IN

my old pack hoodie, a strange mix of dread and nostalgia stirring within me. You're just going for a few days, I rem

plain walls, minimal furniture, a little balcony overlooking a busy street-but it was mine. Here, I didn't

my headlights casting long beams across the darkened road as I set out toward home. A low, creeping sense of unease wo

my phone lit up with

pressing the phone to

burst of excitement. "Yo

road ahead. "I'll be there, but probably

iet of the night. "I'd never. And don't worry-no one's expect

h she couldn't see it.

? 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,

ng trees that loomed over me, dark and shadowed. My heart began to race as the f

rive and spilled onto the surrounding grass, voices and laughter drifting through the open doors. I pulled up at the edge of the pro

sn't ready for the eyes, the stares, the whispers that would follow if I walked in through the

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

steady and authoritative as he spoke about tradition, honor, and loyalty. The things I was

heir dresses shimmering under the lights as they leaned forward, eyes glued to the stage. They were practically glowing, and I knew w

ess their rise, to watch my cousins be celebrated, while I... I pushed the thought aw

ocked, 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 mys

d 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

st of it all, someth

and rich, with a hint of spice that prickled at the edges of my senses. It was unlike anyth

e scent wrapping around me, pulling me in. It was intoxicating, irresistible, a

hat scent, but all I could see were the same familiar faces,

Did they perceive it too? I wondered. My heart pounded, my senses heightened, my thoughts a whirl of confusion and curiosity as I sto

as, it was calling the Triplets to me as

rds me, but I couldn't stand there to find out why. I turned around as I r

unning but I knew I could