"Sorry we're late," a familiar irritating voice calls from behind me. The sound grates on my nerves, making me roll my eyes back in frustration.

You have got to be kidding me!

Ryker and a similarly dressed older man sit on the other side of the table next to Mira. I don't miss how he never takes his eyes off of me with that same smirk he had before.

'I'm going to wipe that look off his face one of these days!' Ember growls. I'd be lying if I didn't say I was on board one hundred percent, but the first dinner is probably not the time to do it.

"Highness," the older gentleman greets with a quick bow. "I'm Aiden, Captain of the palace guards, and you've already met my second, Ryker."

There's a cheery demeanor to the seasoned veteran that catches me off guard. I had fully expected him to be more dour then Ryker, not Mr. Rogers.

"Given your surprise, I take it he hasn't left the best impression," Aiden chides, narrowing a sidelong glance at Ryker.

"Understatement," Jace coughs, earning glares and laughs.

"I'm afraid that's my fault," Aiden apologizes. "I sent him on a wild goose chase without much information when the bond was activated. He's not as bad as you may think."

''Cause that's reassuring,' Ember grumbles.

"After everything that's happened, I don't think any of us were in our best state," I mumble diplomatically.

As if by divine intervention, appetizers and salad are brought out along with soup. Immediately, I pick up on a scent from the soup that makes my stomach grumble in warning but the herb and cheese hot bread quickly catches my attention.

"Sorry we're late," Nex says, walking in with a surly Sara in tow and a scowling Henry. "Training went... over."

'Do I want to know?' I link Nex.

'Probably not, sufficient to say Sara and Henry aren't seeing eye to eye still,' he sighs. His tone warns me that there is a lot more to that story.

"So Highness, how are you liking the Palace so far?" Rebecca asks, her keen green eyes locked on me.

"Jess, just Jess please," I say, struggling to keep the whine out of my voice. "It's very big and... fancy."

'Fancy?' Sara scoffs.

'Shut it, peanut gallery. I was struggling with something nice to say!' I snap back.

The last thing I need is her adding to my negativity all night.

"It may be overwhelming at first but you'll get the hang of it in no time," Rebecca assures me, flashing me a smile.

"I'm just used to smaller, heck I was just getting used to Still Waters' pack house." I shrug, picking at my bread and hoping they move on soon.

"It was such a quaint pack, shame what happened to it," Leah adds in with an over-the-top level of concern.

"Quaint!?" Sara scoffs. "It was the second largest of the Principal five packs, with the largest mixed warrior base!"

Nex grabs her arm and tries to reel her in. His eyes cloud with that faraway look of link communication but the temper I feel boiling under the surface warns it's a lost cause.

"I will not relax!" She hisses at Nex, her dark eyes getting darker by the moment. "All they've done since we got here is talk shit about our pack and I'm tired of it!"

"Sara," Chris warns. His tone of voice doesn't match his energy though, he's strained with his own effort to hold his true opinions back.

"It's bullshit Chris!" She continues, unphased. "They sat on their asses and did NOTHING while we sacrificed and bled-"

"Are you going to control your pack member?" Barron asks, barely hiding his annoyance at her insult.

"My HEAD WARRIOR," Chris cuts in, stressing her title. "Has yet to be shown the respect she deserves!" He begins to tremble as his self control begins to crumble.

"I think this is being blown out of proportion," Barron backpedals under Chris' steely gaze.

"Is it?" Nex questions and locks his dark eyes on Barron's in challenge.

"This again," Henry grumbles, rolling his eyes and slouching back in his seat. Nex growls, shifting his angry gaze to the disrespectful male.

"Enough," Chris snarls, slamming his fist down on the table. A heavy silence falls over the table as nervous looks are exchanged.

"I have watched, tried to understand, and do things your way," Chris directs to Barron. "This is an adjustment for all of us, but I will not stand for any more hostility or disrespect, intentional or not!"

"If your pack has taken issues with how we run things-"

"Don't turn this on them," Jace growls.

Barron sighs, giving Jace a hard look. His energy catches me off guard, underneath that gruff annoyed exterior, he's empty and tired. Suddenly, I find myself doubting the entire room's dynamic and worrying that's Chris' future, which terrifies me.

'Something's off,' I warn Chris, unsure of what exactly feels off. When he doesn't respond, I reach out, laying my hand on his and catching his attention.

Tension makes the table uncomfortable, their mates exchange worried glances while the males all look to Barron, unsure of how to proceed. Eventually, Chris takes a seat with a sigh and Barron also relaxes, easing the oppressive energy at the table... slightly.

"So... Jenna was saying how excited she was to take you around the city," Merrick says, breaking the silence.

"Oh?" I mumble, shifting my attention to the woman seated beside him. Unlike Rebecca and Leah, her energy is much quieter. Blonde hair and brown eyes, she's also the youngest of the mates and based on how the other two chat so closely, I get the feeling she's the third wheel or outsider.

'And an Omega I'd wager,' Ember pipes up, taking the most interest in her.

"Yeah, I mean if you want, but I'm sure you've got a bunch on your plate already..." she trails off with a sad smile, already accepting defeat. Merrick reaches over and gives her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Actually, a guide would be great. I really am quite lost," I admit. Her expression instantly lifts as a smile spreads over her lips.

"If you'd like to see the city, we'd be more then happy to show you," Rebecca offers, gesturing to Leah. Once again Jenna's face falls, like someone's snatched the cookie from her hand.

"They do know the best spots..." Jenna trails off.

'Catty fuckers,' Ember growls.

"The more the merrier, right?" I say, locking eyes with Jenna, making my intentions clear she would be coming too.

"Sure..." Leah reluctantly agrees, turning her blue gaze to Rebecca.

"We were just talking about checking everything out. Most of my wardrobe was lost so I'm sorely lacking on clothes. Mira and Chloe wanted to shop too," I offer and see their smiles falter.

"We were hoping for some one on one time to get to know you better," Rebecca presses on.

"I can go with you another time," Mira agrees, turning her attention once more to the bread on her plate.

"That's stupid," I cut in giving Mira a hard look.

'Let it go...' Mira links in defeat. 'I told you, wolves and witches don't mix.'

'They will learn or I won't be spending any time with them... big loss,' I reply sarcastically.

"I'm in," Sara says with a crooked grin. "Tomorrow morning? Everyone's doing prep for the weekend rank challenge."

"Sounds good, ladies?" I say putting the ball in their court.

"Hmm," Rebecca pauses, bringing a finger to her lips in thought. "I'm afraid we've got work in the morning... next time though..."

'Sure they do,' Sara drawls.

"Jenna?" I ask, turning my attention to the timid blond. Her eyes widen in surprise, clearly not having expected the invitation. She looks to her mate who smiles and nods in encouragement.

"I'd love to! If it's no trouble?" She replies, shifting her gaze between Sara, Mira, and myself.

"None at all," I say with a smile.

'I have no idea what is said about us, but I assure you we're not that bad,' I tease linking Jenna directly.

'Oh it's not that, it's just...' Jenna trails off with a blush, struggling to put her thoughts into words.

'How bad can we be?' I ask in jest but her eyes go wide before she realizes I meant it as a joke.

'Are you done with your chess game yet?' Chris chides, struggling to suppress a smile.

I just roll my eyes at him, annoyed at how amused he is at me trying to be diplomatic.

He of all people should know how unappealing this is to me and yet, literally for the sake of the kingdom, I'm trying to play nice with the catty reigning bitches... totally not my style.

Before I can make a smartass reply, carts are rolled in carrying the next course. My stomach growls as the smoky savoury smell of barbecued beef hits me. Platter after platter is set down, including a mountain of brisket in front of me.

The rest of the feast is no less impressive, with grilled veggie kebabs, some sort of bacon bit and cheese topped mashed potato casserole, caramelized onions and mushrooms, and smoked chicken wings that were thankfully placed at the other end form me.

Chris wastes no time putting a hearty portion of beef on my plate before dishing his out. While he's occupied, I scoop out some potatoes for both of us and in no time our plates are loaded.

Chloe takes the opportunity for small talk with Jenna and slowly the table fills up with easy chatter. The increased distraction lifts a weight off my shoulders and lets me relax and just enjoy dinner.

"My compliments to the chef," I murmur absentmindedly, enjoying the feast.

"You're too kind, Highness," the elderly gentleman from before in the kitchen says. His presence off to the side catches me off guard and makes my cheeks heat instantly.

"This is the best brisket I've ever had," I add, seeing the man visibly swell under my complement. Several others join in around the table offering their praise.

"Is there anything else we can offer tonight?" He asks, scanning around the table. After mumbling and head shakes, Chis thanks and dismisses the man.

"That's another thing to consider, you'll need a new head cook," Evans offers, gesturing to the kitchen with his head.

"A new one?" I ask, not understanding.

"Gustave has been wanting to retire for quite some time, but has stayed on in hopes of meeting the next royal family," Merrick offers. "But he says that he's tired and ready to spend time with his daughter's pack."

"So would Claire take over?" I ask Chris, unsure of how the pack blending and positions work.

"She did run the show back home," he muses, rubbing his chin.

"Claire? Your Delta female Claire?" Rebecca clarifies in a skeptical tone.

"Yeah, I mean obviously not now, but later when she's up to it," I specify.

"But she'll be busy being a mother?" Leah asks, confusion clear in her blue eyes.

"Well yeah... but she's not glued to the crib," I mumble.

"I guess I just assumed she'd get started on her next pup and grow her family," she replies.

"It hasn't been the easiest pregnancy for her," I grumble. "I imagine they may just want to take some time with the three of them and be a family."

Poor Claire is once again on bed rest nearing the end of her pregnancy. Doc wants her to go as close to full term as possible but her body is tired, leaving her exhausted and at risk. Xavier, being the saint he is, has barely left her side.

"I imagine you'll be wanting to start a family soon," Rebecca adds, looking between me and Chris.

"We already have," Chris growls looking at the woman. My heart drops as I realize he's changed his mind and is going to bring my pregnancy up already.