Page 32 of Forced Wolf Bride

I sigh, pushing the cup away. "My position still stands. I think the terms are good for our pack. Better, if anything. We'll make a fortune from the haulage deals, and the skills college will be positive for our younger ones, perhaps put some of them on a better path." As I say it, I’m not sure if I'm thinking of Marcus's boys or Tyler. "It's good for the pack. A path forward away from the nonsense of petty retribution."

"But?" Zack prompts.

"I never wanted the petty retribution; I wanted blood. Do I put that to one side for the good of the pack?"

Zack eyes me thoughtfully. "Maybe it's not just for the good of the pack. Maybe these terms, Quinn, the baby—perhaps they're all good things for you."

Before I can reply, I hear a rustling behind me and turn to see Quinn dressed and standing in the doorway. The winter sun shines through the large picture windows, bathing her in a soft golden light. She couldn't look more perfect, and I suddenly remember her words from last night.

And my heart followed.

"Hey, Quinn," Zack greets, standing. "Looks like you're just in time."

Behind Quinn, through the large glass door, I see two trucks driving up the long track. "Right on time,” I echo.

I give Quinn a brief kiss as we head to the door. I can feel her anxiety and want to reassure her. I feel calm, however. If Mateo wants a war, then I'm more than happy to give it to him, but I'm also ready to do the right thing for my pack. They deserve more than a personal vendetta.

All except Marcus, of course.

Mateo is first out of the truck, quickly followed by Lucca, Gina, and another wolf I don't recognize. Quinn waves in greeting and meets Gina at the bottom of the stairs, embracing while the men remain in their positions.

I nod at Mateo in greeting, intrigued as to which way he has decided. "Do you want to go inside or do this here?" I ask, not wanting to waste time.

Mateo slowly pushes off his truck and steps closer. "We can do this here, Diego." He puts his hands in his pockets, and his posture is confident. "It occurred to me that the terms favor your pack. Not by much, but financially, a little. Now, I was weighing a counter or even a refusal, but I received some wise counsel. Something I hadn't considered before, though I should have."

I'm not 100% sure where this is going, but I don't let anything show on my face, keeping my features neutral. Quinn is standing by my side, and I see Gina nod at her. I wonder what that's about.

"Go on," I say to Mateo.

"I was thinking of the damage done to my town, my people, and the cost of retribution. What I didn't think about was you. As a father myself, I can't imagine losing my child, no matter what they've done. And while I won’t apologize for what’s been done what with one of my our she-wolves being in danger, I never gave you my condolences. I never came to you, alpha to alpha, to offer you my respect. I see now that not doing so contributed to this situation."

The forest has fallen completely silent. All I can hear is the rushing of blood in my ears.

Mateo clears his throat. "So, I'm here to offer you that respect, one parent to another. And to accept the terms. If you're willing."

A strange sensation grips my chest, but I manage to nod my agreement. "I'm willing. I accept the terms."

I step toward Mateo and offer my hand. The forest falls silent again as everyone around us seems to hold their breath, seemingly unable to believe this moment has come.

Mateo steps forward and takes my hand firmly. "My hope is that both packs prosper under these terms. I also heard about your good news with Quinn. Mason, McKenna and the rest of Silverstar join me in saying congratulations,” he says sincerely, and I nod in acknowledgment.

The relief spreading through our small group is evident, and I see Quinn and Gina celebrate by hugging before Quinn insists on heading inside to make everyone drinks. As I watch her go, I briefly wonder how Mateo knew about Quinn's pregnancy or his sudden declaration of condolences for Tyler's death. I can't help but assume my mate and Gina had a hand in his new perspective.

Chapter 16 - Quinn

Walking back into Diego's cabin after the negotiations feels different somehow. I could never have imagined when I arrived here, kidnapped and afraid, that I'd consider this my home. And Diego, my future.

As soon as Mateo delivered his verdict, offering Diego the recognition of his grief that he needed, I felt something in my mate settle. Nothing can bring Tyler back to him, though I suspect Diego knows that the boy he loved had long since gone. But Mateo recognizing Diego’s grief and acknowledging his part in it seems to have given my mate something he thought only bloodshed could provide. Closure, perhaps?

He hasn't said it, but I know only one thing stands between this plan coming to fruition and it falling apart: the pack accepting the terms, too. Diego wields the power in his pack, but only by consent.

Diego has already sent word that there will be a large pack meeting. Not at the usual hall, but on the edge of neutral territory. Everyone will know it's serious, as no pups or weapons are allowed. Diego has even secured the local witches to be on hand for crowd control. Even wolves won't cross a defensive witch.

The whole thing makes me very nervous. As soon as Diego's pack sees Mateo and his men there, it could go one way or another. I know it's how Diego needs to handle things, though. It's his style: authoritative and decisive.

I watch him now, bringing in extra firewood. His size and strength are unparalleled. I really shouldn't worry about him, yet as I touch my belly, imagining our child growing there, I can't help but fear what could happen. I feel like we're so close to mending this rift between the packs and creating peace for Diego to move forward. Where he and I can move forward together.

"Do you want something to eat? You'll need something before the meeting," I say as he drops off the last of the firewood.

---