Chapter 6 6

Elara POV

The moment we stepped into the drafty cabin, the heavy brown paper package in Isaac's arms became the center of the universe.

Diana froze by the stone hearth. Her eyes darted from the blood-stained paper to my face, a flash of pure, unadulterated joy illuminating her exhausted features. But in the brutal world of an Omega, joy was a luxury we couldn't afford. The light in her eyes fractured, instantly replaced by the gnawing, familiar panic of survival.

"You spent it?" Diana's voice trembled, her calloused hands wringing her frayed apron. "Elara, winter is only months away. What if someone gets sick? That money... it was our safety net."

Isaac's broad shoulders slumped, his grip on the meat loosening. Even little Jett looked down, the harsh reality of our poverty dampening his excitement.

"Mom, look at us," I said softly, stepping forward. My modern soul refused to let them live in this constant state of fear. "We are surviving, not living. We need strength to work, to earn more. This isn't a waste; it's an investment. The strong survive."

Diana opened her mouth to argue, but the quiet, unyielding authority in my voice-a spark of my dormant White Wolf-made her pause. I gently took the package from Isaac and walked toward the cramped kitchenette.

Behind me, Isaac was still standing in the middle of the room, staring at the kitchenette with a goofy, drooling grin.

*Smack.*

The dull thud of Diana's palm hitting Isaac's broad back echoed in the small room. "Stop grinning like a fool and go help your sister!" she scolded, her harsh tone masking her relief. "The meat won't cut itself."

Isaac just laughed, rubbing his shoulder as he hurried over to take the heavy knife from me.

Soon, the kitchenette was filled with the intoxicating sound of sizzling meat. I tossed the venison fat into the hot iron skillet, rendering it down into liquid gold.

Jett stood on his tiptoes, his nose twitching. "It smells so good, Mom," he whispered reverently.

Diana walked over, gently tapping the back of Jett's head. "All you think about is your stomach," she chided, though her eyes were soft. She knelt, forcing Jett to look at her. "Remember who brought this food. You eat this meat, you get strong. And you use that strength to protect her. Understand?"

Jett's small hands balled into fists. His chest puffed out with a fierce, primal loyalty. "I will, Mom. I'll protect Elara forever!"

I smiled, turning back to the bubbling stew. Reaching onto the high shelf, I pulled down a small, dusty leather pouch. Diana's breath hitched. It was her precious reserve of spices, hoarded strictly for the Midwinter Festival.

I sprinkled a generous pinch into the pot. The rich, earthy aroma of rosemary and wild garlic exploded in the air. I braced myself for her scolding, but when I glanced over my shoulder, Diana was just watching me. Her eyes were glassy with unshed tears, but she offered a small, defeated smile, silently surrendering her frugality to the sheer happiness radiating from my face.

*

Desmond POV

The eastern edge of the Warrior training grounds smelled of sweat, overturned earth, and the metallic tang of blood. I wiped a layer of grime from my forehead, my muscles burning pleasantly after a grueling sparring session with Kalen.

Suddenly, a heavy, authoritative pressure pushed against my mental barriers.

*"Desmond. Kalen."* The voice of Frederick Lancaster, the retired Alpha, echoed in my head through the Pack's Mind-Link. *"The Alpha of the Silver Creek Pack arrives tomorrow with his daughter. I expect you both washed and presentable. It is time we discussed Pairings."*

Panic seized my chest. A political Pairing was my absolute nightmare. I grabbed Kalen's arm, my fingers digging into his bicep, and shoved my response through the link before Kalen could even blink.

*"Sorry, Grandfather, we've got a possible Rogue sighting on the eastern border. Urgent patrol required!"*

I didn't wait for a response. I practically dragged the current Alpha of the Bloodmoon Pack toward the tree line.

Once we were out of sight, Kalen yanked his arm away, his deep chuckle vibrating in the crisp air. "Maybe they're just worried about you, old man," he teased, his dark eyes gleaming with amusement. "Twenty-eight is practically ancient for an unmated Gamma."

I pointed a dirty finger at his chest. "I'm only two years older than you! You've got no room to talk!"

Kalen smirked, leaning against a pine tree. The terrifying Alpha aura he usually projected was completely dialed back around me.

I sighed, running a hand over my short hair. "Forget it. Come home with me this time. My Aunt Diana is making venison stew."