Chapter 15 Pad
Chapter 85: Pack Comforts and Looming Threats
Chapter 85: Pack Comforts and Looming Threats
(Olivia’s POV)
I woke from my nap feeling refreshed but hungry. The late afternoon sun filtered through the curtains of my new Riverdale apartment, casting a warm glow across the hardwood floors. My wolf Cora stretched lazily within me, content in our new territory.
As I padded toward the kitchen, the doorbell rang. I paused, running my fingers through my honey brown hair to tidy it before slipping into my cream–colored fur–lined coat. My fluffy slippers made soft shuffling sounds against the floor as I approached the door.
When I o
opened it, I found a kindly–faced woman standing there. She appeared to be in her late forties, dressed in a practical black padded jacket that couldn’t quite hide her beta wolf nature.
“Miss Winters, hello,” she greeted with a warm smile. “I’m the housekeeper Alpha Connor hired to cook for
you
I blinked in surprise, my wolf instantly alert. Connor hadn’t mentioned hiring anyone.
“I’m sorry, but Alpha Connor didn’t tell me he was sending someone,” I said politely, my instincts urging caution. “Would you mind waiting here for a moment while I verify this with him?”
The woman nodded agreeably. “Of course, Miss Winters. I completely understand. Alpha Connor mentioned you might be surprised.”
Her patient demeanor and lack of offense at my caution reassured me slightly. Still, I wasn’t taking any chances after everything that had happened with Vanessa.
I stepped back inside, keeping the door partially open as I pulled out my phone and dialed Connor’s number. He answered on the second ring.
“Livvy,” his deep voice rumbled through the phone, instantly soothing my wolf. “Is everything alright?” “There’s a woman at my door saying you hired her to cook for me, I explained. “Did you?”
“Yes,” Connor confirmed. 1 should have mentioned it earlier. She’s Dorothy Jenkins’s daughter–in–law. Do you remember Grandma Dorothy? She was your pack’s cook when you were a pup.”
My heart warmed at the memory, Grandma Dorothy had been a fixture in my childhood, her kitchen always smelling of delicious stews and freshly baked bread. My mother, Sarah, had learned many traditional werewolf recipes from her.
“I remember,” I said softly. “She taught my mother how to make moonlight herb soup.”
“Exactly,” Connor replied, his voice gentle. “I thought you might appreciate having someone familiar with your childhood tastes. Her cooking should remind you of home.”
The thoughtfulness of his gesture touched me deeply. Cora purred with appreciation inside me.
“Okay, I understand,” I said, my voice softening. “Thank you, Con.”
After ending the call, I returned to the door with a genuine smile. “Please come in. I’m sorry for the caution.
O
Chapter 85 Pack Comfort
“No need to apologize, Miss Winters,” she said, stepping inside. “In these times, one can’t be too careful.”
As she removed her coat, I noticed she carried several shopping bags filled with fresh ingredients.
“I’m Dorothy Jenkins’s daughter–in–law she introduced herself properly. “But please, call me Dorothy. It’s
easier that way
“It’s nice to meet you, Dorothy,” I replied. “Connor mentioned you’re related to Grandma Dorothy?”
She nodded, her eyes crinkling with warmth. “Yes, I married her son. She taught me everything I know about cooking.”
As we moved to the kitchen, Dorothy chatted comfortably. I’m 47 this year. My daughter works as an elementary school teacher in the neighboring pack territory. She loves children.”
She began unpacking her shopping bags, revealing fresh venison, herbs, and various vegetables.
“Miss Winters, I heard from Alpha Connor that you love these dishes, so I bought them all, Dorothy said, gesturing to the ingredients. “What would you like to eat tonight?”
I smiled, my amber eyes warming at Connor’s attention to detail. “Since it’s what Con said, I should like them all. I’m fine with anything: you decide.”
Dorothy beamed, clearly pleased with my response. She began washing vegetables with practiced efficiency. “Alright! Alpha Connor specially instructed me to buy groceries from that big market in the west of the city. the one near the Silver Moon River,” she explained enthusiastically. “It’s my first time going to such a market. You even have to show your pack mark to enter.”
She shook her head in amazement. “Oh my, things are so expensive in there! But looking at the labels, they’re all from prime hunting grounds, and the vegetables are all grown with moonlight–infused water. They should be top–notch, safe for an Alpha’s mate to eat.”
As she continued preparing the ingredients, Dorothy’s expression softened with nostalgia. “You know, I used to hold you when you were just a little pup. Your mother would bring you to the kitchen while she learned recipes from my mother–in–law.”
The mention of my mother sent a pang through my heart, but it was a sweet memory. “I remember those days,” I said softly. “Please, call me Livvy.”
Dorothy smiled warmly. “Livvy it is, then. Now, where do you keep your pots and pans?”
I showed her around the kitchen, watching as she quickly made herself at home. There was something deeply comforting about having someone prepare a home–cooked meal, especially someone connected to my childhood.
The doorbell rang again just as delicious aromas began filling the apartment. My wolf perked up immediately, recognizing the scent before I even reached the door.
Connor stood there, surrounded by several large suitcases and bags. His ice–blue eyes lit up when they met mine, his wolf Adam clearly pleased to see me.
“Why did you bring so much stuff?” I asked, eyeing the fuggage with surprise.
Connor’s lips curved into an amused smile, his eyes twinkling. “In case my mate stays over again and doesn’t have clothes to wear.
Chapter 85 Park Comfort
I stepped aside to let him in, noticing how he paused at the threshold until I explicitly invited him with a gesture. It struck me as odd.
“Why did you ring the doorbell?” I asked, curious. “Don’t you have a key?”
Connor set down the bags in the entryway, his powerful frame making the space seem smaller. “This is the den I prepared for you, Livvy. You are the sole mistress here, so I need your permission to get a key.”
My wolf preened at his respect for my territory, even though he had purchased it.
“I’ll give you a spare key later, I promised, touched by his consideration.
“I’d prefer to get one today,” he replied, a hint of Alpha possessiveness in his tone. “In case you forget.”
I nodded, understanding the subtle wolf dynamics at play. He wanted his scent permanently associated with my den, a clear marker of our developing bond.
Dorothy called us to dinner shortly after, having prepared a feast of traditional werewolf dishes. The venison was perfectly cooked, tender and flavorful, accompanied by roasted root vegetables and fresh bread.
As we ate, Connor’s phone rang. His expression shifted instantly when he checked the caller ID, his features hardening into the Alpha mask I was becoming familiar with.
“Reeves,” he answered, his voice cold and authoritative.
I watched as Connor listened intently, his ice-blue eyes narrowing. “I’ll be there later,” he said finally, ending
the call.
“Pack business?” I asked, noticing the tension in his shoulders.
Instead of answering directly, Connor’s gaze softened as it met mine. “Do you want me to stay, Livvy?” he asked, his eyes searching mine.
The question surprised me. “I was just asking,” I replied honestly.
Connor’s expression warmed. “It’s a good thing for a mate to be clingy; I like it very much,” he said tenderly, his wolf clearly pleased by the idea that I might want him to stay.
After dinner, we settled on the couch to watch a crime drama Connor had recommended. The suspenseful plot kept me engaged, but I was more aware of Connor’s presence beside me, our wolves finding comfort in each other’s proximity
When the episode ended, Connor turned to me, his expression serious. “Vanessa Reed has been captured.” I felt my body tense, my wolf stirring with a complex mix of emotions – relief that she could no longer threaten us, but apprehension about what would happen next.
“When did this happen?” I asked, my voice steadier than I expected.
“Today,” Connor replied, his eyes never leaving mine. “She’s being held at the Shadow Den.”
I took a deep breath, making a decision that surprised even me. “Can I go with you?”
g toward the Connor’s eyes widened slightly, but he immediately nodded. “Of course, Livvy.” Twenty minutes later, we were seated in the back of Connor’s luxury Cullinan SUV, he Shadow Den. The vehicle’s interior was dimly lit and comfortable, the privacy partition raised to give us space
to talk.
Chapter 85 Pack Comfort
A comfortable silence settled between us as the city lights flashed by outside the tinted windows. Connor’s arm slipped around my shoulders, pulling me closer to his side.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked, his protective Alpha scent enveloping
nveloping me like a s
a shield.
I leaned into his warmth, finding my voice. “What are you planning to do with Nessa?” I asked, using
Vanessa’s familiar alias without thinking.
The question had been weighing on me since he’d told me of her capture. “Will you hand her over to the Human judicial authorities?”
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