Chapter 39

Sandra's POV

I looked at the man beside me who just smiled without any concern with an excuse "sorry, the plate fell". I know he intentionally did it. A small plate to slip from his strong hand is utterly impossible..

"Are you hurt Andriel? Do you want me to check?" Lysithea asked as her eyes glued on his figure. Who is she treating as a child? She was behaving like a nanny now.

"No, thanks" his reply was short and urgent. I didn't know if he is doing it on purpose or not because Lysithea is somehow considered as his old friend of course.

"Your meal is ruined, let me get you another plate" Luna Maeve said as she reached out to grab a new plate.

"No thanks mom, I am not hungry anymore" he refused. Not hungry? I frowned at him.

"What are you saying Andriel? It's not good to skip breakfast. Just because the first one is ruined it doesn't mean you need to skip the meal. How many times do I need to tell you that?" His mom scolded him.

He pursed his lips and didn't reply. Lysithea on the other hand couldn't stop from jumping into the conversation.

"I think the food didn't suit his taste" she looked at him with a smile "Andriel if you don't mind, how about I make another dish for you. I have spent days getting perfection in cooking, I won't disappoint you. You will definitely like them"

"No, as I said I am not hungry anymore, you don't have to trouble yourself" his refusal made her expression saddened suddenly. I sighed at her attempt but didn't utter a single word. This man is stubborn, I guess she doesn't know this.

"Why are you bothering yourself so much, Lysithea?" Alessia asked, chewing her food she continued with her words, "I know you are his old friend, but you should remember now my brother is not alone now. He has his mate to take care of him. And his mate is more closer than you so I guess you must leave some work for his mate to do and don't tire yourself so much"

Lysithea didn't get angry but smiled "what are you trying to say Alessia? I am just worried because Andriel is not eating properly"

"As I said, you really don't need to worry about it" Alessia replied before turning towards me "Sandra, why don't you make food for him? I mean you know, he would definitely like it and won't refuse at all" she glanced at Andriel "right brother?" She smirked.

Andriel however didn't refuse her nor said a single word of agreement. Does he really want to try my food? I wonder about that.

"Yes, it's a good idea. Sandra dear, you said you can cook right?" Luna Maeve smiled at me with agreement.

"I just know a few dishes," I replied with a nod.

"It's helpful" she added "then you should get to work and help this son of mine to have his meal properly"

I smiled at her words. How can I refuse it? Especially when the man in question is my mate. I nodded my head again "of course"

"Let me show you the kitchen" Alessia got up from her seat. I nodded and did the same and she held my hand before almost dragging me in the kitchen.

"Why are you so hostile towards her?" I asked as we walked inside the kitchen.

Alessia rolled her eyes "can't you see? She was behaving like a nanny to my brother. I really can't stand her this stupid attitude. What the hell does she think of herself? It's like in this whole world the only one my brother has is her. Sometimes her act is too overbearing "

I chuckled "well, I guess she was trying to show off her cooking skills"

"May be, but let me tell you, she is treacherous, she use her beauty to trick others and those expression she has oh god, no one could beat her in dramas"

I nodded my head "I think the same '' I mumbled but it was more to myself. I have seen her acting since I got into this house. Before coming here, I never thought I would get an opponent as soon as I stepped inside the pack. It looks like this pack house will be leading to more challenges than I could ever face in other places.

"So what are you making?" She asked.

I turned to look at Alessia before shrugging "I don't know, may be I can go with a simple recipe"

"You know, I can tell mom is already impressed with you since she heard you know cooking. She was more than satisfied"

"Your family loves food that much?" I raised an eyebrow.

"You can't even imagine " she grinned "besides you really don't have to be worried about the dishes, because you know my brother will like whatever you make for him" she laughed "even if you add water in bowl and bring it to him, he will drink it without letting a drop left"

I rolled my eyes at her remark "you surely know how to tease others"

"Hey, it's true, he is your mate of course so definitely he won't be judging you with anything"

"Ay, I am so flattered, " I replied dramatically, placing my hand over my chest.

"You should" she grinned at me.

After thinking for a while, I decided to go with a simple meal. Since it's breakfast, I will make a simple dish with a good taste. I walked to the refrigerator and found fresh chicken pieces. I took the plate and she grabbed a few pieces.

"What are you going to make with that?" Alessia asked.

"Congee," I replied.

"Huh? What's that?"

"Porridge"

"You are going to make porridge? Isn't it too plain?" She frowned.

I smiled "that's why I said Congee isn't it?"

"Wow, are you even keeping an alternative name for a plain food?" She raised her eyebrows.

"No, I am making congee because it's more than a plain term"

"But it will still take long time"

"I know" I pulled out cooker "which is why I am going to use this, to get things done fast. Now would you please set the heat of oven, I need to make the chicken"

"Huh? Oh okay" Alessia nodded.

Soon with her help I did my work on my food to make it perfect. Normally congee takes lots of time to make but since my mate is waiting for me outside and others are ready to mock me at my end, I need to make it faster. And fast means using things that will save lots of time. I could just boil the rice but it would take much time so I used a cooker for it. Once it's done I can do the final steps. It took almost 30 minutes to get done.

"It smells so good" Alessia smiled looking at the congee I served in a serving bowl. "It's a chicken congee right? It simply looked delicious"

"Yup" I smiled. "You can also taste it if you want"

"Of course I am gonna taste it. How could I leave such delicious food crying for me to eat?"

I rolled my eyes "you all are too dramatic" I shook my head and grabbed the bowl before waking outside.

"Hey, wait for me," Alessia yelled behind me.

Everyone looked at me when they saw me coming out. Lysithea glanced at the bowl in my hand and smiled.

"Sandra what did you make which took such a long time? Our food has turned cold waiting for you" I don't know why she always tries to make me feel bad in front of everyone.

"Good food takes time," I smiled. "Besides, it's only Andriel who was not eating isn't it?" I placed the serving bowl on the table and opened the lid. She forced her smile and didn't say anything.

"What did you make? It smells delicious" Luna Maeve smiled, her eyes glued to the bowl.

"I made congee, Luna" I smiled and served it in a plate before placing it before Andriel "here"

He looked at the dish before using his spoon to eat. After taking the first bite he looked at me "give me some more"

I nodded and before I could serve another plate he had already finished his first bowl. It was fast. I served him another one.

"Oh, it seems Andriel liked it. Sandra, would you give me some?" Luna asked.

"Make one for me too," Alpha Julius said.

"I am also in, I was the one helping her in the kitchen " Alessia jumped in.

Luna served the dish to them. Soon the bowl was finished without leaving a single spot. Looking at it, it felt like there was nothing in the bowl from the start.

"It's amazing" Luna smiled "I didn't know congee could taste this good. We usually don't like plain food but your recipe is really good Sandra"

"Thank you. It was made in a rush, I tried my best to make it edible" I smiled.

"It's more than that," she nodded. "I couldn't wait to taste the more of your food"

"I will try," I nodded. In the end everything went well. Lysithea didn't comment after that but just smiled and chatted with Luna. I feel she is more comfortable with Luna and she talks to her like an old friend.