by Debbie Behan
‘That’s why he said it’s time for the teacher to be taught.’
She put out her hand and held Axon’s across the table. ‘He’s never allowed his heart to feel. As you know, Venus and Cupid fooled around one day and Cupid’s arrow accidently pierced his heart. Persephone, or, Melita as we call her, was the first maiden he laid eyes on but I believe that love was shallow. My mission was to stop the war. I had to open his heart to me, have him call me friend, and do a good deed to prove his loyalty. This he has done and the action will change his life.’ With her free hand, she patted the back of the hand she held apologetically. ‘I’m sorry Axon, but you were part of it and so was Melita. You and Jett had to be on talking terms and that’s happened. With the improvements to the Castle, Melita is content to live here all year round. Jett told me how wonderful his life is now with her. My work is done and I have been released.’
Axon looked troubled. ‘I wish you could have shared some of this burden with me, love. You have put yourself through so much for this final outcome. Are you sure it’s over? There are so many loose ends— his brothers, the family—’
‘For now maybe, but later…’ She sighed.
He squeezed her hand tenderly. ‘It’s all right sweetheart.’ He felt her pain for the secrecy. ‘I know from doing this job for so long that there are many things you cannot share, as there will be times I or the team will be unable to share with you. Just know that next time I’ll remember your integrity under no circumstances wavers, so you and I will be fine. I promise my jealousy will not ruin your homecoming ever again.’
Even though the concern of trust was no more an issue, she felt the need to forewarn him of what she felt her future held. ‘Always remember, the universe can take what they need of me, but they will never take the love I carry for you. Have patience with me Axon, because as you have seen, I can now heal myself. I have evolved yet again and with these new powers, I’m guessing a future circumstance will warrant them.’
He knelt before her. ‘I trust you completely. You don’t need to worry about us. This has made me strong and next time the universe calls on your services, I can’t guarantee I won’t try to prevent it.’ He grinned. ‘But I’ll let you go and know you have left in spirit only, that your heart you leave with me.’
‘And yours I take with me.’ She wrapped her arms around him and slid off the chair and into his arms.
He ran a hand down her long red hair and closed his eyes while he inhaled. ‘In the meantime, until you are needed, I’m going to enjoy every minute with you,’ he said in a husky voice. She felt a natural sensation as he lifted her easily and took her back over to the fire. Wrapped up in the warm furs they talked until they fell asleep.
A noise woke them, and Caitlin stretched and smiled. Jett had arrived and handed them freshly brewed coffee.
‘Do you two wish to sleep the day away or can I tempt you with an outdoor walk and maybe some time on the slopes afterwards?’
Caitlin sipped and nodded at the same time, her fingers working to straighten out a bad case of bed hair. Both men had seen her worse though, so she gave up and tossed it over her shoulder and out of her own view.
Axon rose from the floor where they had slept and flopped onto the sofa, holding his drink out as it almost spilled. He smiled at his clumsiness and felt a little awkward that Hades, a god, waited on him. ‘First decent sleep I’ve had in a long time. It’s so quiet here; you must love it?’ It warmed Caitlin to hear his light-hearted manner.
Jett positioned himself opposite. ‘Thanks to Glow Girl here, I’m starting to. She’s made me look at Pluto through her eyes.’ He shifted in his seat, obviously uncomfortable to share his time with Caitlin.
Axon wanted him to be at ease, and to feel they could discuss any subject calmly. ‘Yes, Cait has told me a little of the project you both worked on. The concept fascinates me.’
‘Here on Pluto, to invite friends to spend time outdoors was impossible, until now. I thought maybe after a bite to eat, if Glow is up to it of course, I’d love you to see what we have been able to achieve together. Mind you, it is a work in progress.’ His eyes rested on Caitlin with a smile. ‘Now Melita is involved she added a few personal touches and came up with plans for future work.’ Then he looked back at Axon. ‘Me, well I’m pretty happy with it just the way it is.’
‘My hat’s off to you for the accomplishment in such a short span of time. I can’t wait to see it.’
He looked pleased with himself when he left them to enjoy breakfast on their own and gave them time to change into the outfits Melita had put together for them. Caitlin dressed in the linen pants and light summer top. ‘I’m going to freeze,’ she said, and pulled one of the furs around her while they waited for Jett to come back and collect them. He grinned when he arrived. ‘Don’t worry, Glow.’ He smiled at her and threw the rug aside before transporting them. ‘Where we’re going, what you wear is perfect.’
The instant bouquet of blossoms and the warm sultry air was a pleasant surprise as they changed locations. Melita waited for them, in a bikini with only a light floral wrap on. She had been swimming in the pool and with wet hair, wrung it out while coming over to meet them. The dome was complete and they had heated it. Palms and plants flourished in the warm climate, and the entire area looked more like a resort now, rather than the cold ice surface Caitlin had become accustomed to. The curved roof stretched out for as far as the eye could see. They had added lighting that gave the impression you looked up at blue sky complete with fluffy white clouds. Caitlin was so pleased for them.
Melita hugged them. Her enthusiasm for the first visitors in their newly renovated home overwhelmed them. She was delightful as she tugged at Caitlin’s hand and showed her the outdoor kitchenette in the BBQ area. It left their men alone to discuss the logistics and practicality of the entire development. Later as they all strolled around the grounds, Melita pointed out the location of a proposed tennis court and received a smile from Jett when she told them of the playground where they envisaged their children would play.
‘Children! You too. And you picked on me for wanting them?’ Caitlin teased Jett.
He shrugged with a look of superiority. Like he could do whatever he wanted, and he could. She actually welcomed the idea and was really excited. To have such news signified their future would be here on Pluto. She had made a difference and couldn’t have been more satisfied with the outcome that just kept unfolding.
Melita smiled, patted Jett’s arm and hugged into him. ‘We’re trying, aren’t we?’ She smiled lovingly.
‘This is just the best news ever.’ Caitlin hugged them both.
Melita kissed Jett, who spun her around and caught her in his arm. ‘Your happiness is so infectious.’ He smiled down at her.
At last, Caitlin could relax. Jett had genuine happiness here. He would find Pluto a very hard planet to leave now he finally had all he ever wanted.
That afternoon Axon and Caitlin ended in hysterics after they joined Jett and Melita on the slopes for a toboggan race, the second part of Jett’s afternoon activities. Both drenched and cold, they ran through the door of the cabin, discarding clothes, and shoved playfully at each other to get into the hot spa first. They left an amused Jett and Melita after promising to join them for dinner after they warmed up.
‘I have a surprise you won’t want to miss, Glow,’ Jett had called to her before transporting himself and his wife back to the castle.
‘What do you think he meant?’ said Caitlin.
‘You mean about the surprise?’ Axon’s tone was calm and relaxed; this break was also doing him the world of good.
‘Yes.’
‘We will have to wait and see. The man has me mystified. He adores you and yet he is obviously very much in love with his wife.’
Caitlin waited for him to say more, but that was it, he, was done and lay back in the spa relaxed, his eyes closed.
Later, warm and dressed, she stood by the window, where a silky light lit up t
he snow, a sign the day was over and night had come. Even the stars hid under the extreme cold sheet that added to the blackness of the view. She pulled the cape of fur around her shoulders tightly and closed her eyes as she sent out a wish all would end well and she could always call this her second home.
United we Stand
Axon raised an eyebrow when Caitlin finished dressing for dinner. Unable to help himself he made a grab for her, a motion that earned him a slap.
‘Behave,’ she disciplined him. He positioned himself on the sofa so they could talk while she warmed by the fire and both turned when they heard Jett’s voice.
‘You scrub up fine, Glow. First time I’ve seen you in an evening gown, and it’s very becoming.’
‘You sweet talker, you.’ She enjoyed the sound of Jett’s rich deep tone. The black evening gown Melita had lent her flattered her figure. The back fell delicately down to her tiny waist that on Pluto, with its chilly weather, felt very revealing. Her normal attire had been the basic tracksuits. It gave her confidence to wear it when she saw both men seemed to approve.
‘I agree with Jett.’ Axon got off the couch and stretched. His arm came down around her so Jett could transport them out.
Jett moved in close to her. ‘You not only look chic, Glow, but that fragrance you have on is so delicate, intoxicating.’
‘I haven’t got any on. Maybe it’s the spa water.’
‘Glow, Axon had a spa too didn’t he?’
‘Yes.’ She looked up at Axon and whiffed the scent of aftershave only.
‘The bouquet is a delight. It is what drew me to you in the first place. I have wanted to say something for quite some time but it was barely noticeable after I stopped being cruel to you. I have something going down tonight and Axon, you would agree that it is extremely difficult not to want to snatch her up and have her all to yourself. I’m guessing it strengthens with whoever is near and yet she is oblivious to it. It’s a hidden gift; a shield of protection against powerful men.’
Axon turned to Jett. ‘And we are both very dominant in the elements. I noticed it started to get heady this afternoon when we got back from skiing. I’ve had a hard time keeping my hands off her. So what have you planned that has set her off, Jett?’
Jett seemed pleased Axon agreed but wasn’t yet ready to disclose what was about to happen. ‘I noticed it the day Calyx arrived and I believe I know why it has flared up now and it isn’t us two men flexing our muscles at each other.’ He winked.
‘Why then?’ Axon asked and understood once Jett transported them to his home. The first vision when materialising was that of three of the most powerful, ruthless and dangerous of all gods. Oh shyte! There were his brothers, Zeus and Poseidon, their parents, Cronus and Rhea, and chatting together in the garden were the goddesses, Persephone, Amphitrite and Hera.
‘Honey and Ted Bear!’ Caitlin opened up her arms to welcome Jett’s parents. She seemed not at all alarmed as she played the part of a friend that had missed them so well that even Axon believed it. Had she just changed in character? Was she still his Caitlin or someone else? He pondered how her sweet yet quick to judge temperament could have suddenly changed into this audacious life of the party. It was at that moment the penny dropped; he understood how she could be away from him and her friends and not fret. He had heard of it before. An entity, or angel force, controlled her and for now she was theirs, and he had to let her work. He stood back to give her space.
‘Dear you look divine.’ Honey put out her hand to Axon. ‘Wolf, so lovely to see you again.’ Her eyes glazed slightly. Had Caitlin done that? Was she powerful enough to put them in a trance?
‘Calyx and Zuri!’ Caitlin hugged them, grabbed their hands and dragged them over to Axon. ‘You remember my boyfriend, Wolf?’ She beamed up happily at them. ‘He is now my fiancé.’ Then with a flick of her hair she left them to congratulate him and ran over to the last brother. She jumped up at him and he snatched her up in his huge arms. The action made her look like a little girl. ‘Razor!’ She pulled on his beard. ‘I swear this woolly mess has to go.’ She grinned at his wife, Angel. ‘How you even find his lips is beyond me.’
‘Cheeky minx.’ His jovial chuckle rocked his large belly and made her collapse against him, laughing. She lifted her chin up, kissed his forehead and slipped from his arms. The big fellow pulled his shirt around his stomach to hide it. The wobble worsened and both ended in hysterics.
Axon glanced over at the pair. Even her laugh was different which confirmed his suspicions that on the job, Glow Girl dominated Caitlin.
Razor’s wife, Angel, joined in and linked arms with Caitlin.
Axon was amazed at servants that doted over each god. This morning he had spotted only a few when they had walked the grounds with Jett. On their own and standing away from the others he mentioned this to Jett. ‘Did your family bring their personal servants? Even I don’t keep this many.’
‘Over the years my needs have simplified. I have evolved unlike my family and need little help as I enjoy doing things for myself. My family brings an entourage as lifting a finger is considered absurd and ungodly. We do not see eye to eye on this at all.’
‘But you have an army, I know, and yet there is no sign of a township or barracks.’
‘Ah, for ever on the Job. You worry for Glow’s security with my family. Don’t concern yourself, my friend, I need only snap my fingers and help is at my side. Now enjoy your night and less worrying.’ He snapped his fingers and immediately there was a servant beside him; not a word did he say and yet the table hand tipped a pitcher of ambrosia and filled their goblets.
‘Cheers!’ Axon grinned.
Jett responded, ‘to a night of new beginnings.’
At the table, Caitlin was seated next to Jett. She was elated to have another chance for the family to get to know and hopefully accept her and Axon for who they were. She was glad they still knew nothing of where they came from. She was not powerful enough to take on so much might, only just strong enough for now to control the temperament of these superior individuals as they joked, drank and ate together. The atmosphere and ambience underneath the dome was warm and inviting and made it easier. So did the liquid Ambrosia that they drank.
‘Wine of the gods,’ Ted Bear had toasted.
Caitlin picked up the vibe of pleasure in them and instantaneously Axon felt the toning down of energy that she’d put out to influence the initial convening. His mind went into overdrive as to exactly what Caitlin was capable of and was amazed. He’d fought to keep from her influence even as low as it had now become, but gave in as the whirl of the night spun out of control and everything became insignificant. Enjoyment of the moment with great friends dominated further speculation.
****
Later, Axon moved to the opposite end of the table, engaged in conversations with others. A little away from Caitlin’s influence, Axon became more alert. He heard Caitlin laugh and now watching her hoped she didn’t get hurt. She believed in Jett and sat beside him enjoying the festivities. Axon, aware of her genuine adoration for the family, put aside his worries for her for the moment as he had to concentrate on this perfect opportunity he might never get again. A chance to get to know the rulers of half the planets he was now accountable for was gold and he wasn’t about to miss this chance Hades had given him.
It was a great night. They all ate, watched the entertainment that was brought before them and after that, sat out in the garden. The men smoked cigars and chatted while the ladies opted for the spa. Once back in the cabin, Caitlin and Axon flopped on the sofa, exhausted. Axon put a couple more logs on the fire and turned it down so it would burn gently through the night. He pulled the cushions onto the floor, snuggled up in the fur rugs with Caitlin, and slept.
Next morning, Caitlin stretched and stood staring out the window. Axon woke and joined her.
‘I miss Rory and my friends.’ She hugged him back.
‘Last night sorted out a lot for you, didn’t it Cait? You’v
e seen how happy Jett is now and you’re contented to leave him?’
‘Yes. There is still the issue of the family spotting me when I go back to work, but somehow, it feels safer now. I believe they will think first before wielding the final blow towards me.’ She smiled up at him. ‘Last night was perfect, and you’re perfect. You can take me home, I’ll be fine now.’
‘What, before breakfast? I thought we promised to stay but just say the word and we’re gone!’ He would do a runner now if she let him. Away from them and without Caitlin’s power that kept him calm, he was agitated, worried that they pushed their luck too far. What if at breakfast and in the light of day, they guessed who it was that they called friend? She didn’t see them the way he did with their dark evil temperaments that showed on every line on their faces. He knew even now by the shocked look she wore that she didn’t understand his need to want her away from them, his need to hide her and not just now, but for all time. He had every intention when they got back, if they got back, of seeing Zoren about finding another to replace Caitlin. She was to be his wife and around these dangerous tyrants she would not live another day, never mind a lifetime.
Caitlin watched Axon’s expression of concern. ‘Please trust in me to do the job I’m trained to do.’ She ran a hand over his creased brow, and her touch eased him almost instantly as his body melted with the pure essence of love he had for her. ‘After breakfast my love. We did promise we would join them and after that, I’m all yours and, yes, then it will be time to leave.’
After a warm spa and a change of clothes, Axon transported them to the patio where the family had already gathered.
‘You’re like a little ray of happiness. They are very taken by you Glow,’ Jett whispered to her, as he took her hand and seated her between Calyx and his dad. Then he turned to Axon. ‘Got a minute, Wolf?’ He walked off, and Axon followed. Out of prying ears he turned to him. ‘Axon, or should I say Wolf?’