by Debbie Behan
‘Your family, what are they going to do about Orion?’ Axon asked.
‘I have no idea. All I know is they are up in arms with me at the minute and I don’t blame them.’
He stopped and got up, looking out of the window. ‘But I can’t stop what has come about between myself and Glow, or you Axon. Even if I could I don’t want to.’
Hades turned to him. ‘As for the future, I have no control. But for the moment I have. Axon, you’ll be busy every day now with Kayden sorting all this out. Glow needs around the clock nursing and must be kept safe. You know there is nowhere safer than with the tyrant who started all this in the first place. You know my healing powers are strong and I can care for her better than anyone. Let me take her and keep her safe until she’s well again. You know where she is if you want to visit her any time of the day or night.’
Axon stood up and stretched. ‘My men are just as capable as you are and will make sure she’s well looked after while I’m at work.’ He would not even entertain the idea of her going with him.
‘And if you call them out on a mission, what then? Are you really intending to leave her here on her own? Axon, you know how important she is to us both. Let me get her better and before long she’ll be back by your side fighting against me as before.’
Kayden crossed his arms, with a determined expression. ‘I was just considering doing the same with Cassie. I don’t want her anywhere near this mess. I’m chewing over whether to send her to visit her father. We have two sets of Riders, Axon, the best of the best. There’s no reason we need to put the girls in harm’s way unless this can’t be settled peacefully.’
Axon swore, knowing they were both right. He wanted Caitlin safe and knew only too well that Jett would protect her with his life, as he would. Axon had pledged his allegiance to Zoren and knew his loyalty to keeping the peace with the solar system was always to come first.
‘Hell Kayden, that’s stuffed up my argument. I just hate that you are right. Of course our Riders are more than capable unless something more sinister is coming.’ He glared at Hades.
‘Nothing that I know of so don’t go off, half-cocked if I’m wrong. What I have told you is all I know at present,’ Hades said.
‘Axon, she is more than welcome to go to Aldebaran’s with Cassie if you don’t trust Hades,’ Kayden offered.
‘Hades I don’t trust with a ten foot pole, but Jett is different. Just give me a moment with her. I want to see what she wants to do although I already know. Just keep this in mind.’ Axon turned to Hades. ‘If any of your family even looks like turning against her, you bring her straight back here to me or else, and it’s a big or else. Am I making myself clear?’
Hades sat down to wait, relieved. ‘My family all love her Axon; she is safe, please trust me. But even so I’ll promise you that at the first sign of danger, I’ll be out of there so fast with her they won’t see it coming.’
Axon could tell just by looking at him that he was being honest. He knew his only thoughts would be of her until he could get her well. Axon twinged with annoyance that it would be Jett making her well, but his hands were tied. He actually needed Jett and even though it angered him, he was quite grateful that she had such a dedicated friend. His mind flitted to Melita. This relationship between the two of them must also get to her and yet she never showed any animosity towards Cait whatsoever. She radiated the same caring for her as Jett did. He was the only one trying to stop the friendship and from today, he was going to change his mindset. He’d be proud of Cait for the relationships she was already cementing with his planet rulers and stop his urge to strangle the lot of them for being the safer choice.
Caitlin slept peacefully but he lay on the bed beside her. ‘You smell divine,’ he said, and he smiled, knowing she already knew that Jett would be the one caring for her and was releasing her love goddessy power. She would hold Jett at her side now until he made her better.
With slow movements her body rolled gently into his arms and sighed, letting him feel how happy she was to be there. He allowed the tingle of love to wash over him, knew it was her unspoken way of letting him know how very much she loved him and his heart sang as she hugged into him.
‘Honey, Jett’s going to take you for a couple of days while Kayden and I sort this mess out. I don’t want to let you go, but I know Jett will take better care of you because he can be with you constantly. I don’t want you being on your own when the team is called out. Are you okay with that?’
A twitch at the corners of her mouth and a faint nod of her head was answer enough. He wished he had healing powers as Jett did, at least to get a goodbye. ‘I’ll visit at the first opportunity and will miss you terribly gorgeous one.’
He got up and wrapped her in a soft warm blanket. It always amazed him how someone that packed such a powerful punch of explosives could be so light and soft. Her body was actually so delicate when she first fell into his arms that he really had to adjust his powers for fear he would bruise her. Caitlin had the softest skin he had ever touched.
Up in the tower, it was Jett’s arms he placed Caitlin into and he kissed her sweet smelling hand. ‘I love you honey.’ He placed her hand back inside the blanket. She looked up at Jett and Axon watched as she snuggled into him and closed her eyes. Jett knew she was happy to be with him and smiled down at her.
‘I’ll keep our girl safe, and feel free to contact me every day to find out how she is progressing.’ He watched her intently. He looked up at Axon, with the gentleness back in his eyes and a happy grin, and then they were gone.
Axon felt like a part of him was just ripped away so he grabbed for the bottle of liquor and took a big swig. At least she was alive and safe. When she was better he would get her back.
‘If we’re not too busy, you can always arrange a visit.’ Rory slapped his back, feeling positive now Caitlin was being cared for by the god Hades. ‘I like him, Axon, ease up on the guy. He will never have her love like you have.’ He laughed cynically. ‘I know how that feels.’
‘You two were just friends though, right,’ Axon fired back.
Rory slapped his back again. ‘Always were and always will be. Trust me, you have no competition. She took one look at you, man, and all other men became invisible.’
‘Well I’m pleased to hear that!’ He turned to Kayden. ‘One down, one to go!’
Kayden nodded and left, knowing the same fate was just in front of him too. At least they could both feel lousy together and he would not feel he was the only one going through a tug of war with his heart.
With Axon gone too, Woody and Rory sat back in the chairs sharing their thoughts. ‘We immortal men are so insecure.’ Woody laughed.
‘Axon shouldn’t be,’ Rory gloated. ‘With Hades’ powers we felt today, he could have controlled her in the first day of kidnapping her if he really wanted to. She was gone for months, but came back here. Her loyalty is with us first.’
‘The question is, will he wear her down this time. Axon stands between their friendship and Hades is a man used to getting his own way. She, he wants badly,’ Woody said.
‘Over – my – dead – body!’ Rory exploded.
Healing Dwarf
Planet Pluto
A few days passed before Caitlin woke and felt better. Hungry yet comfortable, she found herself in front of a pleasant warm glow of a fire that burned bright.
‘How come I’m here again? I remember the barn, getting a horse out…’
‘There was an explosion. I thought you were dead,’ said Jett.
She pulled the blankets down and assessed the bruising to her arms and what she could see of her legs as she pulled the tracksuit pants she wore up to her knees. ‘My god, I remember being thrown from the horse but what are all these bruises here? Have the team tried to heal me?’
He nodded. ‘They light you up but it isn’t holding. There is something inside you deflecting it.’
‘I’ve got no idea why. Has Axon come to visit?’
; ‘Yes, and I expect he might call in again this afternoon sometime. We have both been worried. Glad you finally came back to the land of the living.’
****
After something to eat Caitlin drifted off to sleep, watching the fire crackle. A familiar voice woke her. Axon had come for a visit. Jett was full of enthusiasm as he made coffee. ‘She actually ate breakfast herself today.’
She sat up to let Axon sit with her and as he did she cuddled into him. Just his nearness was enough to tear her up and send her emotions in turmoil.
‘How long can you stay, Axon?’ Jett asked, putting their mugs on the coffee table.
‘Only a couple of hours.’ He caught her sniff and saw her wipe her eyes. ‘Sorry honey.’ He felt bad. His work gave him and Kayden little time to visit with their girls and they took it in shifts to be away from Alpha site to be with them.
Axon didn’t look well himself. Dark rings around his eyes showed he was getting little sleep. ‘I wish I could stay longer.’
‘She’s still terribly bruised and pretty stiff so try not to move her too quickly. I’ll give you some time alone. Have some things to do so buzz for the butler when you’re ready to leave.’
‘Sure. And thanks.’
Jett winked as he shimmered from sight.
‘I feel bad I’m not here to help you heal too,’ Axon apologised to Cait. ‘We’ve been practically working around the clock trying to put an end to this mess with Orion. Kayden and I both have taken a couple of hours out to see our girls. Cassie’s been staying with her father so we’ve both been pretty miserable.’
‘That was very noble of you both to get us out of the firing line, but just remember, it’s also our jobs to protect and we’re very good at it. The charms of a woman can sometimes melt the meanest of hearts. If you’re getting nowhere with Orion, then maybe one of us girls should be talking to him. We’re both tougher than you think and can sometimes end a war just by being there with you.’
Axon grinned at her and shook his head. ‘You can barely move and you’re trying to convince me to let you come with me. You’re unbelievable, girl. You’re not going anywhere until Jett tells me you’re all right, so don’t even think about playing the hero for some time yet.’
‘Well then, Cassie; she’ll agree with me and is most likely saying exactly the same thing.’
‘You make me feel better just talking to you. I don’t know why I even worry about you. You’re a little toughie. I think you would take on the devil himself if he didn’t give you what you wanted, and you’d still win.’
Wearily, she leaned back into his arms and closed her eyes. ‘Maybe, but not today; not the devil anyway.’
‘You’re still not well honey, save your energy. A cuddle is all I want. I’ve missed you.’
She drifted back off to sleep, happy in his arms.
Awake again, Caitlin listened rather than interrupt the men to say she had woken, feeling overjoyed Axon and Jett talked as friends.
‘Glow is awake!’ Jett said.
Axon knelt on the floor beside her. ’Wish I could read your mind honey.’
‘You don’t have to, Axon, you can see how happy she is by her eyes.’
‘Yes, they are intriguing and very beautiful. But still.’
Jett turned and stared into the fire. ‘Believe me it’s not a power you would want. I disconnected from it and haven’t used it for a very long time. That is until I met Glow. She overpowers my off switch and makes me hear her every thought.’
‘In my line of work it’s a talent I’d appreciate. Why stop using it? It would help sort out the liars in your Underworld.’
‘It used to come in handy, but I’ve had it so many centuries now I just know when someone’s having a lend of me.’ He smiled at Caitlin. ‘I was as surprised as you are now the first time I heard Glow Girl’s voice. It was smooth like syrup and as much as I tried to block it I couldn’t, so I just listened. I’ve been able to tune her out, but she’s very powerful and when she wants me to do something for her, no tuning out in the world stops her coming through to me. It’s the strangest thing.’
‘At the house when I handed her to you she cuddled into you and you smiled as if she had spoken yet I knew she hadn’t.’
Jett laughed. ‘You caught that did you?’ He sat back. ‘She said, and I quote, “you must be crazy wanting to play nursemaid to a spoilt bloody redhead.” It made me smile. She can be so funny sometimes.’
They both laughed and Axon agreed. ‘Sounds exactly like her, only being so unwell I would have thought her sense of humour gone.’
‘Trust me Axon, she’s tougher than we give her credit for. She’d be out there now if she could defy me and get up on a horse.’
Axon nodded. ‘Yes, we had a similar conversation an hour ago. I’ve told her she goes nowhere until you tell me she’s well enough to do so.’
‘Thanks Axon, your anxious Rider is far from ready.’
‘Don’t I get any say?’ Caitlin asked.
Axon smiled at her. ‘No!’ He glanced at the time. ‘And that’s it for me.’ He kissed her lips. ‘Have to get back to it.’
He stood up, turned and shook Jett’s hand and only for a split second did he reveal the sadness to leave. The softie; Caitlin grinned. He misses his girl awe…
Chance Meeting
In the morning Caitlin stretched, her thoughts on Axon’s visit. She immediately brightened. She had missed him.
In the shower she felt better when the water didn’t sting her wounds any longer.
‘Ah,’ Caitlin moaned as she wet her hair and gave it a good wash. Pleased with her effort to actually manage to bathe without help, she happily went back to her room. The little victory jig in the nude amused her and tender still but feeling well, she chuckled at being silly. Her clothes hung by the fire, warming, and with a shiver from dancing around she hurriedly put on her underwear. It was then that the door squeaked as it opened wide. Her instinct was to cover her privates with whatever was in her hands and she squealed as a man stood just as stunned. His apology came fast as he put his hand over his eyes, swore and ducked out. The image burnt into her mind and yet she had only caught sight of him for a couple of seconds. Still, it was enough. The mountain of a man filled the entire door frame. His lean masculine body bulged under the tight t-shirt he wore and his hair was so unusual, with long dreadlocks pulled back and tied in a knot. But it was his steel grey eyes that she still felt pierce her skin as, even in that split second, they took in every mark on her tiny frame.
‘Excuse me,’ he called out from the other side of the door. ‘I was on my way to the gents and heard a noise.’
‘As you can see I am no threat.’ Christ what a giant of a man. She hustled to dress.
‘My apology ma’am,’ he said and she heard him stomp off like a baby elephant.
The intrusion on her privacy should have made Caitlin annoyed but all she could think about was that hair. She wondered if he ever cut it as the dreadies, even though tied up, reached the waist of his pants. It fascinated her and so immersed in thought she tugged a warm jumper over her head, pulled on leggings and laced up the fur boots before realising she had also dressed on her own for the first time as well. Chuffed and smiling at her image she heard a tap at the door.
‘Is that you Jett?’ Caitlin called out. She threw the towel in the hamper as the door opened.
‘Well, don’t you sound chipper?’
‘Showered and dressed, all by myself, I might add.’
‘Just came to get you for breakfast. We have set up in the dining room as we have a guest.’
‘We met already, well sort of. He heard a noise and thought I was a burglar.’ Caitlin gave an amused smile. ‘I bet he thinks we had a rip roaring time last night with all my bruises.’
‘Don’t care what he thinks. It’s just one of my nephews. Bloody nuisance, and I wish he’d let me know he was coming. Sorry you had to go through that. I’ll get breakfast sent up to you so you don’t have to feel un
comfortable facing him. He never stays long. I’ll come get you once he’s gone, then maybe we can go to the cabin where it is warm and give you a change of scenery, if you feel up to it.’
She put her hand up, amused at his protective streak. ‘It’s okay. I covered up. If I was that worried about being seen naked, I’d never be able to look you in the face.’ She shook her head. ‘You men are like magnets when a girl gets naked. He must be related as that was perfect timing, as usual.’
A big smile spread across his face. ‘Okay, maybe we men are slightly tuned in to the less clothed species of females but we do it deliberately, you see your humiliation reinforces you are the weaker of the sexes.’
‘Then being of such delicate mind it leaves me helpless to take care of myself and is my new excuse for being a terrible cook.’
‘Ah, the visitor has been a worthy one then.’
‘Yes.’
He smiled. ‘You’re feeling much better aren’t you?’
‘And hungry, so what’s the plan?’
‘The plan is, my lazy little kitchen witch, to park your butt on the bench while I cook and you torment me as you used to. I’ve missed your sarcastic wit.’
‘You have company so if you give me grief I’ll get your stickybeak visitor that owes me one, to sort you out, because I still can’t.
‘It would not surprise me you’d side with the new guy that drooled over you.’
‘Well I doubt he will ever again. He looked at me and practically ran out the door.’ She giggled. ‘I think I can officially say I turned the poor guy off.’
‘Good. Stuff him. You’re mine.’ He laughed, transporting her down to the kitchen.
It was some time later they both carried the meals out into the dining room where Caitlin formally met the guest who sat, legs sprawled out at the end of the table, reading the paper.
