26

It was finally time for dinner and the 2 couples, along with their son, Pedro, then Beatrix, Lavana, and 5 more of the pack members who had been invited (two males and 3 females (one of the being an older lady), sat around the long, large round table made of sandalwood.

There were different dishes on the table. Some had a lot of meat, others had lots of vegetables and seafoods.

The different soups on the table had the mouth-watering fragrance, which made Beatrix's eyes shine and she almost drooled.

Lavana, on the other hand, was a little unsure.


Before her was a lot of food. It was not that she couldn't finish the ones on her side, but what if one of these dishes contains some things her other two forms cannot accept? What would be her body reaction? What would she do then? How to explain to the others why an Omega was puking all the things the higher ranked wolves ate with relish?


"Lavana dear, why don't you eat? Are you shy?" Carmelia asked with tenderness in her eyes. This skinny girl has got to add meat faster.

"Miss Lavana, please eat up. The chicken vegetable soup made by mom is super delicious. I assure you." Pedro advertised to his savior.

"Er... It's not that I don't want to eat. I'm just..." how could she tell them that she's being cautious for her other two forms?

"Big sis, try this soup first." Beatrix pushed a small bowl of Castilian garlic soup.

"Okay." Beatrix recommended this for her. She should at least try it.

She picked up the spoon and had a taste. In no time, her eyes widened and right before their eyes, Lavana transformed from the reluctant, shy girl who was cautious about what to eat to the incarnation of a hungry ghost.

She finished all the food on the table in minutes, with the others just watching her actions in disbelief.

After that, she patted her belly and burped.


"Delicious." she said with happiness.

Finally, Pedro's spoon fell from his hand. Everyone's mouth was agape with widened eyes.

When Lavana stood up to stretch her body, they saw her stomach was still flat, like she had eaten nothing at all.

They then looked at each other.

What sort of Omega wolf was this? Even an Alpha Wolf can't eat that much. And after everything she put into her stomach, she looked like she hadn't eaten a thing. So the snacks given to her earlier in the sitting room could not even count as appetizer?

After stretching for a short while, she looked back at the others and saw they were looking at her strangely. Even Beatrix was shocked.

"Eh? Is there something on my face? Why are they looking at me like that?" she thought. Then she looked at the table. Every plate and bowl were shining! Even the glasses were empty. Whereas everyone except Pedro still held their spoons, looking surprised.

She looked at her flat belly and back at them.


Could it be she ate everything and left nothing for them? That... That wasn't possible, right? She knew how much food was on the table. How could all of it have gone into her stomach?

"Miss Lavana, are you still hungry?" Pedro asked with doubt. She's eaten so much. She should be filled up, right? She did pat her belly after eating, right? So she must be satisfied.

"Eh?" Why was Pedro asking her that? Shouldn't he be unhappy that she even snatched his meal in a moment of craze?

"Do you still want more food?" Carmelia asked cautiously.

Hearing the word 'Food!' her stomach grumbled loudly, even to her surprise.

Everyone looked at Carmelia with mean eyes.

Why did she make the girl become hungry again? Why must she mention food?


"Er...um. Haha, don't mind my stomach. It just likes to play tricks. I'm already full, I promise, and I'm sorry for stealing your food. You can request that I compensate in any way you please. I can do any labor. I’m a pro at that. I’ll never complain. Please forgive me." Lavana bowed her head as she apologized, but then her stomach grumbled again, making the situation awkward.

"What the heck is happening to me? I already ate food meant for more than 10 people. I don't understand how all that happened and still my stomach's grumbling?" she thought in panic.

"You dummy, you want this dragon to starve?" she heard a childish voice in her head and zoned out.

"Thora, you're awake?"

"Yeah. You already completed the second phase of the dragon transformation. There are just two stages left and you need to prepare for it. Although the third transformation phase will only start after meeting your mate, there is another way out."

"There is?"

"Yup. But I don't have any energy to tell you now. You see, if you eat, we absorb the energy from it to make us stronger. Since you were unable to have access to enough food, we always had to sleep. Now there was so much food on the table and you were hesitating. Girl, do you dislike me being awake that much?" Thora thundered.

"No. I just. I was just concerned."

"Concerned about if one of the food’s ingredients is not good for us three? Let me tell you this, the only thing that dragons can't eat is…”


“What?” Lavana asked in curiosity.

“I won’t tell you but all the food on the table before, us three can accept the energy they give.”

“So none of them is poisonous?” Lavana asked again.

“No. And please tell them to get you more food, especially the ones with meat. I love meat a lot.” Thora said with longing.

“Yeah. And me too.”

“Oceana? You… I thought you were in a slumber.”

“Nonsense! Thora already collected much energy. I need more than the scraps that I could get.”

“So… you mean to tell me that I should ask these werewolves who kindly took me in, to make more meaty food for me, the guest, to eat. Isn’t that freeloading and taking advantage of others’ kindness? Huh? And Pamela, don’t pretend to sleep. I saw your right eyelid tremble.”

“Damn. You caught me. Anyway. I’ve been the one taking the energy of the other foods. So I let these two hustle. Now I still want some. I’m feeling a little weak.”

“How about this?” Lavana proposed.

“What. What do you have in mind?” Oceana asked.

Food had made these proud spirits become like this. She felt like facepalming.

“How about you three just sleep some more? You say feel weak and tired, right? When one is in such a state, sleep can also help them.”


“Blergh. No way. We’ve been in a slumber for aeons.” said Pamela.

“Yeah. Especially me.” said Thora.

“You guys are not even up to a thousand and one years. What aeons!”

“Chap! Now you are being like this? Who helped you escape from that hellish place? You make use of my ice chains quite frequently, don’t you? That drains my power.” Oceana complained.


“And you use my lightning….” Lavana interrupted Thora.

“Thora, I don’t remember what time I used it.”

“You….” the dragon spirit was left speechless.

“As for fire, I don’t remember either. Look, if you guys don’t go back to slumber, I’ll just starve. Problem solved!”

“Starve! Gosh. Lavana…” Thora exclaimed. This girl wanted to starve them? No way. Not after having the chance to absorb energy from delicious food!

“So you still recall my name?”

“Gosh. That’s not the point.”Thora said, looking distressed.

“Then tell me, what is?”

“You think you’re strong enough to beat me in an argument just coz your taller than me in human form?”

“*Scoff* Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! Hags are usually short and old. You at least fulfill one criterion, Thora.”

“You… Forget it. Tomorrow, I want you to eat a lot of food. Going back to slumber is much better than bickering with you.”

“So you know that.”


“Girl, don’t push your luck.”Thora said with gritted teeth.

“I have a name, little dragon.”

“Don’t anger me.”

“Oh, I feel like doing that. What will you do?”

“You… You… Damn. I just want to retreat to my slumber.”

“Alright. I’ll thank you for taking the lead tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow and all other days, even on your period, you still need to eat and eat and eat!”

“I don’t wanna seem like a glutton. Even if I wash the plates, do any manual labor they give me, it will still not be enough. Are you trying to put the small pack into the hands of poverty?”Lavana asked.

“How is that my concern?" Thora replied with a haughty, indifferent expression.

“Hey, you should be concerned.” Pamela was forced to speak. This was her kind being talked about. How could a small pack as warm and loving as this one be sentenced to poverty? That was bad!

“You little pup, better know your place.” Thora warned with her eyes glowing with specs of lightning.

Lavana felt tired.


Because of the energy they’d get from food, they are actually acting like this. If she had money, that was a different thing but heavens know how poor she was. She might be chased out of the pack if her eating habits were like this continuously.

Magnolia must be regretting now why she had brought her here to her pack. To them, she must now seem like the incarnation of a hungry ghost and poverty. She was there to sentence them to a life of destitution. A pack, no matter how large or small, must have a budget for food and other stuff. Now, because of her, they will have to increase the food section of the budget.

“I have a solution. You eat what a normal Omega is supposed to eat for a week. Then propose to be a member of the pack.” Oceana suggested.

“I can’t.” Lavana said with a distressed look.

“Fine. Just stay with these people for a week and we’ll figure something out regarding the food issue.”

“Not just that. Lavana, you’ll need to exercise and train. We absorb energy from that too.” Thora reminded.

Lavana felt drained already. Just when she thought her brain would explode, they went back to slumber and she sighed in relief.

She came back to reality and saw that everyone around the large table was staring at her.

“How long did she zone out?” Rolanndro asked and another pack member looked at his watch and then replied.

"6 minutes."

Lavana bit her lip, unsure of what to do or say. Everything was just going against her wish tonight. She found out that her three spirits can stay awake and energetic only if she eats 'well' and exercise and train her body.

Either option was a goal far from reach. Just see how thin she was. If she did some exercise and training, she might die. The food issue was a problem too. She had no money and she felt she couldn't just shamelessly ask to eat a lot of the food in return for manual labor.


"Lavana." Magnolia called and she looked at her.

"Maggie, I... I..."

"You must have been starved for a long time. You wolf must have probably taken over and eaten earlier." Magnolia said.

"Em... Yeah. She told me that she's okay now. I can eat normally now. I'll start doing manual...."

"Eish. We have no slave here. You are a family to us. It's our duty to make sure our family member is in good shape.”said Regina who rose up and walked to Lavana. She put her right arm around Lavana’s shoulders, patting it gently thrice.

“Don’t feel ashamed of your habits. Relax. We’ve vowed to care for you as long as you are here, so you don’t need to hold back. Actually, this habit can help you regain meat in no time. You can have some cute flabs and I can pinch them.” She whispered to Lavana.


“No way. I can’t have flabs.” Lavana said in a loud voice causing everyone to stare at her.

“Eh…” she scratched her neck in embarrassment.

“Miss Lavana.” Pedro got off his seat and walked to where the voice,ladies (Regina and Lavana) stood.

“I’ll get you fresh apples each day.”

“No need for that. I… I’ll clear the plates.” Lavana offered. Her feet already moved to the table.

“No need. We have hands and feet. We’ll do it ourselves. You and your little sis can retire to your room. We’ll send some fruits to you two later.” Carmelia said.


Magnolia then led Lavana and Beatrix to the room given to them.

When Maggie had left, Lavana sighed and looked at the floor.

“Big sis.”

“I can’t believe I even stole your food!” Lavana said in shame.

“Relax. It’s your tribrid spirits’ doing, right?”

“How are you so smart?”

“I’m a noble witch apprentice, after all. They’ll send us some fruits right. We’ll eat those.”

“No. You’ll eat them.” Lavana said before walking to the bathroom.

Beatrix sighed and sat on the luxury bed. It’s the most comfy she ever slept on. Witch apprentices don’t sleep on soft mattresses. They sleep on either bamboo or other bed made from wood.

One could spread a thick blanket on the wooden bed and a nice pillow depending on their financial situation. But it wasn’t anywhere compared to this comfy bed!

Whatever. She should just enjoy it while she can. Soon, she’ll have to return to her home. Once she did, it would be rare to come out and see Lavana.


She knew their clan’s feud with the werewolves. Thinking too much is bad for one’s health. She needed to distract herself.

The Tv was the perfect choice and soon she was giggling at a humorous movie.

“Big sis! Big sis. Come over here. This is the best movie I’ve watched yet.” She exclaimed.

“Beatrix, just have fun. I’m busy.” Lavana shouted from the bathroom.

“You’re missing a lot.”

“I know. I have more vital things to do.” Lavana replied and Beatrix didn’t bother her anymore.

Inside the bathroom, Lavana was seated in the bathtub. It was dry and warm. But she was in deep thought.

Beatrix needs to go to her clan as soon as possible. If witches were like werewolves that needed to be in a pack, then keeping Beatrix further away wasn’t good. If her parents find her here in this pack, who knows what trouble it will bring?

If it weren’t for the feud, she wanted to personally deliver her to the Atlantes doorsteps.

“What the heck are you worried about, dummy? You have 3 identities. Werewolves have a feud with that clan, but so what? You can just use either your marine identity or dragon…”


“You make some sense. I will use my mermaid identity to take her there but the issue is, my smell. The vampires, Magnolia, Rolandro, and the others were able to smell me as an Omega wolf. How can I convince the witch clan that I’m a mermaid?”

“Don’t worry. When the time comes, you’ll know. Just focus on eating enough food, exercising and training your body to be stronger. Your hand to hand combat skills have to be at least at the basic level. Then we will teach you the rest when we deem you are ready.” Said Oceana.

“I heard you, Oceana. You go back to slumber. I will try to become stronger and also strengthen you guys.” Lavana said and Oceana went back to slumber.

Lavana was now back to reality and she sighed in relief.

If she used her mermaid identity to take her back, she might be able to strike a deal and be able to visit Beatrix as much as she wanted.


A small smile crept to her lips and she got off the bathtub.

Upon leaving the bathroom, she saw the little girl trying her best not to giggle. In the end, she fell off the chair laughing.

Lavana got amused and walked to her, helping her to rise to her feet.

“This movie so amuses you, eh? I must join you too.” She said, sitting on the couch with Beatrix and rubbing her hair.

“Big sis, I’m usually not a fan of comedy movies like this one but I just love this one.”

“Uh-huh. Mish too.” Lavana said as she munched on an apple with relish.

“Big sis… Do you like this pack?” Beatrix suddenly asked.


“Um..” Lavana finished munching on the piece of apple she bit before replying.

“Well, just as Maggie said, this pack is small and they treat each other well. They are nice and warm. Maybe after I take you back to your home, I can stay here.”

“Big sis… do you not need me anymore?” Beatrix held Lavana’s hand.

“I do. I do dear. But you are a little princess. I’ll eventually have to take you there. If your clan is like werewolves who need to form a pack, to be together, then the further you stay away from your kin, it might get dangerous for you. Honey, I don’t want to lose you. I promise you, after I take you there, I’ll visit as often as possible.”

“That… but…”


“I’ll take you there with my second identity. Do you guys have enmity with mermaids too?”

“Nope! We are allies. But your dominant scent is that of an Omega wolf…”

“Don’t worry. Let that day come. For now, let’s enjoy the fruits and the movie before us, alright?” she brought Beatrix closer and caressed her hair.

“Okay. You promise to visit me as much as you can. Let’s pinky swear.” Beatrix said, raising her pinky finger.

Lavana chuckled and raised hers too. Soon their fingers intertwined.

“Cross my heart.” Lavana said and then placed a kiss on Beatrix’s forehead.

With this, Beatrix calmed down and focused on the movie once again while eating some berries.

30 minutes later, they heard a knock at the door. Lavana rose from the couch and walked to open the door. She saw it was a young man that she’d never seen before but she assumed this was a pack member.

“Good evening, Lavana.”


“Um… Good evening to nyou to. What’s your name?”

“I’m Alexander. Call me either Alex or Xander for short.” The young man introduced with a smile.

“I’ll call you Alex. So, Alex, what brings you here?” she asked.

“Rolandro, he sent me to get you two. There’s an activity tonight.”

“Oh? Then let me get my little sis.” Lavana said.

She walked back to Beatrix and whispered to her.

“An activity?” Beatrix got off the couch and ran to the doorway.

“Hey, Alex. What’s the activity? Is it fun?” she asked with excitement.

“Can’t tell you here but I assure you, it will be fun.”

“Okay. I’m in. Take me.” Beatrix said but then someone cleared their throat.

“Er… you take us there. I will hold my big sis’ hand.” She said to Alex, who simply shook his head and chuckled.

After Lavana closed the door, she took the little girl’s right hand and Alex led them out of the house.

5 minutes later.

They came to a large cleared field.


There were a lot of people who were chatting while seated on small stools. There was also a large fire.

The people were behind it and the majority of them were eating either figs or kiwi fruit, depending on their preferences.

“Wow! You say this is a small pack. Just look how many people there are.” Beatrix exclaimed, attracting the people’s attention.

The pack’s kids saw that there was a new addition among them and she was very pretty.

So they ran to take her away from Lavana while giggling. Pedro, however, walked to the group of his peers and held Beatrix’s hand.

“She’s my playmate.” He said.

The adults who witnessed this chuckled.

Pedro was starting to be possessive. If this pretty little girl was his mate in the future after shifting, then that would be very nice.

Magnolia led Lavana to the others and introduced her to them.

Those who were just seeing her for the first time thought of how to make her add some more flesh. She was way too skinny for a werewolf, even if she was an Omega.


The 5 who were invited to the meal at Pedro’s parent’s home earlier, knew that the task of feeding her till she added flesh was a very… ‘wonderful one’.

Rolandro had made them vow not to spill Lavana’s consumption rate to anyone else.