Chapter 0342

"Do we have bread?"

Rosalind nods before glancing at me, anticipating my next question. "Cheese and lettuce too. But no mayo or mustard." She wrinkles her nose. "Budget's tight this week." So the entire kitchen staff knows about our financial struggles. At least they're being realistic about expectations.

I'm about to assign lunch duties when rapid footsteps echo through the kitchen. Two young omegas skid to a halt upon seeing me.

"Luna." They chorus, dipping their heads in respect.

"We heard you needed extra hands," the first says.

"Reporting for duty," adds the second.

"Perfect timing." I gesture toward the counter. "Let's see who's brave enough to deliver this to Alpha Victor and Beta Leopold."

The bolder girl immediately steps forward. "I'll do it."

As we assemble sandwiches on a tray, her companion pours two glasses of iced tea. "They're in the Beta's office," I inform her before turning to the shy one. "What's your name?"

The morning unfolds with surprising efficiency. We transform basic ingredients into hearty ham and cheese sandwiches. No store-bought chips, but the potato sacks inspire me - soon thin slices crisp to perfection in the oven.

More volunteers arrive. I put Gwendolyn in charge of slow-roasting pork shoulders for dinner while others improvise a tangy barbecue sauce from pantry staples.

When the first patrol returns, omegas serve meals with quiet pride. The warriors' startled expressions quickly melt into appreciation. We repeat this rhythm through each shift change.

I assemble two special sandwiches - one for Victor, one for Leopold - and finally make one for myself after skipping breakfast to ensure Leopold ate. As I send an omega runner with the Alpha's meal, I survey the bustling kitchen.

Laughter rings through the space. Omegas thrive when valued - they're the unsung backbone of every successful pack. Their skilled hands keep us fed, their diligent work often overlooked. Today, that changes.

The sudden silence pulls me from inventorying our meager pantry stores. I turn to find Victor and Leopold standing frozen in the doorway, empty plates in hand. Their stunned expressions contrast sharply with every omega now studying the floor tiles.

These poor souls expect reprimands, conditioned by years of harsh treatment.

"Alpha. Beta." I move toward them, voice deliberately light. "What brings you to our domain?"

Victor closes the distance, awe and concern warring in his tone. "Isolde, what's happening here?" Behind him, the omegas tense at his uncertain phrasing.

"Your pack members have organized themselves magnificently." I emphasize each word. "They're ensuring everyone gets proper meals today. Doesn't their initiative make you proud, Alpha?"

Understanding flashes in Victor's eyes. He presses a kiss to my forehead. "I've never been prouder of our pack." Stepping into the kitchen, he surveys the activity. "Tell me about these preparations."

A nervous omega glances my way. At my encouraging nod, she explains, "We're using the new potato harvest, Alpha. Lunch features homemade chips, and tonight we're roasting them with garden rosemary."

Victor rests a gentle hand on her shoulder, ignoring her instinctive flinch. "Brilliant resourcefulness."

Like flowers turning toward sunlight, the omegas blossom under their Alpha's attention. Victor moves through the kitchen, praising each contribution while Leopold adds enthusiastic compliments.

The tension dissolves into warm camaraderie. When Victor returns to my side, his whisper carries heartfelt admiration. "Have I told you today how extraordinary you are?"

I meet his gaze. "I merely pointed our pack in the right direction. They're the ones performing miracles."