Night in the Alley

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Xavier did not get to say anything on the topic because as soon as we started chopping onions, we were surrounded by people who were also chopping vegetables for ‘the stew’ and I was shocked to find Xavier actually smiling like this was his home and not the loft.

He joked with the people around him and popped some cut carrots in his mouth now and then. There were no traces of the scary Alpha Councilor that the rest of the world knew.

“Alpha, it’s time.” A huge man came from behind Xavier and nodded from where he had come. Xavier quickly dropped the knife and dried his hands on a white scarf with a golden print that he had dangling from his belt. I had seen this scarf in his loft a few times, too.

“Time for what?” I asked.

“To set up the outdoor oven.” Eva, a woman sitting beside me, answered on his behalf, as he had already gone after the man.

“Outdoor oven?” I asked, intrigued.

“There are too many of us to cook in the regular ovens inside. So, Alpha helps make a h