Primitive Instincts *revised*

Better Late Then Never

I had awoken the next morning in the same overstuffed reading lounge. A blanket was tucked around me no doubt the cause of Louisa.

My mood still gloomy from the confrontation the night before. It took extra effort to sit up and not be tempted to go back to sleep.

I wandered downstairs to the kitchen that was now alive with staff preparing breakfast this morning.

I saw Louisa at the head of it all like the captain of well oiled locomotive. She was so completely enwrapped in her work she hadn't even notice as I entered and sat on my usually stool at the island.

"Louisa." I called out, chuckling to myself.

She snapped around momentarily startled, then recovered smiling brightly at me. Her weathered skin crinkling at the creases of her face.

"Yes, dear?" She sang as she got to work whipping what looked to be eggs.

Looking around at all the hustling I wondered what was the big fuss. Breakfast never usually looked this way, and certainly never needed this many people let alone food.

"What's all this about?" I motioned around at the cooking staff who bustled from pot to pan and oven to fryer.

I smirked and raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me this is all for me?" I joked. "Louisa, if you wanted me to visit more all you have to do is ask."

Louisa snorted and grinned at me. "Of course you'd think something like that, you smart-aleck."

I shrugged and giggled, but then waited patiently for her to tell me the real reason.

"The Red Druid pack's party is arriving this morning and your mother has requested for the kitchen make breakfast for everyone." She stated, busily mixing in chives, peppers, and cheese into the egg mixture.

I'd forgotten about the Red Druids' arrival today, though I had believed they wouldn't have arrived until early afternoon.

Today we'd play host for one of the deadliest packs in the world. I'm sure everyone was on edge at the idea of the visitors.

Looking up at Louisa I noticed the anxiety written across her face. I realized how stressful this probably was for her, fearing that the dreaded shadow alpha might turn his nose up at her food.

"I'm sure everything will be delicious like always." I try to comfort Louisa, giving her a soft compassionate look.

Her worried expression lightens slightly. "Oh dear, bless your heart." She reaches for my hand and gives it a quick squeeze. "Will you be eating breakfast too then?"

"No, no. I'll have to head back to my cabin if I want to make the gathering in time tonight." I said snatching a banana off the counter before hopping down from my stool.

"Oh, okay love. See you tonight then." Louise nodded and then returned to her work.

I really actually had time to stay and have breakfast. My cabin was distant, practically on the edge of our territory, but it wasn't far enough that I couldn't make it there and back in time for tonight.

The real reason I didn't want to stay was because I did not want to eat with the Red Druid pack present. The thought made me feel queasy.

I made my way to the front entrance of the pack, finishing up my banana, when I suddenly heard the front door swing open and the sound of voices and footsteps.

Just before I rounded the corner I halted dead in my tracks, only leaning forward to peak at the foyer.

I spotted Alpha Bruno, my mother, Finney, and a couple of the pack's council smiling at the strangers who filled the room.