The Werewolf King's Mate

Chapter 9 - Now, I am 18

Cory's POV:

The werewolf King had already arrived. Since the start of the day, Lola and I have been going back and forth in the packhouse to ensure everything was in place. We also ensured that the dinner ingredients arrived on time and were fresh. Lola helped me carry all the ingredients to the packhouse.

"Chop, chop, chop! Hurry up! I need those ingredients now!" Chef Louise demanded.

The Alpha recruited the city's finest chef, Louise, to cook an extravagant feast for the king. We swiftly set down the box and baskets filled with beef, lamb, pasta, assorted vegetables, and other necessary ingredients.

"OK, you," Chef Louise pointed at one of his staff.

"You will work on the smoked salmon pasta with crispy capers."

"Yes, chef!"

"And you, start combining all the spices-salt and pepper, and start setting the French oven over medium heat and get it preheating!" Chef Louise appointed another chef for the other dish.

"You," now pointing at me.

"I don't think you can cook, but I will need you to assist with washing the dishes and utensils around here. Got that?"

"Yes, chef!" But at the back of my mind, I thought Chloe would be here to prepare or at least help prepare the dishes.

It has been hectic inside the kitchen. Everyone was moving their bodies to prepare the best meal for the king. For tonight's dinner, the Alpha said to prepare for the whole pack and guests. There are more than a hundred of us in the pack, so I can't imagine the work has to be done by the chefs.

"Matt, how is the smoked salmon paste going?!"

"I am starting to fry the capers while waiting for the pasta to cook, chef!"

"Make sure you time the pasta. Don't overcook it!"

"Yes, chef!"

"How about you, Jamie? How are the braised lamb shanks?"

"Already preheating the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. I'll be searing the lamb now."

"OK, good! Don't forget to turn it on all sides!"

"You, get me the red wine. I need that for the Beef Wellington."

"Alright, chef!" I hurriedly went to the storage room and looked for the red wine. As soon as I found the bottle, I ran and placed the wine on the table near Chef Louise.

After a few hours, dinner is served. The rest of the pack arrived. Everyone is dressed in dressy casual attire, carrying the best bags and wearing stylish shoes while their hair is perfectly styled. Dress to impress the king! When the king arrived, everyone went to give their respects or be on the king's good side. After a few exchanges, everyone remained seated while Chloe took the center of the dining hall.

"Everyone, good evening! Today, we welcome our special guests! Let's warmly welcome our werewolf king, Lucas Dacre!" Everyone applauded.

Now, Chloe addressed her speech to the king, "Your majesty, we humbly welcome you to our pack. As the future Luna of this pack, we will ensure you have everything you need. So for tonight, we prepared the most fine-tasting dishes! We hope you enjoy tonight's dinner and the rest of your stay!"

Once everyone was settled, we served the appetizer-steak& blue cheese bruschetta with onion & roasted tomato jam. Then, next are the main dishes-a classic beef wellington, smoked salmon pasta with crispy capers, and braised lamb shanks with winter fruits. For dessert, Chef Louise prepared a so-called Cardinal-a raspberry mousse with a crème brûlée center, raspberry biscuit, and raspberry glaze.

I can hear the clattering of the tableware in the kitchen, and I can't help but think about what today means for me when I see that tiny cake. It is my 18th birthday. I have been so busy all day that I almost forgot what today is.

No need for me to be sad about this. This has been my birthday for the past six years.

I shrugged the thought off, washed the pots and dishes the chef used, and cleaned the countertop. The dishes are never-ending. It keeps on piling up. It took me a couple of hours to wash all the dishes. My hands are now wrinkly and red from scrubbing all the dirt from the pans and pots.

"Hey, how are you? Do you need help?" I was so focused on drying the counters when Lola surprised me.

"Oh, goddess! I thought it was someone else. But, yes, I am almost done."

"Take a seat for a while. Let me finish the drying."

"Thank you." I appreciated her help. I don't think I can stand for a few more minutes.

Lola finished the rest. We can now return to our rooms and rest before another hectic day. Oh goddess, we have to do this for breakfast too! I just realized we would do this for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a few more days.

Lola dragged me to the woods, as we started walking our usual path.

"What are we doing here? Can we go back? We have to prepare breakfast tomorrow for everyone." I whined.

"Just for a bit! I want to show you something."

"Fine, let's do it fast. I am a bit dizzy now."

"OK, OK. Close your eyes."

"What? Come on, Lola. Not today. Let's play some other time."

"Please! Please!"

"Fine." So I closed my eyes.

"Now, open them!"

When I opened my eyes, I saw the tiny red cake in her hands with a tiny candle in the middle. Then, Lola started singing Happy Birthday.

"Happy 18th birthday, Cory!"

"H-how did you get them? Lola, please don't tell me you sneaked into the kitchen to get this?!"

"No! Of course not. One of our guests gave it to me. It was quite weird, but I'll tell you the story later! For now, make a wish and blow the candle!"

As I was about to blow out the candle, I felt my heart constrict. I feel dizzy. It is getting hazy and dark. I can hear Lola shouting my name over and over again-

Cory! Cory! What happening? Cory! Cory!

And before everything went completely dark, I saw a tall and broad shadow. I tried to warn Lola, but I couldn't speak. Then, it got dark. All I remember thinking was,

What's that refreshing and earthy smell?