Cloud Riders(39)

Cassie came out to a loving new family that ate and chattered happily together and the good mood continued into the day. Kayden never left her side and even downstairs in the satellite room where he was unable to hold her, he kept gently pulling her close to him while he spoke.

Kayden told them how the star constellation the Three Sisters, who were three very powerful white witches, had meddled in the war, conjuring up a little witchcraft to help Orion’s cause. The wizard Aldebaran and his mate the warlord Conom, had since found out and had just deployed three super-strength comets to take out the Three Sisters’ home worlds and wipe their existence from the galaxy.

Kayden addressed his men, telling them to make sure that if Cassie needed extra power, they were to give her what she needed if it came down to her joining the fight.

Cassie felt a sensation of power run through her. She realised that this must have been coming from them all and she started to understand why it was imperative to have the team connected as one unit. They all supported each other and for now it was her they were helping. She was terribly grateful. This whole adventure was daunting, yet she didn’t want to look weak before Kayden or his men. She straightened up, shaking the fear from her thoughts.

‘That’s enough for now. We need to rest before we take off.’ Kayden hugged Cassie possessively, understanding the concern and fear she would be feeling, this being her very first mission.

All the beds and couches in the house were taken up as if they had done this many times before. Cassie realised how difficult it must have been for Kayden to keep her a secret for so long. She thought it was very sweet as she nuzzled into him on the bed, glad this time he would be taking her with him. She felt Kayden draw her closer to him as he sent them all into a fog-like sleep together. Her last thought was of how remarkable he was because of the control he had over their minds.

When they woke, they joined the others on the porch and sipped coffee while waiting for the horses to ready themselves. The boys passed around the golden bridles as Zoltan led the other four horses out of the barn. Cassie’s eyes were wide with amazement as they lined up and stood like soldiers themselves in a perfect row with their heads held high. She could hear Kayden giving orders telepathically to Zoltan who in turn passed the orders to the others.

Woody leant against the house next to her, feeling her confusion. ‘Did you know your man’s mystical name is Ahearn? He is owner and lord of all horses. His gift allows him to communicate with them all; however he only chooses to speak to Zoltan. His horse controls the entire herd.’

Cassie was fascinated as she stood taking it all in, not wanting to miss a thing.

Woody grinned and ruffled her hair. ‘Now watch and learn, princess. You will have your own horse soon.’

Woody bridled his horse. Once the golden bridle was in place her mouth gaped open as she watched his horse magically grow wings and armour of multi-coloured beads and pearls covering its entire body. It was the most beautiful transformation she had ever imagined possible. She had watched movies about Pegasus and seen animated mystical kids’ programs but this was enchanting. Cassie quietly watched as Jason, Conor and Ethan slipped the golden bridles over their horses’ heads and the same thing happened. The four winged horses now stood, glowing with soft-coloured pearl armour. Each horse was identifiable by a marking of coloured pearl that swirled along their sides like a tattoo, entwined in the mother-of-pearl armour.

Cassie sucked her breath in at the beauty of it. When she finally breathed out, it was with the biggest smile. Kayden grinned back with a relieved sigh.

Woody and Conor mounted first and instantly a bright glow surrounded them. When it dulled, it left them dressed in black leather pants and boots with white T-shirts. The

T-shirts had slashes across the chests, exposing a lot of skin and even though the glow had gone, their bodies were still illuminated, making them look angelic and very handsome. Swords and daggers had also appeared and the two men watched her face, gauging a reaction.

Cassie jumped up, clapping with excitement. ‘Goddamn, you guys look hot!’ She almost danced over to them, poking at Conor’s skin to see what he felt like and then stroking his horse. ‘Feels like real pearls,’ she said, gently touching the wings and trying not to spook the horse.

Woody and Conor high-fived each other. ‘You heard her, mate, we’re hot.’ Conor was grinning.

Turning back to Kayden, she put both hands up to her face, now concerned. ‘Jeez! I hope my clothes don’t change to that outfit.’ She was aghast and unsettled. ‘What a peepshow. Hope you have a plan B.’