Arrival

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CHAPTER 14

~Trisha’s POV~

The plane touched down with a gentle bump, and as it taxied to the gate, I checked my reflection in the small mirror inside my compact. 

Fresh, composed, and more than ready for what lay ahead. It had been two years since I last visited Thania, and as much as I hated the chaos of this city, today was different. 

Today, I was here with a purpose.

Stepping out of the gate and into the arrivals lounge, I spotted my brother, Matteo, standing near the escalators, his tall frame cutting a formidable figure among the crowd. 

He met my gaze with a grin that held both amusement and a touch of exasperation. Even as he waved me over, I could tell he wasn’t thrilled to see me here—not under these circumstances.

“Well, look who’s decided to grace us with her presence,” he said, his tone teasing as he pulled me into a quick hug.

“Don’t start,” I replied, rolling my eyes. “This isn’t exactly a pleasure trip.”

Matteo chuckled as he grabbed my bag, guiding me toward the car. “I figured as much. You wouldn’t set foot in Thania again unless it was absolutely necessary. So, what is it this time? Or should I say, who?”

I cast him a sidelong glance as we walked. He knew me too well. “I think you already know the answer to that.”

“Damon.” His tone darkened, and he stopped walking for a moment. “What is it about him that keeps pulling you back, Trisha? He’s made it clear enough—”

“He hasn’t made anything clear,” I cut in sharply, a flash of anger sparking. “He’s too busy playing these… games with everyone around him. And now there’s someone new—some girl he brought from Arthdal Strike, parading her around like she’s some kind of prized possession.”

Matteo’s jaw tightened as he resumed walking, his grip on my suitcase firm. “You’re telling me he’s actually brought someone home? To his estate?”

I nodded, unable to hide the irritation tightening my chest. “Yes. I don’t know who she thinks she is or what she’s playing at, but it’s time I find out.”

He looked away, shaking his head. “And you think it’s wise to interfere with his affairs? You know how Damon is, Trisha. If he’s involved with someone, it’s for a reason. The man doesn’t do anything without a plan.”

We reached the car, and the guards, my father’s men hurried towards Matteo and took my luggage from him before stowing my bag in the trunk as I slipped into the passenger seat with him, my mind already spinning with possibilities. 

One of the men settled into the driver’s seat and the other three followed in the car parked behind us. I folded my arms, steeling myself for what I knew would be a long conversation.

“So….”

I shifted in my seat and continued. “Damon’s plan or not, he needs to realize that this… whoever she is, doesn’t belong in his world,” I muttered, unable to keep the bitterness out of my voice. “Does she even know anything about him, us, and our world as werewolves?”

The car started and Matteo’s gaze was fixed on the road as we pulled out of the parking garage. “Listen, Trish. I get it—you and Damon have a history.” He turned to face me. “But have you considered that maybe it’s time to let it go?”

“Let it go?” I scoffed. “I’m the only one who’s stood by him, the only one who’s ever understood him. And I won’t have some nobody from his club swooping in and ruining what we’ve built, little brother.”

Matteo sighed, his fingers tapping against the door as we sped down the highway toward the heart of the city. 

“You can’t control everything, Trisha. Damon’s as unpredictable as they come. If you try to force his hand, it’ll only end one way—badly.”

I clenched my jaw, refusing to acknowledge the truth in his words. “I’m not trying to control him. I’m just… reminding him of his priorities. Reminding him who’s been here all along.”

Matteo glanced at me, his expression softening slightly. “You’ve always had his back. But sometimes loyalty blinds you to the reality in front of you.”

I stared out the window, watching the city rush by, lost in thought. Damon wasn’t just some obsession. He was my destiny. And if that meant removing obstacles along the way, then so be it.

His phone chimed and he took it out of his pocket and checked the text. 

“Who’s she?” I asked, noticing that smirk on his face.

Matteo looked up at me, lifting his brow. “Not a she, sis. An enemy.” 

“An enemy?”

“Yes. Guess who Damon’s new favourite bean pissed off on her first night at Arthdal Strike?” 

My patience ran out the window at his delay and Mateo must have sensed it as the next second he cleared his throat.

“Luca Tadeo.”

“Luca? Luca as in… the Luca?”

“Yup. Word just got in concerning it. Apparently, they tried covering it up.”

My lips stretched into that satisfying smirk I always had when things went my way. “Good. Change of plans, brother.”

“Enh, what?”

“Head across the city. We are visiting Luca Tadeo.”

“What?!” 

“Have you heard of the saying the enemy of my enemy is my friend?” Matteo nodded and my smile broadened. “Exactly. We just got a newfound bestie—Luca.”