CHAPTER 3

VENUS

Ireeled back, shock hitting me like a bolt of lightning.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

My betrayal of River just got worse and worse with each waking moment. Not only was he essentially framed to look like he was responsible for the human attacks and Amelia's death, but the whole reason I had left—because Amelia was dead—was not even true.

Amelia was alive.

She was a wolf. But she was alive.

I almost couldn't fathom the truth of this.

"I need to see her," I muttered in a daze.

Riv looked hurt for a mere moment until I clarified. "Not because I don't believe you, Riv. But because my mind just can't comprehend that this is even possible. I just want to see her with my own eyes. For it to settle in."

"I understand." His expression softened, his hand coming up to cup my cheek. "I'll text her and see if she can take a video call." His voice was a soothing presence as he explained, his hand leaving my face to grab out his phone from his pocket. "The rogues are different in the way of packs. Normally, they don't run in one—which is what makes them rogues to begin with. So while these ones are working together and living with each other in some capacity, they don"t do so in the way that we're used to. At least, not all the time. This anomaly of a rogue pack is still linked by an Alpha who is calling the shots, but they have more freedom and independence than we do, only being required to be physically together when called on."

My eyes widened in surprise but River went on. "Amelia is essentially living alone but in close proximity to them so she can be at their Alpha's beck and call. She needs to in order to keep appearances up that she's committed to their cause and being a rogue. It's not the healthiest thing for a wolf, not by a long shot. But we're doing everything we can to keep her sane and socialised, meeting up with her when possible—albeit, not as often as I'd like. At the very least we call or video chat on a burner phone every few days."

"Riv," I let out a puff of air. "That can't be good for her. Is she even safe?"

"I know, Vee. Trust me, I know. This isn't easy for me, and I would never have asked her to do this, no matter what was at stake. But when I explained the reason she was attacked and turned, she insisted. Against all my concerns. She's way more stubborn than I would have ever expected. And well … I'm trying to be better at letting people make their own informed choices." His eyes dropped, not wanting to look at me as his guilt bubbled to the surface. I could see it clear on his face though, as I had too many times since I walked back up that paved forest driveway. He knew that not telling me the truth and letting me decide how I would handle it on my own accord had cost us everything. And he was taking every stride he could to ensure he wouldn't do that again, despite his protective nature. What more could I ask for? I knew how hard change could be. I was still working every day to not be that meek and placid girl that people could so easily take advantage of.

I gave him a tentative smile, comfortingly patting his arm and trying not to think too much about the smooth but firm muscle I could feel under his shirt—a body I knew almost as well as my own. "I appreciate that, Riv. I trust you. And if it was Amelia's choice, then who am I to argue with that? Thank you … for doing what you can for her."

A swift ding sounded as River's phone lit up in his hand and both of our eyes instantly snapped to the thing.He raised it slowly, grazing over the text before turning the phone towards me. I smiled, eyes brightening at the two small words:

Call away.

River met my smile with his own and then I heard the sweet dial tone of FaceTime. My heart stilled in my chest when the sound abruptly stopped, replaced by the connection tone before I heard her soft, feathery voice.

"Hey, Riv. What's up?"

I felt the surreal feeling of familiarity and nostalgia at hearing that sweet cadence, tears threatening to spill over again as I got choked up.

"Hey, Amelia." River's voice was warm and he addressed her with such a friendly demeanour that I knew he'd been doing everything he could to help her through this and keep her close. I would never have considered them ‘friends' before, but now they were. Friends. Pack. "I have someone who wants to see you," he added with a satisfied grin. He handed me the phone.

Her ginger hair shone and her blue eyes glistened. She looked better than she ever had. More ethereal. That effortless supernatural beauty of the wolves so clearly visible, making her aura warm and inviting, charming and irresistible. Like all the shifters I knew.

Being a rogue didn't seem to affect that part of her, at least not in her human form, and I mentally sighed in relief at that. But I wondered if her wolf would show signs of the ragged fur and feral energy, or if that wasn't the case for someone who was still newly turned.

"Venus?" She questioned, not quite believing her eyes. "You're back? I'm so glad you're back!"

My lips tilted in a happy smile as I replied, "It's a long story, but I'm back." I forced myself not to look at River, still not sure what my plan was and unwilling to see too much hope or excitement in his familiar eyes before I figured my shit out.

"I'm an expert at long stories now." She huffed a quiet laugh.

"Are you okay, Amelia? Like really okay? River filled me in on the details but I just needed to see you. To see for myself that it's real. That you're real."

Amelia's kind gaze softened at what I knew was a pained look on my face. The last time I had seen this beautiful, sweet girl, she was lifeless and littered with bloody bite marks and ripped flesh. And now she was in front of me—well, on a screen—in one piece, looking flawless and ethereal.

God, did my heart swell at the sight.

"I'm fine, Vee. Truly. There's no need to worry about me. I have it all under control. I need to do this." She had a poised determination that I had not seen on the female before. Even if she was still sweet-tempered and gentle, I could see it hovering just under the surface. Hear it in the resolve of her tone. It made me feel a bit more assured that she was safe, or at the very least, that this was her choice. I could tell there would be no arguing with her. This was the path she felt she needed to follow. I understood that. If anyone had tried to talk me out of going to the Knights at the time, their efforts would have been in vain.

"Well, I'm here for you. Whatever you need." It was all I could offer her.

"I know," she grinned, the expression so wholesome; a throwback to the girl I knew before. "We'll take them down, Vee." I couldn't stop my surprised laugh at the sentiment that was so at odds with the innocent look of her face. But it died down when I noticed her steel blue eyes glaze over a moment later, indicating she was being mind-linked by someone in her ‘pack'.

When she came through, she frowned. "I'm sorry, I have to go. The Alpha calls. But I'll update you on anything important I find out as soon as I can." Her eyes sparkled, "It's so good to see you, Vee. I'm so glad you came back. I was hoping I'd get a chance to see you again after everything that Riv told me. I'll chat soon, okay?"

"Yes, okay." My response was hasty and alert, betraying my concern. "Be careful!" I added, worried I'd miss the opportunity before she hung up.

"I will," she returned.

River quickly ducked back in the frame. "As always, contact us if you need us. No matter what the situation is, okay? Don't take on anything on your own." His voice held the authority of an Alpha.

She nodded gently, "I'll be fine. But, yes." And with that we heard the audible note of an ended call.

I turned to River who looked at me tenderly and with compassion.

"She'll be okay, right?" I asked, worried for my friend.

"She'll be okay, Vee. She's been doing this for months now." He chuckled softly to himself. "I've got to admit, I never would have pictured Amelia as an espionage kind of girl, but she's surprised me. She's been great with the transition too, even without a normal pack behind her. She's good at this, more than I ever thought possible. So we just need to trust her."

"Okay," I muttered, trying to simultaneously convince myself.

He stroked my arm and his gaze met mine when he ducked his head slightly so we were eye level. "If she calls for help, we'll be there. Without question. No matter how it might affect any plans. She might not be physically in my pack, but she is pack. And we won't leave her behind. Not without a fight, Vee. I promise."

I bit my lip and nodded. I believed him.

"Well, well, well. Look what the wolf dragged in," Zander snickered as he strolled into the large expanse of the airy kitchen, Axel trailing behind him.His tone didn't hold its usual amount of teasing.

River had mind-linked the main pack—the inner circle and ones I'd been closest to—to make their way down for a breakfast reunion. We both showered and got ready—separately of course—and now, forty minutes later, we stood in the kitchen, preparing a spread of eggs, bacon, toast and fruit.

I was just finishing off the platter as the Beta and Delta walked in. My stomach did somersaults at the sight of them. I had a lot of amends to make and there were a lot of conversations that needed to be had, which wasn't necessarily something I was looking forward to. I wished there was a way to skip ahead to the part where we were all fine. I had no idea how this was going to go, but I knew it was going to be a long few days and I was likely going to be mentally drained by the end of it.

Given all that, I was still so happy to see them. Even if Zander looked pissed at me.

I wanted to hide from his glare; an expression so rarely seen on him. I missed his silliness and that cheeky smile.

I fought the urge to re-organize the platter as a distraction, and instead forced myself to look up at my two friends and face their wrath.

Axel—contrastingly to Zan—was all smiles as he nodded my way.

"Hey, Vee," he greeted. "Nice to see you back in the pack house. It felt empty without you around."He walked right up and pulled me into a tight hug, squeezing me close to him. I let out the nervous breath I'd been holding as I buried my face into his chest, hugging him back just as tight.

"Axel," I cooed, "I missed you too." He squeezed me harder in response and then laughed at the solid squeeze I returned.

Pulling away so he could look down at me, he smiled. "I can't wait to hear all about your adventure, little Knight." He chuckled as he let me go, "You clearly have gotten stronger."

My lips formed into a knowing smirk as I took him in. Same old Axel that I knew and loved.

"There's definitely a lot to tell you guys," I admitted, daring to sneak a glance at Zander, who waited on the far side of the counter. Riv had paused scrambling the eggs to watch the reunion with a wide grin. But I happened to catch a quick moment where he levelled Zander a look that I knew meant he was telling him to behave.

I walked up to Zander cautiously while he continued to stare at me, not giving anything away.

"Hey Zan," I breathed. "No bear hug from you? I missed them." When he didn't say anything, I continued forward, babbling an apology. "I am so fricken sorr—"

Before I could even get the words out, he cut me off and startled the shit out of me by wrapping me in his large arms as he captured me in one of his famous hugs, lifting me off the ground and squeezing. A muffled, surprised scream tumbled out of me, but it was extinguished as my face collided with his chest.

After regaining my composure from the initial shock, I leaned into it. And once he returned my feet to the ground and let go of the hold he had on me, I snaked my arms around him and held him tight. "I am so sorry. For judging you guys. For not giving you a chance to explain. For assuming the worst. I'm so sorry," I mumbled into his chest.

"It's alright, Vee." Zander's tone was serious—a very uncommon occurrence indeed.

I pulled away from him and looked to both Axel and River, wanting them to know the apology was for all of them. Axel nodded a few times, reassuring me it wasn't something he would hold against me, while Riv gave me a pleased smile. I knew he had forgiven me almost immediately—even though I didn't deserve it—and that his relief was directed at his friends and I making up so effortlessly.

I looked back up at Zander who towered over me. "I'm a horrible friend," I proclaimed.

"Yeah, you are," the giant Beta smirked. "But we won't hold it against you." The grin on his face practically touched his dark eyes, the playfulness that I knew so well returning to his face. He wrapped an arm around my shoulder and guided me towards the food. "Now let's eat."

And just like that he was back to himself.

I could almost see him visibly salivate as he took in the spread, eyes lightning in pure, unadulterated joy at the thought of devouring it.

Riv finished the eggs and plated them up. But one important member still hadn't showed yet and I eagerly awaited her arrival.

The boys made their way to the round breakfast table and I filled a few cups of juice, my gaze constantly flicking over to the door in anticipation of Skylar's entrance. I wouldn't have peace until I spoke to her too. And I'd still want to eventually see the rest of the pack as well.

When it didn't seem like she was about to barge through the door at any second, I let out a quiet sigh but brought the tray of glasses to where the guys sat, eagerly waiting to dig in. I had to admit, the smell was making my stomach rumble in hunger too.

Zander made to grab a piece of bacon but I swatted his hand away. "We should wait for Sky."

The lovable oaf grumbled a few unintelligent things under his breath before snatching and chugging down a whole glass of juice instead.

"Wait for Sky for what?"

Her light, airy voice travelled through the open kitchen and my head snapped in her direction as I instantly stood from my seat, locking eyes with her piercing sky-blue ones. Her smile was wide and toothy as she took me in.

I rushed towards her.

"Veeee!" She all but squealed as she held her arms out for me and I slammed into them, knocking her back a few steps as we both giggled.

"Sky," her voice was a plea in my mouth. An unsaid question of whether she could ever forgive me that she seemed to immediately understand, holding me tighter and rubbing my back. But nevertheless, I needed to voice my guilt. "Skylar, I don't know how I could ever make it up to you. I'm so incredibly sorry. I should have known better. But I was a complete and utter idiot. I should have known. And I'm just so sorry. Please give me a second chance."

By the time I had gotten it out, I was crying again. I had a feeling there was going to be lots of that while I tried to overcome the guilt that plagued me. I felt like the worst person who didn't deserve their forgiveness, but I hoped and prayed they would give it to me anyway.

Skylar was always an angel. And me ditching her and assuming she was part of a band of killers didn't change that. She immediately forgave me with kindness and loving grace.

"Vee, don't be silly. It's in the past. We weren't blameless either. I wish I could have been more open to you and for that I'm sorry. You were my friend, and I should have done a better job at easing your doubts at least. I don't blame you for reacting the way you did. It was a scary situation and I can't imagine how you must have felt. How it all looked. I missed you though. And I was so sad thinking we had lost you forever. I wanted to come find you and explain. I wish I had done so earlier. I probably could have saved us all a little heartache," she whispered the next part so only I would hear, "Especially a certain Alpha." She looked between River and myself and then gave me her usual bubbly grin. I'd missed that contagious smile of hers.

She continued, "I'm so happy that fate brought you back here. Let's make sure we never let this happen again, okay? Honesty from all sides going forward. And communication! Even if it means I have to kick the Alpha's butt every now and again."

"That sounds like perfection," I nodded eagerly, taking a moment to memorise her familiar features as we held each other. Her medium brown hair was half up, the top half tied behind her head in a messy bun while the lower remained out and tousled. A few face framing pieces had been left out and the natural highlights brought out the blue in her eyes. She wore a Nirvana band tee, the front tucked into denim cut-off shorts, and finished the look with her signature converse. I missed this girl.

I understood that if River didn't want them to tell me anything, they had to obey. He was their Alpha. And I also understood that they all thought they were protecting me in their own way. But there were still a few things I needed to discuss with Riv.

By the time we had finished our moment and looked back at the boys, Zander's plate was full and a piece of toast loaded with eggs was halfway down his mouth, being devoured like the guy had been starved for days. Clearly, he had given up on waiting and I couldn't help but laugh at how Zander that was. Axel and River had also plated up but seemed to be waiting for us to dig in. They talked quietly among themselves, trying to give us a slither of privacy, even though with their heightened senses they could likely hear everything we'd said. It was nice to know they were trying though.

I squeezed Sky's hand and offered her a smile. "After we eat, can we find somewhere to just chill together and catch up? I have so much I want to update you on." I know we had just promised honesty, but I wondered how much I should tell her about Griffin and how she would react knowing that I was even considering not falling back into our old normal.

"I wouldn't have let you do anything else! I don't care what Riv had in store for you. It's bad enough he made us stay away last night!" She grinned, her eyes dancing in the light. I had a feeling that after going through all this, we could be so much closer, now that those barriers had been broken down. I liked the possibilities this created for us—as a team. A mismatched, unusual pack.

We talked as we ate, passing around plates of food and filling our bellies, just like old times. Axel and Sky filled me in on all the stupid Zander moments I'd missed, and Zander updated me on all the pranks he had pulled that he was clearly very proud of. They asked me about the training I had undertaken and were more than a little surprised to hear about the powers that I now held.

"Tiny Vee ain"t so tiny anymore," Zander snickered with a wide set grin.

"You better not get on her bad side, Zan," Skylar threatened with a laugh.

But even though we were discussing a moment in time where we were on opposite sides, every single one of them was proud of me and showed nothing but adoration for the person I was becoming and the sense of purpose I had found. I may have grown up without a proper sense of familial stability, but boy had I been blessed with an abundance of family now. So much so that I was almost torn between the two. But whichever way it went with the men in my life, I would try my hardest to hold onto both families.

I couldn't bear the thought of losing either.