14
The next day, just after having to deal with Luna Celeste's constant unwanted words last night as she went to drop the dishes, Alexia was taken aback as the Beta and a maid approached her, and decided to throw her in awe and massive suspense.
"The Alpha has sent us to take you shopping, princess. He wants you to have anything you desire, anything that catches your eye."
It seems Steele was planning a surprise for her but she couldn't take it. Admitted, they are on a good note but he seems not to mind what trouble could be brewing between his mother and her.
"But...but why?" she asked, her brow raised high questioningly.
The Beta smiled, his mouth still not slipping or letting out anything. He replied only with the necessary, not giving himself away. "The Alpha has a surprise for you, princess. A surprise that he wants you to look your best for."
"What is it?" she asked him again, perhaps thinking he was going to tell her anything.
Kade shook his head once more, keeping his expression neutral. "I'm sorry, princess. But that's for the Alpha to reveal." He replied.
The beta and the maid led Alexia out of the pack house, her heart curious and its thumping making her more excited.
They made their way through the town, the streets bustling with life and energy, the people going about their business with smiles and laughter and then, they arrived at the store, a massive, glittering palace of glass and gold.
"Welcome to La Maison du Luxe," the Beta said, signalling around as he flared his arms. "The finest store in all the land, where the rich and powerful come to shop."
Alexia stepped into the store, her eyes widening. The store was a treasure trove of luxury and beauty, the shelves overflowing with silks and satins, diamonds and pearls.
The air... it was a scent of perfume, the sound of soft, tinkling music filling the space making the store more perfect.
The shopkeeper approached, stopping before her to how his head. "Welcome to La Maison du Luxe," He ushered. "What can I help you find today?"
He led Alexia deeper into the store, the shelves filled with the finest fabrics and jewels, the walls adorned with the most exquisite gowns and dresses that made Alexia want to run home with everything.
When Alexia stepped out of the store, her arms were laden with shopping bags, her face telling of her joy and delight. The Beta led her to a waiting carriage, the horses snorting and stamping their hooves.
"The Alpha has asked me to show you around the pack, princess Alexia. He wants you to see all that his pack has to offer." Kade got into the carriage just after helping her inside.
Alexia nodded. Even though she had seen it all since she spent almost all her life here, she didn't reject the offer and hummed instead. "That sounds wonderful."
Alexia leaned back against the soft leather seat, her eyes wide with expectancy.
The Beta showed her the bustling marketplaces, the schools and hospitals, the parks and playgrounds. They also passed by farmers tending their fields, merchants hawking negotiating, children laughing and playing. It seems it's Saturday, she completely forgot.
"The Alpha has worked hard to build a strong and prosperous pack. He wants his people to be healthy, happy, and safe."
Alexia smiled, her eyes fixed on the beauty around her.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the carriage returned to the pack, the Alpha's massive building rising up before them like a beacon in the night. "One she had just last night.' She thought to herself. Yes, she called the omega for another round again.
"It's been a wonderful day. I hoped you enjoyed the tour."
"Thank you, beta. I had a wonderful time."
She stepped out of the carriage, the doors of the pack opening to welcome her back home.
****
Alexia paced the kitchen, her brow furrowed in concentration, her hands clenched around the knife she didn't even know how to use. The Alpha had asked her to cook for him, a simple meal, a small thing... and yet, she had no idea what to do.
She stared at the pots and pans, including the ingredients laid out before her wondering what was she supposed to do with all of this?
She knew she couldn't disappoint the Alpha, couldn't let him down.
Just as she was about to give up, the door to the kitchen opened, and one of the maid walked in. Soon, she better start memorizing their names.
"Princess Alexia." The maid asked, coming in. "May I be of assistance?"
Alexia turned to face her feeling immediately relieved.
"Yes, please. I have no idea what I'm doing." she said into her palms in embarrassment and the maid smiled, amused but not surprised. "Don't worry, ma'am. I can help you."
"Please," Alexia leaned closer to the maid, her voice low and conspiratorial. "Teach me how to cook. I want to surprise the Alpha."
The maid hesitated, her eyes flickering from her toward the door in doubt. She knows of the royalties and their poor cooking skills, but that's for those who even tried to learn. Right now, she's surprised to say the least.
"Princess. Are you sure this is a good idea? The Alpha might be angry if he finds out." She tried to talk her out out of it but Alexia shook her head, determined already. "I won't let him find out."
Having spent all her life at the brothel, she knows nothing about the kitchen. She only knew how to make a man's bed.
"Very well, princess. Let's begin." The maid finally gave in, not like she can ever reject her or was in the position to. She showed Alexia the secrets of the kitchen, the tricks and techniques of a master chef when they began.
She taught her how to handle a knife first, followed by how to measure out spices, then how to stir and sauté and simmer. Alexia was a quick learner. The maid realized after three hours with her in the kitchen.
"You have a natural talent!"
Two Weeks Later**
Alexia set the table, her heart pounding with excitement, her hands trembling with nerves.
She had prepared a special meal for the Alpha, a surprise that she had been working on for weeks. And now, it was time to serve it.
She placed the plates on the table, the food sumptuous looking and smiling so delicious.
The Alpha walked into the room, welcoming the food's scent.
"What is this?" he asked, and Alexia smiled, choosing to let him see for himself.
Alpha Steele sat down at the table, his eyes fixed on the food before him. He took a bite, his face a picture of concentration and surprise as he slowly munched on the mouthful.
"This is delicious. Where did you learn to cook like this?"
He knows of the brothel she had been working at. If he hasn't forgotten, he can't the girls there been offered a cooking class. And no, he doesn't go there. He knows because he owns everything in his pack.
Alexia's face beamed, her shoulders instantly swelling higher with pride. "I've been practicing. I wanted to surprise you."
"You have succeeded."
After the event of that evening, Alexia retired to bed but just as she was about to fall asleep, a sudden knock echoed through the room, sharp and insistent. She sat up, all possibilities roaming her head.
"Who's there?" She called out, eyes darting around.
"Luna Celeste."
Silence descended.