Page 203 of Wolf Roulette

I looked up at Sascha.

There was one last thing to do before I could fall into his arms. And I planned to do that as soon as possible.

I walked to stand before the pack and lowered the mic. “I’d like to formally invite your pack leader and his top wolves to meet with me and my head team tomorrow morning to discuss an ongoing truce. Victratum is over for good. Moving forward, the Ni Tiaki believe in partnership with the pack. They realise that this cannot happen without giving you a secure home. They’re willing to do this. Are you willing to speak with us?”

The pack members exchanged glances.

Alexei’s gaze bore into the side of my face.

Sascha strode past to stand with his pack. He inhaled and smiled before returning to my side to take the microphone. “The pack will meet with the Ni Tiaki to discuss a truce. We can both agree we have larger concerns to focus on together. And as a gesture of goodwill, I would like to gift the tribe with everything the pack has gathered on demons and witches over the last two centuries.”

My mouth bobbed. Theywhat?

My stewards gasped and broke into whispers.

“We were preparing to fight our way out,” Sascha explained. “What we’ve found is concerning. We hope it will jumpstart any future plans and make us more valuable in a potential alliance with Vissimo. To be clear, whatever the pack’s decision on a truce or alliance, we will gladly leave all our gathered information with the tribe. We trust the land in your hands and don’t wish to see it overrun by other powers—supernatural or human.”

Thatreallyhit my stewards hard. The pack hadn’t erupted into violence at the closing of the game. They weren’t angry or sullen or vicious.

They’d accepted the result and had offered us something extremely valuable without any ties.

I could smell that while his pack were considering a truce with us, an alliance with vampires was still a solid no for many. My grid stunt likely didn’t help. The smell of the vampires hung thick around the lake though they’d vacated as discussed to return to manor lands.

“The Ni Tiaki extends its heartfelt thanks to the pack,” I said in awe.

He bowed slightly.

I wanted to take all of this as a sign that things would work out. But I just couldn’t believe the game was over. Not until it was really done.

“Pack. Return to our territory.” Sascha stepped forward and closed my numb fingers around the mic.

Turning, he stalked after his wolves and disappeared into the trees.

“Stewards,” I said hoarsely. “Let’s head back to the manor.”

After Booker’s work in the grid, I was still shaky. Wade and Cam took control and led me to the Jeep.

We didn’t speak much on the way back.

A few stewards may celebrate because we beat the pack.

The majority would just celebrate because Victratum was over.

The game was over.

Wade drove the Jeep through the gates I’d once entered as Andie Booker, and I felt a shift within me.

“What is it?” he asked.

My hand was in his. I smiled tremulously. “Change.”

My friend squeezed my fingers tight. “Good.”

Stewards streamed into the manor and grounds—everyone of all ages in attendance. The youngest had no idea werewolves existed. Theydidknow that their parents and loved ones fought against the people on the south side most Wednesdays.

They knew that was over.

One day they’d know the truth, but they wouldn’t ever play Victratum themselves.