Promises (19 page)

“
Can you block it?” I glanced back, checking on my entourage—Callon’s idea, of course. Maes and Colt were following behind. Colt’s eyes met mine; he was worried for me. I tore my gaze away before my heart started pounding. I couldn’t help it—he still had a strong effect on me. I just couldn’t let it get any stronger.

“
Yeah, but you know I won’t,” Daniel said, drawing me back.

My lips twitched, wanting to smile. “I don’t deserve you, Daniel.”

“
Nope, you don’t.” A quick wink followed, and I couldn’t hold back any longer. I smiled for the first time in a long time.

We rounded the corner, and I decided it was time to test out some theories. Reaching out, my fingers grazed his hand, and the transfer occurred. Daniel shot me a sidelong glance.

“
Don’t jump!” he hissed.

“
I want to see how long I can hold onto it,” I whispered.

“
They’re watching!”

“
Just time me.”

He gave a quick nod, and I waited as we walked on. More than five minutes had passed, I was sure, but I was unsure if I still held his powers or not. They only way I ever knew was if I tried to use them and they didn’t work.

“
Fifteen,” Daniel murmured and took an awkward step. He had his powers back.

I raised my brows in surprise. This was my best time yet.

As I practiced more and more with these stolen touches, I grew more and more confident. I was able to hold onto Daniel’s powers for up to half an hour, but that was without jumping. I didn’t know if using the power made it run out more quickly. I’d also determined that I could only borrow one power, his jumping abilities. The telepathy between the brothers was special—something beyond my reach—something just between the trio.

Still, now that I was comfortable with Daniel’s power, I needed to set my sights on something else.

That came sooner than expected, as one day an opportunity came to test my ability out on one of the others. Callon was standing in the far corner on the porch when I stepped out for my morning walk. He and Maes quickly ended their conversation once they spotted me approaching.

“
Everything all right?” I asked. Callon turned towards me, his face a neutral mask, but Maes’s stare raised the hair on the back of my neck.

Callon nodded at Maes, and he departed. I watched him go, more to avoid looking at Callon than find out what he was up to.

“
They’re coming closer,” Callon said. “We’re going to have to move locations soon.”

“
Trackers and Tresez?”

“
Yes.” He rested his hands on the porch rail and stared out into the forest. He was being more forthright with me. It was a refreshing change, but why?

“
Why now?” I moved closer. He didn’t turn towards me. He knew what I was asking.

“
I told you one day you’d know everything. I figured this was a start.”

He was deep in thought. Now was as good as time as any. My fingers hovered close to his elbow. Just a simple touch should do it. Unfortunately, at the last second, he turned towards me, his gaze lingering on my hand. I swiftly pulled it back. He glanced up, but instead of questioning, his eyes were filled with warmth.

“
You seem to have regained your strength, Cheyenne.”

“
Ah, yes,” I replied quickly, trying to figure out what was going on now. Did he think I wanted to touch him for other reasons?

“
Your appetite seems a little off though.”

I held my breath. Had I not been careful enough?

“
But then again, you’ve always eaten like a bird.”

He was digging for information, trying to get me to open up.

“
I eat when I’m hungry and not otherwise,” I replied calmly.

He nodded and turned away again. “I’d like you to rethink leaving us. It’s too dangerous out there alone.”

Heat rose in my cheeks. “Like I couldn’t take care of myself,” I muttered.

Callon didn’t answer, and we watched the forest in silence. Even though this was as good a time as any, I decided not to test out my borrowing powers. I assumed he would feel something, just as Daniel had, but he wouldn’t know its significance until later. I would be able to get away with it only once. After that they’d know and find a way to stop me. And even though he’d been so supportive, Daniel wouldn’t help me if he thought I was using his powers to leave. This was my trump card; I couldn’t play it too soon.

Guilt rose in my throat, and I swallowed. I was using Daniel. I didn’t like it, but I would have to exploit his powers to leave. My guardians would be furious, both at Daniel’s vow of secrecy and his loyalty to me over them. They would rip him apart with their words. One day I’d have to make it up to him somehow—I had to.

This wasn’t the only problem, either. I had a time limit; just half an hour to borrow their powers and escape. It would be cutting it very fine. I didn’t even know if I could hold on to more than one power at a time, anyway. There were so many things that could go wrong…

But I’d run out of time. Soon the Trackers would be here, and if I let them take me, I’d never get another chance.

I had to try.

I waited until the last of May to make my move. I wanted warmer weather, as I still wasn’t sure where to run to, and I wanted to be as confident as I could be with jumping. I couldn’t afford to stumble or make mistakes—it would all have to go smoothly. Unknown to Callon, I had stashed some clothes in my pack, just enough for a couple of days. I charged my cell phone, even though I knew I’d be exchanging it for a new one. There was no doubt it had a tracking device in it, and I wasn’t going to let them follow my trail. My laptop was stuffed into my pack, and I was ready.

The key for the Jeep was safely stashed away, and I knew I’d have to exchange vehicles quickly. I’d only found one tracking device, but I wouldn’t put it past my guardians to have installed another on my Jeep. Once I was clear, my first stop would be the bank—I needed cash. I’d have to work over the poor clerk, Joseph, once again. The same kind man who had helped when I was following the clue my parents had left me, telling me of my unknown inheritance. I could only hope this was the last place my guardians would chase me. The place my trail would end.

I wasn’t going to make the same mistake I’d made in November, although my guardians seemed to be growing antsy. Part of me worried that they were on to me and had figured me out, but another part reasoned that it was probably the growing threat of the Trackers and Tresez. Either way, I was going to have to be very careful. One slip-up, and I’d be trapped forever.

Daniel and I began our morning walk, Maes in tow. To my surprise, both Callon and Colt trailed behind us—they didn’t want me out of their sight. I waited until the three were out of hearing range before whispering, “Daniel, what’s up with everyone? They’re all following us today?” I kept my gaze forward, trying not to draw attention to myself.

“
They’re becoming suspicious. I’m not sure how much longer I can keep this from them. They can see you’re different. They know something is going on,” Daniel murmured back.

“
You haven’t told them, have you?” I asked in a panic.

“
No, but they know I’m not telling the whole truth. I keep making excuses, and they’re becoming irritated. It’s not easy to hold them off when they’re constantly pestering me. You’ve got to tell them soon, Cheyenne.”

“
I will,” I said hurriedly. “Just let me be the one. I’ll take the blame since I’m the one who put you up to this.” I knew it would come to this; they watched everything too closely. I thought back. I must have slipped up somewhere along the way. I was such an open book sometimes.

“
Daniel?”

“
Yeah?”

“
How far can you jump? You said as far as you can see.”

“
True. I can see the moon, though, but I can’t jump to it. I can only jump a few miles. There are limitations to every power.”

I sighed. At least I knew my limits.

“
I’m sorry I put you through all this. I know this hasn’t been easy on you. One day I’ll repay you.” I blew out a breath. I really was feeling bad about using him.

“
Don’t worry about it. I’ve had fun spending time with you and learning new tricks. It’s pretty cool that you trust me so much.”

“
Daniel,” I said softly. “I trust you much more than you know.” I was so lucky to have him. He was the only real friend I had left.

We finished our walk, and I continued my normal routine for the morning. I didn’t want to seem too rushed, although I was becoming jittery on the inside. I sat in the closet and rechecked my bag, making sure it was ready to go and gathered my nerves. I searched the shoe where I’d left the key and found it missing. I plopped down on the floor, discouraged. Callon must have gone through my things while I slept. Did he see what was in my bag also? That would explain their restlessness earlier. My escape plans would have to change.

With no Jeep, I’d have to jump. I had a pretty good idea I could make it into town within half an hour. I could travel miles in seconds; however, I wasn’t necessarily good at controlling the jumps and had limited time to test them. Sometimes I didn’t get the mechanics straight in my head, so I really had to concentrate. I also didn’t know if using the powers drained them faster. It was much riskier than what I’d originally intended, but I couldn’t afford any more delays. It was now or never, and it had to be perfect.

I organized things in my head. Daniel would have to be the last one I borrowed powers from. Somehow I’d have to touch Callon, Maes and Colt within a few minutes and then touch Daniel without him knowing what I was about to do. If Daniel found out I was planning to depart, he would hold his powers back, and I’d be stuck. I’d have to trick him, and the thought made my stomach ill. I could only pray he’d forgive me.

I finished in the bathroom and made sure to wear the jewelry they had given to me at Christmas; Callon’s ring, Maes’s necklace, Daniel’s earrings and half of Colt’s bracelet. I wanted Colt to keep the other half right now, knowing he’d find it and bring it to me someday. They were coming with me in my thoughts, but nothing more. I grabbed my pack and headed for the bathroom door. Callon was waiting, and I jerked back in surprise.

He eyed my pack.

“
What’s with the pack today?” Callon rumbled.

“
Just wanted to do some research on my computer,” I replied, fighting to hold back my anxiety. “It’s my computer bag, Callon.”

I passed him, and he followed close on my heels as we headed for the kitchen. I lay the bag on the counter.
Get on with it, Chey!
I reached out and grasped his hand, leading him to the great room where the rest of my guardians were waiting. That same icy tingling rushed through my veins as I took Callon’s powers. I was sure he hadn’t revealed all of his powers to me. It was his style to hold back. I knew he could move quickly and hear better…but what else lay beneath the layers?

He moved his hand slightly, staring at his fingers as I led him near the couch. No time for testing them out now. As tempting as it was, I’d have to wait for another time…I turned towards Maes and Colt.
One down, three to go…

“
I need you two to sit next to Callon please. I have something to show you.”

I pointed the way and brushed Maes’s elbow as he passed. Instantly his head jerked up, and his jade-rimmed eyes met mine. I swallowed—I had his powers. Could I shape shift into a Tresez? I stepped back slightly and grazed Colt’s forearm. His blond head tilted in curiosity. My body prickled with his strength.

“
Sit.” I pointed again and fought to control my nerves. “Daniel,” I called out and sucked in a breath as he appeared beside me. “You just love doing that to me, don’t you?” I said, trying to justify my skittish actions as my fingers wrapped onto his forearm, and the final icy sensation passed over me. I’d done it! Now…

I took a deep breath, trying to push away my guilt. Daniel was going to taking the brunt of the punishment when they figured out what was going on.

“
We need to show them,” I said quietly, and he nodded in response.

We flashed across the room, and the trio on the couch seemed unimpressed. I released Daniel’s arm and disappeared, only to reappear directly in front of the trio. I glanced at my watch. I only had half an hour.

Suddenly my guardians realized what happened. Maes leapt to his feet and slowly approached, his arms outstretched.