The bacon sizzles nicely on the Teflon pan it should be cook in a minute or so. I leave it for a second and grabbed the pancake maker. After pouring a new batch of pancakes on the pancake maker, I remove the pan from the range and take the crisp bacon in haste to plate it. That was the last batch of bacon. The sandwiches were already arranged on the dining table. Sliced fruits and some granola bars were placed next to it. I suck at table placement, but I don't really give it a thought. The important thing is I could feed the pack on time.
The cereal and oats formed a neat line on the island of the kitchen. Anyone can easily access it without ransacking the whole area. Along with it were the fresh juices and milk.
I turned my attention back to the pancake. I still need to make the dressing for the vegetable salad. I quickly whipped some mayo, added it with apple cider and some spices. They'll be here in about thirty minutes.
The heaping pile of eggs and ham made its way to the dining as I switched the pancake maker off when the last batch was done.
Exactly after thirty, the first person appears in the doorway. I snickered when I saw how her eyes went round.
"Oh... you woke up early, hun. I didn't expect it." a yawn followed that statement. I placed the bowl of dressing last on the table and removed the apron with a huge heart written o it. The breakfast I made would be able to feed more than thirty people. The majority of the pack were living around the pack house with their cabins. There's only a handful of pack members living in the pack house.
"Good morning to you too, Luna. Take your fill." I shoot a beaming smile her way. Luna Eva is one gorgeous blonde. She's reaching her mid-fifties but looked like she just turned forty. That's the perk of having wolf genes, you all. She's a kind Luna and manages the whole pack efficiently. She's a good mother figure to the pack.
"Thank you for the breakfast, hun. I thought Regina's the one making the breakfast?" the Luna grab a sandwich and bite a mouthful of it. The humming approval pleased me. I took my plate of eggs and bacon and sat down slightly facing her.
"Supposedly, but I woke up around quarter to four. I wasn't able to sleep well with my back aching from wearing the blasted heels. I swear I am not going to wear one again." I took a bite of the bacon and shoved some eggs into my mouth. The wedding happened two days ago, and I can still feel the aftermath of wearing those death-trap heels.
"Good morning, ladies." that got my attention and glances at the doorway. It's Alpha Cedric. If Luna Eva's a gorgeous blonde, Alpha Cedric is ginger. You can see fading color in layers of his hair though. The sideburns were turning coppery, and a hint of silver peppered among it. Alpha's in his sixties already. He's a just Alpha and takes care of everyone seriously. If Luna's a good mother figure, then Alpha's is the laid-back father figure to everyone.
"Morning, Alpha." I greeted him back as he kissed Luna Eva on her head. He took a seat beside her and got his full plate. He unconsciously fills the Luna's plate with more food, an instinct. I always find it sweet when couples do that. They make sure each other is feeding well.
"Yeah, so since I've woke up earlier. I decided to cook breakfast instead. I was already halfway cooking when Regina found me in the kitchen. She looks worn out, so I just told her to sleep more." I narrated while taking a bite in between. I did make sure to keep my mouth empty first before talking. I've still got my manners, even if it isn't known.
"Thank you, sweetie. Regina was busy with supervising patrol these days. She's getting old but she wanted to patrol from time to time. Though that old hag really needs to chill sometimes." Alpha Cedric muttered the last words. He received a slap on the shoulder from the Luna and a laugh from me.
Regina was the former head of the pack warriors. She got impressive accolades up her sleeves and was one of the trusted trainers of the pack. Even though her son took her position fairly, Regina, age eighty-four likes to keep herself agile and moving. Hence, Regina volunteering to man the kitchen. She's not only a great warrior but also a great damn cook.
"If Regina heard you she'll have your hide again." Luna chided the Alpha in jest. Regina is considered as one of the elders of the pack and she likes to baby everyone. Alpha is not even an exception. Matter of fact, she baby's the hell out of the Alpha. Well, she's the Alpha's godmother after all.
"Also, Mavis hun, make sure to visit the infirmary later. You can take some mentholated patches. I made sure to restock last time. I'm sure Amalia would give you lots of it. Luna told me and I mumbled an answer as a few more pack members appeared in the doorway.
One of them is Beta Erden, tailed by his wife Maita and their still sleeping four-year-old son Caleb. I greeted them with a good morning as they thank me for the breakfast when they know I've made it.
Slowly the long dining table was filled with chattering members eating away the heaping food on the table. Mia was also there taking a plateful of salad and a sandwich.
"The place is sure a little quiet without those two around," said Laura. Yup, she's living in the pack house too. Alvin lives with his Mom.
Sally and Chris went on a two-week honeymoon vacation. It's indefinite to be more precise. The Solace will be a little short-handed the next weeks. I'm considering taking one or two part-timers.
"Damn right, those would even make a simple breakfast into a sugary spectacle. I can't believe that those two are married at last." Maita smiled while feeding, a now awake Caleb bits of eggs and some of the vegetables.
The table all nodded in agreement. It was pretty known around the pack that the two took years deciding on the date they'll tie the knot. The two were pretty meticulous about it.
The chatter continues and was disrupted when a pair of figures showed up. They were clad in leather jackets with matching shirts on. The table went into series of greetings for the two. I ignored the tingles crawling up my spine as Atlas was approached by Alpha Cedric. The two are scheduled to leave the pack today. There goes my plan out the window. My ball of wolf whines inside me as the thought of our mate leaving devastates her poor existence.
I saw Luke glance at me and smiled at me. It sure is hard to compete with someone kind and very understanding. I nodded at him as the table went chattering on with their business.
I passively talk with the people around me and was surprised when I saw them two took a seat next to the Alpha. The pack instinctively gave way to the visitors and paved the table for them.
Ironically, Luke sat opposite me, and since people got the gist that I'm friends with him and that incident back the mart obliged me to keep him entertained. The Alphas were talking about some plans for the Summit and were tossing ideas with each other. Luna was also keeping up with the exchange.
Luke was about to eat the greens when I saw Atlas grab his hand that was holding the fork. "There are nuts in it," Atlas said and continues to talk to Alpha Cedric. Luke looked at him gratefully.
It crumbles. I can't believe my heart crumbles at the sight of my mate taking care of his boyfriend's sustenance instead of mine. Luke is Atlas' source of happiness. The ham in my mouth tasted like a greasy rubber when the sight unfolded.
It seems like Luke's allergic to nuts. I unknowingly took his plate and gave him a new one. A couple of eggs went into his plate and some strips of bacon.
"My apologies, are you allergic to any more food? Do tell me so I can serve you another." my hand was suspended mid-air with a few fluffy pancakes dangling from the food tong.
"You made breakfast?" Luke asked as the pack gave us no mind. Laura's busy talking to Kate, one of the pack warriors.
"I did. Any more allergies? The salad was the only dish with nuts in it." I carefully placed the pancake on Luke's plate. The moment I did that, I felt conscious. It's the feeling of someone being stared at. I turned my head slightly and saw Atlas giving me a poker face. There's no indication on his face on why he's staring at me. He was still casually talking to Alpha Cedric.
Does he hate me taking care of his boyfriend's meal? Does he want to do it himself? I looked away and sat properly. Luke wasn't able to see that exchange and was contentedly munching on the pancake. It felt wrong and right at the same.
"I'm good. It's just the nuts that get me." Luke retorted. I nodded. My thoughts, now formulating on how I'm going to exit the dining area without being disrespectful to the guests.
An awkward minute went by when Luke reached for the plate of bacon. It's right in front of me, so I hand it to him.
"Beef Casserole, his favorite food." I froze when I heard it. He took the plate of bacon and took his fill. Luke refilled Atlas' plate at the same time. Do I have to know such things from him?
I feel suffocated. How do I get out of this situation? Looking at my Alpha and Luna, they're still busy with their discussion. Laura's laughing with Kate. Everyone seems happy and oblivious to what I'm feeling. Hell yeah, I haven't told anyone. But, I can't take any more of the gestures around me. Fated mate or not, it's too much.
"Mavis? What's wrong?"
Somehow I felt a tap on my shoulder and saw Amalia looking concerned. I snapped out of my thoughts and looked around to see the curious faces of the pack. I forced a smile and focused on my Alpha and Luna.
"You suddenly had this frown on your head. Are you alright?" asked the Luna and was about to move from her seat when I shook my head.
"It's just my back, Luna." I grimaced, outright lying to the face of my leaders, were shameful. Though my back really aches, I don't have any plans of broadcasting my connection with Atlas and Luke in front of my pack.
"I was about to have breakfast but, let's take a look at your back first." I almost thank the gods and goddesses when I heard it. I gratefully smiled at Amalia and stood up from my seat.
"Alpha, Luna." I bowed my head at them. "Alpha." My head still bowed, I glance towards Atlas' direction and bow once again. It's customary. I don't know how to address Luke, though.
"It's fine Mavis, go ahead have your back check." Luke smiled at me. I don't know what to feel since it's not a mocking smile but a genuine one. I dared not look at Atlas and nodded at everyone instead. Before I left the dining area, I saw Atlas' clenched fist.
I was ready to sulk when my head was filled with everyone's mind link instead. They're all wishing me well. Sad.
'I'll save some breakfast for Amalia.' Laura's mind link.
After receiving their mind links, I barred my thoughts.
Looking at Amalia, she was chattering away about the patches that I need and the rest I need to do. Her brown hair with shades of black on it sways in every step she took.
"Sorry for taking you away from your breakfast. Laura said she would save you some." Amalia's figure stops all of a sudden that if I were not staring at her, I would've to bump straight into her.
Amalia turned to face me, and I fidgeted like a kid before her eyes. Amalia can be a mother hen too. She's in her mid-thirties.
"Mavis, don't act like you're a burden. It's my duty," she said and continues her merry way. Right, she's a sweet woman but don't ever get in her way when it comes to her work.
I quietly walk behind her, still contemplating whether I should turn back or get used to this uncomfortable feeling. So, I contemplated more.