by Debbie Behan
Rory came in while Caitlin had her meltdown. Axon was with her, and by his words and how carefully he handled her return to realism more than impressed him. He wished while watching, it was him, but she chose Axon. However, this changes nothing, I’m still taking her home.
The three of them sat and talked through the night; Rory relented and promised he would leave it up to Caitlin to decide when she was ready to go home, and then he would come and get her.
‘I’m not entirely a controlling monster, Cait.’ He lightened the conversation in the end. ‘I can see you need time alone with Axon, and to tell you the truth it’s probably for the best. I want you in the right headspace for the next mission.’ He turned to Axon. ‘This is a one time offer so don’t expect it all the time. How about us lot stay an extra day to look after Ara so you can take Cait somewhere special tomorrow?’
Axon’s eyes widened. ‘Really, you would do that for us?’
‘No, I’d do it for Cait. I have upset her lately which is something I don’t intend to ever repeat. So to make it up to her before she fully dumps my arse, I want to do something to make up for my behaviour towards her. I see it’s you she has chosen for this so I will back down on this instance, but only because I want her to take off somewhere relaxing and unwind after what she has just had to go through.’
‘You knew about her past and yet kept it secret,’ Axon guessed.
‘Again, it was for her!’ He stood up. ’I could have killed the mongrels when I saw how she had been living. But all I could think of was to get her out of that stinking pit of an underground basement. I don’t know how she survived. When she forgot, I let her. Right or wrong of me, I didn’t care. I hate that she has had to relive those memories.’ He moved her hair back off her forehead. ‘She is my family, my friend. Don’t hurt her.’
‘Never, I love her too!’
Axon held her. You’re mine! He grinned happily as Rory left to get some sleep.
Rory had a big day ahead if he was to handle things while Axon was off world.
Chapter Eighteen
Fate has its Own Plan
Axon smiled. ‘You look beautiful,’ he said before transporting them and poof! Caitlin stood on a beach of what appeared to be a tropical island resort. He landed them in the water. They laughed as the waves lapped gently at their feet and then they ran up on the beach, where both plopped onto the sand and sank into the softness, kicking off wet shoes. With loafers in hand, Axon stood and helped her up.
‘Hungry?’
‘Starved.’ Caitlin took his arm as they strolled along the water’s edge until they reached a restaurant. A waiter fussed with napkins after they were seated and gave a hearty welcome, but the name he called Axon confused Caitlin.
‘Ah, Mr Wolf, just in time. Would you and ma’am like to try Delphinus Ambrosia? The grapes are from my grandfather’s very own vineyard, the young crop gives it a fruity yet robust flavour.’
‘Yes, thank you, Garston.’ The waiter poured a small amount for him to try. Axon swirled the Ambrosia in the goblet, sniffed the bouquet and sipped it. ‘That’s perfect.’
After both goblets had been filled, and their orders were taken, Garston left to organise their meals.
‘Mr Wolf – what?’ she whispered to Axon once they were alone again.
‘The name is homage to the wolves on my Home World. An alias is necessary when off world without security.’
‘Yes of course. I hadn’t thought about it, but now I’m a Cloud Rider I will, won’t I?’
He reached out for her hand. ‘For the moment it isn’t an issue. If I have to introduce you to anyone here, I will call you Red.’ He grinned.
She was happy with that and glanced around. ‘I still can’t believe I’m here and, with you.’
They had been seated under palm trees. The fronds on the branches quietly rustled in the delicate warm breeze. Axon poured her more wine, which they sipped it in silence while Caitlin took in the ambience of loveliness that surrounded her. ‘Are we still in the stars? Has this island a name?’ She turned back to him.
‘I hinted to you that the stars were an exuberant place to live and I’m so pleased you are finally well enough for me to prove to you just how much you would enjoy it if you chose to stay. This is Dolphin Island on the Delphinus constellation.’ He directed her attention to the water where a few dolphins had come close to shore and, once noticed, they began to make a ruckus. ‘They’re friendly if you want to pat them.’
‘Hell yes!’ She stood up quickly, wanting to make the best of it. She had no intentions of wasting one minute of this chance to experience something new.
In the water, they swam around her legs, rubbing themselves against her. If one missed out on the attention, it made a funny clicking sound that made her laugh.
‘They talk to you, how cool.’ She was fascinated. ‘They feel soft.’ Her hands ran across them before Axon dragged her back to the table when their meal arrived.
‘This is just what I needed. Thanks for giving up your day for me.’
‘My pleasure, but I have a lot planned so eat and let’s go and explore.’
Three islanders played soft music to them while Caitlin used her fork to push the food around her plate, preferring to chat. With a movement so fast that she held her breath, he stood, picked her up in his arms and swung her around, smiling. ‘Wine, music and still I can’t get you to eat. Maybe a day in the fresh air might just do the trick.’
Caitlin giggled uncontrollably as he stomped up the beach with her still in his arms and sat her in one of the island explorers, a Dolphin buggy. A dig in his pocket produced notes that he gave the attendant. With a tug of an electrical lead that charged it, they set off, the chunky wheels churning up the sand. Caitlin coughed as they became consumed in dust and gravel.
‘Stop!’ She got out when he pulled up, walked around to his side and made him move over to the passenger’s seat. ‘You guys up here have become far too complacent with your transporting powers. Have none of you got a licence?’
He joked, ‘What’s that?’
They stopped at the edge of a thick forest, preferring to take a stroll through the freshly scented woodlands.
‘Well, now I know how the person in the land of the giants felt.’ Caitlin stood with her head back trying to see the tops of the trees.
‘Giant Delphonie trees,’ he told her. ‘You see, many years ago this was all water, the Island did not exist. The story goes that the Boto breed of Dolphins found a special magic that enabled them to become shapeshifters. Unbeknown to them, being able to shape into humans changed everything, even where they lived. They started to die off; the only ones that stayed healthy were those who lived in fresh water. King-Sea, the King of all Dolphins, fell in love with a Boto breed, Princess Delphinus. When she became ill, King-Sea could not bear his beloved to die but wished her to stay near so instructed his royal guards to called upon all dolphins to help save the princess. The dolphins swam around and around in the shape of a dolphin, sucking up the ocean floor, and created this very island. After the heavy rains had gouged out river beds and filled them, it is said her royal court of Boto dolphins struggled through the sand and planted sea seeds. This was to encourage vegetation on the sandy island. After the flood had subsided, the King ordered the Dolphins to circle the entire island. This time they sprang up on tails and sang to the seeds to set growth in motion. These are the trees they first planted to give cover during the hot months, and to this day if you listen hard, you will hear the song within the trees. Legend has it that if the Boto Dolphins leave, the trees and vegetation will die.’
‘I love that story.’ She smiled and moved gently in the breeze; sure she heard the song.
Back in the car, she pulled up as they came to a dead end. ‘Where now?’
‘We walk to that rock.’ Axon pointed to an enormous rocky mountain to the le
ft of them. He turned and pulled a bag over from the back seat and rifled through it.
‘What are you up to and where did that come from?’
‘My little secret.’ He grinned. ‘Come on, time to gear up Cait. We’re climbing to the top.’
‘Oh my god! You’re kidding me, right?’ The tall, steep and rugged rock surface loomed above them so high; the top was out of sight.
‘Scared?’
‘Me! Hell no. Give me them.’ She wasn’t going to show him how crazy she thought this idea, but instead snatched at the gloves he held up for her.
Climbing the uneven and crumbly surface, Caitlin wished she hadn’t been so gung-ho, as showing off had worn her out. ‘This is hot work.’ She wiped the perspiration from her brow.
‘Nearly there.’
‘You said that half an hour ago.’
He smiled and gave her a hoist up to a ledge. ‘See, we are here.’
Eyes open wide, she was in awe, for the view was spectacular. Ocean surrounded the entire island that seemed to be situated in the middle of nowhere. Goal accomplished, they kissed and sat to enjoy what they had achieved. After some time she stood up. ‘So how do we get down?’ The climb had taken its toll, and although she didn’t want to have to admit it, she didn’t look forward to the descent.
Axon stood beside her. ‘I have enjoyed every minute of the climb up here with you but am finding greed prevents me taking the two-hour trek down. I missed you while you concentrated so hard. So, this is how we are getting down.’ He grinned and transported her there.
‘Hey, isn’t that cheating?’ She chuckled.
‘I’m not always the good guy, especially when it comes to going after what I want.’
That was the first time he’d mentioned how he felt since her meltdown. She liked it and needed to hear more.
‘So does that mean you’ve finally fallen for my charms?’ She fluttered her eyelashes at him.
He snatched her up in his arms and plonked her in the driver’s seat. ‘Drive.’
Back on the bumpy sandy track, the subject was changed and deep in conversation, they arrived back at the resort far too quickly.
Caitlin dropped her lip when they pulled up. She wasn’t ready to go home. ‘Do we have to get out? Can’t we drive somewhere else? This has been amazing.’
He smiled. ‘I wasn’t going to leave just yet. You don’t come to Dolphin Island and not have a cocktail at sunset. The night sky here is quite spectacular, something you shouldn’t miss.’
‘I love you doing all this for me.’
He grinned. ‘There’s a reason for all I do, and from here on in it’s about you, Caitlin. I want you to start experiencing all the things you missed. You won’t see any of it, locked up in my arms.’
‘But that would be pleasing too.’
Her sexy tone made him shake his head. ‘Cait, behave. I’m trying to give you a memory to cherish. Something to take back and get you through tough times that may be ahead.’
She chuckled and made him smile. She had been stirring him and poked him when he got it. She wasn’t prepared for his sudden attentive and inviting look which drew her in too. They had almost kissed when a light shower came down on them from nowhere. Arm in arm they looked more like happy lovers on a honeymoon as Axon ran with her into a restaurant close to them.
‘This is a bit posh.’ She started to back out of the door. ‘I should have brought a change of clothes.’ She felt underdressed.
‘You look adorable. Stop worrying, woman!’ He held her close to prevent her leaving while waiting for the maître d’ to tend to them.
Seated in a private booth, he passed her a menu. ‘See, no one even noticed us come in, and now we have privacy. Feel better?’ He grinned.
‘Guess so.’
Next thing an islander came from behind her and placed a string of flowers around her neck. He grinned like a schoolboy. ‘You beautiful woman.’ He backed away and tripped over the table behind him, unable to divert his eyes, apologised and scurried off.
Axon shook his head at the young man who had no hope with the woman he had every intention of spending the rest of his life with. He relished that she never gave the young man with bright blue eyes a second glance, pleased her eyes stayed fixed on him only.
She shrugged. ‘Guess I don’t look as frightful as I feel.’
He pointed to a poster. ‘The theme tonight is Hula of Delphinus. See, your bright floral sundress will fit right in.’
She eyed him, unsure what Hula of Delphinus meant. ‘Hula is…?’
‘Similar to the celebrations from your world, they dance to preserve traditions and the culture.’
‘Oh, I see. You mean islander grass skirts and bright body painting, stuff like that?’
‘Yes! You like?’ He raised a brow.
‘No!’ She grinned. ‘I love it.’
He laughed heartily.
Caitlin had grown accustomed to his sense of humour and the more they grew to know each other, the more opened up and relaxed they had become. After ordering Moonjuice for two, Axon took her hand. ‘Would you dance with me, Cait?’
‘Sure.’ She tried to sound confident and worldly. She had taken only a few lessons but was not about to let an opportunity to be in his arms slip. To dance with someone like Axon, a gentleman who was both honourable and exciting to be around had her floating on a cloud as they walked to the floor.
‘Dancing, as well as staying for dinner. I feel very spoilt and honoured, but shouldn’t we eat up and leave? What about your work? Won’t Zoren be annoyed you wagged it?’
‘Wagged it?’ He sounded confused.
‘It’s an Earth term; if you skip class, you wagged it. Sorry, not that funny now I know you don’t get it.’
‘Cait.’
‘Yes, Axon.’ Her mind was dreamy from dancing so close.
‘Just dance.’
‘In our world, a man would pretend it was at least a little funny if he was expecting more from the woman he held.’
‘Cait.’
She chuckled. ‘I know, dance and zip it.’
‘I was going to say, that was funny. Now can we go to bed together?’
‘Axon.’
‘Yes, Cait.’
‘Just dance.’
They both cracked up laughing.
They swayed effortlessly to the music, their bodies moulded into one another. Caitlin felt as if they had danced together for years. Is there nothing he’s not good at?
‘I didn’t know you brought perfume with you, it’s quite intoxicating.’
‘I have no handbag, so I carry nothing.’
He held her at arm’s length. ‘It drives me crazy, you wear it all the time.’
‘No, I never wear perfume. It’s just me. Rory thinks it’s a power. It seems to get stronger if I feel threatened.’
‘What, with me?’
Caitlin glanced around. ‘We could be in for a rocky night. Can you handle it or do you want to leave?’
‘Umm…’ He eyed her. ‘I think I’d prefer to see this play out Cait. It will give me insight into what this magical scent attracts and what it does if anything. Assuming Rory is correct and trouble does find you, I’ll transport us home.’
‘Don’t believe me, do you?’
‘Cait, just dance.’ He pulled her in, having a feeling the only trouble she would find was him not being able to keep his hands off her. ‘You are one big mystery, Cait. And trouble with a capital T.’
‘Axon.’
‘Yes, Cait.’
‘Just dance.’
His smile was broad, his eyes bright as he spun her around and dipped her, his kiss light and deliberate.
She hoped he knew it wasn’t him she feared as a danger. Did he make her feel her virtue was a little at risk? No, it was something else,
but what?
Back at the table they ate from a fresh seafood platter and watched the first performance of the night. Female islanders, dressed in traditional costumes with their tops painted on, danced out stories of old. After dinner, Axon moved Caitlin closer, and she leant into him to watch more entertainment, this time from the men. One of the over-eager bucks hit on Caitlin, first serenading her, and then inviting her to join them on the stage. She refused, wanting to stay in Axon’s comfortable arms, but laughed and surprisingly went with him after three others came to help. As two of them lifted her onto the stage, she hoped she didn’t embarrass Axon as she had enjoyed a little too much Moonjuice during dinner.
To inspire her to learn their native dance, they wrapped a grass skirt around her waist and a halo of flowers around her head. She had fun with it and enjoyed every minute of the lesson, giving them as much cheek as they gave her. The laughter at the table beside theirs was the loudest. The entire table stood and gave her a standing ovation when she finished. She curtsied towards them and clapped with excitement when it was over.
‘That was entertainment at its best.’ The one with the curly dark hair stood up and asked for her name so he could introduce her to his family.
She winked at Axon. ‘Call me Red if you like.’
The dark-haired man eyed her. ‘Mind if I call you, Glow Girl?’
‘Why?’
‘You’re glowing, girl.’
‘And you?’
‘Anything you like.’
‘Then I will call you Jett.’
Some of them at the table heard and laughed. ‘Jett. Jet black hair… Funny.’ The woman next to him chuckled.
‘They like it.’ He stood back and played with his goatee. ‘Jett it is then.’
She gave him a warm smile. ‘Nice to meet you, Jett.’
‘Same.’ He shook her hand, turning it over. ‘Your skin is so soft.’
‘No! Don’t even think about it.’ She chuckled. ‘No calling me soft touch or I swear I won’t speak to you for the rest of the night.’
She could see by his expression he was hanging on her every word. Maybe he thought she was an actress and was a paid part of the act. Rory and her friends invited and made performers welcome at their table all the time when they went out at night. It made the evening more fun, so she didn’t find it unusual to be the centre of attention. It was a buzz that she was the one getting fussed over for a change. What could it hurt? They didn’t know she wasn’t a star and she soaked up the attention. In a fabulous mood, she turned and put her hand out toward Axon. ‘This is a dear friend of mine who goes by the name of Wolf.’