"Well, the good thing is that he's apparently decided to let us stay. The bad news is that he hasn't said whether or not we'll be a part of his pack on a permanent basis," André said as the door clicked shut.
"Lexia, go get your shower. We don't want to keep him waiting," I instructed. She winced as she got up and made her way to the shower. It didn't take us long to get ready. I noticed that Lexia was slightly pale and she seemed to be leaning on her cane more. I would have to find a way to give her more blood, but I couldn't risk exposing my secret just yet.
The three of us made our way down the hall and were met by three other wolves. It was obvious who was waiting for who. There was a young girl about the same age and size as Lexia. This girl quickly introduced herself, and Lexia actually smiled back. She looked back at me and I nodded before they took off. It would be nice for Lexia to have friends. When I got a good look at the Beta, I almost gasped in shock. He was the spitting image of Mikhail, and he quickly introduced himself as such.
"I am Beta Mykel. I believe you have my met my twin brother, Mikhail," he said with a sly smirk.
'This complicates things,' I heard in my head. I nodded imperceptibly. If Mykel knew who we were, then our chances of escaping or getting away had just zeroed out.
"Come, André. Although I have a good idea of your skills, I am still under orders to evaluate you." He then turned and left without checking to see if the other man was following him. André gave me a desperate look, but I nodded. For the moment, we were at Alpha Mosley's beck and call, and we would do well not to anger him. André nodded then followed after the Beta.
The she-wolf that was left glowered at me as though I were nothing but a piece of trash. I breathed a sigh of relief. That kind of attitude was at least something that I was used to. She didn't introduce herself, which again, didn't bother me. I gasped in shock at the sheer size of the kitchen. Night Sky's kitchen had been large, but it paled in comparison to Red River. The stove had room for two or three cooks to work side by side, and and a whole wall of nothing but ovens. I had never seen so many cabinets in one place before. There were 3 very large refrigerators, and every manner of small appliance one could want in a kitchen. I turned to find the she-wolf, but she was gone. I shook my head. It was no matter. I had my orders from the Alpha. I glanced at the clock on the microwave and yelped. I had less than two hours to prepare a meal for who knew how many wolves.
I shook my head again, deciding that I would not be daunted by the task in front of me. It didn't take me long to get what I needed organized, and soon I had homemade mac 'n cheese, steamed vegetables, and turnip greens going on the stove. I had six pans of cornbread in the ovens, and decided on a baked chicken with a garlic and herb sauce for the main entree. I had brownie batter waiting in pans that would go in the ovens once I pulled the cornbread out. I didn't know exactly how many wolves I was cooking for, so I went all out. I figured if there were any leftovers then those could be put in cartons and saved for later. I felt as though I were being watched, but ignored my audience. I was not surprised when he spoke.
"I'm impressed. I've seen my chefs do less with more time. And if it tastes as good as it smells, well, we'll make some kitchen Omegas both unhappy and happy at the same time. Is there anything ready that I might try?" I nodded and then pulled a couple of the chicken breasts from a pan that was in the warmer. I plated him some of everything and sat it in front of him. Before I could ask him about the taste, my timer went off, so I pulled the cornbread out and put the brownies in. I cut out a piece of the cornbread and put it on a small plate with some butter next to it. He didn't say anything while he ate, but I could tell that he happy. I actually saw a small smile play at his lips. He ate slowly and seemed to savor every bite. My second timer went off, and I pulled the brownies out. I didn't need to be told that he wanted one. I grabbed the empty plate that had held the cornbread and rinsed it off and served him a warm brownie. "Tell me, Jaxton, how did Alpha Robert and Luna Amanda ever let you go?"
'Well. s**t,' Nox said. I could only nod in agreement.
I took a moment to compose myself before I said something I would regret. "Luna Amanda only realized what I was capable of in the kitchen a few days ago." I said slowly.
"Ah...So you were the cook for the Mates Gathering. I had wondered where she had found such talent."
"As to your question, I think the Luna resented that my parents just dumped me and my sister on her. From what I can remember, I was not born a member of Night Sky. But rather became one shortly before Lexia was born. I think my parents had planned to abandon us from the start. They just chose the pack that was closest to them at the time when my sister was born."
"Hmm, that makes sense from what I know of Robert and Amanda. You've done well for yourself here. Your friend and your sister as well. We'll let the other kitchen Omegas clean up while you come with me to see Dr. Julius. If he gives you the green light, which I think he will, we'll discuss the three of you becoming part of my pack."
I nodded. I could do nothing but acquiesce. I pinched the bridge of my nose as I felt what I could only assume was a headache. I heard grumbling in my head, which made my head hurt worse. André, Nox, and Lexia were not happy. I couldn't say that this new development sat well with me either. I didn't want to be a prisoner in yet another pack. I had the distinct feeling that time was running out and escaping and breaking another pack bond was not something that I wanted. For the time being, though, we would be pawns in Alpha Mosley's game.