Page 32 of The Alpha and His Enemy Wolf
“I didn’t know that Aurora was my mate until she stepped into my office,” Grayson said. “I attempted to ignore what my wolf was telling me.” Grayson shrugged before glancing at Aurora again with admiration. “But I admit, I couldn’t stay away. When you find the right one, it’s almost unbearable to ignore what your wolf wants—even before you’re ready to accept it.”
Mila glanced away, yet felt Rafe’s gaze on her. Did Grayson know about the two of them? With them caught in a similar predicament, was it only a matter of time before they gave in to what their wolves recognized?
The server arrived with their drinks. Mila took a large sip of Greek wine as soon as possible.
“Aurora had made much more progress with our packs than I ever could with Lars,” Grayson said. “Before Victoria ruined it.”
Getting Lars to compromise on anything would be a challenge. She stole a glance at Rafe. He smiled at her as if appreciating her taking part in this conversation.
She swallowed and then brought her gaze back to Grayson. “What did you talk about with Lars?”
“In addition to blaming us for Alex’s death, he accused us of exploiting the land,” Grayson replied. “I understand your pack’s perspective on that. But I doubt we are guilty of all that we’ve been accused.”
Mila raised one brow. “Pul-eaaze. I’ve seen all the developments around here. What you’re telling me contradicts what I see with my own eyes.”
Grayson exhaled. “Yes, we’ve developed the land, but remember, we’re wolves. We’d never destroy our environment. We use green practices to minimize our impact and are striving toward zero waste.”
“Rafe has mentioned this.” She glanced at him and then took another large sip of wine.
More cracks formed in the foundation of her pack’s beliefs. Has she been misled by not hearing the perspectives of both sides? Perhaps there was something to be learned there. As Rafe had suggested, she should hear all the facts before she made her own decisions rather than blindly following what her pack told her.
Mila glanced at the three of them. “Assuming what you are telling me is true—which I am not saying that I’m buying—why are you telling me?”
“None of us want war.” Rafe squeezed her hand. “There is no reason to spill more wolf blood over a misunderstanding.”
Mila nodded. “I agree with that.”
He pierced her with searching eyes. “So it’s up to us to make sure it doesn’t happen.”
That wouldn’t happen with what she had planned. She swallowed the guilt.
“Tell me something, Mila,” Rafe said. “If you had your say in how we fixed the situation, what would you like to see?”
She jerked her head back. No one had asked her opinion on pack relations before, let alone one as big as this. She chewed her bottom lip and then stared into Rafe’s eyes. “Part of me thinks the arbitrary border line with the mandate to stay off each other’s land is a factor.”
Rafe eyed her with a serious expression as he listened.
Emboldened by his attentiveness, she added, “Wolves should be able to run free.”
Rafe
“Sorry about that,” Rafe said after they left the restaurant. “I hope it wasn’t too uncomfortable for you.”
Mila rolled one shoulder. “I’m trying to piece together the truth from what I’ve been told. I know you’re trying to convince me to see your side of things, but of course it’s skewed.”
“As is your pack’s view. That’s why we’re trying to see your perspective as well. Isn’t that what compromise is all about?”
Mila blew out a frustrated breath. “I don’t know. I’m confused.”
“About what? What you said about the borderline issue made a great deal of sense in there. It’s something we should consider.”
She shook her head. “What do I know about running a pack? I’m not an alpha. And being here has just perplexed me more about everything. What I want. What I don’t want.” She motioned toward him. “Aren’t you somewhat conflicted?”
He grunted. “If you mean about wanting you while being incredibly wary about trusting you, then hell yes.”
She peered at him. “You don’t think you can trust me?”
He fixed a stare on her. “Do you trust me?”
