One

Chapter 24

The positive results from their run with Steve was more than Brandon could've dreamed of.

It was already a massive step forwards that Jamie was willing to take someone along on their run. Unlike the rare random encounters of wolves happening to pass by, Steve was with them from the start.

And the lanky Alpha had proven himself tenfold.

Not only had he respected Jamie's personal bubble, the young pup hadn't even dared pry in the Beta's personal business.

Instead, it seemed there was just a single purpose on the young Alpha's mind; bond with his pack. And that enjoyment, the pure intentions portrayed within his actions was slowly melting away some of Jamie's barriers.

Brandon couldn't help but feel extremely proud of his pack and of Steve. Not only was Steve a living embodiment of everything an Alpha should aspire to be, he was extremely helpful for his pack already.

And the young pup didn't even know it.

When lunch arrived and Brandon, Jamie, Gabriel and Steve had taken a quick shower after their run, Steve had proposed to cook a meal for everyone.

Much to Brandon's stunned elation, Jamie has agreed after a moment of consideration.

"Yes!" Steve hissed with a fist pump before grinning sweetly. "I'm not a master chef by any means but I can make some mean Carbonara, if you guys are up for it?" The young Alpha asked, his seemingly boundless energy spreading through the group.

Everyone agreed but Jamie blinked sheepishly before murmuring "I've... never had Carbonara before."

Steve blinked, shocked for a moment while Brandon suddenly felt nervous. He didn't want the other Alpha to start asking potentially painful questions and pry too deeply into Jamie's past.

"Dude! You have to try it! I mean, it's made with delicious crispy bacon, cheese and eggs! Plus, it's pasta!" Steve opened his arms in a wide gesture as he grinned "What more can you want?"

The group was nearly herded to the dining hall by the excited Alpha while Brandon let out a soft huff of amusement. Why did he expect anything less from Steve?

Jamie was slightly hesitant as they arrived in the large dining hall, where multiple people were already eating. Thankfully, besides a few nods in greeting or a wave here and there, nobody really bothered them.

"How does this even work?" Jamie murmured while motioning towards the large dining hall with several tables, connected to a large open kitchen.

Brandon smiled, pointing out a few people cooking within the kitchen. "Anyone from the pack can cook food here and eat it in peace. Usually there are a few people here who love to cook and are willing to make others some food as well. Like my mom, for instance."

Jamie nodded, petrichor softening at the mention of Brandon's mother. They watched as Steve bounded into the kitchen with an enthusiastic "You guys got some room for me?"

The lanky Alpha was greeted warmly and after some jokes and teasing, he moved with practiced ease through the kitchen.

As Steve cooked dinner, Brandon couldn't help but sneak glances at Jamie and smile. Observing as the Beta's eyes flitted from table to table, resting on the Alphas mingling with the rest of the pack.

Brandon could almost hear Jamie's surprise, watching as an Alpha cooked for his Delta friends. How the Deltas were completely relaxed and at ease, teasing the man when the bubbling pot in front of him nearly boiled over.

Their laughter bubbled over into near hysterics, one of the Delta's rushing into the kitchen to come to the flailing Alpha's aid.

"You need to stir the pasta as it cooks!" The Delta explained, demonstrating as they fished out a massive lump of pasta. "Unless you want to eat undercooked pasta clumps, that is."