Mates Conquer Everything, Right?

I look at Tharros’s face, he is not looking pleased with my answer. I might not be a werewolf, but I know politics. He says nothing, and I look at the crowd. A lot of people look confused and don’t seem to think it is a big deal I am a little late. Some seem annoyed that I kept them from breakfast. I would be too.

“I am sorry that I kept you all from breakfast.” I say a little louder for everyone to hear. Maybe I didn’t need to raise my voice. I still don’t know the strength of werewolves.

“Enough!” barks the Alpha, “let’s go and eat.”

Everyone is leaving, and Igétas walks over to me. Ela and Amanda are still standing by my side. “Thanks girls, you can leave.” He says and they take off.

Igétas looks pained. We are still standing on the open field and are the only ones left.

“Why are you mad?” I ask him and close my arms around him. He worked out big time but isn’t as sweaty as I am.

He looks at me with determined eyes. “My brother crossed a line.” He growls lowly.

“I don’t-” He interrupts me, “We never run five miles. He did it on purpose, knowing you can’t keep up.”

I smile at him, hoping it will help him calm down. “I know. He is testing me, seeing if he can scare me away. Pushing my buttons and trying to get under my skin. It will not work.” I tell him firmly.

Igétas is still looking at me. “We will stand together. I still need to learn more about the pack, about you, and most importantly about myself.”

He kisses my hair and we walk to the pack house. After standing still after running, it is hard to walk again. Without a warning, Igétas turns to me and picks me up bridal style. I am too tired to complain.

“I like this.”

“Carrying me like a baby?” I ask.

“Not like a baby, more like a bride.” He smirks, making me blush.

He sets me down right before entering the canteen. It is like a gym with long tables and benches. On every table stands a lot of food. The spread of bread, eggs, and bacon is a lot. Looks like everyone from the training is eating already and talking happily with each other. Laughter fills the room and there is a great ambiance.

Igétas guides me to the table on an elevation, standing on a low stage. Tharros, the Luna and Oliver are sitting there, looking over the members. There is a free spot next to Tharros and I know it is the seating of Igétas. He sits down and there is just enough bench left for me. I sit down next to him, and he picks up my plate and starts filling it. One of the things I like about America is having scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast. Not common in the Netherlands.

“You think I can eat all of that?” I whisper harshly, looking at my plate piled high with food.

He looks at my plate and smiles to himself. “Just try.”

And he is filling his plate. It is quiet at our table. I eat everything I can and drink some milk with it. After what seems like ten minutes, people start to fill up their plates with a second round. God, werewolves eat a lot. I bend over the table a bit bored and tired. The Luna is looking at me and gives me a small smile.

“Nice of you to join us today in practice.” She says and I nod.

“Yeah, it was intense.” I sigh.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, you did a great job. Next time you will be faster.” As soon as she mentions next time my eyes go wide and she giggles.

“It will be fine.” She places her hand on Tharros’ arm. “Right, mate? Monday we start with the normal two miles?” she asks, and he stiffens. Of course, he doesn’t want that but I see him agreeing with her.

I smile back at her and Igétas eats the rest of my bacon. After a half hour people start to leave.

“So, what is your schedule for the rest of the day?” I ask Igétas.

“I am going with you to Joe and Rose’s. I’m going to help you pack up your things so that you can move in with us.” I don’t know how to answer. It is probably better to just jump off the diving board instead of hesitating and building it up in your head.

“Okay,” I hear myself say. I want to ask if I get my room or if I’m going to move in with him, but Tharros is still sitting next to us, waiting for the last members to clear the space. Then he stands up and leads the Luna to the back door. Oliver is already gone.

“Can I see your room?”

“Of course, you can see my room.” He says that like it was a stupid question. “Let’s go right now.”

On the way over he introduces me to the kitchen team. Three ladies with aprons and hair tied up; I forgot their names instantly. I learn about the routine, there are two kitchen teams. One for the morning, since werewolves eat more after the workout and need to fill up for the day. The other team does lunch and dinner time, when there will be about fifty people, mostly warriors in training and orphans who lost their families.

I don’t want to tell Igétas and the rest, because I don’t know if they will be offended, but the pack reminds me of an anthill. Everyone has a purpose and role within the pack. Everyone needs to do their job to make the pack work like a well-oiled machine. There are people doing laundry, a cleaning crew and even a school system.

Everyone is very nice to me. Well, at least to my face. They show us the work they do with pride and happiness. But one question is going around in my head when I see everyone so in their element. Is there a place for me too? Would they fully accept me and would I be fully admitted into their little cult-like world?

Only time will tell. Igétas guides me to his room and opens the door for me. I walk into his room and my eyes go wide.