Kayden glanced at her the way a teacher would look at a student who had just interrupted his class. 'Many centuries ago, Aurus the ruler of Taurus, gave his old friend Aldebaran his own star and named it after him. Aldebaran is an evil wizard and has for many years detested Orion for hunting with his two dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor on Taurus for cattle without permission.'

Cassie had researched the mythology of the Taurus star sign some years back for a home schooling project. She recalled learning that if a princess wandered into the bull's sight Aurus would capture her. She also knew of the legendary two dogs but the tales she had thought were just myths. She figured if it were true then Aurus the ruler of Taurus must be centuries old. Immortal, she pondered. For a few seconds her eyes glanced around the room at the faces before her. Could they be immortal too? Is that why they seemed so young yet their eyes told her so much more? To her, they had that same old soul deep within them and the eyes of ancient warriors. The mind boggles; she shook the thoughts from her mind and refocused back on the meeting.

Kayden continued. 'Conom is a warlord and the supreme sovereign of the star constellation Monoceros. Conom used to be good friends with Orion. They would go hunting together on Taurus with Orion's two dogs, sneaking into the constellation without permission. However, a dispute broke out over equal shares. Conom turned on him, angry when Orion would not distribute the kill evenly, causing a massive argument and an eventual falling-out between the two. Aldebaran saw the opportunity to get rid of Orion by teaming up with Conom so he befriended the warlord and now they fight against Orion to take over his bounded region. If they succeed, they intend to split Orion's constellation between them and restructure the stars. Orion is now constantly under threat and he fights to keep his kingdom in the sky.'

Kayden glanced at Cassie with a strained look and then back to the boys. 'The universal change would only affect a couple of planets and do very little damage to the star system so Aldebaran is moving ahead with his plan as planets are nothing to him. He sees them as nuisances, always rotating and getting in his way. Not only is he dangerous with his powers but his armies alone have caused massive devastation to the ones who have opposed him. Zoren wants this war stopped and is counting on us to get some intel from the renegade star Teyar once we capture him.'

Cassie understood now. The Cloud Riders' job tonight was to seek out and find the star Wolf-Rayet and capture or extinguish it before it had time to do any real damage to the Milky Way. She was trying to digest this new way of life. She felt like they had dumped her into another world. Kayden's coolness towards her was not helping Cassie handle what she knew would be ahead. She was feeling very scared, vulnerable and in way over her head.

After they finished working on strategies, Woody wanted to see what Cassie could do. They all went outside and Kayden selected a few tree stumps that she could use to show off her skills. She had been trying to practice and hoped she didn't make a fool out of herself since it was the first time she had their attention. Her hands shook as she put them up at Kayden's command but nothing really happened, there was just a slight light force.

Kayden's voice cut the air. 'Cassie, focus and stop mucking around,' he growled in a grumpy, impatient tone.

She closed her eyes, willing herself not to zap him instead! When she opened her eyes she threw up her hand at the stump instead of him. As they all focused back on the trees, their mouths opened wide as not just one but all three of the stumps blew to smithereens. All that remained was a grey powder that swirled up and into the sky above.

'Yahoo! You go, girl!' she heard the men say as they high-fived each other.

Woody whistled and put his arm around Cassie. 'I'll be making sure I don't get you angry, little lady,' he chuckled.

Kayden shrugged. 'Told you she was powerful,' he barked as he spun around and walked inside with the team following closely behind him.

Woody kept his arm around Cassie as they walked in with the others and pulled out a chair so she could sit with him at the table. He was attentive and likable, sort of the way she had expected Kayden to be treating her. 'Where did they find you? K and Jase must have had a bit of trouble trying to capture you with those powers.'

Cassie's smile was a little fake as she tried to keep her unhappy thoughts in check. She felt bitter and confused at the way Kayden had spoken to her and then stormed off even though she did what he had asked. She thought about lying and then a prickly heat ran over her skull as she watched Kayden still ignoring her.

Maybe this will get his attention, she thought. 'They ran into me with their truck and then threw me in the shed, dirty, hungry and thirsty, rendering me helpless until I gave in.'

Woody burst out laughing and Kayden threw her a petulant look for saying it but at that point she didn't care and ignored the frown he gave her.

Woody turned to Jason, who also looked a bit guilty. 'Tell me the truth, where did you find her?' He seemed insistent.

Cassie was surprised that they all knew nothing about her. When she'd made the statement, she thought they all knew at least some of it so she hadn't been expecting Woody's reaction. She thought that they may have been able to joke about it and she could show Kayden she was able to have fun with the past, but it was going terribly wrong. She did not want Jason to feel bad again. He didn't deserve her stupid attack. After all it was Kayden she was really mad at.

Jason put his head down. 'Like she said, man. But we had no idea at the time just who she was.'

Woody was angry. His face reddened and his eyebrows furrowed together, making his eyes look dangerously red. 'You two have no idea how to treat a lady.' He put his arm around Cassie protectively. 'You're coming home with me when we get back so you can see that some of us are actually civilised and humane.'

Cassie looked over at Kayden's grumpy face and seethed, then smiled sweetly up at Woody. 'I might just take you up on that offer.'

Kayden slammed out of the house and Jason went after him. She felt bad she had turned it into a tit-for-tat fight and excused herself, going to her room. She stayed there until the meal was ready and only came out because Woody insisted she did or he would carry her out. He was still all smiles, so obviously not scared of the monster Kayden.

Kayden and Jason were sitting at the table, talking and laughing when Cassie came out, obviously over their bad moods. Woody was attentive and chatted to Cassie non-stop, ignoring the electrifying tension every time Kayden and Cassie locked eyes. She was getting more and more upset and as soon as she could, she excused herself and walked out for some fresh air. It was dark now and with all the might she could muster, she fled into the night. Running like the devil was after her, she didn't once look back. She figured it would take Kayden a while to react as he would think she had run to the horses and would be thinking he would pick her up on the way. It seemed likely they had to go into the paddock to get to the portal anyway.

As Cassie pushed her legs to get her further away she contemplated how crazy she was to get involved with a man who had two heads. She would get over him and this would all become a nightmare that one day she would forget. She had no idea where she was going. This was where the cars came from and she hoped it would be the way out and onto a highway. The opposite direction took her straight to the horses so unless she wanted to be found, that was not the direction to be going.

She ran, walked, and then ran for many hours before exhaustion got the better of her. She found a tree to curl up against and slept. She knew they would be on their mission and no one would be looking for her now so she could rest here for a while.

Cassie woke hours later and cried for the man she had fallen in love with who had obviously bedded her without remorse and with the intention of using her powers for his strange cause. Cassie reflected on the shows she had watched and the many novels she had read about such behaviour. She was young and green and thought it was love he shared with her but it must have just been lust and greed.

She awkwardly stood and pushed on, her mind and body numb from being so stupid and thinking he cared about her. She heard trickling water and looked around. The vegetation was a little greener and as she pushed through the scrub she found a river. The sun was high in the sky now; she knew it was at least mid-morning. It shone on the water making it sparkle and inviting. Cassie took off her clothes and went for a refreshing swim that rejuvenated her aching legs.

When she emerged from the water and dressed, gone were the tears and sour mood. She had replaced them with a more positive and determined attitude. She would go and find a life for herself, one that didn't involve conniving men. She had a plan-sort of-and to accomplish it included pushing every sad feeling she had deep inside. That definitely meant no more feelings of such raw passion. Cassie slipped on her shoes with determination as she built a wall inside her heart that would keep the last nineteen years of her life from escaping. Today is the first day of the rest of my life and I'll be damned if I will take that frightened, broken child with me.

She scowled, then strode off with purpose. She followed the river that eventually thinned out to a trickle before leading her straight onto a road. Cassie understood how dangerous it was to hitchhike. Young women like her disappeared, more often than not turning up dead or worse: drugged and shipped overseas and sold off as slaves. She shrugged, knowing exactly what that was like. She knew that things like that could happen even from your own bed.

Lessons in Life.

Squaring her shoulders and holding her head up, she put out her hand and began to beg for a lift as car after car drove straight past her. She was only walking now and she had lost all motivation when she heard a car slow down. She stopped and looked inside the window, finding a kindly elderly couple inside.

They introduced themselves as Ruby and Jim. Both seemed very sweet and told Cassie they were on their way to the city of Perth, right where she wanted to be. Jumping in, she pushed the last of her past behind her. Cassie confided that she had come to Western Australia for a holiday and even though thugs had mugged her of all belongings, she loved this part of the country and had decided to stay. She was on her way to Perth to get a job and make a better life for herself.

Her story moved Ruby and Jim. They felt sorry for the young woman they had befriended and offered her lodging in their home.

Ruby was a grandma. The silvery-grey hair that she had pulled firmly back into a bun highlighted a weathered face, imprinted from a hard-working life. Yet there was a kindness in her eyes. It was new to Cassie and it drew her in, making her feel very special. Jim was a jovial gentleman who opened the door for Ruby and always held her arm when they moved anywhere. They were the perfect couple who told Cassie they were up for their fortieth wedding anniversary. Cassie pushed the thought away that they could have been Kayden and her, many years from now. She reminded herself that love-his love-was something she had left at the river with that terrified girl she had once been.

Ruby and Jim lived in a suburb called Belmont within walking distance of a shopping centre. The next day Cassie headed off, determined to get work in one of the many stores. To her surprise the first shop she walked into had a vacancy and she began full time work in a stylish dress shop. It was okay, although there was always a constant nagging inside her that she should be somewhere else. Where though, she didn't know.

Ruby and Jim had a grandson named Alex who came to the house quite regularly. Ruby told Cassie she thought he had a thing for her but no man was ever going to enter her heart again so she kept her distance. Alex was your tall, dark and handsome stereotypical male who probably had women swarming all over him and as far as Cassie was concerned, they could have him.

One night after dinner he asked Cassie if she was interested in a job where he worked. Alex was the floor manager at the casino and an opening had come up that he felt would suit her. She smiled politely and asked him for details. She figured anything would be better than watching people dress all day while telling them how great they looked, hoping to snag a sale. She shuddered at the thought of doing it too much longer. Alex told Cassie they were looking for a games manager. All she had to do was organise the staff on the gaming tables and sometimes help the events manager with the casino entertainment.

'You seem to have a flair for enjoyment,' he said. 'You're always so bright and cheery that it would be refreshing to have someone happy around the office. The job is yours if you want it but no pressure. I'll give you a couple of days to think about it.'

She chuckled. 'I hardly need a couple of days to think about getting out of that dress shop. Washing dishes would be more exciting than turning up there every day. When do I start?' Cassie asked, flattered he had thought to offer it to her.

Fate Meeting.

Cassie had been working at the casino for a few months and had a good rapport with her work mates and the regulars, even knowing them all by name. Towards the end of the shift her instincts alerted her that she was being watched, yet detected nobody unusual as she glanced around the noisy crowd. Being used to overzealous drunks perving on her, she shrugged it off and continued with her walk of the floor.

It was a good night with the casino in full swing and the room packed with gambling patrons. Flitting from one game table to the next, Cassie made sure the dealers were handling players tactfully and that they had their game faces on.

She stopped at one of her favourite tables. The patrons there were having a good night. She kidded around with a couple of the big players, soaking in their good mood before moving on. Then she felt the eyes on her again.

Why is it bothering me? Cassie was used to others watching her and she normally relied on the bouncers to keep a lookout for troublemakers and move them along for her. However, the eyes she felt on her were becoming disturbing. Scanning the gaming floor more carefully this time, she gasped as her eyes rested on a man from her past. Leaning against the railing with a drink in his hand and a slight grin on his face was Woody.

Oh my God! That was the only immediate thought Cassie's brain could manage as she stood frozen to the spot, her hand up to her mouth, not taking her eyes off him as all the memories flooded back to her. Pain ripped across her chest, squeezing her fragile heart as if it were in a vice. The colour drained from her face and the room began to spin. An agonizing electric shock surged through her as all the emotions she had squashed deep inside her surfaced. She felt herself fighting her way through blackness, then nothing.

When she came around, Alex was talking to her. 'Are you hurt anywhere, sweetie?'

Cassie frowned. The raw memories were tumbling into her new world while she fought to reseal the opened door within. She tried to get up, pushing everyone away from her. With one quick movement Alex had Cassie in his arms, looking overly worried as he carried her into the office and laid her on the couch.

'You've just passed out and until I get you checked, Cassie, you do as you are told and rest,' he said, getting a cold cloth and dabbing her forehead.

Cassie was being ungrateful so she let him fuss, glad there was no Woody in sight when she woke up. Facing him again just now would be unbearable to say the least. She didn't like it that Alex seemed a little too concerned about her and realised his feelings for her were more than those of just a workmate.

'I've called an ambulance, Cassie. Can you hear me?' Cassie heard Alex say. She slowly opened the eyes that wanted to stay closed to hide her embarrassment over collapsing in front of everyone.

'Please, no ambulance. I'll be fine. I just need to rest a minute.'

Alex rinsed out the cloth in cold water again and let the coolness of it sit on her forehead. 'I just want them to look at you. They're here now. Please do not fight me on this, Cass,' he said, still troubled.

The ambulance team came in with a bag and checked her vitals. They agreed that Cassie had just fainted and suggested that she should visit her local doctor for some tests as soon as it was convenient.

After they left, Cassie wondered if she really saw Woody or if she had just imagined it. She sat up, drinking the coffee Alex made for her and apologising for the embarrassing display in front of his patrons. 'Sorry to scare you, Alex, I just ...' And it was then that Cassie realised how she still held her secret past sacred, as her voice even now would not allow her to whisper his name.

Alex sat next to her. 'Did it have anything to do with that guy with the red hair who caught you before you fell? He put up a hell of a stink. He wanted to stay with you but I had him removed from the premises.'

Cassie couldn't talk about it even to Alex who she considered to be a good friend. So she did what she had to and lied. 'No, I don't know who he was, I just felt dizzy. My fault totally. Not been sleeping well lately.' She stood up. 'I really would prefer to go home now. My shift's over and I think I just need an early night.'

Alex smiled sweetly and patted her hand. 'At least let me take you home so I know you got there safely.'

Cassie nodded, not really wanting to face walking outside alone and maybe running into any more of her past tonight. They walked out to the car park together and Alex kindly opened the car door for her and even did up the seat belt. Cassie lay back, letting him buckle her in. She was so exhausted she didn't even protest when he insisted on walking her to the door and laid a goodnight kiss on her cheek before he headed back to work.

He was very sweet, she thought as she walked inside and flopped on her bed. He even offered to sit with her for a while. She frowned. Yes, sweet, but does he have ulterior motives? Unable to deal with thoughts of a future with any man Cassie had politely rejected his offer, preferring him to leave her alone to think.

Her cover was blown and the memories were now tearing her heart apart. All these months later she had to face up to the fact that she had not run away from him at all. She still kept her love for him deep inside and it was now killing her to even think his name. Kayden, the love of my life! How am I going to do it again?

She groaned, knowing how hard it was to forget the first time. Now, just seeing a friend of his had set her world upside down. What would she be like if it had been Kayden himself? She groaned again, punching her pillow. Damn him! Tossing herself over onto her stomach, she started to sob. She cried all night until there were no more tears left to cry, not getting out of bed until around midday when she felt a bit better.

Cassie rationalised the whole situation and decided that just because she had seen his mate, Woody, didn't mean that Kayden would look for her. She kicked herself again as these memories alone showed her how innocent she had been, unable to see until now just how one-sided the relationship had been. She had practically thrown herself at him and today could almost feel sorry for the guy for having such a wimpy puppy begging for his love.

Cassie stood in front of the full-length mirror. If he never came to you before, girl, he won't now. Get it together and forget him. She scowled at herself. Now, stop being stupid. He never loved you and it's time you faced up to it and started a new life. Cassie smiled at her grumpy face and knew this time she had no intentions of squashing the memories she held. She was older, more self-assured and deserved respect. It is time you opened up your heart, woman, and found a new love. Cassie kissed her fingers and pressed them to her reflection in the mirror. 'You deserve better than to allow yourself to be treated so poorly,' she whispered, feeling energised with the talk she had given to herself. Yes, today I may give Alex a chance to fill the emptiness I carry.

Cassie picked up her jacket and handbag and headed for the door with a new spring in her step. She had been just an immature girl when Kayden found her and she had let him be mean to her, just as she had allowed her parents to be mean to her. But not anymore! She had friends now, a good job and a nice place to live with a loving couple who genuinely cared for her. Thinking this, she felt strong as she set off for work. If she was ever to see them again she would be polite but that was all they deserved from her. My time living with hurt is over.

Alex was happy to see Cassie although he frowned at the dark rings under her eyes. 'Maybe you should take a couple of days off, Cassie. We can manage around here.'

Cassie opened her purse and dotted powder around her eyes. 'There, good as new. I'll be fine.'

He shook his head and laughed. 'You're worse than me. Just remember the job's not worth your health. If you change your mind, just come see me.'

Over the next few weeks Cassie worked hard and for many hours a day. It took her mind off the reality that had finally sunk in: she realised she had been right in her thinking that if Kayden had any feelings for her he would have come for her long before this. She viewed her options: one being to go and face him, kick him in the shins, maybe yell at him for being so damned hard to forget. The more level-headed option was to settle contently back into her job and the new world she had created for herself. She chose the second as the more sensible.

Cassie relaxed a little more around Alex, allowing him to be more attentive than usual. One night after work as Alex walked her to the car she let her guard down and threw caution to the wind. They had become very good friends over the months and walking arm-in-arm with him felt very natural to Cassie. She started to think that maybe giving Alex a go wasn't such a bad idea. She certainly felt comfortable around him. Cassie chattered and laughed with him and knew that tonight, if he asked her on a date, she had every intention of accepting. They stood by the car against which Alex would usually lean, talking to her. Only tonight without warning, he took her in his arms and kissed her.

It was unexpected and at first, Cassie tensed. He nearly pulled away but she put her arms around him so he would stay. His lips were warm and the kiss was different from what she remembered a kiss felt like but she didn't hate it. She lingered, letting herself relax to give him every opportunity to make her feel the passion she had once felt. After a few minutes it felt sweet: not passionate, just sweet. He pulled away and looked at her through loving eyes and she felt sad, knowing her feelings weren't the same. She wondered if she would ever feel true emotion again.

'Alex, please,' she said. 'I just can't. I'm not ready yet.' Tears sprang to her eyes.

His heart sunk because she didn't feel the same way he did. But he felt worse because he had upset her. 'I'm sorry, Cassie. I shouldn't have forced you.'

She blushed. 'We won't act all funny next time we see each other, will we? I'd hate this to change things between us. You're my best friend.'

Alex kissed her forehead. 'Don't worry, I'll get over the rejection.' He grinned, trying to lighten the moment.

'I'll see you tomorrow. However, I won't be wiping it from my memory banks, Cassie. If you think I'm giving up on us any time soon you'd better think again. Just the fact you let me kiss you makes me know you care about me and that's enough for now,' he said, sounding like he always did and making her grin. He stuck his hands in his pockets and headed back to the casino.

Cassie watched him walk away and wiped more tears from her face. 'What is wrong with you, girl?' she said, annoyed with herself. She went to open the car door when a hand closed it and a familiar arm wrapped around her waist.

'You still love me, don't you?' She heard Kayden's voice.

Cassie tried to wiggle out of his grip and hit his chests with her fists but he held her firmly, bringing his head down to claim her lips with the passion she so remembered. Within seconds her body stopped fighting and betrayed her. It melted into him with unleashed lust.

He pulled back and held her, looking into her love-soaked eyes. She tried to pull herself together and speak but no words came out. How does he do this? After all this time, he thinks he can waltz back into my life and reclaim my body. She lingered, viewing him through the stupid eyes she knew must surely be giving away the feelings she still kept for him deep in her very soul.

He took her hand. 'We need to talk.'

Feeling her surrender, he placed his arm around her as they walked in silence: two lovers who had run out of words and were waiting until the minute they could be back in each other's arms. Cassie followed like a lamb to the slaughter as if she had no will of her own. His power over her was making it obvious that if he hadn't come to take her home she would surely die from a broken heart if they parted this time.

He took her back to his suite at the casino. Here he sat her down on the bed before pouring them a drink. She swallowed it and savoured the burning sensation as it ran down her throat, trying desperately to bring herself back to her senses. Neither of them seemed able to do what they should have been doing-talking.

Kayden moved to Cassie. He took her empty glass and tossed it aside. He scooped her up into his arms and kissed her again. This time there was so much love in that kiss that tears ran from her eyes. Kayden felt them and lay down with her on the bed, letting her cry it out in his arms. He held her close while she let the hurt of what he did to her leak from her eyes, one tear at a time.

Calming finally, she lay quietly, feeling how very nice it was to be back in his warm and comfortable arms. The feeling of belonging made her realise she had been so childish, running away and not trying to work it out with him. She must have hurt him terribly too. Why he was here with her now was beyond her.

Finding her voice, she looked up at him and saw that his cheeks were wet from the emotions she had shed. 'I'm sorry. I was just a girl and too inexperienced to understand. I thought your indifference meant you did not care enough for me and had just used me. I can feel now that wasn't true. Was it? How have you been able to forgive me?'

He looked so emotionally distraught with his bloodshot sad eyes and miserable expression that her heart broke for the ordeal they had both put each other through. 'Cassie, I did treat you terribly and because I slept with you once I expected you to be grown up enough to feel and know that meant I loved you. I was a fool. Only recently someone made me realise that you had been locked up all your life and had no experience with men or any kind of love at all. I scared you away and deserved every bit of hatred you threw at me. Even so, I love you with all my heart. I have come here today to beg your forgiveness and to ask you to come home with me. I promise I have learned my lesson and I will never be so careless with your love again. If you send me away I will go. But I beg you, give me another chance?'

Cassie searched his face for any kind of trick. All she could see was raw love and feelings. 'I've made a new life for myself here, Kayden. People respect me and I enjoy having my own money to do with as I please without having to ask for it.' She shook her head and sat up.

His arms dropped from her as if he were unable to hear the rejection and needed them to hold himself together.

Cassie moved from him and walked into the bathroom to splash her face and think. When she came out she had made her decision and smiled at him. 'But all this means nothing without you.'

Kayden jumped up and swung her back up into his arms. 'You little sneak! I thought you were telling me it was over. My heart was in my throat and I could hardly breathe.' He swung her around. 'I feel so happy I don't know what to do with myself.' He was laughing and placing little kisses all over her face and neck.

Cassie laughed with him and hugged him back. 'Let's go do something together. Build a new memory-a good first one. Let's go on a real date. I'll take you to my favourite spot.' She grinned, wanting to pinch herself to check that he was actually there.

Kayden wanted nothing more than to take her on a date and as he slid her down he kissed her one last time before getting himself in check and taking her hand. 'So, this is our very first date? I like that. I am all yours.' He bowed and gestured for her to lead the way.

As they arrived at Kings Park, Cassie explained about the nights she had spent there with her friends. She pointed out the beautiful views of the city to the left, South Bank to the right and positioned in the middle, the casino where she worked. Cassie pulled up and getting out of the car, walked arm-in-arm along the path she had walked many times while dreaming of this very moment.

She took Kayden to the Whispering Wall and after sitting him at one end she walked all the way to the other. Kayden eyed the size of the seat that was shaped like a horseshoe and his fear of losing her nearly caused him to move from where he was told to stay and go to her. Cassie called out to him, distracting him from his thoughts. 'The distance is so far you will not be able to hear a quiet voice but by leaning your ear against the wall just a whisper carries. Try it, just lean in,' she called to him. Pressing her own cheek to the wall she whispered. 'I love you.'

Kayden whispered back, 'I love you, too. God, how I love you, honey.' His voice broke and Cassie could hear him breathing heavily, trying to pull it together. Then pressing his face to the wall again he said, 'Please, come to me. I can't stand you to be so far away from me. Never again, Cass.'