‘How did you know it was me?’ Cassie asked, needing more from this strange man. He seemed so comfortable around her as if they’d been together like this for years.
He turned to face her directly again, his eyes instantly reverting back to the dark indigo or black they had been before.
Those eyes! Could mine have been able to change like that if I had become as evil as him?
‘I’ve been watching you all your life, my dear child. As soon as the close-up shot of you came through and I saw you, I knew who you were. You have changed very little since I saw you last. You have your father’s eyes and that, my dear girl, you cannot hide from me.’
‘You must be some kind of genius to be able to see from such a distance. I just wish I could have taken after you, Pops. Then I could have seen you coming and run,’ she mocked.
Aldebaran put his head back, laughing again making her smile. ‘See, I knew you would have some of my sense of humour. Tell me then, young Cassandra, why did you join up with those thugs?’
She looked at him, wondering what to say and decided the truth was best because if he were that good he would know if she lied anyway. ‘I’m in love with one of them. I was lost and had the spirit knocked out of me when they found me dirty and battered. They dusted me off, took me in, gave me time to heal and have given me a home. For the first time in my miserable existence I am actually very happy.’
Aldebaran moved her hair and searched her face as if he was able to read her every thought.
How is he doing that?
‘Yes, I believe you are telling me the truth as you do look very healthy and happy. That is all a father can ask for his child. However, none of this will change a thing.’ He looked away and breathed deeply, taking a big gulp of his drink. ‘Regardless of you being my daughter, we are on opposite sides. You do know I won’t give up my quest to rule this entire quadrant of stars and we will be coming up against each other more frequently. That’s why I brought you here: to warn you that I have many tricks up my sleeve and you are no match for me, young one. When you realise this is where you belong, Cassandra, I will be waiting for you with open arms. Until then stay alert or you could get hurt or worse. You may be my daughter but to go up against me is ludicrous. May I make a suggestion? Go back and dump your friends and come home to be here, by my side as it should be.’ His mood changed as he slammed his drink on the table and glared at her. ‘Or stay the hell home next time.’ He glanced over at the drink she hadn’t touched and calmed down. ‘The least you can do is to have one drink with your father, Cassandra,’ he said soothingly, snapping out of his irritable mood. ‘You would make your old man very happy, sweetheart.’
Not at all scared by his mood swing, Cassie sculled the drink. ‘Maybe it is you who should stay the hell at home, Pop,’ she said with a sly look and a cheeky grin.
He roared with laughter again. ‘You’re a chip off the old block, I can see that.’ He seemed happy now and stood up, walking her back to Starburst. ‘All is fair in love and war. I guess until we meet again then, daughter of mine.’ He lifted her onto the horse.
She felt darkness start to cover her again and she watched Aldebaran’s eyes as they almost went black. They were unpredictable, as if he didn’t want to let her leave. Maybe she had misread it; nevertheless there was that look. Maybe he was thinking twice about fighting against her. She could only hope so. His magic was very strong. His eyes softened just for a minute and out of reflex Cassie blew him a kiss, grinning sweetly as he disappeared from her sight, his eyes sparkling with a smile in appreciation of her response.
Wow, so that’s my dad. He wasn’t so scary and she had rather liked him when he wasn’t annoying her with his demanding, come-home-now-daughter attitude. Then again it may have all been a trick. Maybe he’s not my father. But deep down that didn’t ring true either; he was someone alright. She felt it. So many thoughts ran through her head as she travelled back to where he had kidnapped her. She hoped the boys were still waiting. When she stopped, the black veiling came off and Conor jumped as Cassie appeared in between him and Woody. Kayden looked relieved and immediately ordered his men to move in close where they put a protective force around her while they travelled back down to the Cross brothers’ home world.
As soon as Starburst’s hooves hit the ground, Kayden lifted Cassie off the horse, hugging her. His arms trembled as he held her. She tried to tell him she was okay but he wasn’t listening. He was so stressed he didn’t seem to be hearing her.
‘Please, Kayden listen to me. I was fine. I was with my dad, my real one. The enemy … he is my father. I’m sure he is not lying.’ She finally got the words out in between kisses.