Mellifuous ✔

Chapter 3: Into the Cold

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On the other side of the omega pup and his mother's newfound territory lies the Lycan main packhouse, a sprawling structure where the higher authorities reside, such as the beta and the alfa.

Yet another busy day has begun for the pack alfa, Conall. His schedule is packed with duties to attend to and people to appease—a daunting task when the pack numbers near fifty thousand members. The Lycan pack is one of the four main packs, alongside the Bane Pack, Kotus Pack, and Ambersy Pack. These dominant packs hold the most authority, with populations ranging from twenty to seventy thousand members. While there are thousands of smaller packs scattered across territories, the four main packs are the key powerhouses. Each pack's territory includes residences, with members living either in private homes or packhouses, while the alfa, beta, and other high-ranking officials reside in the main packhouse at the heart of the land.

It's important to note the distinction between an "alpha" and an "alfa." While an alpha is a common rank among pack members, an alfa refers specifically to a leader of great importance, such as a pack's head. Calling an alfa by the title of alpha is considered deeply disrespectful and is rarely tolerated.

For Conall, being the alfa of such a vast pack is both challenging and stressful, with countless people relying on him to ensure everything runs smoothly.

He descends the white wooden staircase that spirals gracefully into the grand kitchen. The space is massive, its design exuding a simple yet classy aesthetic. White tones dominate, extending throughout the entire packhouse, contrasting beautifully with dark wooden accents and gleaming marble countertops. The kitchen hums with early morning activity, three head chefs bustling to prepare breakfast for the beta's family: Santiago, the pack's beta, his mate Will, and their four adopted alpha boys.

Liam, the eldest at fifteen, towers over his younger brothers with a protective air. Mason and Matthew, the twelve-year-old twins, are bundles of mischief, constantly in competition with each other. And Edward, the youngest at nine, is a whirlwind of energy, often teetering between adorable and exasperating. Together, they make the packhouse anything but quiet, their laughter and antics bringing life to the otherwise polished and serene space.

"Good morning," Conall greets, sliding into a seat beside Will, who is sipping coffee and somehow managing to look both calm and prepared for the chaos around him.

"Good morning," Will replies with his ever-bright smile. No matter how hectic things get, Will seems to radiate cheerfulness—a trait that Conall admires, even if he doesn't quite understand how the man does it.

The chefs serve up plates piled high with eggs, bacon, and toast, and the boys dive into their breakfast with the fervor of wolves who haven't eaten in days. Conall chuckles as he watches Edward, who's so focused on his food that he has a streak of jam across his cheek.

"Slow down, Edward, or you'll choke," Conall teases, reaching over to ruffle the boy's already messy hair.

Edward looks up mid-bite, his cheeks stuffed like a chipmunk. "I'm not choking!" he mumbles, though the garbled words make Conall laugh even harder.

"Yet," Conall replies, earning a dramatic eye roll from Liam, who pretends to be the sophisticated older sibling but secretly enjoys the banter.

As the boys devour their breakfast, Mason and Matthew's typical sibling rivalry begins to surface.

"I bet I can eat more bacon than you," Mason declares, pointing at his twin with a fork.

"No way! You always lose," Matthew shoots back, immediately shoving an extra strip into his mouth as if to prove a point.