Page 17 of I Will Make You Mine
A young wolf who looked to be in his early twenties rose from the large table that was seating at least one hundred hungry wolves. There were sixteen tables like that one lining the backyard, with plenty of seating for Josef’s entire pack. I was also standing inside a heated tent that protected the dining area from all weather conditions. Like I said, Alphas had to have money.
Ronald led me from the dining area back into the mansion to Josef’s very spacious study. One wall was lined with books and the other had a large fish tank. I liked the furniture too. Natural woods and leather seating. Carpet with oriental rugs covered the floor and I especially liked his expensive taste in art. The Ming vase was a nice addition. I took a seat in his leather chair and turned to peer out the large bay window overlooking the backyard.
I called Deacon and waited for him to answer.
“I’m busy, what’s up?” was his reply.
His flippant attitude annoyed the hell out of me. That was the problem with wolves, especially Alpha wolves. They really felt like they were my equal. Technically, they were in the supernatural world, as they were the leaders of their packs. But they had all been our slaves once upon a time. I wouldn’t mind seeing them back in that position in the future.
“I would hope you’ve taken some time to think about the situation,” I said.
“The situation?” he questioned.
“Don’t play stupid, it’s unflattering and infuriating.”
He scoffed. “You don’t seem to understand my situation. I only have a little over six-hundred wolves in my pack. We stay neutral and keep the peace. I have no intention of risking the lives of my pack, and for what? To protect Josef and his mate?”
Here it came, the fucking bargain game. This asshole played it well, too. “Let’s get down to what this is really about. What do you want from me in return?”
There was a pause as if he was thinking about it, but I was pretty sure he already knew what he wanted from me. This was for dramatic effect and nothing more.
“Well, an attack will happen,” Deacon said. “They want me on their side. If I don’t join them, then I should stay out of it. But chances are, they’ll attack Josef during the day when your vampires are well… useless. That would be the smart move.”
His dig at my vampires being “useless” wasn’t lost on me. But now was not the time to growl over every insult. I needed to protect my investment and, as much as I hated to admit it, I needed Deacon.
“Again, what do you want for your assistance?” I asked, wanting him to just get to the motherfucking point.
“Well, I don’t want to seem greedy, but if I’m going to risk my pack’s safety and my own, then I want territory.”
Of course. Fucking wolves. “Whose?”
“Well, I guess it depends on which Alpha we take out.”
“You can’t have River Rock,” I said, making myself clear.
“I’d actually prefer Selena’s territory. It’s closer to mine and she has a great view of the lake,” Deacon replied.
“Seems like you put a lot of thought into this.”
“Ever since hearing about the possible attack, can’t say it hasn’t crossed my mind.”
“I’m sure it’s crossed your mind before this situation,” I said.
“If we have an agreement, I’ll join Josef’s pack tomorrow, as I’m sure you have everything under control right now. If it goes down tomorrow, I’ll do what I can,” Deacon said.
“And what if it doesn’t?”
“Well, do you need me to lie to them, tell them that I’ll join them just to get all of the details? If so, then I really need for you to be my ally. If they attack Josef during the day, and my pack isn’t there to join them, then I’ll be the next pack they’ll attack. I’m going to need you to take a proactive approach and not wait for me and mine to be destroyed. This is a big fucking gamble you’re asking me to take on,” he said.
Knowing what I knew of wolves, he was right. Deacon wasn’t stupid, that had been established in our first meeting. But I knew whatever I pledged to him had to be calculated enough not to be exploited. The man and wolf was one opportunistic motherfucker. Truth be told, I kind of respected that about him.
“If you’re under attack, well, to be honest, Deacon, I’m not sure what you expect me to do when you yourself have already told me that you won’t allow any of my vampires into your territory. We’re at least two hours away from you by car, three if they are coming from New Haven. I’m sure you see where I’m going with this,” I said, reminding him of his own words.
There was a long pause, so long, in fact, if I didn’t have excellent hearing and could hear him breathing, I might have thought he wasn’t there anymore. But he was listening and thinking, and wondering just how much power he wanted to give me.
“We both know your vampires would be as useless to me during the day as they are to Josef. So, flooding my territory with them would do me no good,” he said finally.
“Well, you see, that brings us back to what exactly do you expect me to do if you’re under attack? Seems to me, you have one choice, Deacon. Fight with Josef, eliminate your enemies that day. If you survive that battle until the sun sets, then you’ll have vampire reinforcements. That is all I can offer you.”
