New Alpha – New Rules(37)

“Don’t worry, I’ll help you.” Cindy offered. Harper gave her a bewildered look, that question was answered. “I heard that you caught a turkey and that you are making dinner with all the trimmings, no better way to endear yourself to these gluttons.” Protests sounded from around the table and Cindy smiled. Her eyes were full of mischief.

Lucy got up then and carried her plate to the sink. She hopped up to sit on the counter next to sink and washed her dishes then hopped down and put them in the dishwasher. The pack watched her. When she came around the end of the counter, they all clapped. Lee grabbed her and threw her in the air.

“You’re growing up so fast baby girl. I am proud of you!” Lee shouted. He tossed her to Curtis who turned her upside down and tickled her. She was laughing. Jack took her and hugged her.

“You are an awesome little chick.” He said then passed her to Mathew who kissed her cheek with a very loud smack. She giggled uncontrollably. Mathew handed her to Ryder who sat her down on his lap and looked at her seriously.

“You are the smartest little wolf Lucy. You did a very good job and you’ve made everyone so proud especially your Alpha. I look forward to you clearing your own dishes from now on. Excellent work.” He looked at Harper.

“Can you help me later in the kitchen Lucy? I need to make dinner for everyone and I will need your help setting the table and tasting my frosting.” Lucy grinned and licked her lips as her head nodded furiously. Harper smiled. “Good and you did a very good job.” Lucy reached for her. Harper leaned over and took her. Lucy kissed her cheek softly.

“I’m glad you’re here.” Lucy hugged her around the neck. She hopped down then and went to the living room to watch cartoons. Harper held her cheek blushing furiously. Ryder leaned over and kissed her other cheek.

“Finish your breakfast. No wolf will waste away on my watch.” Ryder got up and carried his plate and mug to the dishwasher. The rest of the pack lined up behind him. When they all filed out the back door, Harper asked Cindy what he meant. Cindy swallowed hard.

“Ryder had a sister who was mated in an alliance barter. You know how well those turn out.” Harper grimaced then nodded. “Well, it was a terrible match. She was extremely unhappy but her old Alpha wouldn’t hear it. He told her to stick it out and what was done was done. You know the type?” Harper nodded.

“Anyway, she was desperate. Her mate was horrible. He beat her and kept her chained sometimes. She stopped eating and had nearly wasted away before anyone noticed but by then she’d stopped drinking anything too. Even though she was once a strong wolf, it didn’t take long once she did that.” Cindy swiped a tear from her cheek and sipped her coffee. Harper watched as she swallowed the emotions that threatened to pour out of her.

“Ryder is very sensitive about eating.” She said after she’d pulled herself together. “He will get upset if he thinks anyone is unhappy especially his females. He doesn’t want anyone to feel that desperate again so if you have a grievance, don’t let it stew and make sure you eat. He pays attention to that stuff even when it seems like he doesn’t.” Harper sat and thought about that awhile sipping her coffee then finished the food on her plate. Cindy gave her a half smile.

Once the kitchen was cleaned and everything put away, Harper went to the fridge to look around. It was well stocked but she didn’t see anything to make salad with. “He said he wanted all of that stuff for dinner. Do we have all of it or should we go shopping?”

“I was going to ask if you wanted to join me. There are several things we need and I have a list. If you have anything in mind for yourself, just add it to the list.” Cindy pulled it off the fridge and Harper saw that there were several different handwritings on the list. Her brow furrowed. “The red pen is Nicole’s, green is Lee, oh and purple is Curtis.”

“Why do they all use different colors?” She smirked.

“Nicole started using a different color to distinguish her items and the boys are making fun of her.” Harper chuckled. “Do you need an orange pen?” Cindy raised her eyebrows.

“No, I just need some salad, green beans, and carrot cake ingredients.” Cindy took the list around the kitchen looking in cabinets then scribbled on the list.

“Grab your sweater if you need one and I’ll meet you outside. When we get back we will fix lunch.”

“I’m good. Let’s go.” Harper headed for the front door.



The ride to the store was uneventful. Cindy didn’t shop in the grocer near Harper’s old pack so she enjoyed checking out their offerings which differed from what she was used to seeing. Cindy’s phone rang while Harper examined some pears and loaded them into a bag. She was talking to someone but Harper kept looking at the fruit. Harper looked up when she felt eyes on her. Cindy was ashen. She tied the pears while she walked and put them in the child’s seat of the cart. Cindy handed her the phone. Harper took it. “Hello?”