Promises Read Free

black hair ruffled in the breeze.
    “ I’m really sorry, Cheyenne,” he said. “We didn’t mean to hurt you. I don’t want you to go away. I want you to stay around.” He hesitated and then touched my hand. Dex had told them I would leave the first chance I got—I had said the words myself the night I found out about the betrothal. “I know we can work this out. Just give us a chance. We can make it right.”
    I didn’t reply. A sudden chill ran down my spine. Seconds later, I winced as a sharp pain flared above my shoulder blade. That was where the Tresez’s nail had been embedded in my skin. I pinched my eyes closed and arched my back. When the pain subsided, I opened my eyes to see the anxiety in Daniel’s. I grabbed his arm swiftly. “I’m fine, Daniel! I’m fine. Don’t you dare say a word!” I stared intently at him, willing him to agree, and waited for him to respond. He nodded, and I released my hold. My gaze shifted to Callon and Colt. They were tearing down camp—they had seen nothing. We walked back.
    “ Not a word!” I muttered under my breath.
    I went straight to Mandi; I felt her unease. Something wasn’t right, but I didn’t know what it was. Why did my wound hurt like that? It hadn’t been bothering me until right then…
    I touched Mandi’s neck and whispered softly to her, “It’s all right, girl. Everything’s all right.” I knew she understood me. Lilly had believed my ability to communicate with Mandi was one of my gifts showing itself early. I glanced around. Callon and Colt seemed to be acting normal; only Daniel kept watching me as they packed. He was so much smaller than his brothers, yet I knew he would be willing to protect me if needed. He could disappear and reappear just by looking where he wanted to go, an ability called “jumping.” It had often come in handy in the past.
    I walked around Mandi’s side and was about to mount when Callon approached. I kept my eyes locked on the ground. It was too painful to see the emotion in my guardians’ eyes.
    He didn’t say a word at first; he just stood there, waiting for me to look up. Eventually he lost patience and gently forced my head up. I knew what he was doing—it was time for my daily check-up.
    “ You don’t look so good,” he said as his brown curls fell in his eyes in a way I used to find endearing. “Are you feeling all right?”
    I sighed. “How many times do I have to tell all of you? I’m fine.” It didn’t matter that I hadn’t actually said the words to Callon yet. I had told Daniel not to worry about me, and that was good enough.
    Callon didn’t release his hold. He was searching for answers, but I avoided his gaze.
    “ Will you tell me if you don’t feel well enough to continue?”
    “ Yes,” I replied, knowing full well I wouldn’t. I’d never tell them. I didn’t need his concern— their concern . They would only smother me, and I didn’t want smothering—I wanted to be alone.
    He withdrew his hand, and I turned to mount. He lifted me with little effort. Colt was even stronger, able to toss me around like a sack of feathers. I wasn’t that small, about five foot five, and though I’d lost some weight recently—down to one hundred and ten from one-twenty—I was by no means easy to carry.
    It was quiet as we departed. I didn’t even hear the birds singing. Callon rode closer and reached into his pack. He withdrew a granola bar and handed it to me.
    “ You need to eat something.” He was using his “he who must be obeyed” voice. “I also want you to drink more today. We still have a two-day ride back to the truck.”
    I nodded, taking the bar and unwrapping it slowly. I wasn’t hungry, but I knew Callon was right. Callon rode closer than yesterday, glancing in my direction more often. For a brief moment, the pain in my shoulder blade returned. I fought down the urge to cry out, telling myself it wasn’t as bad as the pain had been before. I managed not to give anything