Page 48 of Stargazer

Either way, Griff was literally staying at her house!

Forced proximity did wonders. I would know.

And if he’d told me he was going there early, I would have helped with a game plan. Given him all the pointers he’d need to win our girl back.

I’d messaged him about it, and he’d replied saying he was managing and something about winning her over with his charms and obvious superiority. Meaning I was forced to settle with letting him do this on his own … for now. Even though I was itching to be involved. Which was why it was still on my mind and distracting me to no end.

I didn't do well at keeping my nose in my own business. It was far too cute not to shove in everyone else’s.

Plus, these were my besties we were talking about. I had every right to be involved.

Those two were really fucking adorable together. And I meant romantic-novel, fated-soulmates cute. So, I hoped they worked it out.

Some super-duper, teensy-weensy part of me actually felt sorry for the wolf. Not that I was forgiving the dickhead that easily. He had still hurt my bestie and I’d make my thoughts known. But I was sure Griff was giving him hell and not making it easy for anyone. The two of them were probably driving my girl mad. Luckily for her, we were heading down tomorrow and I was ready to step in and mediate.

Okay, well not entirely. I was excited to watch the show and I’d be sure to bring my fair share of popcorn for all the juicy parts. It would be like reality TV on smoke seeing the two boys going head-to-head for Vee’s love. But Billie would mediate and make things better for everyone. And I’d be the emotional support. Or at least but-loads of unsolicited, inexperienced advice and a good distraction. We really did make the perfect team.

If it was up to me, I’d probably suggest the why-choose route. But I didn’t think Griff was up for sharing.

“What’s on that delicious mind of yours?” Carter purred. I’d clearly been unusually quiet for too long. Boy probably thought I was having a stroke or something.

The footwell was large enough that he was sitting back now, leaning against the opposite door with his arms on his knees, giving me space to sulk as needed as I lounged across the backseats. Was Vee rubbing off on me?

Damn I missed that girl. I couldn’t wait for us all to be reunited again and I desperately wanted to be there for her.

He pulled out a cigarette, putting it in his mouth and fishing for a lighter in his back pocket.

I let out a huff, deciding not to dwell on it all and stress myself out. I truly did not have time for wrinkles.

Perking up, eyes surely dancing with mischief, I took in my guy. “It’s nothing important. We can talk about it later.” I shrugged it off.

Reaching over, I grabbed the unlit cigarette, placing it in my mouth. Then I tugged the strands of his hair, directing him back towards me.

“Just do that again.” The words were muffled around the object in my mouth, but by the way his eyes were glued to my lips, I knew it had the desired effect. He for sure found it undeniably sexy and would do what I wanted with no qualms. Not that he ever had any objections. Neither of us did.

“This will be your reward,” I smirked, two fingers gripping the cigarette while my tongue traced the tip.

“Yes, ma’am.”

I relished in the sweet, sweet pleasure.

CHAPTER 17

VENUS

Aweek. We had a week until the next full moon.

A week to figure out how on earth this would all work: the Knights and the wolves joining together.

Thankfully today was the day that the task force would arrive, and with it, Kit, Billie and Carter.

The mini squad based at my house—members including Griff, mum and myself—had managed to figure out the logistics of what the Knights would do on the day of the full moon, but it would help to have a few extra brilliant minds look it over and fill in any gaps. Though, I was pretty sure that Griffin taking the lead meant that there would be no stone left unturned.

Even though he approached most Knight business with nonchalance, when he was actually required to be in captain mode, he did it well. He might not have had the whole personable, empathetic leader thing going on like River, opting for more of the callous and tough commander approach, but he was still shrewd, resourceful, bold and crafty. And thorough. The man was a perfectionist. And the combo somehow worked to earn him equal respect.

Training this morning at the pack house had been counterproductive. The excitement that had me in a constant state of buzz was my biggest distraction and ultimately a foolish weakness, evident by the fact that my punches made Griff laugh and Sky was able to get me on my ass—too many times for my liking.

I called it quits early and instead watched the rest of them spar with precision and vigour. The wolves were not used to this level of daily training and yet most of them seemed to relish in a much-needed outlet to feel in control again. Something that drew me to the practice too when I joined the Knights. The discipline was … calming. At least most of the time.

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