by Debbie Behan
She didn’t miss Axon’s hurt; another reason Orion cared for her. With an outstretched hand, she leaned towards Axon and cupped her hand over his. ‘I know you promised me, sweetheart, but circumstances have had us pulled in different directions. An opportunity has now presented itself for me to go with a fully experienced guide.’
‘Only if Jett vouches for Aurek. And only then, ’ Axon said.
‘So be it.’ Caitlin glanced over at Orion who had calmed down. ‘Surely this is the best solution to resolve it once and for all. Aurek gets his fully-negotiated demands, I get to go camping and hunting. Time off, Yay!’ She rolled her eyes at Axon and made him grin. ‘And – you and Kayden are back to def con 5. We all get what we want.’
‘Did Aurek say he would take you hunting?’ Axon angled his head.
‘Nope, that was my idea.’ She wiggled her head and flicked her hair back confidently.
Axon turned to Orion. ‘This deal goes ahead only if my demands are now met. I want papers signed immediately to include no further harassment towards any Riders now or in the future. And this thing here, with you and her – Man! Have we got the better deal,’ he ended with teasing jest.
Caitlin slapped his arm. ‘You’ll keep!’
He pulled away. ‘Ouch that hurt!’ He chuckled.
Satisfied she’d at least annoyed him she turned to Orion. He had a smirk, one that gloated, say goodbye buddy she’s mine, I won. Axon considered if he should wipe the sneer off his face but Caitlin huffed and with hands on her hips, green eyes that flashed and copper hair that seemed to light up, confronted his arrogance. ‘There is a condition attached to my time with you. You must promise me, Aurek takes me, Orion stays at home!’
Axon smiled as the snide look disappeared quickly at her flare up. His girl snatched the malice from him as if her words came with a whip, the sensation of her temper stung and he knew the feel of it well. He had endured it once or twice himself and even though Orion deserved it, he felt for the guy. With his dignity in tatters, Axon wasn’t surprised when he almost bowed at her feet to get the forgiveness that would take away the wound to his very soul. Axon hid a grin and knew she was well and truly able to handle him and suddenly felt okay about letting her go. In a way, Orion was doing him a favour. He hated her being in the thick of danger as a Rider and for a few more days he could breathe lightly for she would be safe, away from it all. He doubted by the way Orion was with her, that anyone, even Zeus the god of all gods, would be able to take her from him.
Caitlin accepted his humble apology and, once sure it would be Aurek that took her hunting, an aura lit up around her that encased them both, and as it died down Aurek’s feature were soft, caring and Orion for now had gone.
With a clap of her hands, she glanced at the pool. ‘Well then, with that sorted I’ll leave you men to discuss the finer details.’ Her smile was infectious. ‘I see a spa that calls for me.’ She tossed her hair and with hips swaying, wandered off.
‘You’ll need a costume,’ Aurek called out.
Caitlin waved her arm. ‘All good,’ she said and as she walked closer to the water her gown disappeared leaving a skimpy two-piece swimsuit in the same material as the dress. Axon gave her a whistle and with a chuckle, Caitlin dived into the pool, swimming the rest of the way to the bubbling warmth of the spa.
‘What!’ Her change of clothing took Aurek by surprise.
‘Our Red is full of surprises; sure you still want to take her hunting? She’s a handful.’
‘No luggage to lug around. Hell yes!’
‘She won’t have her horse, so sorry mate; you’ll need to fit her out.’ Axon slapped his back as he stood and shaded his eyes to see where Caitlin had gone. She appeared at the end of the pool, and he relaxed when he spotted armed guards surround her while she was out of his reach and sat back down to chat.
‘Sure, no probs, whatever she needs.’ Aurek kept a shield up to protect how he felt until the talks were over, but Axon could see how happy he was to spend time with her, his eyes saying it all.
The spa was warm. Caitlin lay back, enjoying her time alone, only to look up occasionally to see either Kayden or Axon talking on their NAVcom, away from the talks, obviously discussing it with Zoren.
Caitlin overheard Kayden’s conversation to Aldebaran. He invited him and Conom for talks and it sounded as if the two notorious warlords had accepted and were on their way. Smiling at how quickly these guys moved from one home world to the next, she figured they would be transporting in at any minute.
Aldebaran and Conom arrived and the men huddled in a circle, the volume on the heated conversation becoming louder by the minute. It was for this reason only, that she decided to join them and intervene. Out of the spa she allowed the magic of her horse to ready her and dressed again to impress, she coughed and it caught their attention long enough for them to look up at her.
‘Caitlin, this is Aldebaran, ruler of the largest home world on Taurus.’ She nodded. ‘And this is Conom, ruler of Monoceros, home world of the Unicorn.’ Kayden introduced his rulers.
She shook the hands of both men. Conom was the loudest and most irritated of the group so she worked on him first. ‘You live next door to Orion?’ she said to Conom.
‘Yes, Orion and I go way back. I have been here many times in the past.’
‘Then we should walk a bit. Stretch your legs and relax.’ Her magic was so strong not one of them could look away. Conom stood and she slipped her arm through his. ‘Aldebaran’s coming.’ She gazed at him with stunning green eyes that charmed him.
‘One of yours no doubt?’ Aldebaran glanced at Axon.
Axon grinned. ‘Yep and she’s mine so keep your minds on the deal.’
He got up and took up her offer. ‘I guess a short stroll will give us all time to think things over.’
‘Wonderful.’ She eyed Conom. ‘I believe we owe it to Aldebaran to show him what is offered here, don’t you?’
Conom, amused by her ability to make him warm to her so suddenly, patted her hand. ‘Not sure it will do any good but guess it can’t hurt.’
Once she had their attention her magic eased and both men breathed out a sigh. Now they had calmed she relaxed too and the walk became less tense.
‘I’m going hunting myself you know, not on Taurus, but my first adventure in the wild. Orion has a debt to pay to me,’ she casually mentioned and chuckled. ‘The poor man has no idea what he’s in for.’ Caitlin continued to entertain them, mostly with stories Cassie had confided in her. They wandered through the chalets and around the back of them. Here, Caitlin stood quiet, allowing them to reflect upon the view and what was on offer to them.
‘It’s changed since last I was here. Hell, he’s built chalets and private jetties with boats; the dude’s gone all civilised.’ Conom scratched his chin in thought. ‘This could work, Ald.’
‘That’s the River Eridanus.’ Aldebaran pointed. ‘Runs for miles. I’ve heard it’s darn good waters for breeding giant perch. Wouldn’t mind taking a few of them beauties home.’
Caitlin let them discuss it on their own for a bit, occasionally giving them a hard time about their capabilities as fisherman before getting serious.
‘It’s a deal then.’ Conom turned to Aldebaran.
‘It looks that way.’ Aldebaran replied. ‘And that’s thanks to the redhead. If it were not for her showing us the benefits of this deal, we’d still be at the table arguing.’
Conom eyed her. ‘And I take it, this swapping idea was yours.’
‘Only if you like it?’ Caitlin smiled.
‘Not just like.’ Aldebaran’s gaze swept the river and boats. ‘Can’t wait.’
‘Can we bring guests?’ Conom asked and Caitlin realised he meant Cassie.
‘Hey I’m not the negotiator, take it to the table. I’m sure Cassie will be more than welcome.’ Caitlin grinned.
‘You think you know me that well.’ Conom was suddenly irritable.
‘Conom, I know you are one of Cassi
e’s guardians but your secret is forever safe with me as it is with her.’
Aldebaran slapped his back. ‘Mate she’s a Rider. Their code is strong and you know it.’
Conom stared at Caitlin and within seconds his shoulders had relaxed. He was one scary individual when angry but to her credit she stood up to him as Cassie had done and he liked it. ‘Don’t like redheads.’
Caitlin grinned. ‘Don’t like men with tattoos.’
He laughed and was back to the calm man she had stood with earlier. She was amazed it took no power that time to control him, just guts.
Aldebaran turned to her with a look of determination and cunning. ‘Caitlin, you will be at negotiations with us. This was your plan from the start. If this is to go down I have confidence it is you, and you alone that will make it right this time. I want this ironclad, with no loopholes. I don’t trust Orion.’
‘Me either,’ Conom added.
‘Then trust me!’ Caitlin shook hands with them both.
Deal done they walked with Caitlin back to the others. The decision was made and she hoped they were strong enough characters not to go back on their word. Only she didn’t figure on Aldebaran’s intuition.
‘By the way, very clever of you Caitlin.’ He viewed her slyly as they walked.
‘What?’ She flicked her hair and lifted up her face in a cheeky self-assurance that made him give her an unsure smile, but still a reasonable result. She wondered if she should take control of him until papers were signed but decided to see how it went once they got back to the group.
‘You can’t con a conner young lady.’ He wasn’t letting it go.
‘Why Aldebaran,’ she said with poise and with an upper class tone. ‘I have no idea what you mean.’ His next move surprised her and she squealed when he picked her up over his shoulder and carried her back, dumping her in the pool. She had not expected this playful side, although she should have known that, being Cassie’s father, he would be spontaneous. She came to the surface, gulped for air and at the same time lifted up her hand and flicked her powers lightly towards him. This put Aldebaran off balance, he too tumbled in.
Caitlin laughed so much she nearly choked as they pulled themselves up on the edge of the pool to dry off.
Aldebaran’s expensive shoes were now ruined.
‘Sorry about the Berlutis.’
‘I did ask for it. You and Cassie have far too much in common. But I like you Red, maybe I can trust you.’
‘Cassie told you about me then?’
‘I know your powers and I know she likes you.’
‘So I wasted them on you?’
‘It was fun, but don’t muck with me again or else, deal.’
‘Deal.’
He stood up and pulled her up, using his own powers to transform them back into dry clothes. Caitlin grinned.
‘Yes, I can do that too. Where do you think Cassie got it from? Certainly not her wretch of a mother.’
Caitlin was just about to laugh when she was dragged by the hand from Aldebaran and found herself standing behind Orion as his temper flared. ‘Leave her the hell alone or you deal with me personally.’ His nostrils flared as he turned to Axon. ‘And you’re just going to sit there and do nothing while this evil little man treats her so appallingly.’
‘I’m okay,’ said Caitlin.
Aldebaran kept cool as he spoke, which surprised them all. ‘Axon has trust in all his Riders, even the females in his team. They are well equipped in power to handle even, as you so rudely stated, an evil little man such as me.’
Conom intervened. ‘I would watch what you say next Orion. Caitlin is the reason we have agreed with this bloody truce. And after you have apologised to Ald, you would do well to trust in her as we do.’
‘What, so it’s a deal.’ Orion’s mood instantly changed and he grinned in his strange blokie way and made them smile too.
‘Deal!’ Aldebaran shook his head. ‘How the hell I’m still agreeing to it after this just went down between us is beyond me, but it’s done.’
Conom stood with his arms crossed, the muscles flexing. ‘Caitlin has our backs, she promised us she will handle the treaty so if it isn’t the way the redhead just made us see it to be, we know you didn’t listen and we’re coming back for revenge.’ Conom wore a smirk.
With nose in the air, Caitlin huffed at them and tossed her hair to the side. ‘That will not be necessary and to prove how true to my word I can be, I have organised a little replacement for me while I go organise the contract and pack for my hunting trip. Someone I am sure you will all enjoy the evening with.’ She put out her hand. ‘Axon can you take me home?’
I guess I’m leaving.’ Axon stood.
‘Hey that’s not playing fair. We were expecting at least a few drinks to seal the deal. Maybe a few laughs.’ Conom eyed her, his frown noticeable.
‘Oh I think you’ll enjoy yourselves pretty much.’
Caitlin pointed to the sky, where a horse appeared through the overhead clouds. ‘This party is only just about to start. Have fun boys.’
‘Cassie!’ Kayden, Aldebaran and Conom said at once, grins from ear to ear.
‘She’s good!’ Aldebaran squinted his eyes at the glare, a suspicious grin at Caitlin.
‘Hell she’s better than good.’ Kayden kissed her head as he raced past her to meet his woman.
Aurek, shocked by her sudden departure plans, looked confused.
‘You can pick me up tomorrow.’ She blew him a kiss as Axon transported her out, not waiting a second longer to have time alone with her before she left him again.
Axon’s last line of sight was Aurek, well Orion. The pet name had begun to stick. The man had the biggest smile on his mug and his damned woman had put it there. ‘Mongrel for taking my woman hunting,’ he mouthed and Aurek broke up laughing. What he replied, Axon didn’t care. She was his for the next eighteen hours.
While Caitlin packed, Axon spoke to Jett.
‘That sneaky flaming nephew of mine is going to take her where?’
‘Hunting at some private location, he won’t tell me where, that’s the only thing.’
‘It’s okay, I can track her if I think she’s in any trouble.’
‘That eases my mind. With you keeping an eye on her too, she should be right then.’
‘Can’t talk her out of it?’
‘Nope! She tells me I’m not her husband yet so I can’t order her around.’
‘Sounds like Glow. Oh well, if her mind is made up, all we can do is keep tabs on them. If he is as good with her as he was here, there are no worries. If not, I’ll personally wring my nephew’s damned neck.’
Axon was pleased he could rely on a god such as Hades. Caitlin had done a remarkable job with him, but he also knew with all these men she had falling at her feet, he was going to have to step up and be more to her than them. It was he that wanted to be waiting at the end of the aisle when she said, I do. He had already started to understand the way the universe pushed her in different directions and each time, so far, it was for an outcome he could never have achieved so simply. He hung up, feeling much better. His intention would be to discuss the wedding when she returned and he didn’t want any more excuses from her.’ Now, to find my woman and make her forget every other man alive. He was on his own mission now.
Hunting in the Wild
Hesitant how to dress for something like a camping trip, Caitlin decided to put on shorts and a thin strapped singlet over a pair of bathers. Not having her magical beast to clothe her, she had to be prepared. All Aurek would give away was that the days were sometimes windy but humid and warm, nights cool. This had her try many hairstyles. In the end, braided sides were secured and clipped up with the rest of her hair. With sunnies tucked on her head for later, she had only just bent down to tie up her hiking boots when she heard voices.
Aurek had arrived and Caitlin moved from her room and leaned over the top floor landing. ‘Hi there, shorts and hikers okay?’
‘Per
fect.’ Aurek sounded bright and grinned as he watched her run down the stairs. She was glad they were alone, with only the staff there to see her off.
‘Do we have to wait for Axon to see you off?’ Aurek glanced around.
‘Nope, Axon and the team had a call out early, so it’s just us. Whenever you’re ready we can head off.’ She put her arms out to allow Nigel to slip on her backpack.
Aurek didn’t have to be told twice. He was impatient to get an early start. With an arm around her shoulders he transported them from her home world, Ara.
Caitlin blinked with the bright sunlight and slid her sunglasses over her eyes. A log cabin came into view and by the thinness of the air she knew they were up high on a mountain. The valley below was a long way down and even the river that ran between the mountains seemed so far away.
‘It’s so green – peaceful – silent – not even the whistle of a bird and I get the strongest scent of pine and lavender.’
‘I’m glad it pleases you.’ He bent and picked up some loose wood from a pile beside the cabin and motioned for her to do the same. ‘The appeal of a good hunting trip is to cook what you catch.’
Caitlin struggled to pick up even one of the heavy logs. ‘Guess we’re going starve then.’ She dusted her hands, straightened and followed him inside, empty handed.
Once he dumped his load by the fireplace he turned and shook his head at her. ‘Sit down while I get another load.’
No offence taken, the backpack was shrugged off her shoulders and with a grin, she flopped onto the sofa and stretched out, arms under her head. ‘Well, come on! Quickly now!’
‘Up, lady muck!’ He helped her back to her feet. ‘Not letting you get away with that behaviour. One in, all in.’ He bullied her until he saw her hands and the ripped skin from the attempt to help. ‘Really, are your hands that delicate?’ He looked upset. ‘I know they felt soft, you poor little pumpkin. And here you are acting all tough as if you didn’t hurt yourself.’