The ballroom is crowded, but no one is paying much attention to us as we enter, as everyone is looking for their seats. We reach our table, which has both of our families, and they’re already seated. I don’t miss how every single set of eyes at our table makes their way to our connected hands, but thankfully, no one says anything. My brother smirks, though.
Seth releases my hand and pulls a chair out for me, grazing his hand across the small of my back as I sit. I’m fairly sure this man will miss no opportunity to touch me in some way. I’m seated directly next to Seth, something I doubt was originally planned, but my mother changed once we met. My mom is to my right, and my dad is seated next to her. Robert is across from my parents, with the King and Queen to his right, and directly across from Seth and me.
We’ve barely been seated when I feel Seth’s warm hand rest on my thigh. “You good?” he asks me.
“Yeah, I’m OK,” I return, and I really am.
I lean forward and grab my dad’s attention. “Do you think you’d like to go for a hike with me to the falls in the morning?” I ask.
I thought he’d jump at the chance, but he looks hesitant. “I’m sorry, Molly. I’m taking King Peter down there in the morning,” he says.
“Oh, that’s OK. Another time.” I tell him.
Seth squeezes my leg to comfort me. I can tell he’s about to say something when King Peter speaks up.
“I’d love to have you join us, Molly. It’d be a great chance to get to know you a bit better, and from what I remember your dad saying while you were young, you probably know a path or two to get there that the old man doesn’t even know,” he says with a chuckle.
I’m unsure what to say to that, and who knows what my dad told him. He’s not wrong, either. “That would be nice, thank you. I’ll make Dad’s favorite muffins to bring along for breakfast. And yes, I’m SURE I know a few paths Dad’s never seen.”
“I doubt that, Kiddo. I haven’t always been the Alpha, stuck in my office running my pack,” my dad chimes in. I’m sure he’s spent plenty of time out there, but I’m also sure that Oliver and I created quite a few new paths while we spent time out there as kids.
Seth leans over to me and whispers in my ear, “Do you want me to get my dad to stay behind so you can be alone with yours?” he asks me.
“No, it’s ok,” I whisper back, and it’s honestly so thoughtful of him.
“Seth, do you want to join us?” my dad throws out, interrupting the small moment between us.
“I wouldn’t want to impose,” Seth says. He leans over to me where only I can hear. “Only if you want me there.”
“You should join us,” I say with a smile.
“Fantastic!” my dad exclaims. “I’m looking forward to those muffins,” he tells me with a smile.
“So, you like being outside?” Seth asks.
“Yeah. A lot. When we were small, Oliver was the only kid besides Robbie, who didn’t pick on me. We used to sneak out of school early and go down to the falls.”
At hearing this, King Peter joins in. “I remember being on a call with Randall one time when he got word Molly was missing from school. He was in a panic, and I was about to head out here to help, thinking the poor dear had been kidnapped when they realized her little friend was also missing. Randall called me later to let me know she had been found, with the little boy hiding in the woods covered in mud. They realized they were in trouble and hid for hours trying to sneak back,” he laughs.
“A little boy?” Seth says, arching an eyebrow at me, and I can see the danger in his eyes. He’s unhappy at that thought.
“Yeah. It was just Oliver, and we were six,” I reassure him with a giggle. I can feel him relax through the bond.
“Molly and Oliver used to sneak out and go into the woods for hours. They’d come back covered in dirt and leaves. I’m pretty sure I heard a rumor of them finding a cave out there once, but neither would ever admit to it.” my brother says, jumping into the conversation.
“A cave?” my dad asks, his voice low with a hint of anger. I glare at Robbie, knowing he did this on purpose.
“Just because you’re the Alpha now doesn’t mean I’m going to tell you all the secrets of the Falls” I tell him. “You’ll have to get out there and find them on your own. But yes, there’s absolutely a cave. Two of them, actually.”
“Molly, did you two leave the packlands?” Dad asks authoritatively, and I realize that he’s worried we could have been hurt.
I shake my head. “No, sir. The caves are on our land- I’m sure. We never, ever left our territory. I promise.”
Sorry, Kiddo. I hear from my brother. I look up at him when I finally realize he mind-linked me and didn’t audibly say it.
Robbie! I can link you! I respond, thrilled with the development. I’ve never been able to link anyone other than my dad before.
The Omega staff come out carrying plates for dinner. I’m suddenly nervous. This is my team, and I know they’re capable of handling all of this, but if something goes wrong, it falls back on me still, and there are so many guests here to critique the entire meal.
Robbie stands as plates are being placed in front of all the guests to give a speech before we all eat. “Thank you all for joining us today. It’s been a great honor to be handed the pack and trusted with the safety and well-being of everyone in it. I want to thank the Omegas of the Lunar Falls Pack, who are here serving all our wonderful guests. You all are what make the day-to-day operations of this pack run smoothly. Well done! I’m honored to be your Alpha and will show appreciation to everyone in this pack for all you contribute. Thank you for making this day and every day in this pack wonderful. Now, let's eat!” he finishes and sits down like he didn’t just say something that no other Alpha would say.
My dad is staring at him, unsure what to say, while my mom smirks, proud to have raised a son who is considerate. I’m debating, glancing to see how the Royals are taking this, when I hear King Peter stand and applaud. Seth follows, and then Queen Audrey joins. I stand and join them, as do my parents. Robbie stares at us like we're crazy, but he really doesn’t realize the impact his speech will have. I can hear others begin to join behind us, and after a glance over my shoulder, I find that not everyone shares his feelings. No one would dare not follow the Royal Family in their applause, though.
Molls, please sit down. This is embarrassing, I hear Robbie in my head.
You’re the one who did it. Out here telling Alphas to respect every member of their pack. It’s a real novelty, I giggle, and Robbie rolls his eyes. But as a good sister, I sit down. My dad follows, and then the rest of our table. After a moment, the room quiets and I can hear the sound of people beginning to eat.
“Were you two planning to let me know that you can link each other now, or were you just planning to team up and cause havoc together in silence?” my mom asks Robbie and me.
“Mom, I’m the Alpha now. I answer to no one!” Robbie answers her with a bright laugh.
“In our defense, we just discovered that we could,” I tell her.
“That’s great! Though I must admit, I feel a little left out now that you can all link, but I still can’t reach you, Molly,” Mom says, and I know she meant it as a joke, but I feel a pain that I’ve made things difficult for her. Seth must be able to feel my emotions like I’ve been feeling his because his arm immediately reaches my shoulder opposite him, and he pulls me towards him and kisses my head. No one says anything, but Queen Audrey’s face shows that she didn’t miss his action.
Finally, the Omegas reach our table with the food. “I’m so sorry, Molly,” Stella, a young Omega, tells me. “It is Courtney’s first event, and she started serving from the back of the room. I’m truly sorry, Alphas, Your Majesties,” she finishes, flustered and with a bow.
“It’s OK, Stella,” I reassure her. “If Oliver did his job right, it’s all edible,” I tell her, and she giggles. “He DID do his job, right?” I ask, and she continues to giggle.
“Really though, it looks great,” I tell her. “You all did a great job without me.”
She beams at the compliment. With another bow to the royals and a slight smile at my brother, she offers her thanks and leaves us.
“Tell me about her,” my brother snaps at me aggressively.
“It was a mistake, Robbie. It wasn’t even hers, and she apologized,” I say in defense of the poor girl. I’m confused about why he’s acting like this.
“I’m not mad. Just tell me about her. Stella, right?” he asks, and I realize he’s fighting his wolf back.
“Yeah, Stella. She’s sweet. Her dad was a pack warrior and died a few years ago. Her mom worked in the kitchen with me, but she died a few months ago. Stella asked to take her place, but she’s still in school, so I have her helping in the kitchen around her school schedule. She’s in her last year, so I plan to let her move into the kitchen full-time when she’s done if she wants.”
“You’re making her work?” he snaps at me.
“She asked me to. I wouldn’t let her drop out and work full time like she had wanted when it’s so close to the end of the school year. And I only let her work when her homework and training are all completed. I also won’t let her work on Friday nights so she can hang out with her friends and be a kid. Her parents both died, and she needs the money,” I tell him defensively. I’ve not done anything wrong. I thought I was helping her out.
“She shouldn’t be working,” he continues with his attitude.
“Robert,” my mom interjects. “I don’t think your sister is forcing kids to work in the kitchens. It sounds like she’s been working to find a way to help her- Stacy, was it?”
“Stella.” I correct.
“She’s mine,” Robert growls lowly, where only those closest can hear.
I realize then that he thinks she’s his mate. “Robbie, that can’t be. She’s not 18 yet. And you’ve met her many times before.”
“Molly, I’m sure of this. When is her birthday?” He demands.
“I’m not sure. I wrote it on the calendar we keep in the kitchen recently. I can check for you later,” I tell him. I’m in complete disbelief that he thinks she’s his mate.
“There have been reports of Alphas being able to find their mate before they shift.” King Peter adds to the conversation. “But there’s not much information on it. And I’ve never actually met someone who has experienced it. It’s supposed to be a sign of a very strong wolf, though,” he adds.
“You can’t tell her until then,” I tell Robbie. “You’ll scare her if you try to. She really is great. I’m sure she’ll make an amazing Luna.”
I’m happy for Robbie, but I’m sure he’ll do something to embarrass himself while waiting for her birthday.
“The dinner is truly delicious,” Seth tells me, changing the subject from my brother, and honestly, it makes me feel really good that he likes it.
“Thank you,” I smile. “It’s Robbie’s favorite.”
My brother would sell his soul for my roast chicken. He picked potatoes and broccoli to go with it for today, but I doubt he’ll eat much of either.
“It doesn’t taste quite the same as when you make it, but it’s close. Still, it’s better than you’ll find at other packs, for sure,” Robbie says with a smile.
“You had better get used to this version of it,” Dad states. “Molly will be leaving with Prince Seth, and then we’ll all have to eat sub-par meals while the Prince gets the good stuff every day.”
“Molly won’t be in the kitchen every day,” Seth tells my dad, “But I do hope you’ll cook for me sometimes if it will always taste this good.”
I know he means well, but I don’t like the sound of that one bit. I want to say something in response but there are so many people around, so I decide just to let it go and talk to him about it later. We’ve just met, and I still think there’s a chance he’ll reject me. We haven’t discussed what is expected of me if he doesn’t. And what does a princess actually do, anyway?
The conversation changes and is far more casual when the omegas appear to clear the tables. Robbie is looking for Stella, but I’m unsure if he wants her close.
Robbie, do you want her to come over or stay away? I mind link to ask him.
It’s probably best for her to stay away for now, he responds, so I do what any decent sister would do.
“Nick!” I call out to a different omega, and he comes right over. He reaches me, realizes who is at the table, and stops to bow.
“Is everything OK, Molly?” he asks me.
“Yeah, it’s great. Grab those plates, would you? I’ll help you take them over. I have a secret mission for you,” I say, making a silly face so he knows he’s not in trouble.
I stand and take Seth’s plate. He frowns at me, and I realize it’s probably because I’m helping. Whatever. It’s just who I am and my place in this pack. Nick and I get everything situated on the tray and walk off.
I look back and see Seth frowning, but he turns and speaks with my parents now.
“What did you need, Molly? Is everything alright?” Nick asks me.
“Yeah!” I tell him. “I wanted to ask you to grab the cake I made for my dad, but I’ll just go down and get it.”
“Not in those shoes, you won’t,” Nick laughs, motioning to my heels. “When do you want me to bring it up?”
“That’s a fair point,” I tell him, and he’s not wrong. I’m good in heels, but I’m not sure how good I am going up the stairs in them while holding a cake.
“When Robbie’s cake is up, and everyone is paying attention to him would be best,” I explain. “He wouldn’t want it to be a big deal. He was adamant that today would be about Alpha Robert taking the pack, not his retirement.”
“So you made him his own cake?” he asks, confused.
“It’s who I am, Nick. It’s who I am,” I call with a smile as I walk back to my seat.
I sit down, and as soon as I do, Seth leans in to whisper in my ear. “Is everything ok with this Nick?”
The way he emphasizes his name immediately lets me know he’s unhappy. I only walked off to the side of the room. I’m not even sure what he thinks he has to be upset over.
“It’s fine,” I tell him meekly, unsure what to say. “He’s helping me with a surprise for later.” I offer him a smile, hoping it will help ease the tension.
Things ease a bit as our dads continue their conversation about stories from their youths. The details are no doubt grossly exaggerated. Seth and Robert throw in a few stories from their time training and we all laugh along. After a while, the omegas bring up the large cake I had made for Robert.
“Who made the cake?” Robbie asks me.
“Me, of course!” I tell him. “I turned over my kitchen so I’d be here with you, but you didn’t think I’d trust someone else with your cake, did you?” I ask.
Robbie stands up and walks around the table, grabbing my arm to pull me up and into one of his giant bear hugs. “Thanks, kiddo. I’m really going to miss this.”
“Don’t worry,” I whisper sadly into his chest. “There’s still time for him to reject me.”
“He won’t,” he says before placing a kiss on the top of my head and walking over to the cake.
Everyone is looking at the new Alpha Robert and his giant cake. I glance over and see Nick at the door, holding the small cake. I walk over and take it from him, and when I turn around, I see Seth staring at me. I can feel his anger finally start to subside when he sees the cake. I continue towards the table to stand behind my dad, placing the cake on the table in front of him and kissing him on the cheek.
He looks down and laughs one of his loud, boisterous laughs that I love so much as he looks down and reads his cake.
“Happy Retirement, Old Man”
Aksara