Page 135 of Stargazer

“Thank you for your hospitality. And for the enlightening story. Goodnight, General.”

He regarded me with a hint of tenderness.

“Goodnight, Miss Stone.”

With that, his footsteps echoed against the wooden floors as he strode to the other side of the large space and disappeared into the dark hall beyond.

CHAPTER 46

GRIFFIN

“You don’t want to give him a chance?” Venus asked when we got back to our room and started changing for bed. I stopped in the middle of the carpeted rug, pulling my shirt off and tossing it onto the nearby ottoman.

“No.” My jaw was set, the only sign that I was not fully composed. “It’s not like he ever cared about me. I didn’t get one birthday card. Or a Christmas present. Even a fucking phone call. The only time he ever cared was when he was checking in on my progress with Thea. Making sure I’d be a respected and skilled enough warrior to take over the Knights and carry the name. So I’m not going to be sitting on his lap asking him to tell me bedtime stories or share family anecdotes anytime soon.”

She walked up to me and laid her palm on my chest.

I let some of that tension go, absorbing some of her calming, compassionate energy.

“That’s understandable Griff. I don’t blame you. It’s not like I actually know the man or what that was like for you not having any family in your corner.”

My eyes softened. I knew she saw the best in people. That was something I loved about her. And he was decent last night—more than I ever expected him to be. He also seemed quite fond of Venus, which I had to admit, gave him a few brownie points because she was amazing and I was glad he could see that. Maybe he was getting soft in old age.

But I still didn’t care for him. No matter how much supposed effort he was putting in now.

In the end, he raised Thea. And I blamed him for how cold she turned out too.

Not once did the old man enquire about my wellbeing unless he was checking in on my progress as a Knight and journey up the ranks. I was just a soldier to him. A good one. But that was it.

Likewise, he was just a general to me. No matter if he had my goddamned eyes. That didn’t make us anything more. Blood meant nothing to me.

“I don’t need them to be my family. You are my family,” I held her beautiful gaze, letting her see the emotion in my words. The truth to them.

My family was made up of the people I chose. And I sure as fuck had chosen her. It wasn’t a large group—not by any means. Only four people in this world could say they held that title. But I had to admit, the number of people I trusted was gradually increasing.

I mean, I had faith in all my New York compound Knights to do what I needed them too and have my back in a fight, but there were a handful of Knights—and maybe even wolves now—that I could say I truly trusted and saw as more than just comrades.

She melted into me, kissing me fiercely and passionately and giving me every single bit of emotion she had.

I knew it was so she could show me just how much I was cared for and loved by her.

She was all I’d ever truly need in this world.

“Hey Griff?” She asked when she pulled back for air.

“Yes, Supernova?”

“Tell me you love me again.”

My brow arched up.

“I know you’re new to this, but females like to be reminded,” she told me, tracing little circles across my chest and watching her fingers as she did so, as if she was nervous I wouldn’t say it again or some bullshit like that. But I’d tell her as much as she wanted.

I’d tell her forever.

My features softened again and I cupped her face, angling it up towards my own. I searched those hazel green eyes. “Then I’ll keep reminding you, baby girl.” My own silver ones bored into hers. “I love you, Venus Stone.”

“I love you, Griffin Gray.”

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