Emma pov

　　The Night Howlers Pack doctor conducts a few more tests on Ava just to make sure she's okay. I don't leave her side for a single second. My joy is immense in a way that I can't describe.

　　"I suggest you talk to Alpha Matthew about Miss Ava's new condition. For now, there are no signs of new blackouts or fainting spells, but I would like to observe her for a few more days if possible. I recommend getting Alpha Matthew's authorization for her to stay here. I know very well that she is Alpha Tim Davis's daughter, and that can be complicated between the packs after the incident that occurred some time ago," the doctor speaks with a voice laden with concern.

　　"Thank you for the assessment, doctor. I will talk to Alpha Matthew about all the issues you pointed out. But I am already very happy with my best friend waking up," I inform excitedly, and the doctor nods, allowing us to leave the nursing area.

　　"Is there anywhere to eat here? I'm starving!" Ava asks, putting her hand on her stomach and making a hungry face that makes me laugh.

　　"Yes, I'll show you the packhouse cafeteria! We've passed lunchtime, but Steve certainly won't mind preparing something for us to eat," I declare excitedly, leading Ava to the other side of the Night Howlers Pack territory.

　　We pass by the outdoor training area, and I notice Thalia training with some other warriors. I wave to her, and the young warrior waves back. "That's Thalia, a badass warrior of the pack. She's amazing, I need to train with her someday," I mention to Ava, who looks at my colleague with excited eyes. "Oh, you also need to meet Gaya, she's wonderful! I think she'll be with Steve in the kitchen!" I comment enthusiastically, pulling Ava by the arm, hastening our arrival at the packhouse cafeteria.

　　The cafeteria is empty as I imagined it would be at this time, but the smell of food hasn't gone away. In fact, it's more pronounced than ever. With fewer werewolves circulating among the tables and buffet area, I can better observe the cafeteria. It's a huge space, almost like a school gymnasium, with dark wooden benches, identical to the tables. On the right side of the cafeteria, a wall is completely taken up by windows, from floor to ceiling, allowing light to enter the entire room, as well as a beautiful view of the lawn for outdoor training. On the opposite side, the left, are rows of buffets, occupying the entire left wall, the sides forming a huge 'U', the kitchen is on the other wall, with a beautiful pantry adorned with the menus of the day and specials prepared on sporadic days.

　　I go with Ava to the kitchen, where the smell is coming from wonderfully, making even my stomach growl. For the past two days, I had barely eaten, just lived on water and some crackers that Charlotte brought me before and after school.

　　I hear the sounds of pots and voices talking, and I can quickly identify Gaya and Steve's voices. "Pass me the chopped onions, Gaya, along with the tomatoes, please!"

　　I lean my crossed arms on the counter of the pantry and release a whistling tune, making Steve and Gaya turn in synchronized motion in my direction. "EMMA!" they both yell my name with happiness, and I open a wide smile at that.

　　"I came here to bother you a little and introduce my best friend... Ava!" I declare excitedly and turn my body to show Ava. My best friend is shy, but she smiles when Gaya and Steve greet her.

　　"The famous Ava! Emma talked a lot about you in the past few months, well... she really talked a lot! I already feel like I've known you for years," Gaya comments humorously, making me laugh. "I'm so happy to see that you're alive. It was very sad to witness Emma's loss, she was devastated by the whole situation."

　　I lower my head upon hearing those words, the sadness wants to come back, but I don't allow it. All that pain is in the past. The mourning is over.

　　"We wanted to see if there's something delicious for us to eat?" I ask, quickly changing the subject.

　　"But of course we do. We're already starting to prepare dinner, but we can make something special for you two, feel free!" Steve declares enthusiastically.

　　We spend the rest of the afternoon with Steve and Gaya. Ava loosens up more after some conversations and jokes. We even dare to enter the kitchen and help with the preparations of some food. In the end, Steve prepared a delicious spaghetti with meatballs that made me go for seconds twice.

　　"Look, you guys are gods in this kitchen, really!" Ava declares after finishing the last bite of the succulent meat. Steve makes a small bow at the compliment.

　　I look out the window and notice that the sun is already setting, soon the preparations for the werewolves' meal will begin. "Ava, we need to talk to Matthew before it gets much later," I comment thoughtfully, and Ava nods. "Thank you very much for the spaghetti, guys. It was indeed amazing. I loved helping you a bit, even though I must have more hindered than helped," I joke, making all of us laugh.