Caitlin Goddess of Peace

by Debbie Behan

  Excited, Lord Mensa slapped the side of his leg. ‘That’s it then, wedding is on.’

  ‘Yep, looks that way.’ Caitlin grinned.

  Lord Mensa punched the air and let out his joy, picked her up and swung her around happily. Suddenly he stopped dead. ‘Pluto! Hades! Tell me Aurek didn’t say that planet.’

  Caitlin was stunned with his sudden mood swing. His face was so red, it looked ready to explode. ‘Yes, Pluto, why? Hades was here last night. I don’t see the issue here. What’s going on?’

  ‘Hades! Here!’ He was even more exasperated.

  ‘Yes– Jett. You met him last night. One and the same; Jett is how I refer to him to keep his identity secret to outsiders, but you’re hardly a stranger so you might as well know.’

  His tone was so low she strained to hear him as if something was so secret he was afraid to share with her. ‘Caitlin, it is he and Zeus that have hounded me for years. Hell! I’ve never met him personally, just their army and the roughneck goons they send to watch me. After last night he now knows you are my daughter and he and his brother will be together right now planning your demise. Honestly, Caitlin, you should have told me who he was; we could have kept it a secret about me being your father.’

  ‘Dad, please don’t do this. You have feared for my life since I was born and I want you to stop hiding me. I’m all grown up now and can take care of myself. I only surround myself with the most caring of people, and they love me as I love them. Jett is one of my dearest friends, and even if my time was up and I had to die by anyone’s hands, I would choose a friend to kill me. I feel safe with Jett, so protected in fact, that if I had a brother, I would wish it to be him. We have a bond so strong the devil himself would have a hard time breaking it. Ask Aurek, he’s seen him with me and knows what we share.’

  Aurek agreed. ‘He’s absolutely smitten by her and would never let anyone harm her. Why do you think he came last night? They share something, and he feels her; even now he will know she has got upset and will be worried.’

  She held her father’s hand. ‘Jett already knows who I am. When I first met him, I told him about my life, and he disappeared for a week. He went and checked out my story and would have guessed who I really was, but still chose to love me anyway. Things have changed for Jett. He’s content and is the last person in the universe that would ever frighten me. Actually, I believe he planned this meeting between us. Didn’t he Aurek?’ She eyed him.

  ‘What, he knew you were bringing her here?’ Lord Mensa turned nastily toward Aurek.

  Aurek nodded. ‘He suggested it. I didn’t understand why at the time, but I had no plans to cross him. He was very strict about how to care for Caitlin and grilled me for hours before allowing me to take her anywhere. There were so many other beautiful places I could have gone to, but it all makes sense now.’

  Caitlin was desperate to end the tension. ‘The war between you two is over. This was his way of letting you know. Don’t look at him like Hades the enemy, but Jett, one of my dearest friends, one who will spend forever trying to make it up to me. Give yourself a chance to heal by making the first step. The only way to do that is to leave the past in the past like yesterday when I forgave you.’

  ‘Yes, you did forgive me! But Caitlin, I’m family! It’s easier to forgive blood.’

  Aurek shook his head. ‘You don’t know your daughter. To fill you in might help you see the person we have all grown to love. Jett kidnapped her and yet she forgave him and chose to stay with him for months. I tried to blow her team up twice. She was so close to death Zeus summoned my cousin Apollo to come down and bring her back to life. When I realised she was one of the Cosmic Riders and it was her I almost killed, I literally threw up. I was beside myself with grief, but Glow forgave me and chose to spend time with just me, so I too could heal. You have taken up some of the time she promised me, and I can confidently say that she won’t go home now until she has honoured our agreement. You saw her with Wolf last night; they are so deeply in love that any other woman would have gone home eagerly to be with her man. Not Glow, she still has room in her heart for us and chose to stay. No thought for her own needs. That is how forgiving your beautiful daughter is to us. Tell me she didn’t inherit a little of that from you, my old friend.’ He smiled.

  Lord Mensa shook his head. ‘Wolf? I heard you call him that last night.’

  Caitlin grinned. ‘That is Axon’s alias as I will give you one before you meet Jett’s family, to keep you safe until you’re confident in their presence.’

  ‘Let’s hope Zeus never finds out then. If Hades has caved, I guarantee his brother will not have or ever will. He stands to lose the most as he will not be beholden to any man… or woman. This I am sure of.’ Lord Mensa looked miles away before moving his head and breathing deeply. He had lost the battle but never again was any man going to stop him from being with his daughter. If an alias had protected his daughter thus far, it would protect him, and he was all for it. ‘So when the time comes to introduce me to these gods, what will you call me?’ He raised a brow cheering up some.

  Caitlin had already given this a lot of thought and realised he had too. Her family would always be a target due to the position she held with the Cosmics. The name was an obvious choice, and she smiled as she spoke. ‘Torpez, after your exquisite precious stones.’

  With a toss of his head, he belly-laughed. ‘I like it.’

  Aurek slapped a hand on his back. ‘So you are in, old boy? Are you happy to go to Pluto for the buck’s night?’

  ‘Well, put it this way, I don’t think I can forgive Hades for the hell he put me through, but for Caitlin, for now, I will look upon him as Jett and put our differences aside, at least until after the wedding. But mark my words, I have a score to settle with Hades and man to man, it will happen.’

  Caitlin covered her ears. ‘La la … don’t want to know about it. But if either of you gets hurt, I will step in.’

  Aurek snatched her up in his arms, laughing. ‘You will stay out of it Glow. Men’s business, bruises heal and unless your father has retribution, he will not.’

  He put her down. ‘Now, about the dress.’ Aurek spoke to her father.

  ‘Already on it. Saw to it this morning before I left. I have known you long enough, my boy, to know exactly what you wanted to talk about today. My dressmaker is on her way here now to measure Glow. A gown of French lace is already being designed,’ said Lord Mensa.

  Caitlin shook her head, and red curls fell loosely about her. ‘Aurek, when did you come up with this plan? Is this the reason for the tantrum to get me to stay a few extra days?’

  ‘Guilty!’ He winced, his mouth holding back a smile. ‘When I saw how cute as a button you were with Axon, I thought hell… if I can’t have her, Jett’s not getting her either. I want you an old married woman, so he leaves you alone. You’re my girl!’ He crossed his arms stubbornly, then seeing her look, he quickly backtracked. ‘Not funny… okay truth, I want to do something nice for you like you have done for me. That’s all.’

  Caitlin stood up and hugged him. ‘Thought so, and it’s lovely of you, both of you,’ she added as she also hugged her father. ‘But can we slow down you two?’ She chuckled, sitting back down. ‘Geez! For a start, we live in a magical world. My horse will dress me in any style I so desire. So save your money, please.’

  Mensa leant forward. ‘Even so, Caitlin, I would still like to have a dress made up for you, a real one to keep. I’ve waited for this day since your birth. Let me spoil you a little, please?’

  Caitlin patted his hand. ‘It would be sweet of you to do so, but dresses take forever to be made. I think Axon is planning to elope with me if we are not married soon.’

  ‘There’s nothing that can’t be done when you are Lord over all who dwell here. I promise it will be ready when you are.’ As he spoke a horse-drawn carriage pulled up, and swayed heavily to one side as a r
ather large woman stepped out. With pink hair and pins stuck in her apron, she dragged the tape measure from around her neck and without writing down a thing, measured Caitlin and was back in the carriage within seconds.

  ‘Mustn’t dilly-dally,‘ she said as she waved out the window with a hanky. ‘I have a gown of much importance to make.’

  ‘Are you all for real?’ Caitlin chuckled. ‘I feel like Alice in Wonderland, already late for the tea party.’

  Lord Mensa took both her hands. ‘Allow me this pleasure, I beg you.’

  How could she say no to either of them? Both waited for her to give them the go ahead.

  ‘How long will your team take to make the dress?’

  ‘I’ll work them around the clock, so two days max.’

  ‘How long will it take you, Aurek, to organise the event? And I only want a small private affair.’

  ‘I have three days left with you. If we have any hope of surprising that man of yours, we obviously need to work fast. Between a few helpers and us we should get most of it organised before you have to go home.’ Aurek waited for her reaction.

  Her eyes were bright and alight with excitement. ‘Then it’s home and what’s the plan to prevent Axon from whisking me off to elope?’

  Aurek made patterns on an NAVtablet he pulled from his pocket. This he used to compile time frames they had already discussed. ‘Three days to organise the event, another day for the hen’s and the buck’s night, and the following day… is the wedding. That’s five days in total. So on the fourth day when you go home, Axon can be told it is his buck’s night and no ifs, buts or sneaking off will get him out of having a wedding with all us attending. Uncle Jett will track you, Cait, and bring you back. He will have no option but to follow our plan.’

  ‘Maybe I should contact him now and tell him, save all the worry. I don’t think he likes surprises anyway.’

  ‘Maybe we should gag you!’ Aurek laughed. ‘Axon’s going to be so happy you’re finally committed solely to him, he’ll not care, trust me.’ Aurek rubbed his chin, his mind now elsewhere. ‘First things first.’ He turned back to Caitlin. ‘Who’s the best person to organise your friends to come?’

  ‘Someone who is going to love all this cloak and dagger stuff. Rory will be thrilled to know a secret Axon doesn’t know.’ Caitlin’s eyes shone brightly, knowing Rory could at least be involved.

  ‘While you speak to him, I will contact Uncle Jett to organise our side of the family,’ Aurek said. ‘And while I’m at it I will arrange a hunting party. The food on the menu at the reception has to include meat of the best quality.’

  ‘Did you need help? I know Rory would be in that as well. You’re talking about Taurus right? He’ll be stoked.’

  ‘Good, that’s two of us.’

  ‘I’m in.’ Lord Mensa was eager.

  ‘That makes three and is all we need.’ Aurek looked pleased.

  ‘Hey! What about me?’ Caitlin asked.

  ‘Not to Taurus.’ Aurek was firm. ‘It’s too dangerous. Aldebaran may have given us the okay, but he knows as well as I do that this deal is for men hunters only. Aurus, who is the current overall Ruler, is not trustworthy when there is a lady present. He is a fool and a dangerous one at that and will go to war rather than give up a woman he has decided is his. Jett would never allow it and if Axon knew he would take you home immediately!’

  ‘Surely the guy is no worse than you two. You know I can handle myself. You’re taking Rory. That’s not fair,’ Caitlin grumbled.

  ‘His laws prevent females having any say. It is the Home World of the bull and all that it represents. Sorry, but your welfare and virtue are at risk and we will not budge, Glow, no way.’

  She grinned. ‘Then the bull love-lust thing runs rampant among the menfolk too?’

  He touched her nose. ‘You are too sweet and innocent to even know what I am talking about. Now, stop nagging.’ He shook his head.

  Lord Mensa agreed and put his arm around his daughter. ‘Come on feisty one, let Aurek leave. He still has to call in and speak to Jett about the buck’s night.’

  ‘Yes! Can’t forget the most important event, the boys’ night!’ Aurek gave a wonky grin, teasing Caitlin.

  She screwed up her nose and put her finger up.

  ‘Did you just give me the birdy? That’s it. When I get back, young lady, you have some serious crawling to do.’ Aurek spoke to Lord Mensa. ‘It will be easier if we leave now and coordinate this from my house. Don’t want a certain god coming here and guessing who Caitlin’s father really is… do we now?’

  In an instant, they were transported to Aurek’s Home World on Orion’s Belt.

  Aurek spoke to a couple of guards before going over to talk with Caitlin and Lord Mensa. Both strolled in the garden that was his pride and joy. Little did anyone know but he had a passion for gardening and was chuffed Caitlin wanted her wedding to be within the flowering beds of his hard labour. They stopped when he approached. ‘I have to leave if I want to achieve anything today. Glow, I have instructed the guards to take you to the NAVcom. Please get Rory’s coordinates and send them through to me on this device.’ He handed her a small disc with some buttons. ‘I can call in on him to keep it private after seeing Jett. ‘

  ‘Would you like me to organise everything with Rory rather than you going out of your way?’ she offered.

  He shook his head with a slight grin. ‘You have to allow me some manhood. Let me call the shots for a bit and care for you like I promised I could. While we are hunting tomorrow, you can do whatever you wish.’ He eyed her, amused, and added, ‘except go home to Axon and blab.’

  ‘You know me better than you should.’ She grinned. ‘I guess I can find something to do while you both go on an exciting hunt looking for Taurus prime with your big guns.’

  ‘That’s my girl, and I promise you’ll not be bored while I’m gone. I have a plan.’

  Chapter Forty

  Encounter with the

  King of Gods

  It was day two of Caitlin’s stay on Orion’s Belt. Before heading out on his hunting trip for the day, Aurek had stopped at Caitlin’s door and knocked.

  ‘I’m decent,’ she called out. ‘You can come in.’ She was dressed and sat with the French doors open, admiring the garden while drinking tea the butler had fetched for her.

  ‘Lord Mensa and Rory will be here any minute. You okay?’

  ‘Sure, I might have this and go for a swim.’

  ‘Might want to get showered and dressed. Jett will be here in an hour to pick you up.’

  She dumped her cup lopsidedly on the saucer and stood up. ‘Far out, you little sneak. That is so cool.’

  ‘I told you I had something planned.’

  ‘Next time, I will believe you. Where’s he taking me? What will I wear?’

  ‘As it’s my uncle, I would say somewhere hot and relaxing, so dress sun smart.’

  The butler interrupted them. ‘Your hunting party has arrived, Squire.’

  ‘Got to go, have fun!’ He tipped his hat to her.

  ‘Will now. You too,’ she called after him and shut the door before doing a joyous jig behind it. She giggled when she overheard Aurek grumble, ‘bet she’s doing a happy dance because Uncle Shithead is on his way.’

  The butler answered, ‘Would you like me to detain him, sir?’

  Then came Aurek’s answer, ‘better not, he might turn you into a toad again.’

  To this, Caitlin fell on the bed pulling the pillow over her face to laugh. This is such fun.

  Not wishing to waste the day dawdling, Caitlin scrambled off the bed and, once in the bathroom, closed the door behind her. She wanted to sing at the top of her voice, and not be overheard. In the shower, her giggles increased as the tune gurgled unrecognisably each time her head went under the water. Caitlin’s mind was also on her fiancé.
She couldn’t wait to discuss her pending wedding with Jett. The tune changed to a marriage ditty and she called out in a musical tone, “Three more sleeps.” Her voice was pitchy, but she didn’t care. “Then I become Mrs Axon Stanton.” While singing, her 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 more wedding tunes and spun 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.

  ‘Your visitor is here, Miss Glow,’ the butler called to her through the door.

  ‘I’m ready,’ she called back and, smiling at her reflexion, she left the bathroom.

  Footsteps on the floorboards outside her room made her swing around as Jett peered around the corner.

  ‘He said you were decent.’

  She squealed his name, excited he had arrived.

  His big arms folded her up in a nice warm hug. ‘Missed you, Glow.’ He looked pleased to see her too.

  ‘Were you worried about me the other day?’ she stirred after he let her go.

  ‘As a matter of fact, I was, well that was until I found out what you did to your father. God help him if he had of been a stranger.’

  She grabbed her bag. ‘I would have let Aurek off his leash. He had turned back into Orion and was one big dude to handle when cranky.’

  Jett grinned, ‘It’s been a big few days for you. How about we go somewhere relaxing?’

  ‘Was hoping you’d say that.’ She tossed her handbag on the side table, grabbed her bathers off the bed, and stuffed them into a beach bag she had packed with a towel, sunscreen and sunnies. ‘I’m ready then,’ she said, and slid sunglasses on her head.