Arrow Inferno
Chapter 28: Stanley ‘STAN’ Norris vs. Ian ‘WILL’ Williams ~ Danger and charm… Mystery lady!

***

In the days that followed, their schedules went back to normal. Both men were back to their rigorous training routines so barely had time for other things. They however spent whatever free time they had together. Per the training schedule, the recruits were to be trained in knife combat. It was a very important part of the training of any Arrowhead because knowing how to wield a knife could save a life. So for that, Stan had engaged an expert to handle the recruits. A friend had agreed to do that for him as a personal favour.

Will had just finished giving a short lecture on the importance of knowing how to handle a knife when Stan's phone rang. Immediately after he said hello, a brilliant grin split his lips.

"Of course, I've missed you." He laughed softly, making Will turn to give him a curious look. "Aw cut the crap."

Stan opened a file and scanned through its contents as he spoke so he didn't see the reaction of the men standing around. But he heard the collective intake of breath from the men and literally felt the hush. He also noticed that the voice on the phone somehow sounded louder and seemed to be coming from behind him. Stan raised his head and realized everyone was staring behind him. Hell, some of the recruits were virtually drooling.

"What's going on?" He muttered as he turned to look behind him. His grin became even wider. He didn't end the call but continued speaking. "You know how to make an entrance don't you?" He started forward. A completely bemused Will fell into step beside him.

"I sure do." A lady of about twenty-five who was at that very moment speaking on phone whilst strutting with classy confidence towards Stan laughed delightedly.

The dark-haired beauty looked like she'd stepped out of a page in the Vogue magazine. She was wearing a simple but elegant black, low-neck, sleeveless jumpsuit which showed a hint of her perky creamy breasts and showed off her generous curves. The six-inch-high maroon heels she was rocking perfectly complemented her outfit. Her long dark hair fell down her back like a waterfall, flowing behind her as she moved. And her face...that chiseled chin, high cheekbones, and dark eyes gave her a sophisticated look but those long lashes, which were actually natural, added a touch of innocence. Her flawless makeup only enhanced her beauty even more. She was a stunner! But her ability to captured people's attention went beyond her looks. She had an aura around her that always drew all eyes to her anytime she entered a room. She was born with it!

"Who is she?" Will asked, his gaze fixed on the gorgeous lady coming towards them.

"She's the one coming to handle the...knives." Stan couldn't contain his amusement.

"What? But she's a... Isn't she a model or something?" Will stuttered, totally confused. "I thought we were expecting a guy. G. Jilani." "Gaia Jilani. And she's a badass."

"Damn right I am." Gaia laughed as she walked straight into Stan's arms, both finally disconnecting their lines.

"Fuck, it's good to see you." Stan couldn't suppress his delight as he picked up and twirled the sexy lady around.

From the day Gaia, the sassy vampire, and her brother, mother, and some other members of her family landed on Stanwood Pack to claim the son of his friend Jeremy, the two of them had become great friends. Whilst Gaia had adored his craziness, Stan had admired her sassiness and mischief. Gaia sometimes spent her weekends with Stan in any of his hotels, partying and having endless fun. One would have thought someone his age couldn't possibly hit it off with someone who was over a hundred years old but the mutual respect and fondness they had for each other went beyond age. Gaia was also a frequent visitor to Stanwood Pack. She loved to spend time with little Sylver, Jeremy's son who was her brother's mate since her brother couldn't be around his mate until he was older. Sylver adored Gaia.

Their friendship was pure and firm. When Stan had informed her that he had to take a trip to West Africa for an important training, Gaia had expressed her wish to come too since according to her, she'd never been to the Western part of Africa. And that's when it occurred to Stan that he could actually use the vampire. Who better to teach the recruits how to handle knives than an over a century-old vampire? Their flair with swords and knives was legendary. When he'd run that by Gaia, she'd accepted with alacrity. The Admiral had loved the idea too since he trusted Stan's judgement. It had, therefore, been arranged even before he left the States for Ghana.

"You must be shitting me." Gaia suddenly groaned and buried her face in Stan's neck.

"What is it?" Stan stopped twirling her and put her down.

"Jealousy rears its ugly head!" She said simply, looking at Will's retreating back. "Your man is dying of jealousy." She looked up at a confused Stan with a smirk.

"You've been talking to Paige." It wasn't a question. Stan didn't bother denying that he had a man. "And my man has no reason to be jealous."

"Tell that to him." Gaia chuckled. "The emotion is hitting me hard, Stanley. And it's coming directly from him." She gave a naughty grin as she wrapped her arms around Stan and gave him a mock seductive look. "I might as well turn on the seductive shit." She giggled as Stan groaned. "Oh my god, I'm going to enjoy this." The naughty vampire was definitely in her element.

"Gaia, don't fuck with him..." Stan growled, glancing behind him to see what was happening. Will was speaking to the recruits at the knife-throwing range. "How do you even know which one..."

"...is your mate?" Gaia finished his sentence. "I've been in town for a while now, you naughty wolf." The two started a leisurely walk towards where Will seemed to be instructing the recruits. "Had to check out the territory and pay homage to the clan here. That's how we the older, well-mannered, and classy species do it." She drawled.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, bite me." Stan laughed. "That high horse makes your ass look huge, sweetie," he drawled making Gaia laugh. "Strange that I haven't smelt you around though."

"That's probably because you've been smelling with your dick."

"Fuck you." Stan laughed.

"Go fuck Will, honey," She drawled. "Don't worry, I cloaked my scent so you couldn't have smelt me."

"Good. For a second I thought I was losing my touch."

"Imagine my surprise when I saw your wolf with Will one dawn. What the fuck were you thinking coming that close to camp in that form by the way?" She scolded.

"I was careful."

"And why did you have to stay with him in that forest till that time? Y'all having bestiality sex or what?" She screeched.

"Get your mind out of the gutter, great-grandma."

"Well, don't blame this old mind for relaxing with a glass of wine inside that gutter. This generation is capable of anything."

That made Stan laugh. He loved to mercilessly tease Gaia about her age. And she never failed to give a sassy comeback. He smiled when he noticed that Will had gotten the recruits arranged in an orderly and official manner, ready to receive Gaia.

"So I called Paige and she gave me the juice. That goddess y'all worship though..." She rolled her eyes. "But he's damn hot." She elbowed Stan. "Since you don't like the idea of me making him jealous, I think I'll just go ahead and make a pass at him instead."

"Gaia..." Stan growled.

"Aw shush, your animal is showing." She stopped walking then and turned to face Stan. "There's something I've noticed though."

"What." Stan frowned.

"Will..."

"What about him?"

"There's something...never mind..." She began to walk again but Stan stopped her.