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“Of course, Mistress.”
“Can I just be Simone? My mother was always mistress, and she was never really part of the vineyard. I love growing grapes and making wine. I hope I can find a place where I can help and be an integral part of the pack.”
“That would be lovely. Nancy is on her way.”
“Thanks.”
As she set the phone down, there was a knock on the door as Nancy poked her head in. “Mrs. Perkins said you wanted to see me?”
“Yes. Could I get your help with my hair? I loved that French braid you did, and I’ve never been clever that way.”
“But of course, Mistress.”
“Simone, please?”
Nancy’s smile brightened even more if that was possible. “Of course, Simone. Should I move your things out of the guest quarters?”
“I’m not an invalid…”
“Of course not, but both Mrs. Perkins and the alpha said I was to help you in any way.”
Simone reached out and squeezed her arm. “That would be really nice. I would think in the next week or so, the rest of my things will be coming, and I’ll need help getting them organized.”
“It would be my pleasure. And I overheard the alpha say that if you wanted to change anything in the main suite or anywhere else, you were to get what you want.”
Simone laughed. “He has no idea how expensive that could be.”
After throwing on leggings, one of Mischa’s gorgeous sweaters and a pair of hiking boots, she sat down and let Nancy braid her hair while she added minimal makeup to her face.
“Let’s go join the others, shall we?”
Nancy fell in behind her as Simone trotted down the stairs. She stopped at the entry into the dining hall, took a deep breath, put a smile on her face and entered the room, stopping to talk to people as she made her way to the buffet. It was laid out with an amazing array of various foods, all of which smelled delicious.
After filling her plate, she walked to the alpha’s table where Valentin had been sitting. He stood up and held her chair as she sat down.
“Thank you, Valentin. I wanted to apologize for my behavior yesterday. I think all of it—becoming Mischa’s mate, coming to America—just hit me and I’m afraid I didn’t cope well.”
“It’s understandable.”
“Maybe, but it wasn’t fair, and I’m not very proud of myself. I’ve lived a rather sheltered life in many ways and my father’s pack is far more rigid in terms of its hierarchy. I think I’ll be very happy here.”
“I wish I had better news about the dress and Nicole—she’s a big event planner in Kodiak—said to tell you it isn’t about your size as opposed to anyone who isn’t a size two or zero. But she thinks she may have a lead on something.”
“That is so kind of her and you, especially after the way I treated you. I hope you and I can be friends. I think being alpha can be a heavy burden and I’m hopeful between us we can help Mischa with that load.”
“I think our alpha has chosen his mate wisely. I have heard you are the real talent behind the success of your father’s vineyard. I talked to Mischa, and he is amenable to you becoming an active part of making the wine. Honestly, it isn’t my strength. I’m good at growing the suckers and keeping us running in the black—although I have help with both—my palate is not too bad, but my nose is only fair.”
“I’ve never had ice wine, so I’d like to taste ours and then scope out the competition.”
Valentin grinned at her. “Do I detect a spark of competitive spirit?”
“You do, indeed. My mother always said it wasn’t ladylike.”
“I think you’ll find we Alaskans like to be the best at whatever we do.”
“I’m willing to roll up my sleeves…” she looked down at the sweater she was wearing, “…or in this case, push them up—and get my hands dirty.”
She spent far longer at breakfast than she’d thought she would have. The people in her new pack were friendly and eager to welcome her. Several times she felt anxious, but she controlled her response and reminded herself that if she had anything to fear from these people, Mischa would never have left her to face them alone.
