Genesis's legs felt like jelly as they made their way toward the car. Knight glanced down at her, his arm wrapped firmly around her waist to steady her. She looked up at him with a furrowed brow, and his smirk widened.
"It's jet lag, Princess."
Her frown deepened. Knight leaned down and swept her up into his arms. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck and sighed in relief. Her legs were grateful.
He laughed. "We've really come a long way, haven't we? I still remember how you used to flinch when I so much as brushed against you. Now I carry you around, and you love it."
Genesis's cheeks flamed, and he rubbed their noses together playfully.
Behind them, his men exchanged looks. They'd long lost count of the times their boss had gone soft and cheesy around her. It was... strange. This was Knight, after all. Not Kieran.
Genesis had both sides of her husband wrapped tightly around her little finger.
"Anyway, jet lag is—" Knight paused as one of the men opened the back door of the SUV. He stepped in with Genesis still in his arms. Two more men followed—one took the driver's seat, the other the passenger.
Even inside the car, Knight didn't let her go. She shifted, trying to move out of his lap, but when he held on tighter, she gave up.
"As I was saying," he continued, settling back comfortably with her still curled against him, "what you're feeling is jet lag. It's that weird, floaty, tired feeling you get when you cross time zones. Your body's confused. Doesn't know if it should sleep, eat, or pass out."
Genesis blinked up at him, then signed slowly:
"So… my body's confused?"
Knight chuckled. "Exactly. But don't worry—mine was, too, the first time. You'll adjust."
She huffed and leaned her head against his chest, her fingers moving sluggishly.
"Feels like my legs are pudding."
He burst out laughing. "Princess Pudding. I like that."
Her face flushed, and she swatted him lightly on the chest.
Outside, the scenery blurred as the SUV sped down the open road. The sun dipped lower, painting the sky in golden streaks.
After a quiet pause, Genesis looked up and signed,
"Where are we going?"
Knight's gaze shifted out the window, then back to her. "The academy."
She tilted her head, confused.
"Huh?"
He gave her a sly smile. "You'll see."
Her heart skipped.
There was something in his voice—in that calm, teasing way he said it—that sent a flutter of curiosity through her. She wanted to ask more, to press him, but his arms were warm and strong, and her exhausted body was already melting back into his hold.
Maybe it didn't matter where they were headed.
As long as she was with him… she was safe.
And right now, in his arms, everything felt okay.
Even if she didn't know what came next.
---
Knight stepped into the large house, Genesis still fast asleep in his arms. One of his men followed behind, carrying a single black duffel bag—they'd be staying at the academy until Tuesday. Daisy's birthday. Missing it wasn't an option.
The academy stood nestled in the misty mountains of British Columbia, Canada. Surrounded by endless forests and cloaked in silence, it wasn't far from the U.S.—but far enough for privacy and control.
As Knight entered the wide living room, warm lights blinked on above. The scent of tea, polished wood, and leather filled the air. Around the room stood several figures—some in training gear, others in sleek black suits.
His Angels.
They grinned as he stepped inside, clearly glad to see him.
Then, from the hallway, a woman approached. Calm. Poised. A middle-aged Japanese woman in a fitted white robe with a red sash around her waist. She gave Knight a deep, respectful bow, her eyes crinkling with warmth.
Knight dipped his head.
"お久しぶりです,冴子先生."
("It's been a while, Saeko-sensei.")
Saeko smiled and replied softly,
"騎士様,お帰りなさい."
("Welcome back, Lord Knight.")
Her eyes moved to the sleeping bundle in his arms.
"それが奥様ですか?"
("Is that your wife?")
Knight nodded once.
Her expression softened. She reached out and gently brushed Genesis's cheek.
"綺麗な方ですね."
("She's very beautiful.")
Knight smirked.
"もちろん.僕の妻だから."
("Of course. She's my wife.")
A few of the Angels behind him snorted.
"Tch, of course," one muttered in English with a grin. "That's such a Knight thing to say."
"Calling his wife beautiful like he didn't just turn to goo carrying her through the front door," another added with a laugh.
Saeko glanced back at them with a knowing smile but said nothing, returning her gaze to Genesis.
More Angels began to file in from different rooms—some drying sweat from training, others looking surprised at his sudden return. A tall, dark-skinned woman with long coiled braids waved excitedly from the stairwell.
"Boss!"
"You're back!"
"And you brought the queen!" someone else called out.
Knight smiled, scanning their familiar faces. If Genesis had been awake, she would've been shocked—he rarely smiled like that. Not unless it was for her, Daisy, or Eliana.
But right now?
Right now, it was clear.
These people were his family too.
"Missed me that much?"
"Always," the braided woman said with a wide grin. "We heard the rumors. So it's true—she's really your wife?"
Knight shifted Genesis slightly in his arms and replied, "Yes."
That single word was all it took.
Cheers erupted. A few whistled. Others simply smiled, exchanging looks like they'd been waiting for this moment.
Saeko stepped back with a graceful nod, folding her arms. "Everyone's missed you, Knight. But some of us were very curious if the rumors about you going soft were true."
That earned a full round of laughter from the room.
Knight rolled his eyes. "I'll be down in a few minutes," he said, turning toward the stairs. "Let me drop my wife off first. Then I'll come down."
"Make sure you tuck her in!" one of the girls called from across the room.
Knight didn't reply, but the smirk on his face said everything.
As he climbed the stairs, Genesis stirred slightly. Her eyes fluttered open, glassy and dazed, but only for a moment. She exhaled softly and relaxed again, curling deeper into his chest.
At the top of the stairs, Knight paused for a heartbeat, turning his head just enough to glance over his shoulder.
Across the room, Damon stood silently by the wall, arms folded, watching.
Their eyes met.
Knight gave him a subtle nod.
Damon nodded back, his expression unreadable.
A few minutes later.
Damon stared down at the file in his hands, flipping through the contents. His eyes widened slightly, tension creeping into his jaw.
"You knew all along," he said, voice low, almost disbelieving.