by Debbie Behan
‘It’s got nothing to do with you, Axon.’ Her eyes glared at the insult.
‘Then what? Just thank your lucky stars it was me that found you and not Rory. Your boyfriend sure can swear.’
‘He’s not my boyfriend.’ Her voice was sulky.
‘Well, he sure acts like he is. To tell the truth, I got sick of watching him pull you aside and the both of you secretly whispering. Blatz, if it wasn’t Bree he had hold of, it was you! It didn’t look good from where I stood.’
‘He is my boss, that’s it. There may have been more once, but he is with Bree now. Has been since the night I first met you.’ She put her hand over her face. Her last words faded with weary discord.
Caitlin turned her head from him, an apology stuck in her throat. Apology for what, though? She had done nothing wrong. The man she loved hated her and looked at her with disdain.
A knock at the door kept her from bursting into tears. In came a woman with lion-like features and sunburnt orange hair that hung down to her waist. The overly long nails, even though painted, looked like claws and her thin tapered body slunk in and viewed Caitlin as if she were prey instead of a patient. The only way Caitlin could tell this was the doctor was the black medical bag and a stethoscope that loosely hung around her neck. The harsh features dissolved when she looked at Axon. The stunning smile with pure lust meant her issue was with Caitlin. The Doc had the hots for her boss.
‘This is your precious commodity?’ she scoffed, directing hostility towards Caitlin. ‘One of the Cosmic Riders,’ she said, and smirked. ‘I think this new job has done your head in sweetie. Better give a real woman a call to straighten you out.’
Axon replied in the foreign language he used earlier, and after she had snapped back in the same tongue, he turned on his heels and stomped out the door, leaving her with Doc Lioness.
Caitlin felt as if she had an aura around her lately turning everyone she met against her and so far, it didn’t look as if it was lifting anytime soon. With quick precision, after a clean down with a smelly substance, a needle ‘Ouch!’ and some sutures, the doc snapped off the surgical gloves.
‘You will have to stay off your feet for two days and bathe in this.’ She held out a phial of purple powder. ‘Timewaster,’ she muttered as she scooped up her equipment.
‘Excuse me!’
‘Look, you got yourself into this mess, so go home like a good little girl and get Mummy to pander to you. Axon hasn’t time for employees who can’t handle their God-given gift. Grow up and stop trying to get everyone’s attention.’
‘So you’re not just a doctor, you read minds and think you know mine.’
‘Just one look tells me all I need to know. Well, you got his attention but don’t expect it will last. I’ve watched him sidestep many and you, my love, are not even worth the sidestep.’
Footsteps broke up their dispute, and the door flung open.
‘Well!’ Axon crossed his arms, standing strong and stubborn, apparently still angry at whatever went down between the two of them beforehand.
The doc spread her evil mouth in a twisted smile that an hour ago Caitlin might have thought sweet. Now she knew what the Doc Lioness was like, it was way overdone.
Again, they talked in their own lingo. Note to self; learn that language.
Before the doctor left, she tried to put on a friendly expression that so didn’t work. ‘Remember sweetie, stay off those feet, okay.’
‘And when I need the bathroom, how do I get there, by shank’s pony?’ Caitlin snapped at her. To snub me is one thing but this doctor was a real piece of work. Caitlin was glad Rory had kept her from medical practitioners if this is what they were like. This doctor sure had a problem, and she realised what it was; Axon. Having Caitlin in his house for a few days really got up her nose. It has to be that.
‘I’m sure you’ll work it out. I have advised Axon to take you home immediately. Recovery is always quicker around your family and friends.’
That sneaky witch!
‘That’s okay Doc, you need not worry about my welfare. Axon is my boss and a friend and has already taken excellent care of me. If I need another visit from you, it’s best I stay with him. Thanks for coming.’ Caitlin turned her back from the doctor quickly, pulled the blanket that lay over her up around her shoulders, and hoped Doc couldn’t read minds or she would hear Caitlin laughing inside. Gotcha!
* * * *
Caitlin surprisingly dozed off, waking at the sound of the bath water running and Axon’s weight on the bed. He smiled. ‘That was very mischievous of you Cait, even though she did deserve it. You see, I heard part of the conversation.’
Caitlin had a coy expression and burst into a giggle. ‘How do you put up with old-stickybeak-doc is beyond me. The comments left me floored but only momentarily. Oh, that woman has so met her match.’
Axon laughed. ‘You sure are a feisty one; how does Rory put up with you?’
‘Don’t start me on him. He is majorly in my bad books at the minute for not knowing I was a basket case and needed Woody.’
‘What do you mean you needed Woody? What’s he got to do with this?’ He gave her a friendly smile, the one she remembered from that first night. The one that told her she could say anything. And she did.
‘Woody said if I felt strange at all to give him a call and he would come straight over. I thought I was all right, it was merely sleep deprivation. You see I’ve barely slept since we moved to the farm. I worked hard the entire day, yet still, I just tossed and turned. I only meant to wander outside and get fresh air.’
‘In your nightwear. It didn’t occur to you to put on a robe and slippers.’
‘I know, I just wasn’t thinking. My thoughts shut the door to my senses. They didn’t return until the moment I flopped down exhausted. Not until then did I find I was like this and in the middle of nowhere.’
She gave him a sideways glance. ‘So what now?’
‘I’m just not quite sure Woody is the answer. I believe I have contributed to your state of mind, Cait. If you don’t mind, I’d like you to stay here a couple of days so we can work through what happened down there and find that friendship I carelessly threw away.’
‘As I told the doc, I’m staying. It’s your punishment for being such a good kisser.’ She grinned.
‘Well, get your gear off, slasher girl — it’s time to stop stinking up the bedroom.’ He was surprised when she chuckled at his humour.
She started to remove her nighty and he with a gasp he turned his head, holding up a towel. ‘Man, those cuts look gruesome — and those are the visible ones. Poor little pumpkin, I promise not to tease you anymore. When you’re ready, pop the towel around you and I’ll carry you to the bath.’
As Caitlin flung her nighty aside, she couldn’t wipe the smile from her lips until she looked down. He was correct; her feet, legs and arms looked as if they had been slashed. It was a ghastly mess, yet it didn’t sour her mood. She had finally found someone that could make her laugh, even while in agony. With his eyes averted, it comforted her that he was a man that didn’t just want her for self-satisfaction, but as a friend and wasn’t scared to have a laugh with her, but suddenly show a softer side when realising how bad it really looked. Wrapped up, he carried her to the side of the bath and left her to bathe in private.
‘There’s an intercom switch by the towel rail and clean clothes next to the chair. If you need help to bathe, I’m available to jump in and lend a hand.’ He chuckled. ‘Other than that, call me when you’re done.’ He left, smiling at her infectious laughter and crude refusal. That’s my girl!
The purple healing potion the doctor said to put in the water worked a treat. Now back in bed, Caitlin sat back on puffed up pillows and had a light meal before snuggling down under the soft bed covers to sleep.
A tinkle of china on a tray and a sudden stream of light stirr
ed Caitlin as curtains drew back. She stretched, yawned and rolled over to catch Axon smiling at her as he moved towards her bed, repositioning the trolley of food he must have wheeled into the room.
‘Hi beautiful! How are you feeling?’
‘Much better thanks to you.’ She warily pulled up into a sitting position while he placed pillows behind her.
‘The doc says you need to eat and drink something or she is recommending drips.’
‘The doc- when was she here?’ Caitlin rubbed her eyes and ruffled her bed hair, trying not to look too daggy.
‘She’s just left. She redressed your feet and gave me some more medicine for you. There is an infection, so we have to be careful.’
‘Really? She was here, and I missed her. I’m sad. Not!’
‘I thought you’d be happy you missed your cat chat.’ He placed a stable table on the bed loaded with foods she didn’t recognise. ‘Now eat and drink, or the doc will be back to put in that drip.’
‘You’re joking. I ate last night.’
‘Cait, that was over two days ago. You were out cold. I tried everything to wake you, but nothing worked. I’ve pulled my hair out wondering what to do. Doc was off world. Lepius, my regular physician, has been banned from travel for disobeying Zoren’s ruling and Woody’s on a mission. The only reason you woke this morning is the doc freaked out that you haven’t been up and about. She cancelled all her other appointments to come here and as soon as she arrived, gave you a potion to bring you around. She was honestly worried when she left but had to get back to her other patients. She’s not that bad, just over-protective. I have to give her credit; she’s one hell of a doctor. Knew exactly what to give you and look at you, awake and as bright as a button.’
‘Well, I suppose I should forgive her then.’ Catlin sipped the soothing juice. She had no idea even what it was, but it did take the scratchiness out of her throat.
‘Bottoms up then!’ She lifted the goblet to him and gulped it down. ‘What is this?’
‘It’s called Moonjuice, which is velvety liquid from the moon’s precious underground rivers. Moonjuice brew can be quite potent or very soothing as this one, depending on how far away from the sun it is collected.’
‘What other strange drinks do you have? What is equivalent to say, rum?’
‘Starstarter shots are similar to your rum and give you quite a kick but luckily not the after-effects. Although we do have one speciality wine, it is brewed mainly for the divine order. It’s called Ambrosia and is referred to as the nectar of the gods.’
‘I’ve heard of Ambrosia, have you tried it?’
‘Yes, it does pack a nice warm punch.’ He continued with a tale of a wild night with Zoren while he watched Caitlin played with her food. He stayed and chatted, hoping she would actually eat something this morning. The tiny nibbles taken were not near enough to sustain her. To his disappointment, she soon gave up and pushed the tray aside.
‘Cait, there’s nothing of you. If I can’t get you to eat, I’ll have no choice but to call Doc back. You’re fading away. I remember what you looked like when we swam together at Kayden’s. You haven’t been eating much for quite some time, have you?’
She sighed and lowered her eyes. ‘I just haven’t felt hungry. Maybe there’s something wrong with me. Did the doctor do any tests?’
‘Yes, and you’re as healthy in every other way except for the damage to your feet. These you need to stay off for a little longer so no sneaking out of bed without help. That is non-negotiable.’
She suddenly felt guilty for staying. Rory was used to her and it never seemed a bother for him to care for her when she wasn’t well. Axon seemed worried. Maybe she should go home.
‘I feel guilty doing this to you. You have planets to manage, and really, the doctor was right, you don’t need some stupid girl mucking up your life. You could probably do that disappearing thing and take me back to Rory and the others. They won’t mind taking care of me. Then again, Rory’s going to be really pissed off with me so maybe on second thoughts…’ She rolled her eyes and dropped her lip.
He put his finger to her mouth. ‘Hush, stop worrying all the time. You’re staying here, and that’s final. Leave Rory to me.’
Pulling the pillow from behind her she lay back and sighed. ‘Okay, I’ll try to stop worrying. But something is not right, Axon. I usually heal quicker than this.’ Her voice petered out and her eyes fluttered and dropped, feeling tired again.
Axon shifted off the bed.
‘Can you stay a while; I sure need a hug about now,’ said Caitlin without opening her eyes.
He stood still for a minute and she thought he would leave, but instead, she felt him lie down. He allowed her to roll into him, and his heartbeat and arms that circled around her were just what she needed. She had missed him and was genuinely sorry she’d been such a cow. Regrettably, the incident could not be forgotten, so instead, she asked for forgiveness which he gave as she drifted off to sleep.
The room was in darkness when she woke, with Axon still by her side, his breathing heavy and deep. He was asleep.
A call from nature made her fidget.
‘Are you all right?’ he whispered.
‘How do I go to the bathroom if I can’t walk? This is very embarrassing, Axon.’
He rolled her over him and stood up with her in his arms. ‘Just call me when you’re done.’ He chuckled at her indignant look as she waited for him to leave and give her privacy. ‘Woman, you are so damned shy when it comes to something so natural.’
With the flick of her hand, she shut the door after him. She wasn’t game to oh and ah with the soreness in case he came back in. He’s such a male. She sucked in her breath as she moved tender feet on the floor. Not an embarrassing bone in his body.
’I’m hungry,’ she said when he had carried her back to bed.
Axon touched his ear and turned to her. ‘What will it be?’
‘Umm, ice cream and bananas with chocolate topping.’ She gave him a playful smile.
‘Did you get that?’ He paused. ‘Make that for two.’ He shrugged, not minding the idea.
Next morning he was gone and it left her to speculate if he had stayed. Could she still be not well and had only dreamed they had eaten a midnight dessert together. Where’s that buzzer? Refusing the help he must have organised, she felt around the bedside table and found the buzzer he gave to her. Was this a crisis, of course!
Within seconds, Axon stood beside the bed looking worried. ‘You okay?’
‘Hungry.’ Her stomach grumbled, and the noise had them both grinning.
‘Is that all? Thought I told you that buzzer is for emergencies only.’
She leant on her elbow. ‘I have been stuck in this bed for days. I want to sit up at the table and eat.’
‘And you expect me to carry you downstairs, as you don’t trust the help.’
She threw the covers back and stretched out her arms. ‘Quit your bitching and do that transporting thing you do. It’s quicker and no, they will not do. I’m fussy with who holds me.’
He shook his head and lifted her, his arms gentle and inviting, silently expressing to her that he liked the fact she only wanted him.
‘Bath first though missy.’ He had been busy and had organised the chamber maidens to have a bath ready and take care of her, so was surprised when she rang for him. Had she sent the others away? He guessed so as they were nowhere to be seen. He took her into the bathroom that smelled of herbs and lavender crossed with pungent antiseptic. Not even letting her get undressed first, he dumped her in the water, chuckled and walked out of the room, ignoring Caitlin’s frustrated shriek.
‘Call me when you’re done, spoiled little redhead.’
‘Eeeerrrr!’ was the last sound he heard.
Clean and refreshed, Caitlin sat for the first time on the terrace of this m
ost distinguished castle. The French doors opened wide, and she watched curiously, as three fair-haired men with pure white skin, bustled in and out carrying platters, delicate china and cutlery. They wore starched white waistcoats over blue pants and shirts and strange almost-flippers that covered unnatural-looking large, flat feet.
The waft of fresh coffee, pastries and other delicacies grabbed her attention. The table and pleasing food that had been placed in front of them were all she could concentrate on.
‘Thought you might like to eat out here in the fresh air,’ Axon said and poured them coffee in elegantly designed teacups.
‘This is perfect.’ Caitlin glanced out over the manicured lawns, lush paddocks and, farther on, the rolling hills of the forest, home to creatures she had yet to see.
Axon saw her interest and dropped heavily into the chair beside her, pointing out the dominant species of wildlife.
‘This is the Home World of the constellation Ara known as the Altar. It is here the gods swore their oaths before they laid claim to their planets of choice.’
A wolf howled in the distance, with many of the pack stopping to glare straight at them. A shiver ran through Caitlin as the numbers grew. Many hundreds suddenly appeared, their eyes almost red in colour; coats of fur fluffed out on their backs as their hackles stood up in readiness.
Axon put two fingers in his mouth and whistled out an unexpected call, almost like the one she had just heard from the pack leader. The tone dispersed them. The only wolf that stayed was the huge black animal that had initially called the gathering. He had stretched out paws and straightened his legs. He could be mistaken for a fur rug, except for those watchful eyes, and Caitlin doubted they would miss a thing.
Axon turned to her and smiled. ‘Russo is the pack leader. He is harmless now he knows you are a friend. In the early days and before the gods came here, this is where the Centureans came to sacrifice the wolf, Lupus. Zoren and I came to save Lupus and his pack from certain death. In return for our good deed, he left the wolf, Russo, and his pack in charge here, always to guard my home against invaders or ones to wish me harm. I must apologise for their caution, but your red hair has confused them; it is a sign of danger to them.’
