Alpha Dean's Pack.
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Minerva's nightly routine began promptly at 8:00 p.m. when she would diligently start washing the dishes used during dinner. As the pack's caretaker, she took pride in ensuring that no dirty plates were left for the next morning.
Elisa, despite being an omega without a formal rank, always lent a helping hand. Each evening at 6:00 p.m., Elisa would prepare dinner for the pack, waiting patiently until 8:00 p.m. for everyone to finish eating before helping Minerva starting the cleanup.
While Minerva's responsibility was not just about serving the Alpha and the Luna, it's her duty to wash the dishes, she understood the importance of waiting for each pack member to finish their meal before beginning the dishwashing process. This ensured that no plate would be left unwashed overnight.
Tonight, Elisa joined Minerva in washing the dishes, displaying her kindness and willingness to assist others, even without a formal rank within the pack.
"Honestly, Elisa, you are such a kind person. I never knew you had such a good heart. I'm truly sorry for betraying you; Athena pressured me into it," Minerva said, watching Elisa with a faint smile as she quietly washed the dishes.
Elisa remained silent, choosing not to respond immediately. Minerva paused from her task, studying Elisa, sensing that her smile held a hidden meaning.
"What's wrong?" Minerva inquired, her voice soft.
"Nothing," Elisa replied, setting the plate aside. Minerva continued to observe her, noting the ambiguity in Elisa's expression.
"Are you certain Athena coerced you, or was it because you are unhappy about your stepsister becoming Luna?" Elisa questioned. Minerva shook her head in denial, exhaling deeply.
"Elena said something to you right? now I know what your problem is, you think I did it because I was jealous?" she probed, but Elisa stayed silent, unwilling to divulge. Minerva persisted.
"Despite what she might think, I acted not out of jealous but because Athena forced me," Minerva confessed, pausing her actions to gaze at the floor, lost in thought. Elisa stole a glance at her before returning to her work.
"I understand if you don't believe me because..." Minerva trailed was still saying but Elisa interjected.
"Of course, I believe you," Elisa interrupted. Minerva looked at her with a serious and emotional expression on her face.
"You do?" she asked, and Elisa nodded.
"Yes, of course. Not because I trust that you are telling the truth, but because Athena has also forced me to do terrible things I wouldn't dare mention to anyone. She has always been like that," Elisa responded. Minerva swallowed nervously, gazing silently at her.
"I'm sorry," Minerva said, to which Elisa smiled back. She didn't find her own statement sorrowful; it was just a casual conversation, and Minerva had no idea of the extent of what Athena had forced her to do.
"There's nothing to be sorry about, dear friend. It's alright. We don't always want to dwell on it. What about you and Elena? Were you real siblings?" Elisa inquired, and Minerva nodded.
"Yes, but I regret everything I did to her. I'm still surprised by her kindness. She was a good person! I wish I could see her again to apologize for all the wrongs I've done and for betraying her, even after she showed me kindness," Minerva expressed as she sat wearily on the floor.
"What are you saying? She will surely return. She's not dead, and Dean will find her and bring her back," Elisa reassured. Minerva looked at her pensively.
"I don't think so. It won't be that easy. Athena was clever when she handed her over to Mula. She knew Dean would struggle to bring her back," she explained, leaving Elisa surprised by her words.
"Is that truly your wish?" Elisa inquired, to which Minerva shook her head and promptly denied.
"No, that was never my wish. I'm simply acknowledging our fear of never seeing her again," Minerva explained. Elisa immediately interjected.
"You don't know Alpha Dean. I've seen him handle much tougher situations. Elena will return, and I eagerly await her homecoming. Your perspective is your own," Elisa remarked, finishing washing the plates and arranging them in the kitchen before leaving, seemingly irked by Minerva's comment.
"Don't be upset with me. I... I will be happy to have her back too," Minerva called after Elisa, who didn't respond. Minerva took a deep breath.
"Alright, goodnight!" she called out as Elisa walked away without acknowledgment, leaving Minerva watching her until she disappeared from view.
With her tasks completed, Minerva looked around in relief.
"Thank you for your help, Elisa. You're always so kind," she whispered to herself as she finished arranging the plates.
To her surprise, Elisa returned to the kitchen, prompting her to wonder why she had come back – to assist with the remaining chores or to accompany her to bed. Elisa was known for her kindness.
"Why have you returned? Did you forget something, or are you here to escort me to bed?" Minerva asked jokingly, offering a slight smile.
Elisa glanced at Minerva from head to toe, a puzzled expression on her face as she let out a small hiss.
"The Alpha is asking for you," Elisa informed her, her eyes widening in disbelief.
"Why? It's late," Minerva replied, clearly bothered by the news.
"I'm not sure, Max told me to let you know," Elisa replied. Minerva nodded, quickly washed her hands, dried them with a rag, and rushed out of the kitchen to meet the Alpha.
"Wait!" Elisa called out, causing Minerva to stop and turn as Elisa approached.
"Please hurry, it's the Alpha. You shouldn't keep him waiting," Minerva urged, her demeanor hurried. Elisa, too, watched her intently, sensing Minerva's urgency. It seemed she was more eager than fearful to meet him.
"The food you were supposed to deliver to the Alpha earlier the afternoon?" Elisa inquired, making Minerva's heart skip a beat, her breath already heavy.
"Did he accept it?" She added, watching Minerva closely. As Minerva let out a sigh of relief, she thought Elisa had discovered that she lied to Dean that she was the one that made the food.
"No, he refused to eat the meal. I told you he wouldn't accept it; he was in a foul mood at that moment," Minerva fibbed, meeting Elisa's gaze with unease.
"Then why didn't you return the food to me?" Elisa inquired, causing Minerva to suddenly begin to stammer.
"You know what, Elisa, let's discuss this later when I return. I need to see the Alpha immediately," Minerva said, quickly making her way towards the Alpha's room, leaving Elisa behind, still puzzled, as she watched Minerva disappear from view.
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At The Alpha's Room.
Getting to Alpha Dean's room, Minerva took a deep breath and stood in silence for a moment. Athena was approaching from the other passage when she spotted Minerva, quickly hiding herself to observe the situation.
After some hesitation, Minerva knocked on the door. "Come in!" Alpha Dean's voice resonated, prompting her to gently push the door open and enter. Athena emerged from the corner, her expression already clouded with bitterness.
As Minerva stepped into the room, she was taken aback to find Dean lying on the bed in nothing but his almost transparent pants, causing her to inhale sharply that could easily turn a lady on.
"You wanted to see me?" she managed to whisper, her voice laced with fear.