The Secret Werewolf Triplets

The autumn wind whispers through the trees, carrying with it the scent of approaching winter. I pause at the edge of the forest, my keen senses alert for any sign of danger. Five years of running have honed my instincts to a razor's edge. But today, as I emerge from the woods and make my way down the quiet suburban street, I allow myself to relax just a fraction.

This small town has been our sanctuary, a place where my children and I can pretend to be normal. Where we can be safe. At least, that's what I've told myself every day since we arrived.

As I approach our modest rental house, a sense of unease prickles at the back of my neck. Something's not right. The air feels... different. Charged with an energy I can't quite place.

I quicken my pace, my heart beginning to race. "Luna? Liam? Leo?" I call out as I unlock the front door, hoping to hear the patter of little feet and excited voices greeting me.

Silence.

The wrongness hits me like a physical blow as I step inside. The house is too quiet, too still. Fear claws at my throat as I rush from room to room, calling for my babies with increasing desperation.

"Luna! Liam! Leo! Where are you?"

Their bedroom door is ajar, and as I push it open, the scene before me stops me cold. The room is in disarray, toys scattered across the floor, bedding torn and tossed aside. And there, pinned to the wall with a wicked-looking dagger, is a note.

With trembling hands, I tear the paper free, my eyes scanning the scrawled message:

"The sins of the father shall be visited upon the children. If you want to see them again, return to where it all began."

A howl of anguish tears from my throat, the sound more wolf than human. My knees give way, and I sink to the floor, clutching the note to my chest.

"No, no, no," I moan, rocking back and forth. "This can't be happening."

But it is happening. My worst nightmare has come true. Someone has found us, someone who knows about our past, about their father. And now they've taken my babies.

For a moment, I let myself be consumed by the pain and fear. But then, slowly, another emotion begins to rise within me. Anger. Determination. The fierce, protective instinct of a mother wolf.

I force myself to my feet, my mind already racing through possibilities. Who could have done this? How did they find us? And why now, after all these years?

As much as I want to shift into my wolf form and tear through the forest in search of my children, I know that won't help. This isn't a problem I can solve with claws and fangs alone. I need resources, information, and... help.

The realization hits me like a punch to the gut. There's only one person who might have the power and connections to help me find my children. The very person I've been running from all these years.

Tony.

Just thinking his name sends a jolt of pain through my heart. I haven't allowed myself to dwell on thoughts of him in years, but now memories flood back in a torrent. His smile, his laugh, the way his arms felt around me. And then... the look in his eyes when he rejected me, rejected us.

I shake my head, forcing the memories away. None of that matters now. All that matters is getting my children back.

With shaking hands, I pull out my phone and dial a number I swore I'd never use again. It rings once, twice, three times. I'm about to hang up when a gruff voice answers.

"Alpha hotline. State your business."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "This is Rita McCall. I need to speak with Tony Blackwood immediately. It's an emergency."

There's a pause on the other end, then a sharp intake of breath. "Rita? Is that really you?"

I recognize the voice now – it's Marcus, one of Tony's betas. "Yes, Marcus, it's me. Please, I don't have time for explanations. I need to talk to Tony now."

"Of course, of course," Marcus says, his voice filled with a mix of surprise and concern. "Hold on, I'll get him right away."

The next few moments feel like an eternity as I wait, pacing the destroyed bedroom of my children. When Tony's voice finally comes through the line, deep and familiar, it sends a shiver down my spine.

"Rita?" He sounds breathless, disbelieving. "Is everything alright?"

For a moment, I can't speak. Hearing his voice after all these years... it's almost too much. But then I think of my babies, scared and alone, and I find my voice.

"Tony, I... I need your help," I manage to choke out. "They've taken them. Our children. Someone's kidnapped our children."

There's a sharp intake of breath on the other end of the line. When Tony speaks again, his voice is low and intense. "What do you mean, 'our children'? Rita, what's going on?"

I close my eyes, realizing the magnitude of what I've just revealed. "I'm sorry, I know this is a shock. But please, Tony, I'll explain everything. I just... I need your help. They left a note. It says to return to where it all began. I think... I think they want me to come back to the pack lands."

There's a long pause, and for a terrifying moment, I think he might refuse. But then he speaks, his voice filled with a determination that makes my heart skip a beat.

"Stay where you are. I'm coming to you. We'll figure this out together, Rita. I promise."

Relief washes over me, so strong it makes me dizzy. "Thank you," I whisper. "I'm in Millbrook, just outside of--"

"I know where you are," Tony interrupts, surprising me. "I've always known, Rita. I've been keeping tabs on you, making sure you were safe. I'll be there in three hours. Don't do anything until I arrive."

Before I can respond, the line goes dead. I stare at the phone in my hand, my mind reeling. He's known where we were all this time? He's been watching over us? The implications of this are too much to process right now.

I sink down onto Luna's bed, clutching her favorite stuffed wolf to my chest. The scent of my children surrounds me, and I fight back another wave of tears.

"Hold on, my loves," I whisper. "Mama's coming for you. And this time, I'm not alone."

The next three hours are the longest of my life. I alternate between pacing the house, gathering what few belongings we'll need, and sitting in numb silence, staring at the note left by the kidnappers.

As the sun begins to set, I hear the rumble of an approaching vehicle. My entire body tenses, ready for fight or flight. But then a scent reaches me, one I haven't smelled in five long years but would recognize anywhere.

Tony.

I'm at the door before he can knock, yanking it open. And there he is, standing on my porch, looking both exactly the same and completely different.

He's still tall and broad-shouldered, his dark hair now touched with silver at the temples. But there's a hardness to his features that wasn't there before, a weight of responsibility in his eyes. Those eyes lock onto mine, and for a moment, the world stops spinning.

"Rita," he breathes, his voice a mixture of pain and wonder.

"Tony," I reply, my own voice barely above a whisper.

We stand there, frozen, the weight of five years of separation and unspoken words hanging between us. Then, as if pulled by an invisible force, we move towards each other. His arms wrap around me, and I'm enveloped in his familiar scent and warmth.

For just a moment, I let myself melt into his embrace, allowing the comfort and security I've been missing for so long to wash over me. But then reality crashes back in, and I stiffen, pulling away.

"The children," I say, my voice cracking. "We have to find them."

Tony nods, his expression shifting from emotional to determined in an instant. "Show me everything," he says, following me into the house.

I lead him to the children's room, watching as he takes in the scene with sharp, assessing eyes. He examines the note, his jaw clenching as he reads the words.

"Do you have any idea who might have done this?" he asks, turning to me.

I shake my head. "No, I... I've been so careful. We've stayed under the radar, kept to ourselves. I don't understand how anyone could have found us, let alone known about... about their connection to you."

Tony's expression darkens. "I have some theories, but none of them are good. Rita, I... I need to know everything. From the beginning."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. This is the conversation I've been dreading for five years, but there's no avoiding it now.

"After I left," I begin, my voice low, "I discovered I was pregnant. With triplets."

Tony's sharp intake of breath is the only indication of his shock. I continue, the words spilling out in a rush.

"I was scared, alone. I didn't know what to do. I thought about contacting you, but..." I trail off, the pain of that time still raw. "I couldn't risk it. Not after... not after you rejected me."

Tony flinches at my words, guilt flashing across his face. "Rita, I--"

I hold up a hand, stopping him. "Please, let me finish. I need to get this out."

He nods, his lips pressing into a thin line.

"I gave birth to them in secret. Luna, Liam, and Leo. They're beautiful, Tony. So bright and full of life. I've raised them on my own, moving from place to place, always looking over my shoulder. This is the longest we've stayed anywhere. I thought... I thought we were finally safe."

Tears are flowing freely down my cheeks now, and I make no attempt to wipe them away. "And now they're gone, and I don't know if they're hurt or scared or... or..."

I can't finish the sentence. The possibilities are too horrifying to contemplate.

Tony moves towards me, his hands coming to rest on my shoulders. "We'll find them, Rita. I swear to you, we'll bring them home."

I look up into his eyes, seeing the fierce determination there. For the first time since discovering my children missing, I feel a flicker of hope.

"How?" I ask. "Where do we even start?"

Tony's expression turns grim. "We start by going back. Back to where it all began, just like the note says. We're going home, Rita. Back to the pack lands."

The very thought sends a shiver of fear through me. "Tony, I can't. The pack, they'll never accept me. Not after what happened."

"They'll accept you because I say they will," Tony says, his voice carrying the unmistakable authority of an Alpha. "Things have changed, Rita. I've changed. And right now, none of that matters. All that matters is finding our children and bringing them home safe."

Our children. The words send a jolt through me. For five years, they've been mine alone. But now, seeing the determination and protectiveness in Tony's eyes, I realize that's no longer true.

"Okay," I say, nodding. "When do we leave?"

"Now," Tony replies, already moving towards the door. "Pack what you need. We'll take my car."

As I rush to gather our things, a thought occurs to me. "Tony," I call out, causing him to pause and look back at me. "How did you get here so fast? It's at least a six-hour drive from the pack lands."

A small, sad smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. "I told you, Rita. I've been keeping an eye on you. I have a place about an hour from here. Just in case... just in case you ever needed me."

The implications of this revelation stun me into silence. All this time, he's been so close, watching over us from afar. The Tony I knew five years ago would never have shown such patience, such dedication. What else has changed in the years we've been apart?

As we load up Tony's SUV and prepare to embark on our desperate mission, I can't help but feel that we're standing on the precipice of something monumental. Whatever lies ahead, whatever challenges we face, one thing is clear: nothing will ever be the same again.

With one last look at the house that has been our sanctuary for the past year, I climb into the passenger seat. Tony starts the engine, and as we pull away from the curb, I make a silent vow.

"Hold on, my darlings. Mama's coming. And this time, I'm bringing reinforcements."

As we drive off into the gathering darkness, I can only hope we're not already too late.

The night stretches out before us, dark and foreboding, as Tony's SUV eats up the miles. I stare out the window, my mind racing with fear and worry for my children. The silence in the car is heavy, filled with unspoken words and years of separation.

Finally, Tony clears his throat. "Rita," he says softly, "I know this isn't the time, but... I need to know about them. Our children."

I turn to look at him, seeing the mix of emotions playing across his face - curiosity, regret, and a hint of longing. Taking a deep breath, I begin to speak.

"Luna is the oldest by a few minutes. She's got your eyes, you know. And she's so gentle, always taking care of stray animals she finds. Liam came next. He's our little daredevil, always climbing trees and getting into scrapes. And Leo... he's the quiet one. Always watching, always thinking. Sometimes I swear he knows things before they happen."

Tony listens intently, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. "They sound amazing," he says, his voice thick with emotion. "I wish... I wish I could have been there."

The words hang in the air between us, heavy with regret and missed opportunities.

"Why weren't you?" I ask, the question slipping out before I can stop it. "You said you've been watching over us. Why didn't you ever reach out?"

Tony sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I wanted to, Rita. God, I wanted to. But I was afraid. Afraid you wouldn't want to see me, afraid I'd mess things up even more. And... I thought you were better off without me."

I shake my head, anger bubbling up inside me. "That wasn't your choice to make, Tony. They're your children too. They deserved to know their father."

"I know," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've made so many mistakes, Rita. Letting you go was the biggest one of all."

I turn away, unable to look at him as tears threaten to fall. "It's too late for that now," I say, my voice harsh. "We need to focus on finding them. That's all that matters."

Tony nods, his jaw set in determination. "You're right. Tell me everything you remember about the day they disappeared. Even the smallest detail could be important."

As I recount the events of that terrible day, Tony listens intently, asking sharp questions that make me see things from new angles. It's clear that he's not just the hotheaded young wolf I remember - he's grown into a true leader, analytical and strategic.

"The note," he muses, "it mentioned 'the sins of the father'. That has to be referring to me. But who would know about our past and the children?"

I shake my head. "I don't know. I've been so careful, Tony. We've lived like humans, kept to ourselves. The children don't even know they're werewolves yet."

Tony's eyes widen in surprise. "They don't know? How have you managed to keep it from them?"

"It hasn't been easy," I admit. "Their first shift isn't due for a few more years, but they've shown some signs - enhanced senses, quick healing. I've had to be creative with explanations."

A small smile tugs at Tony's lips. "I bet you have. You always were quick on your feet."

The compliment warms me for a moment before I push the feeling aside. I can't let myself get caught up in old memories and feelings. Not now.

"What about on your end?" I ask. "Has there been any trouble in the pack? Anyone who might want to hurt you through the children?"

Tony's expression darkens. "There's always someone looking to challenge an Alpha's position. But kidnapping pups? That's beyond the pale, even for the most ambitious wolf."

He pauses, seeming to debate whether to continue. "There is one thing, though. My brother, Sonny... he's been causing some trouble lately."

I gasp. "Sonny? But he always looked up to you. What happened?"

Tony sighs heavily. "Power changes people, Rita. When I became Alpha, Sonny expected to be my second-in-command. But he wasn't ready for the responsibility. He's been resentful ever since, stirring up dissent in the pack."

A chill runs down my spine. "Do you think he could be behind this?"

"I don't want to believe it," Tony says, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. "But we can't rule anything out at this point."

As we continue to drive through the night, we fall into a rhythm of sharing information and theories. Despite the years apart, we still work well together, our minds complementing each other as we try to piece together the puzzle of our children's disappearance.

Hours pass, and as the first light of dawn begins to streak the sky, Tony pulls the car over at a rest stop.

"We should rest for a bit," he says. "We'll be no good to the kids if we're exhausted."

I want to argue, to insist that we keep going, but I know he's right. We're both running on adrenaline and fear, and that won't sustain us for long.

As we sit in the car, neither of us quite ready to sleep, Tony turns to me with a serious expression.

"Rita, there's something you need to know before we get to the pack lands," he says, his voice low and intense.

My heart rate picks up. "What is it?"

He takes a deep breath. "I'm... I'm engaged to be mated. To a she-wolf named Sophia from a neighboring pack."

The words hit me like a physical blow. I knew, logically, that Tony would have moved on with his life. But hearing it confirmed... it hurts more than I expected.

"Oh," I manage to say, my voice small. "I see. Congratulations."

Tony winces at my tone. "It's not what you think. It's an arranged mating, to strengthen pack alliances. I don't... I don't love her."

I force a smile, trying to ignore the way my heart is racing. "You don't have to explain yourself to me, Tony. It's been five years. We've both moved on."

He looks at me intently, his gaze searching. "Have we?" he asks softly.

The question hangs in the air between us, loaded with unspoken emotions and possibilities. For a moment, I allow myself to imagine what might have been if things had been different. But then reality crashes back in.

"It doesn't matter," I say firmly. "All that matters is finding our children. Whatever... whatever is between us, it has to wait."

Tony nods, but I can see the conflict in his eyes. "You're right. But Rita, you should know... seeing you again, knowing about the children... it changes things."

I shake my head, not ready to deal with the implications of his words. "Let's just get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us."

As we recline our seats and try to get comfortable, I can't help but think about what awaits us at the pack lands. How will they receive me after all this time? And more importantly, will we find the clues we need to bring our babies home?

Sleep eludes me as these thoughts swirl in my mind. Instead, I find myself watching Tony as he dozes fitfully. Even in sleep, there's a tension to his features, a weight of responsibility that wasn't there five years ago.

Before I realize what I'm doing, my hand reaches out, gently smoothing the furrow between his brows. His eyes flutter open at my touch, and for a moment, we just look at each other, all the years and pain and longing passing between us in that gaze.

"Rita," he murmurs, his voice husky with sleep.

"Shh," I whisper, pulling my hand back. "Go back to sleep. We need to be strong for what's ahead."

He nods, his eyes drifting closed again. But his hand finds mine in the space between our seats, giving it a gentle squeeze before he drifts off again.

I let out a shaky breath, overwhelmed by the conflicting emotions swirling inside me. Love, anger, fear, hope - they all battle for dominance in my heart.

As the sun rises, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, I make a silent vow. No matter what happens between Tony and me, no matter what challenges we face, I will not rest until my children are safe in my arms again.

With that resolve strengthening me, I finally allow myself to drift into a fitful sleep, my hand still clasped in Tony's.

Hours later, I'm jolted awake by the sensation of the car slowing down. Blinking sleep from my eyes, I sit up straighter, taking in our surroundings.

We're on a winding forest road, tall pines looming on either side. A familiar scent wafts through the open window - the unique blend of earth, pine, and pack that I haven't smelled in five long years.

"We're here," Tony says softly, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

My heart begins to race as we approach a large iron gate. Two burly wolves stand guard, their postures straightening as they recognize Tony's vehicle.

As we pull up, one of the guards approaches the driver's side window. His eyes widen in shock as he spots me in the passenger seat.

"Alpha," he says, his voice a mix of respect and confusion. "We weren't expecting you back so soon. And... is that...?"

"Hello, Jake," I say, forcing a small smile. "It's been a while."

Jake looks between Tony and me, clearly unsure how to react. Tony's voice cuts through the tension, filled with the unmistakable authority of an Alpha.

"Open the gate, Jake. And spread the word - I'm calling an emergency pack meeting. Everyone is to gather at the main house in one hour."

Jake nods quickly. "Yes, Alpha. Right away."

As the gates swing open and we drive through, I can feel the weight of Jake's curious stare on us. I sink lower in my seat, suddenly feeling very exposed.

"Are you okay?" Tony asks, reaching over to squeeze my hand.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. "I don't know," I admit. "It's all so familiar, but... I feel like a stranger here now."

Tony's expression softens. "You're not a stranger, Rita. You're pack. You've always been pack."

His words warm something inside me, but I push the feeling aside. We can't afford distractions now.

As we drive through the pack lands, memories assault me at every turn. There's the old oak tree where Tony and I used to meet in secret as teenagers. The clearing where we had our first kiss. The river where we...

I shake my head, forcing the memories away. "What's the plan?" I ask, desperate for something to focus on besides the past.

Tony's expression turns serious. "First, we meet with the pack. They need to know what's happening, and we'll need their help to search for the kids. Then, we start investigating. Someone in the pack might have seen or heard something suspicious."

I nod, grateful for his clear-headed approach. "And Sophia? Your... fiancée?"

Tony winces at the term. "She's away visiting her family's pack. But she'll need to be informed soon. This... complicates things."

Before I can respond, we're pulling up to a large, stately house that I remember all too well. The Alpha's residence. My old home.

As we step out of the car, the front door bursts open. A petite woman with graying hair rushes out, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"Rita?" she gasps. "Is it really you?"

"Hello, Maria," I say, my voice thick with emotion as I recognize Tony's mother.

Before I can say anything else, I'm enveloped in a fierce hug. "Oh, my dear girl," Maria sobs. "We've missed you so much."

I hug her back, tears stinging my eyes. For a moment, I let myself feel the warmth of her embrace, the closest thing to a mother's love I've known since losing my own parents.

But then reality crashes back in, and I pull away. "Maria, I'm so sorry, but we don't have time for reunions. Our children... Tony and my children have been kidnapped."

Maria's face pales. "Children? Oh, Rita... Tony, what's going on?"

Tony places a comforting hand on his mother's shoulder. "It's a long story, Mom. And we'll explain everything soon. But right now, we need to prepare for the pack meeting."

As we walk into the house, I can't help but feel like I'm stepping back in time. Everything looks almost exactly as I remember it, from the plush carpets to the family photos lining the walls.

But there are changes too. New photos, showing Tony's ascension to Alpha. Pack gatherings I wasn't part of. A life that went on without me.

As we settle in the study to prepare for the meeting, I can't help but wonder: Can I really fit back into this world I left behind? And more importantly, will this return to my past help me secure my children's future?

With a deep breath, I push my doubts aside. Whatever happens, whatever it takes, I will find my babies. And heaven help anyone who stands in my way.