Page 19 of For the First Time
I had no idea how.
“Make something for dinner for all of us.For two alphas, a beta, and an omega.One meal, without considering our designations for protein or fats or whatever else is a deciding factor for what designations should eat.Make us a meal that just tastes good.”
I nodded, eager to please this male.“I can do that.”
Chapter Six
Ispent the rest ofthe day with Atlas’s words in my head, with the memory of all three men surrounding me, their scents staining my clothes so that I occasionally got a reminder of that morning’s events.It was distracting.
As much as I liked the men being around, I did appreciate this time to work.I had been a nervous wreck when dealing with the pack, but being able to work, to finally start cooking, reminded me that I was indeed good at my job.I was hired for a reason.I’d applied for a reason.
I liked caring for others, especially when I was going to see the direct, immediate results of my caring when they ate.Something that had always been missing when working with the OC was getting to see the changes enacted.I was there before or after a problem.Being more intimate with a pack was exactly why I’d applied for this position, hoping for this chance.
Society tended to say that it was alphas that were over-caring in how they provided for their pack.I think they only thought that because betas were rarely in packs.Betas were the true providers, in my opinion.We provided stability and calm.When betas were in packs, they were the primary chefs and home managers, especially during the times the omegas went into heat.We were the ones that ensured everyone was constantly safe and healthy.
Sure, alphas protected in the sense of safety, but they were also protecting their pack from other alphas.That felt contradictory to me.Betas only helped.
The sound of the first pack member returning home had my anxiety and excitement mixing together.I’d been in the dining room, setting up the space for dinner, mentally wondering if Atlas had been literal that morning when he mentioned me joining them for the meal.
“It smells good in here,” Oaks said.His voice was loud, obviously thinking I was in the kitchen as he walked right past me.
“Thank you.”I chuckled as he turned around, obviously startled by my location.“How was your day?”
“Perfectly fine.I brought the papers for you.”He waved a folder, although he didn’t hand it to me when I stretched my palm out.“We can go over them after dinner.Sound good?”
“Sure.Everett messaged me and said he was running a little late.I made a little appetizer in case you or Atlas need something to hold you over.”
I’d made a lot of food, actually, because I had hours on my hands and nothing else to do.In fact, I’d even decided to make a loaf of bread from scratch since it had all day to rest before I put it in the oven to turn it into garlic bread.I also cut and shaped my own farfalle noodles—my favorite shape.They didn’t look as perfect as the ones in a box, but I wasn’t a machine, and they’d still taste fine.For sides, I would’ve liked to have made stuffed eggplants, except they didn’t have any.The look on Oaks’s face when I’d asked him about it during his lunch break was almost comical.Instead, I’d decided on parmesan crusted Brussels sprouts, a white bean salad, and roasted apples and squash.
All the time also meant I could do a dessert.I’d decided on a chocolate lava cake with a marshmallow filling rather than a chocolate sauce.
Oaks made a sound, unbothered by the news of a slightly late dinner.Maybe he smelled the homemade red potato chips I’d quickly baked for his appetizer.To me, it was the strongest scent, although alphas had a stronger sense of smell.
I led the way back into the kitchen and portioned out some of the chips for Oaks.He took the bowl, easily munching on the thin crisps.I’d only made them garlic and basil flavored but if he liked them, I could do a barbeque flavor or even make them with sweet potatoes and brown sugar.
“These are really good,” Oaks said.
