CHAPTER 19

VENUS

With Summer heating up, training was becoming more and more unbearable. Especially being outdoors. I was not yet well-adapted to vigorous amounts of physical activity in the blistering sunshine, and while I usually revelled in being under the warmth of its rays, dreading what came after my morning coffee was becoming a common occurrence. Especially as the days passed and the rogues were still a looming problem that we faced. As was the upcoming full moon.

As the heat increased, the length of my shorts decreased. And so did the crop of my tops. Being hardly clothed wasn't at all unusual for the wolves, and the Knights were always happy to show some skin. Meaning no one else seemed to care or notice.

If River did, he was the king of subtlety.

But Griffin … that boy was never subtle. I didn't think the word was in his vocabulary. And while his lingering looks and suggestive words never ceased to get my flesh heating further, I had re-learned to control my emotions around him and act unfazed. But that didn't mean I didn't love it—or give it back to him.

It felt like old times. Our back-and-forth banter was like second nature. And somehow, I came to crave it once again. Was already starting to feel that buzz of excitement when I woke up, ready to verbally—and physically—spar with him. The feeling felt so natural to me, the energy sizzling in my veins almost as much as the summer heat on my skin.

But the warmth and love I felt being around River again was equally a sensation I was quickly becoming re-acquainted with. He had this way of making you feel like the most special person in the world. Being in his orbit was like being kissed by the sun. He was a blissfully enchanting force.

If Celeste wasn't already regretting her choice to join in on training sessions, she definitely was now that Zander had made it his personal mission to annoy the crap out of her. To my amusement, she gave it back to him—dishing out an equally snarky reply to each and every one of his sarcastic comments or passes at her. Picking on her seemed to be his weapon of choice in this game between them, decidedly after she so blatantly rejected him on that first day. But he did it with that goofy smile on his face, one that grew every time she shut him down or got aggravated. He clearly liked to see her riled up.

His howling laughter only seemed to irritate her more, which in turn made him more excited.

If she wasn't doing such a good job at sticking up for herself, I would have kicked his ass myself for hitting on my sister. But she was handling herself well, shutting him down promptly and succinctly every time.

Was I worried that would only encourage him further and make him more interested in her? Absolutely.

But I was staying out of it. Celeste would only kick my ass for getting involved.

Plus, I couldn't help but think she seemed to enjoy it. The interactions were breaking down her prickly interior when it came to the wolves. Even if it was in minimal increments.

Either that, or it was focusing her loathing into one large and obnoxious target.

The fact that she kept coming back was a good sign though.I was relieved she was getting some training in, her form and strength already improving in a short amount of time, especially with Billie and Kit working with her. As well as Sky, who was thrilled to have my sister around more and was taking every opportunity to spend time with her. My blue-eyed wolf bestie had also been more than willing to spend time with my two hunter besties. And after a few days training together, we were all hanging out at every available opportunity.

The other Knight females were still cordial, but kept to themselves a bit more, which I completely understood.

Catching something silver from the corner of my eye, my attention was drawn to the swords that were coming out to play not far over.

River had suggested we do some training together today, a change from the last few days which I spent sparring with the girls. But one that I didn't object to.

It was nice getting to spend some extra time with Riv.

As we paused to drink some water and have a breather, resting momentarily on one of the logs scattered around the clearing, my eyes drifted to the silver steel once more.

Griffin and Carter were facing off.

When I caught glimpses of them earlier, they were using their fists. Now Griffin's sword was unsheathed and he was swinging it around, loosening up his muscles in preparation.

A small crowd had gathered, watching the two shirtless males circle each other with wicked grins on their faces and sweat beading down their temples and chests. There was a lot to be learnt from observing the two skilled hunters in combat.

Not to mention an overall good view.

Carter taunted Griffin, saying something that caused the Gray heir to laugh. I watched the gesture unblinkingly. Watched how in his element he was as he lunged toward his friend with purpose and grace and beautiful fluidity. Watched as Carter beamed at the challenge of battling his talented captain.

They danced, stepping around each other in a lethal show of steel and muscles and sweat.

They got faster and faster as the clanging of metal got louder, the pace quickening to a perfectly timed staccato.

"Are you ready to go again?" River broke the hypnosis that had taken over my conscious thought.

"Hmm?" I said, snapping out of my daze.

When his words registered, I quickly responded before he could reply. "Oh, yes. Let's go again."

The Alpha and I didn't bother with weapons. They weren't something that would help his efforts when battling the rogues. So we focused on building strength and stamina, sparring with our hands and bodies.

He had been taking it easy on me. I could tell he wasn't using his full shifter strength, afraid he would hurt me. And in return, I wasn't using my full power either.

I stole another glance at the duelling hunters who were not hesitating to give each other everything they had, and I remembered Griffin's words time and time again throughout training about how holding back wouldn't help anyone.

Unlike Griffin, River didn't try to teach me any new moves and improve my technique. He just simply sparred with me—an exercise and practise, more than training for what was to come. Still, it was a motion that seemed so foreign to us and our relationship, something we'd never done together.

Sure, we'd worked out in his home gym and gone for hikes, but never anything like this. And I usually did boxing in my own spare time, going to classes a few times a week being one of the rare activities I did away from him.

We were still figuring out what this was supposed to look like between us.

I got up to my feet.

River and I started off slow, casually sparring.

Then I put more force behind my next punch, envisioning the strength—those particles—that had become second nature to me now.

The Alpha blocked the hit but that didn't stop the force from reverberating through him, pushing him a few paces back.

His wide honey eyes were shocked. Not comprehending what just happened. He'd never truly experienced my power before now.

I laughed, giving him my own version of a wicked smile, one that I'd picked up from a certain hunter. Only I knew mine held more amusement and a lighter quality to it as I took in River's expression. He looked between me and the spot where he had been standing, his mouth gaping like a fish out of water.

"What?" I asked innocently.

He walked back towards me, taking me in with pride and obvious attraction. My close-lipped smile grew.

"That was hot."

The laugh that came out of me was melodic and feminine. A direct contrast to the attitude that came with my next words, although I kept a sultry air to my tone.

"No more taking it easy on me, Alpha."

"Well shit," he chuckled nervously, shoving his fingers in his hair as he messily pushed it back. He'd cut it and now the strands were shorter than they usually were. The brown locks were still floppy and wavy, but ended around his ears with the back trimmed down slightly.

I went in for the attack again, throwing a combination of powerful punches at him and ending with a roundhouse kick that he blocked, but not without a loud thud that seemed to echo in the quiet corner of the clearing we were occupying.

"How. Come. You. Cut. Your. Hair?" I asked between shots and breaths, punctuating each word with a block, punch, duck or kick.

"Easier to fight," he bit out between gritted teeth as he twisted away from me, ducking under another kick I aimed high, before coming back up to my side and shoving his shoulder into my chest as if to make a point. I stumbled back, but it was still nowhere near hard enough to do any damage. "It doesn't get in the way as much," he added.

"I like it long. But makes sense," I threw back as I caught my breath and then lunged at him again. "What doesn't make sense is why you're still taking it easy on me," I snarled as I hit him with more punches that he blocked.

"I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't."

He sighed in resignation.

Then he went on the attack, hitting me back with the strength I knew he had been previously hiding.

"Finally." I blocked each one but found joy in the force of them and the ache of my straining body.

He chortled, shaking his head at my reaction. "In all the years we've spent together, I've never known you to be so violent." Humour danced across his face as we locked each other in a hold, neither of us giving in.

My immediate response was a snort as we both struggled to get the upper hand.

"I've learnt a few things about myself." I offered the words casually, as if I wasn't trying to figure out a way to take him down.

After a few more breaths, when he looked like he was starting to ease up and step back, I had my opportunity as he said, "I'll need to reacquaint myself with this new Vee."

I pushed with my power, throwing him back just as the words ended.

We went down in a tumble of limbs.

Assessing the damage, I found that we had both landed on our asses, our legs tangled together in the middle.

When the two of us managed to prop ourselves up, we simultaneously burst into laughter. The sound so light-hearted and carefree. Just like old times.

It took us a few minutes to sober up, each of us laughing at how much the other was laughing, fuelling us until we were cackling at nothing.

I knew the others were probably watching us, wondering what on earth had happened and what could possibly be so funny.

Eventually I caught my breath, my stomach cramping from all the movement.

But River's eyes were already on me.

I was laying on my back, my legs still entwined with his even as he sat up, watching me with admiration and awe. His eyes seemed to sparkle with elation.

"Can I take you out?" He took his shot. "Tomorrow evening?"

I wasn't sure what I'd tell Griffin, but the others were here now and they could keep him distracted. I owed it to River to give him time. To mend what was between us.

So I nodded. "Of course."

Griff opened the front door when it rang before I could. I was shocked to see him shirtless, and my questioning look in his direction said as much. I had to push past him, ducking under his arm to let myself out, since he refused to budge to let me through.

I scowled at him.

He ignored it.

"Don't you have somewhere to be? I thought you were hanging out with the Knights?" I snapped.

He looked down at me, completely ignoring the Alpha who patiently waited at the doorstep.

"I'm heading over in a bit." His voice was a quiet caress but the drawl of it made the raspiness of his timbre more apparent. "I had things I needed to see to first." Silver flashed across his eyes as he took me in and held me hostage in his gaze.

I had chosen an olive satin mini dress for my date tonight, with a balconette neckline that pulled in at my waist and fell delicately to my upper thigh. My hair was styled into a low bun and minimal gold jewellery accented the look. It had been a while since I'd gotten dressed up.

Rolling my eyes, I pushed to Riv. I was hoping Griff would be gone well before the Alpha had arrived, but of course he would find any excuse to stay and mark his territory.

Putting my hand on River's chest, I turned him around.

"Don't be too late, kids," the hunter called after us mockingly.

I didn't see if River bothered to level the Knight with a look. I didn't want to see. Instead, I grabbed River's hand and led him in the direction of his car.

"Just ignore him," I said loudly enough for Griff to hear.

When Riv opened the door for me, I finally looked at him properly.He was in light-coloured loose pants and a brown knitted sweater. His smile glittered.

"You're radiant, Vee. Always have been."

I blushed and said, "Where are we going?"

His silky-smooth voice embraced me. "You'll see."

We made idle conversation as River drove and I tried to piece together where we were heading. We'd been everywhere in this town. There were only so many options.

At the destination we soon stopped at, I tilted my head in surprise, quizzically taking in the features of the familiar building to make sure it was in fact what I thought.

Sage's crystal store.

"We're going to Sage's place?" I questioned, more than a little confused.

"We're taking over Sage's place," he replied cryptically, excitement clear at my puzzlement. It wasn't often that this male surprised me after years of being together.

"I'm confused."

"You'll see." It was the only answer I got as he left the car, coming to my side to open my door again.

He took my hand in a gentlemanly fashion and grinned when I stepped out before leading me through the worn green door to her shop.

I was overwhelmed with what I saw when he held the door open for me.

The shop had been transformed.

All the lights were off, but the small space was lit up with hundreds of candles, all of varying size and shape. Crystals and gems were scattered on shelves and benches and every remaining surface, causing the light from the candles to reflect and cast colourful, glittering refractions across the room. Plants—lush and wild—sprawled around, hanging from the lights and beams of the ceiling or crawling along the floor. In the centre, her fabulous Boho rugs and cushions were bundled to create a makeshift dining area, a small collection of crates our table for the evening. More candles covered the surface, illuminating the small spread of food. The crystal wine glasses captured the light the same way the gems and stones did.

It was utterly and purely magical. Ethereal. Heavenly.

"Riv," I breathed, words choosing to fail me. The waterworks, on the other hand, did not disappoint as looming tears inevitably swelled in my eyes. I held them back as much as I could, not wanting to ruin my makeup even though this male had seen me in every state possible over the years and something like smudged mascara wouldn't deter him in the least.

I glanced at the food laid across the draped linen tablecloth, my mouth watering from the aroma wafting through the air.

"Where's Sage?" I asked, not wanting to be a burden on her.

"She's staying at the pack house tonight with Sky," he offered. His eyes crinkled as he smiled. "She did grace me with her assistance setting up before she left." He plonked himself down on the cushions and gestured for me to follow.

I chuckled at his admission, the sound light and happy as it echoed in the room.

"This is absolutely breathtaking. I can't believe you did all this."

"You know I'd do anything for you, Vee."

I nodded. "I know."

But why did that thought make a hint of sadness pang through me?

We grazed on the delicious plates around us, from skewers of meats to dishes of fresh salads and bowls of baked potatoes with seasoned vegetables. My senses and taste buds basically exploded with the flavours.

We didn't talk about the rogues or our issues. We were just us. River and Venus. Not a wolf and not a hunter. And it was beautiful.

Yet when Riv dropped me home with a sweet kiss to my cheek, well past midnight after hours of just being in each other"s company, I couldn't shake the heaviness I felt.

The feeling only intensified when I passed Griffin's closed door on the way to my room. The symbol seeming pointed and purposeful as the image shouted an unvoiced message at me.

With a heavy heart, I diverted from the path to my room and instead found myself entering the familiar space that made up my sister's sanctuary. In silence, I crawled into bed beside her and she wordlessly tucked me into her comforting embrace.