Page 25 of The Wolf and His Forbidden Witch
She clutched the file folder more tightly. That’s the only thing she should concentrate on—presenting the Franconia pack’s offer and convincing the other pack to agree to a settlement.
The mountain breeze picked up, so different from what she was used to with living near the sea where she could taste the tang of salt on her tongue. Here, the forests imbued the air with the scent of pine. She zipped her jacket up to her chin, but still that wind cut through.
Aurora called on Zephyr, the goddess of the west wind, and asked her to provide warmth. Vibrant energy stirred in the horizon beneath the setting sun. It traveled over to Aurora, swirling around her with a mild heat, like that cast from a fireplace.
During the remainder of her trek to the Sacco meeting lodge, she repeated her mantra and visualized this meeting being a success. She pictured Kane and Lars being elated by the offer and signing the document. Then she could go back to Grayson, celebrate the good news, and then…
And then what?
Right, what happened then? Would he thank her for her services or invite her to remain through the weekend? Would they be able to spend a few more magical days together before she returned to Salem?
What happened once she returned home? Was there any way a wolf shifter who lived with his pack in the mountains and a witch who lived on the coast in another state could have a chance at a relationship?
It didn’t matter because none of what she envisioned for success happened.
Kane swore as he reviewed the proposal in the meeting lodge. “What are we going to do with this land? This is horse shit.” He pushed the proposal across a wooden table back toward her.
Horse shit? What was he talking about? “I don’t understand,” she replied. “It’s a very generous offer. The land is comparable to your territory now, plus it has access to the stream. In fact, it doubles the size of your lands.”
“In another location.” Kane snorted. “How would it be beneficial to split the pack into two territories?”
Oh, toad’s woes. These wolves were as easy to work with as wrestling a bow tie on a black cat. “That is the only feasible way at this point. The land that borders your territory belongs to others.”
“And one of the pieces is owned by the Franconia pack, which is what we requested.” Lars responded with a piercing gaze.
“They will not agree to that,” Aurora declared. “The mountain isn’t just where they live, it’s how they earn their living.” She took a deep breath, refusing to let them rattle her. She wasn’t going to walk away without making some headway this time “Tell you what, why don’t you keep this proposal and sleep on it for a couple of days.” She pushed the papers back toward Kane. “I think you will find that is more than a reasonable offer. Doubling the area of your current territory isn’t something to dismiss without careful consideration. I’m sure you’ll find it’s more beneficial to your pack than a dead shifter’s head.”
Kane scowled at her.
Before she pushed her luck, she added, “The land has so much to offer your pack. Not only do you have a broader range to hunt, but you can also fish in the stream. That alone should be enticing.” She nodded to them. “I’ll be back in two days to see what you’ve decided.”
When they didn’t stop her, she walked away feeling confident that she’d finally made some progress.
Grayson
After one full day of not seeing Aurora, yet knowing she was so close by, Grayson was ready to claw his office to shreds. It wasn’t like him to grow so agitated, but the ache of not seeing his mate stirred beneath his skin leaving him with unbearable yearning.
When she’d called to tell him how the Saccos had reacted, and that she thought she’d convinced them to mull it over some more,somehowGrayson had gotten her to come to his place for a quiet dinner. He still wasn’t sure how he’d managed to do so, as she’d been avoiding him ever since they’d kissed. Sure, he was thrilled that they’d made a little progress in negotiations, but he was far more elated by the prospect of being near her again.
At six o’clock, he picked her up from the hotel and drove her up the mountain. When her fragrance wafted over, his wolf pranced wildly inside. Grayson was just as thrilled, yet he struggled not to seem too eager and pounce on her the moment she climbed into his car.
“It must be great to live up here,” Aurora pointed out as they passed the log cabins and A-frame homes built on either side of the road that hugged the mountain.
“Many of my pack mates live on the mountain, although some prefer the village.”
“I’d pick mountainside, like you.”
He turned to her and grinned. “It makes it easy to get to the office. I just ski down.”
“And getting home?” She arched her brows.
“I take the ski lift to the peak and then ski back home.”
“What a great set up for someone who likes to ski.” She tilted her head. “What about the summer? Do you walk?”
“Yes. I’m in my office much of the year since we try to offer enticements for each season. In the spring, we have hikers. In the summer, we host many weddings and families for vacation getaways. And in the fall, we have the leaf peepers.”
“You have weddings here?”
