When there was a knock at the door, Selena jerked her head back and her eyes quickly opened. Her room was shrouded in darkness, with the doors to the balcony open, allowing a refreshing breeze to enter.
She has been sleeping.
Another knock sent her heart racing, and she sweat profusely. Had Cayden come back to teach her another lesson—or perhaps to fuck her once more? However, given that this was his mansion, there was no need to rap on the door. Put, he would walk right in.
"Come in," Selena croaked as she pulled herself off the bed and patted down what she could only just imagine being horrible bed hair.
A young girl entered the room while pushing a cart on wheels that was laden with food.
She respectfully spoke to her and said, "Excuse me, Miss, but Alpha has ordered me to bring you your dinner."
Selena responded in a soft voice, "I'm not hungry," relieved that it wasn't Cayden who had approached. After everything that had transpired throughout the day, she wasn't certain that she could handle any more surprises.
The young lady, who appeared to be between the ages of seventeen and eighteen, shrugged and continued to wheel the trolly to the table in her room. Selena had seen her before. Millie, the girl who was taking care of her while she was going through her crazy phase.
She sported blue-dyed hair that was pulled back into a ponytail. She was dressed in all pink on her from head to toe. She looked adorably colourful and happy. It was impossible to tell from her appearance whether she had been abused or terrified. Although Selena hadn't spent much time with the pack, she had formed the opinion that Cayden, like her father and Gerald, was cruel. He had not been kind to her.
She expressed regret by saying, "That is a shame. My mum is the best cook in the world. Her ribs are the best I've ever tasted. Did you know that it's also Alpha's favourite thing to eat?"
Selena watched as she placed three plates, each laden with food, on the table, and when Selena smelled the food, she couldn't resist taking a bite out of one plate. She knew well that she would consume all of it. Her hunger has been flourishing ever since her wolf was back. She had never eaten enough while she was back in her pack. She frequently went to bed without dinner. On one plate, there were barbeque ribs and vegetables, and creamy soup, and on the third plate, there was a slice of apple pie topped with a large amount of whipped cream.
"Wow, that is truly incredible. Your mother made all of this?"
The girl beamed at her with a proud smile. "Wait until you taste it." She began by setting the table with the cutlery, and then she filled a glass with white wine.
"Try them."
Selena stated, "You don't need to ask me twice," and then pulled out a chair and make herself as comfortable as possible. After picking up the fork, the first thing that she ate was the ribs.
As soon as it contacted her tongue, the food melted and a flood of indescribable flavours rushed into her mouth. Creamy, with a hint of garlic and sweet sauce and another flavour that she couldn't quite place. However, because it was so unbelievable, she continued eating it, unable to stop herself.
The girl let out a laugh. "Told you."
Selena cast an eye upward. "If I had to choose one thing to eat for the rest of my life, it would be this. Even if I were to end up looking like a pig, how could this possibly taste like heaven? And there's a taste in here that's magical, but I can't figure out what it is."
"Its has nutmeg. Don't let on that I told you, but it will make all the difference in the world."
Selena felt her guilt rising as she continued to stuff her face while she was being watched by Millie. "Sorry, I must look like I've never eaten in my life. Take a seat, join me."
She smiled as she sat down at the opposite end of the table from Selena.
"My mother and I both have jobs here. I deliver the mouthwatering meals that she prepares. You are free to ask me if there is a particular dish you wish to have. My mother is a master in the kitchen."
"I am not sure if that is something that I may do?" Selena mumbled.
Millie grinned.
"Why wouldn't you? Our Alpha is a very kind and caring man who looks out for the interests of his pack."
Selena came dangerously close to choking on her food. "Are you referring to the same person who I am? She was only half-joking."
"I understand. He seems scary. But my mother and I have experienced nothing other than kindness from him. I know you were captured from the Bluestone pack." Millie hesitated for a few seconds.
"However, your other members are content now that they are integrated into this pack. Alpha has asked me to look after you and keep you company while you recover. Once you have earned his trust, you will find him to be a gentle and kind person."
Millie giggled and blushed.
The fact that the girl had a crush on Cayden was so obvious that Selena had to fight the urge to roll her eyes. She didn't have the heart to tell her he was a monster because she thought it would break her heart.
"Are you familiar with the work that he does? You don't have a problem?"
Millie shrugged.
"Isn't it true that we're all damaged? He has provided us with this secure location, and as a result, our pack is content and thriving. That's the only thing that counts. If there is one thing that I can promise you, it is that you will not go hungry in the Spirit Walker pack."
She was friendly, spoke calmly, and showed an overly enthusiastic interest in food, which Selena found endearing.
"Can you tell me more about the pack?" Selena questioned as she bit into the pie.
"Originally known as the Red Moon Pack, the Spirit Walker pack was attacked and wiped out years ago. I don't remember a lot because I was so young, but my parents were uprooted, and ended up living in Texas with my grandmother's pack. Others weren't as fortunate. Many people died, including the Alpha and his family."
Selena put down her fork and gaped in surprise at Millie.
"Alpha Cayden was only 12 years old. He was thought to be dead. However, he miraculously lived. After several months, Beta Max's father and several other Alpha children were located. Here we are because of his developing this new pack and new businesses. Although he may be engaging in some illegal activity, he is a good man. He is a survivor. This pack is made up entirely of survivors. Most of it comprises wandering or displaced wolves."
"Where was he?" Selena enquired.
"There are rumours, but I'm not sure. Some claim he was kept as a captive, while others say he had lost his memory. It's difficult to determine the truth because there are so many stories. He keeps quiet about it and gets irate when someone brings it up. If you don't want to provoke his rage, don't ask him," Millie advised.
"Yes, of course!" Selena reasoned as she was fully aware of his temper.
"And there are many benefits. We get off work, and the entire staff spends the day at the beach swimming and eating. Next time, you must accompany me. The most vibrant fish swim among the coral there……." Millie said, as she continued to discuss the pack.
Selena, though, paid no attention. She was intrigued and learned about a brand-new aspect of Cayden.
Her wolf muttered, "Our mate has suffered."
Selena answered, "That doesn't mean he can make others suffer as well. He is still a monster."