Alison’s POV
Sometimes, the biggest battles aren’t fought with swords but with silence, smiles, and the subtle art of proving your worth to those who doubt you.
Two weeks. That’s how long it had taken for the walls around me to start crumbling, not the stone ones that encased the castle, but the ones built mistrust and resentment from the pack. For the first time since arriving here, I felt a glimmer of acceptance. I wasn’t foolish enough to think I had completely won them over, but I could see it in their eyes now, the cautious glances replaced with tentative smiles. Small victories, but victories nonetheless.
This morning, the castle kitchen buzzed with energy as I worked alongside the staff, my hands deftly chopping vegetables while the aroma of sizzling sausages filled the air. The clatter of pans and the hum of conversation created a lively symphony.
Today I had decided to take a break and make something nice for the house, I was in the thick of it, sleeves rolled up, when the heavy door creaked open.
I turned instinctively, and there he was.. The man who made my heart flutter just by seeing him, My Xander, his presence as commanding as ever. The faintest smile tugged at his lips as his eyes found mine.
“Good morning, Alpha,” the staffs chimed in unison, their voices echoing through the room.
Xander nodded at them, his gaze not leaving me. “Good morning, everyone.” Then, with a few long strides, he closed the gap between us, his arms snaking around my waist.
“Good morning Xander!” I squealed, laughter bubbling up as his fingers found my sides, tickling mercilessly. “If you don’t mind I’m trying to work here!”
“And I’m trying to figure out what my mate has been up to lately,” he teased, his tone warm and playful. “You’ve been so busy, Ally. That i haven’t seen much of you in weeks.”
I wiped my hands on a towel, smirking up at him. “Well, Alpha, aren’t you supposed to know everything that happens within these walls? Or is your intel slipping?”
His eyes narrowed with mock indignation, and before I could dodge, he tickled me again making me drop the knife I had in hand and arc my back to lessen the effect as I laughed myself to stupor. “Don’t get cheeky, Love” he said stopping with the tickle making me stand up right “Well I’ve heard things… good things, actually.”
“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow, feigning nonchalance even as my heart swelled with pride.
“Yes,” he said, his tone softening. “Some of the elders has been talking. They say you’re earning their trust, that they’re… starting to like you.”
His words settled over me like a warm blanket. For a moment, I forgot about the kitchen, the staff, everything. I was about to respond when the door swung open again, and Beta Luke’s imposing figure filled the doorway, bowing slightly in acknowledgement of my presence his eyes moves to Xander.
“Sorry to interrupt Alpha, could I have a word?”
Xander heaved a sigh before releasing me reluctantly. “Duty calls,” he said with a wink before following Luke out.
The door had barely closed when the staff burst into giggles.
“Our Alpha is so romantic!” one of them sighed dramatically, earning a round of agreement.
“I didn’t think I’d see the day our revered Alpha would love so hard” Another added
“Stop it ladies!” I said, though I couldn’t help the blush creeping up my cheeks. “let’s get back to work!”
But their teasing laughter followed me as I finished plating the dishes, we had formed a bond over the past few weeks I have spent around them, after the food was ready I asked one of them to call for Lady Katherine to join us for breakfast.
The dining room was bathed in soft morning light as I sat around the large oak table waiting for Xander and his mother. Katherine entered with her usual grace, her expression calm but unreadable.
“Good morning,” I greeted her politely as she took her seat.
“Good morning, where’s my son?” she replied, her tone as smooth as silk.
“He would soon be here” I said politely dishing her food, almost immediately Xander enters
“Morning mum” he walks up to her and pecks her before taking the head seat “Sorry I’m late had to finish a few things” he apologized.
As we ate, Katherine took a delicate sip of her tea and turned to the staff standing by the door waiting on us. “The food is exceptional this morning. You lady have outdone yourselves with this?”
The head cook smiled shyly. “Actually My lady, it was Miss Alison who made the entire dish.”
Katherine’s gaze shifted to me, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of surprise and pride in her eyes.
“Very Impressive,” she said after a pause. “I have never tasted anything like this before, You’ll have to share your recipe with me sometime.”
The compliment, though sounding casual, was enough to make my heart skip. “Thank you, My Lady. I’d be happy to share anytime.”
As the meal continued quietly, Xander cleared his throat. “Mother, lest I forget don’t forget the Alpha Council meeting is in two days, I have received the guest list confirming the Alpha’s that would be present, I’ll send it over to you as I’ll be needing your help with the preparations.”
Katherine dabbed her lips with a napkin and turned to me. “Oh, u’d love to help but I think this would be the perfect opportunity for Alison to prove herself as Luna.” Her gaze was steady, almost challenging. “Unless, of course, you don’t think you’re up to the task?”
I felt Xander tense beside me, ready to leap to my defense, but I placed a hand on his arm, signaling for him to let me handle it.
“I’ll gladly do it,” I said confidently, meeting her eyes. “But I’d prefer if no one knew I was the one organizing it. I’ve noticed… some things tend to go wrong when people are aware of my involvement… More like a sabotage”
Katherine tilted her head slightly, as if studying me. Then, to my surprise, she nodded. “Fair enough. I’ll have the guest list and menu sent to you by the end of the day.”
“Thank you, My Lady,” I said, grateful but wary of what this challenge might entail.
The rest of the meal passed in silence until the door opened again, this time revealing Caitlyn.
Caitlyn swept into the room with her usual flair, dressed in a gown that screamed “Notice me”, her smile too wide to be genuine. “Good morning, everyone.”
“Good morning,” we echoed, though my tone was noticeably cooler.
Caitlyn made a beeline for me, her voice dripping with sugary sweetness. “Oh Alison, thank goodness I found you here, I just wanted to say how impressed I am with everything you’ve done for the pack lately. Your efforts have been… inspiring.”
“Thank you,” I said, keeping my tone polite but guarded.
“You must let me know next time you’re planning something. I’d love to help, I’m sure the people would be glad to have me too,” she added, her eyes sparkling with false sincerity.
“Of course,” I replied, though we both knew it was a lie.
She turned her attention to Xander, her demeanor shifting. “Xander, I was hoping we could… ”
But before she could finish, Xander stood, brushing a kiss on my forehead. “I have to return to mu office, I have quite a lot on my plate today, but I’ll see you later, Ally.”
“Of course,” I said, my heart warming at the gesture.
“Mother!” he bowed slightly before heading for the door
As he left the room, I glanced at Caitlyn, whose smile had turned brittle. I couldn’t help it, a smug grin spread across my face.
“Oh, Caitlyn,” I said sweetly, leaning back in my chair. “there’s breakfast for everyone mind if I dish you a plate?.”
Her eyes narrowed slightly, but she quickly masked it with a tight-lipped smile as Kathrine was still present.
“No thank you, I had breakfast at home” she said making me nod and return to my food.
For the first time in weeks, I felt like I was finally winning, and it was a feeling I wasn’t about to let go of.