Page 126 of Stargazer

“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, Lieutenant General.”

“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.

CHAPTER 44

VENUS

“Shouldn’t I stay in my own bed? Aren’t people going to talk if I’m back and sleeping in your room?”

Griffin and Carter had been missing for a few hours after all our meetings, sneaking off somewhere to do whatever it was those two did. When he got back, he pulled me from my bed—where I was sitting with Kit—on the way to his room without so much as an explanation.

“Supernova, you really need to stop caring about what people think,” he chastised, dragging me into his apartment. “Besides, I would say that being the girlfriend of The Gray Knights heir entitles you to some benefits. Don’t you think?”

Seeing my reaction to his words—stopping dead in my tracks—he chuckled.

He took the stairs up to his raised loft bedroom two at a time and once I regained my composure, I followed at my own pace.

So I was his girlfriend?

---