3. Chapter 3

Chapter 3

-Naomi-

R estless, I used the chair I was sitting on beside the kitchen island to spin around, grappling with the unsettling encounter with Reese earlier. He seemed to accuse me of rolling around his mate’s belongings like some kind of creep. It was ludicrous. Who would even entertain such a notion?

I contemplated tracking Reese down to clarify that I hadn’t acted so erratically. Yet, it was evident that the Alpha desired privacy with his new mate, and disrupting them was out of the question. While I hadn’t ventured upstairs to offer assistance with unpacking, others had, and their laughter and comments suggested that the Alpha and his mate were quite... enthusiastic in their enjoyment of each other’s company.

My wolf whimpered in my mind as I dwelled on the situation. She continued to behave strangely, prompting me to consider visiting the pack doctor tomorrow. Could I be ill? But wolves didn’t suffer from human ailments like the common cold. We might sustain injuries or experience slower healing from scratches inflicted by other wolves, but we didn’t catch colds. So what was afflicting me?

“Naomi!” Fran’s voice cut through my thoughts. She was the head cook, renowned for her culinary prowess but also for her no-nonsense approach.

I gripped the edge of the kitchen island and turned to face her. “Yes?”

“Could you stop spinning? I’m getting dizzy just watching you,” she scolded.

“Sorry,” I murmured, lowering my hands, puzzled by my own restlessness.

Reaching for some napkins in a holder, I began rearranging them, seeking to occupy my hands as we awaited further instructions. Meanwhile, the others lounged by the table, enjoying a brief respite with cups of coffee. I felt uncertain about what to do with myself.

The earlier meeting continued to plague my thoughts, refusing to fade despite my efforts to push it aside. The more I dwelled on it, the less sense it made. What had truly transpired back then?

Naomi, I don’t feel good , my wolf confessed.

I sensed her distress. It was like a peculiar ache, foreign yet unmistakable. While it didn’t manifest as physical discomfort for me, my wolf was undoubtedly experiencing some form of pain. Despite being on blockers to suppress heats, there was an underlying issue at play. But what could it be?

Do you want to go see the doctor now? I asked, hoping for some clarity.

My wolf’s response was hesitant, as if she yearned for something else but couldn’t articulate it.

Well? I pressed gently.

Yes, please, she finally replied.

I nodded, preparing to leave my seat, but before I could move, Fran’s voice halted me.

“Where are you going?” she inquired.

“Um, my wolf is acting strange. I just wanted to go for a quick checkup to ensure everything is all right,” I explained hastily.

“That will have to wait. The others might still need us, and we have an important guest,” Fran countered firmly.

“But...” I attempted to protest, only to be met with Fran’s raised eyebrow.

“Is it serious?” she queried, her gaze steady.

Unable to provide a definitive answer, I shook my head.

“Then take a seat,” she directed, her tone leaving no room for argument.

I sighed, resigning myself to the situation. Returning to my seat, I felt a surge of unease wash over me, a strange anxiety tightening its grip. Whatever was happening to me, it was escalating in intensity, and I couldn’t shake the feeling of impending turmoil.

-Reese-

Dinner proceeded smoothly. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming as everyone eagerly greeted Rosa. Despite lingering tensions between our packs, the unity among us remained unshaken. Rosa effortlessly charmed the pack with her openness and warmth, and their acceptance of her grew with each passing moment. Witnessing her effortlessly integrate herself into our pack filled me with immense joy, a feeling mirrored by the smile on my mother’s lips as I glanced at her.

After the main course, dessert was brought out, served by lower-ranking members. Yet as the cake was placed before me, it triggered a sudden recollection.

It was a rainy day as I nursed an injury sustained during a confrontation with elder fighters from our pack. While it was customary for a young Alpha to face challenges from pack members to prove their readiness for leadership, the ambush by seasoned fighters was unexpected. Despite emerging victorious, my arm bore the brunt of the encounter. Soaked in mud and rain, I had sought refuge in the kitchen, frustration simmering within me.

The increasing frequency of such confrontations left me feeling isolated, as if my leadership capabilities were constantly being questioned. Despite my understanding of our pack’s traditions, the persistent challenges cast a shadow of doubt over my authority, fueling a sense of unease within me.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t notice someone approaching until the door creaked open, revealing a young teenage girl. Recognition dawned on me as she entered. She possessed an extraordinary talent for baking, earning her a place in the pack at a remarkably young age.

She appeared taken aback by my presence, but I offered her a reassuring smile, urging her not to worry. With cautious steps, she resumed her task, her gaze holding a curious intensity that unexpectedly brought me a sense of calm.

“Sorry, I-I can leave if you want,” she whispered.

“No, it’s fine. You probably needed something from here,” I replied, gesturing around the room.

She nodded and pointed toward the fridge. “Just thirsty.”

“Go ahead, Naomi,” I encouraged, nodding toward the fridge.

To my surprise, she gasped slightly, looking startled.

“What?”

“Y-You know my name?” she stammered.

“Yeah, you’re the mastermind behind those delectable desserts,” I teased lightly. “How could I forget?”

A nervous smile tugged at her lips as she approached the fridge, retrieving a bottle of water. Suddenly, she seemed to have an idea. Setting down her own bottle, she placed another one beside me.

“Thank you,” I acknowledged gratefully.

“Are you all right?” she inquired, her eyes drifting to the ice bag.

“It’s fine, just some training.”

“You’ve been training a lot lately,” she observed, leaning against the counter as she took a sip of her water.

I was taken aback by her keen observation. Had she noticed my injuries?

“Nothing I can’t handle,” I replied, trying to sound confident.

“Right. You’re an Alpha, after all,” she remarked, her tone tinged with a hint of melancholy.

“Yeah... Alpha,” I murmured.

“Oh, I didn’t mean to doubt your abilities,” she hurriedly clarified. “I just meant... well, it would be strange if you couldn’t handle it, being an Alpha and all.”

“I understood what you meant,” I reassured her, sensing her embarrassment. She was clearly a shy individual.

A comfortable silence descended between us, surprising me with its ease. Despite not knowing Naomi well, I found myself feeling more at peace in her presence than with anyone else.

“Does it hurt a lot?” she asked softly.

“No, it’s manageable,” I replied honestly.

“Um, you know when I hurt myself when I was younger, my mother said it was a free pass to eat sweets,” she explained with a hint of nostalgia.

“Is that why you’re the best at making cakes?” I teased, noting the blush that crept onto her cheeks.

She shrugged modestly. “I don’t know, but do you want me to make you something now?”

“Now? It’s almost the middle of the night,” I pointed out, surprised by her offer.

Again, she shrugged, her uncertainty obvious. “I don’t mind.”

“Um, sure,” I agreed, touched by her willingness to spend her time baking. She neatly stowed away her water and donned an apron before gathering the necessary ingredients.

“Strawberry cake?” she proposed, glancing over her shoulder, and I was taken aback by her knowledge of my preferences.

“Sure,” I replied with a grateful smile, and she returned the gesture before immersing herself in the task at hand.

Suddenly, I found myself losing interest in the dessert before me as my mind was preoccupied with an unsettling realization. Could the woman in the living room be... Naomi?