Chapter 4

The sun peeked through my window, and I forced myself out of bed. I took a quick shower, brush my teeth, and chose to wear a pair of Jeans and pink shirt with a flower design in the middle. I snorted, the shirt made me look like I'm forcing myself to wear a kid's shirt, it's too tight because of my chest, another day of being me.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I see someone unremarkable. As a werewolf without the usual wolfish traits, I feel ordinary. Unlike the tall, slender women in our pack, I am quite different. I'm not slim or conventionally fit like them; instead, I've always had curves that made me insecure growing up-baby fat, long black hair, hazel brown eyes, and freckles. My breasts are too large, my hips too wide-everything about me feels oversized. I used to wish I were slim and tall, but I've long accepted that this is who I am. I don't stand out in the pack; at five foot two, it makes me wonder how the Alpha even noticed me in the first place.

Right, he noticed me because I'm out of place in that crowd! Ha. I figured that's probably why.

After the events of the previous night, I had barely slept, my mind a tangled mess of thoughts and emotions. I tried to shake off the lingering unease as I got ready for the day. I pulled on my apron, tied my hair back, and headed downstairs to the bakery.

Grandma was already up, her hands busy kneading dough. She glanced up as I entered, giving me a warm smile. "Good morning, dear. Did you sleep well?"

"Not really," I admitted, grabbing an apron and joining her at the counter. "I couldn't stop thinking about last night."

"Last night?" She looked at me with concern. "What happened?"

I hesitated, unsure of how much to tell her. "I just... ran into Alpha Cepheus in the forest."

Her hands paused, and she turned to face me fully. "Alpha Cepheus? What were you doing out there?"

"I went for a walk, like you suggested. I didn't expect to see him. He didn't follow me or anything, but it was unsettling."

Grandma's expression softened, and she reached out to pat my hand. "The Alpha is a good man, Callista. You have nothing to fear from him."

I nodded, wanting to believe her, but the memory of his intense gaze lingered. "I know, but it still felt... strange."

"He might be checking the boarders," she said gently. "It makes sense to see him occasionally."

I hummed in response to gran, does she mean rarely? I've never encounter him so close before and now it seems like I'm bound to see him anywhere. What changed?

The day wore on, I tried to focus on my work, letting the familiar tasks of baking soothe my frayed nerves. Customers came and went, and the bakery buzzed with the usual chatter and warmth. It was a busy morning, and for a while, I managed to push thoughts of Alpha Cepheus to the back of my mind.

The telephone in the bakery rang, Gran was the one to answer it. Beta Caxius is asking for Cinnamon Pastries to be delivered in the pack house. He never asked for delivery, but today is different. He usually drops by to the bakery for his pastries that he liked. As if reading my mind, Gran spoke.

"The Beta is busy today, since the mating ceremony, they have been accomodating the new members of the pack. Will you deliver the pastries?"

"Sure Gran." I have never been into the packhouse or inside it. Keeping to myself, I see no reason to visit it.

I packed the cinnamon pastries I made myself for Beta Caxius, I couldn't shake off the unease that settled in my stomach. The packhouse was a place I had actively avoided, despite its central role in our pack's community. It wasn't just the bustling activity or the hierarchical structure that intimidated me, it was the undeniable presence of Alpha Cepheus, who seemed to loom over every corner of our lives. The big scary Alpha who is rarely seen, yet has done so much for the pack and it reflects with our status. We are not a powerful pack for no reason.

Taking a deep breath, I set out with the pastries in a box, navigating the familiar streets of our village until I reached the edge where the packhouse stood, imposing and formidable against the backdrop of the forest. The building itself was a blend of modern architecture and natural elements, designed to integrate with the surrounding environment while exuding authority and strength.

Approaching the entrance, I hesitated for a moment, gathering my resolve. I reminded myself that this was just a delivery, a task like any other. With that thought, I stepped inside, the scent of freshly baked pastries mingling with the faint aroma of pine and cedar that permeated the air.

The interior was spacious yet organized, bustling with activity as pack members moved about their day. I kept my eyes focused on the task at hand, searching for the Beta's office. As I walked down a corridor lined with doors, I couldn't help but notice the occasional glance directed my way. It was clear that I stood out, not just because of my status as a baker but also because of my unique situation within the pack.

Finally, I spotted the door labeled "Beta Caxius" and knocked softly. A deep voice called out from within, granting me permission to enter. I pushed the door open and stepped into the office, where Beta Caxius was seated behind a large wooden desk, poring over documents.

"Good morning, Beta Caxius," I greeted politely, setting the basket of pastries on his desk. "Grandma sends her regards."

He looked up from his work, a warm smile spreading across his face. His long curly blonde hair covers his thick brow, he wears a friendly smile on his face. The beta has always been nice, he usually drops by to our bakery. "Ah, Callista. Thank you for bringing these. They smell delightful, as always."

"You're welcome," I replied with a small smile, relieved that the delivery had gone smoothly so far, and I'm glad I didn't encounter the Alpha.

"By the way, Callista-"

Before he could say more, the door behind me opened suddenly, and I turned to see who it was. My heart skipped a beat as Alpha Cepheus entered the room, his presence commanding attention without effort. His eyes locked onto mine briefly, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"Alpha," Beta Caxius greeted respectfully, rising from his seat. "What brings you here?"

Alpha Cepheus glanced at me again, his expression unreadable. "I was just passing by."

"Alpha," I acknowledged quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. His unexpected appearance unnerved me, and I struggled to maintain composure, of course he will be around, this is the packhouse, it's impossible not to see him.

I had to remind myself why should I fear him, he don't like me obviously, he sees me as weak pack member, the image of his angry and disappointed look when he realized that flashed in my memory.

"Callista, You were seen in the forest last night," Alpha Cepheus stated calmly, his gaze piercing.

I knew it. He saw me running away from him, and even If I was in the forest, why should he care?

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his scrutiny. "I... I went for a walk Alpha, like what pack members do."

The pack members don't walk in the forest for hours in their human form. They shift into their wolf which is something I can't do. It's the closest thing I can do to connect with nature. Even not as wolf.

"Since the regular pack members can change into their wolf, it would be better for you to not walk in the forest alone. The forest can be dangerous, especially for one such as yourself." He grunted almost sounding angry. His tone made me winced, a reminder that I have no wolf hurts.

"W-who should I walk with Alpha?" I asked quietly, I wanted to cry. I have no friends to walk with, I am alone. I only have my Grandma, and it's not like I can ask her to walk in the forest with me, she's too old for that.

"I will have someone walk with you, Callista." He responded coldly.

I now concluded that the Alpha is always angry and has a bad temper. No wonder everyone feared him.

I did not respond to the Alpha because I don't agree with him. I want to defy him but I fear trouble, I did not dare to meet his gaze directly. The tension in the room was palpable, and I felt a rush of anxiety coursing through me. As if noticing my discomfort and panic, Beta spoke.

"Alpha, I know you'll love this Cinnamon buns. It's made by Callista, it's very delicious!"

The Alpha was silent but seem interested. I watched in horror as Beta Caxius stood up with his towering height that's almost the same six foot height of the Alpha, he open the box and force one of the cinnamon buns to the Alpha's mouth, it almost made me choke in my own saliva, wide eyed by the Beta's action towards the Alpha, he grumbles angrily but opens his mouth and eats it anyway.

"Thank you for the pastries, Callista," Beta Caxius spoke in a friendly manner, "You may go."

I nodded again, grateful for the dismissal. Without another word, I hurried out of the office. I wonder if the Alpha —

"Callista, The Alpha likes it! He likes your Cinnamon buns!"

Beta yells from the office, I closed the door behind me with my heart pounding in my chest, flustered by the encounter, it left me shaken, with more questions than answers swirling in my mind.

Outside the office, I took a moment to collect myself. The hallway was quiet, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of being scrutinized. As I walked briskly through the packhouse corridors, avoiding eye contact with anyone I passed, I can't help myself but feel vulnerable.

Alpha Cepheus likes my Cinnamon Buns,I'm glad he did, but it did not aide the feeling of attraction and hate I felt for him, how he reminded me of my status in this pack. An outcast.

Author's Note:

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-Intimate_Ivy