CHAPTER 11

My ‘room' was simple but would do the job. I had a little black metal shelf on the side of the wall. Two black bedside tables framed the bed and a larger dresser with six drawers created a makeshift wall between my bed and the one over.

I didn't know what to do with myself now but I was tired from travelling and could use a shower. It was probably my best opportunity since the Bunker was empty—all the other recruits still training downstairs. I dropped my bag on the bed and cautiously headed towards the door he pointed out, passing all the other beds on the way.

Although everything was uniform in this area, I noticed each room had little unique additions that highlighted the individuality of the recruits: stickers on the dresser, perfume bottles, magazine, books on the shelf. They were small, but they were meaningful and I couldn't help but wonder what Griffin's room might look like. What made up his personality? I quickly shook the thought away; I didn't need to be thinking about another guy right now.

I finally reached the bathroom door; another steel sliding door that was large and unnerving. I slowly pulled it open, bracing myself for what I might find.

It was empty, so I rushed in.

Awe filled me at how beautiful it was—except for the scary thought that usually it would be filled with lots of naked bodies, both male and female.

It was basically one large, tiled room. Floor to ceiling charcoal tiles covered the walls—massive ones that were square and the size of like eight regular tiles. The side opposite the door was made up of mirrors and sinks, save for another doorway directly across from me. A large dark stone basin ran almost the whole length of the back wall, with black taps evenly placed throughout. A large room-length mirror hung above with warm diffused lights framing the top and bottom. The side where I was standing was lined with shower after shower. Each was slightly closed off by a small wall on either side that would just about cover my chest, offering a slither of privacy between stalls, unless you were tall and could fully peer over—like most of the guys at this place likely were. Great. Not to mention that the mirror was directly opposite, so I'd be on show for the world to see if they really wanted to. Thankfully the bathroom was huge so the mirrors were at least far enough away that all private parts would basically be a blur from that distance.

The shower walls were made from the same tiles, blending seamlessly with the rest of the interior. Each stall had a waterfall shower head and soap dispensers built in, although there was also a little shelf for your own toiletries if you had them. At the end of every wall was a hook that held a black towel.

A dressing area occupied the far corner away from the door. I wondered where the toilets were and if they would be just as public.

I crossed over to the doorway in front of me and sure enough, it opened up into a long expanse of toilet stalls—large floor-to-ceiling black doors that surprisingly provided lots of privacy. Each stall was like it's own little private room. Thank the Lord for that. The same long mirror and basin lined this area too. I was still quite shocked by the levels of luxury in a place like this.

I stepped back out and walked along the bathroom to explore the other end. The walk felt never ending but I finally reached the changing area. Dark wooden benches lined the walls in this corner and hooks—evenly spaced out—hung above. A long shelf ran overhead, holding stacks of extra towels. They were also black. Surprise, surprise.

There was a small black freezer in the corner. I peeked inside to find it fully stocked with ice packs, just like Griffin had said. I'd be sure to grab one after I showered.

On the same wall as the vanities there was a large floor to ceiling length mirror, right in front of the changing benches. I looked at myself. My hazel eyes looked slightly drawn in and there were definitely bags under them, likely from all the crying that had occurred in the last 48 hours. I brushed through my long black hair with my fingers and then sat on the closest bench to start untying my boots and removing my clothes as quickly as I could, placing them beside me. Better get used to this.

I tiptoed into the nearest shower stall, the furthest one from the door. Hopefully I'd be safe here if anyone did walk in. Turning the taps, the warm water cascaded like a waterfall and I soaked it in, washing my face and slicking my hair back.

I savoured the few minutes I had on my own, not knowing when I'd be able to privately shower again. I tried not to let the tears fall like the water did.

???

As he'd promised, Griffin had left some clothes on my bed. An oversized black tee, too-large-for-me grey track pants, a hoodie, white long socks and … and a pair of black boxers? Were these his clothes? I guess they probably didn't have new recruits too often here, which made sense. I mean how many people could truly know there was a secret academy training people to hunt wolf shifters? And even if they did have an inkling, they would have no idea how to find them. I mean you don't just Google these things.

I pressed an ice pack to my face, clutched my towel tighter to my body and glanced at the small duffle bag I had packed. There wasn't much in there but I did have a second pair of skinny jeans that were ripped, a leather jacket, a few tanks and shirts, a pair of bike shorts, two bras and some underwear. I pulled on the jeans and chucked on my lacey black bra. I didn't want to be rude since he'd gone through the effort of bringing me clothes, so I'd wear his shirt now at least and then wear the rest to bed. I didn't think to pack pyjamas so I was grateful for the sweats. Plus they looked super comfy.

"Hey there, sexy!" A soft melodic female voice called out to me. I gripped Griffin"s shirt to my chest to cover my bra, not yet having a chance to put it on. "You were fab out there today." A gorgeous girl strolled towards the bed next to mine.

"Uhh … thanks," I managed to reply back. I couldn't help but ogle at her. She was about ten centimetres taller than me but petite with a small frame. She had asian features and was so striking with platinum blonde hair cut into a short bob with darker roots. Her dark eyebrows contrasted her hair, and her blueish grey eyes were framed with thick and luscious dark lashes and a killer winged liner. Her nose was pierced with a silver septum ring. And her outfit—damn. She wore a black long sleeve top that was cut out from her neck to her underarms so that straps of material crossed over her body. She had tiny leather shorts on and chunky shit kicker boots that came up to her knees. She was fascinating and stunning, and I instantly wanted to be her best friend.

"I'm Kitana." What a name. "Looks like we"re basically roomies," she sang as I looked at her stunned and somewhat starstruck by her beauty. "Love the bra btw."

I gave her a shy smile as I threw Griffin"s shirt over my head and tied it at my waist. After seeing the stunner before me, I wanted to look at least half decent for dinner. "I'm Venus." I finally managed to reply. "You're so beautiful." I couldn't believe I let that slip out but hopefully she wouldn't think I was crazy and it would be one of those random moments that made people besties.

She laughed, angelic and musical like her voice. "Says you babe! You're stunning. And I know who you are hun—Venus Stone. Your mum's a legacy. And thank God you"re nothing like Sienna or her posse. I'm so sick of girls like them. We need real girls in here, ones that aren't total bitches. I'm so glad you brought her ego down a notch today! Stick with me babes, I got you." Her words were a fast mumble, like she was super excited to get to talk to someone new. I loved her already.

"Honestly, I could use all the help I could get," I replied wholeheartedly. "And a friend," I added with a genuine smile.

"Well, don"t you worry that pretty little head, Venus. You'll have at least two, but likely four. Billie is the best and she'll love you. And then there's the boys, who'll be utterly obsessed with a sexy little thing like you. I'm gonna go wash up and then we can head down to dinner together. Hang tight."

"Sounds great, Kitana. You can call me Vee by the way."

"Love!" she declared. "Call me Kit." I nodded and she ran off excitedly to go shower. The Bunker was starting to fill up with recruits now. Some of them glanced in my direction, a few rare ones came and introduced themselves and others didn't even notice me as they headed to the showers or lingered in their rooms. I was so thankful Griffin put me in the corner.

I used the time Kitana showered to continue to ice my cheek and text Celeste—using the new phone I bought on my way here—letting her know I was safe and to pass the message on to mum and Xari. Then I rummaged through my tiny makeup bag and got to work fixing up the bags under my eyes.