Fated, A Timeless Series Novella (A Timeless Series Companion Novel) by Lisa L Wiedmeier, Sam Dogra Page A

best for the clans. My own feelings don’t come into it.
    My gaze softened. As much as I’d grown attached to Cheyenne, I fervently prayed that Callon’s hunch was wrong, that she wasn’t Kvech, just an ordinary Timeless. It had taken Callon so long to recover from Dad’s death, and I didn’t know how he’d handle being forced to leave the one who helped him through his grief. I never, ever wanted to go back to those days, where he’d not sleep or eat, and just stare out of the library window in the estate .
    Callon abruptly stood up, dusting his knees.
    It’s half ten now. Let’s see if she’s asleep.
    We wandered back to the side of the house. Cheyenne’s curtains were drawn, and the light was out.
    No guarantee she’s asleep yet , I said.
    I’ll know, Callon answered. Can you get me closer to her window?
    Nodding, I grabbed his arm and jumped us into the tall pine . Callon crouched on the branch, and closed his eyes. For a long while there was nothing but the faint cry of the wind, and I swallowed, alert for movement.
    Finally, Callon opened his eyes.
    She’s asleep. Jump us into her room.
    I let out a long breath. I didn’t quite know how Callon did it, but this wasn’t the time to question him. Jumping into a specific area without overshooting would take some concentration. I didn’t want to knock anything over and wake her up .
    Alright, give me a sec . I closed my eyes, picturing the room I’d spent so many hours watching. I visualized the desk, the laptop, the bed, the bookshelves full of story books, her bedside table with her lamp and water glass, the poster of some pop star I didn’t recognize , and the patch of floor between the door and her bed. That was my target.
    Here we go.
    Grabbing o nto Callon’s shoulder, I jumped into the room.
    It was a shock to go from the icy cold to the pleasant warmth, and I almost stumbled. Fortunat ely my aim was spot on, and we appeared on the clear patch of floor. Soft breathing came from the bed—Cheyenne was buried under the comforter , pretty much invisible. Callon checked the bedside table, but aside from her hair clips and water glass, there was no sign of her ring. She must really wear it everywhere.
    Check the drawers, Callon said. Hopefully she’ ll move and I can get a look at her hand.
    My heart sank. So much for trying to avoid the inevitable. I swallowed back the horrible wrenching feeling in my stomach, then crept to the dresser. I was in luck; a small jewelry box was sitting on it. Phew, I wouldn’t have to look through her clothes. I reached for the catch, slipping it gently open, and lifted the lid.
    A soft tinkling sound escaped, and I snapped it shut instantly. Heart in my throat, I looked to Cheyenne. Her breathing went on, undisturbed.
    What the hell are you doing? Though Callon was standing so very still, I could feel his eyes on me.
    I didn’t mean it, I said. It’s a musical jewelry box.
    Take it outside and check it , Callon said. Come back when you’re done.
    Carefully, I memorized the position of the box, then lifted it up. Seconds later I was outside in the freezing air , my breath rising in damp vapo rs. My hands were shaking. Come on, get a grip Daniel!
    I opened the box again, this time letting the melody play. It was soft and sweet. However, the box was pretty empty, and there were definitely no rings in it. Though this wasn’t quite exact proof, my heart filled with relief. Cheyenne had enough going on without dealing with being the lost clan’s heir. She didn’t need to be dragged into our war with Marcus.
    And she didn’t need to be forced into a betrothal with …
    Daniel! Callon’s voice rang in my head. Where are you?
    Sorry! I quickly jumped to the tree, and after a brief pause jumped into Cheyenne’s bedroom. There’s nothing in the box, it’s empty.
    That’s f ine, Callon said. We can leave now.
    Did you get a look at her ring?
    Callon hesitated .
    Not really, and I don’t want to disturb her, he said.