Chapter 7
Cassian hesitated. “That girl looked so familiar. Father, do you think it could be…?”
Alaric knew who he was talking about. By that time they both froze in surprise, and Cassian even reached out as if to stop her, but she hurried away.
She looked so much like them… how could that be?
Alaric and Cassian exchanged a glance and immediately turned back to Nolan’s office. But to their
disappointment, only Nolan had entered.
As Nolan walked in, he overheard Cassian saying, “Maybe we can ask something about her-” He saw Nolan and immediately fell silent.
Alaric cleared his throat.
They rose as Nolan entered. Nolan nodded, offering the expected greetings.
“We appreciate your time,” he said, taking his seat. “I understand your schedule is tight.”
Alaric gave a faint nod. “Yes, of course. Thank you for your hospitality. We are thrilled to have this chance to bring the packs together, a stronger union, the stronger the packs.”
Nolan nodded. “I agree, this contract will benefit us both.”
“Although,” Alaric faltered, pushing a silvering lock out of his eyes. “We’ve had… a few unexpected observations.”
Cassian leaned forward, folding his hands on the table. “We are worried about the longevity of this alliance; moreover, the strength of your… line.”
Nolan’s eyes narrowed. “My line. You mean… my wife? Children?”
Cassian asked, and pretended not to be curious. “We were informed you’re wife was a Rogue, childless at that. Where is she from again?”
Nolan’s head tilted slightly. “Why does this concern our alliance?”
“Having a Rogue as a wife,” Cassian clicked his tongue. “that’s rare. I’m just wondering…”
Nolan frowned, “About what?”
Cassian’s brow twitched. “Does your wife have some… background or identity, something like that? After all, you’re an Alpha–she must have something special about her to win your heart.”
Nolan swirled the tea in his cup in thought, waiting patiently for their point, “She’s my fated mate, if that’s what you’re asking about.”
“We were planning to push today’s agreement,” Alaric said smoothly, “But I believe we should discuss our terms more thoroughly, perhaps revisit the nature of the alliance.”
“And what exactly changed your minds?” Nolan asked, arms folded.
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Chapter 7
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Cassian leaned back. “We prefer to partner with stable packs. Ones whose leadership is aligned, both politically and personally. You know how much sway a Luna has. She reflects the values of the Alpha, after all.”
His tone was diplomatic. But his eyes were searching.
Nolan narrowed his eyes. “Some packs don’t even have Lunas. It’s not a requirement.”
“Perhaps,” Cassian replied. “But you have a wife, and we’d like to meet her.”
There it was. The shift Nolan had been sensing since the moment he mentioned Ellie.
“You’re unusually interested in my wife,” Nolan said slowly. “She’s not relevant to the trade routes or the border patrols. So why are we still circling around her?”
Alaric’s expression didn’t budge. “It’s simple. We want assurance that we’re joining with a pack that is not fractured internally. Leadership, bloodlines, and alliances are bound together in ways more subtle than ink and paper.”
Nolan hated how vague they were being.
And he hated even more that they knew something he didn’t.
Before he could press them further, the door to the meeting room flung open.
“Nolan!”
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