What Once Was Mine

Chapter 3

*Trinity*

“Hmmm... I think that I over-packed, baby.” Looking out at the mess I’ve made all over our living room, pondering how we are going to get this all on a plane.

"Ummm babe, you realize that Silver Moon will have a lot of this stuff, right?" Troy says as he slides his hands around my waist and rests his chin on my shoulder. It’s an instant delicious spark that crawls all over my body, and I will never get tired of it. I feel him nip at my earlobe, and there is nothing stopping the shiver that runs through my body.

We met a little over a year ago, and I will never forget that day as long as I live. The day before Malinda and Landon’s mating ceremony, she had a run in with several rogues. It was a scary situation because Mal had her friend, Luna Stacy, of the Stone Mountain Pack and little Ellie in the car with her.

They were off pack lands, and once the rogues spotted them a car chase ensued. I remember hearing about the details, and I was shocked. The funny thing about it was when it ended, Ellie was like, "That was awesome!" and totally fan-girling over her mama. It was cute and her enthusiasm helped us all calm down.

I, of course, knew who Gamma Troy was. He was and still is the essence of sexy and absolutely drool-worthy. He did not have a mate and had no problem flirting with everyone. I will never forget when he came to my little office in the hospital. I heard a loud knock on the door, and it startled me...

*Twelve Months Ago,*

"Come in."

I look up to see Troy standing there. I suck in a ragged breath, and I can feel myself blush as he enters. I quickly stand up and bow my head a bit out of respect. He tilts his head at me with a smile, "Trinity, right?" He extends his hand, and I grasp it with my trembling one. The feel of his skin on mine made me all warm and fuzzy. I can’t help how my eyes are traveling down his body.

The t-shirt he’s wearing is pulled in all the right spots. Hmmm, I wonder if he’s rocking a six-pack or an eight. I bite my lip as I take in the tattoos that are traveling down his arms; they are vibrant, and I want nothing more than to run my fingers along the designs. What the hell is wrong with me?

I try very hard to force my eyes slowly back up to meet his eyes. I'm greeted with a smirk plastered on his face as he sits down in the empty chair across from my desk. I attempt to talk but fail miserably. "Hi, ummm... ahhh." I’m now sweating like crazy. Damn it! I exhale and try to collect myself, holy crap he’s so hot.

"Gam - Gamma Troy, how can I help you?"

"Alpha tells me that you have been blessed by the Moon Goddess with a gift. The gift of truth."

I’m desperately trying to focus but keep getting lost in his eyes. I could feel my face blush a bit, but I needed to put my big girl panties on and find my confidence. I lift my chin and look him directly in the eye... deep breath, annnd go.

"Yes, Gamma, you have been informed correctly."

"Trinity, today the Luna was involved in a run-in with rogues, and they are currently in the cells. The rogues went after her while Luna Stacy and Ellie were with her." I’m trying to keep my professional manner, but I can't stop my eyes from getting big or the small growl that slips past my lips. How dare they! How dare they go after our Luna and her pup!

"We - Alpha, Beta and I - are wondering if you would come with us for the interrogations. We could really use your help to identify who is telling the truth and who isn’t."

"I'm in!" I say without hesitation.

I watch him blink in surprise at how passionate I’m about this. He leans over my desk to assess if I’ve just lost my mind or not.

"You realize that this could get violent... I’ve never been in an interrogation that wasn’t." I nod my head in agreement and raise my chin even higher. I’m being asked to help protect our Luna... the answer to this question will always be yes.

"How old are you?"

"Seventeen, almost eighteen, sir."

"Please do not call me sir," he says with a laugh. “Sir makes me feel old,” and he flops back in the chair. "How did you get into this position at your age?"

"I skipped a few grades, sir... I mean Gamma." He smiles a very genuine smile at me and I’m desperately trying to suppress the way my body shivers. Oh god, I’ve reached a new level of low when it comes to this man.

"Trinity, it’s okay to call me Troy. Especially tonight. While we are down there, we must work as a team. We honestly just want you to listen. The goal is you do not have to do anything else. If we address you, we will give the impression you hold a high rank in the pack. So, we work as a team and we do not use titles with each other, okay?" I nod in acknowledgement.

He paused, then added: "Skipped a few grades? That's impressive!"

"Ah, yeah. My parents used to say that I was an old soul. They thought that my blessing aged me a bit. You know not being able to lie is very freeing but living with everyone else’s lies, well that can weigh on you. The weight of everyone else’s lies takes a toll. To be honest, I think that is what has caused me to seem older."

He just stares at me and listens. It’s a bit unnerving. I’m having a hard time thinking straight around him. It’s damn near overwhelming. I shake my head a bit to regain my composure.

I watch as he stands up getting ready to leave. "Wear jeans and a t-shirt. You also might want to bring a sweatshirt because it can get cold in the cells." I nod my head again because it’s all I can manage to do. "I will link you when it’s time to head over. Thank you for helping us." He opens the door to head out.

"See you later, Troy." His name rolls off my tongue like silk. I couldn't help but notice that he grips the door a bit tighter, and a vein in his neck twitches. He looks over his shoulder and nods to me and walks out. The door clicks closed behind him. I slowly sit back in my chair; my eyes not moving from where he just stood.

“Holy crap.”

By the time they text me to join them in the cells, I’ve already showered, my hair is done, and I’m dressed. I’ll turn eighteen at midnight, so I’m planning on going out with my friends after the interrogation, no matter how late we get done.

I’ve been looking forward to this night my whole life. I look myself over in the mirror. I did beach waves in my hair. My makeup is not club ready but it’s on point. The less I have to do later, the better.

My jeans have a few rips over my thighs but nothing too crazy. I paired it with my University of Paisley hoodie. I look around my room and grab my bag with my change of clothes in it, slide my Sanuks on and head out the door.

I run down to the kitchen; I really don’t want to be late. The thought of having to walk into the cell area unaccompanied kinda freaks me out so I’m hustling to get downstairs. The door to access the cells is in the back of the kitchen. I throw my bag onto an empty stool, check my phone and look up as I hear the guys coming.

My phone slides out of my hands when I see him. I try to catch the damn thing but apparently juggling is not my forte. I watch as the device goes flying in the air, like a bad movie in freaking slow motion. I close my eyes not wanting to witness its demise.

“Hey, that was close.”

I slowly open my eyes and Troy tosses it to me with a wink... holy f**k, he’s hot.

He walks past me and whatever cologne he’s wearing consumes my senses. I have to grip the counter as my knees wobble a bit. I’m trying so hard to clear my head, but I can’t help noticing the sharp intake of breath he takes as he looks at me.

Dear goddess, please don’t smell my arousal… please don’t smell my arousal… f*****g werewolves.

I exhale a bit more exaggerated than I plan as Sam starts talking to me. Honestly, I’m only half paying attention.

“Trinity, are you ready for this?” Beta Sam asks while looking at me.

“Yeah Sam. I mean, yeah I’m a little scared but I will do anything for our Luna.”

I try to shake off the nerves that are quickly building, but I don’t think I hide it well because Troy walks over to me and gently takes my shaking hand in his. My heart is racing in my chest, holy s**t he’s touching me. I suddenly feel his calming aura wrap around me like a blanket. I feel safe, no longer scared.

“Trin, I will be right there with you the whole time. I promise nothing will happen to you,” he says as he looks at me like he truly sees me.

No way ... there’s no way this man sees me.

I’m trying to regain my composure once more and push the growing feels as far down as I can.

“You better not, I turn eighteen in two hours, and if I die before I meet my mate I will come back and haunt your ass, Troy.”

Once downstairs and the interrogation is underway… s**t gets intense. The guys are laser-focused on the bastard that sits in front of us. I’m listening to every word he says. I feel the energy in my body shift, it’s like a buzzing feeling that takes over my body. I can feel the lie in his statement. ‘Got you now, fucker.’

I feel my anger roll off me in waves. His story is one hundred percent bullshit. My blood is boiling and for the first time in my life, I lose control. I find myself interrupting the interrogation and shocking the hell out of our Beta and Gamma. To be honest, the rogue that is currently being tortured looks freaking surprised when I open my mouth, but I’m f*****g done and don't want to deal with anymore of his crap.

By the time we walk out of the cells, the three of us look like something straight out of The Shining. Covered head to toe in blood and sweat. I glance at the clock as we ascend the stairs from the basement. s**t! It’s almost midnight. I’m going to have to go home and shower again before I go out. I look like I rolled around at the scene of a murder, and something tells me that not even the mate bond can override this train wreck look I’m sporting. One thing I’m going to say is that I hope they call me in for every interrogation; I like the feeling way too much!

Sam was telling me that we will finish the night with a drink. I figure hell, it might as well be my pregame shot. As I get to the kitchen, I see that Alpha Landon is already there and he has a faraway look to him. So, I high tail it to the bathroom to wash my hands and face, giving him some privacy.

I look in the mirror. Dear goddess, I look like a f*****g hot mess. I quickly clean up and try to fix my hair. Checking my phone, it’s midnight! I smile at my reflection. I feel like a rubber band hit me in the head. Ouch… I rub my temples but it’s quick and hurts for just a second. I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face when I hear her voice.

“Happy Birthday, Trinity. I’m Leah. I’m so excited to finally talk to you.” I’m a smiling fool. I finally feel whole again… well the best I can, I guess. Now I just need to find my mate and things will be moving up.

Leah and I chat as I walk back to the kitchen. I feel over the moon at this moment. I’ve been waiting my whole life to meet my wolf. The one thing that keeps running through my mind is I will never be alone again. I have Leah, “Yes, my dear. You do.”

As I get closer to the kitchen, I’m hit with the sweet smell of hot chocolate. “Yum, that smells sooo good,” Leah says as she purrs in my head. Odd, I thought we were having alcohol.

"Do you smell that?" I call out to the guys.

"Smell what?" Sam asks.

"It kinda smells sweet, like hot chocolate. I thought you said after a good interrogation whisky was the only acceptable drink?"

I walk through the doorway and stop dead in my tracks. "Holy s**t!" I can’t stop my squeal of excitement as everything starts to fall into place. I can’t believe it. Leah is howling and jumping up and down in my head. ‘Mate,’ she yells. Mate... Holy crap, Troy is my mate!

"Holy s**t, what?" Troy says with a laugh. They’re all looking at me now, and Troy has absolutely no reaction. W-wait is this how it’s… No, no... I’ve seen people find each other, and both mates recognized each other instantly.

Something must be wrong, oh goddess what has happened? Does he feel the pull but not want me? Or does he not feel it at all? Is it because I’m much younger than him? No… wait... I’m only eight years younger. My mom was eighteen years younger than my dad when they found each other. Age difference really does not exist or matter in our world. We live so much longer than humans… s**t the average eighty-year-old male werewolf looks like he’s thirty-five.

I can feel the tears spilling down my face and there is nothing I can do to stop it. "Trinity, what's wrong?" Alpha Landon asks, looking concerned. s**t, I’ve got to play this off because I don’t want to be rejected in front of our Alpha and Beta. But my f*****g blessing from the goddess means that I can’t lie either! This is heartbreaking as it is, I don’t need to be humiliated in the process. I try to regulate my breathing to talk but it feels like my throat is swollen shut.

"N-nothing Alpha, I... um... apparently, I’m just really tired and got emotional. Tonight… Ummm tonight must have affected me more than I thought," I quickly wipe my eyes and pray that they believe what I’m spewing. My body is legit fighting me as I try to avoid the f*****g truth.

"I'm not buying that line of bullshit that just came out of your mouth." Sam is now staring me down. He crosses his thick arms over his chest and c***s his head to the side, but I try to distract myself by fiddling with my hands. Breathing is becoming harder. My mate is in the same room as me and there is no recognition at all. I feel like I’m about to start hyperventilating. Leah is howling in pain, and this whole f*****g thing is just so damn overwhelming.

Alpha gets up and grabs an ice pack and puts it on the back of my neck. "Trinity, what happened in the last two minutes? I want you to tell me the truth. Please don’t make me use my Alpha command."

A sob rips through me. I can’t hold it in anymore. They’re all just looking at me, sadness fills their eyes and that just makes my heart hurt more. My mate is looking at me like he cares but he does not comfort me. Why goddess, why?

"I turned eighteen two minutes ago Alpha, and I found my mate."