Negotiations

"Uhm, guys?" Tex's voice snapped me out of the daydream I'd begun in my head, causing me to jump a bit. What was with me? How long have we been standing here, just looking at each other?

"Right, let's get down to business." I offered the Alpha a small smile, a bit embarrassed that he was witnessing me completely off my game, though by the looks of it, he seemed a little out of it as well.

"Actually, I was hoping to invite you back to my pack. We can discuss further there," I could see out of the corner of my eye that Tex was as taken aback by the suggestion as I was, though I tried not to physically show it.

"I mean no disrespect, but I typically do not leave my pack. You do understand that my absence opens us up to raids, attacks, etcetera. I do not suspect you of wanting to lead me away to take over in my stead, but I do not want to take the risk either way,"

The Alpha King was silent for a moment, his slate grey eyes giving no indication of what the thoughts in his head may be. I could only wait for him to pass judgement on my response, and hope there wasn't any negotiating involved.

"Shall we begin, then?" He finally gave in, taking a seat on one of the rocks, and I did the same. I could tell he was uncomfortable by the way he shifted around on the rock, attempting to look as natural as possible. I couldn't fault him for it, he never had to grow accustomed to a hard seat such as this.

"Please state the purpose for this visit, and any supporting information for your cause," Tex finally spoke up, being the mediator for our little discussion. He was expected to keep an unbiased opinion, and speak up should there be any inconsistencies in either of our arguments.

"Lady Adelaide, I wish for your pack to become a subdivision of my-"

I didn't even let him finish, a laugh bursting out once I heard his opening.

"Lady Adelaide," Tex eyed me nervously, attempting to bring the conversation back. Cutting off my guest with a laugh was disrespectful, yes, but I didn't expect him to just open up like that!

"Something funny?" The Alpha asked, and I immediately returned to my professional demeanor.

"You didn't even try to dress it up, or beat around the bush. That was very brave of you, very straightforward." I stood up from my seat, causing the Alpha to do the same. "That is all I needed to hear. I will not become a sub ANYTHING to any packs, however I appreciate the thought. If that is all you came here for, then I bid you farewell."

"Lady Adelaide, with all due respect, this is not how negotiations work," The Alpha argued, turning his gaze towards Tex who immediately felt the compelled to nod in agreement.

"H-He is right, my lady. He is allowed to state his purpose for his visit, along with supporting information." Poor Tex, if only I could pat him on the shoulder and calm him down. He was like a little brother to me, and I felt terrible knowing how anxious he must be at the moment. He held the Alpha King in very high regard, and likely felt I was going to start a fight for no good reason.

I sighed, sitting back down on my rock. "Continue,"

"I understand the distaste you have towards the thought of becoming a subdivision of an official pack, but I would like to remind you of the benefits that would come with it,"

"The benefits do not outweigh the negatives. You will strip me of my position as leader, infiltrate my group with your own appointed supervisors, and treat us as basic workers with no rights. Am I wrong?"

"You are very wrong,"

"Ha! Like I haven't heard that one. Elaborate,"

"We do not wish to make any changes to your pack, everything will stay the same. The only difference will be that you will report directly to me, and in exchange your pack will have the benefits of a regular pack-born wolf."

I paused, my eyes tracing back to Tex. Well, that was a generous offer, however it did not outrun my suspicions. This was all speculation at the moment, and could turn sour once the agreement was made. If I let my guard down, the Alpha King's forces would quickly take over my own troops, and we would have no choice but to surrender. On the other hand, this could easily happen if I rejected his offer as well.

There was no winning in my position, however I doubted my little scenario. He was my mate, this was certainly fact by now despite our casualness. Would he really turn a blind eye towards his mate, and attack us for our land?

"Lady Adelaide, a response?"

"You will get your response another time. There is much to think about," I stood up once more, turning my back to my guest so I could find some semblance of peace looking over the horizon. "You are free to rest here, as it is getting late and it is quite the hike back. However, I cannot promise that my accommodations will be as comfortable as what you are used to."

"I will take you up on your offer. I would like to offer my sincere gratitude, and hope your response will be favorable."

I didn't reply. I allowed Tex to handle the rest, as I was too exhausted to continue this little facade.

Once my subordinate had led the Alpha King far from my current position, I sunk to my knees and let out the breath I didn't know I had been holding in.

"Goddess, why?" I whispered, my hands going over my face. I had been raised in a rough environment after the death of my parents. I longed for the day I'd meet my mate, and be able to feel the warmth of an individual that loved me unconditionally. I missed the kindness, the gentleness of my parents' love.

Now, at least I knew I would never see that affection again, and I could bury that desire deep within my heart. The Alpha King and I.. We would never be able to make it work. It would be a disgrace upon his family name to be fated to a rogue, and I would not put my life, or that of my comrades in jeopardy for some silly childhood fantasy.

I quickly gathered myself, wiping the silly tears I'd let fall from my face. This was no way for a leader to act.

I went through the rest of the evening as though I were on autopilot, going through the motions of every end of day. I tried to put the fact that the Alpha King was in my base to the back of my mind as to not distract myself. This was until I had finally brought myself to my quarters to rest. I had a private little cave. It wasn't big, by any means. But it was comfortable, and I didn't have to share it with anyone.

Alpha King Kane wasn't too far from where I was. He had been placed in Tex's cave for the night, while Tex took nightwatch. He was practically my Beta, if we were to speak in regular pack terms, so he had earned that private bedroom.

For hours, I could feel my stomach turning. I felt sick, flipping the Alpha King's proposition in my head every way possible. Pack-born benefits for my people, this was something that they would heavily benefit from. There may be discrimination at first, however it wouldn't matter. My people wouldn't have to fend for themselves every day just for the possibility of a meal that day. I couldn't say no to that.. but at the same time, how did I know he would keep his promise?

I paused my train of thought as I replayed the interaction in my head. Those beautiful grey eyes that reflected the sun like a lily pond, and his perfect black hair that I could just get lost in. I couldn't even imagine how beautiful his wolf must be.

I stood up, as though I'd been possessed, and immediately marched to Tex's quarters to see him. I had to see him, speak to him in private. Even if it was just this once, I had to do it. I wanted to touch him, feel his lips against mine. My body, no. My soul craved my mate's presence in every way possible and I wouldn't be able to function until my needs were met.

I peeked over from the curtain pulled in front of the entrance, and my eyes instantly met with his. He was laying on the makeshift bed, which was just the cave floor cushioned with animal hide. He didn't move, nor speak once he saw me. He simply waited for my next move.

I didn't have a plan. I had no words, either. I just wanted to touch him, and feel my mate's embrace.

My wolf willed me forward, practically drooling at the sight of her mate. I emitted a low, quiet growl; however, the Alpha did not seemed phased by this at all.

Before I knew what I was doing, I was straddled on his lap, and his hands were on my hips. Neither of us said a word, though I believed us to be in mutual understanding. As soon as our skin touched, I could no longer pull myself away.