Alpha Richard's Arrival

Matilda beamed with joy as Madam Tera praised her.

"This is excellent," she said, turning to the head chef. "Make sure to include her apple pie in the menu moving forward."

Matilda's heart swelled with pride.

"From now on," Madam Tera continued, "this kitchen is your main responsibility. A little extra hand goes a long way."

For the first time in a long while, Matilda felt a sense of belonging.

The kitchen had always been her sanctuary; a place where she could drown out the noise of the past and focus on something she truly loved.

Some of the other Omega girls didn't share her enthusiasm.

While a few smiled at her success, others exchanged envious glances or muttered under their breath. Not everyone was happy about her new role.

Familiarizing with the Kitchen

The head chef, Mrs Louisa, a middle-aged woman with graying hair and a firm yet kind expression, led Matilda around.

"If you ever need anything, it's best to know where to find it yourself," she said, opening a large pantry stocked with rows of fresh ingredients, spices, and preserved goods.

Matilda nodded, taking mental notes.

By midday, she was deep in work.

Apple pies. Lots of them.

Hundreds of werewolves lived here, about four hundred and every single one of them had to be served.

Madam Tera assigned another chef to assist her, along with a few Omega girls for the menial tasks.

It was exhausting, but they finished twenty minutes before breakfast.

The pack's dining hall was nothing short of massive, spanning nearly two acres.

Rows of long wooden tables stretched across the room, and at this moment, hundreds of werewolves sat, awaiting their morning meal.

Most had just returned from training.

The air was thick with conversation, laughter, casual chatter, and the scraping of chairs.

Families sat together, warriors discussed morning drills, and Omegas stood behind them, waiting.

Waiting for the Alpha and his Luna.

Suddenly, the energy changed.

A hush fell over the hall like a wave.

Matilda watched as the Alpha and his Luna strode in with a commanding presence.

Behind them walked their two children;

Amelia Hillson, the spoiled, troublesome daughter, her nose lifted high in the air, her moss-green eyes sparkled with brilliance, radiating confidence and arrogance. Her steps were measured and accurate; she walked with grace and poise.

Her long, deep golden-brown curls cascaded down her shoulders mirroring the defiance burning in her eyes.

Williams Hillson, the eldest son, a stark contrast to his sister.

He was the hottest bachelor in the pack; tall, slightly broad-shouldered, his ash-grey eyes, small and deeply set, glinted with shrewd intelligence, his aquiline nose gave him regal bearing, his strong jawline and determined set of mouth spoke of unwavering resolve. His every stride was poised and demanded respect.

Matilda had heard rumors about him.

Unlike his arrogant sister, he carried himself with a calm, steady presence. The pack admired him for his strength and wisdom.

Amelia, on the other hand, was feared for all the wrong reasons.

She thrived on power and was ruthlessly entitled.

Matilda knew Amelia was barely older than her, but the gap in their lives was immeasurable.

As Alpha Richard and Luna Kim reached the head table, everyone rose to their feet, lowering their heads in silent respect.

"Alpha," they murmured in unison.

The Alpha gave a slight nod, his expression unreadable.

His sharp, golden eyes scanned the room before he lifted a hand... a subtle motion that carried absolute authority.

Without a single word, he gave the signal.

The Omegas immediately began serving the dishes.

Seated not far from Alpha Richard was his Beta, Gerald, the 'current' Beta who leads the pack with Richard, while Calvin was Williams right-hand man, Beta Gerald's son.

Beta Gerald, a man of broad shoulders, graying temples, and sharp, calculating eyes that missed nothing.

He sat among the council, the group of high-ranking werewolves responsible for governing the pack alongside the Alpha.

As the meal continued, Gerald leaned forward, his voice low but firm.

"How are the preparations for the upcoming ceremony?" he asked, directing his question to one of the elders.

A grizzled warrior seated across from him nodded. "Everything is progressing as planned, Beta. The initiates are undergoing their final tests, and the ceremonial grounds will be ready within the next few weeks."

Gerald gave an approving nod before shifting the conversation.

"And the reports? Anything of concern?"

Another council member, a lean, sharp-eyed woman, cleared her throat. "So far, everything runs smoothly. Patrols report no rogue sightings in our borders, and trade routes remain secure. However..." she hesitated.

Alpha Richard, who had been quietly eating, lifted his gaze.

"However?" he prompted.

The woman exhaled. "We've noticed slight tensions among the younger warriors. There have been... challenges. Fights. The usual dominance struggles. Nothing alarming yet, but it could escalate if not kept in check."

Alpha Richard nodded thoughtfully. "Have the trainers keep a closer watch. If it becomes more than a training ground dispute, I will step in."

The council murmured in agreement.

Once the reports were discussed, Gerald took a sip from his goblet before addressing the table again.

"There is one more matter." His voice carried enough weight to draw the attention of even the lower-ranked wolves seated farther away.

The room quieted slightly.

"In a few weeks, we will receive visitors from the Blood Moon Pack."

A few warriors exchanged glances at the mention of the powerful ally.

Alpha Richard allowed a small smile. "Their Alpha is an old friend," he said, his voice carrying an almost nostalgic tone. "We grew up together, trained together, fought side by side. Now that age is catching up on us, it's fleeting... so we've agreed it's time to pass the mantle to our sons."

A few murmurs rippled across the hall. The idea of both Alphas stepping down was no small decision.

"We plan to hand over leadership before the next gathering at the King's palace," Richard continued. "That means this visit will be crucial. Both packs will need to strengthen their bonds for the future ahead."

Some warriors straightened at the unspoken implication... change was coming.

Matilda, who had been quietly serving nearby, listened intently.

She wasn't sure why, but something about this announcement unsettled her.