Cloud Riders(56)

‘I have a little magic up my sleeve that I keep for very special angels when they need a little healing. I made you experience some terrible memories that have now been dissolved, not removed. They are just in a place now where they won’t harm you anymore.’ He stood up, put out his hand and helped her up off the ground. ‘We’ll need a few more sessions, Cassie, are you okay with that?’ he asked.

She nodded and laughed as he ran with her down the hill to the car. When they stopped at the bottom, she was still giggling as she breathed heavily from the quick jog. ‘What was all that about?’

‘I filled you with magic. Running should tame it down. The effects can be tricky sometimes but I’ll be around you for the next few hours. Don’t worry, you’re in good hands.’

He opened the car door for her before getting in himself. Another courteous gesture that made her grin at his sweetness. As if in a hurry, he switched on the ignition and kicked life into the motor. Within seconds the vehicle was sliding slightly before it bumped roughly along the exposed track. ‘Sorry I rushed you, sweetie but it took me long enough to get this session with you. Be blowed if I want to piss off your man on the first one.’

Kayden was waiting with a big smile when they pulled up. Cassie ran and jumped into his arms. He swung her around. ‘Hi, beautiful.’ Putting her down, he tucked her under his arm and leant against the car so he could talk to Woody. ‘How did she do?’

Woody pushed his hair back and crossed his arms. ‘Better than I expected for her first time. Broke through a couple of layers. However there’s a way to go before I get her relaxed enough to use her gifts naturally. She’s been through a lot, K. It’s not going to happen overnight.’

Kayden nodded. ‘I thought as much.’ He gave her a quick glance of concern and then hid it with a smile. ‘You’re in good hands, sweetheart. If anyone can break through your wall of pain it will be this big lug. In the meantime, your horse is ready to go. Do you want to come and have a look?’

They went over to the enclosure where Jason and Ethan were still with Starburst. There was another man there wearing a brimmed hat. He looked like a real farmer and stood talking to Conor. Cassie couldn’t help thinking how similar their physics were.

‘Tremaine, this is Cassie. Cass, this is my brother Tremaine,’ Conor introduced them.

Tremaine took his hat off and shook her hand. Cassie wasn’t surprised to hear they were related although he did have hair, even though it was very short and dark. His nose was also flatter and wider and his lips were thinner. He smiled and that was when she saw Conor in him: his eyes shone golden-brown and he had the same cheek structure when his face lit up.

‘Hi, Cassie. Me bro ain’t shut up about you so it’s damned nice to finally put a face there to your name. I look after them there horses for me man K when he needs me. Today but I’m just here to observe. Stoked to have been able see how this little one stacks up. They tell me he’s your ride now.’

‘Yes, Starburst stole my heart the second I saw him, shaking and wobbling around like a drunk trying to stand up,’ she giggled, remembering. She walked closer to Tremaine as they both turned towards Starburst. ‘Fascinating how quickly he found his legs and then walked around like a real pro. Jeez, and we call ourselves the smarter race.’

He laughed and nudged Conor. ‘Yeah okay, she’s all that and cute as a button and she’s right. Those darn horses of yours are way more intelligent than a man like me’s ever seen.’

Conor slapped his back. ‘Just keep that on the down low, bro, we don’t want no one stealing any of them.’

‘Gotcha, bro. Anyways I have to get back to me farm there, boy. Can’t go dilly-dallying here all day with a bunch of misfit cowboys. Bad for me image.’ He tipped his hat to Cassie. ‘Ma’am, nice to finally meet you. If you get sick of these hard heads, call over for dinner one night. Let me show you what a real home-cooked meal tastes like. You can bring the K man too if you have to bring ‘im.’ He grinned cheeky-like at Kayden before looking back at Cassie. ‘Just stirring up your man there. Offer is there though. You’re both welcome for sure.’

Kayden put his arm around her. ‘We’d love to, Tremaine. I’ll give you a ring.’

Conor pulled Tremaine’s hat off him playfully. ‘Hey, what about the rest of us, bro?’

Tremaine snatched his hat back off him, laughing. ‘I told your young lady, a real home-cooked meal. Me ovens not big enough to put the whole dang cow in to feed you lot,’ he said, getting on his horse. He tipped his hat. ‘Ma’am, K.’ He trotted off down the path.