by Debbie Behan
‘Our handful?’ Axon agreed.
‘I will miss her more than I have missed anyone, anything, yet do not understand the connection. Glow has nothing I want, and yet I can’t get enough. Crazy.’
Axon shook his head. ‘Oh, how I can relate to that but from the opposite perspective. I want it all and can’t get.’ Both men cracked up laughing. ‘Jett, let’s just call this for what it is. My two-timing girlfriend loves us both, so how about we call a truce. As far as I’m concerned I too have had to change, as you have. As for your home, you have welcomed me into it and given me a chance to win Caitlin back. I have thoroughly enjoyed your hospitality and commend your mediation skills for setting something like this up. It has been a pleasure getting to know everyone. I don’t know where we go from here; that’s up to you and your family. For now and for Cait, let’s at least keep the door of communication open and see where it leads.’ He put his hand out and Jett took it eagerly, and the two men shook.
‘Agreed, and thanks. That’s how I’d like to leave it too. I’ve done all I can to get them to know you, Axon. I don’t know what my family will do the day they finally find out who you are, but when the time comes, I hope the uniting of us this second time will at least stop them ever being able to hurt our Glow. Just promise she can visit here from time to time.’
‘I will; she will make sure of that.’ Axon smiled.
‘Glow said we would both know when it was time to let each other go. It feels right this time.’ The two strolled back to the table, the conversation light and sociable after the pact they formed for the one they both loved.
Axon noted double the number of people present. Razor commandeered the BBQ, sending the servants scattering with his thunderous growl. The rest of them sat back in the lounges, chatting and being waited upon. Axon had always wondered what it would be like to hang out with gods and this was everything he expected. Even Caitlin, surprisingly, looked comfortable as one of the servants fed her grapes, and she giggled and slapped Jett for hanging it on her. He blinked. Of course, Cait fitted in here, because the controlling side of her was a goddess. Funny how he didn’t feel odd or on the outer either. The family included him in every topic, eager to hear what he had to say, amused at his normality for one that lived amongst the stars.
At the table, Caitlin won Razor over completely when she made a fuss of his cooking. ‘I’m having seconds.’ She leant over for another scoop of marinated wings.
‘That’s my girl.’ Razor grinned. ‘You’ll need that energy from it to help you stay on your ski’s and keep you warm out there. I imagine it will be bitterly cold on the slops today.’
‘Skiing?’ She glanced at Jett to whom she’d already confided she would be leaving straight after the meal.
Ted Bear caught the look. ‘What, you’re leaving early?’
‘Ted, you haven’t seen me ski. I’m hopeless. Ask your son who’s spent many days trying to teach me.’ Her words were a little desperate. She felt worn out from the power she used to keep the questions about their lives to a minimum.
‘Just a couple of hours,’ he pleaded.
She glanced at Axon who was no help. He too had enjoyed the last hour or two of their time there and seemed in no hurry. He puffed on a cigar, his legs stretched out comfortably as he settled into the chat with Calyx.
She plonked herself down between Calyx and Ted, the two most powerful of them all and here she would stay with them until they were ready to go. She recalled her equal. Cassie used her horse and even her team to draw power if needed. Therefore it stood to reason she too had this gift. If she could take just a little energy charge from both, they would never know, and she figured these two could well afford to lose some. The way they ate, they would gain it back in no time.
Feeling better, she filled her plate and forced in more food. Jett had not included the ski area when putting up the dome. The gods possessed powers to adjust with the weather, and he didn’t feel it necessary. This Caitlin thought of when powering up beside Ted and Calyx. The extra food and fuel would help her survive the icy slopes. It was times like this she cursed her delicate skin. Her team would have no trouble adjusting to these conditions. Even with all this, without the magic of her horse, she would still feel the cold. Unable to say no and let down her new friends she decided to rug up and brave it.
‘Well?’ Ted nudged her once she finished her second plate of food.
‘Only because you are so hard to say no to and because I would love to see what a bear looks like on his arse.’ She giggled, and everyone cracked up, amused.
Thrilled she was staying and not even slightly agitated, yet wanting to provoke more laughter, Ted touched her nose. ‘You, stirrer, have triggered the animal in me so don’t even think for a second that this mammoth girl-eating monster will be taking it easy with you now. You’re going down.’ He put his head back and roared with laughter as she slapped him on the arm in good humour and called him a bully.
Caitlin turned to Honey and asked if she was skiing, but she declined. ‘I’ve never had the patience to learn, love,’ she said. ‘Ted tried to teach me in the earlier days, but I have always had a fiery temper when it comes to sport, so he gave up. I have other qualities that keep Ted still very interested in me.’ She chuckled and rolled her eyes at him.
‘Honey!’ Caitlin stood and shook her head at Honey and Ted who were smiling at each other. ‘You two are so naughty, and at your age.’ She tutted and sent them both into a hearty laugh.
* * * *
Later, on the slopes, the icy cold wind was bitter, but Caitlin was determined to brave it. Ted was insistent she went with him for her little wisecrack before breakfast. ‘I am so going to enjoy watching the spills as payback.’
His laughter echoed, as time after time he would help her up, only to have her fall a little farther on. Once she got into a slide towards him and was just about to hit the ice when he grabbed her and laughed so hard the bear ended up on his behind as well. Caitlin fell about giggling when a dripping wet Ted called it a day. ‘Just shake it off, that’s what bears do, don’t they.’
Flinging her over his shoulder, he headed for the cable car and sat her on it. ‘No more, bad Glow.’ He shook his finger at her, and the tears of laughter ran from her eyes.
All in all, they had a blast, Jett commenting he had never seen his father have so much fun. ‘You’ve won him over Glow.’ Jett hugged her good-bye. ‘Thanks, Glow, you’re good for me. My life has changed since I met you and now, I know real happiness, I want to grab hold of it and not let it go, not let you go. But I know I have to.’ He grinned slyly. ‘Maybe the evil side of me will be forgiven for preferring to just steal you away right now instead of letting you go.’
She laughed and smacked his arm. ‘You will turn my man grey with worry, my little evil friend.’ She chuckled.
He laughed and then got serious. ‘I’ll miss you and…’
‘And what?’ she asked.
‘I want to give you something.’
‘Like what?’
‘A free pass for a couple of days, that means no war games or any kind of fighting. I’m doing this so you can be with your friends and make amends with them after choosing me over them to make you better.’
‘Seriously! That would be so wonderful, are you sure you can do that? Won’t your family ignore your plea? They may have other plans.’
Jett grinned. ‘They plan to spend another few days with me. The remodel has them intrigued. They want to discuss it further, and maybe take away some ideas to use on their own Home Worlds. But this will cause great debates as they do not accept change easily. I figure the arguments on what materials I should or shouldn’t have used and what they would sooner have for their own design, will take them at a minimum of two days, so no more than that, okay.’
‘Thank you, Jett, you’re a good friend. I have missed the gang and know I will need to
eat quite a bit of humble pie, well, with Rory anyway.’
‘Call me,’ he said and looked as if he didn’t want her to go.
‘No, ring me, so I don’t disturb you. Your family might still be here.’
Jett gave her one more hug. ‘Talk to you tomorrow.’
Goodbyes over, Axon took her hand, and their image faded from sight as they transported back to Ara.
‘Home, sweet home!’ She sounded her old self.
Axon picked her up and swung them both in a circle. He was on such a high at the smile that lit up her face. Glow Girl was gone and his Caitlin back. He now knew the difference.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
A Deal is a Deal
‘We’re home!’ Caitlin sang out.
‘In here,’ Rory answered from the kitchen.
‘Cait.’ Bree squealed and ran to her, arms spread out, and gave her a hug. ‘I thought we lost you. I’m so glad you’re okay.’
‘I’m fine now. How’s it been with you guys?’
Bree didn’t get to answer.
‘Come here, young lady!’ Rory grinned and hugged her too, his arms shaking slightly, his emotions evident. They had gone through a lot while she played mediator and it was now time to take Rory aside and talk about it. He was the one person in the world she could tell anything to.
‘Got time for a chat?’ Rory was not just her boss, he was and always would be, the one man she would always trust with everything. He deserved an explanation for her recent behaviour.
‘For you, all the time in the world.’
‘Sorry guys, I just need a minute.’ Caitlin excused herself and followed Rory out into the garden. Here they sat, and this time Rory made sure she told him everything.
‘Cait, you had me so worried. I wish you didn’t have to do these missions alone. I want to be there, but you closed me out.’
‘I have no idea how to handle this Rory, the goddess takes me over and yet I feel it’s me.’
‘Then next time, know I have your back. I can help in other ways and from now on I will. My powers are growing too.’
‘I appreciate you offering and hope next time I get a chance to give you the heads up because honestly, I hated us fighting, and don’t ever want us to fight again. Rory, you must know how much I look up to you, I am your friend first, always.’
‘And I am yours and was long before becoming your boss. But always remember you are also family; geez Cait I love you the same way I love my sister. Never forget that, okay.’
‘So…’ she smiled, ‘that means I’m annoying most the time.’
He laughed and pulled her up from where they sat. ‘You said it, not me.’
* * * *
Inside the kitchen, Axon was pleased to see Caitlin was okay after her chat with Rory and stood beside her while she talked to Bree. Rory took over cooking breakfast from her and was kept busy flipping the bacon and eggs while buttering the toast.
‘So spill,’ said Bree. ‘I want all the goss. Leave nothing out about your holiday… nothing.’
Axon folded his arms and smirked. He couldn’t help but stir the pot. He was ticked off Caitlin had grabbed Rory and possibly spilt the beans they were engaged, without him. He wanted to tell everyone. ‘Well, maybe you better leave out the make-up sex.’
Caitlin dug her elbow into Axon’s ribs for lying and at the same time had to smile at Rory’s reaction as his head swung around so fast it cracked.
‘I know Cait better than that so how about we change the subject.’ Rory wasn’t amused.
Bree leant into Cait. ‘It’s okay. You can tell me that bit later when we’re on our own.’
Rory flicked her with his tea towel. ‘No you won’t, Breezy. I don’t want you talking to our innocent Cait about any of her personal stuff and influencing her any more than the boss already has. She’s not a bad girl like you. She’s pure and sweet, so just behave.’
Bree winked at her. ‘He loves me, but still has you up on the pedestal.’
Axon didn’t look surprised at Rory’s reaction. ‘I vote she learns from Bree.’ He grinned at her. ‘You go girl.’
Rory eyed Caitlin. ‘Don’t listen to them Cait, stay you.’
Axon was curt and annoyed. ‘She’s my fiancée now and listens to what I tell her.’ Axon’s arrogance and confidence bit at Rory. His cheeks flushed. Caitlin hadn’t mentioned the engagement when they talked.
‘Sorry Rory, I should have told you.’ She glared at Axon. ‘But I thought we were going to wait until everyone was here together before the news broke.’ She screwed up her mouth at Axon for being stroppy and overly bossy with Rory.
‘What!’ Axon smirked, enjoyed having a claim to her and letting Rory know it. ‘He should be the first to know.’
‘Yes, I should have been, Cait. I would have talked some sense into you. Axon, are you sure about this? What will Zoren say? It’s not too late to admit this was just a crazy moment, a holiday fling and a mistake.’
‘Rory!’ Axon was annoyed. ‘This is no mistake, and Caitlin is old enough to make decisions for herself. God, sometimes you sound just like her father.’
‘I might come off as being fatherly, but someone has to have some common sense around here. Caitlin is part of my team, and sorry if this upsets you, but I didn’t train her all these years for Cait to laze around and become all wifey and soft.’
Axon had his mouth open to fly more insults and pull rank on his stubborn commander when Caitlin sobbed. Hearing them fight after the feud she’d dealt with between Axon and Jett, was more than she could handle.
‘Don’t Rory, I love him.’
Rory immediately dropped the spatula and went to her. ‘Sorry, Cait. I should be having this talk with him in private. I know you love him, but you’re both putting a lot on the line. What if you lose some of your special powers once your innocence has gone? What if Zoren sacks him for marrying you, an employee? I lose you both.’
Caitlin leant into him. ‘I think my power will stay intact if we are married first. He is the man I chose, who I want always. Am I selfish for wanting some kind of a normal life?’
Rory knew her life before him had been hell and he did wish for her a beautiful future that he thought he was giving her as part of his team. However, he had not realised she would find love so soon. He breathed out heavily. ‘No, it’s not selfish, and I shouldn’t have upset you when this should be a happy moment for you. Sorry Cait.’
Axon twisted his mouth in anger that he had upset her. ‘It’s my fault, I should have waited as we planned.’
Rory turned to him. ‘No, it’s both of us. In future, when it has to do with Cait, you tell me first. A private word between us would have saved these tears. She has been through enough. I knew when she came home it was not over and stayed patient. Coming home now, her mission is over and we should be welcoming; not fighting about who likes her more. Yes, she is your fiancée, but Cait is family to me, and if you intend to join our family, I need a bit more respect from you if you want to be a liked brother-in-law.’
Axon grinned. ‘So it’s okay by you?’
‘If Zoren approves, shytzer, I’ll even throw the goddamned wedding for you.’
Caitlin hugged him. ‘Thanks, Rory, knew you’d come through for me.’
Axon shook Rory’s outstretched hand. ‘Welcome to the family, big guy.’
Axon put his other arm around Caitlin. ‘And by the way, Zoren knows. He’s no fool and picked it up before I had admitted it to myself. When I did, I told him I was going to marry her. He warned me as you have that the Caitlin we have now could change. This might be a turning point, and without her innocence, the goddess influence could possibly leave her. But to tell you the truth, what that influence does scares the hell out of me. It attracts evil, and I don’t know about you, but I’d sooner just have Cait, the one we had before all this
madness started.’
‘We can at least agree on that.’ Rory picked up a serviette and patted Caitlin’s face. ‘You okay now?’ He smiled when she nodded. ‘But I warn you, Axon, you ever hurt her and hell—we revisit this conversation.’
Axon smiled. ‘Knew you’d be a pain in the arse about it.’
‘Glad I didn’t let you down.’ Rory went back to dish up breakfast.
‘You never do, Rory, you never do.’ He shook his head.
Suddenly Rory was calm again; his glowing eyes had settled and this time he stirred in jest, making her laugh. ‘Seriously Cait, I think you could do better.
He touched his earpiece and called in Nate, Zeke and Lisha. ‘Guys, the boss has proposed to Cait, and she has said yes. Get in here and slap her for me.’
The cheers and yahoos were heard long before the door swung open and the three bounded in with enthusiasm. The noise was ear piercing as they eagerly wished them every happiness and praised Caitlin’s choice in a man. ‘With you being her first boyfriend we have nothing to compare you with.’ Nathen shook Axon’s hand. ‘But you’ll do.’
Axon, accustomed to the team and their playful spirits, an attribute that attracted him to them from the beginning, smiled from ear to ear, pleased that in their own way they accepted him into their family unit. He stood back watching the fuss they made of Caitlin. She was a much-loved member and even though what she had gone through must have confused them, not one of them showed any resentment or judged her. They displayed genuine friendship as they hung on her every word, listening to the story as it unfolded to them. They all needed a break, time with each other, so he went upstairs to the NAVcom to contact Kayden. With Hades and his brothers still busy on Pluto for the next couple of days, this was the perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. Woody could work on Caitlin while a training session with Kayden wouldn’t hurt the rest of the team. They had struggled with the last mission while worrying about Cait, and he wanted to get them in the right head space again.
‘Kayden, my man, would you mind a motley crew that needs a couple of days R&R? Woody was good value and gave my team a good shake up on his last visit. Feel free to provide one more if they have forgotten what he showed them.’
