– FREYA-
The packhouse kitchen bustled with warmth and activity, the scent of fresh bread and roasting meat filling the air. Freya sat at the large oak table, peeling carrots as laughter and chatter filled the space. For the first time in years, she felt a flicker of belonging.
“You’re a natural,” Darice teased, nudging her with an elbow. “Give it a week, and we’ll have you baking pies like a pro.”
Freya grinned. “I don’t know about that. I’d probably set the kitchen on fire.”
One of the younger omegas laughed. “You’re better than Zara. Last time she tried to bake biscuits, they came out like rocks.”
The room erupted in laughter, and Freya joined in, her cheeks warming. The simple camaraderie soothed some of the anxiety that still lingered after her kidnapping.
Across the room, Linny quietly gathered dishes. The petite omega’s movements were hesitant, her wide eyes darting nervously between Freya and Darice. Freya noticed her hesitation and offered a small smile, but Linny quickly looked away, disappearing into the pantry.
– ISABELLE-
Unbeknownst to Freya, Isabelle stood in the doorway, her sharp blue eyes narrowing as she watched the scene. Her lips curled into a cold smile as she caught sight of Linny and beckoned her with a single finger. The young omega hesitated before following Isabelle into the hallway.
The corridor outside the kitchen was dimly lit, the faint hum of voices from the bustling kitchen muffled behind the door. Isabelle leaned casually against the wall, her arms crossed as she looked down at Linny with a predatory glint in her eyes.
“Linny,” she began smoothly, her tone syrupy sweet, “you’ve been spending time around Freya, haven’t you?”
Linny nodded nervously, clutching a plate to her chest. “She’s… nice.”
“Nice,” Isabelle echoed, her smile tightening. “But isn’t it strange? Tobias has always been so reserved, so selective. And now, out of nowhere, he’s attached to her?” Isabelle’s voice dropped, conspiratorial. “Doesn’t that strike you as odd?”
Linny frowned, confusion flickering across her face. “I don’t know. I mean… maybe.”
“Think about it,” Isabelle pressed, stepping closer. “Freya’s different. She’s powerful—I heard my father talking. Tobias doesn’t care about her. He sees her as a tool. That’s why he’s with her.”
Linny’s mouth opened, but no words came out. Isabelle smiled again, brushing past her. “Just something to think about,” she said lightly before disappearing into the shadows of the hallway.
– FREYA-
Linny returned to the kitchen, her face pale as she set the dishes on the counter. Freya noticed immediately, her smile fading. “Linny, are you okay?”
The omega hesitated, glancing nervously at Darice before stepping closer to Freya. “I… I don’t know if I should say,” she murmured.
Darice wiped her hands on her apron, her brow furrowing. “Linny, what’s wrong?”
Linny fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve. “I overheard… Isabelle said Tobias only cares about you because you have powers? That you’re… useful to him.”
The words hit Freya like a slap. Her hands stilled, the knife slipping from her grasp onto the table. “What?” she whispered, her throat tightening.
“I’m sorry,” Linny said quickly, her cheeks flushing. “I shouldn’t have said anything. It’s probably just a rumour.”
Darice’s face darkened, her lips pressing into a thin line. “That’s enough,” she said firmly, placing a reassuring hand on Freya’s shoulder. “Isabelle’s trying to stir trouble, as usual. Don’t listen to her.”
Freya nodded, but the seed of doubt had already been planted. The warmth of the kitchen now felt stifling, her earlier happiness fading into uncertainty.
Later that evening, Freya sat in Tobias’s quarters, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The room was warm and quiet, the fire casting soft shadows across the walls, but her heart was heavy. Isabelle’s words, relayed through Linny, echoed in her mind.
Tobias entered, his blue eyes immediately narrowing when he saw her expression. He crossed the room quickly, crouching in front of her. “Freya,” he said gently. “What’s wrong?”
Freya hesitated, her fingers twisting together. “It’s nothing,” she murmured, her voice tight.
Tobias frowned, his wolf stirring uneasily. “Don’t lie to me,” he said softly, his hand brushing hers. “I can feel something’s wrong.”
The words spilled out before she could stop them. “Do you… do you care about me because of what I am? That I am a white wolf and supposedly have something special about me?” Her voice cracked, her eyes filling with tears.
Tobias froze, the question hitting him like a blow. “What?” he said sharply, sitting beside her. “What are you talking about?”
Freya shook her head, her voice trembling. “People are saying that you only care about powers I am supposed to have. That I’m just… useful.”
Tobias’s wolf growled, the sound low and feral. His hands curled into fists as he fought to control the surge of anger and pain. “Who said that?” he demanded. “Freya, who told you this?”
She flinched slightly, and Tobias immediately softened, his hands reaching for hers. “Freya,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “You’re my mate. You’re everything. Not because of what you are, but because of who you are.”
Her wolf stirred at his words, its growl soft and protective. She leaned into him slightly, her breath hitching. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I just… I’ve never had anyone stand by me before. It’s hard to believe.”
Tobias pulled her into his arms, his embrace firm and grounding. “You don’t have to believe it all at once,” he murmured. “But I’ll keep proving it to you. Every day. The Goddess sent you to me, Freya. We are meant to be together!”
-ISABELLE-
The forest was dense and dark as Isabelle made her way toward a secluded clearing near the pack’s border hoping the border patrol reports were accurate and there really were rogues here. The moonlight cast eerie shadows on the ground as she moved with purpose, her cloak trailing behind her.
She reached the clearing and waited, her pulse quickening as a wiry rogue quickly emerged from the shadows, his yellow eyes gleaming with suspicion.
“You lost, little pack wolf?” he sneered.
“I’m here for Magnus,” Isabelle said, lifting her chin. “Tell him I want to meet.”
The rogue raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “And why would he bother with you?”
“Because I can help him get what he wants,” she replied, her voice steady. “Tell him it’s about the white wolf.”
The rogue’s grin widened, but he didn’t move. “I’ll deliver your message, but if you’re lying…” He dragged a clawed finger across his throat in a clear warning.
Isabelle didn’t flinch. “I’m not.”
The rogue disappeared into the trees, leaving Isabelle alone in the eerie stillness. She exhaled slowly, determination hardening her resolve. Freya’s days in the pack were numbered.
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