The next morning, I was up at 7 am, thankful I wasn't on breakfast duty after last night. My face wasn't swollen; it was as though a week had passed and now it was just a light purple, almost yellow bruise. The small strips were no longer needed since it was just a red scab that sat on the hairline of my scalp. I covered everything with some foundation and concealer, trying my hardest to not look too caked-on more in one area.

During the announcement last night, we were told to look and be our best for today. So I had to hide any scratches or cuts I had and also look good. It just had to be done.

Happy with the simple foundation and mascara, I put on some light pink eyeshadow to counterbalance the paleness of my face. My green eyes blinked back at me in a comforting gesture, pleased the makeup had worked. I looked okay... Better.

I brushed my blonde ratty hair and tied it into a side plait, pulling my fringe forwards a little so it wasn't slick to my head. I wore some slim-fitting jeans with a simple black long-sleeved top to hide my burns. I'd rather wear joggers and a sweat top, but for whatever reason, this pack was important.

Leaving my room, I wished I had a mobile so I could just talk to people on that. But I didn't... well, not anymore. I had saved money for one, but Sophie 'dropped' it in the river when I was out walking last spring. I missed my music and photos.

Wandering my way down the hall to the adult section of this level, I knocked on my parent's room. Mother's charming voice called me in and I stepped in with no hesitation.

"Nova, my dear! You look wonderful! I have not seen you so pretty in so long!" Mum cooed, walking over to me.

"Gee, thanks." I rolled my eyes.

Dad chuckled. "She has a point. Maybe I should ask Alpha to arrange more visits if you stop hiding yourself. You look great! ... how about me?"

I chuckled. "You look good too Dad."

And he did. His dark hair slicked back, as usual, a white shirt buttoned to his chest that showed the tufts of chest hair. He also wore some blue fitted jeans and black boots, a jacket laying on the bed in waiting.

"Always a charmer, dear," Mum smirked.

Dad bickered back, so I forced myself to interrupt. "Who is the Alpha that's coming?"

Mum turned to me with a raised brow, so I continued. "Everyone seemed so... worried?"

She licked her lips nervously, as though talking about it was a bad thing. Her blue eyes glanced towards my dad, who shrugged and sat down with a newspaper in his hands.

She tucked her auburn hair behind her ear and patted the bed next to her. I followed suit and sat beside her, waiting.

"Blood Moon is the King's pack. He has three packs; Blood Moon, Full Moon and New Moon. Full moon pack is the creative type; they are the ones to supply the riches and decorations for the royals and many other packs. New Moon pack use technology to advance our times. Blood Moon pack is strict and fearless; enforcer warrior type. They have taken down many packs. Rumours have it... your original pack, Crescent Moon."

I gasped, feeling slight anger. "Why!"

"We don't know. We haven't disclosed the information and whatever the King says goes. He makes the laws. To defy the King is to go against everything. He's the reason we live how we do, the ranks, the policies, the arranged matings... all his ideas."

"So he's a sexist pig then," I stated.

Mum chuckled. "He is yeah... There has been a lot of trouble in the Kingdom. He is an old wolf. In the past, King Edward was ruthless and heartless, but hopefully, when the Prince takes over, he and his mate change it..."

"Now the Alpha of Blood Moon is Alpha Titan. He is ...a strong silent type, someone you do not want to cross. He is tough and merciless. One wrong step and you are at his mercy. His family has been the Royal's right-hand pack for centuries and for good cause. They're dangerous, Nova, so we have to be on our best behaviour."

Dad hummed in agreement. "He had that omega boy from Blue Skies imprisoned for treason for simply making his coffee wrong."

I gasped. "That's terrible!"

He chuckled. "Boy should've listened when Alphie wanted no milk."

"Reginald!" Mum scolded. "That boy was 18 years old. He was an innocent child!"

"Yeah, yeah, now come on. Let's go have breakfast together."

Breakfast was always a buffet style with dishes covering a large dining table at 8 am. It was 8.15 am so we may hit a bit of wolf traffic, which I was nervous about. Dad's hand met the small of my back as he pushed me in front of him and behind mum in the queue.

When it was our turn, I grabbed a plate and chewed on my lip. I avoided the glances of other wolves as I reached around and grab the food I wanted as the queue progressed. I went for toast and scrambled egg today, sticking to just one slice and one spoonful. Just as I was pouring myself a glass of orange juice, an arm came across my shoulder and shoved a tong full of bacon onto my plate. I glanced up accusingly at Dad, who avoided my gaze.

"Wasn't me?" He mused.

I frowned down at the bacon and was about to accuse Mum, but she was off eating with other omega wolves already. I didn't want to put the bacon back, so made my way to a table and sat down by myself. Digging in, I eyed the meat suspiciously. A moment later, Dad came to sit beside me before Mum eventually joined after having her natter and we all ate in pleasant silence.

I peeked up at my dad's chuckle. "W-What's so funny?"

"I gave you the bacon." He mused.

"So childish." I rolled my eyes with a smile.

Mum chuckled at Dad's shocked expression. "She's not wrong there Reggie."

Dad pouted and finished his plate. "Come on, let's go freshen up. We have to act normal now."

I chuckled but followed them up to our rooms. Parting ways, I took myself into my room to calm my erratic heart. My anxiety was crawling up my stomach, clasping at my throat and not letting go. I did not know why today nerved me so much; I think it was because I felt so out of place; all dressed up and styled better. I mean, it was only a top and jeans, but I felt so exposed. They have not seen me like this in two years.

A knock on my door had me inhaling sharply. Walking over to answer, I came face to face with Sophie and Steven. She smirked innocently at me, and Steven cleared his throat. The devil had arrived.

"Nova, you are working today, yes?" He asked, scratching at his hair.

I nodded mutely, and he continued. "Thought so, but you are in the kitchen today. It is last minute, that is why I am here in person. I, uh, tried to come last night, but you weren't here."

I noticed the hard stare he gave me before he glanced at Sophie, and I frowned. "So ignore the chart we made because you are no longer in utility. You are in hospitality and have five minutes to get yourself down there."

My eyes widened, alarmed at the fact I could not hide away from today in the washing machine. I thought my mess-up at the party was enough to never be a server again.

"Is that clear?" He asked, his authority keeping up his appearance.

"Y-y-yes Alpha."

He nodded with a small smile and led Sophie away, who seemed to sneer at me over her shoulder. I shut my door and pressed my face against the wood. Fighting back my nerves, I took deep breaths before practically running my way toward my parent's room.

They exited at the same time I approached. Must've sensed my nervous disposition.

"What's wrong, honey?" Dad asked.

"I-I-I'm moving j-jobs toda-ay." I hiccupped.

"What to?" Mum's hands met my shoulders. "Deep breath."

I complied and closed my eyes briefly, getting my breathing and stammer under control. "Hospitality."

Her eyes widened; she had the day off with Dad today. "Oh honey, it'll be okay. Don't worry."

"I-I'm just scared about w-w-w-"

"What we said? Don't be. You are polite and careful. Steven will be there. Keep focused on him, okay?" She curled loose hair behind my ear in comfort.

"O-okay."

"Now go, deep breath, concentrate. Don't be late." She kissed my forehead.

I nodded mutely, Dad kissing me too as I passed him. I scurried my way into the kitchen, noticing it was 9:01 am. He was to be here at any time; the tension in the air was unmistakable.

I checked in with my leader of the day, Nevaeh, who told me to prepare hot water and complimentary snacks. I worked with two other girls as we compiled a tray of savoury breakfast items and fruit. As the air got thicker with tension, I knew it meant they had arrived.

We waited in anticipation for the order of their hot drink requests. Twenty minutes passed as we busied ourselves with preparing lunch.

Nevaeh approached us eventually, a small smile on her stressed appearance. "Three Irish, two dopios, two black coffees, and two cappuccinos. 3 drinks each girls."

"Which-?"

"The Alpha's all want Irish coffee." She stated, "Nova, you are best at coffee. I want you to do those, please. No burnt coffee girls! Thank you!"

I stood wide-eyed as she left us alone again. The two girls rubbed my shoulders reassuringly before getting started on the other 6.

Swallowing heavily, I calmed my shaking nerves and busied myself making the drinks. It didn't busy me long enough as soon as they were all done. I had lots of practice since I'm always in the kitchen for pack events or meetings and Steven always had an Irish. So I could see why he set me up for this; he always complimented my coffee skills.

The three of us silently stared at each other; me with the three coffees, Julie with the food, and Katie with the other coffees. Sighing deeply, Julie went first, and I followed behind. Surprisingly, I wasn't shaking as bad as I thought I'd be. The office was at the other end of the house, so I tried to calm my racing mind. The closer we got, the more my head swam, but I did not panic. I felt calm in a way; my worry was only being brought to my mind. My brain was forcing it upon me.

We all paused at the large double oak doors. The sense of authority was nearly overpowering to me. Julie and Katie had already dropped their heads because of it. Two guards stood there and glanced down at us. After a moment's pause of their mind linking, they nodded. Both of them opened a door each and with a faux spring in her step, Julie led us forward.

I swallowed sharply as I entered, my senses overwhelmed by the sight of the men in the room. Steven sat behind his large glass desk in charge, his father seated on his left and Beta Tobias on the right. To the side of Tobias was Jack our Gamma.

"Girls! Glad you're here." Steven smiled.

The room wasn't tense; it was rather relaxed considering the other Alpha and his pack. There were five males on the other side of the desk, not facing me. I could sense the power easily; especially coming from two of them. It surprised me I didn't succumb to the smell and sensation like Julie and Katie have since their faces were barely looking up from their trays. But my eyes, however, wandered nervously at the back of their chairs.

Taking a small breath, I walked again, not noticing I had frozen and Julie had already placed down the food and was helping Katie with the other drinks. I made my way to Steven and placed his coffee down ahead of him. He smiled up at me reassuringly as his hand brushed mine on the mug in comfort.

He gently dipped his head to his left, and I took the hint and handed his dad the next coffee.

Alpha Damien smiled up at me and kissed my hand in a thanking gesture. He was always grandfatherly to me, and I was grateful he had taken me in and raised me for a year himself, as few alphas or packs would take in a stray. I haven't seen him in a few weeks, so assumed it was to do with why Steven was taking charge more; why Damien was on the sidelines retiring.

Adult wolves aged a lot slower than humans; slowing around age 19. However, all the time before that seems to speed up greatly; our pregnancies only lasting two-thirds of humans.

I swallowed deeply before making my way around the desk to the man that could only be described as the Alpha. I kept my eyes cast downward, nerves clutching at my stomach. However, from the corner of my eye, I saw brown eyes staring at me, causing my head to lift in surprise. It was the Beta I spilt champagne on at the party. He gave me a small smile and watched me in what seemed to be nervous anticipation.

I turned my attention to the Alpha. He was dressed in black jeans and a blood-red button shirt. His arms were large and tan, a hand clasped the arm of the sofa and the other awaited the drink on my tray.

Stopping before him, I took a deep breath as I picked up his drink: the scent of him was intoxicating. So intoxicating in fact, that when I got closer to hand him the coffee my deeper breath caught in my throat. All it took was the gentle brush of his finger against mine on the glass for my world to come crumbling down.

***********

Ahhh I low-key love this chapter

wc: 2402

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