Chapter 3

Ashley, fourteen years-old 

“What do we have here? Are these the cupcakes Luna Minerva asked for?" Ma souterned into the kitchen and approach the island. Without asking my permission,  she dipped a finger in the icing for the cupcakes to taste my creation. "Well done, Ash. Luna will be thrilled you excelled yourself for the occasion. She might want you to take over your kitchen duties when she sees these delicious cupcakes for tonight’s party.” 

Mom said after wiping away the residue of the cream cheese mixture left in the spoon. There wasn't a trace of batter she did not lick.

To be honest, I am proud of my work, too. I grated carrots and gridded nuts all morning to make the cupcakes tastier. I use all-natural ingredients and always ask Papa to bring me fresh items from the crops. My priority is to offer fresh and delicious food that everyone can enjoy.

I prepared the dough for the pastries from scratch. Boxed cake mixes are forbidden in mom’s kitchen. I follow the family tradition, which is why Mom’s desserts are so special. Luna specially instructed the menu for tonights Alpha's first shift celebration. 

"Atticus turned sixteen, our future Alpha is already a handsome boy, don't you think?” 

-“Mom!” I shrieked. My cheeks immediately turned red at the mention of anything related to boys. A warm feeling ran through my veins at the mention of the young Alpha Atticus. I try to avoid all conversations associated with the opposite sex. I have enough of those tedious health and werewolf sexual behaviors lectures at school to be listening to them at home, too.

-“Don’t look at me that way, young lady. He is going to be a strong and very handsome man. All the girls are eager for him to give them just one look.- 

I spent a long time enthralled thinking about what Mom had said because she scolded me for not paying attention, “Sorry, Mother.”

-“Mija, pay more attention. I won’t last you forever.” she winked at me.  “You won’t get a mate if you keep daydreaming. Men like women to pay attention and cook delicious meals. That’s what Omega’s are good. We live to serve the pack, darling; you should get your mindset from a young age." She talks so sweetly but doesn't realize the hole she is carving in my heart.

I'm not the daughter she expects. I don't want to break her heart because I'm her only child, but that's not me. That's not what I want to be.

My goals are set on something more fulfilling than serving at a packed house as a breeder or who knows what the pack may need me for. But I can't tell her, or anyone else, for that matter.

I have plans two years from now. When I graduate high school, I will ask the Alpha permission to visit my father's pack in the north.

My father is a former scout from England who came as a helping hand, and my mother is from Spain. They are chosen mates and met here, in the Greenway pack, when my mother was rescued from her original pack. Hunters raided her home, and she was among the few who had survived the raids. Alpha Tyson sent help and offered refuge for the victims.

My mother was an only child and lost her family, but she was fortunate to be a formidable cook and win a post in the kitchen. With all her knowledge and wit put to work, she quickly became head of the kitchen staff and served the Greenways for almost 15 years. "To a full belly a happy heart. It's my family's old saying"

Ma says, rubbing her round belly to point out the meaning behind her words. All my life, I have been taught the importance of satisfying our patrons with delicious food so they will be happy as if there was a connection between the belly and the heart. But who I am, I go against my mother.

Over the years, she has gained a little weight but remains an agile woman who makes her presence felt in the kitchen. And my dear papa couldn't care less for how often I have heard him say he prefers to have his bed full and warm than cold and empty.

Eww! Not the time to picture my parents in bed, I scolded myself. It's weird talking to myself sometimes, but I know I'll meet my wolf in a couple of more years.

"Remember to clean everything. People can make it a bad habit to leave dirty dishes in the sink." my mother advised.

Mom’s family has been cooking for high-ranking Alphas and families for generations. It is no exception; I will work here when she retires.

"One day, you will have to take charge of this same kitchen, Nena.'' Mom waved her hand, gesturing to the space where we were. Her pride in her eyes is evident as she emphasizes the high-tech equipment, gas stoves, modern refrigerators, granite counters, and stainless steel and copper utensils.

I sighed and rolled my eyes, ensuring she didn't see me. God forbid she catches me, or I'm dead. She is a good and tender mother but doesn't dare to be on her wrong side.

Her sermon is always the same, though, and I'm tired of hearing her. Mom would never understand I’m different. I don’t just want a simple and plain life as a cook for a big packed house. I want to go out and see the world. Study and become a great baker.

I dream of becoming a pastry chef and having a small bakery in town. I will work hard and save until I convince my parents to let me leave.

"I told you that Luna Minerva wants everything ready for tonight. She will be delighted, you’ll see.” She pinched my cheeks, and that hurt.

"Ma, stop that! I'm not five anymore." I'm not keen on this kind of affection; I much prefer to be left alone. That's one of the reasons I don't hang out with girls my age anymore. Not that I don't like having friends, but unmated she-wolves I know are only thinking about one thing: boys.

"Thanks, Mom, I have followed all your instructions. A second tray is already in the oven.”

I'm quick to return to the task assigned. The rich smell of vanilla and almond filled the kitchen. My stomach started to rumble. Handling food always opened my appetite. Sadly, all the fat goes to my hips. It is the only part of my body I'm conscious about.

The truth is I hadn’t eaten anything, wanting to finish the homework that Mom gave me while she was preparing the banquet. As the head cook, she is appointed to the feast for tonight's festivities.

“Keep up the good work, and I can leave the baking part to you.” Mom kisses me on the forehead and congratulates me once more.

I take out the first tray of 24 cupcakes I made this morning and put them on towels to cool them before arranging them in lovely baskets.

"Now, listen to me carefully, Ashley. I want you to look at the people who enter the kitchen; no one besides the helpers should be here. I had to go to the market, but the butcher’s truck broke down, and I had to pick up the order.

"What? No. I mean, can't Father bring the meat or any of the helpers?"

"You know I don't trust anyone with this; all must be perfect. But you’re a big girl now, right? There shouldn't be a problem; you won't be completely alone. Helpers are coming and going. You'll be safe." she assured me.

“Yes, Mother, cross my heart."

-"I know I can trust my girl. The rest of the Omegas have their own tasks to fulfill. Don’t interrupt them, but report anything to me when you return. But if anything happens, call your father. She kissed me on both my cheeks and left through the back kitchen door.