Page 29 of Stargazer

“So,” Griff turned to me, “what’s the plan for today?”

“Well, I obviously didn’t expect to have you here, but the pack has a few meetings that I was going to sit in on. They were going to let me know what they’d found out so far from Amelia.”

“Hold on. Amelia as in the girl that died?” He raised his brow.

“Yeah. So, it turns out she didn’t die. She transitioned. She’s a rogue now but she’s been working as a spy for Riv.”

Celeste spat out her coffee. “I’m sorry, what?”

“That’s risky but smart,” mum offered, her face contemplative.

“I’ll give it to the bastard, that’s quite a good play.” He looked at me again, his expression softening. “I’m glad your friend’s alive,” he offered.

“Thanks Griff. Me too.” It was still so unbelievable.

“So, I’m assuming the pack is going to be cooperative about the Knights working with them?” His tone was dripping in condescension.

“Well, that’s the plan. I think starting with a manageable number will ease them into it.”

“I’m obviously joining,” he proclaimed.

“I didn’t expect you to willingly sit out,” I countered.

“You know me too well, Cosmo.” He gave me a wicked smile which I forced myself to look away from.

“Mum, have you heard anything from Thea?” I asked instead.

She turned to me, her game face on. “I’m organising some accommodation for the task force that she’ll be sending down. I’m guessing with Griff here now, he’ll be leading it?” She looked at him in question and he nodded. “Good. Once the wolves are a bit more comfortable, I’ll get involved more and act as a liaison between Saint Claire and the compound. I’ll call her this afternoon and get any more details that I can.”

“Sounds good,” I agreed. “Do they know who they’re sending?”

“You already know that Kit, Billie and Carter will not stand being excluded from this one.” It was Griff that replied, casually setting down his mug. “They’re dying to come down. I called Kit on the way here. I hadn’t pre-warned them of my plan to ah … head down … so she wasn’t the most pleased with me for coming without her. She demanded that Thea send her down and said she’s coming whether or not it’s sanctioned.”

I cracked a smile at Griff’s words and Kit’s fieriness. We’d been texting non-stop, although she failed to inform me that a certain someone was planning a visit. I guess she was doing her best to help her oldest friend in his attempt to surprise me or whatever. She was always rooting for us. Which was sweet. Not to mention she was a sucker for the theatrics.

But I still gave both her and Billie an earful about it in the chat—even though the surprise factor of Griffin coming was extremely romantic.

Nevertheless, I was beyond excited to see them again. Including Carter.

The thought of having all my favourite people in the same place made me both utterly nervous and positively thrilled. I didn’t know how they would mesh together, but we’d deal with that when it happened. Out of all of them, it was Griff I would have been most worried about and honestly, that had already gone as bad as it possibly could. It was only up from here. I hoped.

“Alright, we better get moving then.” I stood, gathering up my plate and my half-full mug. I had picked on a few things even though my appetite was somewhat stifled by all the nerves. Griff got up at the same time.

“I’ll get th—” he began to say, but as he reached to take my plate from me and I simultaneously moved, the sudden shrill clang of porcelain sounded as we bumped into each other, causing my remaining coffee to spill all over me. It was warm and wet and it went everywhere, my t-shirt of choice this morning thoroughly soaked through. Luckily, my jeans remained unscathed.

“Shit. Let me.”

He made to wipe my shirt but I stepped aside.

“It’s fine, Griff. I’ll just go change.” Celeste and my mother watched us with intrigue, the former holding back a laugh.

“If that was me who spilled your coffee and ruined your top, I’d be dead.” Celeste’s tone was nothing but humorous and she watched on in mocking delight, sipping from her own mug with smug satisfaction.

“Oh, shut it.” I shot daggers her way and then dared a glance at the culprit. He gave me a wry smile, ever the confident male, even in a situation like this in a room of almost strangers.

“I can make you another cup?” He offered.

“It’s fine, really. I’ll have one at the pack house. They have better coffee anyway.” I shrugged off.

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