Rox POV

The pack house is quiet this morning as I settle into my small office on the first floor, logging into my computer. Most of the pack staff is still waking up, and the chef is just starting in the kitchen.

The alpha, luna, beta, and higher rank warriors live here, along with some staff who help manage the place. Calling it a "pack house" feels wrong—it’s a sprawling mansion with over 20 bedrooms, multiple kitchens, and enough space to get lost in. Not that I’ve explored it. I’ve got enough to focus on.

I scan through emails and the calendar. There’s a big event coming up, and I need to meet with my team. Stacey handles catering, Jack manages tables and linens, and Amy takes care of décor. They’re the only ones I trust to execute my vision.

A notification pops up on my screen.

>> Alpha Jared: See me in my office.

I type a quick reply.

>> Rox: Right away, Alpha.

I make my way to his office, knocking lightly on the heavy oak door.

“Enter,” comes his gruff voice.

I step in. “Good morning, Alpha. You wanted to see me?”

“Yes. Have a seat.” He gestures toward the chair across from his desk.

“As you know, the Lycan King is visiting our pack for a month. I want everything to be flawless.”

I nod, listening intently as he continues.

“You’ll oversee his personal accommodations—ensure he has everything he needs and guide him where necessary during your work hours. I’ll provide an itinerary for his stay, and I trust you to manage it.”

“Understood,” I reply. “I’ll review the details with my team and handle everything down to the last detail.”

He leans back, a rare smile tugging at his lips.

“That’s why I’m putting you in charge. You’re my best employee, Rox. I appreciate your hard work. Let’s get through this month, and then we can all relax.”

“Thank you, Alpha.” I smile back. “I’ll finalize the schedule today and send it for your approval.”

“Good. Keep me updated.”

With that, I excuse myself and get to work.

I spend the morning meeting with the chef to plan a menu, the staff to discuss cleanliness, and finally, my core team.

“Alright, team,” I say, gathering them in the conference room. “The Lycan King and his entourage arrive in a week. This isn’t new for us—we’ve handled high-profile visits/events before. Stay calm, stay focused, and show them what we’re capable of.”

Stacey nods nervously, while Jack and Amy exchange uneasy looks. They’re scared, and I don’t blame them. Lycans are powerful and intimidating. But me? I’m more curious than anything.

“Ok Stacey, let’s start with catering. How’s the menu shaping up?” I ask.

 “I’ve got a draft ready, but… are we sure the King likes lamb? What if he’s more of a beef guy? Or worse—what if he’s vegan?” She responds, sarcasm creeping in.

Amy snorts, “A vegan Lycan King? That’s a plot twist I didn’t see coming.”

Smirking, I add, “Let’s stick to the classics. Prepare a variety, and we’ll make sure to get his preferences when they arrive.”

 “I’ve already got a list of tables and linens, but we’re short on gold trim. Do you think he’ll notice if we mix in silver?” Jack asks.

“Uh, yeah. Lycans are all about dominance. Gold says ‘power,’ silver says, ‘Hey, I’m an afterthought.’” Amy adds, already doing her research.

“She’s right. Jack, let’s order more gold trim today. No cutting corners on this.” I finalized.

Jack pouts and mutters under his breath, “I wasn’t cutting corners; I was being resourceful.”

 “Decor is under control, but I need to know—what’s the vibe? Are we going regal, mysterious, or full-on ‘we worship you, oh mighty King’?” Amy says, keeping the meeting going.

I start laughing, “Let’s go with regal. Subtle elegance. We don’t need to worship him; we just need to show respect.”

 “Speaking of respect, are we supposed to bow when he walks in? Like… how low do we go?” Stacey asks, adding another hint of sarcasm.

Jack immediately starts teasing her.  “Why not just lie flat on the floor? Make an impression.”

 “Focus, guys. Just be polite and professional. You won’t even need to interact much unless something goes wrong.” I cut his joke off.

Amy leans back in her chair, “Okay, real talk—what do Lycans even do for fun? Are we expected to host a karaoke night or something?”

I start grinning “Let’s hope not. I don’t think anyone here wants to hear a Lycan howl their way through a power ballad.”

“Speak for yourself. I’d pay to see that.” Stacey responds.

“You’re all insane. Can we get back to the plan before the Alpha decides we’re taking too long?” Jack chimes in.

“Good call. Let’s finish strong so we can all survive this visit.”

I finish outlining their responsibilities and remind them of the importance of the visit. By the time the meeting ends, the itinerary is finalized, and I send it off to the Alpha.

As I pack up for the day, Amy catches up with me.

“What are you doing tonight?” she asks, raising her brows suggestively.

“Going home and straight to bed,” I reply with a chuckle. “I overdid it today.”

She groans. “You’re such a homebody. You need to come out with me to the bar.”

“I will, eventually. Let me rest first.”

“Fine, but I’m holding you to that!” she calls as she heads to her car.

“Goodnight, Amy.” I wave, walking the opposite direction toward home.