The Wrong Brother's Temptation novel Chapter 142

12:54 Sat, Aug 1

Chapter 142

Chapter 142

Sienna

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I headed to the kitchen to check on the preparations, mostly so I wouldn’t have to stand in the hallway replaying the conversation with Connor on loop.

The second I pushed through the swinging doors, a wave of mouth-watering scents hit me so hard my stomach growled like a betrayed wolf.

The kitchen was chaotic in the best possible way. Maria’s team moved efficiently and the entire kitchen was bathed in the warm glow of hanging copper pots.

A massive pot of creamy wild mushroom soup simmered on the left burner, flecks of thyme floating on the surface. Next to it, a whole roasted venison rested under a glossy red-wine reduction, the meat so tender it looked ready to fall apart at the mere thought of a knife. On the long stainless-steel counter, trays of pan seared chicken breasts stood in a line. There were baskets of still-warm apple pies and a variety of dishes I didn’t know the names of.

Maria caught me staring like a starving orphan and immediately ladled a small portion of the mushroom soup into a tasting spoon.

“Here, child. Taste before you faint.”

I was allowed to taste to check if the food was prepared right so I didn’t immediately say no.

The first sip was heavenly with a rich, earthy flavor and just enough cream to make it sinful.

I closed my eyes for half a second, and appreciated the flavors.

“Its delicious”

Maria quickly put a ladlefull of soup in a small bowl and handed it to me.

“Here, have it”

But I forced myself to shake my head even as my mouth salivated at the sight of the soup.

“I can’t. The elders eat first as per the pack tradition.”

Maria snorted so hard the spoon nearly flew out of her hand.

“It is a stupid rule in my opinion. Food should go to whoever’s hungry, not whoever’s oldest and crankiest. Besides, you look like you’re about to fall over.”

I was feeling a little lightheaded but not because of an empty stomach. Alpha Asher’s words, followed by Connor’s and finally mixed with Jane’s were a bad cocktail for my already overloaded brain.

“Rules are rules,” I said, even though my stomach staged a full protest.

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Chapter 142

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I wiped my hands on a clean apron and started helping the servers instead. I adjusted the placement of the crystal salt shakers three times before I was satisfied. If I couldn’t control the succession drama, I could at least control the table settings.

By the time the first dinner bell rang, the dining hall looked like something out of a royal banquet.

I had chosen a simple arrangement this time. The long dinner table was draped in deep emerald linen, and silverware was gleaming on top of it.

I checked the placement of dishes and cutlery once again and behind me I heard the sound of footsteps.

Alpha Asher and Luna Lydia approached the table but instead of taking their seats, they stood patiently by the chairs, awaiting the elders’ arrival.

I stayed near the sideboard, carefully not looking at Alpha Asher. Every time his gaze drifted toward me I felt the word corruption crawl back under my skin.

Luna Lydia smiled at me and I smiled back at her but other than that we all waited in silence.

“There they are,” Alpha Asher said and we all looked up at the grand staircase.

Elder Johanson insisted on using the stairs out of pure stubborn pride but Elder Kosta gave the reason of a sore knee and rushed to the elevator, ignoring the disgruntled look on Elder Johanson’s face.

Sandra arrived exactly on cue, floating down the last steps in a new midnight-blue gown that shimmered under the chandeliers.

Her hair was swept up in an elegant twist that must have taken two stylists and a small miracle. She beamed at Elder Johanson like he was the most fascinating man alive.

“Elder Johanson, you look so distinguished tonight,” she cooed, linking her arm through his as if they were old friends. “I was just telling Luna Lydia in the morning how much I admire your wisdom.”

Elder Johanson’s chest puffed up. “At least someone in this generation understands respect.”

They all reached the table and alpha Asher gestured grandly to the elaborate setup. “Please, everyone, take

your seats.”

Elder Johanson’s eyes swept the length of the table and landed on me like a laser. “And where, exactly, is my chair?”

I kept my voice sweet and even. “You’re free to choose any seat you like, Elder Johanson. We wanted everyone to be comfortable tonight as it is not a formal dinner.”

His face reddened upon hearing my line. “Comfortable? The eldest of the pack sits at the Alpha’s right hand. not wherever the fancy strikes him! Have you no knowledge of werewolf culture at all? This is basic protocol. Basic respect.”

The entire table went quiet and I felt the weight of twenty pairs of eyes on me. Heat crawled up my neck and my fingers tightened around the napkin until my knuckles went white.

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Chapter 142

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I kept my spine straight and my mouth shut yet again.

Meanwhile, Sandra stepped in like a heroine rescuing a drowning kitten. “Oh, Elder, please don’t be upset. Sienna is still learning. Why don’t we focus on the wonderful menu I curated for tonight? I spent days planning every dish to honor our traditions.”

I nearly choked at that. She hadn’t set foot in the kitchen once, either last night or tonight. I doubt she even knew who the head cook was.

My jaw clenched so hard it ached, but I forced my face to stay blank. The scent of the roasted venison suddenly felt too rich, almost cloying

Elder Kosta raised a curious brow upon hearing her words.

“I thought you and Elder Johanson were supposed to go out this afternoon for a city tour. What happened to those plans?”

Sandra’s smile flickered for half a second before she recovered.

“Aaron was buried in pack work and trying to help alpha Asher so I thought it was best not to disturb him. I am sure Elder Johanson would forgive him for it. Duty comes first in this pack. He insisted I stay and help with the dinner arrangements instead.”

Elder Johanson didn’t seem all too pleased with the answer but smiled at her nonetheless.

Alpha Asher cleared his throat, bringing everybody’s attention back to food. “Let’s all settle down before the food gets cold.”

Servants rushed forward to pull back the chairs while Sandra smoothly guided Elder Johanson to the seat on Asher’s left while Luna Lydia took the right.

Alpha Asher claimed the corner seat because he was the current alpha and that seat was reserved for him.

“The choice of decor and flowers tonight is soft and pleasing tonight”

Elder Johanson looked extremely pleased with the arrangement and threw me another pointed glance that basically said this is how it’s done. He believed Sandra had done it all and I let it slide again, focussing on getting the food served instead.

Luna Lydia looked at the elders and asked. “Hope you all have settled in comfortably in your rooms. If anything is missing, please feel free to call me or Sienna. She hasn’t even visited her home and is diligently working for this pack.”

I gave her a small nod but Sandra’s face fell a little.

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