The Mating(16)
*****
Well, she’d unpacked, and explored, and shifted things about—now what? The idea of wandering around the home of a new pack by herself was rather intimidating. Wolves were territorial and her unknown scent might cause some ruffled fur; she’d much rather be escorted by her mate the first time she ventured out. Still and all, sitting and waiting endlessly for Kane to return wasn’t that palatable either. If she stayed up here much longer, the other wolves might think she was hiding from them—that would really be a black mark against developing any status and rank.
A newcomer to a pack was immediately checked out for how dominant they were, and where they would fit within the hierarchy. As the Alpha’s mate, she would automatically be given a certain degree of respect and status, but if she showed herself to be weak and submissive then her position would start to crumble.
Elise decided she’d had enough of waiting. For whatever reason, Kane seemed to have abandoned her, so it would be up to her to establish herself in the house. Setting her chin, she put on a brave front and exited the bedroom suite.
The hallway was quiet but she could hear the sound of voices below, and the scent of cooking was drifting enticingly through the house. Well, the kitchen was as good a place to start as any. Following the mouth-watering aroma of roast beef and fresh-baked cookies, Elise made her way down the stairs. Even though she thought she could pick Kane’s voice out of the general murmuring, the idea of food was more intriguing at that moment. Her stomach was growling, causing her to recall that she hadn’t eaten lunch. Sniffing the air, she stepped eagerly towards the delicious scents. It was only as she got closer that nerves began to surface and she took a deep steadying breath before pushing open the door and stepping into the kitchen.
Her first impression, as it had been with most of the rooms in the house, was one of brightness. Whoever had designed the home had ensured that the outdoors was allowed inside. An impressive view of the backyard and the woods beyond could easily be seen from almost anywhere in the room. Sunlight streamed in through gleaming windows and sparkled off of the copper and stainless steel pots, the gleaming marble counter tops, and the polished appliances. It might have been almost too bright if not for the homey touches of herbs growing on the window ledge and bits of folk art adorning the walls.
Two women were standing at the counter and immediately looked up at the sound of the door swinging open. One was Carrie, the Beta’s mate, who she’d met earlier. The other woman was older with greying hair and a rounded figure. She was probably in her late fifties or early sixties.
“Oh, Elise! Good to see you. I was just saying to Helen that I wondered when you’d appear.” Carrie smiled over at her and Elise felt herself relaxing. The tiny redhead had a soothing quality about her, and Elise speculated whether she was always that way or if it was impending motherhood that was making her so mellow.
“I was unpacking and waiting for Kane. He said he had a bit of business to attend to and then he’d be back, but I guess he was delayed so I’m exploring on my own.” Elise shrugged, not wanting to let on that she was upset by Kane’s abandonment.
“Welcome, Elise. I’m Helen.” The older woman eyed her up and down before smiling.
“Hi, Helen, I’m pleased to meet you.”
Carrie gestured towards the table. “Why don’t you sit down and we can talk while we finish making dinner.”
“Isn’t there something I could do?” Elise looked around, thinking she should offer to set the table or prepare vegetables.
“Not today, Sweetie.” Helen pulled out a chair and indicated that Elise was to take it. “It’s your first day here and we already have everything under control. You sit here and let us talk your ear off. Would you like some coffee and cookies? They’re fresh.”
Elise smiled and nodded, sitting down as she’d been told. The two women seemed genuinely pleased to meet her. As Helen handed her a plate of cookies and a cup of coffee, Elise felt she should offer condolences to the old Alpha’s widow. “Kane told me that your mate died recently. I’m sorry to hear of your loss.”
Helen paused and looked sad for a moment before giving her head a little shake and heading towards the sink. She picked up a peeler and began to prepare some carrots. “Thank you, Elise. It was a shock, to say the least. Some days I still can’t believe Zack’s gone but we’re lucky that Kane was here to take over. He’s doing a fine job. You can be very proud of how he stepped up to the plate.”
Purposely sipping her coffee to negate the need to respond, Elise murmured in what she hoped was an appropriate manner. Was she proud of Kane? He was her mate and she supposed she should be, but she didn’t really know the man. It was hard to be proud of someone you’d just met. Helen continued chatting, oblivious to Elise’s thoughts.