“It isn’t a reasonable request. I’m hoping this is just them making an extreme demand right from the start, so they project the image that they are being agreeable when they compromise.” She shrugged. “Or, maybe it’s a matter of saving face to the pack.”
Grayson nodded. That somewhat made sense. A shifter’s pride was notorious and often led to trouble. Still, the demand for Damon’s head filled him with rage. How could they even go there? He clenched his hands into fists under the table. “We will absolutely not agree to that request. The death of one of our pack mates is off the table.”
“Of course.” Aurora gave him a sympathetic glance. “The good news is that they’ve agreed to a mediator, which means they are open to negotiation. My job is to work with both packs to find a more reasonable settlement that both parties will accept.”
Grayson gulped some beer. “I hope so.” He ground his jaw. When he glanced across the pub, he spotted Rafe entering. Rafe caught his eye and Grayson motioned him over, inviting him to join them.
“That’s all right,” Rafe said. “I’m sure you both have plenty to talk about.”
He exchanged a glance with Grayson, all but communicating that he wouldn’t interfere with the limited time Grayson had with his mate.
“Can you fill me in on how it went today?” Rafe asked.
This time, Grayson locked eyes with Aurora. “I’ll tell him,” he told her.
He communicated telepathically. Aurora was just filling me in on the conversation. They’re playing hardball. They’re still requesting Damon’s head in exchange for the loss of their enforcer, only now Kane added that he wants you to give it to him.
“He what?” Rafe barked out loud. His features twisted with fury, and his eyes narrowed.
Aurora blinked at each of them and lowered her voice. “Are you two communicating in that silent shifter way?”
“Yes,” Grayson acknowledged.
She nodded. “We won’t accept it,” she addressed both of them. “We can make a counteroffer.”
The way she said “we” warmed Grayson. It indicated that she was on their side, although she couldn’t be. Maybe she used that option with all her clients.
“That’s what we’ll need to discuss,” Grayson addressed Rafe. “Your office tomorrow morning?”
“Yes,” Rafe replied through clenched teeth as his body seemed to vibrate with his fury.
Grayson said, “It is probably safer that Damon and Sophie leave until this matter is settled. No matter how many enforcers we have on watch, they’ll be the first targeted if negotiations fail. They’re like sitting ducks here.”
“Agreed,” Rafe muttered.
“I’ll go to his cabin after we’re finished here. It will take some convincing to get Damon to agree.”
“Tell him it’s an order. It’s what’s best for the pack.” Rafe put his hands on Grayson’s shoulder. “Good luck. I’ll talk to you in the morning.”
After Rafe walked away, Grayson adjusted in his chair. The idea of Damon being harmed prickled at him like the bite of a thousand ants.
“Are you okay?” Aurora asked, her tone concerned.
Grayson rubbed his temples. How had his life turned so complicated over the course of a couple of days? “The idea of Damon being targeted fills me with rage. I would never—never—let anything cause him harm.” He covered his chest. “I’d sacrifice myself first.”
Aurora tilted her head as she stared at him. “That’s admirable, Grayson. Let’s not even consider that option.” She gave him a warm smile, reached across the table, and placed her hand on top of his. “I see how the tension has affected both you and Rafe. Can you try to keep tempers tamed so I can continue with peaceful negotiations?”
His wolf pranced wildly inside. Claim her. Claim her now.
Warmth pulsed beneath her fingers, igniting the blood with a vibrant surge beneath his skin. How could he think clearly after having his mate touch him so? He raised his gaze to meet hers. Her cheeks reddened, and she pulled her hand back, glancing away as if embarrassed by her action.
Or was it him? Had he looked at her with too much yearning, revealing the rising ache to be with her that he hid inside?
The sudden absence of her hand left a cool spot. Grayson already missed her touch and ached to reach for her hand once more. He struggled against the urge to suggest something stupid, like inviting her to his place after dinner.
Now was definitely not the time. Not only did he have his pack to protect, but Damon’s life in particular. Grayson would never let anyone hurt Damon. Even if he had to fight against this overwhelming urge to get closer to his mate.
This beautiful witch just enchanted him with her magical touch. How else could he explain the mystifying bliss that danced through his body?
But maybe they could work together to resolve this mess. “I’ll do whatever it takes to keep Damon and my pack safe.” He swallowed. “Will you help me?”
Aurora
The way that Grayson implored her with his eyes, and the near desperate plea in his request to help save Damon’s life, pulled at Aurora. She’d do whatever he’d asked during that charged moment.
“Yes, of course I’ll help you, Grayson.” She blinked since his intense stare seemed to capture her. She smoothed her hands on her napkin. “But remember, I have to remain neutral.”
“I understand.”
The server arrived with their food, a tray of appetizers and nachos.
After he walked away, she added, “If I’m to be effective, I can’t be seen as favoring your side.”
A lump of guilt welled in her throat. “Even staying here and going to dinner with you is problematic. It could look like you are softening me up to be more sympathetic to your pack.”
He furrowed his brows. “I can’t invite you up here without offering you hospitality.” He snorted. “It’s not as if the Sacco pack would do so.”
From her initial meeting with them earlier that day, she had to agree. They came up with a plan for their next steps. After they ate, they’d go to visit Damon. In the morning, Grayson would talk to Rafe for a counterproposal. Then Aurora would present it to Kane and Lars.
With their agenda established, the rest of the dinner went smoothly. Grayson asked her about her life back in Salem.
“I live with my aunt. She took me in before my parents split up to keep me away from the fighting. After they’d divorced, I ended up staying.” She grinned. “She’s easier to be around than my mom or dad.”
“Where are they now?”
“My mom moved to New Orleans around six years ago. It was supposed to be a temporary visit, but she hasn’t made plans to return any time soon. My father moved to California.”
He arched his brows. “So it’s just you and your aunt?”
She nodded. “Aunt Colleen is only twelve years older than me, so sometimes it seems we’re more like sisters. We live in an apartment over her store in Salem, where we offer readings and sell magical ingredients or supplies, unless we’re on an assignment for the network.”
“Do you like it?” His eyes probed her.