They were ushered into the dining room where Kayden danced his delightful wife around as they waited for her father.
‘Hi Pops.’ Cassie made Kayden aware they weren’t alone.
Aldebaran also looked refreshed so they assumed he and Aqua must have rested as well. He was so different in looks to Cassie and yet Kayden knew by just talking to him how alike they were. She was a blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty, delightfully petite with a scrumptious figure and yet still so fragile. He was a thickset bloke with a build more like a rugby player, as strong as an ox. His hair was dark and his eyes were so black they looked evil unless he looked at Cassie. It was then that they changed to an indigo blue with traces of the same sapphire shade she had in her eyes. Then and only then could he see any similarities. The love he carried for her was strong and any dumb fool could see that he absolutely adored her. The more Kayden saw them together, the harder he knew it was going to be for both of them on the battlefield. Will I lose my only love, or will he?
As they dined, Kayden and Cassie told stories of their holiday so far, enjoying the mood that the day had put them in, although unsure as they staggered up to bed how they could have ended up so inebriated, when they barely had anything to drink.
Aldebaran practically carried Cassie to the bedroom. She staggered and sang songs, telling her father he was good fun for an old boy. He laughed at her all the way up the stairs, not once taking offence to any of her kidding. In fact, he loved it. Aldebaran whispered goodnight to her as she closed her eyes and dropped off to sleep.
Aldebaran Takes Control
Before Aldebaran left the room, he looked back at them. Kayden was hugging his daughter so gently and she, with such love in her body language, cuddled into him. They were perfect for each other and he couldn’t take one without the other, so both it would have to be. He needed to have more time with his daughter and he was determined he was going to have it.
Taking them up to bed, he had thought Kayden was going to pass out even before he made it to the bed. With all the booze mixed with the magic potion he had drunk, Aldebaran was surprised he’d even made it. He should’ve known Kayden wouldn’t give in unless Cassie was in his arms. His love and protectiveness of her was admirable and because of that he had earned a father’s respect and his daughter’s hand. He had given it freely to him but to none of those other creeps he worked for. Them, I still want out of the way! Permanently!
Aqua had argued with him for days but he wouldn’t give in. Tonight was the night.
‘They’ll wake up tomorrow in a trance and won’t be leaving until I’m ready to let them go.’
He thought back to the night when Cassandra had first told him of her terrible childhood. He hadn’t believed her at first. He was devastated that she would disrespect her mother, the woman he had loved like no other. Then he had looked into Cassie’s eyes and deep down into her soul. He could see the tortured scars she carried, open wounds that still needed healing, scars only a father’s love could really help heal. He hated his ex for the first time ever for what she’d allowed her husband to do to Cassandra—to him! He knew in that instant he would take revenge on the people who did this to her. And my God, she will pay for lying to me and hurting my sweet, adorable daughter.
Aldebaran went back downstairs to a very nervous old friend.
‘Ald, they’re under my care. When their friends come looking for them what do I say?’ she asked.
‘That they left and you haven’t seen them since.’ He rolled his shoulders, releasing some of the stress he was feeling. ‘Tomorrow, I’ll take them to my castle for dinner. Because they’re under my control, they’ll agree happily. I’d take them now but I’d prefer to keep them here just one more day in case something goes wrong and they come looking for Kayden earlier.’
‘Why is she so important to you that you would risk having your star put out or your kingdom gone? This is insane,’ she argued. ‘Am I not enough, Ald? Please,’ she sobbed, tears running down her cheeks.
He went over and held her, the look of sadness and fear stared back at him. ‘You know how I feel about you, Aqua love, but she’s my daughter. I just want a little while to get to know her, to have her close and love her the way she deserves to be loved by a father. I’m sorry if you don’t understand that.’
‘But to kidnap them, even for a day? She’ll never forgive you and you’ll spend the rest of your life regretting that you may have been able to freely see her more often.’
‘Aqua, the last few months just watching her from afar has been killing me. I’m their enemy. She won’t be allowed to come back to see me again after this visit and you know it, just like last time. Kayden is smart and I know he will make her break all ties with me when they get back to business. He really has no other choice. I would do the same. He’s done this for her to make her wedding special, that’s all. Shit, you only have to look at the guy with her to see he would give her the moon if it were his to give.’ He sighed, went over and poured a nightcap. ‘Aqua, don’t fight me anymore on this. I’m tired and need you. Just give me the chance to get to know my little girl, please.’