Page 48 of Heat Island
Why in the hell is he acting like he doesn’t remember me?
“That’s my little girl.” My mother’s expression softens. “We used to have to arrange all of her doll’s clothes by color and size at the end of the playtime or she would refuse to goto bed for the night until it was done. Trinity has always been very persistent in getting things the way she wants them.”
Matheo gives her a smile as he rubs gentle circles on my back. “That’s what we like most about her.”
I let the conversation move on without me, mind whirling. Between the distraction of Kyren’s motives and Matheo’s touch, I’m barely capable of keeping up with a nod or sound of agreement here and there.
But my fake pack does a great job of covering for me, answering questions or changing subjects with ease to keep my family convinced that we really are a pack. When Cash laughingly suggests an automated scribe tool to Finn that helps with faster charting and offers to show him how to install it on his work computer, I almost believe that we’ll still be together long enough for it to happen.
Just as I start to relax, thinking we might actually pull this off, I spot Josie weaving between tables toward us. Her three fiancés trail behind her like a royal entourage, and my stomach clenches.
“Trinity!” Josie calls, waving excitedly. “Are these your alphas?”
All eyes at our table swivel to the approaching group. I feel Matheo’s hand move to my shoulder and squeeze, a subtle gesture of support.
“Yes,” I say, standing to make introductions. “Josie, everyone, these are my...” I hesitate for just a fraction of a second, “...my pack. Matheo, Cash, Lucas, and Kyren.”
Each of them stands, offering handshakes and warm smiles. I watch with growing pride as they charm my sister, their easy confidence making our charade seem effortless.
But then Egret steps forward, his smile not quitereaching his eyes. “So, you’re the ones who managed to tame Trinity Jones.”
His tone makes it sound like I’m a wild animal rather than a person. I remind myself that throwing a dinner plate at his head probably won’t go over well.
“Nobody’s taming anybody,” Matheo replies smoothly. “We appreciate Trinity exactly as she is.”
Egret’s smile tightens. “Interesting. I was curious, so I checked the national pack registry this morning. Your registration only went through two days ago. Quite recent, isn’t it?”
The blood drains from my face. He checked the registry? That hadn’t even occurred to me as a possibility—or that Amara would have been smart enough to file actual paperwork for us.
“We’re still in the early days,” Matheo says, his voice calm despite the clear challenge in Egret’s words. “But when you know, you know. And being in such a romantic environment...” He gestures to the resort around us with a knowing smile. “Well, we wanted to make things official. The registration ensures we can share legal paternity of any children Trinity might have.”
My cheeks flush hot at the mention of children. It’s the right answer—exactly why packs register—but hearing Matheo say it so casually makes me feel queasy.
When is the right time to talk to your fake pack about the potential kids you’re not sure you want?
It doesn’t matter, I remind myself. They’re just saying whatever they need to say to get Egret off our backs.
Egret’s eyes narrow. “Children? That’s quite a commitment for a relationship that’s barely even begun.”
“When you find your match, time becomesirrelevant,” Cash adds, his tone even but firm. “We let Trinity set the pace.”
“And Trinity is worth committing to,” Lucas chimes in, his boyish face absolutely serious. “I’m sure you felt the same way about Josephine.”
Egret seems to startle as he glances back at Josie, as if just remembering that she is standing right next to him. He settles his arm around her, but the set of his mouth remains obstinate. “Josephine has always wanted to settle down. It doesn’t make sense for us to wait. Trinity, though, is?—”
Kyren says nothing, but his stance shifts subtly, placing himself slightly between me and Egret. The protective gesture probably isn’t lost on anyone at the table.
“I know we’re all eager for information, but that’s enough of the family interrogation for now,” Mom interrupts, her voice cutting through the tension like a hot knife through butter. She gives Egret a smile that brooks no argument. “There will be plenty of time for us all to get to know each other better over the next week.”
“I just like to know more about the people sharing the most important day of my life.” Egret says smoothly as everyone retakes their seats, though I can see the frustration in his eyes. “But you’re right. Mom. The interrogation can wait.”
Mom. Uh, gross.
Josie pulls up a chair and squeezes in between me and Kyren.
“So, Trin,” Josie says, leaning in conspiratorially. “Egret’s sisters were asking me about the schedule for this week. They wanted to make sure the bridal party spa day happens before the bachelorette party. I told them you had everything planned perfectly, but they seemed a little worried.”
Which is code for these girls don’t trust me to have it handled, and Josie is playing peacemaker by interceding before they come to me directly.
