“Why is he coming here?” He must want to check on the woman he’s dragged back. We’re at the bottom of the pack hierarchy. Normally we don’t garner much attention.
“We don’t know.” My uncle shakes his head. “But we will treat him with the respect he deserves. That means setting a proper table with the best food and wine.”
I hear the warning in his voice and fight my urge to flinch. Interacting with him is always a double-edged sword.
With his thick, wavy dark brown hair graying at the temples, strong jawline, and deep-set dark brown eyes, he resembles my father.
Dealing with his cold callous behavior, censure, and harshness feels like I’ve stepped through a looking glass, and wound up with a perverted version of my father.
I inhale the aroma of the lamb and vegetables cooking on the stove. Mutton and Cabbage is one of my favorite meals.
My stomach growls. At the least, I’ll get a good meal out of his visit—and maybe I’ll find out why he called me back home.
Alpha has always been a wise man who knows how to play the long game. I remind myself my father admired him, and he’s led us through tumultuous times.
He was the leader in the forefront of the paranormal alliances. With the human world pressing in on every front, supernatural beings were forced to re-evaluate how we deal with each other.
Sworn enemies in an ongoing war that caused numerous casualties formed tentative truces. The enemy of my enemy is a friend was a motto that helped us form plans, organize meetings, and draft a code of conduct.
If one creature is discovered, it would be a matter of time before the rest of us are exposed. It keeps our dealings honest, but we don’t trust each other beyond what’s necessary for the survival of our races.
I plop onto the chair, smirking at the table when my aunt sucks her teeth at my un-lady-like behavior. She’s always wanted a doll to dress, pose, and control.
I’ve never been that type of girl. My mind wanders as I let the muscle memory kick in. Finishing, I rise and arrange for the table set for five.
“Nice job. Get the serving platters out,” my uncle says.
Each of us does our task with a sprinkling of polite conversation.
Life would’ve been better if his wife didn’t run things with such a heavy hand. He’s different when she’s not present.
I often wonder if he works so hard to escape his life at home. Hell, the first chance I got, I ran and didn’t look back.
A knock comes at the door twenty minutes later.
Taking my place beside my aunt, I stand in the receiving line. An enforcer enters first.
A giant of a man with shoulders like boulders, a scar across his left eye, and keen dark brown
eyes. Alphonse is known for his prowess. Completely devoted to our leader, he’s forgone a mate. His large nostrils widen as he inhales and peers around the room.
Nodding his head, Alphonse steps inside. “It’s safe to enter, Alpha.”
What would it be like to possess senses like that? As a beta, I have watered-down abilities. My biggest regret is not being able to see life as the others do.
With their extra senses, color must be on an entirely different spectrum. I long to paint with those shades in mind.
“Thank you for having me over for dinner tonight, Terrel. Gerda.”
Alpha shakes their hands. He stops in front of me, pinning me to the spot with his intense blue gaze.
“And Ylva. Welcome home.” The lines around his eyes and mouth should be warm, but there’s a cruel set to him. His dark golden blonde hair is brushed back, putting his oval-shaped face front and center.
“Thank you, Alpha.” I clasp my hands behind my back to keep from fidgeting.
“I understand you didn’t want to return?” Alpha inclines his head.
“No, Alpha. The village has never been kind to me and I had a life full of art to lead.” I’m honest, but respectful.
He grunts. “Perhaps you’ll find things have changed.”
I bite my tongue until it bleeds.
“Please, sit, and allow us to feed you, Alpha,” Uncle Terrel steps in, breaking the mounting tension.
“It smells delicious, Gerda”
“Thank you, Alpha.” Even I can smell the pheromones she’s giving off. She might as well lay down on her back and show him her belly to scratch. I glance up and find Alphonse smirking.
I try not to choke. With the treatment I received since my parents’ death I stopped buying into the prospect of following our leader blindly.
The way they beg for scraps of his attention sickens me. Embarrassed, I duck my head trying not to think about what the enforcer thinks about me.
We wait for the Alpha to take his place at the head of the table and take our seats accordingly. The dishes are passed around as my aunt and uncle trade meaningless information with our guests.
I tune out as they discuss local matings, plans for the community, and the weather. This is the niceties portion of the evening.
When we’re full, I stand and gather the plates, taking them to the sink. Hurrying back, I sit, and place my hands in my lap.
