towards the door. A note was taped to the dresser mirror.

I’m sorry. M~

Matt or Maes? I had never seen Maes’s handwriting before, and I hadn’t seen Matt’s either. Who moved me while I slept? It was bothersome that I was such a heavy sleeper.

I crawled out of bed, pulled the note from the mirror, crumpling it into my palm, and tossed it into the trash as I entered the bathroom. I headed straight for the closet. It was a good morning for a run, anything to help clear my head of the jumbled mess it had become. I dressed, slid on my running shoes, and grabbed my iPod. I cranked up the music and ran out of the house on a mission. I wasn’t going to stop until I felt a little more under control. I needed to focus, forget about what happened with Maes. I needed to let go of what Matt had said. I needed to run until I felt nothing more.

I ran, sticking to the paved road until it ended and then followed the mountain trail. I continued running until I had nothing left and collapsed beside a small creek, breathing heavily. I had no idea how far I had run. I only knew that three hours had ticked by on my watch. Still unsure whether I felt better or worse, I forced myself to remember why I’d left, why I was angry. Matt reminded me of the lies, the half-truths my guardians had continually told me. How did I really know if this Marcus they talked about was so bad? What if the whole thing were turned around, and I was the danger to the clans? How could I know the truth if everyone was always keeping it from me…