The Gathering: Rogue Attacks

Matilda and the other two omegas made their way back to the kitchen, their steps hurried yet silent.

The moment they were out of earshot, the other girls whispered to each other, their words laced with distaste.

"She's insufferable," one of them muttered, rolling her eyes.

"Honestly, does she ever talk to people without an attitude?" the other scoffed.

Matilda, however, remained quiet. She had her own thoughts about Amelia, but voicing them wouldn't change a thing.

No matter how she felt, Amelia was still the Alpha's daughter, far above her in status.

Upon reaching the vast and impressive kitchen, was a whirlwind of activity. The air buzzed with the sound of chopping, sizzling, and murmured conversation. She saw Madam Tera standing close to the massive stone countertops, the light of the numerous crystal chandeliers gleaming above her, as she directed the girls.

Matilda cautiously approached. She relayed Amelia's request to Madam Tera. The older woman sighed, rubbing her temple before assigning the task to Matilda.

A wavering expression flickered across Matilda's features; her eyes darted between the girls around her before settling on Madam Tera as if seeking confirmation. "I have to take it?"

"Yes," Madam Tera said firmly, narrowing her eyes. "And I suggest you fix that tone before it gets you into trouble."

Matilda's lips pressed into a thin line, but she remained silent.

Madam Tera softened slightly. "Look, child, I don't know what grudge you hold, but she's done nothing to you personally, has she?"

Matilda looked away. "No, Madam."

"Then do your job and don't harbor bitterness for no reason," Madam Tera advised. "You're still young. Letting resentment grow will only weigh you down."

Matilda nodded stiffly, taking the tray laden with snacks and drinks. She just wanted to get this over with.

As she turned to leave, the other girls smirked.

"Poor Matilda," one said in mock sympathy. "Heading straight to the lion's den."

"Hope you make it back alive," the other giggled, shaking her head.

Matilda inhaled deeply to calm her tensed nerves, ignoring them as she made her way toward the reserve.

The walk felt longer than usual, her steps heavier with an unspoken tension.

From a distance, she could already see them; Sebastian, Williams, and… Amelia.

So she had joined them after all.

Matilda's eyes lingered on the Alpha's daughter, observing how her usual arrogance had melted into something else entirely.

She was different around Sebastian. Softer, sweeter. It was painfully obvious how much he meant to her.

Reaching the archery range, Matilda knocked gently on the stone frame of a nearby post to announce her presence.

Amelia's head snapped toward her, her expression immediately twisting into displeasure.

Matilda lifted the tray slightly in a respectful gesture. "Your snacks, my lady."

Amelia scoffed, arms crossing over her chest. "Just leave it there," she snapped. "Must you announce it to the entire world?"

Matilda remained silent, carefully setting the tray down as instructed.

"Amelia," Sebastian's voice held a note of disapproval, "that was unnecessary."

Amelia clenched her jaw, but surprisingly, she didn't argue. If it were anyone else, she would have thrown another sharp remark, but because it was Sebastian, she let it go. How could she deny him such a simple request?

Williams, having watched the exchange, smirked and shook his head. "You never change, do you? Always the grumpy one."

Amelia shot him a glare. "Mind your own business, Williams."

Matilda kept her head down, unwilling to give Amelia another reason to lash out. With a polite bow, she asked, "May I take my leave, my lord?"

Williams waved a dismissive hand. "Go ahead."

Amelia shot him another glare, but he merely smirked in response.

Matilda wasted no time in retreating, grateful to be away from Amelia's wrath.

But as she walked back toward the pack house, she couldn't help but wonder... just how long could Amelia keep up this act around Sebastian?

Matilda returned to her daily tasks, her mind still lingering on her tense interaction with Amelia.

She had no time to dwell on it, though, as the moment she stepped into the kitchen, the other omega girls swarmed her like a pack of hungry locusts.

"Well?" one of them pressed, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"What was it like, your first real encounter with Hurricane Amelia?" another added with a smirk.

Matilda sighed and remained silent, refusing to indulge in their gossip.

But someone else had already seen the entire exchange and wasted no time in filling in the eager girls.

"She was exactly as you'd expect," the girl whispered dramatically. "Snapping at Matilda like she was some insect in her way. But the best part? Sebastian told her to stop."

Gasps rippled through the small crowd.

"No way."

"She actually listened?"

"She must really like him."

The murmurs grew louder, but as soon as Madam Tera made an appearance, the kitchen fell into immediate silence.

"Back to work," she commanded firmly, and without hesitation, the girls returned to their assigned tasks.

During lunch, the omegas moved with swift precision, serving meals to the guests and exclusive pack members.

The Rathords had settled in well, their presence bringing a sense of closeness that had long been missing in the Hillson Pack.

As the days passed, the two Alphas; Richard and Lucas, spent their time engrossed in deep discussions about politics and the shifting tides of power within the werewolf kingdom.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, they sat on the balcony with glasses of wine in hand.

"The King has called for a grand gathering," Alpha Lucas finally revealed, breaking the comfortable silence.

Alpha Richard leaned forward, his interest piqued. "When?"

"In six months," Lucas replied. "The message is already being sent out, but it will take time to reach the farthest packs."

Richard exhaled, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "That long?"

"You know how it is," Lucas said with a shrug. "Not every pack is within easy reach. Some are deep within the mountains, others across vast forests. The King wants full attendance. Every pack must be present."

Richard took a slow sip of his wine. "If he's calling for such a large gathering, it must be serious."

Lucas nodded, his close-set hazel eyes now narrowed and focused, reflecting his deep concentration. "It is. The rogue attacks are escalating. Packs have fallen, and lives have been lost. This isn't just another political meeting...it's a call to action."

Richard's expression darkened. "The King must have a plan."

"He does," Lucas confirmed. "But from what I've gathered, he's not making any decisions without hearing from every Alpha."

Richard sighed. "Then we wait."

Lucas raised his glass in a mock toast. "To waiting."

Richard clinked his against it, but neither of them smiled. Six months felt like an eternity, and yet, it was barely enough time to prepare for whatever was coming.