Nightly Krumbs Novels & Stories

He couldn't afford another security failure. A delivery driver in a plain brown uniform pushed a cart of fresh organic baking ingredients toward the metal tables. "Supplies for the Diamond District kitchen, sir. Just arrived from the northern transit hub." Remus narrowed his eyes. "The northern hub?" "Yes, sir. High-grade mountain flour and dried berries." Remus waved the driver back and stepped forward. He pulled out a combat knife, slicing through the heavy tape of the first box. He dug his hands past the plastic bags of flour, his fingers suddenly hitting something hard and metallic hidden deep at the bottom of the crate.

Thin, half-baked submissions went straight into the rejection pile and I accepted a few of the well-researched and sold ones. I was on the very last flimsy proposal, ready to toss it, when something stopped me cold. My hand hovered the screen. I scrolled back up, pulse suddenly loud in my ears, convinced I had to be hallucinating. The brand name was new to me: Agrarian BakeCrumbs. On the cover page sat a clean professional headshot next to the owner’s name—Veronica Harper. “Fuck,” I breathed, the word slipping out low and rough. I swallowed hard.

"It’s eight o’clock on a Tuesday, it’s pouring rain, and you’re standing on my mat trying to sell me junk?" "Sir, this isn't just any product," he said, his expression remaining eerily flat. He reached into his case and pulled out a heavy, strangely ornate brass key. "This is a Master-Pattern key. It’s a marvel of engineering. It’s designed to bypass the tumblers of—"

RILEY My entire body was aching, I felt sore all over. I groaned as a ray of light hit my face. My eyes fluttered open. I yawned, rising from the bed and relaxing my body against the bed stand. “Wait….A bed?” I muttered, all forms of dizziness clearing from my eyes instantly. “It's morning,” I mumbled aloud. “How…how come. I was having rum with Nathan just now and…” My mind went blank. I couldn't recall anything.

Brimworth yells at everyone. Their heads are lower in contrite. "Make sure our new team member feels welcome, and if I see that he is not, one of you will surely be kicked off this team. Got it!" "Yes, sir," they said, sounding like mumbles. Brimworth, tap me on the back and say, "Get change and let us showcase your amazing skill at swimming." I caught Lucas looking at me as he said so with a glare. There are scowls as Brimworth leaves.

I was expected, but it never paid to be careless. The camp came into view, a pit of muted activity. I was met at the edge by two rogues: Kroll, the brute, and the younger one, Gren. Kroll sniffed the air, his milky eye glinting. “The kitchen rat returns,” he grunted. “Smells like gravy and lies.” I kept my face a placid moon. “The master expects my report. The gravy, I’m afraid, is for the loyal.” Gren just watched me, silent and unnerving. He stepped aside, and I descended into the heart of the camp.

“Such is the way of a scared girl, aye? You would be dead already if I wanted to kill you. That’s the appetite of a Roman, hmm? Kill them all and build fences? Shut up your fool mouth and open your foolish mind. I’m going to enlighten you.” “What?” Quintus stammered, his anger going in many directions. “It is Lammas, a high holiday for us from all time we know.” Drust stepped a bit away from them, both arms up high when he said Lammas, but he dropped them soon after. “Today, this very evening, I’ll have my vital sacrifice and you will all go out and be a part of it willingly. My hands won’t get wet with your blood a single drop.” Porcius said under his breath, “That’s big of ya.”

“By the way, what happened last night? You didn’t tell me where you were, and that dinner scene… wow. It was pretty intense, don’t you think?” Scarlett sighed, once again feeling the weight of the stares and the tension from the night before. She looked at her friend, trying to put into words what she had felt, but even for her it was hard to explain. In a discreet corner near the trees at the edge of campus, Alex was surrounded by the members of his pack, with the leader standing in front of him, staring at him with a mix of frustration and anger. The others watched in silence, aware that this was a conversation that could change many things within the group.

Chapter Thirteen I woke up to the sunshine steaming through the window. I let out a yawn and stretched my tired body out. My arms still ached from all the work from yesterday. I jumped out of the bed and quickly washed then got dressed. I could not afford upset the alpha anymore. I knew full well that if I wasn't up and making breakfast for the pack, then I would be beaten again. I prepared pancakes and helped the other omegas to set up the dining hall. It was almost seven am before we had finally got everything completed.

“I know! I know! I promised I wouldn't cry today. But you can't blame me. Mother is outside preparing for a grand party for Angus and I am stuck here with you and a rotten pizza on my carpet, No offense, Lala.” I rubbed her gently on her branch and she tightened her grip. “I wish she could love me”. Just then “Numb little bug” by Em beihold began to play. I began to sing to it, draining in every single beat and lyric. “Lala, if you can help me arrange my room. I promise to not let anything ruin my day”. The tree shrugged and in a way, grimaced. “Oh come on! It sounds fair to me. Okay! I'll give you fresh manure and nice trimming later”.