Lacey ran into the kitchen just as quickly as she could and Chef Mastrano was standing there. He was smiling when he first saw her, but his smile quickly faded when he saw the look on Lacey's face.

"Alpha Queen...." The chef guided her to a nearby chair. "You don't look well. Are you okay?"

Lacey sat and placed a hand to her head, taking a moment to catch her breath, calm her heart, and stop her hands from shaking. "Thank you. I'm so sorry—"

"No. Do not apologize," Chef ...