by Debbie Behan
All teams are clear, Cassie it’s all yours. Kayden sounded calm, his faith in Cassie evident in the tone of his message to her. Show that sucker who’s boss.
Cassie took over the mission. Cait! Now! Caitlin felt her eyes close and in her mind, saw the Supernova and measurements that tallied to the amount of energy needed to destroy it. The way Caitlin saw it she could reach only half the energy required to destroy it and hoped Cassie had a little extra. They needed to vaporise it completely before it hit the Home World it headed towards. Together with Cassie, in the same split second, Caitlin opened her eyes and threw her arms out, letting go of the pressure growing inside her. The energy was so intense she was compelled to eject it out with force, tossing it towards the offending mass. The two streams of light hit it so hard; the backdraft hurled both horses and girls in a circle as they spun out of control. Caitlin and Cassie used every ounce of strength to steady their rides. Once they stopped turning in circles and the horse’s large wings were in control, they were able to view the damage.
A blue electric charge crackled and snapped at the object, covering its mass and preventing it from any further bursts out into the atmosphere. Within the confines of magic, the death star exploded, the remains literally crushed into nothingness as it closed in on it, leaving only a cloud of dusty residue in its place. The girls slapped hands.
‘Well done Cait, you can ride with me anytime.’ Cassie’s face was alive and glowing happily. ‘Sure you don’t want to get rid of hunky Axon and join us?’
‘Hell no! Kayden’s a damned maniac. You can have him. I nearly lost my lunch back there. Your boss is one scary piece of work; wouldn’t want to be under his jurisdiction if you paid me. Hey, do I get paid for this?’ She continued the joking around with Cassie, her mood on a high until Kayden reached them.
‘I can see I better split you two up tonight.’ With a shake of his head and a smile that etched the corners of his mouth, he turned to where the supernova was. ‘Job well done ladies! Now get your arses back to the Teapot before I slap you both for hanging it on me. I heard every word,’ he said, his mood improved now there was no danger. ‘Oh and Cait, you had better hold on, rebellious one, because I’m about to make it a lot worse for you after those cracks.’
A hearty laugh had bellowed from him before the horses jolted off with a jerk, the sudden movement and speed almost tossing Caitlin off the back.
‘Shytzers!’ she called out in a continued shriek.
Cassie kept up with her and cracked up at the look on her face as she battled to stay on her mount.
‘You’re a funny girl Cait. Do you ever shut up?’
Cait ignored her, continuing the onslaught of insult at Kayden. ‘That ratfink. I’m telling you now, when we stop I’m going to give him a piece of my mind.’ She squealed as he put her in another spin, her abusive language getting a little livelier.
Cassie laughed harder at Caitlin, causing her to almost fall off her own horse. Kayden came to the rescue, helping Cassie to regain control, disciplining her for encouraging Caitlin’s behaviour by laughing at her.
Cassie tried to defend herself, wiping away the tears. ‘She’s the one doing it. She’s absolutely a mess, a feral and funny as all hell.’
Kayden turned to Caitlin. ‘Damned girl, you’re going to give Axon a coronary when he has to deal with you on his own. He hasn’t got my sense of humour you know. I best quit stirring you up. Let’s just call a truce because I’m not giving in, and after gobbing off like that Rory’s giving looks to kill.’
‘What, he can hear me?’
‘I’ve relayed everything.’
‘Are you serious?’
Her serious, no-nonsense expression caught him off guard. The cheerful light in his eyes turned to concern. It made her laugh so hard she had to take in gulps of air to calm herself.
‘Gotcha!’ She put her hand out to him, ‘Deal!’ Think we’re even now. You should have seen your face.’ They shook hands.
‘Why you little –? Okay, guess I deserved that, but, no more!’
‘Promise.’ She crossed her fingers behind her back using her other hand. In Caitlin’s dictionary no more meant no more until next time.
Okay men, enough fun. Let’s go celebrate. Our girls just did all our work for us. So I think the rest of us should head down and celebrate with one of Mrs Lekett’s brews while they wash and pretty themselves up. They look like chimney sweepers! Come on sooty scruffs. He kept the good-humoured mood going as they headed back to the Teapot’s Home World.
Suddenly the feel of a powerful surge alerted Caitlin that Cassie was up to something. Caitlin twisted her body, turning slightly in the saddle to see what. Cassie was about to knock Kayden off his horse for his comment, and even though funny, Caitlin tried to warn him. At the same time, Cassie’s hands thrust towards Kayden with an energy force. Alas, her warning was too late. The magical beam that resembled a burst of light shot from his wife’s hands faster than Kayden could move. It knocked him off Zoltan, leaving him stranded in the air, the look on his face was priceless. His horse snorted to sound its disapproval as it flew to retrieve its rider. The teams laughed so hard they could barely see through the tears of hysteria.
‘Call me a scruffy chimney sweeper.’ Cassie eyed him, trying hard not to show amusement as he remounted his horse with one leap.
Kayden, back on Zoltan, gave an order, forcing all the horses to take off at a high-speed which, caused most of the team members to fall off and it was a mad scramble to pull themselves on to a horse that neared them, many now riding double.
Teach you lot to poke fun at the boss and that undisciplined wife of mine is going to cop it when we stop. Kayden laughed with them all.
Chapter Five
Sagittarius
On the way back to the Teapot, Kayden lost the plot and pulled Cassie onto Zoltan with him so he could keep mucking around with her while she was in such a funny mood, giving Rory control.
Caitlin settled down. She knew when to behave and it was times like this Rory looked for her support and she wanted him to know he still had it. His nervousness was obvious to her. She rode silently beside him as he used telepathy for the first time, gaining confidence, making his whole team proud of him. Landing both teams safely, she noticed that even Axon had a happy expression, shaking Rory’s hand when they dismounted. He patted his back and threw an arm around him while quietly congratulating him on taking control of not only both teams, but the badly behaved one.
Caitlin knew he meant her and rolled her eyes as she passed him. ‘Got a problem Boss, tell someone who cares,’ she said, as she flicked her hand in the air, swaggered her hips and walked off with her nose high in the air.
Bree and Lisha caught up with her, lifting her in a sandwich bear hug, excited with what she had done. Their chatter ceased on hearing new orders. They heard Ethan getting called and put in charge of Cassie’s security. Rory, Nate and Zeke were also summoned to mount up as they would be accompanying their equals, Kayden, Woody and Jason to talk to the prince.
Once on Zoltan, Kayden turned to addressed them. ‘We still have some negotiating to do. My aim is to resolve the dispute amicably with the prince before discussing it with Klim tonight. For the newbies, Klim is the guardian of the Milky Way and should be arriving here anytime soon. The rest of you are free to enjoy the night but do so with decorum. Dismissed.’ He watched them get out of earshot before speaking to Axon. ‘You sure you want to stay? You’re welcome to join us.’
Axon held his lips tight as he watched Caitlin walk away.
Kayden saw the look and put up his hand. Woody saw the command and had the men trot a slight distance away so the two leaders could speak privately.
‘Talk to me, Axon.’
‘I have my doubts about a particular team member and would prefer it was me who welcomes Klim when he arrives. It also gives me time to catch up wi
th Mrs Lekett and fill her on where we are at so far.’
‘It’s Caitlin, isn’t it? You know what I think. She’s innocent and a good egg. I believe she has what it takes, just needs fine tuning.’
‘I know you like her, but innocent my arse. She’s out of control, and you’re not helping by encouraging her antics.’
Kayden lifted his spread out hands, speaking through gritted teeth. ‘Whoa, calm down.’ He took his own advice and shrugged it off. ‘That was a tough battle for their first time, and humour is Cait’s way of deflecting her fears. It also helps ease the tension for her friends out there. They are used to her and not sure if you noticed, but she makes them very happy. Don’t underestimate their loyalty in return, they are extremely protective of Cait. Even Rory jumps in and would sooner chastise her than have us upset her by disciplining her. They are a tight unit, believe me.’
Axon breathed out heavily. ‘I’m no fool, I have eyes. It’s clear she has won you all over but let me tell you this, I am not putting up with her potty mouth, and the gods will not tolerate her rot either. Not for one minute.’
Kayden knew his friend well. He was old school, and this girl was really pushing his buttons. He wasn’t convinced Axon was angry about her swearing. He sounded frustrated, but why? Kayden wondered if there was more behind this than met the eye. Could his friend be irritated he had finally found a woman who didn’t fall at his feet… maybe! He leant towards Axon to give him one more solid piece of advice before leaving. It was the way he saw it and he felt compelled to try and defuse the situation. ‘Give it a little longer. She will calm down, and everything will work out, trust me. They’re a great bunch and if you just give them time, they will sort out the rough edges and do you proud.’
Axon felt pleased to get his stamp of approval so early. ‘Sorry K. I’m just blowing off steam. I do have faith in your judgement. No hard feelings?’
‘None. You know we have a big job to do out here, but as leaders, we don’t always have to be pricks while we do it. Cassie taught me that. So I felt it wise Rory learns that early in the piece. As for Cait, she is what Rory needs. Look how she rode beside him on the way down. I did that for a reason and was very impressed. Also, with her nature, Rory will never get too cocky from so much power. I could see Caitlin going off like a cracker at him if he dared get too big-headed. Now, are you sure you wouldn’t prefer to have a break from the girls and come with us?’
‘No thanks, I’m keeping my eye on that one regardless of how you try to lighten the situation. I still intend to have a word with her.’ Axon strode off in a rush to catch up to Caitlin. Once beside her, he took her arm firmly and marching her away from the group and out of earshot.
‘I admit you were very impressive out there Cait, but quit the antics and keep that smart mouth in check.’
‘Okay.’ She pulled from his light grip and stared up at him. ‘I get it, you’re not keen on my personality, but I was rattled to the max up there. It’s the way I deal with things. Gee, you and Rory really need to loosen up. Kayden gets me better than the both of you and has only just met me. Rory, I can understand, he’s trying to look good in front of everyone. But you Axon, I thought you would have known what it’s like getting pumped with power from someone as strong as Cassie. To tell you the truth it was overwhelming from the moment I arrived and I have to use humour while adjusting to so much magic. I make no apologies for being me.’
Axon almost grinned. Caitlin stood with hands on her hips acting all tough, her copper red ringlets framing flushed cheeks. He found her fascinatingly beautiful. Would he tell her, no way! Axon tightened his lips and showed dominance. ‘Have you now got it under control?’
‘I think so.’ She lowered her eyes.
‘Good!’ He removed his transfixed gaze away from her and headed into the home of Mrs Lekett. Walking away was the only way he could think of to get some space between them and stop the urge to lift her chin and kiss those plump sulky lips. What’s wrong with me! He was shocked at the thought. This was not normal for him and he wanted distance between them from now on.
‘I’ll try harder, I promise!’ she called to him.
He stopped and turned his head.
‘Cait—’ Axon didn’t finish the angry spit he wished he could drown her in; instead, his arm dropped by his side. She could be so frustrating, but so annoyingly sweet. ‘Just go join the others. I doubt you even know how to behave, but give it a go.’ He turned and strode off, annoyed. His feelings were all over the place.
Left standing alone, Caitlin jogged to catch up with Conor and Ethan, deciding they might keep her out of trouble for a while.
‘My boss just blew me off for the old woman in the kettle! Can I hang with you guys?’
‘Sure, if you shut your trap. We’re sick of laughing at you,’ Ethan said, cracking up.
Conor threw his arm around her. ‘You can hang with me. Stuff him. Come on dirty girl, I’ll show you where you can take a shower and wash that black stuff off.’
She had him in fits of laughter as they climbed the stairs and when he left her in the bathroom, he couldn’t help offering to help scrub her down, laughing again when she let out an abusive amount of cussing and slammed the door on him.
‘Keep me out of trouble,’ she muttered while getting undressed. I am so going to get another tongue lashing by the end of this night. She ducked her head under the water. Oh well, so be it.
After the shower, she dried herself and reached for her dress, that had mysteriously disappeared. Oh wow! I’m with Rory on this one. That golden bridle is staying on my horse forever. She eyed herself in the mirror and watched the magic change her dress. Once the bright glow faded it left her wearing a silver cocktail dress with a stunning pair of shoes to match. Her hair had been styled into a bun and makeup was perfect. Hell yes! What a time saver but geez horsy out there, wake up to yourself or I’ll come out there and slap you, really! A dress! she mused, fitting right into this bizarre new life, taking pleasure in every second.
* * * *
In the dining hall, Bree claimed her as soon as she walked in and clung to her arm. As Caitlin had thought, the newest member of their group had freaked out. A scan of the room found Lisha in her element, laughing hysterically with Conor who did seem infatuated. Ethan stood with Cassie or more to the point, looked like he was on guard duty and then she remembered that was what he was instructed to do. Cassie was a precious commodity and she guessed while Kayden was busy he would have her safety foremost in his mind. My team better not start that babysitting bull-twang with me. Regardless, Caitlin needed Ethan to help her with Bree and steered her towards them. He would just have to talk while he guards. His match wanted to talk and Ethan, being her paired-off guru, was who Bree needed.
Due to the short time Bree had been in their group, it made sense she spooked easily. Where the rest of them were eating it up, enjoying every second, she was rattled. Caitlin worked out it was the spinning at such high speeds that had her on edge. She imagined it would shatter anyone the first time. To chase after shooting stars was crazy enough without the atmospheric conditions that left them feeling unnaturally heavy now back on the ground. Understandably she appeared vulnerable and a little overwhelmed. However, this was Bree’s part to play in the deadly game they had all agreed too. Unable to add value to the conversation, she left her in Ethan’s capable hands, to explain what it was like for him on his first mission.
Free to look around and with mischief in those emerald eyes, she sought out the food table and browsed the buffet. That was hard work out there today! She straightened her shoulders with pride, a little guilty that her part in all this was a breeze. She just had to sit on a horse, look whoreishly beautiful and when asked, blow stuff up. Poor Breezy, she thought as she filled a plate with a selection of sweet pastries. A lick of her finger let her know this was real Earth food. Happy with her choice she devoured a custard and cream cak
e as she watched a couple of men that had arrived. Beauty! She thought. Newbies! Newer than me.
They entered with a dark aura that calmed when they spotted Caitlin cleaning up a mess she’d made while eating a cream cake. They thought the situation amusing when yet another blob of cream ran down her chin and onto her top. She cleaned it up just as quickly with her fingers and licked them before seeing she had attracted their attention. She shrugged and grinned. The two men approached her and soon were chatting happily. Her wit and good humour had put them at ease, and intoxicated by her high spirits, they accompanied Caitlin to an unusually high table where they sat on stools and chatted. Caitlin learned they were from the Milky Way, the constellation they had come to protect. ‘Good! You owe me. You’re buying.’ She received a couple of deep, gruff laughs.
‘What!’ She chuckled with them.
‘You must be from Earth. The tea is grown in plenty here and not a charge so pick your poison.’ They gave her the menu with the many flavours.
She learned tea was the only beverage, so they chose the aromatic essence for her. Meanwhile, Caitlin encouraged discussion by bringing up a subject that she knew would cause a debate. ‘So, which are better, planet or star Home Worlds?’ Of course, she was pro the planets, but during the discussion, she was caught out and had to admit she had never been to a planet yet. Also that this was the very first Home World she had actually visited. She had her new friends burst into repeated fits of laughter with her candid opinions. The more tea she sipped, the funnier she found the two men who seemed to enjoy her company too. However, all the laughter and drink eventually had her head spin. It was then she realised the tea was not traditional. Up here in the heavens, it sure packed a punch.
It was at that moment, Axon joined them, but Klim was not about to give up his time with the funny Earth girl. Upon asking Caitlin to dance, he spun her under his arm and out onto the dance floor.
