Lyra continued her duties in the kitchen. She gathered platters of prepared dishes and arranged them on her trays to transfer to the dining room. They were nearly done, most of the remaining food was to be brought out part way through the meal to replace the emptied platters.
Abruptly, all the surrounding maids paused simultaneously, their eyes blank for a few seconds. It appeared to be a pack-wide mind-link. They all quickly settled their tasks before scurrying out of the kitchen. Lyra followed with a sigh. She was accustomed to the exclusion. They all knew she couldn't partake in their mind-links, but no one ever bothered to relay the message.
This wasn't the only display of rejection or discrimination she faced either. She was not welcomed by her peers or housemates in the least. More reasons why her remaining at Gibbous Peak pack was an enigma. Unlike Ruben, who had quickly gained his place in the pack and was already a well loved member, Lyra was the black sheep from day one. She wasn't as charismatic, and her class as an Omega furthered her sour reputation. The icing on the cake was bias toward her unusual physical features.
Lyra entered the dining room with the crowd, making sure to blend herself among the staff. They all wore a royal blue dress shirt with black slacks and an apron, just like her. Lyra had her brown hair in a low loose bun and her bangs partially covered her eyes. Her gaze was trained on the floor and hands folded in front of her waist. It was her usual slouched stance, so that even though she was a bit taller than the average Omega, she did not stand out at all.
Silence swept the large room in an instant. It was eerie to have only the remaining sound be that of a hundred people breathing. The soft tap of shoes and heavy aura wafted into the dining room shortly after. Once Alpha Cedric reached the head of the furthest table which was centered and mildly raised on a platform, he turned to the attentive members of the packhouse.
"Welcome home, Alpha." they all said in unison.
A sharp pain radiated from Lyra's ribs caused by the elbow of a maid standing next to her. She didn't even know her name. This wasn't unusual, though. Lyra turned to the maid, unamused and unbothered.
"Why don't you greet your Alpha?!" She seethed in a harsh whisper, spittle landing on Lyra's hair.
"Sorry." She responded meekly.
Honestly, she forgot to use her mouth. Lyra was accustomed to silence and the overall lack of speech for so many years that sometimes she just overlooked the need for verbal words. Her new environment was no conversation stimulator either.
"Thank you." Alpha Cedric's voice resonated. Without a need for volume, it carried with his authoritative tone. "Our southern border has been secured successfully thanks to the hard work of our warriors. We also confirmed that the hunters from the SGS have been eliminated. I know we're all dying to dig in so," he raised his glass, the gesture imitated by everyone, "to Gibbous Peak!"
"To Gibbous Peak!" The deafening echo was overwhelming.
Pleased, the Alpha sat down and began to fill his plate. The leading families at his table followed suit and then the rest of the pack members. Soon the buzz of conversation accompanied by the clinking of silverware overtook the dining room.
Lyra looked for a place to sit, Ruben was at a warrior table, surrounded by new friends, engaging in amicable conversation. His brilliant eyes were shining and his expressions were lively to match his genial personality. She didn't wish to burden him with her dismal presence. She glanced toward the maids' tables, they looked far more uninviting. Without thinking, her gaze trailed toward the head table.
Alpha Cedric was leaning languidly in his chair, eating slowly. He was absentmindedly scanning the room then returning to his plate without bothering with those around him. Fortunately, there was no aura of displeasure to put off the mood. It was unclear if he was bored or relaxed. Perhaps he was simply tired from the work and journey he returned from.
Without trying, he looked like a demigod. The special balance of capturing the physique and dignity of a god while grasping the patience and benevolence of a human. The perfect hybrid. Admiring eyes would subconsciously wander his way endlessly. Alpha Cedric's black hair was loosely combed back with a few wisps taking on a mind of their own and tickling his thick, arched brows. Underneath, his piercing, golden irises roamed about freely while his face remained relatively expressionless. Elegant and masculine, his aquiline nose was far from the stereotypical narrow nose of a model, yet no doubt was superior. Although they seemed somewhat thin at first, when forming words, his curvaceous lips would reveal their hidden plumpness. Balancing out his facial features while enrapturing the sensual allure, making anyone daydream what they would taste like.
He was wearing his typical dress-casual style with straight, washed blue jeans and a dress shirt, the top button loose and the sleeves rolled up. Teal was a flattering color on him. It paired well with his copper skin and contrasted his eyes well. More than the color, the tailored fit of his dress shirts were ideal, gently hugging his chest and biceps as he moved, but laying flat when he was relaxed. It tapored enough to show off his lean abdomen, but not to the point of clinging to his figure. A respectable and classy look while indirectly displaying his strength and appeal.
A voluptuous woman approached him, deliberately leaning in to expose the deep cleavage of her violet camisole. The Alpha's lack of expression didn't discourage her as she smiled and tucked a few silky black curls behind her ear. Her fingers grazed his shoulder and bicep. Thick red lips were smoothly forming drowned out words. Her face flushed a pink when the Alpha looked her way and she continued to bat her eyes in a blatantly flirtatious manner. Her spine was slithering like a dancing snake, optimally displaying her curves. Her act was increasing in boldness with her fingers tracing over his collar and to the edge of his hair.