Chasing the Moon

Three

Despite the nerves racking my body as I took a seat next to Ryder, my stomach rumbled loudly. I couldn't remember the last time I had eaten.

After meeting members of the pack, Ryder led us back inside the pack house. In the time that we were outside, the kitchen staff set the table.

It was a long wooden table that stretched a good length of the room. Set up with a white table cloth, simple dishes and cutlery were placed at each seat. I counted around ten. In the middle, large trays held an array of foods that range from different fruits and yogurt to sausage, bacon, and an assortment of waffles and pancakes. The smells ravaged my stomach and I couldn't wait to eat.

Ryder sat at the end of the table, me to his right and Nova in a chair next to me. She was barely tall enough to reach the table.

As our breakfast guests visited with Ryder, I scanned the room. On the other side was a long sofa that faced a flat screen mounted on the wall. The couch had large, plush throw pillows. Trying not to draw attention to myself, I stood from my chair and walked to the couch.

I grabbed a large pillow before making my way back to my seat.

"Get up Nova," I said quietly.

She slid from her seat and I set the pillow up on it. Lifting her up, I helped her get situated in the chair before taking my own seat. I felt Ryder's eyes on me, but I ignored him.

Everyone visited for a few more minutes before Ryder spoke. "Shall we get started?"

He was met with enthusiastic grunts from the large burly men. From what I had gathered, they were higher ranking wolves that helped Ryder run the pack.

I grabbed Nova's plate and fill it with fruits and a waffle. Cutting it up, I pour syrup across it. She's practically licking her lips in anticipation. I put it down in front of her and she dives in. I smile before making my own plate.

"Alice, this is my beta, Carter," Ryder says to me. I look up to the other seat next to Ryder.

Carter had warm chocolatey eyes that gave me the first feeling of an actual welcome since I had arrived. They held nothing but happiness and respect as he looked at me. He had short cropped blonde hair and was almost as big as Ryder.

"It's nice to meet you, Luna!" He said.

"Please, call me Alice," I said, my cheeks heating up.

He nodded before taking a large bite from his breakfast. "I usually handle showing newcomers around, so when do you wanna take a tour of the pack?"

Ryder growled lowly towards Carter. "You're not taking her anywhere."

"Okay then," Carter said, rolling his eyes. He gave me a wink before going back to his food, not bothered by Ryder in the slightest.

"He can show me around," I said. I was annoyed with Ryder for his tone with Carter. He hadn't done anything wrong at all.

His green eyes flashed to me. "No he won't."

"Yes he will."

"No."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

"Why do you have to argue with me?" He said pointedly. His eyes began to darken, his beast coming forward.

"Because you don't get to decide what I can and can't do. I want to see the pack, and Carter is going to show Nova and I around," I said firmly. I turn to Carter. "Will this afternoon work? After her nap."