Page 30 of Forced Wolf Bride

I look at the closed door to the den, anxiety racing through my body. "He wants Mason to pay for Tyler's death. I don't know if, as a father, he can let it go."

"I guess I can understand that a bit as a parent now," Gina says quietly. "I think everyone assumed Diego's just like his son. I hope for all our sakes you're right about him."

"I know I am. I have to be." I steel myself before continuing. "I'm pregnant. This war has to end. I need him to be safe, to be here, and…"

I can't even finish my sentence before dissolving into tears. In a second, Gina's on her feet and holding me, "Oh, god, Quinn, why didn't you say?" She strokes my hair as the tears keep flowing. "It's going to be ok. They'll talk, they'll find a solution. If you want to stay, you can. If not, we'll help you leave. Okay?"

I nod against her shoulder, my tears subsiding. I've never cried so easily. Must be all the hormones, I guess.

"I don't want to leave; I want to stay with Diego,” I say. “But I want you in my life, too. I've never had a pack, Gina. These past weeks with Diego, my wolf feels settled in a way I never felt possible. It's because of him. I'm meant to be with him."

Gina looks toward the door to the den, where Lucca and Zack are still standing guard. Mateo and Diego have been in there a while now, but there are no raised voices, so we can only assume the men are still talking.

She looks back at me and takes my hands before folding me into another hug. "You deserve to get everything you want, Quinn. And you’ll always have me."

Chapter 15 - Diego

"Well?" I ask, staring at the man I fully intended to kill until just a couple of days ago. Even now, the urge is there; I've just tempered it.

"We have a lot to think about, and I'm glad you called this meeting,” Mateo replies. “I wasn't sure what to expect, but I'm cautiously optimistic. If you're serious, that is? Wouldn't be the first time your pack has done the wrong thing, now would it?"

Negotiations with another alpha can be notoriously difficult. I can only imagine what stupid ideas Tyler would have if he were here now. He'd have embraced the war and petty destruction, just like Marcus.

"As alpha, you must realize the pack is our responsibility, but people often have their own ideas. I'm here to do the right thing for my wolves. And for Quinn," I say sincerely.

Mateo's eyes light up with surprise, "For Quinn, eh? So, you are together? Kidnapping a woman doesn't seem like the best start to a relationship."

"The bond is real. And I guess she must appreciate my charm." I say calmly, though my fangs descend slightly. I'm not sure if Mateo is deliberately trying to press my buttons. If he is, he clearly thinks better of it as his expression returns to neutral.

"I certainly can appreciate the effect of the bond. You'd do anything for them, wouldn't you?" Mateo says thoughtfully.

He's talking about Tyler. And the fact that Mateo himself would do anything for his mate just like Mason did for McKenna, even have Tyler killed. To protect her.

How do I rationalize the killing of my own son? That Mason had to put him down to protect his mate? Would I do the same if Quinn were in danger?

Of course I would.

"That's enough for today. You have my proposal." I stand abruptly, unable to continue this conversation any further.

Something flashes in Mateo's eyes as though he understands. He pushes himself to his feet, too. We don't shake hands, just nod at each other before we head to the door.

I immediately see Quinn searching for me as we leave the room. I can see she's been crying, and my wolf immediately goes on high alert.

The fact she has her arms around Gina makes me nervous. For a brief moment, I wonder if she's going to try to leave with them. My heart thunders in my chest, but then she steps away from Gina and rushes into my arms. I hold her to me, almost shocked at how right she feels.

Gina eyes me warily from Lucca's side. I can well imagine how they both feel about me. Part of me doesn’t care at all, but I know it matters to Quinn.

I nod toward them. "Thank you for coming, Gina. It means a lot to Quinn."

Lucca pushes Gina slightly behind him, but she pushes back around. She always struck me as a headstrong woman. "Is that all you have to say?"

I chuckle. "I doubt an apology for your previous treatment means much, but you have it. I want no quarrel with Quinn's friend."

Lucca seems about to say something, but Gina lightly touches his chest and moves forward. "I hope the meeting went well,” she says. “Quinn says she wants to stay. Will you let me visit her?"

I tighten my grip on Quinn, elated that she's said that to her friend but not wanting to show my surprise. "Of course. That's Quinn's decision now, anyway."

"We'll be back tomorrow morning with a decision. Think about what I said," Mateo says to me from the front door.

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