She didn’t refuse. She felt like he had lifted a great weight off her in the last session and looked forward to learning more about her own abilities. What he had her doing already had amazed and excited her
He smiled at her enthusiasm. ‘Just want to check your concentration after yesterday, see if you held it.’
‘No probs, I am all yours.’
‘Okay, cutie. I need you to be serious for me. Imagine we’re on the other side of the lake and take us there—no dunking me in that water.’
Cassie looked over to the other side and then closed her eyes and concentrated. The temptation to drop him in that water was just too strong and she stopped and shook her head. ‘You really shouldn’t have put that thought in my head. I can’t get past it.’
‘Cassie.’ He sounded firm, no nonsense.
‘Boy, no guessing who woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning,’ she mumbled and closed her eyes again. She felt him with her as she visualised the other side of the lake. It was only after she felt them moving did her eyes open, allowing the magic of the moment to flow through them as they gently floated towards the opposite embankment. The sensation although strange left her empowered, determined and focused as she concentrated on Woody’s arm around her so she could keep them moving. The spot she had chosen to set them down was coming closer as the thought popped back in her head about dunking him. It was just too strong and she started to let go of her new found gift when she heard him whisper in a grumpy voice, ‘Cassandra.’
Something frightened her. It was what he called her. She shook violently as she fought to regain control. Once they sat back on solid ground, tears stung her eyes. Her breathing was uncontrollable and she was beginning to panic. She struggled to get up but Woody kept a firm grip on her. ‘Woody, let me go or I’m warning you, I will make you!’ she fumed at him.
‘Shh … work with me, talk to me,’ he said sweetly and kissed her head. ‘Tell me what you’re feeling.’
‘Angry!’ she snapped.
‘What memories did it just bring back?’
Frustration and uncertainty weakened her mood. ‘My mother was the only one who ever called me Cassandra. I never once saw fear in her eyes and yet she never once stuck up for me. I was her child, her daughter. Woody, why?’
‘Maybe she knew where you inherited your powers from, Cassie. Maybe she was special also and kept it a secret so she could live a normal life. She would have been exposed herself if she pandered to you. You must have got it from one of your parents.’
Cassie breathed out a big sigh of relief. Could that have been it? she thought. ‘I never thought about it like that. She may have struggled and suffered for years. I know how hard it was for me to hide away my natural abilities. She must have gone through hell trying to hide as well. I always thought I was just a freak. Hereditary never came to mind.’
‘It still doesn’t excuse her behaviour toward you, Cassie. You should forgive her. It will help you heal but never feel sorry for her. She made her choice and it made her a terribly selfish and dangerous guardian to you. You deserved so much better.’
Cassie felt calmer. She was blown away by how smart and caring Woody was. ‘You always make me feel like I’m so worthy.’
He squeezed her gently. ‘You, my dear Cassandra, are the most precious gift that anyone could ever dream of.’
She searched his face and almost smiled. ‘It didn’t cut me when you said it that time.’
‘Because your name is beautiful and when you hear it I want you to remember it the way it was meant to sound.’ He stood up, pulling her to her feet with him. ‘No more today. Kayden’s just returned and is looking for us.’
They walked back around the other side of the lake. Kayden did seem anxious. ‘We’ve been summoned,’ he revealed to them while searching Cassie’s face. Without thinking, he tucked her hair behind her ears as if he was looking for something, maybe trying to read her mind through her facial expressions. ‘How is she, Woody? Will she be okay to ride on her own? It’s a renegade star this time. I’ll need to be hands-free to help you. Zoren wants it extinguished.’
Cassie spun around and eyed Woody, remembering Kayden had told her it was Woody she must convince. ‘Woody, please. I won’t muck around, I promise. You’re teaching me. I get it now.’
He crossed his arms, looking up at the sky, the muscle in the side of his neck twitching as he thought about his answer.
‘Please. I promise I won’t even smile unless you tell me to.’
He bit his lip and she knew he was trying not to grin at the pleading look she was giving him. ‘Don’t let me regret it, Cassie. You have to do everything you’re told without even thinking about it. If you have any crazy thoughts at all, Starburst will feel it and you could endanger both your lives. Do I make myself perfectly clear? Not a twitch unless you’re instructed to.’