Cloud Riders(86)

He stood, his chest heaving from an intake of air. His face reddened with anger and his eyes were now almost pits, as if they’d disappeared and only evil remained. ‘And what do I get out of this so-called stand down? What could you possibly offer to make it worth my while, to stop me from ridding myself of the damned Cloud Riders? Look around you, girl! There is nothing you could give me that I don’t already have or need.’ His voice was thunderous and threatening.

Cassie walked up to him, trying not to fall down like a lump of lard and disappear into the cracks of the floor. Goddamn it! He’s my dad, what’s the worst that could happen? She recalled how much she had suffered by the hands of her cruel stepfather and yet Aldebaran was making him seem like a pussycat. Even so, she placed one foot in front of the other having no intentions of letting her team down by showing weakness.

The guards went to stop her but he gestured for them to leave her alone. The closer she got, the more of his rage was apparent by the way the ground below her shook. The vibration scared the life out of her but she didn’t waver or show any expression. Putting out her hand—she hoped like hell it would stop shaking for just a minute—she found one last smile. ‘What do I have to offer you, Pops? I offer you a one-off chance to get to know your own child. I offer me—for twenty-four hours. Would that be worth anything at all to you?’

As if the touch of her hand had put him in a trance, all of a sudden the floor stopped shaking and the atmosphere calmed. Her hand felt small and delicate in his big paw. That alone made her aware of just how overpowering and strong he was. She was suddenly very aware that even though she was petite and fragile, she had just as much power: the kind you only find in a father’s love for a child. All of a sudden he wasn’t scary anymore.

‘You’re asking me for a twenty-four hour reprieve,’ he almost whispered as his eyes softened and she saw blue sparks explode in them.

She nodded.

He searched her face and stood watching her for what seemed like hours—although she knew it was only a moment—before his face broke into a smile. ‘Deal!’

Cassie had just made a pact with the devil and she knew he would try every trick he had to spin her around and ruin the relationship she had with her man and the rest of the team. Truly this was going to test her loyalty to the ones she had come to love.

He turned, not letting her hand go and addressed the many he had working for him. ‘I’m suspending all military physical attacks and we are standing down for the rest of the day. I expect you all to reconvene here at 1900 hours tomorrow. Those of you staying the night, drinks and food will be served shortly. General Gatwick will now be in charge and will make sure all your needs are met. Appreciate your patience, enjoy the evening.’ Lifting her hand, he placed it over his arm and patted it. ‘When was the last time you ate, Daughter-mine?’ he asked as he guided her into another room: the dining room she had been in on her last visit.

‘Um … breakfast yesterday,’ she answered him. And not until then did she realise that they had fought all through the night and it was now the evening of the next day. No wonder she was bombed out and weary. Suddenly now aware of why Kayden always made them have such a big breakfast and a rest before heading off. ‘It’s tough work sparring with you, Pops. Time seems to have just slipped away. You really need to learn to stop for a lunch break.’ She broke out into a chuckle and he laughed with her.

‘I’ll keep that in mind next time you are blowing up all my fire power.’

‘Yes! I can just see that now. “Oh sweetheart, it’s your lunch break. Oops sorry! I accidentally let a meteor go before I called it. Oh well, we didn’t need that star after all, hey, Daughter-mine?” ’ she joked again and made him laugh more.

‘You must be thirsty as well,’ he said, seating her at the big dining table.

‘Last time you offered me drink it was a potion that repelled my friends. Are you intending to play nice this time, Pops? No games. What do you say?’

He showed his hands. ‘Nothing sinister this time. Just me being your father, I promise.’ Laughing, he put his arm around her and gave her a little fatherly squeeze.

It feels nice.

Servants came out with the evening meal. She tried a couple of things and then just pushed the food around her plate as they talked. He could see she wasn’t interested in the food or wine and asked her what drink she preferred.

‘Same as last time,’ she grinned. ‘Rum, straight up, no ice.’

‘Make that two,’ he said to the servant, not even raising an eyebrow. He eyed her. ‘Just how I like it. You know, you might be more like your old man than you care to admit, Cassandra.’