Power

Face Reality

After the humiliating scenario of Ivy's hunger betraying her, Claire had to accompany Ivy to obtain some good "tucker," as Alpha Ember had put it, which Ivy soon discovered meant food. Australian slang.

Claire was escorting her to the pack kitchen, and Ivy noticed the curious and threatening stares others gave her as they walked by. It was uncomfortable, but Ivy would be lying if she said she wasn't fascinated by the wolves and the whole pack concept. It was certainly exhilarating, as well as scary, because this was her first encounter with other magical entities. There was so much she wanted to learn and see.

"Don't worry, Ivy. I'll make sure you're well fed. I know it's scary being in a new place among new people, but you'll be fine. We have the best alphas here, and the people are just concerned that's all, but I know you won't cause us any harm, dear." Claire suddenly said.

They had been walkinb in a comfortable silence, which Ivy appreciated but she also appreciated Claire's kind words. Ivy could feel the wolf's sincerity, which was unusual, but strange was becoming her new normal these days.

They eventually arrived in front of two cabins. The first was an a big cabin, and the second was another three-story house-style structure. Ivy was impressed by the pack's construction; it was evident that they were a talented group of builders.

Claire caught Ivy staring at the cabin. "That's the warriors' cabin where most of the trainee warriors stay. Mated warriors usually prefer to stay with their mates in their own homes, so the place is mostly occupied by young, unmated wolves. The other is the pack kitchen; it's mainly used to prepare feasts and such for special occasions." Claire smiled kindly as she grabbed hold of Ivy's hand and led her to the pack kitchen.

Upon entering, Ivy was greeted with the aroma of delectable treats. Her stomach rumbled with satisfaction at a scent she didn't recognize. "Why don't you sit by the island while I whip you up something fast." Claire's inquisitive gaze met Ivy's ravenous eyes.

Ivy was starving. She needed something now. That mild nauseated feeling was returning. Nonetheless, she nodded, relieved that she would soon be eating.

A few minutes later, sizzling burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, lasagna, French fries, and little steaks were spread out on the island for Ivy to explore. She didn't need to be reminded twice before taking a big mouthful of a hamburger while Claire silently observed her. Ivy had been starving, so one would have expected her to devour everything quickly, or at least to be on her third or fourth burger, but it was quite the contrary.

The hamburger resurfaced as soon as she swallowed it. Claire rushed to Ivy's aid as she proceeded to pour it all out in the sink. Ivy was perplexed as to why the food came back up, given that she was starving, yet the hamburger made her sick. She craved something different.

Claire offered Ivy a cup of water with anxious eyes, but she declined. She disered something else. She felt nauseated just looking at all the food on the table. But why? She was starving to the point where her head felt light, and her stomach seemed to have acquired claws that ripped hungrily at the flesh inside.

"Peraphs, some soup or tea would do you good, or maybe I should just call the doctor." Claire let out in panic about to close the refrigerator, but that's when Ivy spotted it, or rather smelled it; the sweet, mouthwatering smell hit her.

Ivy dashed to the fridge like a hungry beast, startling Claire. A plethora of appetizing meals stared at her, glistening brightly under the bright light of the refrigerator, attempting to pique her interest, but just one succeeded.

Before Claire could open her mouth to ask what was going on, Ivy had stuff a dozen shrimps into her mouth. It tasted great, precisely what she was looking for. She ate and ate till the huge container that they were in was empty. Silence.