Lydia's POV:

My reflection came into view as I rubbed the warm towel over my face.

Luka had offered me full access to everything that he had in his bathroom as he prepared a breakfast he assured that he would like.

I guess in a way I was expectant for whatever he was preparing.

I don't think I've met a man that could cook.

Or maybe I should say that could cook well.

I rubbed the towel against my cheeks before rinsing it, wringing it out, then hanging it on the hook that sat beside the sink.

Turning the single nob, I watched as the stream of water slowly die down to a drip before it ceased entirely.

Apparently werewolves were more... advanced in certain things than my village was.

My father had dabbled and partially succeeded in a way to provide running water within our house, but he hadn't yet gotten to the point where we could control the temperature.

That and the multiple appliances in the kitchen, mixed with the interesting use of electricity.

Who knows what else I would discover if anything.

My curiosity was getting the best of me, but I guess if I was going to be here for a month or so, I'd have enough time to figure everything out.

I looked over myself once more before heading through the door, into Luka's room.

As soon as I stepped out of his room, a heavenly smell overcame me when I inhaled, and the sound of something hissing over a flame graced my ears.

Which caused my stomach to growl and my mouth to water, the realization that I didn't eat at all the previous day finally catching up to me.

The smell was vaguely familiar, but I couldn't quite place it.

My steps were quicker as I headed down the stairs, trying to spot him as quickly as I could.

He looked to be carefully scooping whatever he had just cooked onto a plate, joining it with two other components that were already on it.

"What's that smell?" I asked, needing to place it as quickly as I could.

He glanced up at me with a small grin.

"Perfect timing," He began, "And I'm guessing you're referring to the garlic?"

My eyes bulged.

"Garlic? Isn't that stuff like crazy expensive?"

He cocked a brow as he turned to face me fully, a single plate in hand.

"Not really. We actually grow it here, but do trade it for a hefty price." he shrugged, "Humans seem to love it, and I'm hoping you do too,"

I nodded, "I've only had it so many times, but I remember it fondly."

Dad would only be able to get his hands on it for special occasions.

That along with all sorts of different herbs and spices.

"Well," He motioned with his head for me to follow, "Come eat then."

I followed behind him towards the six-seated table on the other side of the kitchen, watching him set the plate down in front of the chair that sat at the head of it.

The placement was already set with silverware and now I finally got a good glimpse at what he had made.

Two eggs cooked to perfection, a nice pile of bite-sized potatoes cooked with the Garlic and what looked and smelled like rosemary and a thick slice of toasted bread topped with an orange jelly.

It looked absolutely amazing, but did it taste good?

Honestly, I couldn't wait to find out.

The sound of him pulling back the chair caused me to look back at him.

"Are you not eating?" I asked as he sat in the chair on the right side of the table.

He shook his head, "I woke up a while ago and already ate."

"Oh." I sat in the chair in front of the food, the sudden awkwardness of him just watching me eat creeping in.

Although my current hunger and overall desire to inhale this food was convincing me that I would quickly get over it.

That fact became even more clear as I sunk my fork into one of the cubed potatoes and brought it into my mouth.

I think I felt myself overall physically relax as the flavors completely surpassed my expectations.

A very satisfied hum came with my next exhale, causing the man beside me to snicker quietly.

"Holy shit this is amazing," I quietly admitted.

I looked back towards him in time to notice that his eyes crinkled when he laughed.

It did something weird to my heart.

"I appreciate that, and there's much more where that came from while you're here," He assured, "As for right now, however, I have a couple of things to accomplish later today, but I'll be happy to discuss whatever you'd like while you eat."

I just nodded a response due to the food in my mouth.

He did promise me answers and just one quick look at this place rose a whole lot of questions.

With a quick swallow, I asked the first question that popped into my mind.

"What is this place?"

He gave a small nod.

"It depends on whos asking. To the traders and humans that pass by, it's known as the Hyvern Village, and to those who live here, it's known as the Lovota pack."

I blinked at him for a moment at the slight familiarity.

"Lovota as in your last name?"

"That is correct," He responded simply.

I lifted the toast up to my lips.

"So does that make your family in charge of this place?" I asked before taking a bite.

Sweet Jesus everything on this plate was too good to be true.

"It makes me in charge, yes. Or more commonly called the Alpha."

Every movement of mine paused at his words.

Both because of the position of power he apparently had, and because I had kept the alpha of a werewolf pack in a cage.

Seconds later I realized another feeling hit me at this information.

It was like half of my brain was actually immensely pleased by this, that feeling mixing with the tingling in my chest.

"O-oh," I sputtered, eyes suddenly looking down at the table as an odd sense of nervousness filled the other half of my brain.

It was a weird combination.

Thinking back on all our previous encounters, he never really seemed like someone in a position of power.

Or I guess didn't act the same as others that I've met in my life.

Maybe for werewolves, it was different?

Still, as a guest here I wanted to make sure that I wasn't being disrespectful in any way.

"It's beautiful here," I spoke honestly, partially trying to get rid of this new awkwardness that I was feeling "I only saw a little bit through the window, but even the view from there was breathtaking."

"Thank you," the sound of his voice seemed to involuntarily cause me to look at him again, that warm look in his eyes causing me to forget about that short termed nervousness entirely.

This was way too weird.

He continued, "I planned on showing you around myself, but I have to oversee something soon, so I asked a friend of mine to step in. I hope that's okay?"

I nodded, "That's fine. Who is it?"

I really just wanted to get their name before they showed up.

Meeting new people wasn't really something that excelled at, but knew enough already to tell that Humans and Werewolves did things differently.

And despite the fact that I never really cared about these sorts of things before I met him, I wanted to make a good first impression on the people here.

"Her name is Eren. She's my beta's mate. Her father was my dad's beta so we've been friends for a very long time."

Alpha and beta... just like a normal wolf hierarchy...

There was a hopeful tone in his voice at his next words, "I spoke to her this morning and she's very excited to meet you."

I was expecting to be nervous from that last statement, but strangely I found a tinge of excitement myself.

"Ok sweet. And uh, just to make sure, as the Alpha do people usually address you as such? and should I?"

I just wanted to make sure.

I was raised reading about tons of different cultures and didn't want to impose on this one.

Especially since I was currently living in his house and sleeping in his bed.

An odd expression crossed his face, almost like the thought of such made him uncomfortable.

"I would highly prefer it if you didn't. To me, it's a position that I take great care in more than a title I'm entitled to. Many people here address me as such out of formality, but as my mate, I'd be a lot happier with just Luka."

I nodded, partially relieved.

He didn't seem at all like the rulers I've seen or read about.

"Ok. Is now a good time to ask you to explain this whole mate thing?"

He gave a quick glance to the ticking clock behind him.

"Yeah. I've got time," He looked back towards me, "I'm guessing you'd like the longer explanation opposed to the shorter one?"

It seems like he's already caught on to the fact that I liked hearing the details.

"Please."