Elena’s POV
“Alpha Kade!” Nellie stepped away from me and curtsied when Kade entered the room, averting her gaze respectfully—just as I used to do once as a slave.
Now, I held Kade’s eyes, refusing to show weakness. It was no easy feat, fighting the instinct to defer myself, but somehow I managed it.
Nellie held up the vial of medicine and said, “I was just coming to give Miss Debbie her afternoon medicine.”
“I can see that.” Kade glanced between both of us. His hair seemed a little windswept, and a chill seemed to emanate from his jacket even with all this space between us. He had just come in from outside, likely out checking on the pack borders or performing other duties.
“But what are you two doing in the kitchen?” he asked, looking at me warily. “And why is there coffee and wa
