Chapter 0341

I make my way to the kitchens immediately after parting ways with Victor and Leopold. Only four people are present—three omegas and Beatrice, all busy cleaning up from breakfast and prepping for lunch.

"Good morning," I greet as I enter. The room falls silent.

Beatrice steps forward with a warm smile. "Luna Isolde, allow me to introduce Rosalind, Penelope, and Genevieve. We go by nicknames here—Rosie, Penny, and Gen."

"Pleasure to meet you all. Call me Isolde," I say.

They dip their heads in quiet acknowledgment, their movements hesitant. Beatrice's expression tells me this is normal behavior. These women have clearly known hardship in their previous packs. They'll only learn to trust me by working alongside me.

"Listen up." I clap my hands once. The omegas flinch. "First rule—this kitchen is a safe space. No one here will harm you. Not me, not Alpha Victor. Understood?" I wait until each meets my gaze and nods.

"Good. Second—you're severely understaffed. We're getting more help, but first I need to assess your skills. Putting someone who burns water in charge of cooking won't help anyone." That earns tentative smiles.

"Beatrice, let's start with you. What's your role here? And what would you prefer doing?" I begin with her deliberately—her confidence will reassure the others.

"I originally just delivered garden produce," she admits, wiping her hands on her apron. "Stayed when I saw they needed extra hands. Mostly prep work—cleaning, chopping. But given the choice? I'd rather be in the gardens. Love working with soil and plants."

I nod, turning to the others. "Rosie?"

She fidgets with her sleeve. "I... cooked in my last pack."

"Excellent. What specialties?"

"Stews. Roasts. Anything with meat."

"Perfect. You're officially our head cook." Her eyes widen at the title.

"Penny?"

"I can't cook," she admits. "I just fetch ingredients or find substitutes when we're missing something."

"Stock manager it is."

Lastly, I face Gen. "And you?"

"I follow orders. Do whatever's needed."

"Sous chef. Welcome aboard."

As I dice wild boar sausage with peppers and mushrooms, I keep talking. "Who plans the menus?"

Blank stares.

Rosie finally speaks. "I just... make do with what we have."

"What's planned for lunch?"

From the corner of my eye, I notice Beatrice pausing her vegetable washing to listen.

Rosie exchanges a glance with Gen. "Haven't decided yet. Still cleaning breakfast."

"Right. First—do you know others who'd want kitchen work?"

Their shocked expressions answer before words do. "So many want to help," Gen blurts. "But Beta Leopold's too busy assigning roles."

I pour beaten eggs over the sizzling filling. "Gen, who could you recruit right now?"

"At least six, Luna."

"Go get them. Anyone willing to work, bring them here. We're doing mass placements today." Gen darts off.

"Penny," I say as I plate the omelets, "what do we have for today's meals?"

She opens the pantry. "Some leftover boar ham. Pork shoulders."

It's not ideal, but it'll feed everyone. For now.