Page 30 of Supernova

I’m completely broken.

Where did I even start? How bad did he hurt me? Was I traumatised?

Taking in my conflicted expression, his thumb gently rubbed my shoulder in comforting circles.

“You’re a Knight now, Cosmo. You’re strong. No one can hurt you again, unless you let them.”

I nodded, grateful for the words of encouragement. Especially from him.

He smiled to himself. “Cosmo. I like that. I like that a lot. That’ll stick.” I rolled my eyes but I couldn’t help the stupid grin that spread across my face. The prick knew how to distract me.

“I love it when you roll your eyes at me.”

I forced myself to glare at him which he returned with a grin. He nodded at the sais still in my hands, “Looks like those were waiting for you after all. You were great.”

I bit my bottom lip as I observed them, turning them slowly to take in all their beauty. “Looks like they were.”

When I looked up again, Griffin's silver eyes were fervently watching me. “He brought you down.” He seemed to mutter the words somberly under his breath, almost to himself.

As if realising the softness in his tone, he picked himself up and his eyes brightened. “I hate seeing you so dejected. I don’t normally do this but I’d be happy to make an exception for you and offer my personal services to pick you back up? I’ll even let you take control.”

“Oh my god, Griff. Really?” I hardly thought now was the time for one of his attempts at me but I had to admit that it did lighten the mood. Although, I couldn’t tell if it was a joke or not. I’m sure there was some slither of seriousness to it.

One may have assumed his weapons were the most dangerous thing in his arsenal. But it was his mouth.

And by that I meant his words… although I’m sure it would also be great at other things.

I didn’t have too long to mull it over or come up with something smart to say as Thea’s footsteps seemed to echo through the gym. Without even turning, I could tell it was her.

She reached the mat where we trained; arms crossed, posture poised, eyes hard. “I watched you train. Seems like you’re a natural with those.” Like her son, she nodded to my new weapons. Her demeanour was cold but her words were somewhat warm. And it was strangely disarming.

“Oh, thanks Thea.”

“Guess you are a Stone after all. Glad to see it.”

I wasn’t given a chance to reply as she abruptly walked away, heading towards one of the other officials. I hated that those words, her approval, meant so much to me. But here I was, revelling. She was one hell of a scary lady and having her like me, even a little bit, made the people-pleaser in me rejoice. She was warming up to me. Another sure sign that I was fitting in.

I looked to the other Gray that still remained beside me, looking content. Proud even. “Well, I got the elusive approval of two Grays in one morning. Looks like it’s going to be a good day,” I chuckled.

CHAPTER 21

When Saturday night came around again, I was ready to go out and get a bit wild. So when Carter asked us as we lazed around on the couches, I was the first to volunteer. The girls squealed with excitement. They couldn’t wait to take me out.

“Okay, we need to get ready. Bye boys.” Kit waved as she grabbed my arm and pulled me up the stairs towards the Bunker with Billie following close behind. The boys didn’t move from the couch. They clearly would not need as much time as us to get ready, especially considering how perfect they already always looked.

“Goodluck, Vee. You’re going to need it,” Carter called after us with a chuckle as we ascended the staircase.

“This is going to be so much fun. Especially with another girl on our side,” Billie proclaimed as she took the steps two at a time. I grinned at them both as I let Kitana pull me along.

She stopped when she got to our beds. Heading straight for my cupboard she pulled out my black satin dress. “We’ll ease you into it,” she said, like a girl on a mission. Walking back to her own wardrobe she fished around until she found a pair of pointed black heeled boots that laced up at the front. They had a little peep-toe feature and the sides were a mesh material. “These will be perfect for you.”

“Are you sure, Kit?” I asked. I felt bad to use any of her gorgeous clothes. But I was also grateful that they were boots and would provide me with even a little bit of support. Opportunities to go out in Saint Claire hardly came around, so naturally I was very out of practice with heels.

“Please,” Billie intervened as she walked across to her stuff. “Kit has way too many clothes; they could use the extra love.” Billie’s bed was in the row across from us, a few spots down. The Bunker was quiet, with most people out already, utilising the free time in any way they saw fit. Some hung around the compound, dispersed across the various sections, while others took the first opportunity to leave the clutches of the academy and enjoy the free rein of the city. Even still, a few members were lounging around now, lazing in their beds. They paid no attention to us.

Kit nodded in agreement. “Totally. This is what I live for.” She rummaged further through her stuff before grabbing out what looked like a torn up black dress. Holding her makeup bag and dress in one hand, she grabbed my arm again with the other, once again pulling me as she made a beeline for the bathroom, straight to the mirrors. Billie joined us a few minutes later, putting on some music to get us in the mood. We didn’t care who entered, we had claimed the bathroom as we did our makeup; dancing, laughing and singing. And I was already having the best time. Billie and Kit fawned over me, fiddling with my hair and makeup until they were satisfied.

A little while later, as I inspected Kit’s dress on her perfect frame, I found that it was not a shredded up piece of material, like I initially thought, but instead a tiny, long sleeve mini that had round cut outs all up the sleeves and down the front of the dress. The neckline was a gorgeous halter and the sleeves were detached at the shoulders, connected to the sides of the dress by the tiniest slither of material that didn’t look like it would hold. It was a typical Kitana-style dress: sultry, powerful and badass, thanks to all the straps created by the cuts in the material. She straightened her short platinum hair and added a smokey eye and a red lip, making her ocean eyes look even more stunningly apparent. She finished the look up with black strappy heels. A true sight to behold; this girl was something else.

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