The dining hall was bright and warm, the long table dressed in pale linen and set with more dishes than Jessica could count. The smell of fresh bread, eggs, and coffee drifted through the room, making her stomach murmur in appreciation.
Everyone was settling into their seats, as Angelica moved along the table like a general reviewing her troops, directing plates and serving spoons.
"Now. Jessica, darling, this is Tan. Kai's elder brother." She set a plate down. "He is the former Alpha of this pack. He runs the administrative side of the pack, which means he does all the boring parts and lets everybody else have the glory, and he will absolutely not thank me for saying so."
Tan inclined his head.
"Hello," Jessica said.
"And this is Odelia, who is Jessica's friend from Aethelwulf, and who I'm told is very good with people."
Odelia offered a small wave, her cheeks flushing under the attention.
