NatalieI winced as the cook's shrill voice cut through the noisy kitchen."Useless fool, you call this slop fit to serve the pack warriors? Taste it yourself and tell me!" Before the trembling young slave boy could obey, she seized a ladle of the thin vegetable stew and flung it violently at him. He cried out as the scalding liquid splattered his face and chest. My gut clenched in sympathy.The boy, Lucas, was an orphan newcomer barely twelve years old. Already the cook had seized upon him for the worst abuses, calling him stupid and worthless daily. My hands balled into fists, old anger rising.As the boy hunched sobbing against the wall, arms raised futilely to protect himself, something in me snapped. Before I could reconsider, I was across the room pushing past the startled cook to stand between her and Lucas. Planting my feet, I turned to face her slowly. The entire kitchen had fallen silent, all eyes riveted on us."Enough." My voice was hoarse but steady. "No more. This ends

Natalie"Everyday looks like a freaking nightmare." I mumbled.I winced as the heavy pail sloshed, soaking my legs with frigid wash water. Laundry duty was the worst chore, leaving my hands pruned and numb for hours. But I bit back complaints - there were far worse ways to suffer here.Around me other slaves scrubbed uniforms and bedding, sending up clouds of soap and steam in the cramped wash house. I kept my head down, working diligently. The mood had been uneasy lately, with guarded looks and whispered gossip trailing me in the halls. Ever since Lucas and Leo's odd friendship kindled public speculation about my own potential ties to that Alpha, the other slaves regarded me with suspicion. As if I had any choice in attracting their fickle interests.Mary believed resentment also played a role. "You are seen as ungrateful, enjoying favor from two powerful wolves while the rest suffer," she had warned. "Tread carefully, Natalia. Jealousy drives people to foolish acts."I knew the tru

NatalieI winced as the heavy oak door creaked loudly in the silence of the deserted corridor. The main palace was still, most of its inhabitants already retired for the night. As a lowly kitchen slave, I was rarely permitted access to these opulent upper levels, reserved for the pack's nobility. But one of the fine rugs in the guest wing's main sitting room had been stained earlier today, and the head housekeeper insisted it be washed immediately to avoid offence. So as the most junior servant, the unpleasant task of scrubbing out the large rug in the dead of night inevitably fell to me. At least the silence and solitude was a respite from the chaotic confines of the kitchens.I didn't mind the tedious labor or late hour. It was a stroke of luck not to encounter any disapproving guards on my long trek here from the servants' wing. My pulse had only just settled to a normal rhythm after sneaking up several concealed back staircases.Some instinct prompted me to scan the seemingly de

DamianI rose with the sun as was my habit, determined to get a head start on the day's work before the rest of the pack stirred. There were always endless new matters requiring my attention and mediation as Alpha-in-training. But I welcomed the demands and responsibilities as affirmation of my leadership duties. After a light breakfast, I reviewed various administrative reports and drafts of new legislation in my private study. One proposition in particular held promise - guidelines protecting indentured servants from unwarranted abuse and allowing them to earn eventual freedom through years of loyal service. It would be controversial with traditional pack members, but seemed a fair compromise to me. The old ways served us well enough, but thoughtful change was warranted at times.I made notes on the draft to present before the council later, satisfied with the morning's progress. But there was scarce time to rest on laurels. Lunch with dignitaries from the Longclaw pack awaited th

DamianI stormed down the empty palace corridor, fists clenched tight with outrage I could no longer contain. The day's endless vexations had finally tipped me over the edge into a rare open temper. That a palace slave would dare attempt to serve me dumplings, knowing full well I detested them since childhood, was beyond incompetent. It was a targeted insult, though I could not fathom the cause.Either way, such insubordination could not stand unanswered. There were protocols in place for dealing with recalcitrant servants who overstepped boundaries. I would see them enforced to the letter, and find the root of this affront.Bursting into the administrative wing, I sent for my assistant Kyle and began pacing as I awaited him. "How dare she."Speculation roiled in my mind. Surely the girl Natalia was not foolish enough to attempt such blatant sabotage. She seemed flighty at times, but not malicious."Why? Why would she it is clearly in my meal timetable." Which meant someone else wa