Cloud Riders(38)

‘Bad luck, guys,’ Cassie stirred them up as they left. ‘Maybe next time I might let you win a few.’ She giggled, feeling far more than just a little tipsy.

Jason hugged her. ‘Nice to have you home, Cassie girl. It was fun,’ he said as he left.

Woody kissed her cheek on the way past. ‘I learnt a few tricks off you tonight. Until next time, sweetness.’ He inclined his head in a gentlemanly fashion.

Ethan and Conor had had a few too many shots of rum and kissed Cassie’s cheeks at the same time. Arm-in-arm they staggered to the car, singing.

‘That was fun. Whipped their butts,’ she said, waving them goodbye and swaying from too much booze.

Kayden grinned as he steadied her. ‘Yes it was a good night, sweetheart. You had them eating out of your hand. But just remember they learn fast. It may not be so easy next time, my little cardsharp.’

She stretched and yawned, resting against him as he guided her to the bedroom. ‘I still have a few tricks up my sleeve. They may need to be a lot sharper when I’m not so tired or so full of booze,’ she slurred and slipping from his grip, fell backwards onto the bed.

Kayden shook his head at her. ‘Did anyone ever tell you that you are a hopeless drunk?’ he kidded as he changed her into one of his shirts to sleep in.

She giggled at him grumping at her. It felt like old times and she was just so happy to be home.

It was still dark when Kayden guided her out to the car the next morning to check the horses. He had already made her a coffee that he put into her hand before taking off down to the paddocks. Cassie sipped the coffee and by the time they arrived, she was feeling awake and chirpy. The light was just starting to push across the sky when they pulled up, although low cloud cover was making visibility of the hillside poor. They both looked at each other, knowing what that meant.

‘Sorry, sweetie. I was hoping we would have a bit more time together before this happened.’

‘Your boss wants you?’

He nodded and hugged her. ‘I promise I have locked up the big bully that upset you last time, sweetheart. Will you give me another chance to prove to you that I’ve changed?’

‘I know you love me now, Kayden. I’m older, wiser and stronger and even if you growl at me and make me furious, I will stay just so I can growl back at you when the others have all gone home,’ she said, trying to soften the moment that brought them both unpleasant memories.

‘I hope you do, Cass. I don’t even care if you zap me to kingdom come. Just stay with me, alright?’

‘You’d better wear a safety vest in that case because one step out of line, buster and you’re toast,’ she joked.

He ran a hand gently down her face, loving that she had really forgiven him. ‘Just make sure you don’t aim below the belt or there will be definitely no make-up sex,’ he stirred her back. He stopped for a second and glanced back at her, smiled and tipped his head in an old-worldly gesture before he headed back down towards the horses.

Cassie smiled happily as she turned to Starburst who was already bucking and wanting to play. After a bit of fun with him she sat on the grass and her little friend stood beside her. They both knew the fog meant something big. ‘Pity you can’t come with us, boy. Maybe when I get more confident they might let me take you.’

He snorted and nodded.

They both watched Kayden and Zoltan. Kayden was standing still with his horse, both eye-to-eye. Kayden nodded, reached out to his horse and patted it on the nose and the horse nuzzled him back.

‘They must be speaking telepathically, Starburst. Do you think we’ll ever be able to do that?’

Starburst made a noise again and nudged her.

She patted his nose, still watching Kayden. ‘Yes, boy, I know we sort of do now but not like them. I can’t hear your thoughts yet but I promise I will try. Can you hear what they are saying, boy?’ she asked. ‘Kayden’s using Zoltan’s magic to help him link me to the rest of the team isn’t he?’

He threw his head up and down and stomped a foot.

Cassie giggled. ‘I take that as a yes.’

Kayden had barely moved from where he stood while checking the horses. They just came up to him one by one and once he had looked them over, they disappeared back into the fog. It was thicker now and almost eerie and soundless. Even Starburst stood quietly beside Cassie unless she spoke.

When Kayden came back to the truck with the selection of horses, he pulled Cassie to her feet. ‘Feel like a little ride in the clouds with me this afternoon?’





Life Above and Beyond


Cassie had only just come out of the shower when the men turned up. As she dressed and dried her hair, Kayden and Jason made breakfast while the others sat around discussing what a buzz they got when Kayden linked Cassie to them.