The Beta's living room felt like stepping into another world. The heavy silence of the clinic was replaced by the low hum of a comedy special on the large TV and the clatter of silver domes being lifted. Maids moved quietly, setting down trays piled high with roasted meats, fresh bread, and fruit.
Grayson sat in an armchair in the corner, his eyes sharp and watchful. Trinity was on the oversized sofa, Ryan sprawled comfortably next to her. For a moment, it felt like old times—only with new faces.
A soft creak came from the landing above. They all turned as Raven ventured down the stairs, her expression tentative as she looked at the group.
"Raven," Trinity said, her voice light and welcoming. "Join us."
Raven sat on the edge of a chair, looking stunned. Ryan was the first to break the ice, flashing a bright, easy grin. "I'm Ryan. This is Timothy, Mona, and Mariela. And the brooding one in the corner is Grayson."
The tension simmered down into a rare, relaxed banter. Jokes were cracked, and for an hour, the "belly of the beast" felt miles away. Eventually, the clock struck the hour, and the others stood to head back to their classes. Soon, only Trinity, Grayson, and Raven remained.
Trinity reached the front door, her hand hovering over the handle. She glanced back at the living room, where Raven was still staring at her empty hands.
"Raven," Trinity called out. Raven's head snapped up. "I'm heading to the training grounds. You can stay here and let the walls talk to you, or you can put that sword to use. I could use the company."
A flicker of purpose ignited in Raven's eyes. She stood, grabbed her blade, and followed Trinity out into the sunlight.
As they stepped off the porch, the fresh air hit them, but so did the sight of Neve standing in the tree line. A warrior held the girl's shoulder in a tight, bruising grip.
"Let her go," Trinity said, her voice low but carrying authority. The warrior hesitated, then released Neve.
"I'm bringing her somewhere," Trinity told Raven.
The three women walked through the forest until they arrived at the first stagers' practice field. Trinity watched as Thomas gave orders. Their presence didn't go unnoticed.
"Thomas," Trinity said politely.
"Rarely do my students get demoted," he joked with a friendly smile. "What brings you here?"
"Neve is having trouble with her shift. She's been trapped as a wolf for years. She needs to learn the basics again."
Thomas nodded thoughtfully. "Join the line," he told the girl. Neve stared between Thomas and Trinity skeptically.
"You asked for my help. Stalked me for it," Trinity said, her patience thinning. "This is my help. Go. Also, this is Raven. I hear she is a phenomenal fighter. Could you use an extra set of hands?"
"I hear Warden wolves make one hell of a fighter," Thomas noted.
"I fight well," Raven said simply.
"Go on, then," Thomas waved her toward the lines. "Since we're doing favors, you'll need to take a student for me. Class! Say your goodbyes to Ryan Hunt. He's officially a part of the ST's. Well deserved and long overdue."
While the other wolves remained silent, the defectives broke into cheers. Trinity's grin spread from ear to ear as Ryan walked toward her.
"Welcome to the big leagues," she joked.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Ryan teased back. He shook Thomas's hand and followed Trinity as they began the trek toward the ST's bunkers.
"Still collecting strays," Ryan noted.
Trinity gave a small, weary laugh. "It's how we met. It sucks being at rock bottom alone."
Ryan reached over and wrapped a friendly arm around Trinity's shoulders. "I will need you to teach me the ways of the ST's, Sensei," he joked.
They reached the heavy doors leading to the underground. Ryan's arm dropped from her shoulders as the blinding lights and endless concrete hallway began to make him feel uncomfortable. It felt as if he were losing his connection to the world.
"Everything here is a challenge. Even the lights," Trinity told him, patting his back.
Ryan's jaw set in a harsh line as he peeked his eyes open against the burn. "And what about you? How are you handling everything?"
"I'm handling it. Try to remember that you're better than what they'll tell you you are, and you'll be just fine."
They entered the open area where strip lights covered the roof and walls. The room was filled with wolves who looked at both of them with disdain. Ryan noticed Noah's presence; they made eye contact for a second before Ryan continued on.
Wesley, the teacher in charge of the ST's, walked over. He introduced himself to Ryan and pointed toward the far wall. "Go to Team 11."
As Trinity started to follow, Wesley stopped her. "Congratulations. Now that you're mated, you are no longer a part of the ST's."
"What!" Trinity stood in shock. She had finally been going to be here with at least one friendly face, and now she was just stuck at home, pretending to be mated. It felt unfair.
"You're mated," Luca said, staring at her with fluctuating emotions.
Trinity couldn't be bothered with him. "Talk to the Alpha," she sighed, a throwaway comment as she turned on her heels to leave.
"Trin!" Ryan called after her.
"She's no longer a part of the ST's. Focus on your team!" Wesley snapped.
"Why?" Ryan questioned.
Wesley sighed in irritation. "She-wolves, once mated, are no longer permitted to stay in the warrior training program."
Ryan watched Trinity retreat alone. He wished the world would stop kicking her. It wasn't that she was down; she'd never been able to get up.