Cloud Riders(125)

It was late when they arrived home and exhausted from the trip, went straight to bed. Next morning Tremaine knocked on the door as they were having breakfast to let Kayden know he had just checked the horses and as requested, Zoltan and Starburst were in the barn. He was in a hurry to go milk the cows but told Kayden he would keep an eye on the horses until the boys came back from Perth.

Kayden gave him a thick envelope full of cash. He paid him very well to care for their prize horses and Cassie wondered if Tremaine ever questioned why. Even though he was Conor’s brother, Tremaine would have no idea just how vitally important they really were.





The constellation

Aquarius with a Twist


Putting Cassie on the horse for the first time in months, Kayden’s heart pounded. For such a long time it had been Woody helping her and at first he’d told himself he didn’t give a damn and would trot off without waiting for them. Nevertheless, his heart ached. She was letting another do something that always gave him such pleasure.

To watch her transform was indescribable. If he said it nearly made him weep to see such beauty would be closer to the feeling. Not to do it was ten times worse and the pit of his stomach would twist with hatred for Woody. Yet, how can I blame him when it is my fool fault for letting her go? My job! Mine at last and mine forever. He picked up her hand and kissing it, put the reins into them like old times and smiled happily. Kayden felt a burst of power surge from his excitement at being with Cass again and doing a somersault, he flew through the air on a high and landed on Zoltan. He always disciplined the boys when they did that. But hell, they’re not here to see.

They arrived on Aquarius at mid-morning. Kayden hadn’t expected such a huge water park. It was many times bigger than any he had ever seen.

Aquarius had never had the need for the Cloud Riders; therefore this was Kayden’s first visit. He grinned, realising now why she had never needed them. With Aqua being Aldebaran’s girlfriend he’d never allow anything to happen to one of his friends, never mind his girlfriend. Aqua was very lucky that she had such power overseeing her world. Many others were not so lucky, especially the ones Aldebaran called his enemy.

Kayden took a deep breath and cleared out his thoughts, putting work aside. This was a honeymoon for Cassie and he wanted her to enjoy it. He had to see Aldebaran as her father and not his enemy for the time being. He had grown to trust Cassie’s instincts and something told him she would work this out with him later when she was ready.

The servants took the horses and Kayden noticed that her father was now outside Aqua’s castle waiting for them.

‘Here goes then, good and evil under one roof. I must be in love,’ he joked as he took her hand and they walked over to him.

Aqua was also standing with him and waved to Cass, looking excited. They were keeping good their promise to spend time with them there. As they neared, Cassie couldn’t wait a second longer and let go of his hand to run to Aldebaran’s arms like a child. With his arms outstretched, he snatched her up, swinging her around and laughing.

Kayden had to bite his lip with the reflected emotion she surged through to him. It is one of the many pleasures of being linked to her, Kayden thought as he watched their joy in seeing each other and wondered what her life would have been like if her father had been allowed access to her. It was endearing. And in that moment he wished to the heavens above that Aldebaran’s eyes would be opened; that he would never destroy the love she offered so freely.

Cassie stood back next to Kayden, pointing out the slides in the park she most enjoyed. ‘I’m sure Aqua has added some new ones,’ she looked about. ‘Watch this!’ She slipped off her clothes, revealing a pair of blue bathers the same bright colour as her eyes. ‘Pretty cool, hey? You try it.’ She came over, helping him take off his top, she was so eager to get going.

Kayden grinned at her impatience. She already had his fly undone and as he slipped them down, she was right: black board shorts magically appeared.

‘Whatever you’re around, your clothes just seem to know. I’ve even noticed they change colour under certain conditions. Last time I was here the magic dressed me in a golden one piece,’ she responded to his amazed look, pulling him by the hand to join her. The boys and he had removed their clothes before but only for a roll in the hay with a lassie. He guessed the magic must just know when they wanted them off completely or when they needed them replaced. Or was this another of Cassie’s powers that she was passing on to them? No doubt it is.

‘Come on, old man,’ she called out to Aldebaran just before she dove in.