Chapter 9

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 made several loaves of French bread yesterday, so I was more than ready to get this done. As I made the sandwiches, my potato wedges were baking and I had veggie platters ready to go. When the sandwiches were done, I took them to the table, distributed the veggie platters in different areas of the table, then went to the kitchen, pulled the potato wedges out of the oven and split them among two large platters. I took those to the dining room and called out, “Lunch is ready!” Then I went to the kitchen and grabbed the drinks. I was just setting them on the table when the first person sat down. I stood in the corner of the room and waited for them to finish. As each person finished, I took their plate into the kitchen and put it in the sink. When the last pack member was done, I cleared their spot and waited for Alpha and Luna to finish. When Alpha Ben was done, I reached for his plate, but he grabbed my wrist, “Isabel, we need to talk.”

He motioned for me to sit down on the chair next to him. As soon as I was seated, he sighed, “We are hosting this year’s Moonlight Ball and we are going to need you to cook the food for it.” I asked, “Am I going to get any help?” He replied, “There won’t be anyone available to help. Gabrielle will be working on the rooms and the other omegas will be cleaning.” I sighed, “When is it?” He replied, “In two weeks. We need you to cook for it, but we don’t want you to be seen, so you will prepare the food and set it out before the ball starts and you will stay in the kitchen until the ball is over, then you will go straight to your room.”  I nodded, “I understand, Alpha.” Luna Kate asked, “Would you please get a list together of everything you need for it?” I nodded, “Yes, Luna. Do you have any preferences of what you want prepared for it?” She replied, “We love your prime rib roast. I will let you decide on all the sides, but we do want your dinner rolls, of course.” I sighed, “Do you want me to just slice the roasts and put them out on trays?” She replied, “Yes. I think that would be good.” I asked, “How many sides and desserts would you like?” She replied, “We will need at least eight sides and a minimum of six desserts.” I nodded as I processed all the information. This is going to be a ton of work. I added, “Please refrain from putting anything in the spare refrigerator. That is where I will have to put the pre-made items for the ball. I’m going to have to start preparing food two or three days in advance. Would it be possible for someone to take me to the farmers market? I was thinking of making hot-hot for the ball, but that is best with homegrown tomatoes from the garden.” Alpha Ben replied, “Yes, that is a really good side dish. I will have someone take you there the weekend before.” Luna Kate asked, “Do you not trust any of the other omegas to do it?” I asked, “Would any of them be able to smell a tomato and know if it was homegrown or from a grocery store?” She shrugged, “I think I understand. Okay. Make sure you get enough cash, in case there are any other fresh vegetables you find.” I smiled, “Thank you, Luna. If that is all you need me for, I will get into the kitchen and start planning what I am going to make, then start my list of what I will need.” They both excused me and I walked out of the dining room, taking their dishes with me.

I finished cleaning the kitchen as Tasha was growling. I asked, “What is your issue, Tasha?” She growled, “They gave in to you going to the farmers market too easily.” I laughed, “They want to make an impression on all the alphas who will be there, so they have no choice but to trust me. They wouldn’t know homegrown from store bought tomatoes if it slapped them in the face.” She laughed, “Probably not. I don’t know why they don’t have a garden here. There is plenty of room for one. They would save a lot of money.” I sighed, “I know. I think Luna just likes to shop. It doesn’t matter what it’s for.”

As I started planning my menu for the ball, I was brought out of my thoughts by Gabrielle, “Hey lady, what’s got you so deep in thought?” I sighed, “I was just informed that our pack is hosting the Moonlight Ball and that I will be cooking for the whole thing by myself.” She gasped, “Seriously?” I nodded, “So, I’m going to need to get the menu planned and a list made for Luna. I’m also working on a list of everything that needs to be done before then.” Gabrielle suggested, “I can help in the days leading up to the ball. At least I can when I have some free time. I have been told that I am preparing all of the guest rooms by myself.” I smiled, “Thank you. Just don’t let yourself get in trouble. I don’t want that on my conscience.” She hugged me, “Aw, you’re so sweet. But if I get in trouble, it’s on me, not you.” I sighed, “I know, but it doesn’t make me feel very good when you get punished for helping me.” Gabrielle smiled, “My punishments aren’t nearly as bad as yours. Don’t you worry about me.”

After finishing my lists, and preparing dinner, I stood in the corner of the dining room, waiting for people to finish, when Alpha Ben stood and the room went quiet, “My pack, I have a special announcement. We will be hosting the Moonlight Ball in two weeks! I know you ladies are upset that it may not be enough time to get your dresses, so I have invited fifteen designers and their seamstresses to come here with their latest creations. They will all be here tomorrow. Please be kind to them so they will feel better about coming back when we need them to. Gabrielle will be working on getting the guest rooms ready, so leave her alone. I will not hear complaints about your rooms not being cleaned because Gabrielle has been told to concentrate on the guest rooms. We will all do our part in keeping our own rooms clean during this time. Laundry will still be done by the other omegas, you just need to take your laundry to them yourselves. As far as food, Isabel will be cooking for the ball, so leave her alone and leave the spare refrigerator empty, so that she can pre-make the items that can be done. This is very important for the pack to make a good impression on other alphas. Anyone who does anything to mess this up will be dealt with harshly. That includes anyone who would hurt Isabel or mess with the food in any way. I am not saying this as an invitation to hurt or sabotage Isabel, it truly is a warning. This ball is important for building new alliances. Do not screw this up for us. That is all.”

After dinner was over and the kitchen was cleaned, I went to my room. Once there, I took my shower and dressed in my nightgown and fell into bed. I wonder if Alpha Ben meant what he told everyone at dinner? Tasha shrugged in my head, “I guess we’ll see.”