It has been two years since I started cooking for the pack and Luna and Alpha have started keeping wolves from other packs from seeing me. Luna has been more verbally abusive than physically. Every time Alpha starts to grab my wrist to beat me, Luna stops him, “She can’t cook if she’s hurt.” I guess they like my cooking that much. When I asked Luna about blackberry bushes, she told the gardener to plant some. After the first time I made bread, Luna makes sure I have all of my ingredients all the time now. She also makes sure I have plenty of fruit for my cobblers and muffins. She has instructed that I keep muffins all the time now. She has Ayame and Gabrielle wrap them individually when I’m at school. Gabrielle has told me that Ayame keeps getting mad that she is cleaning up after me.
When an Alpha from another pack comes, I have to take the day off school to cook dinner for that night, then run to my room and stay there until morning. Then I have to get up super early and make a big breakfast and run back up to my room until the Alpha is gone. I always hope that someone will ask who is cooking for them, but I’m sure Luna is telling them that Ayame is cooking. I’m sure any Alpha who has been here more than once can tell the difference. Ayame has been looking more arrogant lately, so I’m sure that’s happening. I know they don’t want anyone knowing I’m cooking because I’m only twelve now. They don’t want anyone knowing that a child is being forced to work for them. There have been several times I would be looking out my bedroom window when the Alpha leaves and I know I caught his eye. I am so thankful to Gabrielle on those days, because she brings a plate of food to me, so I wouldn’t starve until the next day.
When an Alpha is staying longer than one night, I am forced into the dungeons to ensure that I am still able to keep my strength up and Ayame cooks for them. That’s when they really get screwed over. I keep my recipes locked in my room, so they are forced to rely on Ayame’s cooking alone. It’s good, just not what the pack is used to anymore. Doug and Andrew tell me that the pack grumbles when I don’t cook and that makes me happy. It cracks me up that they don’t want me seen, so they are griping about food that is less than what they want. They are doing all this to themselves and punishing me for it. At least now they are only putting me in the dungeons, but I’m not getting whipped anymore. They want me well enough to cook for them when their guests leave. The problem with that is Ayame comes down and stabs me with her silver knife every time she has to cook long enough for the complaining to reach her ears. As soon as she starts hearing it, she punishes me. Alpha and Luna don’t know about it… yet.
I was in the dungeons for the fourth day when Ayame showed up. She opened my cell, stabbed me in the side and sliced up into my ribs. I fell to the floor as Ayame sneered, “You’re always so much better than me. I’m tired of everyone comparing me to you. My life would be so much better if you were dead.” I just laid there with my eyes closed and waited for someone to notice her standing over me with the knife in her hand. I mind linked The Moon Goddess, “Selene, would you please send Andrew or Doug to the dungeons?” She linked back, “Already done.”
Almost instantly, I heard running in the dungeons and Andrew taking Ayame into custody. I heard Andrew’s voice, “Ayame! What did you do?” She growled, “I’m sick of listening to the pack bitch about my cooking. It was good before this little bitch started cooking. Now they have no choice but to like my cooking again. An added bonus is I won’t have to be put on cleaning duty again. Alpha and Luna won’t send her to the doctor. She’s just a slave.” Just then, I heard Luna Kate, “Ayame! You are so wrong! We want her healthy enough to cook. Why are you down here? Our guests are gone now. We were going to put you back on cleaning duty, but now you can stay in these dungeons. We will deal with you shortly. Andrew, take Isabel to the hospital. Gabrielle can take care of lunch.” I felt Andrew pick me up and that was when everything went dark.
When I woke up, I was in a hospital bed and Andrew was still by my side. I asked, “What happened?” He smiled, “I’m so glad you’re back. Ayame happened.” He shook his head, “She got all pissy because people were bitching about her cooking, so she decided to rip up your side with a silver dagger. The doctor had to do surgery to repair some of the internal damage, then he had to stitch you up.” I shook my head, “I don’t understand why she has been so mean to me since I got here. I didn’t ask for any of this.”
Luna Kate walked in and sighed, “No, you didn’t ask for any of this. It was not my intention to let Ayame go that far with you. She was never supposed to use any kinds of weapons on you and she was never allowed to punish you for any reason.” I chuckled as I shook my head, “She has been using silver knives on me since I got here. She follows the scars you and Alpha Ben have left on me so you don’t notice.” She furrowed her brows, “She’s been doing this to you for years?” I nodded and she asked, “Why didn’t you say anything?” I asked, “When did you ever give me the idea that I could come to you? I get kids beating me up at school every day, you and Alpha are hitting me all the time, I’m lower than dirt in all of your eyes, so why would it be worth it to say anything? You’ll just tell me that I deserve no less. That’s the way I have felt.”
Luna Kate lowered her gaze to the floor, “That was not the intention. I want you to hurry and get better because we do love your cooking and we miss your homemade bread, muffins and cobblers. I won’t be changing the way I treat you, except that the pack will know they are not allowed to use weapons on you.” I shrugged, “I guess that’s a little improvement, but know this; I will start defending myself at school and in the pack house.” She added, “As long as you don’t do it with the Alpha or myself, that’s fine.” I chuckled again, “So you can berate me and abuse me, but I’m still supposed to cook for you and make all that extra stuff for you?” She nodded, “You are.” I asked, “Have you ever heard the phrase you get more bees with honey than with vinegar?” She nodded and I asked, “Don’t you think I would do even better for you if you would treat me better?” She laughed, “You will do your best for us because we are providing a roof over your head.” I laughed, “Yeah, either a room in the attic, where there is no insulation, no heat and no air conditioning, or the dungeons with no heat or air conditioning. That’s one hell of a roof. I guess it keeps me out of the rain or snow. But a cave would do the same thing and I wouldn’t be subjected to the beratement or whippings.” Luna Kate growled, “Don’t even think of running. You will spend your life cooking for us. I will make sure of that.” I asked, “What if I find my mate?” She replied, “You won’t. I will make sure of that.” I sighed, “Okay. Whatever you say. I will try and heal as fast as I can so I can go back to cooking for you. I need to get back to school anyway.”
Luna Kate added, “You are done with school now too.” I furrowed my brows, “But I’m only twelve. I have to go to school until I either finish or until I’m sixteen.” She replied, “We are the Alpha and Luna. We tell you when you can and can’t quit school. You are almost done anyway, so you can quit now.” I gasped, “I’m almost done anyway, so why not let me finish?” She shook her head, “No. I want you cooking here three meals per day.” I asked, “Will you allow me to take the test to graduate early?” She asked, “Do you think you can take it now?” I nodded, “I do.” She replied, “I will ask the school counselor to come here and let you take the test while you are healing. That way you aren’t taking time out of your cooking duties to do it.” I nodded, “Okay.”
Luna Kate left and I looked at Andrew, “Did you believe any of that?” He laughed, “Not one word.” I sighed, “Me neither. I will be shocked if the school counselor shows up.” Andrew agreed, “Me too.”
I hope you liked this chapter. I would love to read your comments.
It has now been four years since Ayame sliced me. The school counselor shocked Andrew and me by showing up and letting me take the exam to finish school early. I did ace it and earned my high school diploma two years early. I am still being beaten by Alpha and Luna, they are just keeping my hands, legs and face free of bruises. When pack members try to throw punches, I dodge and defend myself. They try to tell Luna on me and they are met with silence. Luna does not interfere either way anymore. Most days, I am cooking with broken or bruised ribs. Three days ago, they punctured one of my lungs and had to send me to the hospital. I was in the hospital for two days and got out, thanks to Tasha healing me. They tortured Ayame for what she did to me, but I guess the lesson didn’t stick. She did the same thing a year later. Alpha executed her that time. I guess you don’t get between Alpha and his food. Tasha was shocked that they did that, but she also made sure to tell me they weren’t doin
I turned seventeen two months ago and found out that no one in this pack is my mate and I am so happy for that. Although Luna Kate was quite disappointed. After all, if my mate had been in this pack, I could’ve kept cooking for them. I just wouldn’t be a slave anymore. They wouldn’t be able to hurt me anymore. The problem with that is the fact that I wouldn’t want to work for them anymore. I’m happy that my mate will be able to take me away from here. Now I just need to make sure he can find me, somehow. Tasha smiled in my head, “All you have to do is be around. He will scent you and be drawn to you.” I sighed, “I hope so. Hopefully, Luna won’t keep me hidden when there is company coming.” Tasha laughed, “Lady, don’t you know that your scent is all over this house?” I laughed, “I guess I need to walk around the house some more.” She grinned, “I was hoping you’d say that.” I started making my chipotle sauce for sub sandwiches and then started gathering the ingredients for them. I had m
After a full week and a half of total chaos in the pack house, I am really ramping up on trying to get my stuff together for the ball. Today is the day I get to go to the farmers market and I am so excited. I know I will be guarded; I just wonder who will be doing the guarding. After breakfast was done and dishes were washed, I went to my room and dressed in a sundress that Gabrielle had given to me for my birthday. I brushed my hair and grabbed my wallet and ran downstairs. I went to Alpha Ben’s office and knocked on the door. When I heard, “Come in, Isabel.” I walked in and smiled, “Alpha, I’m ready to go to the farmers market for the ball. Would it be possible to get the cash for the vegetables?” He nodded as he opened a desk drawer, “Here is two hundred dollars. Will that be enough?” I raised my eyebrows, “I am sure that will be enough. I would like to show you that my wallet is empty before I put the cash in it. When I get back I will make sure you get all of your change back.” He
Doug had brought in all of my purchases and I had to move them to the pantry until after lunch. The kitchen was smelling so good, I started humming as I worked. I prepared lunch and waited until Alpha Ben returned with the alcohol to serve it. After setting the table, I announced that lunch was ready and people started filing into the dining room. After everyone was done and the all the dishes were washing in the dishwasher, I pulled all the watermelons out of the pantry. I immediately put two watermelons into the spare refrigerator for the ones with no alcohol, then I sat four on the counter to wash. I washed each one, then I sat them aside, knowing Alpha wanted to help with it. I found my apple corer to help with the task. While I waited for Alpha and Luna to join me, I started rinsing the berries and sorting them. I put them in big bowls with lids after drying them on a paper towel. I put them in the spare refrigerator just when Alpha and Luna walked into the kitchen. Alpha Ben pl
The next three days were spent with Doug prepping vegetables and me making desserts that could be refrigerated, preparing dinner roll dough, freezing it, and cooking meals for the pack. Today is the day before the ball and I was able to really start my cooking and baking. I had asked Luna if she wanted me to precook the roasts or the dinner rolls, but she answered, “Neither.” So, I am going to concentrate on desserts today, so I already have my cakes in the ovens, I have already made the hot-hot and put it in a giant bowl. I covered it and put it in the spare refrigerator, then I started washing strawberries and slicing them I set aside enough for a strawberry pie. I put them in a bowl and put them in the main refrigerator. I continued slicing them until I had enough to macerate for ice cream topping. I poured sugar on those and then put a lid on them. I then sliced the rest of them and macerated them for strawberry shortcake. When the cakes are done, I set them out to cool and starte
Joshua POV “Come on, Joshua! We’re running late! We need to get there in time to get dressed for the ball,” Matthew yelled from the foyer. I trotted down the stairs carrying my duffle bag and my suit on a hanger covered in dry cleaning plastic, “What the hell, brother? I’m really not looking forward to this. You know that.” Matt’s mate, Jessie, sighed, “Josh, we just want you to find your mate. You deserve to feel complete and I really need my beta.” I rolled my eyes and laughed internally, “Let’s get this over with. I’m not crazy about that pack, but we’ll see if my mate is there.” I’ve been looking for my mate for five years and still haven’t found her. A chosen mate is not an option. It’s not fair to our fated mates, if we find them, or each other. I am beta to the Cold Springs Pack and my brother, Matthew, is Alpha of our pack. He found his mate, Jessie, four years ago and they just found out that she is pregnant with twins, so she has been more determined, now, for me to find my
Isabel POV I hid in my room for a short while, but realized that I have to get back to the kitchen. I went back and Gabrielle was still there, waiting for me. She smiled brightly at me and I was on the edge of tears. She opened her arms and I hugged her, “Why would a high ranked wolf want me?” Gabrielle laughed, “Are you kidding? You’re beautiful, you’re smart, and you kick ass in the kitchen.” I laughed, “Thanks. I just know he’s going to reject me.” Gabrielle grinned while shaking her head, “He came in here looking for you. I talked to him. Hon, he wants you. He doesn’t care what your rank is. You are a blessing to him.” I shook my head, “How can I be sure of that?” She shrugged, “You can’t; all you can do is trust the Moon Goddess.” I sighed, “I’ve trusted her my whole life. I guess I should do that now too. But, first, I need to get through this ball. I’m not supposed to be seen by anyone. Can you check the food for me”? The rest of the night went very well. Gabrielle said everyo
My mate raised his eyebrows and looked at Alpha Ben, “If you want to protect your mate, you will get her to stand down. I will not leave my mate here. She was given to me by the Moon Goddess and to reject her is to reject a gift from the Goddess herself. I will not do it.” Luna Kate turned white as a sheet and Alpha Ben replied, “She is valuable to us. She is the only one who knows how to cook well.” My mate just shook his head, “What were you planning to do if she found her mate?” I spoke up, “Luna Kate told me to reject my mate if I found him. She told me I was to never be seen by anyone outside this pack.” He asked, “Do you want to reject me?” I could see the hurt in his eyes as he asked the question and I shook my head, “No, I don’t. I don’t want to reject my gift from the Goddess.” He smiled and pulled me closer. He looked back to Alpha Ben and Luna Kate, “I, Beta Joshua Roberts of the Cold Spring Pack, accept you, Isabel Myers, as my mate and Co-Beta.” I looked him in the eye and