His Luna

Set up

Draken's footsteps echoed through the corridor as he quickened his pace, driven by a potent mix of determination and concern. The unpleasant odor emanating from the trash weighed heavily on his senses, urging him to dispose of it swiftly. Each step brought him closer to his goal, his mind consumed by thoughts of Kirsty. The memory of Kirsty lingered in his thoughts, her presence vivid in his mind's eye. The connection they had shared, however brief, left an indelible mark on Draken's heart. It made it challenging for him to focus on the task at hand, as her absence tugged at his thoughts, reminding him of the urgency to be with her.

As he approached the designated area for waste disposal, Draken's focus sharpened. The mundane task took on a newfound significance, intertwined with the desperate need to be with his mate and to vacate a place where they were alone with each other. The weight of his responsibility settled upon his shoulders, amplifying his resolve to accomplish both objectives.

With a swift movement, Draken opened the door to the disposal area. The pungent smell overwhelmed his senses, momentarily distracting him from his thoughts of Kirsty. However, the Alpha's determination remained unyielding, and he swiftly proceeded to dispose of the trash, moving with purpose and efficiency.

As he approached the door leading to the kitchen, he couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. He yearned to spend more time with Kirsty, to learn about her past, and to unravel the mysteries that surrounded her. However, he was aware that their current location was not safe for her. He wanted to take her to a house within the pack, a place where she could be protected and free from the orders of others.

His heart pounded in his chest, the excitement and nervousness mixing together, making it difficult for him to think clearly. He resisted the urge to look back at Kirsty, knowing that he had to stay focused on his task. Thoughts of her innocence and the longing in her eyes fueled his determination.

Finally, he arrived at the kitchen door. As he stepped inside, Draken's heightened senses absorbed the chaotic atmosphere within the kitchen, his sharp eyes taking in the scene before him. The bustling activity that once filled the space had come to an abrupt halt as the room fell into an uneasy silence. The occupants, caught off guard by the Alpha's unexpected arrival, stood frozen in their positions, their eyes locked onto him.

Draken scanned the room, taking in the surprised expressions of those around him. It was evident that his presence held a certain power, commanding their attention. However, he knew he had no time to waste. He quickly assessed the situation and made a decision. The eyes of the kitchen staff darted nervously between one another, exchanging furtive glances laden with unspoken questions.

“Alpha!” The head cook swiftly made his way toward the Alpha, his spatula still gripped firmly in his hand. Leo's culinary expertise was renowned, and his dedication to his craft was evident even in the midst of their conversation.

“Is this all your people?” He was referring to the people present inside the room.

"No, Alpha" Leo replied, his voice carrying a calm yet authoritative tone. "Some of them are from the beta's household." He gestured towards a few individuals who had come from Sam's household.

Draken personally brought Leo to the household of Sam, knowing that the head cook is a respectable cook in the pack.

“I see.”

Leo's sharp gaze roamed across the kitchen, taking in the presence of the helpers and their tasks at hand. He held a certain preference when it came to his workspace, often favoring the presence of women over men during his culinary endeavors. The head cook's reasoning was understandable, considering the dynamics and distractions that could arise in a busy kitchen environment.

With a sweeping glance around the kitchen, Draken observed the diligent work of the helpers, most of whom were women. Their synchronized movements and attention to detail were a testament to the efficiency fostered under Leo's watchful eye. The head cook's presence commanded respect, and his expectations of excellence were evident in the professionalism displayed by his team.

“A…Alpha, is there something with the food we prepared?”

"Nothing is wrong with the food, Leo," Draken reassured him, his tone steady and unwavering.

Leo's question hung in the air, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and underlying concern. He knew that the Alpha rarely visited the kitchen during mealtime, especially when Leo and his team were responsible for preparing the Alpha's food. Leo's attention to detail and unwavering pursuit of culinary excellence were well-known among the pack, and it was a source of pride for him.

Draken noticed Leo's hands trembling slightly, despite the head cook's attempt to conceal it. The Alpha's gaze flickered briefly towards Leo's pocket, where the telltale signs of nervousness manifested. Draken understood that something was amiss, that the head cook's composure had been momentarily rattled.

Leo visibly relaxed at Draken's words, a flicker of relief crossing his features. His dedication to his craft and his unwavering pursuit of perfection left no room for errors or subpar dishes. The slightest mistake could weigh heavily on Leo's conscience and leave him in a state of self-imposed disappointment.

Draken discreetly surveyed the kitchen once more, his gaze sweeping across the bustling space. He wanted to ensure that everyone was engaged in their assigned tasks, to provide an excuse for requesting a servant's assistance without raising suspicion, Kirsty would be an excuse.

“Then…what is it, Alpha? I thought that you were in the middle of having your dinner.”

“Yes, we were. Are all the servants present?”

Draken's unexpected presence in the kitchen sent a ripple of tension through the air. Leo, as the head cook and responsible for the kitchen staff, felt the weight of the Alpha's gaze upon him. He knew that any irregularity or absence among his workers would reflect poorly on his leadership and authority.

Leo quickly scanned the busy kitchen, assessing the situation and ensuring that all the servants were present. His eyes darted from one person to another, silently accounting for their presence. However, a sinking feeling settled in his gut as he realized that one person was indeed missing—the servant who had gone outside to dispose of the trash. A sense of urgency coursed through Leo's veins. He understood the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences if something had happened to the missing servant while she was under his watch. Leo's experience and reputation as a head cook were at stake, and he couldn't afford to let any mistakes tarnish his standing.

“I…I have someone who went outside to throw the trash but she…she hadn't come back yet.”

It was visible in the man's eyes the nervousness and the fear that he was hiding so hard for others not to notice. As most people would assume that there were some anomalies and problems that concern the kitchen, much more now that the Alpha personally went inside to ask Leo.

Draken could feel a lot of pairs of eyes that were looking in his direction, and some stopped what they were doing to gossip about the possible things he would say in front of the head cook. Leo is a terror when it comes to doing his job and designating the tasks for people under him, so it’s not questionable why some would wish him to fall down.

“Ah, her. I personally come here to ask for a servant to help me look for my horse.”

Draken's statement hung in the air, causing a collective gasp among the kitchen staff. The news that the Alpha himself sought the assistance of a servant for a task was unprecedented and caught everyone off guard. Whispers and curious glances exchanged between the kitchen staff intensified, fueled by their own speculations and assumptions.

Trying to maintain his composure, Leo mustered the courage to speak. "Alpha, I... I can personally lead the search for your horse. I have knowledge of the surrounding areas, and I can ensure that we cover all the possible locations."

“No, Leo. All of you are preoccupied with your duties. I saw the servant outside, so she will do it.”

Leo was surprised to hear about it. And some gasped in the background. Some women were clasping their hands, hoping that they might be chosen as the ones to accompany and help the Alpha in looking up for his lost horse.

“A…Alpha, she is new here…She might not be that knowledgeable about the places where the horse would go.”

Leo's brows furrowed slightly as he processed the information. The choice puzzled him, considering Kirsty's status as a servant and a recent addition to the pack.

Draken's piercing gaze met Leo's, his eyes conveying a silent assurance amidst the underlying tension in the room. The head cook's concerns were valid, but Draken had already made up his mind. He knew that Kirsty's absence and the opportunity to involve her would likely raise more questions and potentially ignite speculation within the pack.

His gaze shifted from Leo to the assembled group, taking note of the anticipation and subtle desperation that hung in the air. He understood the undercurrents of ambition and longing among the kitchen staff, each hoping for an opportunity to gain favor with the Alpha. However, Draken had made up his mind.

"What's the name of that servant?" He furthered asked. Aside from wanting to be with his mate, Draken was also testing the loyalty of the man.

"K-Kirsty, Alpha.."

"A new servant of the pack right?"

"Y-yes, Alpha-"

"Of whose household?"

"From the beta."

"Alpha...instead of that servant, I-I have Tricia here who's more knowledgeable about the-"

The woman named Tricia, the one with blue eyes was about to step forward, her eyes showed great affection for the Alpha but Draken himself immediately dismissed the idea.

“It doesn't matter. I'll go with that servant who's outside."

"A-Alrigth, Alpha."

"Chloe asked for an additional set of meats.” He immediately changed the subject of the conversation to divert the attention of Leo to something that his skills can be of use.

“The beta’s wife?”

“Yes. And the food is great.”

Draken's attempt to shift the conversation to a different topic wasn't lost on Leo. The head cook's tense shoulders relaxed slightly under Draken's reassuring touch. Leo appreciated the diversion, grateful for the opportunity to focus on something within his comfort zone—his culinary skills.

A flicker of relief crossed Leo's face as he responded, "Chloe knows her meat. I'll make sure she gets the finest cuts, Alpha. She won't be disappointed."

Draken nodded, acknowledging Leo's dedication and expertise. He understood the pressure Leo faced in his role, constantly striving for perfection to satisfy the high expectations of the pack members. It was a delicate balance, ensuring that the pack's needs were met while maintaining the integrity of his craft.

"Well, Leo, I trust you to deliver as always," Draken affirmed, his tone filled with genuine confidence. "The meal should be a testament to your skill, and I have no doubt it will be exceptional."

Leo's eyes lit up with a glimmer of pride and appreciation for the Alpha's words. The brief moment of reassurance provided him with a renewed sense of purpose. The thought of creating a delectable meal for Chloe and the other pack members spurred his determination, pushing aside the lingering anxiety that had plagued him moments earlier.

With a newfound sense of composure, Leo straightened his posture and wore a determined expression. "Thank you, Alpha. I won't disappoint you or the pack."

"Serve the beta's wife with your specialty, the one you serve solely whenever there's the presence of a Luna of a pack." Draken declared. He saw how the head cook's eyes widened.