Page 55 of Stargazer

Billie was next to approach. Her deeper voice took on a friendly, lilting cadence as she addressed the Alpha. “We’ve heard many things about you, River. I apologise for my friend’s bluntness. We just all love Vee very much. But I have a feeling you do too. I look forward to working with you and getting to know you better. And thank you for your hospitality and letting us train here.” She held out her hand which River shook with a sparkling smile. “You can call me Billie.”

“Lovely to meet you, Billie. I appreciate that, and look forward to having you around and getting to know you better too. Vee has had nothing but amazing things to say about you. And thank you … for being there for her.” He gave her a warm, sincere smile and she nodded in response, her own smile growing at his words. I was glad my friend got to see the charming, true River that everyone else loved. Not the despicable picture I had painted in my anger and perceived betrayal. I hoped they’d all get to see the real version of him soon.

When Carter stepped up, he whistled. “Nice pad, mate.” Then he gripped River’s hand in a firm yet casual handshake that was more amicable than I would have expected. “Carter,” he proclaimed with a lazy grin.

Riv gave him an amused smile. “Welcome, Carter. Good to have you.”

Griff just nodded in River’s direction as he walked past.

“Wolf,” he said by way of greeting.

Riv let out a small, somewhat amused grunt. “Knight.”

Then the Alpha turned to my sister who was waiting patiently by my side, watching the whole thing unfold in observing silence. There was a moment of not knowing if he’d try to go in for a hug like he used to, but he thought better of it and instead just gave her a tight-lipped, apologetic smile. “It’s good to see you again, Celeste. Welcome to the pack house … officially.” Despite her occasional presence in our group growing up and the many, many times she’d dropped me off, she’d never actually been inside.

She took him in for a moment and I stilled in fear as I awaited her response.

“It’s good to see you too, Riv,” she finally replied, shocking me to my core.

He seemed to lighten at her response too and then added, “If you ever want to talk, or scream or ask any questions about any of this,” he gestured to himself and the house, “I’m here.”

She nodded. “Thanks. I may eventually take you up on that.”

He called his Beta forward. “You’ve met Zander before. If you ever need anything … I wouldn’t recommend him.” River laughed and Zander rolled his eyes but winked at my sister. “Myself, Skylar or Axel are your best bets,” the Alpha added, breaking the tension further.

I held back a snicker at his claim, not disagreeing.

“You can come to me for a good time though, Little Stone,” Zander taunted. Celeste snorted as she walked past him, completely ignoring the Beta’s flirty remark.

It didn’t seem to dull his spirits.

“She got hot,” he blurted out with a wicked grin once she was gone.

The glare I levelled him with could have brought down a building. “Don’t even think about it.”

I didn’t like the challenge that seemed to come from his responding deep chuckle.

The rest of the introductions went on without a hitch, the remaining warriors ranging from friendly and polite—when it came to Juliet—to intrigued or dutiful.

I thanked Riv when the others had gone inside, led by Zander to the yard out back. He had been nothing but hospitable and friendly which I was eternally grateful for.

By the time we reached the back ourselves, the remaining pack and the Knights had already introduced themselves and some were even having a friendly chat.

Zander had of course found himself in the circle of warriors that clearly cared most about their appearance and workout routine, him and Griff bantering with ease and Carter finding his place with them seamlessly. The Beta was clearly back to his usual behaviour of being loud, sarcastic and the life of the party, now that him and Griff had made some sort of weird bromance truce that I wasn’t complaining about in the least but still found extremely weird.

Skylar was catching up with Celeste, who she hadn’t seen in too long—Sky likely being the only person Cel would be eager to see again. My sister seemed oblivious to the fleeting looks Zander stole in her direction every so often. I wished I hadn’t seen them either.

Dalton and Koda were chatting, or likely flirting, with Kit, Billie and Winter. Sage and Blaze—with Bear a constant shadow behind her—were conversing with Juliet and Rose, seemingly discussing hair based on their gestures and body language.

It took me a moment to let it all sink in.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” River let the words roll off his tongue. He turned to me, cupping my shoulder as he said, “You know you made this happen, right?”

His honey eyes shone.

All I could do was smile at him before turning back to the sight before us, making sure it was still there and still real.

“You’re a bridge between two worlds, Vee. You’re amazing.” He leant down and kissed my cheek and then gave my hand a squeeze before he headed down to join them.

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