CHAPTER 43

VENUS

"Back to New York City we go."

Before I knew it, we were packing up the academy cars and getting ready to leave.

"Back to where it all began for us," Griff taunted with a wink before buckling up in the driver's seat.

It would be nice getting to stop at the compound for a few days before we headed to England. I kind of missed it.

As discussed, not all of us would be leaving. In fact, we thought it best that we left most of the squad here under my mother's watch to keep an eye on things and help the pack with anything they might need. We'd be taking most of the official Knights with us though—minus Santiago, who insisted he'd stay back with Billie and the others.

Griff, Kitana, Carter, Bleu and Winter would be joining us, and once we linked up with Major Harper at the compound, she'd be tagging along to Manchester too.

At least, that's what we'd been told.

Unfortunately, as much as our union with the wolves was working like a dream for us in Saint Claire, Thea and Griffin didn't think it would be wise to bring any of the wolves with us to Aconite Hall. We might have been progressive, but the leader of our operation wasn't as open, and they didn't think any of the Carrington compound Knights would do well with wolves openly running around their grounds, let alone staying within their walls. Deciding it would be more of a setback than anything, the mission turned into one for the Knights in our little squad only.

The pack would continue with their ally gathering, patrols and strict training regime, making the most of the techniques that we'd been showing them over the last two and a half weeks.

Given their natural agility and superhuman strength, as well as the fact that they'd been watching us train for months now as well as joining in with their human forms quite regularly, they were getting really good. And the rest of our squad mates that stayed behind would ensure they only got better from here. This way, if they ever found themselves in a situation like the one Zander was faced with, they'd still be a viable threat to the rogues and their shifters.

The focus had been on not relying on their wolf forms, which went against common sense to them. But Griff and Car had really been stressing the importance of it. And of course, they were suicide laps—forest edition—involved for any of them that showed even a single sign of using their wolves during those specific training sessions. Which to no one's surprise, Zander was the most outraged by.

It had been helping though.

They'd been getting stronger and more formidable—which was saying something considering they were freaking wolf shifters.

The wolves never had reason before to work on defence as much as they were now. They'd never really needed it. Before the rogues, they lived in relative peace. Their biggest threat were rival packs, and while they could be life-threatening, as they learnt the hard way with River's dad, they still relied on the strength of their wolf in those situations, rather than their person. So this was all an adjustment for everyone, but one that we knew would come in handy. Mastering both in combat would be such an advantage. There was no telling what else the rogues had up their sleeves.

Selena, the ex-rogue shifter, now the newest member of the pack, was also adjusting to life in a real, normally functioning, non-psychotic pack.

With the addition of Danny during the Super Moon in August, we learnt that wolves that were turned the way they were found the first few transformations and full moons more taxing on their bodies. They didn't come from families of shifters who passed down the stories through generations. And their bodies didn't have the natural ability and strength for it. Tempers were also a little harder to control.

But both shifters were extremely grateful for the chance River had given them and the opportunity to be a part of his pack. Tanner's guidance had been a driving force and they'd come to lean on him like a wise old grandfather.

Danny had found his place within the pack and got along with the boys like a house on fire. Selena was timider and more reticent. It didn't help that she was constantly being watched to make sure she wasn't a secret spy, like Amelia was for us. But she was slowly opening up more and it was nice to see her given a second chance. I was rooting for her to find her feet.

Despite her reserved nature, every time I saw her look at the Alpha, she did so with reverence. And maybe a little something more. And I didn't blame her—I knew how easy he was on the eyes. Plus, he'd essentially saved her.

Over the last few weeks we'd also been discussing and compiling the wolf allies made on the East Coast so far, and most neighbouring packs were on board to join us. They were similarly training their packs to be ready for what was to come, and the members of the Saint Claire pack that visited them spent some time sharing training tips that us Knights had passed on.

So far, our allies were looking good. River had stressed to us how easily packs could turn on each other if they were hungry for power or territory, and it was honestly a relief that the rogues hadn't used that to their advantage.To our knowledge, at least.

There was one pack nearby though that Riv hadn't dared venture to yet. The pack that was responsible for his father's death:Silver Lake.

We'd had a long discussion about it last night sitting around the bonfire—I was beyond thrilled when Riv, Zander and Axel suggested we do one before we left. They'd mentioned they'd done one a couple of weeks back for the first time in what felt like forever, an image that had my little heart very happy, and wanted to keep it up whenever possible.

Unfortunately, our conversations and storytelling took a darker turn when River shared what he'd learnt of his father's passing. A vital—and previously missing piece—of the pack's history.

He hadn't known the specifics until now. Not many people had. But the Silver Lake Alpha had reached out, hearing of Saint Claire visiting the other packs. News travelled fast it seemed, and in an attempt to strengthen our forces Alpha Cara had contacted the Silver Lake pack, whose territory bordered her own. Their Alpha then apparently felt compelled to contact Riv. He'd shared the basics of the story with him, hoping to make peace between the packs for the bad blood created a few years back.

We'd listened in silence as River explained that his dad had taken a lover before he picked his mum to be Luna. That female shifter was banished soon after. We didn't know the specific of it, but she fled to Silver Lake where she met her mate: the Eta general of their pack. She'd then somehow convinced him to take down River's dad.

Silver Lake's Alpha said he'd explain all he knew in person and River had agreed to visit soon. According to the Alpha, the Eta and his mate had been taken care of at the time with what his pack deemed to be an appropriate punishment. Whatever that meant.

River was outwardly calm about the revelation. Although I saw his determination to get more answers. And his sorrow.

"Why didn't you retaliate?" Bleu had asked him when he'd finished his retelling of the apparent events. The tall Knight with the braids and multitude of piercings had been sharpening his daggers in the glow of the firelight when he voiced his question, making him look all the more menacing as all the metal on him—from the piercings to the rings in his hair—glinted. His striking green eyes also caught the amber glow.

True to his nature, River had replied with humility and reason. "I knew the Alpha wasn't responsible based on what Tanner had told me at the time it all happened, but that was the extent of my knowledge of the event. If I had retaliated when I became Alpha, if I had stormed up to his pack lands with my wolves in tow, ready to enact my revenge, I would have created a war. Death between packs, as a result of feuding, is common in the world of wolf shifters. That danger, that risk, is always there for an Alpha. It comes with the territory.But my father wasn't like that. He kept the peace, which was why he would have met with them in the first place—why he likely went alone. He would not have wanted me to cause so much bloodshed in his honour. Wouldn't have wanted me to tear apart our pack with all the deaths it would have caused. Nor leave my pack without an Alpha if something had also happened to me. And more than that, I wouldn't be able to live with myself if my people—my family—died because of me. I didn't want to bring war here. So I accepted it and moved on. Focused on making, and keeping, the remainder of my pack safe and well. Focused on being the best Alpha I could be to keep up my father's legacy."

When he'd said it, River's own honey eyes reflected the bonfire embers, and the power that shone in them was pure Alpha; commanding the respect, admiration and loyalty of everyone around him.

I had offered my support and comfort to my best friend after that, moving to sit beside him and leaning on his shoulder. I was there at the time his father died and had been by his side while he mourned and took over the pack. I knew getting answers would mean everything to him.

I also knew how worried he was about being a good Alpha, and he'd needed to be reassured he was. So that's exactly what I told him.

"A solid leader," Griffin had agreed with a solemn nod. An understanding and mutual respect starting to flourish between them.

While we'd be gone, River would organise a time to visit Silver Lake—preferably after we were back— to look into the story further and add them to the treaty.

With that, the pack moved on to share better stories. Happier times and good memories of River's father and the pack as a whole.

And with each story, I saw the Knights around us let down their guards more and more.

In return, the Knights shared stories of their own memories growing up in the compounds.

And I saw a fire spark within them. One motivating them to protect these shifters that had lives and stories and families at all costs, just like the humans we already protected. Not that they hadn't become aware of the humanity of the packs before last night. They'd all been growing closer each day. But that final flip had seemed to switch.

Wolves and Knights partied together all through the night, like there were no differences between them.

They danced and sang and drank. They watched the night sky and the burning cinders floating up to meet the stars.

And my half-Knight, half-wolf heart soared.

When morning came, River was hesitant to see us go, but he understood why we needed to and left me with a parting hug, squeezing the life out of me while telling me to be careful and that he'd see me soon.

Leaving Cel and mum was extremely difficult but at least this time I knew how long I'd be gone for. It would go fast, and River and Sky promised they'd be under the pack's protection—not that they needed it, but it did ease my mind. Plus, I knew Raven and Zander wouldn't let Celeste get into too much trouble.

So we said our farewells—not goodbyes—and set off towards the city.

This time I wasn't leaving alone and hollow inside. This time I was leaving feeling full and content and ready to take on anything with Griffin by my side.

We arrived at the separate warehouse the compound used to house their convoy a couple of hours later, complete with rows of all-black utility vehicles, small trucks, blacked-out SUVs, sleek motorbikes and many Jeeps, like the one Griff had. It was giving mafia romance, and I was here for it.

If Griffin knew how to ride one of those bikes, which I was sure he did, I would need to see that as soon as possible.

The warehouse was connected to the courtyard, but Griff and I took our time walking the long way around to the academy building, making a small detour at a spot to get coffee, since we'd left early this morning to beat out as much traffic as possible.

When we eventually stopped in the courtyard, I wondered if we'd be using the door like normal people or taking our usual preferred route instead.

Griff gave me a knowing look and then put his hands out to boost me up onto the fire escape. I truly didn't know why we still bothered to do this, but some habits were hard to break. And just fun to do.

The last time we'd been on this fire escape together, it led to us frantically pulling each other against the ladder and ripping our clothes off. Or rather,out of the way.

The adrenaline of being out in the open had spurred me on. Something I never thought I'd be a fan of. But it was exhilarating with Griffin. Plus, the fire escape had always felt like our place, with so many heated and intimate moments there, so it was only fitting that we marked it. And now standing here again, months later and after a whole lot of shit had occurred between us, heat flushed my cheeks at the memory.

One look at Griff's darkened gaze and hooded eyes told me he was thinking the exact same thing, but I led him through the window and into the building, attempting to douse the burning desire. For the moment.

To be fair, there weren't too many places left in the compound that we hadn't christened.

Being back felt like someone had thrown fuel on our flame and I already knew we'd make the most of every spare minute here before we left in two days.

Everything looked exactly the same in the compound from where we stood at the top of the platform. Training was in full force, although it was clear many Knights were out on missions by the dwindling number of people remaining in the active sessions. The mats didn't seem as full, but the familiar bustle and busyness of the academy brought a smile to my face.

Already scrutinising someone's technique, even from up here, Griff huffed beside me. "They're going to get taken to the mat in three … two … one."

Sure enough, the recruit he was watching hit the mat as if on cue.

"Come on," I said with a shake of my head as I grabbed his top and pulled, gesturing for him to follow.

We picked our way through the gym and I gave a small wave to Colonel Lennox, who was watching the pairs of recruits sparring with a serious expression and a wide, unapproachable stance. Given that Griffin had been away for almost four months, someone else would have had to be overseeing weapon training. I doubted the Colonel took on this role every day, but it was clear he was the replacement for today.

His face lit up when he saw me and he gave us a casual, two-finger wave. His stubble looked a bit overgrown compared to what I remembered, but his warmer greeting, despite his serious posture, was very him—showing that duality that made me fond of the older official.

With some weirdly impeccable timing, we stepped into the hall at the same moment Thea stepped out of her office. The light from the window at the end of the hall behind her cast her form into stark darkness with a backlit glow that made her hair gleam like melted iron.

She appraised us with those silver eyes, so similar to Griffin's yet somehow harsher. But her lips tilted ever so slightly when her fierce gaze reached our faces.

She gave us a small nod.

"Gray. Stone," she acknowledged in that deep drawl of hers, looking between the two of us. "Good to have you back."

"Good to see you, Lieutenant General," I replied with a small smile. I could have sworn she somewhat returned it.

Griffin nodded to his mother, keeping the talking to a minimum.

"Get settled but be ready to meet in thirty minutes," she ordered.

"Yes, ma'am," Griffin said, tone monotonous, before he placed his hand on the small of my back and led me through the door across from hers into the common room that I deeply missed—the Chill.

I could feel those silver eyes still on us. And somehow also felt when they no longer were, allowing myself to take a big breath. Thea's energy was always a lot to take in, and it somehow felt like she commanded the room, taking some of the air with it. In small quarters like the hallway, that presence felt magnified.

My composure softened when I scanned the familiar surroundings of the Chill and all those plush couches I loved. As everyone was training, the area was mostly empty, save for a few Knights that were likely getting in some down-time post night patrol.

"It's nice to be back," I breathed out.

Griffin let out an amused snicker, like he couldn't quite decide if he agreed or not, but continued to lead me upstairs to the Fourth: the level that housed his apartment.

Twenty-eight minutes later, we were washed up, refreshed and entering the strategy room. And for the first time, I'd be using this room for its intended purpose, sending a whole new range of nerves bubbling through me—separate to the butterflies that coursed through my body at the familiar sight of the round table. Being in here reminded me of the first few days I'd ever spent enjoying Griffin.

Those welcome tingles quickly faded and my gut sank when I saw Sienna sitting at said table beside Thea, Colonel Lennox and Major Harper on the far end of the room. Her brown-streaked blonde hair was pulled back into her signature tight pony. With those fierce feline eyes and the high-necked black tank top, she looked as striking and beautiful as ever.

Kitana approached where we stood in the doorway, having just arrived with Carter in tow, but quickly came to a halt when she also witnessed who was gracing us with her presence.

"Uh," Kit made a disgusted noise. "Why's she here?" She asked, keeping her glacial blue eyes on my frenemy.

Sienna's answering glare didn't disappoint. She didn't bother replying to Kit, deciding the death stare was enough, before her eyes found Griffin's face, lingered for a moment, and then lowered to meet my own.

"Good to see you're alive," Sienna finally said. Though her words held zero emotion.

I mean, her greeting wasn't bad considering, so I returned the gesture with a small, tight-lipped smile that didn't quite reach my eyes. "Nice to see you, too, Sienna."

Walking past us and taking her seat next to Bleu and Winter, Kitana mumbled, "Wish I could say the same," as she pulled Carter in the spot beside her. Then she turned to Griff and I with a pointed look at the available chairs on Car's other side, far from Sienna.

I bit my lip nervously, feeling uncomfortable with all the sets of eyes on us.

But not caring how it looked, or the message that it sent, Griffin laced his fingers with mine and silently led me to our seats.

The rest of the meeting attendees were already here, sitting and waiting; our planned unit and a couple of officials, as well as a few more titled Knights. We were the last to treacle through. Meaning everyone, to my dismay, had witnessed that whole little awkward encounter.

There was a whole host of us seated around the table, the low hanging orange lights creating a dim eerie glow that was made more frightening when Thea spoke with pure condescension. "If you're all done, may we begin?"

A chorus of variations of "Yes, Lieutenant General" sounded and she cleared her throat, leaning forward with her hands interlaced on the table. So very leader-like.

"We're here to discuss the Aconite Hall mission. As you've already been briefed on, there is a planned ambush on the night of the partial lunar eclipse in ten days' time." Those cold, captivating eyes fell on the four of us before she said, "Our Saint Claire task force has done an exceptional job at gathering intel and figuring out how to work alongside the wolf shifter packs, with the help of Colonel Stone. Not to mention, have been pivotal in the formulation of the Restorer amalgamation with Major Harper." Her gaze moved to Carter and then landed on the edgy major with the light brown skin, half shaved head of dark hair and multitude of piercings.

Thea continued, "As such, Captain Gray's team will head the mission to Carrington, preparing the compound there for the proposed attack. I have spoken to and cleared eight days with General Theodore. In this time, you'll utilise the resources Aconite Hall has to finish the Restorer and then assist them with defending the compound on the day of the eclipse, before returning back."

Eight whole days in a whole new compound. In England.

I still couldn't believe that this battle was being taken overseas. But we all nodded in response to the specifics of our mission.

At least I'd be with Griffin. I would have hated it if he"d been sent to do this without me.

I dared a look to my left to see him lazily slumped in his leather chair. He was listening, even though he looked like the picture of indifference. Sensing my gaze, his turbulent grey eyes slid to mine and he gave me a playful wink. Then his hand found my thigh under the table and squeezed, sending dizzying tingles through my body which I tried my hardest to ignore, forcing my attention back to our leader.

"Although Major Harper will be accompanying you, her focus will be on perfecting the formula. Captain Gray will remain in charge. I expect full daily updates as well as consistent and ongoing communication with the Saint Claire wolf pack and remaining task force." She arched an ashy-coloured brow at her son who returned the gesture with an affirmative nod.

At the acceptance of her terms, she raised her chin. "Good."

Not a single strand of that platinum, silvery hair of hers was out of place in the sleek, pulled back bun. And I had to wonder how she could be so still—so put-together—that not even her hair moved.

"When you are back, you will debrief the New York compound and then you may return to the remainder of your squadron in Saint Claire. You will stay if required, or escort them back here where you will remain and continue your training until you are required elsewhere." I swallowed, hoping I'd get a chance to go back to my hometown "It is our hope that you'll learn some valuable information about this rogue army, and should you be successful at defending Carrington, you'll hopefully return with news that a significant chunk of their forces have been expunged."

Sure. No pressure or anything.

"I am aware that you will have more recruits with you than an ordinary mission. Based on their usefulness to the cause thus far, we have allowed it to continue like this, approving of their attendance at Aconite Hall. Should all go well after this war, those recruits may see an accelerated dubbing to the title of ‘Gray Knight'." Thea's grey eyes bore into me and I cowered under her scrutinising look, but there was no note of disappointment or scepticism in her tone. She believed in us and our abilities—I could feel it. So I straightened ever so slightly, wanting to be the warrior she thought I was. "Please remember you are a team. Act as one. Work as one. And ensure you all come back alive." Her gaze flicked around the room once more. "It would be a shame to lose such potential."

With that, Griffin stirred like he assumed we were wrapping up.

"One more thing," Thea called again, demanding our attention once more.

Without saying a word, Griff raised his own dark brow at his mother, urging her to continue and get it over with.

"Sienna will be joining you."

Griffin's gaze darkened in pure annoyance.

"Great," Kit muttered under her breath in a way that was so sickly sweet I was surprised the official didn't reprimand her.

There was no room to argue with Thea's tone though, especially not as she added with finality, "She's newly titled and this will be her first mission."

Yet Griffin tried anyway. "I hardly think we need another person on this, Lieutenant General."

She seemed to size him up before she said, "While this may be your squadron and your opinion and insight is often beneficial, Captain, in this instance it won"t hold any weight. She's going. She is a strong fighter and will provide value to your task force."

His jaw ticked but he said through gritted teeth, "Yes, LieutenantGeneral."

"Relax, Gray. I'm not going to do anything to your little girlfriend," Sienna drawled, turning in our direction.

He glared at her, and I didn't ever want to be on the other side of one of those looks.

"I know you won't because I've already warned you what would happen if you ever tried anything again." His words were low and icy, his tone promising pain but in a calm way that was even scarier … yet also extremely sexy.

What was also extremely sexy was the part where he didn't deny that I was his girlfriend.

"We have bigger things to worry about," she offered.

His response was a grunt, not bothering to look at her.

But I swear I noticed Thea's lips tilt the slightest bit as she looked between Griff and I, seeming to notice the closeness between our bodies. Maybe even glimpsing that soul flame.

Was she … happy about us?

Soooo wasn't important right now, but the thought was kind of nice.