Chapter 0343

The kitchen was completely transformed from this morning. When Victor and I stepped inside, I was speechless. My incredible mate nudged me gently, reminding me to boost our omegas' morale.

I moved through the bustling space, stopping at each workstation. Listening. Praising. In my experience, omegas thrive on validation from their ranked members, especially their Alphas. Considering every omega here had suffered abuse, I wanted to establish a new norm—they were valued. Essential.

After making my rounds, I returned to Isolde. "Need to finalize patrol schedules," I said, brushing flour from her cheek. "Came to check on you, but clearly you've got everything under control." The warriors' shocked expressions mirrored my own—this was proper packhouse service for the first time in years.

I pulled her against my chest, inhaling her vanilla scent. "What's next on your agenda, love?"

"Food inventory first," she said, ticking tasks off her fingers. "Then assessing packhouse supplies and recruiting cleaning staff. Already have volunteers from this morning, but we'll need more hands."

"Anything you need from me?"

"Meat. That boar from yesterday won't last past tonight's dinner. Could we send a hunting party out this afternoon?"

I turned to Leopold. "Who usually handles hunts?"

"My off-duty lead warriors and I," he answered.

"Let's go ourselves. What do you think?"

His grin said everything.

"We'll return with enough game to feed an army," I promised Isolde, kissing her thoroughly before leaving.

Outside, patrol warriors were returning. One broke formation to intercept us.

"Beta Leopold, Alpha Victor—might I join your hunt?"

"Donovan." Leopold studied the warrior. "Just came off shift?"

"Yes, sir. Kitchen's running smoothly now, which means higher food consumption. I'd like to contribute."

I glanced at Leopold for assessment. No tension radiated from him, so I deferred to his judgment.

"We leave now," Leopold said. "Keep up."

Donovan fell into step as we headed for the treeline.

"You took boar last time," I noted. "What else runs these woods?"

"Boar are overpopulated—good for culling," Donovan answered. "Plenty of deer too. Turkey, rabbit, even bear, though we've yet to bag one. Older pups handle fishing when the creek runs high."

"You're a regular hunter for the pack?" I asked, wondering if he'd be among tomorrow's challengers.

"Primary hunter, yes." His jaw set. "And since we're speaking plainly, Alpha—I've entered tomorrow's challenge. No disrespect intended, but this pack requires strong leadership. I believe I can provide that."

"Appreciate your candor. That's an Alpha trait many lack."

"Donovan's your strongest contender," Leopold added.

I met the warrior's gaze. "Then impress me today, Donovan."

"Likewise, Alpha."

We stripped and shifted at the forest edge. Following their lead, we hunted until twilight. The haul—three deer, eight rabbits, and five turkeys—required multiple trips to transport.

Fine work, Donovan. Your wolf has excellent instincts.

Thank you, Alpha. Though he's not as skilled as yours.

Magnus and I have hunted to survive most of our lives, I replied as we trekked back. If I may ask—what brought you to this pack?

Same as most here—a story. His wolf's ears flicked backward. Second son of a Beta. When the Alpha's heir took over, my brother became Beta. I... needed to make my own path. The melancholy in his tone spoke volumes.