Caitlin Goddess of Peace

by Debbie Behan

  ‘What happened to Lupus?’ Caitlin turned back to Russo who had still not taken his eyes from her.

  ‘Zoren gave him his own Home World. The constellation’s named after Lupus and he still rules that group of stars.’

  ‘Am I safe, while you’re not around? I mean, if looks could kill and all.’ She shrugged off the eyes that had become quite disturbing.

  ‘He knows now that you are my guest. When he hears you laugh it will calm him and he will move on.’

  With a movement Caitlin was least expecting he tickled her lightly and she squealed out a giggle, slapped him and stopped as he pointed, and said, ‘See he doesn’t fear you now.’

  With a sideways glance, Russo heaved up his large frame and disappeared into the woods, as had the others, his eyes still a reminder not to muck with their boy.

  The conflict over, she stretched out on the chair to feel the warmth of the sun. ‘Thanks for bringing me here, Axon, your home is stunning and up here, I feel that my Earthly worries no longer affect me. This happiness I have only dared to dream.’ She opened an eye and grinned at him. ‘Well, apart from Doc protector and Russo the bully.’ Not expecting a reply, she relaxed at this new world that drenched her in a delightful quest to want more. A niggle of fear to slow down and not let it consume her totally nagged at her to remember, I am only here while I recover.

  ‘I’m the one who’s been the bully, Cait. To a degree, I believe my refusal to form a real relationship has added to your confused state. I broke your trust in me, showed you disrespect and I apologise. I’m not sure where to go from here now you have no confidence in me.’

  Caitlin straightened her back, sitting high and proud, her hand extended, and when he placed his in hers, she gave it a warm handshake. ‘Hi Axon Stanton, my name is Caitlin Warner.’ Her lips parted in a slight smile. ‘Yes, it was a shock, I admit, to be rejected by someone I had too many feelings for, far too soon, but it was my own fault for jumping in feet first, not getting to know you initially, or vice versa. So this is me telling you a little about me, hoping you will still be a friend at least, once I’ve finished.’ She let his hand go and leant back, not looking at him. Here I go. She coughed and cleared her throat. ‘I have a quick temper, I speak without thinking, I’m impossible to live with and spend far too much money on clothes and shoes. I’m hopeless in the home and kitchen and need so much attention all the time I even drive myself away. This said, I do know one thing, and that is what I like, and you, Axon Stanton, I like.’

  Axon followed her movement, expressionless as she turned to him. The tilt of her head allowed her soft red curls to fall gracefully over her bare shoulder. The atmosphere had put a honey glow to her skin and within those remarkably large green eyes, he knew there were secrets, but they both had them. In his line of work he always would. ‘If after what I have divulged, you still want to be my friend, you are crazier than me.’

  Axon took her hand, the surprise of the honest truth she spoke reflected in his features. ‘I don’t like having to get up in the mornings so I can be quite grumpy. I tell terrible jokes and drink too much when I am with the boys. I have never had to share my life with anyone, and it scares the hell out of me, but it scares me more when you’re not with me. I’ve never even tried to have a relationship so am not familiar with what is proper or not, but do know what I like… and that is you, Caitlin Warner. So, if after all that you still want to be my friend, I would love to try.’

  ‘I would like that.’ Her fingers moved over his hand. The quiver at her soft touch told her all she needed to know.

  Spreading his fingers, he wrapped them around hers. ‘Truce.’

  ‘Truce.’ Her face broke into a warm smile.

  Chapter Eight

  Calmer Waters

  Caitlin enjoyed every minute spent on Ara with Axon. He entertained and pandered to her every need while she recuperated. She never remembered a time in her life that she had been so happy, and was thrilled further after Russo, the crazy-eyed wolf that stared her down the first time she saw him, befriended her. How she wished she could stay, but Axon had just arrived home from work and Caitlin knew this early arrival was to discuss her going home. The thought put a prickle down her spine that made her legs buckle.

  It was on a chair he found her. Moisture dripped down her forehead and when she looked up her complexion was pale and sickly.

  ‘Cait, what’s wrong? I’ll call the doc.’ He touched the communication pod in his ear.

  ‘No!’ She shook her head and put her hand out. ‘I just want you!’

  On bent knees, Axon put out his arms, and she hugged him so tightly he battled to pry her free. It was easy to feel her stress and fear. But why?

  ‘If I let go, leave here, I’m scared… not sure why but think it has to do with what happened. What if it happens again? Axon, I feel happy here, safe. I’m sorry to freak out, but I don’t want to go yet, I’m not ready.’

  He soothed her until she was able to converse without tears and the trembling stopped. It was Axon’s first breakthrough. He was relieved and thrilled Caitlin finally trusted him enough to open up about many doubts, including her ability to do such a demanding profession. He even spoke freely about the friendship between them and asked how she felt about them now. Emotional from Caitlin’s own honesty, he gave a little of him and openly admitted he didn’t look forward to her not being there either. He told her he had enjoyed coming home to her but couldn’t continue being selfish. The Cosmic Riders needed Caitlin and although it pained him, it was time to take her home.

  Again, the following morning she burst into tears when he mentioned it was time to go back to Earth. She still sported bruises, and the doctor informed him it would be at least another week before she was healthy enough to go back to work. He wondered if the tears were just exhaustion from the previous night. They’d stayed up half the night talking, and on top of that, her grievances might have overwhelmed her again. It was that, or she was getting a premonition, but he quickly ruled that out as she was surely not well enough for her magic of foresight to be working at this stage.

  ‘What if I come back and stay a couple of nights? Maybe I could organise for Woody to visit and get the big guy to take a look at you,’ he suggested.

  ‘No! You have work to do. I’ve taken up far too much of your time already.’ She wiped her tears and tried to be brave.

  He lifted her chin, seeing the soul inside her breaking. Could he really let her go? He sucked in his breath. No, never.

  ‘I’ve got a better idea. What if your friends come here for a few days? That way I don’t have to worry about your wellbeing as you will have company.’ He paused and pinched at his chin, deep in thought. ‘If anything happens with the planets this idea is perfect; the team is right here, and will get to the mission much quicker.’ He looked pleased with his temporary plan. ‘What do you say? Just until you heal completely and feel better?’

  Axon caught a thrilled Caitlin in his arms as she lunged at him, her laughter infectious as he smiled at her delighted response.

  ‘They will love it here.’ Her eyes danced.

  She didn’t mean to make such a fuss, but for some reason she had such a hard time leaving. Is it because Axon makes me so happy? No there has to be more to my apprehension.

  ‘I’m usually tougher than this.’

  ‘Don’t worry about it. I have learned there is always a reason for every change to a plan. I’m sure the reason you felt this will unfold shortly.’ He was oddly brighter that she could stay and was pleased with this decision.

  ‘You are so deep Axon, philosophical. I have so much to learn. But for now, I’m out of your hair in case you change your mind.’ She headed for the stairs and missed the first step and stubbed her toe. She swore and heard Axon, tut, tut her from behind.

  ‘I know!’ She waved her arm as she tackled the next steps more gingerly. ‘Quit the
cussing,’ she mimicked him.

  One of Axon’s concerns that night, when they discussed her position as a Rider, had been his expectations of her. He was adamant Caitlin’s role had to change. He needed her to be the one to step up and become a role model to the other women in the group. He chastised her about the excessive fooling around and explained why it was a necessity to curb her cussing and stop instigating inappropriate innuendos and cheekiness. She had not thought about ramifications of dealings with the divine and finally saw his point. Gods and goddesses would not take kindly to such poor verbal habits, as he put it.

  ‘You must get in touch with your feminine side, Cait, for all our sakes,’ he called to her again, making a push for her to become more of a lady.

  Caitlin shrugged. ‘I keep getting caught. Must cuss quieter.’

  ‘Or not at all.’ Axon sighed, wondering if he had lost the battle. Time would tell. He watched Caitlin move carefully up the staircase. To carry her would have been easier but she had been vulnerable, too teary and he wondered if he had spoilt her. Never had Axon been so attentive to a female and he wasn’t sure of these feelings. Was he falling for her or was this just empathy? He looked up to the heavens, unsure how the divine would handle this little pocket rocket that he had grown to admire. He hoped they would too. He recalled where she had come from; the shabby apartment, with not a care in the world, to working in the heavens. She took it all in her stride; adjusted to the new lifestyle, the power gifted to her by Cassie, and him. He had been cruel at first and yet she forgave him without ever mentioning it again. They had become good friends and each day he looked forward to seeing her lovely smile and her bright disposition. No wonder her team thought the world of her. He had a feeling he had lost his heart to her that night he stole his very first kiss. Now he had got to know her, he wasn’t sure how he was ever going to give her up. For now anyway, Axon decided to hide this attachment. Man! Zoren’s going to laugh if I tell him that I not only accept women on the team, but I’m falling for the feisty, adorable redhead.

  Axon shook off the dilemmas that Caitlin brought into his life and transported back to work. He left some instructions with Nigel, asking him to be ready for the arrival of the Riders.

  ‘Caitlin.’ Nigel bowed and addressed her when she asked for drinks to be served as soon as her friends arrive. ‘Non-alcoholic,’ he said, and grinned. ‘Lord Axon has left strict instructions there will be no spirits until he has had a chance to show the team around. He wants to take them up to the observatory tower and bring them up to speed on the NATequipment there.’

  ‘He’s such a party pooper. Does he ever have any fun, Nigel?’ She chuckled at his expression. ‘He so needs to loosen up.’ She left him with his mouth gaped open.

  Her movements were deliberate and carefully when hobbling outside, her nervous state building as she waited. Perspiration lined her lip and dripped down the side of her face. What is it with this overwhelming need to have the team here with me? In fact, this feeling was so strong, she began to freak out they might still be on Earth. Hurry! She closed her eyes and wished for them to appear soon.

  Chapter Nine

  Under Attack

  Meanwhile, on Earth at Kayden’s farm, the Cloud Riders had returned from a mission. After caring for the horses, they went back to their prospective homes for a well-earned rest.

  It hadn’t been long before Cassie woke with a start and rolled out of bed, her body trembling with fear. ‘Kayden, wake up honey!’

  Kayden sat up, making a grab for her, but she was too quick. Already she had pulled on shorts and stretched a T-shirt awkwardly over her head. He could see the panic she was in. ‘What? Give me something to work with.’

  ‘I don’t know. You have to call the boys, tell them to get as far away from here as they can and - now!’ She shrieked the last word out.

  Kayden knew his wife well enough to know they were in trouble. In record time, he had dressed, snatched her up and once outside, sent a message to his men.

  Team! And I mean all of you, Cassie is freaking out. She’s picked up on - I’m guessing it’s an attack. She wants you all to get as far away from this area as you can. I’m already putting her in the car so move it double time. Will be right behind you so head for Mt Newman…. Hang on!

  ‘Cassie, can you talk?’ He sat her on the front seat of the utility truck, doing up her buckle.

  She started to shake uncontrollably. ‘No! It’s worse. Change of plans. I think you better get them to come here to help me. I’m going to need their power!’ She shivered, and her teeth chattered.

  ‘Cassie! What’s going on?’ Kayden wanted her anywhere but here. The trance she was in prevented her from communicating very well and she was about to go into hysterics, so he did what she said.

  Scratch that guys, get here! Hell, I don’t know what’s going on but now you’re moving away from her, she’s worse.

  The men had already started to drive in the opposite direction and he heard the screech of their tyres as they swung the four-wheel-drives back towards the farm. The howling and smoke let him know how close they were and he called to them one more time when her breathing got heavier. Hurry!

  Her rapid panting slowed as she listened to his new orders and clicked off her seatbelt.

  ‘It’s okay, Cassie, they have turned into the driveway. What do you want us to do?’ He knelt to talk to her. With glazed eyes, she stared up at the sky. He wasn’t sure if she even heard him. Her hands pushed at his shoulder gently to let him know she needed to come out from the car.

  Guys, hurry! I’m positive we’re under attack. It’s too late to go get Starburst for her. I think she knows we can’t outrun it. Looks like we have to stand and fight.

  Kayden held Cassie by the elbow and fed her as much power as he could. His knees buckled as she drew so much from him.

  ‘Hell Cassie; it’s big isn’t it?’

  She nodded but didn’t look down at him, her head high, her sight fixed in the sky. Kayden heard the cars skid as they lost it when they hit the dirt driveway.

  Calm down guys, but hurry; she’s draining everything I’ve got. Oh my god, I don’t believe it, Starburst is here. She’s called her own flipping horse. Thank the stars this girl of ours has so many unique abilities!

  Kayden groaned out as Cassie threw herself upon Starburst, the gifted stallion not needing the bridle. His wings protruded on their own; the armour that appeared enabled her to harness and encase the power she built within the impenetrable shield. Kayden could only admire the woman he loved, as her abilities continued to amaze him.

  ‘Cassie, the men are here. Take what power you need, they are well rested and ready to help.’

  Woody grabbed Kayden by the arm and the instant power surge from him had Kayden back on his feet. ‘K, you had us that spun out. Since when do any of us run?’

  ‘Sorry man, it was Cassie’s directive and we know she is always right, usually, but when I gave the order and you started to move away from her, she hyperventilated. I’ve never seen her like this and look at her horse; Starburst hasn’t even got a blatzing golden bridle on, she has her own damned magical saddle and reins.’

  Woody shook his head. ‘Far out, she’s good.’

  Jason grabbed them by the shoulders, and the movement pulled them from the awe that had them spellbound. ‘Stop trying to work it out and get out of the way. With all that energy she’s sucked in, she’ll blow you both to kingdom come.’

  A safe distance from her, Woody leant on Jason. Kayden stood, arms folded, while Ethan and Conor knelt, feeling safer closer to the ground. They guessed it was going to be some blast off and waited for the backdraft of the explosion which would surely send them flying.

  The glow that surrounded Cassie and Starburst built and became so intense and bright, her team lifted their arms across their faces. She screamed as she let it out and in the blink of an ey
e the weapon she had created launched. Cassie’s arms were spread, the silvery blue flash punched out effortlessly from her delicate hands. The noiseless beam headed directly towards the eye of the threat. Kayden and his men fought to keep in place; Woody grabbed Conor by the shoulder as he pelted backwards from the ferocity of the blast as it took off, his other arm fixed tightly around a tree. Kayden made a grab for Jason and Ethan, and the three of them toppled over in the massive shock wave the weapon left in its wake.

  Kayden used his power to view the now-visible threat as it exploded. The remains burnt up in Earth’s atmosphere, but was it over? She still sat poised and ready to do more.

  ‘Hell K, there’s another,’ Ethan called out.

  Cassie turned to him and nodded. ‘I need more power, I’m drained.’ Her shoulders slumped.

  The men quickly circled her, and all hands now rested on Starburst. Cassie drew energy from them through her horse. The magic she captured in a transparent electrode created a lethal electric burst of energy and punched it out with force towards the second threat. The outburst of an ear-splitting war cry was the only way she knew how to pack more punch to the weapon. Even then the blue beam of light was not nearly as bright as the silver colour of the first. It fell short, missed its mark and the asteroid plummeted to Earth, the damaging sound not far from them. Maybe an hour or two away was Kayden’s best guess.

  ‘Goddamit!’ he cursed out. ‘I think the attack was on both teams. I’m almost positive the second one has hit Rory’s farm.’

  ‘They wouldn’t have had a hope! Hell, Caitlin’s up with Axon, so they didn’t have ground support.’ Woody’s skin tone paled.

  Cassie’s sobs brought them out of the shock they were in. ‘Kayden, I’m so sorry, I tried, I really tried hard.’ Her uncontrollable gulps of air and tears shattered him. He knew by her reaction alone where it had hit. She confirmed by her reaction he was correct. The Cosmic Riders had been attacked and with the ferocity of the explosion they heard from so far away, he knew there would be no survivors, nothing left.