Chapter 24: Chapter 24

As I stepped into the kitchen, the polished wood underneath my feet was reassuring, allowing my thoughts to be taken off the ice-slippery cement outside. Looking around, a condensed dew left my lips, spilling into the air and fading into nothingness. Everything was squeaky clean, courtesy of the housekeeper—Beth.

The kitchen was huge, like a party hall with a four-chair dining table set in the corner. Indeed those chairs were used by omegas to sit and chop and clean the vegetables. My eyes gleamed at the matching cabinets, latest stovetop and built-in oven.

Everything was rightfully in its place and stocked fully. Maybe they already expected the snowstorm and filled the ration. My Alpha said so earlier that we should do the same in our cabin.

Heading towards the counter, I gawked out of the glass window. Outside, little snowflakes have begun falling, tiny, almost resembling a pebble. Most of them didn't make it to the ground, mixing with the harsh wind.

From the corner of my eyes, I noticed Beth approaching me. She had a tray in her hand, carrying two cups of steaming liquid. I exhaled as the housekeeper stood beside me, resting the tray on the counter.

"Drink this. It's getting cold."

With a nod, I bought the hot cup to my lips, taking a long sip; the hot liquid almost burned my tongue. I welcomed the pain with open arms, barely flinches as it hopped to the roof of my mouth, sliding down my throat. The grip around the cup tightened as I thought about the last winter. My family was around me, and I made them hot chocolate.

"Thanks, Beth"

She cleared her throat. "Luna, it is my duty to look after everyone. You don't have to thank me."

"I do." My lips twitched, turning around to meet her eyes. "Even though it's your duty, I know my manners. People need to be appreciated for the work they do no matter what."

Something shifted in her face; the older woman nodded her head. "I already feel blessed to have you as our Luna. My Aiden is very lucky."

I refrained from saying anything. Only if she knew what her dear Aiden thought about me. Shaking my head, I focused on the task at hand. My omega was determined to show Ria that I could cook pasta on my own and better than her. With that thought, I asked Beth to hand over the kitchen to me for a while.

"D-Do you think...you'll be able to do on your own? I can ask some omegas to help out."

"I appreciate the offer, but I don't need any help", I sharply said. "This is a matter of my skills. The omegas should be able to cook for their mates."

Beth hummed. "Everything you need can be found in the second cabinet and fridge."

"Again, thank you, Beth."

Opening the fridge, I spotted lobster and quickly decided on making white sauce pasta with lobster. The pasta was already boiling in water, so in the meantime, I prepared a béchamel sauce. Even though the kitchen door creaked open once in a while, no one stepped in. Maybe being a Luna and giving our orders wasn't terrible after all.

Grinning to myself, I added lobster chunks along with lemon juice. Once the pasta appeared al dente, I drained it, pouring some of the water in the thickened lobster sauce. Seconds later added the cooked pasta.

Once it was ready, I bit the inside of my cheek, wincing as blood gushed. Sucking on the mark, my eyes took in the sight of cooked pasta. The aroma wafted through the air, making my mouth water. I genuinely wished that Aiden would like the pasta.

What if he doesn't? The Alpha could use the opportunity to make fun of me in front of everyone. Thinking about that made my stomach twist, nerves thrumming through my entire body. I regretted taking the task from Ria, hoping to prove I knew better than her.

I couldn't let myself be distracted, especially not minutes before presenting the creation to my Alpha.

***

Aiden walked in through the door, Ria on his trail. I swallowed the lump lodged in the back of my throat. Why were they walking together? Did she say something to him on the way? I had several questions revolving around my head.

Just then, Beth cleared her throat. "Luna, do you want me to get the plates?"

Few unmated omegas and betas surrounded us in the dining room. They were eager to have a review of my cooking from the Alpha. I didn't mind. Ria sat beside my husband, waving a bright smile on her face at the familiar crowd.

"Yes, please"

"What is going on?" Aiden asked, his eyes wandering around.

I choked on my breath, eyes trained on the first two open buttons of his shirt. The visible sliver of his skin made me take a sharp inhale. Why was I affected by that? Averting my eyes, I pointed towards the bowl on the table.

"I made lobster pasta for you."

Ria was the first one to talk, giggling. "Oh! Wow! Sounds yum. You clearly outdid my idea."

Sana, one of the betas, turned to Ria. "What was your idea?"

"Red sauce chicken pasta"

I internally scoffed. That sounded like regular weekdays lunch. Nothing special. Still, I nodded at Ria. "Oh, sounds good."

"Whatever" Aiden rolled his eyes, rolling the sleeves of his hand. I tracked the motion, eyes wide at the exposed skin. Why was it so distracting? He merely rolled the sleeves.

"Just serve already. I need to get back to work."

Beth neatly placed the plates and cutlery in front of him. She asked me to serve the Alpha as I made a meal for him. Before I could do so, Ria stopped me.

"Beth", She addressed the housekeeper pointedly. "Did you forget that the food served to Pack Alpha should be eaten by the one who cooks first?"

I glared at her. My eyes shifted to Aiden, who appeared distressed, staring at his friend. Chewing on my bottom lip enough to draw blood, I noticed the housekeeper squirm.

Beth bowed her head. I-I thought since it's our Luna, we don't need to do—"

"We can't go changing around the rules", Ria licked her lips. "Especially for the newly joined members. Also, she's not a Luna yet."

"Ria—" Aiden tried to intervene, but his friend stopped him. What was her problem? Why would I think of poisoning my husband? The entire thing seemed absurd.

"Aiden, please, we can't change our ages long rules. As a Pack Alpha, you should know that"

He sighed, shoulders slouching. The Alpha didn't even bother to meet my eyes. I knew what it meant. Ria was right.

Taking a sharp breath, I pulled a plate and dumped pasta in the dish. My vision was blurry with tears, fork digging into the pasta. I thought he would be the first one to taste it, but Ria stopped it from happening. Bringing it to my lips, I raised my head and met Aiden's eyes before slowly chewing the food.

The metallic taste of the blood on my lips mixed along, but I didn't care.

***