Chapter 2 Return to the Shadows

TRINITY

I folded the last of my clothes into the suitcase, zipping it shut with a sigh. My fingers traced the faded fabric of my old pack hoodie, a strange mix of dread and nostalgia stirring within me. You're just going for a few days, I reminded myself, rolling my shoulders back as if I could physically shake off the nerves. In, out, and back to your life.

I dragged the suitcase to the door, taking one last look around my small apartment. It wasn't much-just four plain walls, minimal furniture, a little balcony overlooking a busy street-but it was mine. Here, I didn't have to constantly look over my shoulder or hear the whispers of people who saw me as "Trinity the Wolf-less."

Grabbing my keys, I slipped out, tossed my luggage into the trunk, and slid behind the wheel. The streets were quiet, my headlights casting long beams across the darkened road as I set out toward home. A low, creeping sense of unease wound its way through me as I drove, the weight of the past creeping in with every mile closer I got to the pack lands.

About halfway there, my phone lit up with a familiar name: Cara.

I accepted the call, pressing the phone to my ear. "Hey, Cara."

"Trin!" Her voice was a burst of excitement. "You're on your way, right?"

"Yeah," I replied, glancing at the dark road ahead. "I'll be there, but probably late. Don't start the party without me."

She laughed, and the sound was like a small comfort in the quiet of the night. "I'd never. And don't worry-no one's expecting you to waltz in and make a scene. Just... be there, okay?"

I forced a smile, though she couldn't see it. "I'll be there. Promise."

We said our goodbyes, and I hung up, but the knot in my chest only tightened. With each mile that passed, doubt clawed at me. Do I really need to do this? After everything, am I really ready to go back? I shook my head, trying to brush it off. I was only staying for a few days. I could handle it. Besides, I had promised Cara, and a small part of me-a very small part-wanted to prove to everyone that I wasn't the same timid girl who left all those years ago.

The sky deepened as I approached the pack lands, the road winding between towering trees that loomed over me, dark and shadowed. My heart began to race as the familiar sights slid by, each one a reminder of a world I'd tried to leave behind.

Finally, I reached the mansion-the Alpha's mansion, gleaming against the night, lights spilling from every window. Cars filled the drive and spilled onto the surrounding grass, voices and laughter drifting through the open doors. I pulled up at the edge of the property, my hands tightening around the steering wheel as I took in the bustling crowd. There was no turning back now. I had to go in.

With a deep breath, I stepped out of the car and made my way around to the back entrance. I wasn't ready for the eyes, the stares, the whispers that would follow if I walked in through the front. Tonight wasn't about me, and the last thing I needed was to draw attention to myself.

Slipping inside, I found myself standing at the edge of the grand hall, its vaulted ceilings and polished marble floors gleaming under the warm glow of chandeliers. Rows of people filled the space, pack members of every rank and age dressed in their finest, all eyes focused on the stage at the front. I spotted Cara just a few rows away, her head craned to look around, searching for me. But I stayed put, lingering in the shadows as I took in the scene.

At the center of the hall stood the Alpha, commanding the room with his presence, his voice steady and authoritative as he spoke about tradition, honor, and loyalty. The things I was supposed to feel as a pack member, I thought wryly. But standing here, I felt none of that.

My gaze drifted over the crowd landing on my cousins, who sat front and center, poised and radiant. They looked every bit the part, their dresses shimmering under the lights as they leaned forward, eyes glued to the stage. They were practically glowing, and I knew why: tonight, the triplets would finally choose their partners-mates who would stand beside them as they assumed their roles as Alphas.

The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. This is why I was called back-to witness their rise, to watch my cousins be celebrated, while I... I pushed the thought away, swallowing the bitterness that rose in my throat. This was their night. Not mine.

The Alpha's voice echoed through the hall, but I barely heard his words, my focus blurring as memories surfaced unbidden. The years of being mocked, isolated, pushed aside, all because I was different, because I didn't have what they had. I'd endured it all, hidden the hurt, told myself I didn't care. But standing here, surrounded by faces I hadn't seen in years, it all came rushing back, sharper and more painful than ever.

I could feel the weight of every gaze that had ever looked down on me, every sneer and scoff even though they had their back faced to me and their full concentration on the Alpha and his immaculate family. No one had noticed me but the urge to turn and leave clawed at me, but I stayed rooted to the spit, breathing in deeply as I tried to steady myself. It's only for a few days," I reminded myself. Just a few days.

And then, in the midst of it all, something strange happened.

A scent drifted toward me, faint at first but growing stronger with each breath. It was warm and rich, with a hint of spice that prickled at the edges of my senses. It was unlike anything I'd ever smelled-both foreign and familiar, like a distant memory I couldn't quite place.

My heart thudded, my instincts kicking in as I tried to pinpoint the source, the scent wrapping around me, pulling me in. It was intoxicating, irresistible, and it seemed to seep into my very bones, igniting something I didn't understand.

I blinked, scanning the crowd, searching for the origin of that scent, but all I could see were the same familiar faces, oblivious to the fore that was beginning to burn within me.

Then, as I turned to look in the direction of the Alphas' family I saw them. The Triplets-they were all now looking in my direction. Did they perceive it too? I wondered. My heart pounded, my senses heightened, my thoughts a whirl of confusion and curiosity as I stood there at that same spot, breathless, a strange longing filling the empty spaces within me as their gaze lingered in my direction.

And then I realized-whatever that scent was, it was calling the Triplets to me as they all stood up walking in my direction.

I didn't understand it, I didn't understand why they were now walking towards me, but I couldn't stand there to find out why. I turned around as I ran out of the grand hall, I ran as fast as my fragile legs could carry me.

I didn't know why I was running but I knew I couldn't stand back to find out.