by Debbie Behan
Axon held back an irritated glare. Instead, he grunted and nodded towards her before he turned his back on her and chatted with the others at the table.
Caitlin enjoyed Klim’s company and giggled with pleasure as he spun her around the floor, ignoring Axon’s apparent effort to make her uncomfortable. Was he still cross at her? She had been behaving, well she thought she had… Or is he jealous? After the music had finished, she thanked Klim and excused herself.
Slightly off balance from the tea, Caitlin left her new friends talking with Lisha and Conor. Eventually, she found her way out onto a balcony. The air was crisp and clean outside and overlooking the grounds and with the lights on was dreamy. She folded her arms and leant against a pillar, thinking how lucky she was to be having this experience. Two moons, bright stars and the feeling of freshness against her skin mellowed her mood. It was a romantic setting. It made her feel at peace as if this was where she was meant to be. Out here in the universe and even though only just introduced to it, she was overjoyed in this new life. It was a feeling that even Axon’s suspicious glare could not spoil for her.
As she turned to go back inside, she noticed Axon had been standing in the doorway watching her.
‘What are you doing out here alone? There are dangers here that you’re not aware of, Caitlin. Please let me know next time you want to head outside so I can have you guarded. Did you not see how Cassie is watched like a hawk? This is careless; another reason you give me not to trust you.’
Anger welled up inside Caitlin and she moved inches from him, hands back on hips. ‘I belong here Axon, and you know it. Okay, so I don’t know the rules yet and feel way out of my depth, but don’t for one minute think I need protection as Cassie does. Rory has spent years training me and I reckon I could take you on if you want me to prove it.’
Off balance from waving her arm around, she fell into his arms. Staring up into his handsome face, soaking in his dark, mysterious eyes and lustrous dark hair, she was glad it was he who finally spoke. ‘Is that right, bruiser?’ he mocked.
‘Yes,’ she said her voice soft and inviting. ‘You, Axon Stanton, sure know just how to push my buttons, but you know that don’t you?’
Caitlin smiled, stood up on tippy toes and playfully kissed his lips, then with a giggle went to run inside. She got only a few steps before feeling his arm around her waist as he swung her back to him. She was pressed up close, and her chest heaved with excited joy as his mouth came down on hers. His warm, sweet breath she remembered well, her eyes closed enjoying every moment of the tingle of sexual lust that had her tremble with desire. The wish to have this man in her bed was stronger than the last time they exchanged such passion. His hunger for her showed when she weakened from desire, as he lifted and cradled her, deepening the kiss which sent lustful shudders deep inside her. Caitlin felt they had both tapped into yearnings neither had previously known; maybe it only existed for them. She had never read or heard of kisses to give so much pleasure. She was falling for him in a big way and going by his insatiable desire, hoped he had a place in his heart for her.
Gently, he placed her back on her feet. Goosebumps and a tingle still ran throughout her body and she stood for a moment gazing into his captivating eyes, windows to his soul… that suddenly locked her out. A calming of her desire for him lessened with the tough guy look. Caitlin straightened and patted his arm, letting out enough power to make him jump with the electric charge. The leap of his body gave them distance enough for her to straighten more, and lift her chin with an indignant look before walking off on him. She looked back and he was shaking his head. Was that a slight grin she spotted for the first time today?
The kiss was unexpected; Caitlin coming to the realisation that what he said, and what he was thinking towards her was so very opposite. She now looked forward to getting to know her boss on a more personal basis and sniggered to herself. She would have to keep this quiet for his sake. But this also worked in her favour. Rory had changed towards her and she was unsure where she stood with him during this mission. To have the boss in her back pocket secured her position in the team regardless of how he felt. In a daze and dreams of the beginning of love, she joined the others who had gathered at Kayden’s return.
Rory took Bree in the circle of his arms, lifting her off the floor in a hug when she ran over to him.
‘I missed you, big fellow!’ She smiled up at him. ‘Have you finished yet or do you still have to do stuff?’
‘Just a few more minutes Bree, honey.’ He grinned back at her.
Caitlin watched on. She and Rory used to be like that together. She missed him but was happy he had found someone sweet and loving to spend his life with. Bree was honest and a lovely person. If it had to be anyone she was glad it was her.
Bree almost skipped away from him. She seemed so happy now he was back and poured herself and Caitlin another tea. ‘Have a beverage with me, Caitie girl.’
Axon slipped it out of her hand. ‘Don’t Cait, you’ve had enough of this tea for one night,’ he said and held it up. Caitlin jumped to grab it but his height played to his advantage, the black tea ending up on a shelf. He swung her onto the dance floor with him. ‘You’re such a little live wire; do you ever stop and take a breath?’ He waltzed her around the floor.
‘Yes, when you kiss me.’
Axon bent down and whispered, ‘Not a good idea to remember that, whatever it was. And, that being said, quit sleazing up to the Rulers, it doesn’t become you.’ He sounded exasperated.
Her eyes glazed over. He lied! ‘Well, whatever that was it has happened twice now. As for Klim, give me some credit, I was nothing but a friendly companion to amuse him until you and Kayden were ready to speak to him.’ She shook from his arms and strode off the floor. He didn’t leave her side until she was back with her friends. Then he hurried off and joined Kayden, his movement rushed and annoyed.
Cassie offered Caitlin a cup of Mrs Lekett’s addictive brew.
‘The bully boss giving you a hard time?’ Bree slipped an arm through hers. ‘Give her a mug of it, Cassie.’ She continued to console Caitlin.
Before long the girls were joking, noisy and were having such a good time together that even Lisha joined them. The four girls together was probably not a good idea. They became louder and ended up on the dance floor, their antics having those who watched in stitches of laughter. The only time they stopped was to sip more tea. By the time the men did join them, they didn’t get a look in as the four girls stood arm in arm and swayed as they sang at the top of their lungs. Eventually, they sat in a circle and had a girl power chat until they fell asleep together.
* * * *
In the morning, Caitlin found she had a headache for the first time ever. Putting a hand to her temple, she nursed her throbbing head while looking for Axon. He was asleep in a chair when she found him and she squealed with surprise when he made a grab for her and pulled her onto his lap.
‘What are you up to now?’ he whispered loudly, trying not to wake everyone around him.
‘Looking for you to apologise. I kind of ignored your advice and feel sore and sorry for myself for doing so.’ Her tone was timid.
He shuddered as she wiggled closer into him. His reaction confirmed to Caitlin that he had feelings for her.
‘Your head is aching, am I right?’
She nodded, as the throbbing pain and his sympathy made her frown.
A light sparked in his eyes. ‘You wouldn’t listen?’
‘It was a girl thing. They encouraged me.’
‘I’m sure they did! Hold still while I take away that ache. Although I should let you suffer a little for disobeying me.’ He gave her a touch of his magic to rid her of it, ignoring her protest that she wasn’t that bad.
He held each side of her head, his touch soft and delightfully refreshing, making her eyes close. Sudden warmth radiated from his fingers and took aw
ay all traces of the pain she had felt. Warm lips touched her and left her weak and breathless as she melted into his arms. He pulled away, apologising. ‘Sorry, that wasn’t part of it, but your lips are just so kissable.’ He stood them both up.
‘What! Is that it?’ She raised her hand to her head. ‘Hang on, I think it hurts again.’
‘Caitlin, behave! That was nothing. I’m a man that’s all. Don’t make anything out of it. I’m going for coffee unless you can take away my headache as well.’
‘Well, let’s find a room. I’ll give it a fair shot.’ She chuckled uncontrollably.
He ignored her and left her to follow him, or not.
Well, that went well. Caitlin collected her dignity. He so likes me. She trailed behind him knowing he was heading for a coffee machine and that sounded too good to pass up.
Like an annoying child, she was at his side and chatted nonstop. He was relieved once they found Mrs Lekett in the kitchen. Caitlin gravitated towards the aroma of bacon and eggs, giving him peace.
‘There is tea brewed.’ Mrs Lekett smiled at Axon’s strained features.
He politely refused the tea offered and instead, filled the coffee maker with fresh beans, opting to make a robust antidote.
Rory and Bree joined them, and Caitlin handed them an empty mug each. ‘Hi guys, want a coffee? The boss just brewed some.’
Rory ruffled Caitlin’s hair. ‘Just so long as you didn’t make it,’ he said. He picked up the pot, filled both mugs and handed one to Bree.
‘Not so good in the kitchen?’ Axon raised his eyebrow, glad to find a fault in her.
Rory collapsed in the chair beside her. ‘Axon, never, and I mean never, let that woman loose in the kitchen. Even on your best day, you’ll want to kill her.’
Caitlin and Bree just laughed. ‘I’m allergic to kitchens. They bite and burn and cut,’ said Caitlin. ‘I hate them.’
Axon seemed happy for a change; it was as if he deliberately looked for flaws in her. Caitlin glared at him before deciding to ignore him. He just doesn’t want to admit he’s hot for me! The thought made her smile and feel happy again. She had him pegged.
‘So, what’s the status on the battle between the disgruntled lovers and the opposing stars? Did it get sorted?’ She changed the subject to show she wasn’t just a funny girl that couldn’t cook. There was more to her than that. She turned to Axon. ‘What was the verdict? Does the prince get the girl?’
Axon put down his cup and sat back. ‘Well, it’s not completely sorted yet! We are to call in on the prince on the run home. Kayden worked out a deal with Klim last night, only he still needed to present the proposal to the two lovebirds. He’s reasonably sure after they hear the plan, the disagreement will be resolved.’
‘Man, Kayden’s a smooth talker. I learnt so much yesterday,’ Rory confided.
Axon had on his business look, and Caitlin tried not to smile. She adored the different personalities he allowed her to see. A hard-arsed businessperson and yet protective, and someone Caitlin was beginning to feel very safe around. Even if he wouldn’t admit he liked her too, she hoped one day he would.
‘So tell me,’ Axon said calmly to Rory, ‘do you feel more confident? And before you answer, I appreciate you still have concerns and agree, there will be mistakes made along the way. But I’m sure once you have your team trained the way you want them, those concerns will lessen. Even Kayden had his share of headaches while developing his group. That said, I have to warn, unlike his, your team will be dealing with planets, not stars. Most of the fun they have here may not be what you find where we are going. Where I take you there will be gods, goddesses, and hard-core Rulers that have done things their way for many centuries. I’m not trying to frighten you off, but I expect my team to be ten times better than Kayden’s due to the situations we’ll be faced with.’
He picked up his cup and drank the last of his coffee. The clunk of it on the saucer was loud as the noise around them had silenced. He knew he had given them something to think about and continued. ‘You’ve all had a good laugh together, and I allowed it because it showed me you had a keen sense of humour. This, Kayden tells me, you will need to get you through some nasty situations you’ll face up here.’ He leant forward and clasped his hands on the table in front of him. ‘After much consideration, I agree with Kayden and do think you and your team have what it takes to be the Riders I search for, but I have to know, do you believe so too?’
Rory glanced at his friends. ‘Of course we can handle it. We get it, our missions will be more intense but those challenges you speak of, us lot will take on eagerly. My team works as hard as they play. I’ve been with them for a long time and have every confidence in them. I’m just glad you guys can see it in them too.’
Rory held up his cup to Caitlin in a toast, and both clinked the china before the rest of them joined in. ‘To the planets!’
‘And I pity the poor gods when they meet our Caitlin,’ Rory stirred her. ‘They are so not going to know what’s hit them.’
‘Horrible man!’ Caitlin leant over, slapping Rory on the shoulder. ‘You’ll keep, buddy.’
It was only then that Caitlin noticed Bree had her head cocked to one side. Pale lips curved down and the creases on her forehead showed she was still uncertain.
Caitlin placed her hand over Bree’s affectionately. ‘Honey, this is what the rest of us have trained for and always hoped for, a chance to use our powers for good. We love you and want you to be part of all this, but if you want out, we can find another team member. This decision will not change our friendship. You will still be Rory’s girl and my very best mate, always. But in saying that, I think you’re putting too much pressure on yourself to take it all in at once. We’ll all learn together. Yes, there will be some slip-ups I’m sure, although not from me!’ she joked to lighten Bree’s grip. ‘However, as a team, there is nothing we can’t fix. Just try and see it for what it is; one hell of a ride.’
Rory wrapped an arm around Bree. ‘She’ll be right, won’t you muffin? I’ll keep you safe, I promise.’
‘Okay, I’ll give it a go, but don’t expect me to be as good as you lot just yet until I learn.’
‘You are as good as we are, Bree, just give yourself a little time and you’ll see it too.’ Caitlin smiled when Rory gave her a grin and winked for helping.
‘We’re good then?’ Axon asked.
Rory, Caitlin and Bree nodded.
‘All ready and willing, Axon. Bree here just needs a bit of TLC. The others have been with me for years and are as tough as they come. Breezy’s only been with us a short time, but she’ll do just fine. You’ll see.’ Rory patted her hand and sat back.
‘That’s your responsibility and I’ll expect you to make the hard call if any of your team doesn’t work out or follow your leadership.’ He shook Rory’s hand. ’Welcome to the heavens and into the Riders contingent. I’ll leave it up to you to tell the rest of your group. As for me, I have to let Zoren know I’ve picked my squadron and hope the news gets him off my back.’
‘Have we got a cool name like the Cloud Riders? Please tell me we’re not going to be mini me’s and be called the Cloud Riders 11.’ Caitlin pushed to find out what was on all their minds.
‘Your new title will be the Cosmic Riders.’ He paused while they cheered. When they silenced, he continued, ‘And, Rory, I look forward to watching you develop your team members to the standard I will need you to be. In saying that I have no doubt after watching you in action, the Cosmic Riders will be the most talked about, innovative and proactive team the heavens have encountered.’
‘I won’t let you down, Axon,’ said Rory.
‘I know. That’s why you are here. I trusted you from the moment I met you.’
With a handshake to Caitlin and Bree, Axon left the room to touch base with Zoren. Caitlin wondered how he would contact an angel but kept her mout
h shut. That would be a question for another day. She wanted some alone time with just her friends. The excitement of Rory’s decision and Axon’s acceptance of her and the rest of the team with all their issues had her buzzing. She looked forward to knowing so much more about this mysterious new profession and, of course, Axon Stanton.
After an hour of happy chatter, Rory let the girls go to wake the others up to tell them the exciting news. Caitlin and Bree couldn’t wait and jumped on Nate and Zeke. In retaliation, the boys tickled and gently ruffled them up. Kayden opened his eyes and smiled at the shenanigans while waking up Cassie. Jason and Ethan were on armchairs. Both girls stood at the ready to pounce, counting, one and two and three, so they could land at the same time. Bree leapt at Ethan, Caitlin at Jason and before they dropped on them, both men had woken and snatched the girls up in mid-air, their speed equal to a panther chasing its prey, running with them out into the pool and tossing them in. Bree and Caitlin were out like lightning, making a grab for the boys. Rory came in, snatched Bree from them and placed her behind him affectionately, waiting for a showdown. Ethan and Jason, never ones to back down, ran at him, both taking him down and pinning him beneath them on the floor.
‘We have a traitor in our midst.’ Jason chuckled. ‘You hold him Eth, and I’ll get the girl.’ He dashed towards Bree, who was too fast, so he tried to grab Caitlin but Axon was too quick and they disappeared into thin air and reappeared in the kitchen.
‘It’ll take them a minute before they realise where I took you.’ He shook his head at her. ‘You won’t learn, will you? I’m not going to spend the rest of my days saving you Cait, so be...’ but before he could finish Jason and Ethan ran in and snatched her quickly out of his grip and sat her at the table between them.
Jason laughed. ‘As punishment for playing dirty, you’re not allowed to have her back until we’re ready. So whatever discipline you were dishing out just then will have to wait and there will be no negotiating.’
Axon opened his mouth but it was as far as he got. Jason put up his hand for him to stop. ‘Axon we don’t care if you are a Lord of the Planets with transportation abilities. You’re not our boss! Our territory; our rules!’