‘Yes.’
‘Well, powerful leaders have ruled the star constellations for many lifetimes. The rulers fight and bicker over many of the same things we do here on earth. You know politics, power, sex and greed. If we left them to destroy each other, the loss of the celestial spheres would create a universal change to the solar system. Planets and our own earth’s gravitational force would change and we could collide with other planets, their moons or even the sun, any of which would be fatal to all life on earth.’
He stood up and stretched. Cassie took the hand he offered her and they walked towards the car park where she could hear the sound of a car coming in the distance. ‘We are called the Cloud Riders, Cassie. We are the peacekeepers of the constellations, sent to ensure that law and order’s restored at all costs. If a star is unable to be controlled we have the ability to extinguish the problem. You’ve probably seen shooting stars. That is them trying to run. They never succeed but they do try.’
‘So, if Zoren is your boss and lives up there how does he contact you?’
‘Zoren communicates with Zoltan my horse and after that Zoltan communicates telepathically to me. Remember that night you ran from me and went and lay with my horse? He told me you were there and I knew you were safe. I needed to sort out Jason before I came to get you so he laid and waited with you and kept you warm. Then when you went to play with the foal he let me know you were there playing but not unhappy. He was keeping an eye on you for me.’
‘I remember he came straight up to me,’ she said, thinking about that day. Two cars were turning into the driveway. ‘How many are in your group?’
‘There are five of us because there are five corners to a star. To destroy a star all we have to do is position ourselves at each point and the energy between us puts its light out. Then we either vaporise it or leave it in the outer hemisphere where it will do no harm.’
‘So, you will go tonight to protect a constellation of stars.’
‘Yes. Zoren has given me the mission and we ride tonight. That is why I wanted to get you used to riding with me. I want you to join us if it doesn’t sound too frightening.’ He stopped and faced her, holding both of her hands. ‘Cassie, I know your head is spinning as I haven’t had near enough time to settle you into any of this but I would be honoured if you came for a run with us. Just come with me on Zoltan. We will take extremely good care of you. I’m hoping you love it as we do and want to join us, but no pressure. This is an easy mission so it will be just a leisurely trip first.’
Cassie shook away the feeling she may have been dreaming again and felt way out of her comfort zone. ‘Kayden, I think you have it wrong. All I can do is blow things up. What you do is far beyond my powers. Please don’t take me because you feel concerned about leaving me alone. You can always trust me with your secrets as I know I can trust you with mine. Just know I will be fine and am happy enough to wait here for you until you get home.’
He ran his hand through his dark locks. ‘Cassie, I’d have kept this a secret and never asked you to be a part of it if I didn’t believe you’d be of great value to us. Look, the boys will be pulling up any minute and I’ve run out of time to discuss it much further. I need to speak to the team and fill them in on the mission. Just trust me for now and come with me, Cass. Throw caution to the wind and let me show you a whole new world that I know you will more than fit into.’
She nodded. ‘My life is in your hands, Kayden and has been since you found me. Before then there was nothing. I guess I’d be crazy not to come and see if there’s a place for a freak like me in your world.’
He came close and she could almost feel the power running through him. ‘You’re my little freak now and your place is by my side, Cassie, for as long as you want to be there.’
Joining the Team
Cassie watched as the rest of his team pulled up in two black, four-wheel drives. Cassie had seen pictures in some of Kayden’s motor magazines and the vehicles looked the same: overhead spotlights, crash-proof steel surrounds and bodies raised high with huge chunky tires.
Jason jumped out first and put his arm around Cassie while moving her closer to the men as they got out of their vehicles. ‘Cassie, this is Woody.’
Woody was so tall Cassie had to shade her eyes with her left hand to see him while she shook his hand. His vibrant red hair outlined his head and his stunning green eyes seemed to burn into her very soul. He was astonishingly handsome.
‘Hi Cassie, nice to finally meet you.’ His grin lit up his eyes even more.