Sneak Peak of Chapter 6

Descending the main staircase, she hurried in the direction of breakfast by following her nose. The smell of bacon and pancakes made her salivate. Her stomach was grumbling in complaint and she badly needed her morning coffee. Making a beeline for the dining room, she swept cursory glances at the different rooms she passed, not taking the time to explore or admire any of it. Hearing the clinks of cutlery and rumbles of conversation, she steeled herself as she casually strolled into the dining room.

All conversation ceased as everyone looked her way. “Good morning.” She greeted the room at large with a friendly smile. Not waiting for anyone to answer back she moved forward, seeing that the sideboard groaned with piles of food, she headed for it. She heard some muttered good mornings in reply, but most remained quiet. Making herself a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, and French toast, she poured herself a cup of coffee then settled in one of the empty plush chairs around the massive dining table. Looking around, she noticed that everyone was quietly staring at her, confoundedly.

“Everything okay?” she asked with brows raised. They nodded their heads collectively but still wore bemused expressions on their faces. No one actually picked their forks up to eat. Mentally shaking her head at their curious reaction, she took several bites of her food. A little rattled at the attention she was getting, she looked up and said in a firm voice, “Eat up everybody or I’ll think there is something wrong.” Immediately everyone on the table rushed to do her bidding, picking up their forks and shoving their food in their mouth, chewing fast.

Alex, what have you done now? Rance suddenly asked, startling her so much so that she jumped in her seat.

Nothing. Sheesh, why would you think that I did something differently? I’m eating my breakfast with the pack here in the dining room, she replied with irritation. Alex almost spilled her coffee in her lap when he used his mental hocus-pocus earlier.

Because I felt the surge of your Alpha power just now. You may not know it yet, but you and I are connected and every time either of us use our power, the other will feel it. So what did you do?

Scanning the pups around her, she was horrified that she may have inadvertently commanded them to eat. Watching intently, she noticed that their movements were a little jerky and panic was clearly evident on the younger ones’ faces.

Uh uhm, ah Rance, I just told everyone to start eating. They were all staring at me so I …. She trailed off when she heard Rance laughing through their bond. What do I do now? And stop laughing at me!

It’s just hilarious, he paused and tried to compose himself. Serves them right anyway for making you uncomfortable.

You know you are not helping me at all. Tell me how to stop this, she urgently bid him.

Just speak the word and use your Alpha voice, Rance replied with a hint of a smile in his tone.

What Alpha voice?! I have an “Alpha Voice”?I didn’t know I was doing anything differently. She was getting frustrated, it was her first day and she was giving the young pups a bad impression of her.

Calm down, Alex. Look inside yourself and grab hold of the power that’s in you. Focus and speak the words as you will it to happen. Trust me, it’s not that complicated.

Okay. She breathed in and focused inside her, feeling a simmering of power just under her skin, she grab a hold of it and pushed her will to subdue it, she then opened her mouth, “Everyone stop eating.”

The cessation of movements left the dining room eerily quiet. Jumping in she swiftly apologized to them, “I’m sorry if I forced you all to do my bidding. I was totally unaware that I used my Alpha power on you all.” She was flushed with embarrassment, but bravely pressed on, “I’m new to this shi…. erm, stuff, so pardon me if I keep making mistakes now and then.”

Some of the younger pups start giggling upon hearing their Regina apologize and almost curse at the same time. It broke the tension around the room and smiles split the faces around the huge table.

“We were just surprised that you came down for breakfast,” one of the male pups hastened to explain.

“Yeah. That’s why we were all staring at you,” another pup butted in. “Then you sat there,” he pointed at where she sat, “instead of the Alpha’s seat,” he pointed at the empty chairs at the head of the table.

“Does it really matter to you all where I sit?” She asked them, wanting to know what they really thought.

Everyone shook their head and cast their eyes down when she looked at them one by one.

“It’s settled then. When I’m by myself and join you, I sit wherever I want. But when your Alpha is with me I will sit with him at the head of the table. Go on and enjoy your meal.” This time she was careful not to use her Alpha voice, now that she knew the difference.

Starting on her own meal she smiled encouragingly at the ones who dared to meet her eyes. One by one they picked up their forks and resumed their meal. Slowly, the conversation around her restarted as the pups began to talk freely with each other. Some still cast curious glances her way but no one ventured to engage her in a conversation.  Ignoring everyone around her, she concentrated on appeasing her stomach. She planned to meet up with Rance and discuss ideas to catch the crazy shifters who were menacing them. Finishing her coffee, she stood up and picked up her plate and cup in preparation to taking it in the kitchen. A screeching of several chairs being pushed back alerted her of some pups standing up. Stopping in her tracks, she threw them a questioning glance.

“We’ll take that from here Regina,” several of them offered.  The tallest of them came and lightly grasped the dirty plate and cup she was holding.

“No, it’s fine. I can do it myself. There’s no need for you to bother,” she awkwardly replied.

“It’s our pleasure to serve you,” the tall boy insisted. Reluctantly she let go ofit. She did not want to start a tug of war after all.

“Thank you, -?” she smiled at the boy standing by her.

“Daniel, my Regina,” he answered, “and you’re very welcome.” He smiled winsomely at her upturned face.

“Oookay,” she said in a slightly sing-song voice. “I’ll be seeing you around then. Have a good one.” She had barely exited the room when she heard the explosion of conversation start.

“Wow she’s powerful,” one loud voice piped in.

“And did you see her vivid red hair?” another chirped out.

“She’s quite tiny…” a female voice drifted off.

Alex left them to their discussion. She was not bothered much since everyone was entitled to their own opinion. Once they get to know her better they’d find out that her size would not hinder her from performing her duties as their Regina. After all, big things can come in small packages. She whistled as she strode to Rance’s office.