The Shadow Alpha

Chapter 9: It All Started With Saffron Sauce

Chapter 9: It All Started With Saffron Sauce

Holly

By five thirty, I've been thoroughly introduced to dozens of people, some I've been able to remember, and others that I'm sure will escape my memory.

But Desiree certainly delivered on her promise of feeling more comfortable with the locals. And she was right about the Shadow Pack being more accepting than people think.

          Not once did I receive any kind of coldness or rude behaviour from the people I was introduced to.

           Instead I was met with polite smiles and warm hands that shook my own without hesitation. They have no real reason to have to be so friendly; their loyalties lie first and foremost with River.

            Before we set out to make the many introductions, I asked that Desiree not mention anything about being River's mate, or how it is I came to be among the Shadows.

        The last thing I want is to be touting myself as the next Luna when I barely know the Alpha I am destined to rule with. Barely know the people and families I'll be responsible for.

I showered as soon as I got home; I was hot from all the walking we did today, and the dust of the dirt paths coated my ankles and legs.

        Despite how unforgiving the Californian sun can be in summer, my olive toned skin remains mostly unaffected.

I change into some light pyjamas: a loose tank top and some cotton shorts with a striped pattern on them. It's still warm despite the sun's retreat, an my mind wanders as I think about where River could be, sensing darkness approaching.

I'm now digging through River's surprisingly well stocked fridge. For a twenty-something workaholic Alpha, he seems to be able to fend fairly well for himself in the way of cooking. He's got various vegetables and fruits, many herbs and spices...

A hunk and a chef.

My thoughts betray me for a moment and I smile to myself as I back out of the fridge, a head of cauliflower in my hand.

I decided tonight I would make a chicken stir fry for us, with seasoned vegetables and this amazing saffron sauce that Luna Carmen taught me. I've got rice already going in the cooker and the vegetables sizzling just enough in the pan on the stove.

I hum absentmindedly as I chop up the various veggies and prepare them to be cooked to perfection. Well as close as perfection I can get, I know Carmen's will always be the best.

Or at least it used to be.

Again, my thoughts betray me, and a horrible stab of pain hits my chest as I think of all the days Carmen and I spent cooking together. Tears prick my eyes but I push the memories away—far away—and continue my chopping.

Cooking and baking have always been the best means of distraction for me, I've come to learn. And so that's what I do: I allow the fragrant aromas of the various spices overwhelm my sense, and the heat of the stove to steal me away from reality, just a little bit. As if River's kitchen has become a sanctuary that is vacuum sealed from the pains of the real world, and I'm simply taking refuge for a short while.

"'Cause honey your soul, could never grow old, it's evergreen..." I sing the lyrics of a popular Ed Sheeran song softly to myself as I toss in some more veggies and take my place behind the stove, stirring them in.