Chapter 5: First Impressions

Raven POV

The moment the door shuts behind us, Marissa instantly begins to show her true colours, the mask slipping. She slams a pillow against the wall in frustration.

“What was my mother thinking, sending me to a hellhole like this?” she cried.

A hellhole? This packhouse was my own personal version of paradise. Large and spacious with large open windows and stunning balconies. Paintings of wolves adorned the walls, creating a cozy atmosphere. It was everything a person like me could have dreamed of. I was surrounded by nature and mother earth. It was wild. It was exhilarating and it was so unexpected of an Alpha as fearless as Alpha Hades. I had misjudged him.

“There’s nothing wrong with this house,” I told her quietly, “it’s just that you aren’t used to such,” I hesitated, “simplistic surroundings.”

I could hardly call her a spoiled bitch to her face now could I?

“Whatever,” she snapped, “I can’t stand it. I’m going to demolish this eyesore the moment I become Luna and make Hades build me a grand mansion.”

“Don’t you think you’re being slightly overboard? Your attitude is hardly going to win him over?” I pointed out, bracing myself for the inevitable tantrum sure to follow my offending words.

She glares at me and then relaxes slightly, a thoughtful expression on her face. “You’re right,” she said tartly, “I need to remember what mother taught me. There’s plenty of time to make Hades bend to my will. Right now my priority is getting him to agree to the marriage.”

I exhaled relieved. “Raven, I want you to run a bath for me,” she ordered, fiddling with her hair and twining it around her finger over and over. “I need to look perfect for tonight’s dinner.”

Luckily, somebody had already brought our luggage up. I headed into the adjoining bathroom and almost wept with joy. A large wooden tub sat in the corner, an open shower on the opposite wall. A timber vanity with a porcelain sink was situated close to the door and the room even contained a toilet. I started the water and headed back into the bedroom, unable to contain my joy.

“The bath is ready. Just wait until you see the bathroom.”

Marissa lifts her chin and then storms past me, clearly not as enthusiastic. She all but slams the door shut behind her.

She takes forever. By the time she gets out the water is cold. “You can use the water already in there,” she shrugs.

How nice, I think to myself sardonically. 

I comply, shivering as I wash myself with haste and climb back out of the tub. Marissa dresses in a skin tight black one with no straps, while I put on simple trousers and shirt. I see no need to overdress. Marissa is the one trying to capture Hade’s attention, not me. I put her hair up in a chiffon and help her apply her makeup, exhausted by the time I’m finished. She puts on heels, looking into the mirror with a satisfied expression, running her hands down her dress, and smoothing out the slight crinkles.

“He won’t be able to resist me,” she purrs.

I put on sneakers, thoughtfully provided by mother, a knock sounding at the door.

“Come in,” Marissa’s voice is low and seductive.

Jackson pokes his head in, his eyes twinkling. Marissa deflates slightly. “I’m here to escort you for dinner,” his voice is warm.

He goes to take Marissa’s arm but she deftly steps out of the way. He shrugs and then takes mine, walking into the corridor. We slow down our pace, making concessions for Marissa in heels, and make it to the formal dining room. My stomach growls making Jackson laugh.

“Hungry?” he teased.

“Famished,” I moaned, as Marissa huffs behind me, “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”

He escorted me to the table, seating me. The seat beside Hades was empty and Marissa strode confidently to it and looked at Hades expectantly, waiting for him to pull her chair out for her. Jackson hurriedly pulled  out her chair isntead and she pouted, sitting down and eyeing Hades with misgiving. He was not making a favourable impression on her. If it wasn't for his wealth or powerful position she might have left already.

Jackson sits beside me. There are pack members all along the table. Omegas begin to carry out plates, putting them in the middle of the dining table, the pack members eagerly beginning to dig in. It was like a family, all of them passing the dishes to each other and not expecting anybody to serve them. It was, I thought with a pang, exactly like I imagined how a family behaved.

“Raven, have some mashed potatoes,” Jackson scooped it onto my plate, giving me a generous portion and winked at me. “You said you were starving. Don’t tell me you’re one of those girls who hardly eat anything.”

I laughed. He put a large piece of steak on my plate. “Oh, I think you’d be amazed how much I can put away.”

He grinned. “That sounds like a challenge.”

It was impossible to dislike this man. I shot a glance towards Marissa who appeared to be seething. Her back was ramrod straight and she was clearly expecting Hades to fill her plate for her. He did nothing of the kind, leaving her to fend for herself. I saw Jackson subtly shake his head.

“That one’s a princess through and through. We’ve never stood on ceremony. Everybody is treated like equals here,” he muttered.

“Even omegas?” I couldn’t contain my curiosity.

“Even omegas. They’re given a fair wage, provided uniforms and given annual leave. They work hard to maintain the pack house and grounds. Why shouldn’t they be rewarded for it?” he asked wisely.

Shock washes over me. It’s the first time anybody’s put my exact thoughts into words. I see Marissa looking disgustedly at the omegas who are chatting quite comfortably with several of the pack members and some even sitting down with them.

“Was this all-Alpha Hade’s idea?”

“Sure was. He wanted a harmonious pack and one that felt like family. He had his reasons,” Jackson’s voice was pained, “but as you can, the result was more than worth it. “

“Why did you fill my plate then?” I paused between bites and eyed him with interest.

“Because you’re a guest and I can actually stand to be around you,” he blithely looked at Marissa whose smile was downturned, “whereas I haven’t made a decision one way or the other when it comes to your mistress.”

Famous last words because Marissa’s next action would instantly alienate her from everyone. The moon goddess herself couldn't fix the mess she was about to create.