Alpha Erebon

Chapter 10

Erebon, Alice, Noah and I all shifted and ran back to the packhouse – a morning run. When Alice and Noah got tired toward the end, Erebon picked up Alice and I held Noah, using our wolf mouths – but our wolves were both very gentle with them.

I've dressed my girls in matching purple dresses but also brought knitted sweaters which I've placed over their shoulders, now buttoning them up. We all walk in barefoot to find the breakfast table full of all the Sub-Alphas, Zoran, Quillon, Sascha and Loach as well as Becca, Caspian, Orpheus and Scorpeo. The eight sit around the table, while my girls take a seat on a hand-crafted bench that ran along the left flank of the table, they sit between Becca and Orpheus, of course demanding hugs first before waiting impatiently for the surprise I brought with me.

Erebon sits next to Zoran, close to where I stand at one end of the table while I unpack the bag I also brought along on my wolf's back.

Everyone said good morning and I whispered it back, looking to Erebon nervously as I start to take out the jars in paper bags, hiding their contents.

"Can we have some?" Alice calls out, "When you open it? Please, mommy."

"Shh," Noah tells her to be quiet and I just nod in their direction.

Erebon is dressed in a ruffled suit from the shifting back and forth, while I wear a matching red tracksuit. Not really my style but Caspian did good with the sizing.

"Erebon told us last night that you made a gift for us," Becca speaks to me while I stand back with my hands clasped behind my back.

"Yes," I feel very nervous with the whole pack staring at me, I focus on Erebon and he fidgets with his gold chain before reaching out over the corner of the table. He takes hold of my hand and gives me some confidence. Now every stare zones in on the holding hands part – and Erebon takes more of the staring. Always saving me. I perk up now, as he doesn't let go, even with the awkward and brief silence.

"Dearest members of the Greywood pack, I have two surprises for you," I reach into the first bag and take out the first jam, "Strawberry jam," I hear some enthusiastic mumbles of encouragement, including a friendly grin from Zoran.

"Lovely, Sabrina, how thoughtful of you," Zoran compliments me and gets a rather possessive glare from Erebon, "What," Zoran growls under his breath, "She is a sweetheart, like you said."

"Mmhm. Bro," Erebon ignores Zoran completely and talks to Orpheus, "You're going to love this next one."

"I don't believe it," Orpheus' black eyes sparkle as he sits up straight, and Noah and Alice immediately copy him – sitting up straight and placing their hands on the table, drumming the wood with their fingers.

I take out the midnight-colored jam with golden petals, "Petal Wood Jam," I present it to everyone and then slide it across the table to Orpheus, who's hand is out to grab it... and that's not all. The tough guy act is replaced with teary eyes as he opens it up and immediately sticks a finger in to try it.

Erebon sighs with annoyance, "You can't use a utensil, Orpheus?"

Orpheus ignores his little brother as he tastes the jam.

My heart starts pounding in my chest, waiting for the verdict.

"What's that made of?" Becca asks, lifting up the jar next and seeing the deep colors.

"My guess, witchwood," Scorpeo looks at me with his very intellectual guess.

"Yes," I nod, "Grandma Greywood's special recipe. Apparently it's his favourite... or was Orpheon's favourite."

"My father had this every morning," Orpheus marvels at the jam, "It's exactly how she made it. It tastes the exact same. Well done."

"I followed your grandma's recipe, every step, no changes," I promise him.