by Debbie Behan
‘Slow down miss, he is in no hurry and said to take your time.’
‘Thanks.’ Not wanting to waste the day dawdling, her word was muffled as the bathroom door closed behind her. Excited at the prospect of spending the day with Jett, she sang at the top of her voice, and the sound gurgled each time her head went under the water. They had become close during the months spent on Pluto and she looked forward to hearing where he was up to with the structure they had carefully designed together. His plans included his wife and she wondered if there would now be a stage two.
Caitlin’s thoughts then moved to her fiancé. Three more sleeps. Her voice was pitchy but she didn’t care. Then I become Mrs Axon Stanton. She sang out loud. The left hand lifted so she could admire the ring Axon had put on her finger. The diamond sparkled under the water and gave her tingles of happiness.
Even while dressing, she hummed wedding tunes and spun around in circles like a little girl. Her high spirited frame of mind made her cheeks flush and the glow of her skin radiated her mood.
Ready and smiling at her reflexion, she left the bathroom. Footsteps had her swing around as Jett put out his arms to her. She squealed and jumped up at him, his big arms folding her up in a nice warm hug.
‘Missed you Glow.’ He breathed out and looked pleased to see her too.
‘Were you worried for me?’
‘It’s been a big few days for you. Yes, I was worried but I’m okay now I have you on your own for a few hours. I was so ticked off I had to keep sharing you with that brat of a nephew of mine. Is he sorted now? Have you told him to nick off, that you’re my girlfriend again?’
She slapped his chest and wiggled from his arms. ‘You two. Am I ever going to get any peace with you warring rivals?’
‘Not until you tell me I’m your favourite.’
She chuckled. ‘You’re both my favourites, now stop it.’
‘I have you for a whole day and I will use my power if I have to because I will get my way.’
As always, she teased back. ‘So where are you taking me then? If you are to sway me that much it had better be worthy.’
‘Better change the heels then and you’ll need to put on this.’ He pulled a bikini from his pocket.
‘Not much of them. Planning to seduce me?’ She grinned.
‘You wish, Cait. No, Melita shopped for you.’
After changing Caitlin realised Melita had chosen well and quickly covered up with a simple sundress before joining Jett downstairs. ‘Fits just fine,’ she said and slipped on sandals as she eyed him. ‘It seems to me that you and Aurek are both in the same mind set towards me. I can see you both wish to now call me Cait but for me, I know nothing of Hades or Orion. Your aliases are how I met you both, grew to love you as friends and I think I’d feel uncomfortable addressing you by your birth names now. Hope that doesn’t upset either of you,’ she shrugged, ‘but that’s how I feel.’
He smiled. ‘And you will always be Glow Girl to me.’ He placed an arm around her shoulder. ‘Ready!’
‘Please tell me we are going to my favourite island.’
‘I owe it to you. Remember you wanted to go there but I was being a pig, well this is me saying sorry.’ He transported them to Delphinus Island with one happy girl that squealed and splashed him when he landed them in the water instead of on the beach. He had missed the fun they enjoyed together and wondered how he could be so in love with his own wife and yet have such strong feelings for Caitlin as well. The smallest of gifts gave her pleasure and he shivered with the power of her vibe she set off inside him. Her magic was getting stronger and he figured it was the joining of her with her father.
‘Yes, I’m coming.’ He almost ran after her as she headed for land. Like a magnet she drew him to her and for today, with just Caitlin was exactly where he wanted to be.
The resort gave them towels and after drying off, they lay on them chatting. Never had he confided in anyone as he did her; she had such an innocent mind and a word here and there settled his concerns like no other could. ‘You know I love you Glow.’ He ducked his head so he didn’t have to meet her questioning eyes.
He heard her sweet voice whisper, ‘and I and your Melita love you too, but differently, as you love me.’
He liked that she got it, that he loved her like a friend, sibling and the deity he believed her now to be, his goddess, best friend and confidant.
‘Hades, what are you doing here?’ Startled by a familiar voice they shaded their eyes to see his brother Zeus standing over them.
He nodded towards Caitlin. ‘And Glow Girl. What a surprise!’
‘Calyx!’ Caitlin was quick to stand and giggled shyly when he wrapped her in his massive, golden-haired arms for a hug. ‘Is Zuri with you?’ She peered around him to see if she were near.
‘No, this is a business trip. I’m entertaining a business associate.’ He stretched up over her head and gave Jett a wink.
A gentle movement had her at arms’ length. ‘You’ve recovered and look well.’ He ran his finger gently over the back of her hand, turning it over, inspecting it and felt her fingers. ‘Jett’s right. Your skin’s soft like a newborn and you smell delightful. Do they make a water resistant perfume now?’ He noted her look and picked up a ringlet of her red locks. ‘I only say that because your hair is still wet from a swim.’
Jett had just mentioned her ‘fear fragrance’ as he called her power that seduced men to approach her calmly, was strong today but she figured it was from having such a great time, not that someone was around to trigger it off.
Jett intervened, not wishing his brother to know of Caitlin’s secret weapon, her calming agent against the most notorious tyrants. ‘I bought the perfume for her a while ago, stays on for days and is enhanced by heat.’ He put his hand up, gesturing to the hot day.
‘Thanks,’ she mouthed as she dropped beside Jett. He had her back as always and she relaxed beside him as they made small talk. Jett finally stood up and pulled Caitlin up with him. ‘Well we’re off to have some lunch, so I guess we’ll catch up later.’
‘What, I don’t get an invite?’
‘Course, join us.’ Jett’s face however said the opposite. He had hoped his brother would be on his way as always. The last thing he wanted to do today was to share Caitlin when this would be their last time together before her marriage to Axon. The thought worried him. He questioned if Axon would be so willing to share her once they were man and wife. He contemplated how to get around the new treaty he signed not to kidnap her, ‘ever again,’ and smiled at the wording and knew Axon had drawn it up. He couldn’t imagine a world without her anymore so would definitely be going back to re-visit that agreement if Axon stopped her visiting Pluto.
Calyx grinned and ignored the obvious “nick off will you” look his brother gave him. ‘Thanks bro, we’d love to join you both. My business associate is good at her job but conversation is proving to be a real tooth puller.’ He winked again at Jett as if he understood the double meaning.
Caitlin was no fool and eyed Calyx. She felt sorry for his wife, Hera. He was here with another woman, flirting with his eyes and she knew now the stories of Zeus being a lady-killer was true. Caitlin had befriended Zuri, this being the alias of the goddess Hera. She wished now for her sake that the new improved god she knew as Calyx would see the light and stop his cheating ways. That sadness in Zuri’s eyes… she now knew the reason. His wife knows.
At the restaurant, Calyx overpowered the room with his entrance. All heads turned as his striking good looks caught their attention. The leggy-tall blonde with far too much makeup, who hung off his arm in a tight red dress, was barely noticeable due to his vibrant persona.
As he held the chair for her, the perfume almost gagged Caitlin. Her only option was to sip on water until her senses adjusted. The blonde-haired woman started to talk when seated and didn’t stop until her meal arrived. Peace at last, Caitlin thought and Jett nodded, agreeing with her. She kept forgetting he could read her every thoug
ht and grinned. And did you get a load of those boobs, what a fake. Jett spat his drink and gagged.
Calyx gave him a hard pat on the back. ‘You right there?’
He looked concerned. Both men eyed each other, and Calyx knew by his sigh, that Jett wasn’t enjoying the company of his friend either. Caitlin was glad she wasn’t alone.
‘Calyx you know I adore you, but I want time alone with Glow. I can barely make out what she is even thinking with the ramblings of your friend. If you want to stay, she goes!’ He flicked his eyes to the woman who still waffled, not taking a breath.’
‘Enough, I can’t hear myself think, woman. Go find someone else to bug or I will turn you into one!’ he seethed with teeth closed in a growl.
The woman almost ran from him. The tone even shook Caitlin, but this was what she wanted and now she could settle in and enjoy the afternoon with them both. The two brothers needed time together and this plan was perfect. Except she was there, but she knew she would keep quiet so they could converse and have some bro time. Caitlin organised the drinks and the starstarter mixed with moonjuice had already worked and they clinked goblets. The elixir loosened their tongues, the conversation strident and competitive.
While they talked, Caitlin continued to refill their goblets with the combination that now had both of them laughing and enjoying their time together.
****
A sobering dump in Aurek’s pool as they miss-landed had them in stitches as they scrambled for the sides and pulled themselves out. ‘How did we end up back here?’ Calyx scratched his head before he swam to catch up, and the three of them headed for the deck chairs for a late afternoon siesta. Calyx pulled his lounge next to Caitlin’s. ‘Can’t get enough of that scent you wear. Now don’t move while I sleep or I’ll have to use my magic to keep you there.’ He flopped onto the deck chair beside her, his eyelids dropped on impact, and a slight snore escaped him that made Caitlin chuckle.
‘Shh, sleep sweetie.’ Jett ran a hand over her and she slipped into calming thoughts that faded into a deep sleep.
****
‘What’s going on Cait?’ She woke to a demanding Rory.
‘They’re wasted,’ Torpez said.
‘And what are you doing here, Uncle?’ Aurek shook Zeus.
Caitlin opened her eyes first. ‘Wake up you two!’ Caitlin slapped both their arms. ‘I’m not taking all the blame by myself.’
Both men sat up, rubbing their eyes.
‘It’s Glow’s fault.’ Jett was quick to blame. ‘She was in charge of drinks only she tricked us by mixing them.’
She made a defensive sound. ‘You didn’t have to drink them.’
Calyx’s hands went up. ‘No way will I take the blame. I’m with Jett. It was all her fault.’ He was enjoying the blame game just as much.
Caitlin chuckled. ‘Whatever, it worked. You both had a good time and don’t tell me you didn’t.’ She slapped them both again.
They laughed with her. Both woke happy from an enjoyable day and ignored the hands on hips and stuffy looks they were receiving.
‘Who’s your new friend?’ Rory asked in the tone of, hell no not another one.
‘Sorry guys this is Calyx, Jett’s brother.’ Caitlin introduced Rory, worried about his expression. He was a good man, but still hadn’t been able to let go of the protectiveness he felt towards her. He didn’t like Axon letting her go off on her own, being around strangers that he couldn’t guard her against.
‘Calyx, this is my boss, Rory.’
Before introducing Calyx to her father, she waited until he and Rory finished their chat. It was the first meeting between the ruler of the Planet Jupiter and the leader of the Macro Riders, so Caitlin didn’t interrupt. In a silent moment as they pondered their next question to each other, Caitlin introduced her father.
She pointed to him, getting Calyx’s attention. ‘And this is Torpez from the camping trip I told you about.’
‘Refresh me.’
‘The grizzly, remember.’
‘That’s right.’ Calyx shook her father’s hand for the first time ever, pleased to put a name to the story. ‘Where are you from Torpez?’ Calyx had an unsure look in his eyes. ‘I’m sure I know the face.’
Caitlin quickly used magic to haze her father’s image from Calyx. That and with the beard her father had recently grown, was enough to alter his appearance. After only meeting him once, Calyx would barely recognise the man he hounded. It had been many years since Calyx met with Lord Mensa, his Jupiter squadron leader instigating and carrying out the many raids on behalf of Calyx. Yet he was still astute enough to question. Caitlin butted in. ‘Like you, Calyx, he’s chosen to keep his work and abode private, but what I can tell you is that his home world has the most enchanting mountain range that is now short of one big old bear.’
‘A grizzly you say.’ Calyx scratched his head, almost amused. ‘Was it a big mongrel?’ His interest was genuine.
‘Sure was. We had quite a battle bringing the oversized furburger down.’
Calyx took a liking to him straight away and put his arm around him, directing him to the bar stools. ‘I love a good hunting story, continue.’ They sat together, almost huddled together. The two of them laughed occasionally. Caitlin looked across at the sound, where Jett and Aurek had now joined them, the four increasing the vibe of enthusiasm as they shared hunting stories.
Caitlin sat with Rory who drilled her for indulging in moonjuice with the planet rulers while on the job. ‘I only had a couple to get them going. So what – you never drink with any of the rulers?’ She threw it back at him.
‘That’s different Cait, I’m a man and your behaviour is unbecoming of you. And sleeping between them, you’re acting like a tart.’
‘You know why they do that. I can’t control what draws you guys to me. You know that! You’re just jealous I befriended them first. Get over it, Rory.’
‘Cait, quit it. I know you’ve worked hard to earn their respect but you could take it too far one day and find yourself in trouble. These deities have no idea what you have been through or how innocent you are.’
She put her head down. Only Rory knew her, really knew her, and he was right. She wasn’t sure at all what she was doing.
‘Rory, all I know is something overpowers me. It sets me on a course I cannot deviate from. Then it’s gone and leaves me to deal with the situation I have been put into. At the minute I’m me, here, talking to you. But at any moment I can be steered into a new mission, and it’s like someone else is doing the talking. I feel it is me and yet when it’s done and she speaks it confuses me who really did it, me, her or both of us. Other time I don’t remember what she does or says until I awaken from her trance and then it’s just me, left to use my intuition and smarts to survive. I don’t mean to hurt or scare you, but this thing is big and I have no control when it takes me over.’
‘What! Really, does Axon know, have you told him?’
She nodded. ‘He thinks the universe is fuelling me. He trusts that I will learn to control it as we all do when given a new gift. Zoren thinks I channel an ancient goddess. That she teaches me to be one too.’
‘Cait you should have told me; they should have talked to me about it. I can adjust the team’s powers to give you more will to control it.’
‘I don’t think they know how much stronger our team has become since taking on the Cloud Riders powers. We were extraordinary anyway. Now it’s intense.’ She poked at his chest. ‘Your power is still growing too, Rory.’
‘Shush.’ He grinned.
She motioned for him to bend closer so she could whisper and put her hand to his ear. ‘I would never let it slip when I’m with these guys if that’s what you’re worried about. I’d never tell a soul, I promise.’
He held her face between his hands. ‘You are still one of my best friends Cait and always will be. I know my secret is safe with you. I just don’t want them finding out about your capabilities. One day, you may just need that talent of y
ours to save all of us.’
His sweetness brought tears to her eyes. ‘Locked deep in here.’ She patted her chest area. He pulled her in for a hug. ‘Just don’t shut me out, please trust me, okay.’
Her soaked eyes stared up at him. ‘She does.’ A voice unlike hers, coming from her mouth, spoke to Rory, and his eyes widened, her grip not letting him move. ‘For saving her life her bond with you is forever, but you must trust in the measures put in place to prevent this war that is imminent. Hades will fight beside Zeus to claim Mercury. Her work is not complete.’
Caitlin collapsed against Rory and he scooped her up and laid her on the lounge. ‘Caitlin, you okay?’ he whispered close to her ear, not wanting to attract any of the others to them. He had been given a message, but needed to talk to her privately. She fluttered her eyelashes as she came around. ‘Rory, what happened?’
‘You don’t remember what you just said?’
‘I said I keep it locked deep in here.’
He smiled. ‘Yes Cait, that’s all you said.’
He knew now that she would be off on another mission soon and wanted her home until it went down.
‘Time I took you home Cait.’
‘Agreed.’ Not sure why she passed out, she figured he was right and looked forward to a catch up with the team.
‘Three days will go fast and then you’ll be back here on Orion’s home world for the hen’s night.’
She considered her new friend. ‘Well I guess Aurek’s happy now.’
‘You did well with him. He’s a changed man.’
‘He is rather adorable. You know he has organised everything.’ She smiled. ‘So what’s left?’ She shrugged.
‘Exactly. Now go say your goodbyes and I’ll get the horses ready.’
When she hugged Jett, he agreed with Rory. ‘You need some time to rest before the big day. Have some girl time with the other members of your group.’ Aurek agreed with them too. He didn’t like what he saw in his Uncle Calyx’s eyes when he looked at her. He wanted her as far away from Calyx as he could get her. He might have been family but Aurek knew that look only too well.
