Cloud Riders(139)

Kayden walked her back to the room, lying with her on the bed. She felt better in a horizontal position and brightening up, they talked about how much fun it had been. Conom knocked and asked if they were decent and came in with water and a tablet. He saw Cassie was starting to look better from just lying down and suggested they have a quiet one, maybe have a cinema night so Cassie could continue lying down on a recliner.

‘It’ll make your father think we’re being responsible,’ Kayden kidded.

Aldebaran stood at the doorway. ‘I heard that, son. And it wouldn’t hurt either of you to behave for one night.’

Conom and Aldebaran left to organise cinema food, arguing about just what Cassie would prefer and both acting like doting parents.

‘They’ve taken a real shine to you, honey,’ Kayden noted. ‘I’m pretty sure neither of them has ever cared about anyone this much, ever. Maybe you’re just what they needed to stop them worrying about what they want for a change, forcing them to think about someone else. Anything else.’

Conom knocked on the door and came in. ‘You guys right to move yet?’ he asked.

Kayden helped her to stand up. She wobbled a little as if she’d been drinking and giggled. ‘Come here, my delicate little flower,’ he said, lifting her into his arms.

‘I can walk,’ she tried to protest.

‘You’re as light as a feather, honey. You’re no bother, really.’

‘The joys of being married to a superhero,’ Cassie shrugged, glancing at Conom. ‘These powerful muscular brutes ended up with all the strength. It’s not fair. The only gift I got is to knock things out the way and blow things up.’ She poked fun at herself.

Conom looked fascinated. ‘Powers?’ he inquired.

Kayden reminded him of the first time they had met and of her threat if he was to hurt her friend.

He seemed surprised. ‘I thought she was joking, you know. Acting the tough little minx.’

‘No, that was definitely not a bluff. She could have put you through the wall,’ Kayden chuckled. ‘There might not be much of her but she sure packs a punch.’

‘The only time I’ve seen her is when she’s on the horse watching you guys. Ald told me she was gifted but never elaborated on what. He handles most of the battle plans. I just sign off on it. I’m on earth most days and miss a lot of the action up here. You see, once it gets out about her capabilities, it is her that will become the target. Really, K, it’s not safe for her out there at all.’

Kayden stopped at the doors to the cinema. ‘I try to keep her away from the danger as best I can but don’t worry so much, Conom. She can take care of herself. Trust me.’ He grinned and kissed her on the forehead. ‘Hey, cloud girl.’ He turned back to Conom. ‘And not only that, she is surrounded by my men and they would never let any harm come to her either. Between the five of us we guard her with our lives. My men have a real bond with her. Not sure how it happened but I think it’s her powers mixed with mine when I connected her to us as a group.’

‘What do you mean, connected her? How?’

Kayden smiled. ‘Top secret. But let’s just say we all feel her even if she’s not with us. We can tell she’s happy and okay wherever she is.’

In the cinema Kayden sat her on the twin recliner and she watched as Conom and her father seemed to be having a heated argument. They both had strong personalities and Cassie shrugged, turning back to Kayden. ‘Wonder what that’s all about.’

Kayden had an idea but just smiled. ‘I guess you’re shaking them up. Let’s not worry about them for now. You just worry about me and me and me.’ He grinned.

She laughed at him and he was right. He was so much more fun to worry about as he whispered what he would prefer to be doing with her rather than sitting watching a damned flick with these shits. He just never stopped with the humour and she loved it.

The food started to come out and it shut Kayden up while he pigged out on mini hotdogs, hamburgers, popcorn, ice-cream and lollies.

After the movie finished, Cassie stood up, feeling a bit better. She stretched. ‘Anyone feel like a spa before we hit the sack?’

Aldebaran frowned.

‘Okay, Pops, alcohol-free I promise. Just a nice relaxing spa and hot chocolate after.’

Kayden stretched. ‘Sounds good to me. Conom, you in?’

He stood up. ‘I’m in. You don’t have to ask me twice to find a way to relax before bed.’

‘I might call it a night, kids. I didn’t sleep well last night,’ Aldebaran said.

‘Just us then,’ Conom said, making a move.