by Debbie Behan
She sat up with renewed vigour. ‘I feel great!’
‘Careful, Cait, you may need a minute,’ Woody said.
‘A minute, I can’t wait one more minute.’ She cuddled into Axon. ‘Marry me tonight! Let’s take off now and go find a little oasis somewhere to tie the knot. I don’t want to wait until tomorrow. I need you now, and for always.’ She sobbed into his arms. ‘I don’t want to be away from you ever again.’ He rocked her and calmed her down. ‘I would love that too, honey. But if we elope, our friends will be so disappointed. They have put such a big effort into planning a beautiful wedding for us. Are you sure you want to let them down?’
She wiped her face with the back of her hand and sniffed. ‘Suppose not.’
‘I think you might have what they call wedding jitters.’ He smiled. ‘Look, I’ve still got a few hours before I have to leave for the buck’s night, so how about I spend it with you here, relaxing?’ He kissed her puffy lips, worried for how sad and confused she seemed.
‘Will you come back here after the buck’s party then?’
Woody intervened, seeing that Axon was close to folding and giving the whole night a miss for her. ‘You shouldn’t see the bride the night before the wedding.’
His tone snapped Axon out of the decision he was just about to make. He glanced up at Woody with a shrug and helpless twinge in his eyes. ‘You sure we can’t make an exception?’
‘Trust me Axon, you don’t want to promise her something us boys will not allow.’ Woody confirmed his thoughts on how it would go down if he cancelled the traditional buck’s night.
Axon’s shoulders slumped as he held his bride to be, her tears like a heavy weight on his mind. ‘Please don’t cry, honey, I’ll try to work something out.’
Caitlin clung to him until he was ready to leave and cried in his arms before he left. Then she clung to Bree, fretting badly for the man she loved. With calmness now in the universe, it allowed her time for herself and it hit her hard how much in love she was. Her head swam with their time together, before the madness, when just a touch from Axon filled her body with an almost uncontrollable passion. She had hidden it in the back of her mind while working, but now, today it rushed at her like a freight train, her emotions unable to prevent the tears of joy he was going to be hers for always, and at the same time sadness that she couldn’t have him now. At this minute, her impatience for waiting to give to the man she loved overwhelmed her.
‘I don’t want to be anywhere else but in his arms and in his life.’ Her heartache was real as she spoke to her friends while using the last of a second box of tissues, the hen’s night not going well while she sat so distraught.
Her ache for Axon and the hurt carried across the miles to Jett, and her unhappiness was so disturbing he gave in and made the call to combine the two parties. A godly entrance had them all aghast as he lifted Caitlin into his arms and encircled every lady there in his glowing light, transporting them all to Pluto.
Tense at first, the party kicked off when Caitlin finally smiled, now comforted by her man.
Axon held her possessively, lovingly, and sent out a private wish into the universe; his dream to have her want him like this always. That forever more she was happy and content to stay by his side.
Now united, both watched their friends enjoy the night from the warmth of the cabin, encircled in each other’s arms.
Only once did Axon leave her side, happy to sit up at the table when a carrier arrived with important papers to sign. It was here on the eve of his wedding when all his dreams were now realised, that he witnessed Jett and Calyx sign a treaty declaring the war on the offending planets was over. His girl had not only put herself out there to prevent a catastrophic event, but had come back to his arms. She had picked him; preferred him to gods, and his heart couldn’t have swelled with more pride.
‘Caitlin, can you join us?’ Calyx asked.
Keeping the fur wrapped around her for warmth, she sat with them. Calyx fussed to make her comfortable before he sat opposite.
‘Caitlin gave me this idea, so I want her here to be here when I announce it publicly.’
‘Did I?’ She gave Calyx a look of uncertainty but kept quiet. Axon being near was all she could think of as she breathed in his expensive fragrant aftershave that she loved and had missed. Her ears pricked up, and she jumped up and hugged Jett when Calyx informed them that the heavenly council had approved his motion to make Hades the King of the Dwarf Planets.
Axon pulled Caitlin on his lap, not allowing her time with any other man tonight. She was his and he wanted to make it perfectly clear to the two men with him that he had won. Or had he? He pondered, remembering how they were so determined to have Caitlin still in their lives, that they insisted her to be a portion of the terms of the treaty. This meant both men, Jett and Calyx, had to be sworn in and were now loosely a part of the Macro Riders. Zoren had stamped its approval leaving Axon no choice but to welcome them into the group. Now when he wasn’t with her, they would be.
Their part in the merry band of Riders was to ensure one or the other, or both were at Caitlin’s side whenever he couldn’t be. Their mission was to make sure he never had to worry about her capture ever again. He eyed the two men who looked adoringly at his woman. Zoren had got it right. Who better to protect his jewel but two so powerful? Zeus, King of the Heavens and, Hades, King of the Dwarf Planets. She trusted them both with her life, even though she didn’t remember that connection with Calyx. He had a big job on his hands and yet looking at him now, Axon figured it wouldn’t take him long to have her gain back that trust.
Axon turned her towards him and smiled. ‘After the wedding we will be on our own again.’
‘Just us.’ Her eyes lit up.
‘Both ranches have been re-built. Everyone is going home.’
‘I should be sad, but I’m not!’ She chuckled happily.
‘See, nothing wrong with her now, I should take the little imposter back so we can man-up and enjoy the buck’s night the way it was intended,’ Jett scoffed.
Just one swing of Caitlin’s head and their eyes locked. Jett’s face softened and he smiled. Axon breathed out. Caitlin still controlled the show, and he believed she would not have one ounce of empathy if either of them crossed her. He suddenly felt sorry for them, for the phenomenon was true; they would be loyal to her always.
‘Or not!’ Jett got up and ruffled her hair in a friendly gesture.
Calyx stood too. ‘Time to join the party, looks like Axon’s got this.’ He kissed her on the forehead as he passed her.
‘Have fun you two.’ Jett slapped Calyx on the back. ‘Your shout brother.’ They went off happily.
Axon shook his head and grinned at his woman. How and what did she say or do to them? ‘You ever do that to me and I’ll smack your backside,’ he teased.
She smiled; it was cunning and yet with sweetness. ‘Don’t know what you mean.’
He picked her up and settled with her by the fire. His suspicion was confirmed. There was his delicate Caitlin who needed him desperately and then there was her, the one he had no name for, a, capable unwavering protector of all things good. Right now, she was his Caitlin and he was going to love his woman until the universe took her from him again. And tonight, he was optimistic that her work was done. He was just happy he now saw the difference.
He smiled and wrapped them both up in furs where they slept, holding each other until she was taken away from him to get ready next morning. She promised not to cry any more, but she did as soon as she left his arms.
Orion’s Belt
(Home World)
Back on Orion, Aurek had organised a team of beauticians who buffed, pampered and dressed Caitlin. It wasn’t until in front of a mirror that she finally cheered up. Her glittering golden gown fitted to the hips and had a delicate sheer overlay that shimmered with each movement and flared out with a one metre train that easily moved with her. Delicate gems sewn into the bodice gave it elegance unlike anything she had ever see
n. The time spent on her hair she thought worth it. The long red curls now fell in glossy dainty ringlets. On her head sat a stylish tiara that held fast a sheer gold woven veil.
‘This is it.’ She smiled at the image. ‘I’m going to marry the sweetest man in the universe.’ Her heart jumped as it always did when she thought of him.
With peace in their part of the universe, there would never again be a reason for them to be apart. She was so ready to be his wife, ‘and with a bit of luck,’ she said and blew a kiss to the image, ‘perhaps a mother.’
Her mind floated with happy thoughts as she gingerly made her way down the staircase to her father. Arm in arm he guided her through the impeccably decorated gardens and the sight so unbelievably magical she had to tell herself to breathe.
The skies were full of chariots from their home world, Auriga, and magical winged horses from Pegasus lined up and led a path to her husband to be. She imagined that all the universal home worlds had been invited for there to be so many. The ones that couldn’t fit in the gardens watched from the chariots and horses above.
Before her, and lining a path to the pergola and her awaiting wedding party, were magnificent birds, from the home world of Phoenix. Their blue-purple-crests and tails feathered elegantly out and with their golden wings open, the display was a colourful and most welcoming sight.
The Lyra home world sent down musicians who played the lyre, an ancient musical instrument that Caitlin already knew was Jett’s favourite. She smiled, knowing he would have organised the soft melody to calm her, a tune she was much familiar with after living with him for so long.
Suddenly the notes changed as she entered the rose petal path, setting off a puff of glittering fairy dust that fell from the many chariots above, the music now so sweet it made her feel like she was walking on a white cloud.
As she neared Axon, he had tears in his eyes and trembled at her touch. ‘You look like an angel, so angelic and beautiful. I’m scared to touch you.’ He tried to smile.
She thought he looked the most handsome man she had ever seen. He very rarely wore a suit and today she felt his sexiness was off the radar. The gold shirt and tie matched her gown and yet served another purpose. It also picked up the golden glow that his eyes had taken on from the happiness he must have been feeling. She reached up and touched his handsome face and he quivered. ‘Your touch is what I crave, only this time when you hold me you must promise me you’ll never let me go.’
He took her hand and kissed it. ‘I promise.’ He grinned blissfully.
After they took their vows, the Columba home world supplied hundreds of pure white doves that at that moment were released. The birds flew elegantly through the air, surrounding them for a while before moving away, the enchanting couple receiving applause from all as it was announced they were now man and wife and Axon could kiss the bride. He lifted up her veil and laid her back in his arms. The love and tenderness of a very first kiss as a married couple was in his eyes as his lips met hers with a warmth and tenderness that lingered. The crowd erupted again with the joy of their loving commitment and moments later, you could have heard a pin drop as they signed the register. At the top of the stairs, Axon paused beside his wife for the first time, allowing all that knew them to join him in his happiness.
‘Glow Girl,’ someone called out and pointed to the sky. A chant broke out as the words appeared across the sky. Caitlin’s eyes followed theirs to the writing.
Glow Girl, our goddess of peace.
She jumped slightly at the sound of crackling and banging in the sky as fireworks framed around the golden letters, the chanting overpowering the sound of fireworks. The whole dedication to her overwhelmed and amazed her as she smiled up at Axon. The sight was so pretty and the accolade so sweet, tears ran down her face.
‘That’s what you are being hailed as, honey. You’ve worked hard and given your heart and soul. You belong up here with us now Glow Girl.’ He smiled back in awe of his wife and put her arm through his as he guided her through the sea of well-wishers.
She squeezed in close to him and he groaned, a sudden need to make her his immediately. ‘Honey?’
She grinned sympathetically. ‘Soon.’
‘Now!’ He transported them away from the grabbing hands and hugs to their honeymoon suite.
‘I am the Supreme Ruler over gods, rulers and now you. Therefore my dutiful wife, you will love me whenever I say.’
She couldn’t believe his arrogance and began to laugh. ‘You’re kidding me, right.’
Not able to keep a straight face, he grinned. It had been a while and she had forgotten how funny he was and loved he had made time to flex his muscles in an attempt to make her laugh.
Next thing, to Caitlin’s surprise and amazement, they were back in the grips of the wedding mob. She glanced around, sure it was Jett, the only one that had access to her thoughts, and in hysterics as Axon scanned the crowd for the culprit. He knew the only one with a device to become invisible was Jett and found him up on the step next to Calyx removing his magical helmet. Axon saw the look they shared and started to laugh. Jett and Calyx, arm in arm, grinned and walked off, leaving Axon to ponder how to sneak her off next.
‘They think they’re funny.’ He laughed with Caitlin, both now seeing the funny side of it.
‘Lucky he knows you as well as I do or he would have dumped you in the pool after your Supreme Ruler power trip.’ She chuckled.
He let out another whole-hearted laugh. ‘I was just testing the waters. Rotten sod protectors.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Remember I told you Zoren wants you protected 24/7.’
‘Um yes.’ Her face flushed that Zoren felt it necessary, but would argue the point after their honeymoon.
‘Well, meet your new bodyguards.’ He screwed up his lips.
‘Really! Those two!’ Caitlin was amused. ‘Oh my, I can see you three are going to be quite a handful.’
With no time to consider what the future held and yet excited Jett would continue to be in it, her moment alone with her own thoughts was gone as Rory picked her up and spun with her off the ground. The rest of the team pushed through to join in and congratulate them. She glanced at Axon, loving her husband, the man she just married. He saw the emotions that had choked her up after the tribute to her goddess status. Acting the clown, he knew exactly how to make her laugh and was why he attempted to run with her. He knew for sure Jett would never allow his antics until after the reception. She was so proud to be Mrs Axon Stanton and knew this was exactly where she was happiest. Up here in the floating universe, loving, and living with all her dear friends, but more importantly with her husband and partner for the rest of time.
Table of Contents
CoverImage
5.5-x-8.5-Front-Pages
Copyright
Other-Books
Dedication
Table-of-Contents
Prelude
Chapter-1---Saturn
Chapter-2---Up-in-the-Universe---Zorens-Hiden-Site
Chapter-3---The-Encounter
Chapter-4---An-Intriguing-Offer
Chapter-5---Training-to-Become-The-Best-of-the-Best
Chapter-6---Girls-Girls-Girls
Chapter-7---Constellation-Sagittarius
Chapter-8---Riders-United
Chapter-9---A-home-at-Last
Chapter-10---Calmer-Waters
Chapter-11---Farms-Under-Attack
Chapter-12---Alpha-Head-Office---Presumed-What
Chapter-13---Meanwhile-Ara-Home-World-an-hour-earlier
Chapter-14---Friends-Forever
Chapter-15---Safe-in-the-Home-World
Chapter-16---Observatory-Tower
Chapter-17---Woody-Visits
Chapter-18---A-Friend-in-Need
Chapter-19---Macro-Riders-Prevail
Chapter-20---Delphinus-Constellations---Fate-has-its-own-Plan
Chapter-21---Goodbye-Delphinus-Island
Chapter-22---A-Mission-Tra
dgedy
Chapter-23---Icy-Home-World
Chapter-24---Friend-or-Foe
Chapter-25---Snow-Cabin
Chapter-26---Time-with-a-Friend
Chapter-27---Pluto---A-Month-Later
Chapter-28---All-Hope-is-Gone
Chapter-29---Help-from-a-Friend
Chapter-30---United-We-Stand
Chapter-31---A-Deal-is-a-Deal
Chapter-32---Kaydens-Farm
Chapter-33---Axon-Dealings-with-Evil
Chapter-34---The-Riders-Sojourn-on-Ara
Chapter-35---Judgement-Day
Chapter-36--Healing-Dwarf-Planet-Pluto
Chapter-37---Chance-Meeting
Chapter-38---Orions-Surprise-Visitor
Chapter-39---Hunting-in-the-Wild
Chapter-40---Kidnapping-Foiled
Chapter-41---Secret-Uncovered
Chapter-42---Encounter-with-the-King-of-the-Gods
Chapter-43---God-Up-in-Arms
Chapter-44---A-Friend-or-Foe
Chapter-45---Merciful-Me
Chapter-46---Constellation---Orions-Belt
Chapter-47---Sneaky-Men-Friends
Chapter-48---Time-Forgotten
Chapter-49---Orions-Belt---Homeworld