*Selena*
The next morning, I woke up early and made my way to the kitchen, only to find that a meeting had already been called by the matron, Eden. I glanced around and noticed the omegas had gathered before their schedule, their faces displaying a mix of anticipation and trepidation. I didn’t know what was going on as I was away from the pack house yesterday evening and night. I spotted Lola and beckoned her to come over. Lola glanced at Eden before drifting toward me.
“What’s happening?” I whispered in my clipped tone while keeping my gaze on Eden.
Lola sighed, her face reflecting a mixture of frustration and weariness.
“The matron called us all in. The Alpha King’s sister and their mother are returning since his sister has just graduated. And I heard there’s going to be another prestigious guest arriving this evening. The matron warned us last night that we must prepare for a grand royal feast and ensure the entire pack house is spotless and welcoming. She made it clear that there will be consequences if we fail. Now she is repeating it as Luna Avery wants nothing but perfection.”
So Blair and Catherine were returning to the pack. Blair was Zander’s sister, and Catherine was his mother.
“All omegas, gather around!” The matron barked, her harsh voice echoing through the room. “Listen up. We have important news. As I informed you all yesterday, the Alpha King’s sister and mother will be back in the pack after three years, and an esteemed guest will be arriving in the evening. We must prepare for a royal feast and ensure that the entire pack house is in perfect order to welcome them. I don’t want a single mistake from you. Otherwise, the punishment for today’s mistake is a death sentence, and it’s Luna Avery’s order.”
She smirked as the joy of killing gleamed in her eyes. This woman and her Luna were crazy. Who gave them the right to dictate a death sentence? They didn’t know how to run a kingdom or a pack. However, I felt bad for Zander. But it was one of his wrong choices, and Avery again proved to be a perfect match for him. I snorted inwardly.
I could feel the atmosphere turn cold with fear as the threat in Eden’s voice sent a ripple of stress through the gathered omegas. My heart sank, thinking, what if it was not a mere threat and she was serious? How could Zander let it happen in his pack house? Was he actually so busy that he was unaware of all this happening in his pack?
Still, cleaning and preparing the entire pack house for such prestigious guests would require immense effort and meticulous attention to detail. It was impossible not to make any mistakes, no matter how much we tried. However, without wasting one more second, the omegas sprang into action. We scurried around the kitchen, grabbing brooms, mops, and cleaning supplies. The room filled with a symphony of hurried footsteps and clattering utensils as we worked tirelessly to avoid Eden’s wrath.
Time ran off so quickly as we all moved with an efficiency born out of necessity, as there was no room for mistakes or delays.
Sweat trickled down my brow as I glanced at the clock. Shit! I needed to rush to complete my assigned tasks and attend to Avery.
It was almost lunchtime, and we were about to serve. Today, more food items were added to the menu as per Blair and Catehrine’s choices, and we all worked very hard and diligently, standing on one foot to meet their expectations.
“It’s so good to be back,” Blair’s excited voice reverberated through the entrance of the pack house, announcing her arrival.
She was always like this and always made her presence known to everyone through her bubbly behavior. The whole pack house became alive again after Blair’s melodious laugh rang through the surroundings. Every dead wall, lifeless roof, and dull ambiance became intriguing as the Princess returned.
I had had a good relationship with her in the past. But I didn’t know what reaction to expect from her after Zander rejected me. She was a good, dedicated, supportive sister and always proud of her brother.
“So everyone, how was your life without me?” Blair giggled as she twirled in the center of the vast hall with her arms outstretched. “I hope you missed me as much as I did.”
“And what is this aroma?” Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply. “It makes my mouth water. What is cooking in the kitchen?” She said as she strode straight toward the kitchen.
I kept my head lower, hesitated, and could not look at her.
“Selena!” A surprised gasp left her mouth, and I felt her approaching me.
“Oh, my goddess! It’s a pleasant surprise to see you here,” her eyes showed genuine emotion. “But I am upset because you left without any words. Though much as I am angry with you, I miss you,” She admitted, pulling me into a hug.
“Blair!” Zander’s mother, Catherine’s angry voice, made Blair pull away from me. “How many times have I told you that you should start acting like a princess? Stop behaving recklessly.”
“Mother, I am a princess, and it doesn’t matter whatever I do, I will still be a princess,” Blair rolled her eyes. “So what you said a minute ago doesn’t make sense.”