TEMPTED BY THE ALPHA

CHAPTER 4

Word Count: 2296

CLAIRE

The next day, I woke up with a mixture of excitement and dread churning in my stomach. Today was the day I would be cooking for the Alpha, a task that seemed both thrilling and terrifying.

As I entered the grand kitchen, the smell of herbs and spices enveloped me like a warm hug. It was my safe haven amidst the chaos of preparing a meal fit for someone as powerful as the Alpha.

But as I chopped and stirred, doubts crept into my mind like unwanted ingredients. Would my cooking skills impress someone who could probably snap his fingers and have any dish he desired? And then, to add to my anxiety, the Alpha's personal assistant Aria appeared. With her piercing gaze and rapid-fire questions, she made me feel like I was on trial for the crime of attempting to feed her boss.

I couldn't help but wonder if this was some sort of hazing ritual for new pack members. But no amount of training or preparation could have prepared me for what came next - standing face to face with the Alpha himself. His cold demeanor and lack of interest in me only confirmed my suspicions that I was just a small fish in a big pond.

With trembling hands, I presented him with my carefully crafted meal, hoping for some guidance or praise from this enigmatic man. But as he sat there, aloof and distant, it was clear that his thoughts were elsewhere. The fragrant steam rising from the dish enveloped me in a comforting embrace, but his lack of reaction cut through me like a sharp blade. Aria stood by his side, exuding confidence and grace as she observed the scene.

I held my breath as he took in every detail of the dish, his piercing gaze making me feel exposed and vulnerable. The room grew heavy with silence, broken only by the soft ticking of a nearby clock. Each second seemed to stretch on endlessly, intensifying my anxiety. Had I failed to meet his expectations? Was my culinary skill not up to par with what he desired?

As I nervously watched from the corner of the room, the Alpha finally took a bite of my carefully crafted dish. His expression remained unreadable as he savored the flavors and textures, but his voice betrayed nothing as he finally spoke. "It's passable," was all he said.

A mix of emotions washed over me - disappointment at not receiving praise, yet also a sense of accomplishment knowing that I had met his expectations. From across the room, Aria's eyes briefly met mine before she quickly looked away. As the liaison between the Alpha and his staff, her neutral expression served as a constant reminder of our place in the pack hierarchy.

After our exchange, Aria handed me a folder filled with detailed notes on the Alpha's dietary preferences. I studied them diligently, determined to please him with every meal. It was clear that cooking for the Alpha required more than just skill; it was an art form, requiring anticipation and precision.

As I finished breakfast and prepared for lunch service, I made a decision. Today's dish would be different - a special creation aimed at catching the Alpha's attention. With newfound determination and a hint of nerves, I set out to gather all the necessary ingredients.

The kitchen bustled with energy as I worked tirelessly, every movement calculated and purposeful. The aroma of roasting spices filled the air as I focused on creating a dish that would hopefully impress the Alpha.

Finally, it was time for him to try my creation. As he took his first bite, I held my breath and waited for his reaction. To my surprise, a small smile spread across his face before being quickly replaced by his usual stoic expression. But Aria's subtle nod of approval told me that my efforts had not gone unnoticed

The Alpha's jaws worked furiously, ripping and tearing at the succulent meat with primal satisfaction. Every bite was a calculated taste test, as if he were unraveling a complex puzzle on his tongue. Finally, with a loud gulp, he finished and spoke in a low, rumbling voice that reverberated through the tense air.