Ashley, fourteen years-old
“What do we have here? Are these the cupcakes Luna Minerva asked for?” Ma sauterne into the kitchen and approaches the island. Without asking my permission, she dipped a finger in the icing batter for the cupcakes to taste my creation, “Mm-m-m." "Buenísimo. The 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. Luna specially instructed the menu for her son's first shift 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 Spaniards roots.
She is fortunate to be a formidable cook and win a post in the kitchens. 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. My priority is to offer fresh and delicious food that everyone can enjoy.
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.
“Atticus is a handsome young man, don’t you think?”
“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 those tedious health and werewolf sexual behaviours lectures at school 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 pay them attention and cook delicious meals. That’s what Omega’s are good for: taking care of others. We live to serve the pack, darling; you should get your mindset from a young age.” 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 travel the world and be independent.
My goals are set on something more fulfilling than serving as a breeder or who knows what for the pack. I know Omegas must perform their duty. But I can’t tell her, or anyone else, for that matter.
I have plans for when I graduate high school. I will ask the Alpha permission to visit my father’s pack in England. My father was a former scout from Crescent Moon and came here as a helping hand. My parents are chosen mates and settled here in the Greenway pack, when my mother was rescued from her original pack. Hunters raided her home, and Alpha Tyson sent help and offered refuge for the victims.
My mother is an only child and lost her family, but dad has a big family in England I don't often visit and when I'm old enough, it will be the best excuse to go after so many years.
“To a full belly a happy heart." It’s Mom old saying
All my life, I have been taught the importance of satisfying our patrons with delicious food so they will be happy as if there was a connection between the belly and the heart. But who I am, I go against my mother.
A little weight, she 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 than cold and empty. 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.
Mom’s family has been cooking for high-ranking Alphas and families for generations. It is no exception; I will work here when she retires.
“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 to the feast for tonight’s festivities.
“Keep up the good work, and I can leave the baking part to you.” 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 order for tonight."
“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 safe.” 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.
Ashley Alpha Jason lit a cigarette and looked down at my cleavage, I traced his gaze and whispered, “It’s a tracker.” I’m suddenly aware of the terrible mistake I made by wearing something gifted by a total stranger. I tried to rip it off me, but he caught my hand, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you, darling.” He blew a puff of smoke in my direction making me cough.I stir the other way but he tightens his grip around my wrist and yanks me forward, causing me to stumble against his hard, broad chest. The upper buttons of his shirt were undone, and my cheek pressed against his bare skin. A mix of anger and nausea surged within me, making me gasp as I looked up to meet his gaze. "Desperate to touch me? You should have said so sooner, love," he smirked. "C’me on. I'll take you somewhere private." He ditched the cigarette and started to pull me away from the crowd, but I resisted and fought against him.“Ugh! You disgusting pig! Let go of me.” He keeps pulling me away, and I feel my wolv
JackAshley doesn’t see me approaching, she is sandwiched between the feline shifters. My hands curled into fists just watching them dancing together. Feline shifters are known to work in tandem for their own safety but also to seek pleasure. My nostrils flare in anger, and by doing so, I also caught a whiff of their scent. They are liberating pheromones, calling the attention of other felines and that is not a good sign. If another male approaches them to claim what is mine there would be hell to pay.I’m so close now, just two steps away from snatching Ashley by the arm when suddenly my view is blocked by two bulky figures dressed in black. They remind me of a movie I saw with the guys in the barracks a few days ago, Men in Black? I don’t quite remember the title but I recall their neat suit and ridiculous black glasses.”The fuck are you doing? Who are you?’” Each man takes me by the arm and drags me to where I believe is the backside of the club, possibly with the intention of th
Ashley This is more serious and runs more deeply than I thought. I’m no longer the object of Jack’s infatuation but the object of his obsession. He couldn’t take his eyes off of me the entire time. But as much as I find him obnoxious, I don’t believe he deserves to be mistreated by Jason. That says much about the future Alpha of Crescent Moon Pack. Also being on the alpha’s radar puts me under pressure and brings the attention that I don’t need being a newcomer to this pack. And what should I do with the necklace? What was Alpha Jason thinking about giving me such expensive jewelry? I don't have a use for it, I don’t do fancy events. I’m an ordinary Omega with an ordinary life. There’s not much expected from me but gratitude and servitude. In the order of things, high rank wolves protect and provide for Omegas, and in turn, it is our duty to serve them. The most vulnerable ranked wolves see that the packhouse is running with cooks and kitchen helpers, and cleaners. We also help with
JackI was relieved when we left the packhouse. The only good thing I got out of dinner was the juicy steak. Food is something they are not short of. The table was loaded with bowls of fresh vegetables, meat, poultry and fish, season’s fruits and sweets. Wine was served but I wouldn’t touch it. The rest of the evening turned sour the moment that goody-two-shoes alpha heir pursued Ashley. He even had the audacity to give her a necklace!My Ashley. She looked conflicted but accepted the present out of respect. I was ready to pounce on him and turn him to shreds and make Alpha confetti out of him. That would have been a sight, my wolf howling in agreement.If I hadn’t rained Ares on time, Alpha Atticus would have killed me for sure after knowing I antagonized the future Alpha of Crescent Moon Pack. Every time I glanced at him, his predatory eyes would be all over Ashley. It was sickening. Is infuriating that she has to stay at the packhouse when she has family here. Hell! She will
ASHLEYIf I were alone I would have slapped a hand over my face. Oh, no, This is not happening. I wished for the earth to swallow me whole rather to be the focus of attention.I’m trying to eat the four-course meal served. I’m a meat lover and they have lamb, pork and stakes for the protein choice. A variety of veggies, soups and potatoes are among the carbs options for the night. Wow. If they eat like this every night, I would certainly feel like royalty. It smells delicious but I play with the food around my plate. The atmosphere in the room has changed dramatically. The air is charged with a negative energy so dense it could be cut with a knife. The Alpha and Beta are engrossed in a passive-aggressive conversation and it is all because of me. Inadvertently, I have raised the attention of the Alpha heir without wanting any special treatment. My plan was simple: move out of Greenway Pack to find my own place and carve my own future. I repeated myself over and over again that fr
JackThe surprised look on Ashley’s face when the Alpha took her arm to escort her upstairs just gave chills down my spine. Even my wolf is uneasy. I don’t know his true intentions but anyone who has eyes could see the glint in the young Alpha’s eyes as he talked with my girl. At that moment all I wanted to do was bring her closer to me and kiss her in front of everyone so they would know who she belongs to.Because Ashley is mine, I’m certain of that.When I confronted Jason, her pleading eyes reminded me why I’m still in Crescent Moon, and that’s I’m on mission to guarantee her safety, but foremost, to be her shadow. I need to know what she is hiding. Her parents held back on information, that os extreamly odd. This is a matter of pack security now, before I report to Alpha, I need to know what is going on with the Dawsons and if Ashleys trip has anything to do with her estrange behavior.It is not every day that you see a werewolf in a catatonic state and using their underlying voi