The Harvest Festival

The two lycans watched Willow as she spoke. Rhett seemed quite interested in her talk of the Silverfang pack. Kai didn’t seem too concerned about the other wolves. Perhaps because their pack had such a large presence in this area. It would be suicidal for the Silverfang pack to launch an assault. Kai grinned to the question. “Well the vagrants of the city aren’t usually as slow as some of the nobles.” She winked, her voice was playful. “The hunt is a celebration. It is the Harvest Moon. It is a tradition that Rhett has changed for the better. We are ridding the humans of their garbage. In return we do not hunt humans like other packs do throughout the year.”

Rhett nodded in agreement, “Don’t tell her everything dear sister.” He smirked slightly. He stepped forward and reached for Willow, his hand moved for his fingers to curl under her chin. His crystal hues stared into hers. “Ahhh there you are.” He spoke and nodded in approval. “Emerald green eyes, lovely like a lush forest on a summer afternoon.” He smiled and then glanced to his sister as he let his finger fall away from beneath Willow’s chin. “I see a lot of anguish in your eyes...” He noted as he thought to the words she’d spoken about the deals that the alpha of the other pack forced other packs into. “It does make sense how he has gotten other packs to side with him.” He scoffed slightly. “That will be his downfall ultimately.” He drew in a breath as he searched over her features. “It’s a dirty game that he is playing...” Rhett glanced to his sister as he turned, his arms crossed slightly. “Why don’t you take her into town to gather food for dinner? Since we were so rudely interrupted earlier.” He grasped Kai’s arm and looked it over. “Not that anyone would be able to tell.” He smirked and then looked to Willow. “She can see how the real pack feasts.” He smirked as he stepped to the door of the room. “I do believe that I have plenty to do now that we know the Silverfang pack has been in our territory.” He slipped from the room then without another word.

“Of course brother.” Kai spoke as he had walked from the room. She looked to Willow. “You’re incredibly brave, even speaking of what little you know.” She gave a warm smile. “Come we will head to town, you can help me pick out dinner for this evening.” She grinned. “If you’re not going to finish this.” She swiped the wine and then watched Willow a moment. “Are you more of a dry wine kind of girl?” She questioned before she finished off the glass and set it upon the table. “Come on.” She reached and took Willow’s hand. “You’re going to enjoy this. We will get whatever it is that you like.” She linked her arm with Willow as a friend would. Perhaps Kai didn’t have any female friends and that was the reason that she had taken to Willow so quickly. She seemed excited to have her around.

The Lycan released her and walked ahead through the halls of the mansion. She stopped before a painting. It looked to be many years old. There were three young children that had been drawn with two parents. “That’s us.” She spoke. She pointed. “Armin, wasn’t he cute?” She smirked happily. “Rhett always had a scowl on his face….he hasn’t changed a bit.” She brought her finger to point to herself. “And me.” She glanced to Willow. “I’ve always been bubbly as my brothers like to call it.” She laughed lightly. “Call it what you like.” She pointed to her mother and father. “Father died in a pack war...some years ago, we were pretty young...it wasn’t long after this painting….Mother disappeared soon after that and our uncle had to raise us from there...” A sigh came over her lips. “He...was a lot like the Silverfang pack leader.” She shuddered slightly remembering her youth. The past five years had been the best of her life. Rhett was a wonderful Alpha in comparison to her uncle whom chose to beat anyone into submission.

Kai stared to the painting in silence for a moment, her expression was almost sad. She then shrugged it off and offered a smile. “But now Rhett is our Alpha.” She turned and continued down the hall. “What should we get...hm?” She wondered out loud as they came to the foyer. She glanced up the stairs and then headed toward the door. “You can carry things right? It won’t be too terribly much.” She grinned. “Don’t worry, I’m stronger than I look.” She winked as she headed out the door. Kai walked forward and she paused slightly in her step, her eyes turned to look to a balcony at the end of the home. Armin stood on the balcony his hands upon it, his hues upon the two women. She smiled to her brother and waved. “We’ll be back soon, Armin!” She grinned and then linked arms with Willow as she walked her down the driveway. She hummed to herself and glanced to Willow after a moment. “Don’t worry about Armin. He gets sulky. He’ll come around.” She smirked. “One time, I took his favorite hat when we were little. Oh boy did I piss him off.” She laughed playfully. “I accidentally dropped it in the river...we were off playing in the woods behind the house there….” She pointed with her free hand. “I didn’t hear the end of that, he gave me a cold shoulder for nearly a month!” She let out a sigh.

Kai was quiet then as they came to the end of the drive and began walking into town. The market was busy with people toward the end of the afternoon. Everyone was trying to gather food for dinner. “So, what will it be Willow? Do you want to pick the entree? Or the sides?” She smiled. “Oh and we are getting you a wine. I’ll find one that you enjoy. You’ll see.” She kept her arm linked with the woman. The eyes of several of the men moving through the city fell upon the two.

“Nope.” Kai chuckled lightly. “I never bought him a new hat. He looks just as handsome without one. Wouldn’t you agree?” She asked and glanced to Willow a curve turned up her lips. “Honestly it only took a short amount of time for him to forgive me, once he did….” She shrugged and laughed lightly. “It was like he never had that old ratty hat.” Kai then turned her attention to Willow as she spoke of a stew. She wrinkled her nose a bit. “Oh darling...we are going to have steaks.” She grinned. “Or something…..steak would be lovely though. Have you ever had a nice thick cut of sirloin?” She licked her lips as if she could taste it. “I’ll show you how to prepare it. We’ll let the boys grill it.” She giggled lightly. “You see, that’s the nice thing about being a woman in the pack, the boys to most of the work.” She winked, she had a playful tone about her voice.

It was then though that the man walked up to them. Kai stopped in her path her smile faded from her lips as she looked to him. Her brows furrowed slightly as he spoke though she didn’t tense at all, she remained quite calm. The only thing that changed about her was her smile, she looked more irritated than anything right now. She glanced to Willow with curious eyes as she stood up to the man readily. This was a side of the woman that Kai did not expect, a bit of a smirk curved up her lips. Though Willow’s quick remark didn’t make the man stand down.

Kai tensed slightly, her muscles readying to fight against the man. She watched as Willow reached out and touched his skin and suddenly his whole demeanor changed. The lycan gazed to the human next to her, her curious gaze was more perplexed than anything. She looked to the back of the man and drew in a breath as she walked forward. She pulled Willow off to the side on a more quiet street. “Tell me...what exactly was that?” She asked in a hushed tone. Her crystal hues looked over Willow. She grasped her hands and flipped her palms up to the skies looking over her hands carefully. “How did you do that Willow?” Kai questioned. Her voice sounded concerned. Or even a bit worried. If this human was capable of such things...what else was she capable of? If the Silverfang Alpha knew about this ability...he really wouldn’t allow her to go easily.

Kai watched the woman carefully, her brows were furrowed with concern. “Simply changed his mind?” Kai raised a brow her voice wasn’t angry. Not in the least. She tilted her head slightly as Willow spoke. The human could only perform the ability on other humans. But that would be valuable to a mutt like Ignatius. Kai reached forward and placed her hands on either shoulder of Willow, a soft smile curved up her lips, “Don’t panic.” She spoke, her voice very calm. Her crystal hues seemed to deepen to a darker blue for a moment. “Just breathe, Willow.” She held her just like this for a long moment of silence. She listened to the bustle of the city and the market. “I’m not angry with you.” She replied. “I’m the least of your worries.” She smiled as she slipped her gentle grasp of Willow’s shoulders away.

“That would be something that is nice to…..know….” She smirked slightly. “That’s an interesting skill. I’d be interested to understand it more...” She tilted her head in thought and then shrugged slightly. “Our secret, hm?” She winked as she took Willow’s arm again and led her back into the city square. “Now then meats first.” She walked up to a vendor and looked over the fresh meats. For a moment, if Willow was paying attention Willow’s eyes melted to the honey color. But it was incredibly brief, only a few seconds, if that. “I’ll take….6 of these.” She motioned to each individual steak. She licked her lips slightly and then grinned to Willow. “You’ll enjoy these.” She smiled as she awaited the butcher to package the items. “We will have to round up some vegetables to eat, hm?” She smiled as she turned and grasped the brown wrap from the butcher. She placed coins upon the counter and carried on.

“Let’s see…..” She spoke as she looked about the crowd and tried to determine where the next vendor was that they needed to visit.

“Such lovely ladies to be all alone without a man to accompany them.” A voice came from behind them. A large man that stood towering over the two women approached them. “Kai who is this morsel that you’ve brought with you?” He grinned and a chuckle came over his lips.

Kai pushed Willow behind her slightly. Her brows furrowed. “What do you want Hager?” She stared up to him defiantly.

“Where’s your little body guards at girl?” He questioned as he stepped forward.

“Perhaps I don’t need a body guard.” Kai snapped back.

The man snickered as he reached forward and gripped her jaw. “Better for me, then.” He glanced to Willow. “Two for one.” He smirked then.

Kai grit her teeth. Though she took in a sharp breath. “My brother would have your head and you know it.”

“You nobility seem to think that you run the show here in Hallund. It’s quite the opposite.” The man spoke, he leaned in close to Kai. “Just because you have all that money that you sit on top of, doesn’t mean you’re any different than any of us.”

Kai narrowed her brows, “Or does it?” She quipped back. Without notice her knee came into his groin. As he buckled forward her other knee landed on the side of his head and he fell to the ground unconscious. A few onlookers whooped and hollered to her. Kai let out a laugh before she turned. “Now then. Vegetables.” She gave a smile to Willow and slipped her arm around the human’s arm once more.

Kai smirked and a laugh came over her lips as Willow requested to be taught how to defend herself. “Hmmmm.” She thought, a grin upon her lips. “Certainly. I couldn’t imagine having a guest of the Odoras house unable to defend herself.” She clicked her tongue slightly. Kai walked up to the vendor and grabbed fresh vegetables, mushrooms, peppers, onions, broccoli and so on. It was a rainbow of colorful foods. She smiled as she paid the vendor. “Thank you good sir.” She placed plenty of coin upon the counter and then pulled Willow along. “Being a lady, you must learn such self defense. This world is full of men that think that you are nothing more than prey.” She handed the vegetable sack to Willow and linked her arm with her once again.

The lycan walked along and tilted her head slightly, “The most entertaining part is you can be a rather beautiful lady and still know how to defend yourself properly. Most men don’t believe that I can defend myself. Now, sometimes my brothers step in and give a hand. But that is more for show than anything else. The men of this city wouldn’t believe it if I was strong enough to take on several of them at a time.” She shrugged, “But, I could. As could you.” She winked. “We get you the proper foods that is.” She giggled as she pulled her along. “Ah bread and then wine.” She stepped up to a vendor and grasped a baguette before she set a coin upon the counter.

“Ahh good to see you Miss Odoras.” The old woman from behind the counter smiled. She had milky eyes from her age. “How are your brothers doing?” Her old eyes looked to Willow. “And who might this be?? A new friend?”

Kai grinned happily, “My brothers are doing quite well Ophelia. Thank you for asking.” She glanced to Willow and held the same smile upon her lips. “Yes, yes she is a guest of my brother. I just wanted to show her around town and have an extra hand in gathering food for dinner.” She beamed. “It’s nice to have company.”

The old woman chuckled lightly, “It is good to see you with a friend, Miss Odoras. I hope to see you around more dear.” She looked to Willow with a smile before another customer approached.

Kai smiled and nodded before she turned and left the stall, her arm still linked with Willow. She hummed happily a moment. “She’s right you know?” She smirked as she looked to Willow. “I don’t have many friends. I have my brothers, but...you know how siblings can be.” She laughed and shook her head. The lycan walked Willow through the city and away from the market. She unlinked her arm as they made their way out of the crowd. “Last stop.” She grinned as she walked into a beautiful small home. It was a tasting room for wine. “Leo!!” Kai called out.

A man stood from behind the counter, he had a glass in his hand that he was polishing. “Kai.” He grinned. He had a bit of scruff on his face. “How’s Rhett? You here to stock the house back up?”

Kai laughed lightly and shook her head. “Our Alpha is doing well. I am actually here for our new friend here.” She motioned to Willow.

Leo looked to the woman with curious eyes, a smirk upon his lips. “A human?” He questioned. “Oh you must tell me the story on this one.” He leaned forward on the counter as he looked to Willow intently, he had light hazel eyes.

Kai playfully tapped the side of his cheek. “She’s Armin’s guest. Don’t get any ideas. Hm?” She sat at one of the stools and set her goods on the counter. “Willow, have a seat.” She smiled.

Leo cleaned another glass and set it on the counter. “Well, well a guest of Armin, hm?” He grinned. “Pleased to meet you then.” He turned and grabbed a bottle of wine and uncorked it and poured for Kai. “And you miss, what will you be having?” He asked as he looked to Willow.

Kai grinned as she lifted her glass to her lips. “You’ve over a hundred different types to choose from darling.” She took a sip. “She’s never had wine before, poor dear.” She looked to Leo. “Would you mind pouring her a sampling of several different types? I want her to find something that she likes. I’ve had enough time in this world to know what I like.” She laughed lightly.

Leo laughed as well with Kai, “I see.” He took the wine glass away and then placed several small tasting glasses before Willow. “Alright.” He began to pour. There were several red wines, several whites, a few rose wines as well. “Listen carefully, hm?” He gazed to Willow. “These are going to be dry….so more bitter if you will. But they go well with meats. Looks like you’ll be having steaks tonight, hm?” He looked to Kai whom nodded. “These are more middle of the road, that one is my absolute favorite.” He pointed a small glass out. “It goes down easy, I wouldn’t peg it as a wine at all. But you have to be careful it’ll sneak up on you.” He smirked and then pointed to another grouping. “These here are very sweet. Almost like a desert. That one is Kai’s favorite.” He pointed out a deep red wine. He then leaned in on the counter, a smile upon his lips. “Go on.”

Kai chuckled lightly. “Don’t make her uncomfortable Leo.” She was nearly finished with her glass of wine already. “Why don’t you get me a few bottles from the cellar that will go well with our dinner, hm? Armin and Rhett need a drink...oh and Rose.” She spoke and nodded.

Leo raised a brow and then snickered slightly. “You still don’t like her do you?” He questioned and watched as Kai rolled her eyes. “You know, you’ll have to approve of her sooner or later.” He shrugged before walking off and down a set of stairs into the cellar leaving the two alone in the tasting room.

Kai swirled her wine within her glass, “Whichever one you like the best, we will get a few bottles for you.” She offered a smile. “Dinner is going to be perfectly splendid.”

Kai had a smile upon her lips as she sipped upon her glass. She helped herself to pouring a bit more in her glass when Leo was in the cellar collecting bottles for her. She smirked to Willow, “Too sweet for you hm?” She remarked when she saw the expression on Willow’s face change to the taste of her wine. “Leo keeps it in stock mainly for me.” She laughed lightly.

Leo shook his head. “You know you’re not the only one that matters around here, Kai.” He winked with a grin. He began cleaning up the glasses that Willow had finished. “Oh….” He cleared his throat when she asked about Rose. “I’ll be grabbing that bottle.” He gave a bit of an uncomfortable smile before he disappeared into the cellar once again.

Kai set down her now empty glass. “It isn’t me you should thank.” She gave a gentle smile. “Armin is the one you should be thanking, he chose to bring you home. Though I should thank him to.” She gave a sweet smile then. “You’re quite fun company...” She then looked away slightly. She had a bit of an uncomfortable gaze to her nose. “Rose.” She spoke the word hung in the air for a long moment. “She….is my brother’s mate...” She looked almost as if she’d tasted something awful. She hated the woman, and Kai didn’t hate many things. “There isn’t much positive that I can say of her. She’s not good for this pack.” She stiffened slightly and stood as Leo came up the stairs. “Ah Leo. Perfect.” She stepped around the counter and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “As per usual.” She winked to him as she took the small crate of bottles as if it weighed nothing short of a feather.

Leo’s cheeks turned bright pink. It was evident that he thought quite highly of Kai. “O-of course.” He stammered. “Oh and it was great to meet you, Willow.” He chuckled a bit and scratched his head. Clearly flustered by Kai’s kiss.

Kai laughed as she turned around. “Leo do you have a box that Willow could use for the rest of our items?” She questioned.

“Of course, Kai.” He moved quickly and packed the vegetables, meat and bread into a small crate. “There you are.” His cheeks were still rosy. “Enjoy the wine. I’m glad you liked it. I made it myself. It’s a vintage, 100 years in the barrel. That’s why it is so good. I used fresh blueberries from the field just outside of town.” He glanced to Kai a moment. “I’ll see you tomorrow?” He asked.

Kai hummed to herself in thought a moment. “Possibly.” She winked to him. “I might be busy, you never know these days.” She giggled, clearly a bit buzzed from the wine. “Come then Willow.” She spoke as she turned and stepped from the shop. She walked along the dirt road quietly for a few moments. “Um…” She cleared her throat. “I may not see eye to eye with Rose...but do be on your best behavior...I don’t want to give her any reasons to have an issue with you, darling.” She glanced to Willow. “She’s got Rhett wrapped around her little….slimy….fucking….” Her voice turned into a bit of a growl and her eyes turned a honey gold color. Her lip curled slightly and her fangs were visible. Kai took in a long deep breath to calm herself. “Apologies dear.” She spoke and then offered a friendly smile her eyes turned back to the crystal color that they were before once more. “Just. Tread lightly. Possibly as if you would around your old pack, hm?” She cleared her throat. “If Armin lets you stay you’ll see just how toxic she really is….Rhett is a fool for allowing her in our home. She is nothing but trouble. You’ll see.” She drew in a long breath again, her eyes had once again melted into the golden color. It was a wonder how she would manage to contain herself around the lycan named Rose.

Kai gave a gentle smile after a moment. “That was fun, shopping.” She pushed the anger behind her. “And you got to try several different wines.” She laughed happily as they began the walk up the driveway of the home. She lifted her crystal hues to see Armin standing upon the balcony leering down upon them. “And it seems Armin is expecting us.” She gave a friendly elbow to Willow. “He isn’t so bad. You know?” She smirked. “He isn’t nearly as fun to be around as me though.” She balanced the crate full of wine bottles and waved to her brother with a huge smile. “Armin! I’ve gotten her wine!” She exclaimed happily.

Armin chuckled from the balcony, a grin upon his lips. He seemed to be in lighter spirits than when the two women had left the home. “Of course you did, Kai. Would I expect anything less?” He stepped from the balcony. Moments later he stepped from the home and to Willow. He scooped the crate from her arms and gave a smile. “You shouldn’t have to carry that.” He spoke as he looked inside the crate. “Ohhhhh steak hm? Delightful.” He smiled to her.

Kai giggled as she walked up the stairs and into the foyer of the home. “Come on Willow.” She called over her shoulder. Armin was right behind the two. “Set it there, brother.” She pointed to the huge island. The kitchen was gorgeous with white marble countertops and deep mahogany cabinets. Kai started gathering things from the cabinets. “Shoo.” She pushed on her bother. “Go on get.” She pushed at him again. “Let the women cook, hm?” She smirked to him.

Armin raised a brow and then laughed. “You cook?” He acted like he was going to retch.

Kai punched his arm playfully and the two laughed. “Now out.” She pointed. Armin glanced to Willow his crystal eyes played over her for a few moments before he stepped from the room. Kai smiled as she started pulling items out. “Alright….so you know how to cook right?” She smiled to Willow. “Let’s see it.”

Rose - Rhett's Fiance


Kai chuckled as she looked to Willow. “Perfect, because I typically do not. Armin is more of a chef than myself. Which is why he had come to the kitchen.” She grinned. “The last thing I cooked looked as much like that wood will look when we’ve finished.” Another laugh came over her lips. “I can prep food, just not cook it.” She started helping Willow. Though here crystal hues turned to the woman after a few moments and she watched her work with curious eyes. “You didn’t warn me that you’re a professional.” She smiled as she stepped out of the way. “Rhett likes his steak medium, just enough pink for him to know its meat I suppose. Armin prefers it more on the rare side. I myself like it just the same as Armin. Rose…” She paused for a moment. “She likes hers to barely be touched by the skillet. A quick sear on each side. Still mooing as I have heard humans call it.”

The lycan started gathering plates and glasses and moving to the adjacent room. Soon enough she returned and leaned against the counter, watching Willow work as if she was mesmerized by her efficiency. “Oh? Yes Armin does get to choose. Typically. Unless Rhett were to dislike you for some reason, but I do believe he would have thrown you out already darling.” She gave a warm smile. “How to convince my brother?” She tapped her chin, pondering slightly. “First off, get his steak perfect. He’s quite picky.” She winked, it was clear that she was joking to some extent. “I couldn’t begin to tell you why he saved you. You’re a sweet girl. Pretty.” She tilted her head slightly as she looked over Willow. “But it is his wolf that chose to save you. It’s quite curious actually. He’s never brought a human home before….or any creature for that matter.” She gave a bit of a smirk. “Consider yourself lucky, I suppose.” She moved away from Willow then, “Just roast the vegetables, add some spices, I trust you.” She called as she carried the bottles of wine into the dining room.

The sound of heels clicking the floor entered the room as Kai had exited. The steps were careful and calculated. A beautiful woman stepped into the room, she had the perfect amount of waves in her chestnut hair, her eyes were a bluish stony greyscale color, her skin appeared perfectly kissed by the sun. She wore a lovely dress and corset that accented her features perfectly. Dark blue to pull out her eyes with white accents. The woman’s eyes landed on Willow and a smile curved up her lips. “Ah you must be Willow.” She stepped forward. “Rhett told me that Armin had a guest in the home.” She had the most intoxicating smile. She stepped to the island as she watched Willow work. “He must have known you to be a chef hm? Armin loves to cook.” She commented. “I am Rose, Rhett’s mate.” She introduced herself almost in a matter a fact way. “It is quite charming to have a human in the household. I couldn’t tell you the last time this pack had a human here that wasn’t in the basement prepping for the hunt.” She tilted her head.

Kai stepped back into the room then and immediately the aura of the room seemed to change. Kai stepped to Willow’s side. “Rose, you look splendid.” She spoke, the smile she held upon her lips was as fake as can be.

“Oh this old dress?” Rose asked and brushed a bit of her hair to the side. “I’ve had it for a few centuries.” She stared to Kai, like a hunter eyeing in on its prey. “Won’t you be so kind as to offer me a drink, Kai?” Her eyes stayed on the woman.

Kai drew in a long controlled breath. “Oh. But of course.” She spoke nearly through grit teeth as she stepped from the room.

Rose chuckled as she looked back to Willow. “You don’t enjoy the company of that temptress do you?” She let out a playful laugh. “Don’t let her fool you.” The woman glanced to the dining room as she awaited Kai to return. “Oh if she didn’t tell you. I like my steak on the very rare side. Bleeding blue if you will.” She offered a warm smile. Her eyes moved as Kai entered the room with a glass of wine. “Thank you, Kai.” She spoke and just as Kai handed it forward the glass bumped against Rose’s thumb and splashed a bit upon the front of her dress. A growl was stifled by the woman.

“Oh….oops….” Kai raised her brows and bit her lower lip, it was clear that she was trying not to laugh.

Rose grit her teeth slightly, “No worries, Kai. It’s an old dress.” She had a tight jaw as she looked to the young lycan. “I’ll just change into something else, hm?” She grasped her glass and looked to Willow. “I’ll see you soon.” She spoke as she stepped from the room.

Kai watched as the woman walked from the room, her eyes trained in on her, her brows furrowed, her lips were pressed into a flat line. “Apologies that I wasn’t in the room when she made her grand appearance.” She spoke, her voice low as she turned and looked to Willow. “Can I help you with anything?” She offered a gentle smile.

Kai’s brows furrowed slightly, “Of course she was.” She spoke with an irritated tone. “She always is when you’re new.” She scoffed slightly and then cleared her throat. “Apologies, dear.” She shook her head. She knew that her distain for Rose was almost overbearing in a way. “When we have more time I would love to learn to cook from you. You’re very good at it. Perhaps you’re more skilled than even my brother.” She winked as she helped to portion everything out. “Perfect.” She grinned. “This smells incredible.” Kai looked giddy to try the food. She turned her head to the side. “Dinner!!” She called, a smirk curved up her lips as she looked back to Willow. “That’s the best way to call the boys.” She chuckled lightly.

She helped set the table. “You can sit here next to Armin, hm?” The seat was directly across from Kai, whom would be placed next to Rose. Rhett would sit at the head of the table as most Alpha’s did.

Kai went around and opened the bottles before she poured the respective wine into each bottle. “Have a seat, Willow.” She smiled.

Armin was the first to step into the room, he raised his brows slightly and took in a long whiff of the food. “Kai you can’t tell me you cooked that.” He smirked as he looked to Willow. He sat next to her and glanced to her. “Full of surprises aren’t you?” He grinned then before he lifted his wine and took a long sip.

Rhett came next and he sat at the head of the table. “Rose will be just a moment, she had a bit of an incident...” He narrowed his eyes slightly and looked to his sister.

“Butter fingers.” Kai replied and held both of her hands up. “It’s the same reason I don’t cook. Remember?” She winked and then looked across the table to Willow.

A few moments later Rose stepped into the room, she wore an even more beautiful dress now. She was fully composed. “Ah perfect.” She spoke as she sat at the table. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting long.” She smiled and placed her hand over Rhett’s and gave a squeeze before she looked to the others. She then lifted her glass of wine. “A toast to our esteemed guest.” She spoke her silvery eyes looked to Willow. “Welcome.” She clinked her glass together with the others. She then lifted her fork and knife and cut into her steak. Her brows lifted and a smile curved up her lips. She took a bite and seemed to melt in her seat. “Oh. Armin. You must keep this one.” She nodded in approval.

Kai cut into her steak, almost aggressively, her eyes shifted to Rose every now and again. Her jaw was tight. “She’s quite the chef hm?” She smiled, though it wasn’t her normal smile, it was once again a forced smile.

“Yes, yes very good.” Rhett lifted his glass and took a long drink before he poured himself more wine. “Now Willow.” He spoke and his eyes fell upon her. “Do tell us. Would you like to stay with the pack? I know it hasn’t even been a day. But by the gods.” He chuckled slightly. “She cooks better than my own brother. Certainly we have to keep her around. Wouldn’t you say brother?” He looked to Armin.

Armin lifted his crystal eyes and gave a small smile. “I’m still trying to understand my wolf, brother.” He spoke and then took a drink of his wine.

Rose chuckled from across the table at him. “Are you sure your wolf didn’t just like what he was looking at?” She poked at him. “Or was it the thrill of saving a damsel in distress? Surely saving her from a street mutt from the Silverfang pack isn’t the excitement that you were looking for, Armin.” Her words were twisted together so well that one couldn’t accuse her of being rude. Yet, she was entirely that. “Tell us what you did for the Silverfang pack.” Rose focused in on Willow. “I want to know more about you, Willow.” It was almost as if she was putting Willow on the spot, testing her in a way. Jabbing at her. Poking fun of her. It was hard to tell with Rose what exactly her motive was.

"She was a servant, Rose." Kai spoke up quickly, evidently trying to protect Willow from the hot seat.

"Of course she was. That's what those fleabags do with their humans." She tilted her head, "Now we've one of our own, hm?"

"She isn't our servant." Armin spoke up, his voice was a slight growl.

"Oh? Then what is she to you Armin? Do tell." Rose smirked as she watched him from across the table.

Armin's eyes were golden as he looked to her, his breathing had quickened. "I'm still sorting that bit out." His voice was a snarl. "If you weren't so busy sticking your nose into everything. Perhaps I would have time to sort that out." He gripped his knife tightly in one hand.

Kai's eyes looked to her brother and then to Willow, a bit of a smirk curved up her lips. "Rose, Rose...you weren't trying to stir anything up now were you?" She glanced to the woman and placed a hand on her shoulder.

Rose's own eyes had darkened to an almost black color. "Not at all." She replied. "

"Enough." Rhett spoke up finally. "All of you." He cleared his throat and looked to Willow. "Tell us something about yourself, Willow." He nodded and lifted his glass. "How long have you been in service to the Silverfang?" He asked, a polite smile upon his lips.