Filed to story: Cara Nelson The Guardian: Werewolf Book PDF Free
As the first group of patrols come in, I have some omegas take the plates out to the tables, serving the group. There is a moment of surprise before they settle in and begin to eat. We continue this process through the next rotations.
I make a couple sandwiches for Eli and Carlos, making sure to grab one for myself, since I skipped breakfast, choosing to feed Carlos my helping of food instead. I wasn’t confident that he’d eaten.
As I send an omega to take the food to Eli and Carlos, I stop to take inventory of how things are going. There is a lot of happy chatter and excitement. Omegas, in general, are used to being mistreated and unappreciated in packs. However, in my experience, they are the backbone of every pack. Without them, the packs would fail apart. They work hard and they appreciate having a job. It makes them feel needed and an integral part of the pack, which they are. But they also thrive. when they are acknowledged for their hard work, just like everyone else.
I am standing in the pantry that is so poorly stocked that it’s hardly worth calling it a pantry, when the kitchen goes quiet.
I turn and see Eli and Carlos holding the tray and empty plates that I sent up to them. Both of their mouths are open slightly and their eyes are wide. I quickly look around and see that every omega’s eyes are now on the floor. These poor people are so used to being mistreated by their leaders.
“Alpha. Beta.” I say, stepping out of the pantry and walking toward them. “What a surprise to see you.”
Eli steps up to me. “Grace. What is going on?” I can hear the awe in his voice, but I also know that his words are causing concern with the omegas. They don’t know how to interpret his question. I need to guide this conversation so he understands that he must tread lightly.
“Your omegas have stepped up and are working to make sure that your pack members are fed not only lunch, but also dinner. Aren’t you proud of them, Alpha?” I say, hoping he’ll catch on.
He looks at me for a moment before reaching out to kiss my forehead. “I don’t know that I’ve ever been prouder of my pack members.” He says, walking into the kitchen.
“Tell me, what do we have here?” He asks, pointing to some food preparation.
An omega looks at me and I nod encouragingly at her. “Well, Alpha, we have a lot of potatoes that were harvested recently. For lunch we made homemade potato chips and for dinner, we’re going to make roasted rosemary potatoes with rosemary from our garden.”
He looks at her, touching her shoulder gently, ignoring the way she flinches and smiles at her. “That sounds delicious.” He says.
In true omega fashion, they all want their Alpha’s approval, so many start talking at once. Eli is incredible. He takes time to go to each one, listening to what they are doing and giving them approval and praise for their hard work. Carlos jumps in as well and adds some extra comments and praise.
The overall mood returns to one that is relaxed and happy as Eli returns to my side.
“Have I mentioned how amazing you are?” He says quietly.
I look up at him. “All I did was organize the people in our pack. They are the amazing ones.”
Luna Grace for the win!
The difference in the kitchen from this morning to now is almost unrecognizable. When Carios and I walk in, I don’t know what to say. Thankfully, my unbelievable mate cues me in that I need to help our omegas feel comfortable and positive about their work.
I make sure to go to each one and listen to what they are doing and praise them for their hard work. In my experience, omegas look to their ranked members, but specifically their Alphas, for praise and reinforcement that they are doing well. Knowing that every one of them is here because they were mistreated, I want to set a new standard that, as their Alpha, they are very much appreciated.
When I’m done, I walk back over to Grace. “I need to do some work on scheduling patrols. I just wanted to check on you and see how things were going, but I apparently am not needed here.” I tell Grace with a smile. I still can’t believe the transformation in the kitchen. And based on some of the warrior’s faces, they are also surprised that they are being served like they would be in a normal pack.
I pull Grace into me, holding her close. “What do you have planned for the rest of the day, baby?”
“I need to make a food plan and figure out what food we have and what we need. Then I want to start on the packhouse and begin to inventory our supplies, rooms and find some workers who want to be a part of the packhouse cleaning crew. I have a couple already from this morning, but we’ll need more than that.” “Do you need anything from me?” I ask her, not sure that she does at this point. “We need more meat. The pig that they caught a couple days ago will be gone after dinner tonight. Is it possible to send some wolves out this afternoon to hunt some more meat for the pack?” She asks.
I look at Carlos. “Who do you have that usually goes out to hunt?”
“I usually go with the lead warriors that aren’t on duty.” He says.
“Perhaps you and I should go instead. What do you think?” I ask him.
His answering smile is all the answer I need.
“We’ll be back with more food shortly.” I kiss Grace, leaving her to her work, knowing she has it all in hand.
When Carlos and I walk out, there are several warriors coming in from their patrol. One steps up to us before we pass.
“Beta Carlos, Alpha Eli, may I have a word?”
“Noah. What can we do for you?” Carlos asks.
“I noticed that the kitchen is being staffed better today, but that also means we will need additional food. I just came off shift and was wondering when you might be going out to hunt again. I’d like to join you.
I look at Carlos to get his read on Noah. I’m not getting any discontent from him, but Noah addressed him, so I decide to let Carlos answer.
“We’re heading out now, Noah. You’re welcome to join us.” Carlos tells him.
He falls in line with us, and we begin heading to the forest again.
“I saw that you caught a wild pig before. What other game do you hunt in these woods?” I ask as we continue walking.
It’s Noah that responds. “The wild pigs are plentiful and have become nuisance animals, so it’s good to hunt those. Also, there are plenty of deer in the forest. Besides that, there are duck, rabbits, turkey and bear in this area. We haven’t caught a bear as of yet, but that would definitely help feed the pack. We do periodically send the older pups out to fish as well.”
“I take it you’re one of the primary hunters for the pack?” I ask, wondering if he is one of my contenders tomorrow.
“That’s correct Alpha. And I should be honest and let u know I’ve put my name in for the Alpha challenge tomorrow. No offense to you at all, but this pack needs a strong leader and I feel I could be that leader.”
“Understood and thank you for your honesty. That’s also a quality that an Alpha needs, but many don’t have.”
“In my opinion, Noah is the strongest contender for your position Alpha.” Carlos says.
I turn to Noah. “Then I expect good things from you during our hunt today, Noah.”
“Same goes, Alpha.” We chuckle as we strip out of our clothes before shifting. I let them lead me to the area where they usually hunt. Several hours later, we have deer, rabbits and turkeys that we begin to carry back.
‘Nice job, Noah. Your wolf is an excellent hunter.”
“Thank you, Alpha, but he’s not quite as good as yours.”
“Louis and I have been hunting our own food for most of our lives.” I reply as we continue to toward the packhouse. “If you don’t mind me asking, what brought you to this pack, Noah?”
“Not at all. I know almost everyone here has a story that brought them to this pack. It makes us unique from other packs. My story isn’t terrible. I was the second son of a Beta. My brother took over when the Alpha’s son took over as Alpha.” I watch as he shrugs his shoulders, eyes lost in the past.
“I never wanted to be the Beta. I knew that position was meant for my brother. Unfortunately, I was stronger and faster than my brother in most ways and it made him jealous, concerned that I would take his position in the pack. I got tired of fighting with my brother about it, worrying what he would do next to try to undermine me. When he made up rumors about me wanting to take his position and went to the new Alpha with his claim, the Alpha gave me two choices fight of the position or leave the pack. I chose to leave.”
