Chapter 32 Kitchen Introductions

~Anna~

“What’s going on?” I asked Lexy when Liam shut the door. It was too early in the morning for either of them to be coming to my room. I’m not complaining, just that we were kind of having a moment…

Ah… that was embarrassing. They saw it, didn’t they?

I was worried over nothing. He really did see them then, but he didn’t mind them. I thought for sure he was going to flip when he saw those scars. If he ever saw the rest… could he handle them just as well?

“Someone’s in a good mood,” Lexy teased. She raised the cover and ta-da, an ice pack, and a bandage.

I pouted. “Thought you brought breakfast.”

“I’m not room service,” she said, chuckling. “We just had to get him out. It’s about time you meet Aunty J. She’s the Head Chef.”

“I’d love to!” I exclaimed. The food here was delicious – I’m sure I could learn a thing or two from Aunty J.

“I know you would. How’s your ankle?”

“It still hurts to move,” I whined.

Lexy nodded and did the same things Rigel and Liam did yesterday. She helped me walk to the bathroom to wash up. I’m starting to think I might need crutches and lo and behold, I went out of the bathroom and Lexy already had one ready for me.

She let me get used to walking with it. It felt a bit weird to have something clipped under an armpit, but it was better than staying in bed all day. The stairs were the most difficult and scariest part. I was seriously thinking of having Liam carry me back later, but my pride wouldn’t allow it. I was no longer a kid. I could take care of myself and these steps wouldn’t stop me from going in and out of this castle of a house!

A group of men in suits passed us by on our way out. I hadn’t seen anyone wear a suit around here – they all wore casual, except for one oddball who’d rather walk around in basketball shorts.

“Who are they?” I asked, noticing that Lexy didn’t pay them any attention.

“Salina’s father is here,” she said. “They should be in a meeting with bro right now. Those are his ‘bodyguards’ if you could call them that.”

“Oh,” was all I said as we continued walking, out the gates, and into the little village that we passed by when I came here. If her father was here, it meant that Liam would have to prove that I’m his second mate. I’m not entirely sure that Alpha Myron would believe him, but I really hope he does.

“Don’t worry about it,” said Lexy. “Bro can handle them.”

I nodded in agreement. I said I trusted him and trust him I will. So, I squashed the anxiety budding on my chest, something that kept me up late last night. If it wasn’t for his warmth, convincing me that it’d be alright, I don’t think I would’ve slept.

Ah… we slept together.

It really did happen. I slept with him… even used him as a pillow…

“You smell like Liam,” Lexy said, interrupting my shameful reminiscing.

“N-No, I don’t!” I replied, waving my hand.

She narrowed her eyes at me.

Is she being protective of him now? Does she have a brother complex or something?

“We didn’t do anything, Lexy. I swear it.”

She grinned. “I know. I love seeing you getting flustered is all.”

Goddess, this little brat!

“You guys are mean,” I said, pouting.

“I’m glad you two are getting along. I totally ship you and bro together!” she chirped.

I felt like all the energy in my body had been drained just by talking to her. She could be so blatant at times, it was embarrassing. I guess this sort of made me her older sister, but a little privacy would be really appreciated.

On the bright side, at least I didn’t have to gain their approval. They’d all been welcoming since day one, it made me more anxious questioning if the pack would welcome someone like me too. It was scary to think about. I’d have to prove myself to them, and it was a challenge I was willing to accept.

Down into the village, the pack members were busy going about their day. But the moment we showed up, it was like time stood still and all they could see… was me. Their attention was on me. They didn’t stare, but I could feel numerous pairs of eyes on me.

I tried my best to smile and greet whoever we passed by. They responded with a smile and a simple “good morning”. Two words, no more and no less.

As we neared a particular building that was set apart from the houses, Lexy turned to me and smiled. She tightened her hold on my hand – she must be really excited. It was three floors high and the first floor had glass walls. As we got closer, the inside could be seen. It was empty.

Before we reached the doors, I stopped. Something didn’t feel right. From the mansion until here, the feeling stuck. Someone was watching…

“What’s wrong?” Lexy asked, narrowing her eyes at me.

I looked behind me, then to our sides. There were only buildings, the woods, and pack members. And yet, it felt like there were more to it than what I was seeing.

Someone… was hiding… somewhere.

“Anna?”

“Shh… we’re being watched,” I whispered, pushing her gently towards the building. “How often do rogues get this deep into the territory?”

I doubted he or she or they, were rogues. The pack should’ve noticed their scent. If not rogues, then… spies?

“How did you know?” shrieked Lexy.

I turned to shush her, but she was staring at me instead, wide-eyed and grinning. My eyebrows furrowed.

“Can you guys show yourselves, please? She has you figured out!” she shouted at the woods.

From behind the trees, three people showed themselves.

A blue-eyed woman had her hair in a long Dutch braid, her body’s voluptuousness showing despite the combat uniform. She lazily let a handgun swing, on one hand, a finger on the trigger guard.

Beside her was another woman who had the handles of two swords peeking from her back, her black hair straight and short, the ends tickling the jawline of a diamond-shaped face.

A man stayed a distance behind them. While both women looked to be in their early twenties, he looked to be in his early thirties. A long scar curved just under his right eye, catching my attention. His narrowed gaze made his burly figure more intimidating.

They all wore a hardened expression on their faces, almost scowling when Lexy laughed mockingly.

“She’s wary,” he said.

The women smiled brightly.

They stopped in front of me then got down on one knee.

“We fail you, Luna,” he said. “If you can sense us so easily, then surely, the enemies can.”

“Come on, Ty. Loosen up!” said Lexy, skipping over to him. She placed an elbow on top of his shoulder and leaned into it coolly.

Who are they?

As if sensing my confusion, Ty spoke. “Luna, we are members of the Delta Unit, a special unit under the leadership of Head Gamma Rigel. The Alpha has ordered us to keep you safe.”

You mean babysit.

I sighed.

The attack must’ve gotten to him.

I had to talk to him about this. I couldn’t go around wandering in the territory with warriors looking after me. I wasn’t a kid who needed babysitting!

“Calm down, Anna,” said Lexy, nudging my side. “Mr. Serious is Ty, the sexy lady is Nalia, and the other sexy lady is Sabri.”

“It is an honor, Luna,” said Nalia.

“We will conceal ourselves better from now on,” added Sabri.

“Thank you… but… Uhm… you can just call me ‘Anna’,” I replied. “And… please stop with the kneeling thing.”

Lexy chuckled as they all got to their feet.

“Would you like to join us for breakfast?” asked Lexy.

Sabri smiled softly. “Thanks, Lexy, but we’re on duty.”

“We’re fine, Lexy,” said Nalia.

Lexy crossed her arms but still smiled at them.

Ty’s gaze softened. His lips curled slightly into a smirk.

“We’ll see you around, Luna,” he said coolly.

“Anna,” I corrected, then I smiled at him. “Don’t push yourself too hard, tough guy.”

With a short chuckle, he turned and walked away.

Nalia and Sabri returned my smile, slightly nodding before following him.

“He likes you,” Lexy teased.

“What makes you think that?” I asked, amused.

Ty oozed testosterone with his burly built and full beard. While intimidating, it tugged on a woman’s need to feel… protected.

Liam crossed my mind, interrupting. That man had a way of sneaking into my thoughts.

This day just keeps getting better!

“Ty lives with the humans. He looks scary but that softie adopted a human daughter,” Lexy divulged.

Appearances can be deceiving.

“Breakfast is about to be served and we’re the first ones here!” said Lexy.

She pushed open the door for me. “This is where the pack dines – breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. It’s open twenty-four seven for everyone. It’s usually self-serve in the evenings though.”

There were long tables with neat table settings and, on a countertop, jars of candies and chocolates. On a table were three microwaves, an electric kettle, a coffee maker, and a water dispenser. I haven’t had coffee for a long, long time.

On the other side of the counter were covered cakes on cake stands and other baked goods like cupcakes on a three-tier glass server. A smaller table was in front of it and backed against the wall, a dish cabinet and beside it, a freezer.

“We eat a lot. So, the Omegas always make sure to stock up on food and drinks, from savory to sweet, you name it,” she explained. I was in awe. My old pack didn’t have this. Someone always had to be in the kitchen to attend to anyone.

Everything was well-provided for. No one had to wait for food to be served in between meals. And they were disciplined enough to serve themselves.

It was a lot of load off the Omegas’ backs. Werewolves eat a ton. Working in the kitchens was a burdensome task.

I can’t wait to meet Aunty J!

“See that?” she said, pointing to a door under the stairs that lead to the second floor. “It leads to the cellar. It’s strictly for adults only, obviously. Anyone who takes out a bottle or barrel fills up a sheet. That way, the Omegas know if a certain inventory’s running low.”

“Barrel?”

“The Gammas drink often… for whatever reason. They’ll take out a barrel of beer from time to time, sometimes two. We have other types of alcohol if you don’t drink beer.”

I don’t really drink any type of alcohol.

“And you’re alright with it?” Back at my old pack, drinking was… regulated.

“Anything here is for everyone. No restrictions except for the children – we obliviously can’t have them drinking alcohol,” she said, laughing. “Those jars used to be empty before the day was over. Now, even the children have learned that they won’t run out of treats and the Omegas only have to restock weekly.”

“Lexy, this is all so amazing!” I exclaimed.

“Come on. The kitchen’s this way,” she said, leading me behind the counter and past the double doors.

On the other side of those doors was another world. The Omegas glanced at us and nodded curtly. Everyone was busy with something, be it cooking, chopping up something, doing the dishes. And one voice cut through the noises – she wore a chef’s uniform in the pack’s motif colors. Her hair was neatly tied to a bun and covered with a hairnet, and she was pinning her hat as she walked over to us.

She had beautiful green eyes. They reminded me of Rigel’s.

Wiping her hands on her apron, she walked over to us with a look that wasn’t in any way welcoming.

“Lexy,” she said dryly. “What can I do for you today?”

Her gaze was fixated on Lexy, uninterested in what either of us would say. Lexy didn’t seem to mind.

“Aunty J, this is Anna. She’s bro’s mate,” she chirped.

She eyed me up and down, judging me accordingly.

“I heard,” she said, then dismissed me as she talked to Lexy. “Sarina’s replacement. The Alpha’s tastes had gotten… less flavorful.”

“Excuse me?”

“She’s his mate, Aunty J,” said Lexy. “Please don’t be like this.”

Aunty J scoffed at her. “Rigel told me what the Alpha plans to do. Aren’t you supposed to be stopping him right now?”

Her lips pulled to a knowing smirk seeing Lexy’s brows furrow a little. “You don’t know, do you?”

She frowned when Lexy shook her head. I didn’t like this.

Liam hasn’t told Lexy anything?

“Breakfast should be ready in ten. But seeing as you’re already here, feel free to serve yourselves. You know your way around.” With that, she turned around and disappeared into the workstations.

I’d never seen her before my entire life, but my presence already offended her. I understand that I wasn’t Sarina, but she didn’t have to phrase it like that. Surely, I wasn’t just a replacement, even if I was, in her words, less flavorful. I could accept that.

“Don’t take it to heart,” Lexy said, smiling. “She’s strict on everyone, including Rigel.”

Then it dawned on me. Her eyes – she was his Mom!

I simply nodded and followed her around. Everyone I met here knew more than me. I wish I knew at least half these things. Somehow, it had something to do with Sarina – she must’ve been a great Luna.

Talk about setting the bars high.

I wasn’t particularly good at anything. I didn’t even know what it takes to be a Luna. But I have no intention of surpassing her – it was neither a contest nor a self-serving position. I’d do my best to serve them. Hopefully, it’d suffice for my insufficiency. I wouldn’t want to burden Liam, too.

I took the other tray from Lexy and we sat on one end of a long table. Thoughts clouded my mind, and with her silence, she was too. The food was really good, but the taste wasn’t as enjoyable with the atmosphere.

When we were almost finished with dessert – strawberry shortcake, I noticed her eyes glaze over as she talked to someone via a mind-link. I was still curious what that felt like – to hear the voice in my head and reply in the same manner.

What was it like to hear different voices at once?

That’d be pretty annoying and would immediately give me a headache, I was sure of it, but the more I see them use the link, its impression on me deepened. And I’m reminded time and time again that I was different from them.

I finished my slice and waited. Her eyes resumed to normal a few minutes later, and she looked at me worryingly.

“What?” I asked.

Something was wrong here. Her smile was gone as she narrowed her eyes at me.

“Bro called,” she said quietly. “They want to see you.”

I don’t think I want to know who she meant.