by Debbie Behan
Axon stood for a minute and Caitlin could tell he was plotting something until Kayden put his arm around him. ‘Don’t even try, mate, or they’ll only make it a whole day exercise.’ Kayden sat down with Cassie. ‘Glad it’s Caitlin this time instead of you, honey.’
Rory and Bree came in with flushed faces. Caitlin smiled, knowing exactly what they had been doing. Smooching, no doubt. Nate and Zeke almost knocked them over as they burst in the door to see what was going on. One look told them.
‘You lot are crazier than us.’ Nate said as he and Zeke pulled up chairs.
Conor and Lisha were last to come and join them. ‘What did we miss? We heard the commotion.’ Conor’s sentence ended as his eyes rested on Caitlin. A teasing smile formed. ‘Ahh, the red-head. Should have known she would give our boys trouble. Sorry Cait, I should have warned you what’d happen if you stir us up. Not!’
Caitlin pointed to Bree. ‘What about Miss-butter-wouldn’t-melt-in-her-mouth? She helped.’
‘Your Protector was the one that turned this into a game and challenged us,’ Ethan said putting his arm around her. ‘Your boss needs to learn, not to mess with the best of the best.’ He puffed out his chest. ‘Newbies!’ Ethan high fived him, agreeing.
Even Mrs Lekett gave a steaming kettle chuckle while she placed breakfast on the table. The two teams put aside the games while they dug into the delicious scones, pancakes and muffins, the conversation now on yesterday, all intent on learning the outcome.
Caitlin noted Kayden seemed different today, more relaxed, and didn’t tease her once by relaying her thoughts, although he did keep glancing at her as he spoke about the men she met last night.
‘Klim from the Milky Way is going to allow the Royals in love access through his Milky Way if the Prince stands down.’ Kayden told them. ‘Delta, the ruler from the Pegasus constellation who was with Klim last night, has offered to let the love birds use one of his winged horses.’
‘Good news, right.’ Caitlin was pleased to hear they were nice guys and she had got it right spending time with them.
Kayden nodded. ‘It does enable them to travel back and forth from their Home Worlds whenever they wish and that is due to you, Caitlin.’ He surprised her, the colour creeping into her skin as all eyes rested on her. ‘The reason for their change of heart was the quirky and kindly friendship you freely gave to them last night. They trusted you and so, in turn, decided to trust us. This alone made them so much more agreeable and willing to compromise. When we left, Klim and Delta asked to pass on to you their gratitude for the unusually comical and enjoyable night. This extends to an open invitation to visit them anytime you wish. I did explain this was not your domain, but they insisted the treaty would only go ahead if you promised to keep in touch. Axon has already given permission for an off-world vacation once you settle into your new position.’
Caitlin smiled while remembering the stories of their homeland and how the Milky Way had a fun park that she’d pestered them to tell her about. ‘Hot damn, guys, we’re going to a theme park in the stars! Wahoo!’ She stood, leant over the table and slapped at her friends’ hands.
The chatter ran high with stories from Jason regarding the rides on Klim’s Home World. It left team two excited. As they waved goodbye to Mrs Lekett and thanked her for her hospitality, they looked back on a now familiar sight that Caitlin would never forget. Well, not the tea, that’s for sure! she pondered, waiting for her horse to arrive. The view was quite magical as she watched rabbits walking on back legs, complete with waistcoats and caps. The little munchkins guided the huge winged horses out from the forest, holding the reins with their little front paws.
Axon’s eyes soaked in her every feature as she enjoyed the procession and, catching him watching her, she smiled sheepishly. Jason and Ethan guarded her until the horses stopped in front of them. ‘Okay Red, you’re free to go but remember, we are the superior team and always will be,’ Ethan stirred, hoping to get in the last poke.
‘Boys, I could have had you on your arses if I wanted, but damn I enjoyed that bit of fun.’ She showed honour in her response to their game.
Jason lifted a happy rider up onto her horse. ‘You’re all right Red.’ He gave her the reins. ‘Word of advice, try not to stir up the planet Rulers too much. They’re not us. Well, at least make an effort to behave.’
‘Cripes and Rory’s had me on a leash. I’ve been on my best behaviour.’ She straightened, acting prim and proper.
Jason and Ethan both cracked up laughing, Ethan slapping the leg of his pants. ‘Man, she’s trouble. Wish I could join their team.’
* * * *
Landing on Altair to speak to the Prince, Caitlin had to admire the sheer splendour of how Royalty lived. The castle’s centuries-old architecture was impressive and utterly enchanting. Their orders were to stay put while Kayden, Axon, Woody and Rory went to negotiate. Caitlin protested, wanting just a peek inside the incredible and most likely historical attraction.
Jason lifted her from her horse, not giving them a chance to say, either way, placing her arm on his. ‘Can’t take you in Red, but I can show you around the grounds if you wish to join me in a short stroll.’
‘Thank you, Jason, that’s very gentlemanly of you.’ She patted his arm and gave him a winning smile, ‘I’d like that.’ She turned and shot her nose up at Axon. His uncomfortable shift of posture gave her satisfaction.
Axon sensed her bubbly chatter was an act to get even more attention. She is trouble with a capital T. It frustrated him how the men, even married men, seemed to rally around her giving in to her every whim. She was sure no goddess, so it baffled him. What was it about her… A question that continued to play on his mind as he followed Kayden into the castle.
As Caitlin watched Axon leave, she secretly gloated her snubbing act had got to him. He is so mine. Or had she read too much into it? Hope not. He had insisted she, like the others, was to wait by the horses, and she knew it irked him that she never followed instructions. Her lips spread in a smile at the stubborn set of his jaw jutted out as he set off with the others into the castle.
Rory caught her eye. You are so spoilt! he mouthed as he turned to join Kayden on the overbridge which led to big golden gates that slowly opened before them.
‘Are the gates real gold? They look so thick.’ She spoke to Jason when the others were out of earshot.
‘Sure are, they’re made of pure gold. The Home Worlds here have existed for many centuries, some since time began. And it’s the use of commodities such as this which gives the structure timeless durability.’
Caitlin liked the way Jason could act so old and wise when he wasn’t fooling around as they did on their own. Here, on a ruler’s turf, he was as she would expect, a notable Cloud Rider. She appreciated him sharing this change of demeanour, and popped it in her memory bank; how to speak and get respect. He was still teaching and she liked that he had seen something she needed to correct without chastising her. No more was necessary to be said, and she felt he knew that too. Caitlin got it, and with a smile, he walked beside her in silence. Bedazzled, her eyes soaked in the gorgeous landscape of this lavish Home World and wondered if it were indicative of the worlds she would encounter from now on. As they strolled, she was in awe of the lush grounds, each tree and shrub meticulously carved into shapes that represented so much of this universe she would now call home. A moat surrounded the castle, the water clear and clean as it washed over the rocky surface beneath. He led her into a courtyard, home to many unusual creatures. They were small and furry, yet shape-shifted when annoyed. They were similar to the dogitters from the last planet they were on, only these had wings and could fly off, although not too high.
Caitlin jumped when one came near. ‘What the hell is that!’ She took another side step away as it hopped slightly at her.
Jason was amused at her reaction. ‘Similar to chickens on Earth; they lay eggs, b
ut don’t taste like chicken. More like a rabbit.’
‘Yuk, hate rabbit.’ Caitlin screwed up her face in disgust. ‘Shoo … weird chickrabbit.’ She waved her hands about, scaring it away.
He laughed. ‘Very close, they’re actually called chickbits.’
The threat eliminated, she identified with the animal and glanced down, her feet sinking into the thick lawn. Above, trees spread out big, expansive branches. The leaves were a gold and orange mixture, each tree full of songbirds that struck up a noisy chatter and fluttered around at the sound of gunfire. They swung round as a huntsman moved further into the woods, his kill, a lifeless-looking lamb, effortlessly thrown over his shoulder, his young companion letting out a shout of joy.
White blossoms fell from the trees as the wind blew gently, shaking them from the branches. Jason removed one of them that landed in Caitlin’s hair. Without thinking her hands went up to helped brush away the rest. Her hair and skin were a surprise to Jason. He took hold of one of her hands. ‘Geez Cait, your hair and hands feel like that of a child.’
‘A story for another day.’ Not wanting to spoil the moment explaining why, she smiled. ‘I want to enjoy this time and not talk about me if that’s okay.’
She was polite but firm, and Jason knew it was just one more mystery about Caitlin that would unfold when ready. He saw her eyes dart up and close as the sunlight danced on her skin. Golden beams lit up the trees, bringing them alive. It was as if someone had flicked a switch and hundreds of fairy lights illuminated the playground of the planet’s animal kingdom. Jason took a step back as he watched, sure it was her that had lit up… or had it lit up to welcome her? He would have liked to watch this new mystery girl longer, but the sight of the team who had gone to negotiate was back in sight. ‘Sorry Cait, it’s time we went back to the others.’ He saw her shake her head, smile and move an arm. Did she wave goodbye? He was sure she did.
They arrived back at the horses just in time. Jason was keen to learn what happened. With all the soothing magic Caitlin had projected, he felt the outcome had to be good.
‘How did it go K?’ Jason asked.
‘Done!’ Kayden looked pleased. ‘Let’s go home.’
Chapter Six
Riders United
Caitlin felt it a kill joy when they arrived back on Kayden’s farm after the thrilling ride they had just been on; that was until Woody suggested a swim and BBQ at their farmhouse next door. Caitlin had racked her brain as to how they would all sleep in Kayden and Cassie’s modest two-bedroom house and was thrilled when she learned they would be sleeping next door in an eighteen-bedroom homestead. The prospect of having her own room for the night pleased her immensely. Kayden’s home was all right for two people, but just resting up before they left on the mission was a task in itself as they all pushed and shoved for a bit of space to lay their heads. Outside, Kayden’s farm was as pretty as a picture and the horses were adorable, but to sleep thirteen adults; nightmare comes to mind.
‘So what, the boss lives here in Smallville with no frills, while you guys live it up next door in a mansion with a spa and pool.’ Caitlin couldn’t help herself.
Conor had his arm around Lisha and started grinning. ‘He won’t live with us because he won’t share Cassie.’
Ethan chuckled and nudged Jason. ‘But we don’t put up with that rot. If he doesn’t share we go over and steal her away.’
The men joked around as they began reminiscing about the last time they took her for a whole day and didn’t get her back until late that night.
‘Kayden was so pissed,’ Jason recalled. ‘We didn’t go near him for days.’ He let out a loud ha! This put the rest of them in fits of laughter.
Caitlin eyed Cassie quietly standing by her man, remembering the party-girl-Cassie from last night, and could see why they loved having her around. She sure made you have a good time, yet looking at her now; she was at ease and happy with just Kayden. The fun time girl from last night was nowhere to be seen. She comfortably fitted in with whoever she was with at the time. Caitlin wondered if she’d have that talent now as well since they had done the magical sharing thing. She hoped so because, with her red hair and temper, she had never been the IT-Girl.
Once next door, when there were no bridled horses to clothe them, Cassie took Caitlin, Bree, and Lisha upstairs to get changed for a swim.
‘Where are Ella and Sonia?’ Caitlin sifted through bather’s drawer to find her size.
Cassie chuckled. ‘When those two go shopping they call in on Ella’s family. While the men are off saving the worlds, they amuse themselves and stay away to give their husbands time to wind down. Somehow, Ella just knows when Woody is ready for her. Amazing lady for a mortal.’
Lisha looked at her thin frame in the bikini she wore. ‘Mortal lovers, not my style.’ She huffed and left the room.
Caitlin and Bree glanced at each other and back at Cassie. Lisha was just being Lisha. What could they say?
Cassie shrugged. ‘I agree.’
Her honesty had them burst out laughing.
‘We so love you, Cassie.’ Bree hugged her and, letting her go, turned back to Caitlin. ‘Her humour is so similar to you Cait; she cracks me up.’
Cassie and Caitlin grinned at each other. Both girls had become friends and found this a compliment.
‘Come on girls,’ Cassie grabbed both their hands. ‘Come and meet the gang off duty. You’ll have a blast.’
Caitlin looked forward to getting to know the rest of Kayden’s team now the work day was over. She ran beside Cassie, both her and Bree raced her down the stairs.
When they got out to the patio, the guys were already in the pool fooling around. Cassie was as gutsy as they came and dived straight into the middle of them and was lifted up into Kayden’s arms as if he felt her coming. She giggled and laughed with him, showing no fear of being hit by the others as they flung arms and legs and jumped around her. Trust, Caitlin thought. Something she had yet to learn. Here goes nothing. She gave herself little time to think and, throwing her towel aside, did the same. Rory caught her and tossed her up in the air, and as she dived under the water, the next to snatch her up was Axon.
Caitlin looked over at Bree and Lisha. ‘Come on, it’s fun; just dive in the middle of them, they can feel you coming.’
They raced each other to the edge of the pool, hurling themselves in the middle, and instantly they found protection in someone’s arms. Caitlin heard Bree squeal as they tossed her about until she ended up in Rory’s arms. Caitlin relaxed, glad that Bree had listened to her.
Turning back to Axon who still held her, she caught him checking out her body in the skimpy bikini. Not even an ounce of embarrassment did he show. In any other situation, she would have slapped someone ogling her in that way, but his eyes burned into hers with something she didn’t expect; admiration. ‘You’re one impressive woman, Cait.’
A little shaky and not quite sure what to say to that, Caitlin wiggled from him and splashed at him to hide her confusion. She’d sensed by his kisses he was interested, but only now saw so much more. Holding her had left him shaken. Unprepared for this reaction, his feelings were revealed. Rather than make him uncomfortable by commenting or discussing it like adults, she decided to dive sideways and get as far from him as she could. She didn’t want that moment ruined by the off-handed remarks he generally made. Something off-putting like, I am a man. That’s what we do – look! She had little time to reflect as another pair of hands gripped at her waist.
‘Jason!’ she squealed, and with a wink, he threw her high into the air, a movement that put her back in the middle of the fighting mess again.
This time Ethan lifted her up and out, setting her onto the edge of the pool, somehow picking up that she needed time out. She smiled as he touched her nose affectionately before jumping back into the game.
Caitlin moved from the edge of the p
ool into the spa, now questioning how well they could feel her. Ethan’s foresight and sweetness had surprised her. In the spa, she was joined by Axon, Kayden and Cassie and listened to them talk as she leant back and closed her eyes. The gentle stir of the jet stream moved her just enough to take her from their chatter and into the worlds where she wished to live forever. She imagined a life with a man such as Axon, in a world unlike this, her mind’s eye conjuring up a lifetime of wonderment.
‘Wake up Red, you’re mine.’ Woody broke her blissful trance.
‘What?’ Caitlin sat up with a jolt and saw Woody and Rory looming over her.
Caitlin already knew the potential that existed within her after Cassie’s powerful influence. To have such a gift did her head in, but not at the minute, not with all the powerful and influential immortals that she for once felt at home around. A one on one with Woody wasn’t what she felt like right now.
Rory offered a helpful hand, Caitlin smiled while gripping it and pulled herself out of the water. She listened to Rory intently while drying off with a towel.
‘We have talked about much, Cait, but you need more in-depth awareness than I can provide to get you into prime form. Woody has a gift that we believe can help bring out the powers Cassie has inaugurated in you. While on the job, she used her inner psyche to help you, but on our next mission, she will not be there. You have to be able to do it on your own. Woody’s the best there is to peel away layers to discover the magic beneath.’
‘But I’m feeling okay, Rory.’
‘Cait, let Woody in, that’s all I’m asking.’
‘All right!’
He rolled his eyes at her tone. ‘Just do as you’re told, short stuff, or else.’
Only he knew what she might have to divulge, things his friend had long forgotten, and with a hug, he darted off. This left Caitlin to ponder, what’s with all the concern?
