Cloud Riders(93)

‘You make a lot of sense. Being so angry with him has stopped me looking at it with any sort of perspective.’ He smiled, kissed her cheek and stood up. ‘Woody and the boys are waiting for me to discuss the issue but until you returned, I wasn’t able to face it. Feel up to a little visit with them tonight? It’s time we all discussed it like grownups. It would be better as a group decision; changing the rules on partners will affect all their relationships from now on.’

Cassie ducked in and had a quick shower to freshen up before going out into the barn to get Kayden. He wanted to check on Starburst. As she entered the barn she could tell by Kayden’s grin as he talked to Starburst telepathically that he was pleased they had kept him in good condition.

It was getting late when they arrived at the boys’ home. They were all out the back, lazing around on the outdoor lounges, not even slightly looking like they were ready to retire for the night. Cassie knew how they felt as she herself wouldn’t be able to sleep until the Woody problem was sorted.

Woody was sitting on one of the deckchairs with his elbows on his knees and his head and shoulders bent. He looked miserable, waiting to hear his fate and who his replacement was going to be. Cassie could tell they had all been discussing it and Kayden’s visit would be just a formality.

Cassie went around and gave them all a kiss and a warm greeting. Her bright chatter cheered them up—except for Woody—he just sat quietly looking like he didn’t belong with them anymore. Jason asked Kayden and Cassie if they wanted a tea or coffee. Cassie really needed more than just a hot beverage, asking for a nip of spirits to be added. All the men went inside to give Cassie some time alone with Woody. She knew secretly they would be hoping she’d be able to fix the mess that Woody left in his wake. It was obvious how upset he was as his body trembled when she went over to him and put her hand on his shoulder.

‘I’ve really stuffed up this time, Cass. Sorry kiddo—maybe you better go and not stand with the enemy,’ he choked emotionally.

‘I missed you, Woodsta. And you’re not my enemy—never will be.’

‘Don’t be nice to me, Cassie. I don’t deserve it.’

‘Woody, stop it. Just because you made an error in judgement doesn’t mean your friends will desert you. We all muck up and unless you’re a robot and programmed to be perfect, this will not be the last for any of us.’ She patted his shoulder friendly-like as the others came out and she moved back to where she had been sitting.

Kayden looked serious as he walked out to the others. Woody sat nervously, waiting for the final blow to his shattered life.

‘I wanted us all together to discuss the issue regarding Woody and the whole girlfriend situation that I thought I had put to rest. It’s been brought to my attention tonight that I may have been a little hasty with my decision.’ He gave a slight nod towards Cassie and they exchanged a knowing glance. ‘Cassie feels that if any of you do fall in love and want to reveal our secret world then you should be able to do just that. She herself is living proof that she knew all about us yet lived in Perth for months and never breathed a word, even after we had broken up. Why? Because she could be trusted! Her love for me, for us, even though squashed, stopped her from giving any of us away. She would never have done that. With that in mind, the ruling on secrecy that we put in place when we all formed as a group needs to be revised. Maybe other women can be trusted too. You see, guys, this isn’t all just about Woody.’ He paused. ‘It affects you all. If any one of you falls in love from now on, you should be allowed to use your own discretion as to how much is revealed. As Cassie said, if the love turns bitter and they mouth-off about what we do, it’s their word against ours and we can always just pick up and leave for a few decades until those people are no longer around and come back as we always do.’

They all nodded in agreement.

‘Woody, I want you to feel free to tell Ella whatever you need to. If Ella knows, Cassie feels she will stop being a spiteful to the rest of the group and will never again selfishly prevent you from preforming your duties. I hope she’s right, Woody. I was ready to replace you mate, I was so angry at you. Piss me off like that again and even Cassie won’t save you next time, I don’t care how attached she feels to you. Is that understood?’

Woody straightened and nodded in agreement, unable to believe what he was hearing—that he had been given a second chance. He still looked gutted but at least he was sitting upright now and not stooping anymore.

‘Okay, enough said. You’re back in and so is your woman. Woody, hear me and hear me good! There are no more chances. What I just put Conor and Cassie through was bullshit. They both paid a high price for your desertion and I won’t let it happen again.’