LOGINTrinity’s POV: Hiding But Julian WaitsThe phone rings and rings. I stand in the narrow, tiled confines of the restroom stall, sweating profusely as I wait for Mabel to answer. I strain my ears, listening to the muffled sounds of the restaurant outside. I would rather stay locked in this tiny box until Julian and the others pack up and leave. I have zero desire to cross paths with him again today. “Pick up, old woman,” I hiss under my breath.Just when I’m about to hang up in frustration, Mabel’s light voice crackles through the speaker. "Trin? Hey, are you back?"Shit. There’s noise in the background on her end. I have to keep my voice low so I don't risk raising it. I'll be drawing unwanted attention if Julian happens to be standing outside the door. In fact, my guts tells me he's outside the door now, his ear pasted on the wood, eavesdropping. "Trin, are you there?" Mabel asks.I whisper fiercely, "Mabel, you need to leave wherever you are. I need to talk to you.""I can hear yo
Trinity POV: Strange Tides At The Diner Julian is standing beside me. There are about five inches of real estate separating his big figure from me. This is the closest we have been since we divorced. I hold my soda tighter and try not to think about him. My heart, which had momentarily gone on vacation, resumes beating with a sudden intensity. I don't understand what's happening with Vivian and Marion now. There are weird sounds, fast breaths, and gasps. I'm trying not to move where I'm sitting. I am going to have a heart attack right here on this stool.Julian leans on the counter, eyeing the overhead chalkboard menu. Then, out of nowhere, his deep voice drops."Hi . . . is the pork chop any good?"I sit like a statue. He can't be talking to me, right. No, he can't. Don't swoon, Trinity. We hate him. He treated you terribly when you were married to him. Whatever Marion is doing to his wife, or Bob is doing, he is only getting what was coming to him. Get it together. “Miss?” he
Trinity’s POV: They're All HereJulian wasn't difficult to spot on the crowded avenue. He is a large man whose Alpha presence radiates authority. Wherever he is, you know he's there. His dark brown hair is distinct, and despite the big wool coat he wears to break the cold wind, he stands out like a beacon. Frank follows a step behind, looking small by comparison. If I had somehow missed Julian, I would have recognized Frank in an instant.Where is Bob? Still busy with his little project back in Fairview? Is he going back there with Vivian still? I assume Julian doesn't even mind what Bob is doing down there. Deep down, Julian has always been a surprisingly liberal Alpha. He's strict when enforcing our laws, but remarkably hands-off when it came to his inner friend's personal enterprises. If Bob wants to run his side hustle in Fairview, Julian likely gives him full leeway to pursue it.I sit quietly on my stool, nursing my cold can of soda as I stare down at the counter.He and Frank
Julian’s POV: The Woman Who Came InI had no choice but to leave Goldrun Pack.Mabel stopped talking to me. She was throwing daggers with her eyes so blatantly that even Cassius started squirming. It had become a hostile atmosphere. So I cut my losses, made a polite excuse, and walked out.Cassius followed me out onto the porch. He offered his apologies then he went back inside to have a word with Mabel. Even as I walked away, I could hear him catching an earful from Mabel through the open door.I shook my head, got in the car, and motioned for Frank to pull away.We had barely cleared the subdivision when my phone rang. It was an unexpected call from Trinity’s mother, Esty Vance. She sounded rattled, explaining that a mysterious stranger who called herself "Megan Strosin" had just shown up at their house claiming to be a friend of Trinity's. She wanted to know if I was familiar with this Megan. I told her I wasn't—at least, not by that name—but that I was already in the area and wou
Trinity POV: Vivian Isn't The Golden GirlI study Marion from the corner of my eye. So this guy is going to sit across a table from his old friend Julian, pretend he never slept with Julian's wife behind his back, and break bread with him like an honorable man?I start shaking my head but hold back. How did this folks keep this mess out of the public? I had no idea at all. And everyone from Julian to my parents called me the deceitful one. Thinking about it all, I chuckle and quickly stop myself again.Marion throws a quick, sideways glance at me. "What's funny?""Nothing," I say with a wave of the hand. "I just always find it fascinating when old friends finally get back together."He gives me a sly smile. "And get this . . . she's coming too.""Who?""Vivian," Marion says, grinning. "My . . . ex."My jaw drops open. This dude has a grin on his face that belongs on the face of a thief. My brain stalls for a moment. She's coming with him? But Vivian is already here in the town! What
Trinity’s POV: A Running CircleI curse under my breath as I pace along the edge of the road. I scan desperately for a passing cab.Today's entire expedition was an unmitigated disaster. The unexpected appearance of Lupe Boyer at my parents' house completely dismantled my plan. I had intended to confront my parents face-to-face, to back them into a corner and force them to answer my questions about my true lineage. Instead, Lupe’s presence turned the tables, robbing me of the emotional leverage I needed. Before my parents could explain a single question, Lupe would have hijacked the room with his own invasive agenda. He would have flat-out suspected my identity if I stayed another asked questions about blood group. And to top it all off, he ruined my transport.I keep walking until I reach the main intersection. As I pause to check for traffic, my eyes sights a familiar building across the street: the Child Support Foundation building. It was the very first philanthropic project Ju







