Chapter 4: Trinity POV

The night air is calm. The two-hour drive out here always helps me clear my mind. It’s now one in the morning. Everything is quiet. The forest is remote, far from human noise and nosy wolves. Zuri loves this place. The woods are overrun with deer and rabbits—perfect hunting grounds for my wild half to run free.

Now that I think about it, no other forest I’ve been to has this much prey. It’s like something—or someone—ensures it stays fertile. Maybe that should’ve been a red flag. I can let Zuri run until 5, get home by 7, get about 4 hours of sleep, and be in the office by noon.

I turn off onto the hidden service road and park under the big willow tree. Probably illegal to park here, but no one ever checks this area, especially not at night. I get out, stretch, and climb the tree to stash a bag with a spare set of clothes—just in case.

After stashing my essentials—phone, wallet, keys—I begin to strip. The air kisses my skin, warm and inviting beneath the moonlight. For a moment, I just breathe, letting the breeze wash over me.

Okay, Zuri. You ready?

My skin heats, and the pain begins—the snap and stretch of bone as my body shifts. It hurts more than it should. Feels almost like my first time. Mental note: never wait this long between shifts again.

Shit.

It feels like an eternity, but finally, Zuri is free.

My magnificent girl. Her fur is a golden honey brown, like my skin, with black patches along her hind legs and white ones on her front. On her right shoulder is the mark of the Moon Goddess—black fur shaped like a crescent moon, outlined in white, with three white stars.

Zuri says it means we’re blessed. I’ve never heard of another wolf carrying the Moon Goddess’s mark.

She stretches, shakes her fur, and lifts her nose to the air.

Smells like deer for dinner.

Enjoy. I need a break from... everything.

Trinity...

Hmm?

We’ll be okay. Trust the Moon Goddess. We’ve been hiding for too long. She’s about to push us into the open.

You sound like you know something I don’t. Want to fill me in?

When the time is right. Just know this: the were-community can’t wait on your timeline anymore.

Zuri, I don’t know what that means.

I know. But remember—we’re in this together. There’s no human I’d rather be paired with, even if you keep me locked up like some caged pet.

I love you, Zuri.

Love you too. Now hush. Enjoy the ride.

And just like that, we’re running.

The wind in our fur feels better than anything.

We’re following the scent of a buck—it’s close. The scent trail almost glows in the air.

Zuri has been running for a couple of hours now. Playing with her food. Enjoying the chase.

Zur... wait. Do you smell that? There's something else... mixed in with the buck.

I smell it. That’s not prey. That’s one of us.

A rogue?

No. It’s a pack scent.

There are no packs near here.

This smell says otherwise... I think a pack has moved onto these lands, and we have ventured into their territory.

We need to leave. Now.

If we can smell them, they can smell us—Zuri can’t mask our scent when we are in wolf form.

The scent grows stronger as we get closer to the car.

Zuri, we need to shift. Now.

We can’t risk being seen as a threat. Not in this form. And Zuri’s appearance… her mark… It’s too much.

Only my parents and Dr. Langston have ever seen Zuri.

We find a bush near the willow tree and shift back. My limbs ache from the rapid shift, but I push through. As quickly and quietly as possible, I inch toward the car.

Shit. Warriors.

Looks like Zuri was right—a pack has moved into this area.

Maybe they’ll forgive the trespass.

“YOU THERE! COME OUT! I CAN SMELL YOU.”

Here we go.

“I’m coming out!”

I step into view, hands up.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know this was claimed land. I used to come here to run. It’s been months since my last time.”

“It’s been more than a few months. We’ve held this territory for over a year.” He eyes me sharply. “Name. Pack.”

“Trinity. I don’t belong to a pack.”

He smirks. “You don’t smell like a rouge... and you sure as hell don’t look like one either.” his eyes roamed my body, lingering at my breast.

“Lone wolf and rogue are two different things, you know. Also... do you mind if I get dressed?”

“I kinda like the view, but I’ll allow it—if I get to watch.” He winks.

Ugh.

If this guy is any sign of what this pack’s males are like, the females here have it rough.

“Could you also ask your friends to stop staring? What, your pack doesn’t have any women?”

He goes quiet. His eyes glazed. Mind linking.

Good. While he's distracted, I grab my clothes. Everything’s already outside the car—wallet, keys, and phone tossed aside. They searched it fast.

As I pull on my leggings, the other wolves around the car growl low and tense.

What now?

Romeo over there is back, but his whole vibe has changed.

“Trinity Lykoudis.”

My breath catches. My heart slams against my ribs.

This is not good.

“You’re coming with us. You’re wanted for questioning.”

What?

I can’t speak. Can’t move. A burning sensation flares on my wrists—silver cuffs.

The wolves shift back into human form, grab my things, and flank me as we start walking.

My chest tightens.

There’s only one Alpha who would issue this order.

Irune.

Will he execute me on sight?

Will he even listen?

What the hell do I even say?