Witch in wolf's clothing - Namaari

Chapter 11: Applesauce

The rest of the week passes in a blur of classes and training sessions. I attend each lesson with determination, proving myself more and more with each passing day. Some classes are tougher than others, but I feel that I've managed to earn a level of respect from most of my peers. Many now leave me in peace, and a few even show me a modicum of respect.

I always look forward to the training sessions with the girls. Every moment we have together, we dedicate to honing our skills, sometimes even before or after school hours. Kieko has a natural aptitude for handling weapons and immerses herself completely in mastering them. Ebony shows great talent in offensive techniques, though her defensive skills still need some polishing. And Willow, well, she is an all-rounder, excelling in both offense and defense.

I feel a swell of pride, not only for myself but also for the girls and the dedication and progress we’re making together. The bond we’re forming through these training sessions is becoming something truly special.

Here and there, I've had encounters with the triplets throughout the week. I try to avoid them whenever possible, unsure of how to behave around them. They get on my nerves, but there's something about them that I find intriguing. It seems like they seek my attention whenever they see me, not always in a positive way, but still...

Zephyr, on the other hand, is having the time of his life. He's been pulling pranks left and right, especially targeting the triplets. During one of Zyméo's combat training sessions, Zephyr swapped out his sports clothes for something bright pink, which seemed to dent Zyméo's ego. Tazzym found his locker filled with glitter one day, and he was sparkling for days. And during a stealth and reconnaissance class, Zephyr managed to replace some of Kaynim's notes with doodles and silly messages, leaving him puzzled and a bit annoyed. The triplets have no idea who's behind these pranks, but they certainly seem to be on edge.

The lesson week is finally over. I pack the necessary items from my dorm, stuffing them into a bag as I prepare to head to the packhouse for the weekend. There's a nervous knot in my stomach; I don't know what to expect with the triplets around.

Driving the car, I glance out the window as the familiar scenery passes by. I try to calm my nerves by focusing on the positives. The week went well. I proved myself in class, and the girls and I made significant progress in our training sessions. The respect I’ve earned from my classmates is a reassuring thought.

But the triplets... I still can't shake the mixed feelings they stir in me. Intrigue, annoyance, and something else I can't quite pinpoint. They've been a constant, disruptive presence, and I'm not sure how to handle them outside the structured environment of the university.

As I arrive at the packhouse, I take a deep breath before stepping out. With my bag slung over my shoulder, I walk up to the front door, wondering what the weekend will hold.

I step inside the packhouse, and my stomach growls, reminding me that it's been a while since I last ate. I make my way to the kitchen, where I find two Omegas bustling around, preparing dinner.

They look up as I enter, offering friendly smiles. "Miss, do you need something to eat? Dinner will be ready soon, but we can whip up something quick if you're hungry."

I shake my head, returning their smiles. "You can call me Ari. And thanks, but I'll wait for dinner. I'll just grab a piece of fruit to tide me over."

I pick up an apple and leave the kitchen, wandering into the dining room. As I take a bite, my eyes fall on a photograph hanging on the wall. It's a family portrait of the triplets with their parents.

The image draws me in, and I find myself pausing to study it more closely. The mother, Magyra Havenridge, captures my attention. My father mentioned her name once, but seeing her now, it's like piecing together a part of their history. She has a soft, nurturing aura, her warm eyes and friendly smile radiating kindness. Her long, dark hair cascades around her shoulders, adding to her gentle appearance.

As I stand there, lost in thought, I wonder about the kind of woman she is. Yet, her absence in the packhouse and on the pack grounds is noticeable, and no one seems to talk about her. It leaves me with more questions than answers. The triplets are such complex individuals; perhaps she was the anchor that kept them grounded. I take another bite of my apple, still pondering how different things might have been if she were still around.

As I'm lost in thought, staring at the portrait, I'm startled by a sudden voice. "Admiring the family portrait, are we? Not used to seeing those in your Omega household?"

I jump, nearly choking on my apple. Tazzym stands there, laughing at my reaction. However, his amusement quickly turns to concern as I struggle to catch my breath, still choking on the piece of apple. Panic flashes in his eyes, and he rushes over to help me.

"Hold on, Ari," he says, his tone serious now. He tries a couple of quick maneuvers to dislodge the apple. Just then, Zyméo walks in, immediately sensing something is wrong.

"What's happening?" Zyméo exclaims, eyes wide with alarm.

"She's choking!" Tazzym responds, still working to help me. With a coordinated effort, they manage to dislodge the piece of apple, and I gasp for air, finally able to breathe again. I sit on the ground, coughing and catching my breath, while Tazzym and Zyméo kneel beside me, relief evident on their faces.

The door opens again and Kaynim walks in, his expression cool and detached. "What's going on here?" he asks, his voice lacking any warmth.

Tazzym and Zyméo glance at each other before Tazzym speaks up. "She was choking on an apple. We managed to get it out."

"Yeah, it was close," Zyméo adds, his voice still tinged with lingering concern.

Kaynim's gaze shifts to me, his eyes locking onto mine. There's a flicker of something in his eyes, though his expression remains stoic. Our eyes stay locked for a moment, and despite his cold demeanor, I can tell that he's somewhat relieved that I'm okay.

"Make sure you're more careful next time," Kaynim says, his tone still distant, but his gaze never leaving mine.

"I will," I manage to say, finally able to speak without coughing.

Tazzym and Zyméo help me up, and the three brothers exchange a few more words, but my attention remains on Kaynim. His eyes, though still holding that cool detachment, seem to soften just a fraction before he turns away, joining the conversation with his brothers.

I can't quite shake the feeling that beneath his cold exterior, there's more to Kaynim than he lets on.

As I steady myself, the door opens once more and Alpha Mornan steps in. The atmosphere shifts immediately, and the triplets straighten up, greeting their father with respectful nods.

"Father," they say in unison.

Alpha Mornan surveys the room with a commanding presence. "I've been preparing the last few days," he begins, his voice authoritative. "Now, I'm heading out with a scout group to the mountains. We're searching for any signs of rogue activity or witches' hiding spots."

He pauses mid-sentence, his eyes locking onto me. "And who is this?" he asks, turning his gaze to his sons. "What are you doing with an Omega here in the dining room?"

Kaynim steps forward, his voice steady. "Father, this is Ari Lilystone, the one I mentioned a few weeks ago. The Omega from Prince Nikolaj's pack who is here to study."

Alpha Mornan's expression hardens, a chill in his gaze. "I see," he says coldly. "I expect you boys not to get too involved with her."

He then looks directly at me, his tone dismissive. "Omega, return to your room and leave my sons alone. I have matters to discuss with them that are not meant for Omega ears."

A wave of indignation surges through me, but Noali's voice in my head calms me down. “Let's not pick a fight with the Alpha of the Silvermist pack. Your father would drag you back to the Moonstone pack, and we'd be stuck in our room for years. Is it worth it to make one of your clever remarks now?”

I swallow my retort and nod stiffly, heading toward the hallway. As I leave, my steps echoing with restrained frustration, I can't help but think that it's no wonder the triplets can be so condescending at times — they've learned it from their father. Alpha Mornan's demeanor towards me spoke volumes about his views on Omegas, and it's clear where his sons derive their attitudes from.

Back in my room, I sit cross-legged on the bed, attempting to focus on my studies. My stomach grumbles, the apple clearly not enough, but no one comes to fetch me for dinner, and I don't dare go downstairs after Alpha Mornan's clear message. A knock on the door breaks my concentration, and I assume it's a servant with food. Perfect, I think, not looking up as I say, "Come in."

The door opens, and I hear heavy footsteps, not those of a woman. I glance up and see Tazzym standing in the middle of my small room with a tray. He looks around and then comments, "The room looks neat for a place that’s never used."

I snort and mutter a sarcastic remark under my breath. Tazzym clears his throat and says hesitantly, "I brought you dinner. Consider it an apology for startling you earlier and almost making you choke on that apple."

Surprised, I respond cautiously, "Thank you."

Tazzym steps closer and places the tray on the bed right in front of me, his face very close to mine as he grins widely. "Fries with applesauce. Make sure you don't choke on the apple pieces this time."

I playfully push him away. "Tazzym!" I exclaim, half-laughing, half-annoyed. I forget to address him as Alpha, but he doesn’t seem to mind.

Tazzym tumbles onto the bed beside me, laughing heartily.