By the time we are back at the institute Will is tense.
But the rest of us are buzzing with excitement this meeting could change everything.
For me I want a chance at Collings and for Varian I could say he wants to find out something that will lead to his dad.
Peter I'm not so sure about. As he floats down the street his eyebrows are furrowed as if he is contemplating something.
Now in the silence I can't help but think back to his kiss and emotions with it. I mean I know we could die and there is no such thing as love in this life, but my heart still hopes.
As we enter the institute anxiety fills me with doubt.
Should we do this? I can't transform yet. Me and Peter can't even work together without something impulsive happening. Plus, we can't tell Laith about this meeting so if we are caught, we are alone.
Despite this we have to go, we have to understand what that message meant on the radio and if they are releasing the entities Why and How?
I mean do they make them, or do they just discover them then release them to what purpose?
Now I gathered we mean shit to them but what about their own people. The public.
Aibek comes round from the desk as we enter the institute, his expression suspicious.
'What did you guys find out? Its not like you to be back early.' Aibek gives me a pointed look.
Peter steps forward but Will holds his arm and stops him causing Peter to bristle.
'Its best if you don't know Aibek'. Will states slowly.
Well I don't agree.
'WE need you on a mission tonight you in?'
Aibek smirks 'Does Laith know about this Tier?'
Will huffs but says nothing to intervene.
'Nope.'
Then yes Tier I am in.' I smile at Aibek as his eyes twinkle mischievously.
Varian walks ahead without a word as Will rushes after him.
Peter turns and looks at me opening his mouth to say something then shaking his head.
'Meet here at 0300, okay?' I merely nod whilst looking at his emerald eyes glaze over me.
As he walks away, I hear my heartbeat thudding in my ears. Is it nerves for tonight or anticipation around Peter.
Who knows.... I head towards my room ready to face Layla and persistent questioning.
*Nine hours later*
A rough shove wakes me up.
Aibek's white eyes illuminate in the darkness.
'Tier, we are waiting for you. Come'
I get ready as quick as I can as Aibek waits outside the room.
Before I leave, I look at Layla asleep and hope she doesn't wake while I'm out.
Earlier it took hours to stop her nagging and her stubbornness knows no bounds.
She was adamant we were up to something as she saw Varian stalk through the cafeteria with Will following, which was great for me to try dispel from her mind.
As I meet Aibek in the hall all is silent not a machine can be heard not even the second floor full of construction.
My main concern is sneaking past the third floor where Laiths office is since he tends to work late.
But with a hobble and the assistance of Aibek we make it.
At the end of the hall Peter is leaned against a wall observing Will and Varian.
'We are here spanmaat.' says Aibek.
Peter meets my eye and hurries over.
He lifts my hand from Aibek and loops it around his neck, a shiver slides through me at his contact.
His ivory skin is cool to the touch and he smells of the forests I hunted in.
We havent been this close since the kiss and I don't want it to end.
No matter how selfish I am.
Peter smirks as he notices me staring.
I dart my gaze away.
Will has dragged Varian towards us.
'Right you know how much I don't want to be here but if your going to be stupid then I'm not letting you do it alone.'
'Jeez thanks.' Peter utters causing me to snort loudly.
Will glares at us.
'Aibek you lead. I will follow at the back but take Varian at the front with you to use his powers to subdue.'
Aibek nods and heads to the door with Varian following behind.
Something feels wrong without Varians snarky remarks.
Will's brows are furrowed, he is also concerned.
'You okay Erza?' Peter whispers.
I look up and his emerald eyes full of worry.
A lump forms in my throat, this is the first time a sliver of the old Peter has been revealed to me since his rescue.
I force it down with a swallow.
'Varian seems off; too quiet.'
Peter looks at Varian, his eyes scanning him.
I look back at Will who jogs up to us.
'Whats up E?' Will's eye land to Peters arm at my waist and his eyebrows raise.
'Varian seems too quiet? What's going on?'
Will sighs.
'Ever since that mission him and Laith have been butting heads. Now with his adamance to do this mission I just don't want him getting killed.'
As much as Varian annoys the shit out me seeing Will so concerned makes me uneasy.
'I'm sure he is okay. Besides he has us to have his back if anything goes wrong.' I smile hoping to ease Will's burden.
Will nods and pulls back so the back at the group.
As I step my leg throbs incessantly causing me to hiss.
Peter grips me and lifts me into the air with him.
'You don't have to. Save your strength.' I murmur.
Peter looks ahead.
'Yes I do have to since without me you would'nt have those injuries.'
Stunned I look at Peter, his jaw clenched and a grimace painted on his face.
'Dont say that Peter. Lets be honest here I wouldn't have these injuries if I had escaped with you instead of abandoning you.'
Peter inhales sharply. Looks like I struck a nerve.
'Your right about that but it did you good leaving us.'
My body spasms at the speed of my head turn.
Did me good?
Wait what. Is that what he really thinks?
'What the hell do you mean by that?'
Peter looks me in the eye.
'You got stronger which is what you needed to do.'
Peter's eyes are shining.
My heart beat echoes in my ears.
Ba-dum. Ba-dum. Ba-dum.
'Yeah but I didn't need to leave you to die Peter.' My voice is strained.
Peter pulls me closer to him as he lifts us higher.
Will shouts something but its mumbled by Peter's wind.
'No but you left us to live. That's what a predator does.'
Tears begin to blur my vision.
'But I'm not all predator and I don't want to be if it makes me act like that.'
Peter lifts my chin with his free hand and he brushes a tear from my scar.
'No but a human comes back. You came back Erza.' Peter's voice is melodic.
So without thinking I lean forward and kiss him.
It's not a soft kiss as that's not my nature.
Its intense just like my feelings for him.
When we pull away Peter shudders.
'Do you have any idea what I felt when I saw you in your wolf form outside my cell? I could of died happy then Erza.'
I chuckle.
'It took me three months to practice you know.'
Peter laughs before becoming subdued.
'I cant promise this going to be easy Erza. We have so much we need to do and fix in this place. I can't promise you I can forgive you for leaving us. But just don't get killed.'
I nod at Peter's words.
There is nothing to say, I knew he would not able to forgive such a betrayal easily but his understanding is more than I ever hoped.
'OI lovebirds. We are here!' Varian yells.
Ah there is his snark.
Peter lowers us to the ground.
Just down the road Big Ben stands before us as rush down Birdcage walk.
Unlike London the roads are dead. There is no civilian in sight. The only light on in the whole street is Big Ben.
Panic flares in my chest. This is as serious as we thought.