Cloud Riders(85)

‘I can only think of one thing that’ll give you time, Kayden. Conor needs to heal and if we’re called out in the next twenty-four hours, you’ll only have three boys.’

‘I know what you’re thinking, sweetheart. I can feel your thoughts ticking over but you don’t have to sacrifice yourself. If you go to Aldebaran, how can we trust he won’t hold you captive or worse? I know he’s your father but I don’t trust the man. I’ll work something out. None of us wants you to risk so much. You may never being able to return or worst, this time, it could be your life.’

‘Kayden, my powers are weak and in the event of another onslaught, I’m powerless to help until I eat and rest. The only other alternative is to draw from the dark side, but Woody isn’t here to help us so if Aldebaran really is my dad, I have to trust he’ll do right by me. I’ll get us the twenty-four hour reprieve even if I have to stay there and make him give it. He ain’t seen stubborn yet, trust me.’

‘Yes, my love and you can certainly be that,’ he smiled, stirring her.

‘Kayden honestly, until this moment I had no idea the seriousness of only having four and you know what? I’m one of the Cloud Riders now too. Just because we’re in a relationship doesn’t mean I stand idly by and not put my life on the line for my team as they would for me. This is the only way and you know it. So let me go do my job. Okay, boss?’ She reassured him, knowing she was their only hope.

Kayden took a while to decide as he nervously rubbed his hands through his hair. She could feel him thinking a heap of thoughts, yet none better than the one she had just come up with.

‘Shit, I’ve got nothing.’ He had to agree with her. ‘Will you be alright on your own?’

‘I think so. I’m fairly sure Starburst knows the way back there. He seems to have a memory like mine. Just try to remember that when I get home, no matter what spell he puts on me, I’m not a traitor. I’m just me, the one who loves you, okay?’





A reprieve for Cassie


The armed guards surrounded Cassie as Starburst landed on the home world of Aldebaran. The largest of the guards lifted her off the horse and with a tight grip, marched her into the castle. The big doors opened to a huge room full of more frightening-looking characters who she assumed were members of his council. It was like a modern-day knights of the round table, only it was real, with big video screens and the buzzing of reports from different sources. Many were reporting on the action that was happening out on the battlefield her group had just fought on.

Aldebaran sat on a throne and looked really annoyed when the guard pulled her inside. He put his hand up, hushing the group. Then he made another gesture and all the monitors went dead so she was unable to see what his next move was going to be. With the room so quiet, all eyes were now focused on the person who had caused the shutdown.

For the first time, Cassie figured this was probably not one of her brightest ideas but she was not about to show them how scared she really was. The guard dropped his grip and she rubbed her arm, still feeling pain from his tight hold.

She glared up at him. ‘Take it easy, big fella! Long hair and boobs normally means girl. That means, handle with care or else,’ she stated firmly. Looking back at Aldebaran, she hid her fear and uncertainty, breaking into a sweet smile. ‘Hi Pops! Just thought I’d stop in for a quick visit. You can tell your rough boys that I’m not here to hurt their sovereign,’ she said, still rubbing the sting out of her arm. She then realised she was still probably feeling Conor’s pain from his broken limb.

You could barely see the whites of her father’s eyes, they were so dark, and his irritable expression showed her he did not approve with the intrusion. ‘I’m not impressed with your antics out there, young lady!’

Hands on her hips, she motioned to the cameras. ‘I wasn’t very pleased with yours either, Father dear,’ she said right back at him, holding her head up high and not letting him offend her.

Her comment must have amused him as he gave a slight smirk and there was a tiny glint to his eyes. ‘So, why are you here? Let me guess. To beg for my leniency! I notice you have yourselves in a bit of a mess out there. Bloody shame. If I strike now with you here, I’ll rid myself of your pathetic group forever.’

‘Father, if I am a chip off the old block you would know I enjoy a good altercation, so hell no! Do I need or want your leniency? Hell no! Twice! I’m here to ask you to stand down for twenty-four hours. We have family issues that need attending to and not just what you can see out there now.’