Page 26 of Forced Wolf Bride

"This is amazing news. I'm so pleased for you both. This is truly an unexpected joy."

Diego laughs. "You're so enthusiastic about pups. Perhaps it's time to settle down yourself."

Zack looks aghast. "Steady, Diego. Let's not be crazy."

We laugh at the good-natured ribbing, but it does make me wonder what Zack's story is. I'll have to ask Saffy the next time I see her.

Zack's good mood rapidly evaporates when Diego tells him his plan to meet Mateo unaccompanied.

"Absolutely not. You're my alpha, but you're also my friend, and there's no way I'm letting you walk in there alone. Even if Mateo is willing to talk, are you sure you can come to terms? Can you really walk away from this, Diego? Walk away without taking out Mateo, Mason or their packmates?"

"I honestly don't know, but I know with Quinn and this baby, I have to look at the option." Diego sighs. "And Marcus's behavior is out of hand. The feud has gone in a direction that doesn't serve me, and it certainly doesn't avenge Tyler. It doesn't mean anything."

Zack nods thoughtfully. "I do see the sense in looking forward, Diego. But I don't trust them. No way you're going without me."

"This isn't up for negotiation, Zack. You're my second, and you'll stay here while I'm at the talks. Quinn is coming because she can keep her distance from her friend. She doesn't belong to their pack; she's neutral in this." Diego pauses before adding, "Have some faith in your alpha, Zack. Besides, no one here can know I'm in talks. Not yet. You need to run interference."

"And what am I supposed to say if you go missing?" Zack asks.

"Tell them I've taken my sexy mate to one of the outer cabins. Let them think I'm off having my fun." Diego laughs.

I groan, not really wanting the whole pack to think he's taken me off for a dirty weekend. But I guess it will stop them from thinking too much about our whereabouts.

"That is, of course, if Mateo even agrees to meet," Zack adds somberly.

"He will," Diego replies darkly. "This sit-down is long overdue."

Chapter 13 - Diego

"Don't fuss," I grumble as I watch Quinn fiddle with the bag on her lap.

The truck bumps over the gravel road as we head deep into the country to meet with Silverstar wolves. Zack is following us in his truck to see us over the line and ensure we’re not heading to an ambush. Afterward, he'll turn back. He doesn't like it, but it's my plan and my pack.

Quinn finally stops checking her bag and looks at me. "I can't help it. Do you trust Mateo?"

I scoff. "Of course not, and no way in hell should he trust me. His closest friend killed Tyler. No alpha can let that stand."

"No father would let that stand, you mean?" she asks quietly before we both fall silent.

I've never considered whether I'm seeking revenge as an alpha or a father. Is there a difference? I've dealt with grieving parents in the pack—some from tragic accidents, others from fighting with other wolves or just stupid misadventures. I don't doubt they all wanted to do something to make the situationright.

With a clear head, I could tell them there is no way to make the loss of a child right. But Tyler's death wasn't an accident or a tragedy—he was killed by Mason. That's a situation that can be made right, can't it?

"I'm acting as a fatherandalpha," I tell her, keeping my eyes on the road.

"H-have you ever killed someone in a fight?" she asks.

"You know the answer to that." I chuckle. "Not many alphas get to where they are or stay where they are without being able to fight. Why?"

"And did anyone take revenge for their deaths?" she asks carefully as I maneuver along the steep mountain road.

"No, why would they? They were fair fights," I grit out, unsure what she's getting at.

"Was Tyler's death a fair fight?"

I take my eyes off the road to turn on her, fury rushing through my veins. But when I look at her, I see such compassion in her eyes, my temper dissipates slightly.

"His death will never be fair," I reply, emotion coming out of nowhere. I stuff it down, gripping the steering wheel.

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