Chapter 3

Ashley version of events at fourteen years-old 

“What do we have here? Are these the cupcakes Luna Minerva asked for?” Mama sauntered into the kitchen and approaches the big island. Without asking my permission, she dipped a finger in the icing batter for the cupcakes to taste my creation, “Mmm. Buenísimo. Esto está delicioso hija, felicidades." (Good. This is delicious, daughter, congratulations.) Luna will be thrilled to know you excelled yourself for the occasion. She might want you to take over your kitchen duties when she sees these delicious cupcakes for tonight’s party. She specially instructed the menu for her son's shifting celebration.” Mama said proudly, lacing her words with a thick Spanish accent. After all these years of living in the valley of Andorra, mom has kept true to her Spanish roots. 

She is fortunate to be a formidable cook and have a post in the packhouse kitchen. With all her knowledge and wit put to work, she quickly became head of staff and have served in the Greenways for 15 years.   

I watch her as she wipes away the residue of the cream cheese mixture left in the spoon. There wasn’t a trace of batter she did not lick.

To be honest, I am proud of my work, too. I grated carrots and gridded nuts all morning to make the cupcakes tastier. I use all-natural ingredients and always ask Papa to bring me fresh items from the crops. I prepared the dough for the pastries from scratch. Boxed cake mixes are forbidden in mom’s kitchen. I follow the family tradition, which is why Mom’s desserts are so special. 

When I have my own pastry store, my priority would be to offer fresh and delicious food that everyone can enjoy.

“Atticus is a handsome young man, don’t you think?” Mamma interrupts my train of thoughts.

“Mamá!” I shrieked. My cheeks immediately turned red at the mention of anything related to boys. A warm feeling ran through my veins at the mention of the young Alpha Atticus. I try to avoid all conversations associated with the opposite sex. I have enough of tedious health lectures about werewolf sexual behaviour lectures to be listening to them at home too.

“Oh, don’t look at me that way, young lady. He is going to be a strong and very handsome man. All the girls are eager for him to give them just one look." Mom winks. 

I begin to daydream of the day I finally leave this pack to find my own way in life and don't listen to what Mom is saying, she is quick to scold me for not paying attention, “Sorry, Ma.”

“Mija, pay more attention. I won’t last you forever.” she winked at me.  “You won’t get a mate if you keep daydreaming. Men like women to cook them delicious meals. That’s what Omega’s are good for: taking care of others. We live to serve the pack, darling; you should be content with that.” She talks so sweetly but doesn’t realize the hole she is carving in my heart.

I’m not the daughter she expects. I don’t want to break her heart because I’m her only child, but that’s not who I want to be. I want to be independent and have my own bakery.

My goals are set on something more fulfilling than serving as a breeder. I know Omegas must perform their duty to the pack if heirs are not birthed. But I can’t tell her, or anyone else, for that matter.

I have plans for when I graduate high school to ask Alpha permission to visit my father’s pack in England. Dad was a former scout in Crescent Moon Pack who came here over 15 years ago to help in the borders.  My parents are chosen mates and settled here in the Greenway pack when Mother was rescued from her original pack. Hunters raided her home, and Alpha Tyson offered refuge for the victims. She was an only child too and lost her family, but dad has a big family in England I don't often visit and is the best excuse to go there after so many years.

“To a full belly a happy heart."  It’s Mom old saying about the importance of satisfying people with delicious food so they will be happy. She speaks as if there was a connection between the belly and the heart. But who I am to say otherwise.

Mom has put a little weight lately, but remains an agile woman who makes her presence felt in the kitchen. And my dear father couldn’t care less for how often I have heard him say he prefers to have his bed full and warm to a cold and empty one. Eww! Not the time to picture my parents in bed, I scolded myself. 

“Remember to clean everything. People can make it a bad habit to leave dirty dishes in the sink.” my mother advised.

“Nena, one day, you will have to take charge of this same kitchen." Mom waved her hand, gesturing to the space where we were. Her pride in her eyes is evident as she emphasizes the high-tech equipment, gas stoves, modern refrigerators, granite counters, and stainless steel and copper utensils.

I sighed and rolled my eyes, ensuring she didn’t see me. God forbids she catches me, or I’m dead. She is a good and tender mother but doesn’t dare to be on her wrong side or you will experience the power of the chancla.

Mom would never understand I’m different. I don’t just want a simple and plain life as a cook for a big pack house. I want to go out and see the world. Study and become a great baker.

I dream of becoming a pastry chef and having a small bakery in town. I will work hard and save until I convince my parents to let me leave.

“I told you that Luna Minerva wants everything ready for tonight. She will be delighted, you’ll see.” She pinched my cheeks, and that hurt.

“Ma, stop that! I’m not five anymore.” I’m not keen on this kind of affection; I much prefer to be left alone. That’s one of the reasons I don’t hang out with girls my age anymore. Not that I don’t like having friends, but unmated she-wolves I know are only thinking about one thing: boys.

“Thanks, Mom, I have followed all your instructions. A second tray is already in the oven.”

I’m quick to return to the task assigned. The rich smell of vanilla and almond filled the kitchen. My stomach started to rumble. Handling food always opened my appetite. Sadly, all the fat goes to my hips. It is the only part of my body I’m conscious about.

The truth is I hadn’t eaten anything wanting to finish the homework that Mom gave me while she was preparing the banquet. As the head cook, she is appointed in charge of the feast for tonight’s festivities. I even heard there are going to be fireworks! I'm so excited.

“Keep up the good work, and soon you will be helping me with the baking part.” Mom kisses me on the forehead and congratulates me once more.

I take out the first tray of 24 cupcakes I made this morning and put them on towels to cool them before arranging them in lovely baskets.

“Now, listen to me carefully, Ashley, no one besides the helpers should be here. I have to go to the market because the butcher’s truck broke down, and I have to pick up the meat order."

“What? No. I mean, can’t Father bring the goods or any of the helpers?”

“You know I don’t trust anyone with this. You’re a big girl now, right? There shouldn’t be a problem; you won’t be completely alone. Omegas are coming and going. You’ll be fine.” she assured me.

“Yes, Mama, cross my heart. Everything will be okay while you are gone.” I roll my eyes and exhale.

“I know I can trust my girl. The rest of the Omegas have their own tasks to fulfill. Don’t interrupt them, but report anything to me when you return. But if anything happens, call your father. 

She kisses me on both my cheeks and leaves through the back kitchen door.