As she listened to Lars’s grievances with how the Franconia pack was destroying natural lands, she sympathized, yet couldn’t help but compare him to Grayson. While Lars was rather scruffy in appearance, Grayson was well groomed. His hair and beard were trimmed and clothes clean. Although she understood that the Saccos preferred to live in the wilderness of the forest, it was difficult not to note how one took more care than the other, not just of themselves, but of others. Grayson had treated her well, ensuring she was well-fed and had a comfortable place to sleep. Lars hadn’t even offered her a seat or a glass of water.
She shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “Do you have any indication to believe that they were looking to expand onto your lands?”
The beta scowled. “As in proof?” He raised both arms to each side. “You’re looking at it.” He motioned out the window back toward the village. “Look at how much they’ve developed in the valley. They’ve exploited every inch of land since they moved in.” He pointed at Aurora. “They are not going to take our lands, too.”
Aurora nodded. She took an instant dislike to this shifter, but reminded herself that she had to remain neutral. She glanced outside the window, scanning the landscape. The Franconia pack had developed their land with numerous residential and commercial structures. She’d learned from Grayson at dinner last night that all of the shifters contributed in some way to keep the resort functional. The Sacco land remained mostly untouched aside from their modest log cabins. Most of their territory was blanketed by trees. Since they appeared to live off-the-grid, did they survive solely by what was on the land?
Even where they stood was quite basic. The open room had little more than a fireplace and scattered chairs.
“Thank you for letting me understand your feelings on the matter,” she acknowledged.
“Ha, I haven’t even started! We haven’t gotten to the murder yet. Their enforcer killed one of ours.”
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe the fight was the fallout after Alex kidnapped Damon’s mate.”
The betas lips twitched. “A consequence of the Franconia pack starting this conflict.”
When it came to explanations, it was also difficult not to take sides. Sure, the Franconia wolf, Damon, had entered Sacco territory, but was it that much of a big deal that it contributed to a fight to the death? According to Grayson, he was just making sure his mate was safe.
Maybe she wasn’t giving the Saccos a fair deal. After all, Grayson had taken her out to dinner last night, and if she dared admit it to herself, she was a bit taken by him. Just a bit. Nothing to jeopardize her assignment over. She had to remain impartial.
“It’s unfortunate that a misunderstanding led to the loss of life. I’m sure you’d like to avoid more unnecessary death and come to an arrangement to keep peace between the packs.”
“Not until the scales are balanced once more.”
She furrowed her brows. “Meaning?”
“We lost an enforcer. So should they.” He raised his chin and crossed his arms. “We want the head of the Franconia shifter responsible.”
Aurora blinked twice. She shouldn’t be surprised since Grayson had told her about their demand, yet hearing it uttered still sounded drastic. She took a deep breath, an attempt to remain cool and unbiased in her negotiations. Often, each side started with an outrageous demand, yet murder was typically not one of them. Still, these were wolves with their temperamental attitudes, and she had to keep that in mind.
Grayson, however, seemed nothing like these shifters. He was sweet, considerate, kind, sexy. She wanted to return to him with good news from her discussion with the Sacco beta and to witness the joy and relief on his face.
No, she couldn’t let attraction to him get in the way.
“That seems to be an unreasonable request,” she replied to Lars. “You’re talking about more bloodshed, which is what I thought we’re all trying to avoid.”
“We’re talking about making things even,” Lars said.
Kane, the Sacco’s gruff alpha who she’d met earlier, stepped into the cabin. “I don’t just want their enforcer’s head—I want their alpha to deliver it.”
Chapter 4
Grayson
Grayson had grown increasingly restless throughout the day, knowing that Aurora was on Sacco ground. Only when she sat safely across from him at a table at Kelly’s Pub, and he breathed in her feminine fragrance, did the air begin to flow through his lungs without restriction once more.
Our mate is here, his wolf declared.
When she started to give him an update about her visit, he stopped her. “Let’s order some drinks before we discuss business.”
Although the reason for their meeting was the mediation, he wanted to spend a few peaceful minutes with her. Just the two of them talking and not worrying about the outside world. An intimate moment with his mate in one of his favorite places to unwind. The dark-paneled pub was one that staff often went to after shifts for their après-ski specials. Nothing like a frosty beer and a quick bite with friends after a day at work and some runs down the mountain.
“All right,” she agreed. “Typically, my clients want to get right to business, but it’s your call.”
The problems would press on him soon enough. Since he couldn’t woo his mate, he could at least bask in the comfort of being near her.
“What I’ve learned in all my years of running this resort and serving as beta of this pack is that dealing with struggles is a part of life. Nothing will change whether you tell me how the visit went now or after we enjoy a drink together.”
She appraised him with a slow nod. “I suppose you’re right.”
She ordered a glass of white wine and he selected a winter lager on tap from their server, Matt. They spoke about innocuous topics for a few minutes until Matt returned with their drinks and took their order. Then they selected an appetizer sampler, so she could sample the different tastes, and they ordered a plate of chicken nachos.
After he left, Grayson noted, “In some ways, my responsibilities are like yours.”
“How so?”
“I spend much of my time fixing things, including negotiations.” He grinned. “Although, my affairs are often with outside vendors or pack members.”
“I wish I had your patience.” She sipped her wine.
“I’m sure you do. You deal with heated emotions on each side. Patience must be an essential skill for your job, isn’t it?”
“Yes.” She exhaled and frowned. “Sometimes it can be frustrating.”
Since her most recent assignment involved him, his skin prickled. He wanted a chance to get to know her better, but that didn’t seem to be a suitable option.
“All right. From experience with the Saccos, I’m guessing this is one of those times.” Despite his disdain for their pack, somehow he managed to keep his voice level.
Aurora sighed. “They were quite stubborn.” She summarized the conversation and their demands.
The muscles in Grayson’s neck corded to steel. “They actually said they want Rafe to present Damon’s head?” His eyes bulged. “Are they insane?”