by Debbie Behan
She threw on some shorts and a top, not wanting to hold Woody up. She followed him around the other side of the house where it was quiet. They talked, but it kept going in circles, confusing Caitlin. Woody continued to ask about her childhood. Repeatedly, she told the stories she had told for years. They started out as fairy tales to hide the truth, but these stories Caitlin grew to believe.
Not Woody. He kept digging, and she kept evading. ‘Honestly, I lived like a princess, waited on hand and foot and that is why I have no idea how to do even the basics.’ She pursed her lips, annoyed, but he persisted.
‘How did you meet Rory?’
She pulled her eyebrows together and blinked as her head cocked to the side. ‘Rory found me, can’t recall where. He educated me, gave me homeschooling and so much more.’
‘Like?’
‘Well, how to cook for instance, although he didn’t do so well teaching me that task. I’m an absolute nuisance in the kitchen, total klutz.’
‘What about housework? Can you clean?’
‘Rory got sick of patching me up and organised a house cleaner.’
‘You dress beautifully, so you obviously knew about fashion.’
‘Rory.’ She sighed and put her head down. ‘He has taught me everything I know. Yes, even fashion, although his sister, Lisha, was a great help in that department too.
Believe me; I couldn’t even boil water without burning myself or blowing up the kettle when I met them. Rory has even gone as far as paying for an instant hot water tap to be installed for me, and does that every time we move.’
Woody’s frustration started to show. ‘Caitlin, with all that magic Cassie has shared with you, I have to say, it’s epic. Because of this, I need to warn you to stop keeping the door to your past so tightly shut, or, my friend, you will become a walking time bomb. So I beg you to let me in, it’s for your own good, I swear. Just give me one truth about your life before meeting Rory.’
‘Why is it so hard for you to believe that I was just a spoilt princess?’
‘I know the hum of royal blood. Cait, I’m sorry, but I don’t believe your story. Yours is untainted, saintly. With your permission, I’d like to discuss this with Rory. Let’s have a break.’
She shrugged. ‘Go for it. I have nothing to hide.’
Woody watched her walk away, unable to help her until she was ready to trust him completely. She was lying and he knew it, but until she could remember what actually happened to her, it was a waiting game. He watched the proud, squared shoulders, the bright red hair, and the texture so soft and childlike. The wind whipped it wildly and even her walk showed strong will and someone who would go to great lengths to achieve total perfection. She was one extraordinary woman. No, this person was destined for much more than he initially thought. It was then it dawned on him that her childhood might be even worse than Cassie’s. Maybe her secret was buried so deep even she knew nothing of it. Even Cassie worked out what she was destined for within the first year of her immortality. Cait had been immortal for a few years now, so why didn’t she know? He got up from the tree trunk they had sat on, stretching his neck, realising this was far too deep to uncover in just one session, even for his magic. All he could do for now was to teach her to direct her powers using her mind instead of her body’s physical strength. Her other powers wouldn’t develop further until she was ready to face her past.
Caitlin hugged into Nathen. He and Zeke were manning the BBQ.
‘What’s up, Red? The other redhead giving you a hard time?’ Zeke flipped the biggest steaks she had ever seen.
‘I don’t want to talk about it,’ she grumbled.
Nathen gave her a squeeze. ‘Want me to thump him for you?’
‘No, just want a cuddle.’
Nathen raised his eyebrows and gave Zeke one of his looks, both men working it out once they glanced over at Rory who was now deep in conversation with Woody. They knew it was about her. Otherwise, it would be Rory she would want support from.
* * * *
Ella and Sonia arrived home. They had gone to the city the day their men went on the mission. They’d met both their mothers at the Casino and the four women had such a good time, they’d decided to stay a couple of nights to go shopping in the city.
Ella and Sonia were excited when they pulled up to find so many cars parked on the lawn. It meant that everyone was home, safe and sound, and there was a party going on.
Both looked forward to seeing Conor’s brother, Tremaine, as his van was parked directly in the driveway. They exchanged glances. If he was on his own, he would have come by horse.
‘Tonight will be a big one,’ Ella turned off the engine.
‘Wonder how many backpackers Tremaine brought with him. Not sure how much fruit will be picked tomorrow.’
‘The stories of travel those backpackers tell, have me so envious.’ Sonia looked dreamy. ‘Wish just once we could go on a trip overseas with our men.’
‘One day; until then we will have to put up with each other.’ Ella reached into the back seat to grab her purchases.
Sonia smiled. ‘We do have fun. Guess they’d be bitchin’ in no time if they had to shop for hours. Na… leave ‘em home. You’re right. What am I saying.’ They both chuckled.
Ella pointed to a sports car and two more parked behind it. ‘Look, Pam is here too. Guess she’s been asked to bring some friends for the newbies. Come on, let’s leave the rest of these bags of shopping for the morning. I want a hug from my man.’ Ella closed the car door and both girls headed inside.
Once the girls arrived, it made Caitlin relax to see Woody busy. At least he looked more interested now in Ella than feeling the urge to dig into her past. She still had no idea why it worried him, but one thing that did come out of it; she was feeling much better after speaking to Woody, well, until Rory’s name was mentioned. Discuss what with Rory? A little cross at him still, Caitlin huffed past the love birds to join Rory now he was free. May as well get it over with and find out what was said. However, to her surprise, Rory chatted about anything but the session.
Ethan joined them too, standing with his arm around a short woman, shorter than her, whom she learned was Pam, a new flame. Caitlin observed the conversation and came to the understanding that only wives were privy to the secrets about the Riders. She noted how often the subject changed quickly to cover the slips made by them. Luckily Pam seemed a bit of an airhead and didn’t even notice.
‘Who are those two women with Nate and Zeke? Did they come with you, Pam?’ Caitlin noticed they were overly dressed.
‘Oh, they are singles from out of town. When Ethan rang me a couple of days ago, he said they were expecting guests. He asked if I could arrange an extra couple of ladies to you know, entertain them.’ She winked. ‘He is so funny. He never wants the same girls twice, except me.’ She grinned and looked pleased.
‘So that sorts out Nate and Zeke, but what about Conor?’ Caitlin asked looking over at Conor.
Pam giggled. ‘This afternoon I was told a third was not necessary. I mean, I don’t want Ethan thinking he has a choice. When I arrived, saw why, Conor is very content with your friend, Lisha. I was introduced to her earlier. She gave me the evil eye until she saw I was with Ethan. Don’t think either of them needs company at the minute if you know what I mean.’ Her smile gave away the obvious enjoyment of sharing the gossip.
Caitlin eyed the tall, elegant women and finally got what she was alluding to. ‘They’re escorts?’
‘No love, out in these parts they prefer to be called attending angels. Angels my arse, they aint getting anywhere near my man the gold diggers.’ Pam placed an affectionate hand on her arm. ‘But hush now! That’s our little secret.’
Caitlin realised Pam was no dummy after all. She just chose to keep her thoughts to herself and stay all sweet and cute for Ethan’s sake. Caitlin looked forward to spending
more time with Pam, the gossiper. She had much to learn about her rivals, the Cloud Riders.
She made a mental note to remind Lisha that Conor was only her equal and, when not in training, she should give him some space. It was while she watched that reality struck, that the attention they received pointed to only one conclusion; that they were still in training. The message had been received and understood, that just because they would be stuck at home most of the time, it didn’t mean they couldn’t have some enjoyment. Partying, for them, had always been with strangers, never allowing anyone to get close. Here, they got Conor’s brother to bring his fruit pickers and Pam to organise call girls to party with them. They were never around long enough to question why they never changed in looks. Using strangers from far off places meant they kept their “never ageing” issue a secret. She smiled. They’re pulling out all stops to school us on all aspects of their operation.
As Caitlin searched the yard for other unusual events to support her theory, she spotted Jason and Woody who looked more like little boys at the minute while their wives fussed over them. Kayden sat with Cassie by the pergola. He had a contented slouch as he ran his hand up and down her back while they spoke. Both had taken full advantage of the time they had alone.
Her eyes finally settled on Axon who leant against a pillar, his arms folded. A slight smile that touched the corner of his mouth drew her to him. His grin as she neared melted her every step.
‘What?’
‘There is nothing you’re not taking in, is there, Caitlin.’
‘I’m learning,’ she said, still watching the others. ‘There is so much love between them that it kind of blows me away. It’s like they’re all so different, yet one solid unit. Do you think our group is really going to be as remarkable as theirs?’ She was more saying her thoughts out loud than really expecting an answer.
‘Our group will be better! We have you!’
‘That’s if I can keep out of trouble for five minutes.’
His eyes swept across her lips, and Caitlin held her breath. Did he want to kiss her again? Oh yes, yes, she hoped so.
Her thoughts of them being together overwhelmed her and just as she was about to make a move on him, and drag him from prying eyes so she could smooch him, Jason called out, ‘Are you all in for a game of cards?’
The moment was ruined as Axon held up his hand, his eyes diverted from her. ‘I’m in.’ He strode off.
Caitlin was beginning to have strong feelings for this sweetie and yet he confused her. There was chemistry, she felt it, so why push her aside? With a deep breath, she pulled her emotions in check and spun on her heels.
‘Me too! Wait up,’ she called to him, but he had slipped through the doors, leaving her to chase after him.
Groups were chosen, and every table was instructed to continue until there was only one winner. The winner of each group then played the winner of another until only one winner stood. House rules were given, but all else was approved, which included practical jokes to put the winner off.
‘Let the battle begin.’ Jason filled his mouth with a savoury snack and swallowed its entirety as he knocked on the table for the games to start. Mumblings of good luck erupted as the first hands were dealt. Caitlin concentrated on Cassie. She connected to her as taught and soaked in how she played the game. Cassie felt her and gave Caitlin a smile. She lifted a glass to her equal and winked.
Caitlin’s nightclub days had paid off. She could still hold her own, so it was no surprise when it finally came down to her and Cassie who played each other. They were so evenly matched they ended up just calling it a night, much to the disappointment of the cheer squad that stood behind them. And, unknown to the supporters, Cassie had made a secret pact with her to end it, so neither of them looked bad in front of their team members. Arm in arm the two girls moved to the couch and collapsed, very pleased with the outcome. Kayden held out his arms to Cassie and laughed with her as he escorted her upstairs to bed.
Tired, Caitlin lay back and fell into a deep sleep.
* * * *
Next morning when Caitlin woke, the sun was streaming in through an open window. Birds chirping were the only sound that filled the quietness of the room.
‘Where is everyone?’ she mumbled, rolling off the sofa. Her first thought was to go and find Axon and use some excuse that she hadn’t thought of yet, to wake him. To see his tousled hair and sleepy movement first thing in the morning she felt would give a lovely start to the day. The thought had her racing up the stairs.
Most of the doors were open, so Caitlin stopped at each one. The bedrooms became a blur to her while staggering up and around the twisting corridors. The last door was ajar. With a slight push and a peek around the corner of it, she found Axon. Her shock at seeing him in bed with another woman had her feet stuck to the floor. Her first reaction was to feel embarrassment from spying on him, intruding in on his privacy, but the next was fury.
He had kissed her, twice now. Had she got it so wrong that he had flirted and felt something more for her than just a fling? That passionate kiss in the stars and now he lay with another – What a tease! The hair prickled the back of her neck as her anger grew.
‘Eeeerrrr,’ Caitlin growled through clenched teeth, waking him up. A pillow on the floor was her weapon of choice, and she hurled it at him before sharply turning. ‘You big fat loser,’ she snapped and stomped out of the room.
Back down the hall, Rory and Bree’s voices carried and she followed the sound to their room.
‘What’s up Cait?’ Bree patted the bed for her to sit and join them. ‘You’re as white as a ghost, sweetie.’
‘I – I thought Axon liked me.’ Her voice shook.
Rory sighed, stretched and leaned on his elbow. ‘I knew this was going to happen, Cait. He is our boss; surely you didn’t think you had a chance with him.’
She sniffled. ‘I really liked him, Rory, so don’t.’
‘Sorry, but if I can’t be honest with you, then we have bigger problems than you and Axon.’
Bree pushed him and he rolled on his back, hands under his head, not impressed. ‘Rory, stop being unkind to her. It’s getting annoying. She has come to us for sympathy, not a lecture. Sometimes I worry about how you treat her. Is this how we will end up one day too?’
His head jerked to look at her so fast his neck cracked and Bree, being Bree, grinned. ‘Well, that snapped you out of it. Now can we get back to Cait?’
He rolled towards Bree, took her hand and kissed it. ‘I’d never get cross at you gorgeous. I’ll zip it.’
She rolled her eyes at Cait. ‘Pay no attention to him. He is under just as much pressure as us. Now, what happened? But start from the beginning because Rory didn’t tell me about any of this.’ She held her hand and patted it, consoling her.
‘It doesn’t matter now; Axon must have been teasing me. He is nothing but a flirt, and I hate him for making me feel something for him.’
Rory put his hand on her shoulder. ‘He’s not good enough for you Cait. Mr Right is out there, but for now, let’s just get back to being a team again and forget about love for a while. We have much to learn and I need you. Please let it drop.’
Caitlin smiled weakly. ‘You’re right, he isn’t worth the bother. Consider it dropped!’
Years of friendship had taught her that what Rory said, he meant. In her mind, she was programmed to listen and obey their leader. There could be only one, and he had always been it, but her heart tugged at her core. Could she forget that kiss?
* * * *
Later that morning, after more sleep and a shower, Axon came downstairs, and it only took one glance at Caitlin to see her mood had not improved. Impulsively, he called upon Rory to get his team together. It was time to leave.
Chapter Seven
A Home at Last
The air was thick between Caitlin and Axon, and y
et, much to Rory’s surprise and joy, Axon still hired his whole team. They had a short two-hour drive to their new base of operation. It was on acreage miles from nowhere, but close enough to Kayden’s group if they needed each other.
Caitlin was super quiet on the drive. She was embarrassed, believing she had caused this quick departure. There had been whispers as they got into the four-wheel drives and even now she felt Rory’s eyes on her in the rear-view mirror.
‘You’ll make it through this experience stronger and better for it,’ Rory had said before they left Kayden’s farm. He had no idea Axon was her first kiss and this was not just a kiss for her. However, in the spirit of kindness, she tried not to spoil everyone’s fun. This was a big moment and something they had dreamed of for years. A place to call home was epic.
As for Axon, Caitlin didn’t want to hear any of his lies; she just wanted the team to be together and for him to go back to wherever the hell he came from.
* * * *
The long dirt driveway seemed as if it would never end and as they bumped along the corrugation, her eyes diverted out at the barren sparse landscape. It was so unusual. Red dirt with tumbleweeds, big old boulders and dead trees that resembled sticks poked out of the dry soil. The only bushland was far from them. She turned her attention to the front windscreen, the heat from the ground distorting the road ahead. Her friends became silent as the vehicle’s tyres skidded to a halt.
She peered out the opposite window. It was dusty but she could make out the house they would now call home. It was grand and plenty big enough for them all to live in. In fact, she could barely see the top of the second storey. Why am I not thrilled?
‘Yahoo!’ Zeke opened the door and sprang out first.
‘What a beauty.’ Nathen whistled as he craned his neck, taking in the entirety of the building.
‘Hot damn, I’m so in heaven right now!’ Lisha wiped her eyes.
‘Oh Cait!’ Bree gripped her hand. ‘You and Rory have always said one day we would have a property and live away from prying eyes. It’s finally happened.’
