the Triplets' Silent Mate

Chapter 2 – The Gift

Ayla’s POV

Luna Ria disappeared into the packhouse the moment she saw me moving. Someone must’ve called her—she would’ve waited otherwise. She and Alpha Jack had taken me in after the fall of my pack.

I push the thought away and focus on breathing.

The closer I get to the packhouse, the harder it is to breathe. Not because of the cold, but because of the noise.

Laughter spills out into the night—too loud, too easy. It echoes around me, mixing with music that thumps low and steady, like a heartbeat I don’t belong to. It’s… alive in there. Too alive.

I stop at the door for a second longer than I should. Then I push it open.

Heat hits me all at once. It makes my skin sting where the cold had settled too deep. I don’t move right away. I just stand there, letting it soak in while everything else rushes over me—smells, sounds, and movement. Too many bodies in one space.

I step inside before I can change my mind.

The room is perfectly decorated—definitely Luna Ria’s doing. Garlands twist along the beams, red ribbon threaded through them.

A huge Christmas tree stands tall and bright in the corner of the room, flickering its light in yellow harmony.

People fill every corner—talking, laughing, and leaning into each other like it’s natural. They act as if they’ve never had to consider their position or whether they are welcome.

I stay near the wall.

It’s easier there.

No one really looks my way. A few glance over, then look away just as quickly, like I’m something they don’t want to get caught looking at.

That’s fine.

I don’t want their attention.

My hoodie stands out immediately—it's too thin and too dull compared to the thick knits and bright colors everyone else is wearing. I tug at the sleeve without thinking, fingers twisting the fabric.

There’s a table near the tree filled with expensive-looking gifts. Bright paper. Shiny bows. Too many colors all at once.

Kael stands nearby, calling names like he owns the moment. People step forward, laughing before they even open anything. Someone pulls out a pair of ridiculous socks, and the whole room erupts like it’s the funniest thing they’ve ever seen.

I watch from where I am. I always watch, never interact. No one has ever given me anything that’s mine.

“Ayla.” My name lands wrong, like it doesn’t belong in a place this loud.

I don’t move at first, but then I realize everyone is looking.

Kael’s eyes harden. "Get a move on!" he barks. "The rest are waiting."

"Give it to me," Ryker sneers.

I step forward slowly, my heart already racing. Ryker pushes a small box into my hands and whispers, "Guess someone actually thought of you."

I ignore him, looking at the gift in my hands. It’s plain, with no colorful wrapping and no pretty ribbon. Just a simple brown box.

I turn it slightly, running my thumb along the edge where it’s bent in. The cardboard is rough and soft in places where it’s been handled too much. I wonder who would give me a gift.

I open it; it's a pair of simple gray gloves. Nothing special, but something useful.

"I guess they were someone's extras,” someone says.

A few quiet laughs follow, not loud enough to draw attention—just enough to settle under my skin, but I ignore them. Whoever gifted these to me must have noticed I didn't have any.

I nod once as a thank you—an automatic reaction and a habit.

I don’t trust my hands enough to put them on, so I close the box again and head back to the wall. No one stops me; they’ve already moved on.

Another name. Another laugh. Another moment that isn’t mine. The air feels too tight, and I head toward the door.

My hand is on the handle when I hear my name. That voice isn’t sharp; it's not mocking or unkind, yet it makes my chest pull tight anyway.

I slowly turn around, seeing Alpha Jack standing a few steps away, Luna Ria beside him.

Luna Ria smiles at me, not the same kind of smile everyone else wears—it's quieter, as if she can feel my grief inside me.

“Come here, child," she says, extending her hand. "I’ve got something for you.”

I hesitate for a moment before I move.

They lead me a little off to the side, where the light is softer and the noise doesn’t hit as hard.

Alpha Jack looks at me, his blue eyes soft, like that of a father. Kind. Hopeful. He really looks at me—not through me, not past me. He sees me for me. It’s kind of uncomfortable, but not in the way I’m used to.

Luna Ria places something in my hands.

A small box. Wrapped this time in a beautiful dark green color—it reminds me of the forest—and a silver ribbon, reminding me of the moon.

For a second, I just stare at it, my brows knitting in confusion.

"It's for you," she says gently. "Open it."

And I do. My fingers curl around the box before I carefully open it.

I stop breathing the moment my eyes fall on the silver necklace. It isn’t new—but I would recognize that pendant anywhere.

I raise my gaze to find Luna Ria’s. The silent question lingers in the air for just a moment. Luna Ria’s gaze shifts to Alpha Jack's.

“We found it in what remained of your old pack,” he explains quietly. "We thought it would bring you some closure."

I know what he means.

His words don’t hit all at once; they sink in slowly, and then, everything tilts.

Alpha Jack stands closer, grabbing my shoulders, but it’s all too late.

Images of that night flash before my eyes in broken fragments.

Fire.

Blood.

Red eyes.

My mother’s voice—

Don’t let them find you—

"Oh dear, Ayla, are you alright?" Luna Ria’s voice rings in my ears.

I blink hard. The room comes back, but it doesn’t feel steady.

The necklace shakes slightly in my hands; it belongs to me. It’s mine.

I don’t notice the tears at first, just the heat of them as they fall.

I try to stop and force them back, but it doesn’t work.

Alpha Jack gently moves me to a nearby chair and sets me down, and then Luna Ria’s hands close gently over mine.

“Easy,” she murmurs. "I know you’re hurting. We’re here for you. You know that, don't you?"

I nod, even though I’m not sure what I’m agreeing to.

I fasten the necklace with clumsy fingers; the metal is cold against my skin, but it warms quickly. It settles, as if it knows it belongs there.

Alpha Jack’s voice cuts through quietly.

“Tonight is your eighteenth birthday.”

I nod.

He watches me for a moment. “Are you ready for your first shift?”

My wolf stirs inside me, as if she heard the question. She's awake—really awake.

Fear comes first, then something sharper, but not quite excitement.

I’ve always been alone; that won’t change tonight.

I lift my chin and nod. It’s the only answer I have.

Luna Ria’s expression softens. “You won’t be alone anymore. You'll have someone to be by your side—always."

I know she's trying.

Something in my chest tightens—electric, impossible to ignore.

Something’s coming.

And it’s going to change everything.

****