24. Theo

Chapter 24

Theo

"Clearly, after everything is said and done, there are for more reasons for our packs to be allies than rivals," I explain as I stand in the middle of the small outdoor amphitheater. A remote campground, a few miles from the farm, in a neutral location, had been the logical choice for this meeting. The tall pines shade the amphitheater, and the background sound of the nearby river adds a pleasant atmosphere.

All wolves are more agreeable when you get them outdoors, especially in the woods like this. I'm glad Oliver took my advice when I suggested this spot. So far, it's been working to our advantage.

Before me, the two halves of the amphitheater's seating are filled with wolves from two different packs. One is, of course, Oliver's pack…that is to say, our pack. The other is a neighboring pack that's been feuding with ours for quite some time. No one really remembers why the conflict started, but over the years, a series of transgressions has built up on both sides that have made it difficult for anyone to come to any sort of agreement about anything.

"Certainly, there are plenty of reasons for us to work together," the speaker for the rival pack says as he stands on the opposite side of the stage from me. "But are we to just forget all of the bad blood between our two packs? How can we simply trust that this isn't some ruse to lure us into a false sense of safety?"

I smile slightly at his words. I'm glad Oliver asked me to be the speaker on behalf of our pack. I haven't been able to put my silver tongue to much use lately. It's not like I'm out wooing omegas anymore. But negotiations like this are just like seduction. You tease out the other party, find out what they want, what they crave, and you convince them you can give it to them.

In short, make them want you.

"There's no reason for us to forget the past," I reply. "After all, isn't it the past that's led us to this moment? We've both made mistakes, suffered losses, and endured hardships. Both of our packs have given and received injuries in this conflict over the years. No one will ever forget those. Perhaps our generation will not be the greatest of friends, but together maybe we can build a future where our children are. A future that can only exist if we form a strong alliance that will protect us and provide future safety for all."

"Your words are pretty," the speaker scoffs. "But actions speak louder than words. How do you propose we cement this alliance? What deeds do you offer, or demand, to prove the sincerity of these words?"

"A simple exchange." I smile softly. "One of our own, the brother of our future leader, will go and live among you for a year. In exchange, you'll send us one of yours with equal status. They'll act as ambassadors of our pack and learn your culture and traditions. They'll be the thing that ties our packs together while our fledgling trust is built up."

The speaker furrows his brow and considers my proposal carefully. "We'll deliberate tonight and give you our answer tomorrow," he says after a moment. "But you've given us much to think about. While I make no promises, it seems to me that there may be reason to hope for the future you speak of."

"That's all we could ask," I reply with a slight bow. "Until tomorrow."

The two packs slowly disperse, going their separate ways and filing out of the amphitheater into the woods. I quickly find Oliver and the others.

"You were amazing," Oliver says as he throws his arms around my neck. "I honestly wasn't expecting them to be so open to this. Thank you so much."

"I was just doing what I was asked to do," I say with a smirk, "which was to talk, and I'm pretty good at talking."

"It was more than that," Oliver says with a grin.

"Honestly, it was having Filo volunteer for the exchange that really sold it. Sure, we could've sent anyone, but he's from your family," I explain. "It just adds that much more weight to the sincerity of the proposal. I think they're going to agree unconditionally."

"That's quite the bold statement," Roman says, raising a brow at me. "Are you sure?"

"There's no reason for them to fight us on this. We've made an offer in good faith, too much negotiation on their part might sour the discussions which is something they can't afford any more than we can," I assure him. "After all the research we've done, I know I'm right about this. They know that the future of their pack is in jeopardy if they don't form strong alliances soon."

"Then why the delay in the negotiations until tomorrow?" Sebastian asks. "Why not just agree right now?"

"Practicality," Lucas says, rolling his eyes. "They need to make sure their pack can spare someone who is equal in status to Filo."

"Exactly." I nod. "They're not going to send some no-name pup from the outskirts of the pack; they need to send someone important enough that it means something when they're gone for a year. Anyway, enough of that. How are you?" I reach out a hand and lovingly caress Oliver's cheek while resting a hand on his pregnant belly. "How are the pups?"

"They're good." Oliver nods, a soft smile playing across his lips. "And I'm a little tired, but also good. I'm glad we decided to hold the talks in the evening. If we had done this during the day, I don't think I would've been able to stay awake through the whole thing."

"That nap you took earlier was a good call then," Lucas says with a little chuckle. Oliver had been dead set against the idea but had finally relented after Lucas started massaging his feet until he fell asleep.

Oliver smirks and shakes his head. "Yes, it was. You were right. I can admit when I'm wrong." He laughs lightly and gives Lucas a little kiss on the nose. "But for now, let's join the others and go home. Tomorrow, we find out whether or not they agreed to all of Theo's charm."

"Even if they don't, there'll be room to discuss things," I remind him as we all begin walking back down the trail toward the farm. "Ideally this will all be over tomorrow, and I feel pretty confident that they'll agree without condition, but there's always the chance that these talks continue for a bit longer than we anticipated."

"I know." Oliver sighs. "It's that uncertainty that I hate. I feel like we can't make any solid plans without knowing what to expect from the future. If we don't form this alliance then we're going to have to start courting the other packs, and they're all much more distant and have much less reason to want to ally with us."

"No, no, I don't think you understand, my love," I say as I look him in the eye and smile. "This alliance will happen. It's only a matter of when. They've already shown their hand, I know they want this as badly as we do. Any resistance they show at this point is probably just to try and save face from admitting to any past wrongdoing. I have them exactly where I want them, and I promise you, the alliance will take place. If not tomorrow, then certainly by the next full moon."