Page 225 of Wolf Roulette
“I’m glad,” the king replied.
“I led this pack when we lost thousands to your clan, but as much blame rests with me as it does with you. In the interest of not wasting thousands of more lives, I’ll put the past where it belongs.” He shot a look at me. “A cunning wolf dragged a promise out of me that I never expected I’d need to uphold.”
He’d agreed to start afresh if I managed to pull this stunt off.
If he wanted to use me as an excuse, then that was fine by me, but that wasn’t why Alexei was burying the past.
“She is a cunning wolf,” King Julius replied. “The most enterprising and intelligent woman I’ve met of her age.”
Basilia narrowed her eyes. Kyros seemed to be struggling not to laugh.
“Shall we get the formalities over with so the celebration can begin?” I gestured to the table behind us.
Two members from each party were required to sign.
I grabbed Basilia as she moved to take the seat beside King Julius. “Am I missing something?”
She huffed. “Julius’s amusing himself at my expense. Let’s just say he wasn’t so accepting of me.”
A glance at the king confirmed he was certainly enjoying her irritation.
“How about you help out with mine then? We can just swap.” I jerked my head at where Alexei sat next to my mate.
King Julius lost his smirk.
It relocated on Basilia’s lips. “Deal.”
I took my place between Sascha and Pascal at the table.
The alliance contract was fucking huge, but I didn’t mind that so much. Misunderstanding posed the greatest risk to a venture like this—something the vampires probably understood.
The Vissimo signed first.
Luthers signed second—Alexei clenching his jaw as he did so.
Pascal and I exchanged a smile.
I signed above theHead Stewardtitle and slid it onward to the older woman. I listened to her swallow and smelled her grief intensify.
“So others don’t need to hide,” I said softly to her.
Tears were in her eyes. “This would have made Daniil so happy.”
She signed.
Gesturing to Wade for the microphone, I accepted Sascha’s hand to rise.
“Stewards of the Ni Tiaki. Luthers of the Deception Valley pack. Vissimo of Clan Sundulus. Our alliance is sealed and complete. May we always prosper together in peace and against those who seek to disrupt the harmony and safety of our lives.” I waited for the quiet applause to subside.
Like me, I was sure the thoughts of many had already turned to our next task. I hoped our efforts would always remain a prevention and nothing more. We’d faced enough adversity—the pack especially—to last another few lifetimes.
“Welcome to our guests from around the world. It is my and Sascha’s honour to welcome you to this valley and our pack territory. We look forward to knowing you better in time.”
I glanced to where most of the tribe had convened—the women had mingled together far more than the men, no doubt because of Wade’s hen party last night.
“Before we commence celebrations, there’s one last thing I’d like to announce.”
Sascha squeezed my calf.