Chapter 50 Loyalty Binds
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I realized that barking back at Beverly could have cost me my life, but I was tired of constantly looking over my shoulder, waiting for the moment she would finally rip me to shreds. It was an inevitable situation I would have to face sooner or later. An overwhelming force of power surged through my body when I registered that she had shifted mid-air into her big brown wolf and was heading straight for me, claws fully extended, eager to take a swipe. I wondered if it was the energy radiating down from the moon that had suddenly made me overly confident—it felt like I could hear it speak to me. Maybe it was the pills I had taken? Better yet, maybe I was just exhausted from everything that had happened.
I felt my fists clench tightly and my breathing quicken. My wolf clawed inside, desperate for me to submit fully to her and finally face my fears. I could feel my wolf screaming when Alpha Jaxon intercepted the attack aimed at me. My wolf was so devoted to him that she belted out "mate!" in panic.
After Beverly rushed off, clearly still pissed, I noticed the group of higher-ranking wolves standing there in disbelief, eyes wide and jaws hanging low. Beta Don looked like he had just seen a ghost; his face had whitened to that of a sheet when he asked, "W-what was that?!" I wasn't sure about this new girl I was becoming, but I too was impressed. She was fierce, and she was gaining respect from those around her. I had managed to faint, hold my sanity together during the coronation with Beverly all over my mate, then survive a rogue attack—all in one day. I was pretty sure we were past the point where I deserved a medal for all I had endured.
I made my way through the massive double pack house doors, certain I'd have to rummage through the kitchen pantry for something quick to eat. My body was slowly becoming sore, and I sighed to myself—what a run that had been. As I got closer to the dining hall, I heard pots and pans clapping together like there was a rock band inside. Since only the pack house cook had permission to prepare meals in the kitchen, I thanked the Moon Goddess for my good luck. I quickly thought about how I could persuade Chef Mark to make me something to eat.
I pushed my weight against the kitchen door and heard a gasp that made me whip my head toward the noise. Sophia dropped a pot on the floor, causing me to spring backward. "ADELINE! I thought you were Chef Mark! He would kill me if he knew I was in here!" she said with a panicked look on her face.
"I didn't mean to scare you, I'm sorry! I was just looking for something to eat. I'm famished," I replied, throwing my hands over my forehead dramatically. Sophia let out a small giggle. "Well, well, well. I was actually going to make you something and bring it up for you—I was worried you hadn't eaten since... you know," she said with sad eyes. "How have you been feeling? Has your leg healed?"
I gave her a soft smile. I was grateful that my mate's sister was Sophia. "I feel better than ever, actually. I just finished a run with Alpha Jaxon." My mind spun as thoughts of what he had done to me on that boulder beside the lake popped up. "Let me help—I wouldn't want you taking the heat if Chef Mark finds us."
A smirk formed on Sophia's angelic face as she stuck her tongue out at me. "I'll say it was all your idea!" I couldn't help but laugh; she was always so witty. Sophia placed the silver pot over the sink and began filling it with water. "How about some pasta? I've been told it's practically the only thing I know how to make."
"Oh wow, Soph, don't spoil me now with all your gourmet food. I might just never leave," I teased, pulling myself up onto the black wooden bar stool at the kitchen island.
"Yep, that's the plan. How did you figure that one out so quickly? My my, our Luna is a double threat, ladies and gentlemen! Beauty AND brains," Sophia mocked as she approached the pantry and pulled out a bag of spaghetti.
I rolled my eyes, placing my elbows on the kitchen island and slouching my face into my hands. Now that Sophia had brought up the attack, I couldn't help but think about what Alpha Jaxon had told me about his mother being a red wolf too.
Sophia glanced at me with interest as she poured the tomato sauce into a pan. "What's up, Adeline? What's really on your mind?"
I let out a huff, unsure how she would react to what I was about to say. "I don't mean to offend you, but... do you think you could take me to meet your mom?" I bit my lip, knowing I had crossed a line.
Sophia's face turned serious; her lips pressed tightly together. She stayed silent for a moment as if I had put her in an uncomfortable position. "I'm so sorry, Sophia. I shouldn't have asked. That's none of my business. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," I said, straightening my back and hoping she didn't hate me for what I had asked.
She continued stirring the tomato sauce, throwing random spices into the pan. She turned toward me and placed one hand on her hip. "I think Jaxon should take you if I'm being honest. He should bring you to meet our mom," her words sounding apologetic.
I nodded in understanding, and Sophia asked, "Has he told you she's alive?"
I shook my head slightly and looked down at the kitchen island, regretting that I had asked such a painful favor.
"He hasn't told you?!" she scolded, eyes bulging in surprise. "Well then, forget what I said. If he's not going to take you, I will. Let's say tomorrow after lunch? I was going to visit her anyway. I'm sure she'll be excited to hear that Jaxon met his true mate."
She drained the pasta and mixed the noodles with the red sauce. I was hesitant to eat after watching her. I was positive she had just thrown the spices together and hoped for the best. I made a mental note to insist on cooking next time.
"Look, if you're not comfortable, that's okay. I know it's a big favor to ask. I just let my curiosity get the best of me," I told her as I stood up to grab some glasses and a pitcher of water.
She was plating the pasta when she walked toward me and grabbed my shoulders with her soft hands. "I wouldn't take you if I didn't think she could handle it. I want you to come with me, but I don't want you to get offended if she tells us to leave." Her eyes became glassy as she fought back tears.
I threw my arms over her shoulders. "You know what's the best part of being Jaxon's mate? Having you in my life now." I was happy that I had made her laugh when a giggle slipped out of her. "And don't you forget it!" she teased, walking back to the plates of pasta and bringing them over to the kitchen island.
Sophia cocked her head, her glare glued to my neck. "My turn to ask you something," she gushed excitedly. "Have you and Jaxon officially mated?"
A blush crossed my face, and the room suddenly grew very warm. "Mated? No. I mean, my wolf keeps fighting me too, but I'm nervous that after we mate and it's announced, Beverly will challenge me. She saw us together after our run and almost tried to kill me," I told her as I picked up my fork. I braced myself at the questionable meal in front of me, knowing I would have to finish it so as not to offend my only real friend in the pack house.
She shot me a determined smile. This was either going to be the worst or best idea ever. "You're rightful spot is beside Jaxon, as Luna. You need to give yourself some credit. I have an idea. How about you train with me?" Sophia asked, stuffing a huge bite of spaghetti into her mouth. My stomach growled watching her enjoy the food.
I raised my eyebrows at the idea. In my old pack, female wolves were expected to participate in pack runs, but training was mostly reserved for warriors. "Train with you? Wait, you train?!" I exclaimed in amazement.
Sophia narrowed her eyes at me like I had grown a second head. "Of course I train. All shifters are expected to train daily with the pack. Jaxon believes that all pack members should be prepared in case of an attack. You can't always depend on your natural instincts. I would say enjoy the time you have left before you get served your schedule, but GIRL, I'm sorry, YOU DON'T HAVE TIME!" she cried out.
My body tensed at the idea of training like a warrior, but I knew this was my best chance to prepare for the challenge I knew was coming.
"Deal," I winked at her and filled my mouth with spaghetti. Flavors of oregano, parsley, and garlic burst in my mouth. This was the best pasta I had ever had. I felt bad for doubting Sophia.
"Mmm, you can make me dinner whenever you want! This is fantastic," I murmured with a mouth full of pasta, puffing my cheeks. I would have been mortified if anyone had walked in then.
We quickly devoured our plates, and I fought Sophia when she tried to help me clean up. She had cooked, after all, so it was only fair I did the dishes. She took off the plaid apron she had been wearing and tossed it in the pack house kitchen laundry bin.
I cocked my head at her and said, "Aren't you worried if you leave evidence behind, Chef Mark will know someone was in here?"
Her eyes lit up with mischief; trouble was one thing Sophia loved. "It doesn't matter if he doesn't know who it was," she said, blowing me a kiss as she exited the kitchen.
I shook my head in disbelief and wiped down the counter before rushing upstairs to my bedroom. I was eager for Alpha Jaxon to return from his meeting. I thought I had a pretty good idea of the pack house layout by now—make a left out of the dining hall, then another left to find the staircase. Great, I was lost again. This place was like one giant maze.
