by Debbie Behan
‘That scenario has been given to the feuding parties, but the prince and princess are determined to proceed, saying if they can’t be together they don’t want to live. The prince has since convinced Lyra and Altair that the damage report Zoren’s team has given them is incorrect, a scare tactic. That the supernova won’t come anywhere near them, and the heads of state are standing by the Royals and their orders.’
Flicking off the satellite feed, Kayden leant up against the table, arms folded, eyes darting, assessing each of them before he spoke. ‘My team knows what needs to be done from here. For the trainees, our job is not only to intercept and destroy the supernova before it explodes but to mediate between the Milky Way and the two lovers. We will have to come up with a solution, fast.’ He sounded calm.
His team also showed nothing. No excitement or anything really. It was poetry in motion and as if they had done this a hundred times before. For them, it was simply another day on the job. Caitlin eyed her team who were almost bursting with the buzz of something so new and dangerous. She could feel how eager her mates were to head out on a mission and could feel the adrenalin running through them. Their team was ready to go now... Caitlin glared at Rory to give permission to leave, to get moving immediately and let them loose on that sucker supernova. The others could stay on the ranch, she thought with a gloat. Give us the horses, and we’re there!
Her mouth had only just opened when she was silenced by the next set of instructions.
‘Dismissed, get some sleep as it will be a long night.’ Kayden said assertively.
Rest! What! Someone feel his head, the guy’s sick, that or a nutcase. Caitlin chuckled silently. Our gang are so frigging excited we’re hardly going to rest. What a dill!
With that, Kayden’s team walked out the room towards the exit, not even talking.
Caitlin couldn’t believe it when Rory and the rest of her team followed suit. So like little sheep we all went Ba Ba and followed Mr Lamb Dumbo outside. Rory elbowed her to behave.
‘What!’ Caitlin put on a straight face, doing as she was told, when a burst of laughter coming from a few of the Cloud Riders, and a snigger from others reminded her that they were linked now, so best to keep all thoughts to herself. Na, surely they couldn’t hear just a mere speculation.
She grumbled internally but followed the lead as everyone lay around on beds, floors and couches chatting excitedly. The sound snapped off as Kayden put the lot of them to sleep.
On waking, Caitlin shook her head. The rotten sod put us to sleep. What a dirty trick. I’m going to slap Rory good and proper if he does that to me before he takes me up on a mission. There was laughter and snickered comments. It was only now she realised Kayden was relaying her feelings. There was no other explanation. She knew Kayden could speak to his team from a great distance, but didn’t know he could read minds; had figured those connected to him needed to verbally speak for him to hear. She decided to test her theory while the guys made the coffee.
So Mr Big Shot isn’t only sharing his power of telepathy and magical secrets with my Rory but teaching him how to torture us with it as well. Ratfink!
The room erupted in laughter again. Axon pulled her aside. ‘Cait, they’re having fun with you and Kayden needs to stop. He has taken a liking to you and is relaying your thoughts about him, but I need you to learn all you can while we train you. This is your first warning to conduct yourself in a more professional manner, so I warn, do try not to think.’
‘Sod! I thought he was doing something like that.’
She turned to Kayden, thinking her response to him. Well played, got me into trouble with my new boss and all. We have all night, sugar; just don’t turn your back on me or the redhead wins. She let her lips screw up in a smirk, her eyes alive. Kayden’s laughter rang through the house as he ignored her and went outside to summon the horses.
She glanced up at Axon who was giving her a stare that made her feel uncomfortable. She could see he had meant what he said so she decided to ask questions to take his mind off the fact she had just done what he told her not to. Her eyes rested back at Kayden as the screen door flapped behind him.
‘What exactly is he capable of? How powerful is his telepathy?’ she finally asked Axon.
‘Kayden is capable of sending out orders from great distances. He is Lord of the horses and before forming an alliance with Zoren was known to many in the heavens as Ahearn. Once he accepted the position of Commanding Officer, he was given Kayden Hunter as an Earth name. His first mission was to seek out and form an elite group of individuals that you now know as the Cloud Riders and peacekeepers of the stars.’
‘So he talks to the horses as well. Why didn’t you tell me! I can just imagine what he’ll tell my horse to do if I don’t behave.’ She nudged him and grinned. ‘Thanks for the heads up. My mouth is zipped.’ She made a gesture with her hands to zip her lips closed, turning a key and throwing it away.
This was met with a straight-faced Axon.
Rory took control. ‘Excuse us, I need to speak with my team member.’ He put his arm around Caitlin’s shoulder and walked with her outside and away from Axon.
‘Cait, behave, or I’ll leave you here. You’re making me look bad. It looks as if I have no control over you. Drop the attitude and the rude remarks and keep away from Axon. I don’t like the way you’re flirting with him. He’s our boss!’
She shrugged him off, noticing the others in her team could see he was about to have another shot at her and had made themselves scarce. Alone, and away from everyone, her eyes lit up, the anger building in her. ‘For a start, I didn’t know Kayden could hear me, and anyway, if my point of view is put out there for all to hear, then stiff, it isn’t my fault. I bet you’ve had plenty of observations too; he may get sick of me and change direction. Think yourself lucky he’s just picking on the frigging redhead and lastly, don’t presume I’m flirting unless you know I am.’ Her hands went directly to the hips, indignant at his last comment. ‘And lastly…’
‘Yes.’
‘From now on I will flirt, so get used to it. You dumped me for schoolgirl Breesie, so now I can do what I want.’
‘You didn’t want me anyway. And, you know this is hardly the place to discuss this. What the hell is wrong with you? This is so unlike you to be so bitchy when I speak to you.’
Tears stung her eyes. ‘I miss you!’
‘Come here!’ He held out his arms and she sobbed into him.
‘I was your everything.’
‘Cait, I don’t believe it’s me that’s upset you.’ He wiped her cheek tenderly. ‘I think it’s all this magic here amongst the Cloud Riders. I can feel the power humming through you. Please don’t make this awkward.’
Caitlin sniffed and stood away from him. ‘Just forget it, Rory. Forget everything. You’re the boss and that’s it from now on.’ She had lost him, and it hurt. He couldn’t care less about how rejected I feel! But it would be the last time she would cry for him. He was brushing her off with a weak excuse, refused to believe her state of mind had anything to do with him. Of course it had been him who upset her. She took a brave stance and decided right then how he now fitted in her life. He was to be the head of their team so she would listen to his orders as she had always done, but make her cry again? I don’t think so! It was over. Her heart sank for a few minutes as she turned to walk back with him to the others. She had never had analyse their relationship before and it upset her that everything had changed between them.
Rory kicked at a stone on the ground. His sigh let her know he was upset that he had stuffed everything up too.
She shook off the tears. Traitor with my heart!
Caitlin could already feel the link between her and Cassie. She was surprised it was her chosen, not Bree or Lisha. She still had trouble controlling her powers at times and hoped Kayden knew what he was doing. With her arms folded, still annoyed with Rory
, she watched as he went and stood with Bree, giving her that raised eyebrows like, “I’m having trouble with the redhead, but I’ve got it in the bag.” Like hell you have! Holding her pride in check, her nose went up in the air as she turned to look away from Bree’s sudden stare.
She listened in to Kayden who had started to explain how all the swapping of their unique gifts had worked and how he was now able to tap into team two. I guess that means us, Caitlin surmised. I really have to stop feeling bitter and start listening. Rory was right, she had never made a move on him. It was her own fault, not his. The crush she would get over— she eyed off Axon. Boss or not he was cute— maybe more appealing now I am free to shop around.
Kayden coughed and caught her attention. The colour flushed to her cheeks. Once again forgot about his gift to read her views. Had to remember at any time he could cut them off or relay a message to an individual. He smiled and winked. Caitlin gave him a bright smile. Yes, she liked Kayden too. He had been having fun with her but at the same time knew when not to.
He turned his attention back to the group. ‘As I said, I have assessed the powers of group two and paired you up, matching you with a member of group one. This means the special magic controlled by you, has been transmitted into your equal, and it works visa verse. You will be feeling much stronger and a bit overloaded, but it will settle shortly as your body becomes accustomed to the new imprint. With the same gifts, team two will be capable of doing as we do. That is if you buckle down and learn from us. Once the sharing is complete, you will feel more relaxed and comfortable with these surroundings. A link such as this lasts only for a few seconds. For some, this may continue, depending on the blending. Rory, you being the leader, you’re with me, and you may find I send you short bursts from time to time. To overload you right now is crazy. You have much to learn.’
Kayden eyed the teams. ‘Okay, so it’s Rory and me, Nate’s with Woody, Zeke’s with Jason, Lisha, it’s you and Conor, Bree is with Ethan and, Caitlin’s matched with Cassie.’
Caitlin smiled and nodded as Cassie slipped an arm through hers. They had started to become close already and this bond was now cementing their new friendship.
‘Me and my bestie here are just fine Kayden, thank you,’ said Cassie.
Caitlin felt warmed by Cassie’s remark, her bestie. She had just lost one and bam! She had a new one. She decided this one was better as they would always share a part of themselves with each other and she’d never lose Cassie the way she had lost Rory.
Chapter Four
Girls! Girls! Girls!
Axon passed Rory six golden bridles for his team members. ‘Your group will need these magical bridles to transform the mare or stallion given into a flying horse. The animal will be protected in armour and capable of cloud travel through a portal, taking you to the destination required. These horses are from the Pegasus constellation so if at any time you lose them, that is where they will return unless previously instructed.’
‘Wow, how surreal!’ Caitlin was in awe.
‘This is your new world. Get used to it and fast!’ Axon’s no-nonsense retort silenced any further comment or discussion. Mindful he was under the watchful eye of his boss, Rory handed them around while they observed Kayden telepathically call to the horses. All he did was go quiet for a couple of seconds and next thing Caitlin saw thirteen horses trot from the stable. In formation, the magnificent parade of muscle and shining coats marched out, and the perfect formation lined up before him, hoofs and heads inclined as if bowing. Caitlin wanted to clap, but everyone stood so quietly, so she did too. Kayden gave Woody and Jason the go ahead to show the trainees what to do. As they slipped the golden bridles on their rides, the horses glowed. Caitlin and the others squinted, not wanting to turn away in case they missed something. As the brightness of the light dimmed, the different coloured horses changed within the glow to white and shook out beautiful white wings. Their bodies were now covered in an armour of what resembled large pearls, yet she knew the protection would not be of this world. Each horse was different from the next, yet easily identifiable by a colourful swirly pattern within the armour. This was created by the same pearl-like element.
Once the transformation had completed, Woody and Jason mounted their horses.
‘Bravo!’ Caitlin closed in on them as the glare dimmed. ‘Ritzy makeover.’ She chuckled with amazement, while poking at Jason. ‘Damn man, you look like an angel.’
Jason was amused with her reaction and winked as he jumped off the horse to give his charge, Zeke, a hand with his horse. Bree and Lisha gave Jason a whistle, seeing him walk towards them wearing black leather pants tucked into knee-high boots. His white t-shirt, which was slashed across the front a few times and exposed parts of his bare chest, allowed them to see glistening skin beneath.
‘Still my heart,’ Lisha stirred as both girls leant on each other and fanned their smiling faces.
‘Sorry ladies, I’m taken.’ He laughed with them and kissed his wife, Sonia, on the way past her.
As he walked away, Caitlin eyed off the sword and dagger that had become part of the outfit. She guessed her team would be training with such weapons when there was more time.
‘Awesome!’ Caitlin stood back as horse after horse, and their riders, were magically transformed. She was intrigued to see how the magic dressed her two friends, Lisha and Bree; blown away and rendered speechless when both girls matched in outfits that made them look hotter than she had ever seen them. The short tight, seductive frocks were split up each side, with only a gold belt to fasten. As Jason’s had, their complexions still illuminated with what she now understood would protect and prevent damage to their skin while in space. Their hair had been swept up at one side and clipped with gold and white flowers.
She was the last to bridle her mare, her mind running wild with how the horse would dress her. Axon stood by her, his nearness just enough to steady her imagination that had her quite worked up. She wondered if he knew what she was thinking. Not wanting his closeness to distract her, she moved a little away and turned to him, hoping to loosen the guy up. He was one hard nut to crack. ‘Well, I hope it leaves me with a damned bra on,’ was all she could come up with and she smiled. Alas, there was no response in the dubious features.
He took his time answering her. ‘It’s hard to say. Cassie’s outfits change with each horse. It will depend on if yours likes redheads with a temper.’
‘In that case, I want old Red over there in the paddock; he won’t give a toss.’
‘That’s why old Red’s in the paddock; he doesn’t.’
She cracked up laughing and not even getting a smile from Axon she turned to Kayden. ‘If this horse de-clothes me I’m telling Zoren.’
Axon answered for him. ‘Archangels don’t wear clothes, so he won’t care. Now get on the flipping horse and quit it.’
She swung her head around to Kayden and whispered, ‘Don’t they?’
Kayden’s smile told her Axon was kidding and turning from her, he put out his hand to Cassie. ‘Show them what a real beauty looks like on a horse.’ He lifted his wife up and onto the horse, their love evident as he kissed her lightly before letting her go. The connection between them had her glow change to a perfect shade of pink. Cassie transformed into the prettiest woman, a goddess and superior in every way.
‘Your turn.’ Axon sounded impatient. She flushed, embarrassed both teams were mounted and waiting on her. She kicked herself for not making an attempt to get in the saddle sooner. She felt them all watching, while Axon lifted her up and onto her horse as if she weighed nothing. Caitlin, surprised by the quick mount, relaxed the best she could to let the magic take her over. She was pleased when her outfit resembled Cassie’s and smiled at the emeralds, her favourite stone, that decorated the knee-high boots that covered white pants. The top was sleeveless, laced up at the front, corset style. It was made of a glimmering delicate fabric she
had never seen before and luckily, decorated with emeralds where they were most needed. With a deep sigh, she pulled at the top as she made an effort to tuck her breasts into it a bit more before taking the reins from Axon. ‘Could I look any more tarted up?’ She screwed up her lips as she adjusted the emerald-studded silver arm bracelets around her upper arm, her hands going straight to her hair, feeling clips. She shook her head. ‘Emeralds too, right.’
Axon hadn’t moved, blinked or spoken. She waved her hand in front of his eyes. ‘Hey boss man, you still in there? It’s not that awful is it?’
Finally, he blinked, his expression unusual, as if he were miles away in thought. It was the same goofy look Kayden had when he put Cassie on her horse. What is it with these guys?
Caitlin bent down close to him and whispered, ‘you were away with the birds Axon, better get on your horse or Kayden will be on your case next, boss or not.’
Axon’s eyes cleared and his forehead rippled. Without a word, he turned and in one movement, leapt on his horse. Caitlin’s heart pounded at the sight of his muscles through the slits of the t-shirt he now wore, the skin taut, tanned and illuminated. Ogling made her miss what Kayden was telling them.
‘What did I miss?’ She leant over to Rory, who had noticed her checking out Axon and was smiling.
Back to his usual self, he spoke to her the way he usually did, making Caitlin feel better towards him. ‘He was saying how the glow that surrounded our bodies prevents us from suffering from the glare the stars give off.’
‘I guessed that already.’ She grinned.
‘Okay, smarty pants, did you also guess that it’s like wearing a pair of superhuman strength sunglasses?’ His tone was friendly, caring but alive with their typical banter. He wanted her back on side, this she knew, but would make him sweat a little longer. By his side, I will always be. She smiled at how much she cared for him too, feeling better and knowing that even Bree would never sever their friendship.
