Chapter 4: Reunion

Valerie

I hesitated.

If I refused, I didn't know what he'd do. But joining his pack…

After minutes of thinking, it finally came to me.

“No,” I finally spoke, making him frown before I rushed out

“I won't join your pack, but I have an alternative deal.”

He raised a single eyebrow, scrutinizing me but I persisted, speaking while hiding my nerves.

Once I finished, he chuckled but I stayed firm. Even though I could tell it wasn't what he wanted, he finally nodded.

“You make a fine bargain. Fine then,” he agreed, raising his hand to shake

“Pleasure to work with you…Valerie.” he purred,

I didn't reply, shaking his hands. The moment I touched him a sharp zing courses my senses. I couldn't barely process it as I let go, meeting his icy blue eyes.

“Likewise,” I only managed to muster.

As I left the hall my mind circled the sensation. Had I done the right thing?

….

ONE MONTH LATER

That day, I had set up an alternative deal, one that was enough of a compromise between us.

Despite rejecting his offer, I agreed to be his personal Advisor and Pack mediator when necessary. In return I was given my freedom with an added bonus of protection within our city and his pack. It was a middling deal where we both got what we wanted.

In the end I didn't mind it. Mina took over some of the work in the flower shop while I was made to attend their pack meetings at least twice a week.

Working alongside Alistair was intimidating but unexpectedly, he'd loosened up around me, acting more like a lax boss and sometimes friend even though I still kept my distance. He'd continuously offer me a pack position and I would often reject it. Other times however, he would call, and it was unpredictable whether it was serious or not.

Like he did now.

“Sorry,” I apologized, leaving the counter while calling Mina over to take care of the customer. Taking out my ringing phone I quickly answered only to receive curses.

I instantly stiffened at the thundering rage in his tone. I'd never heard him this angry before.

“What happened?” I asked,

“It seems like your former pack doesn't know the meaning of respect, nor do they understand what they'd just done.” He spat out.

My blood turned cold.

As he explained, my heart fell. It happened exactly how it did in the past, with Alyn starting a problem that escalated this.

“What are you going to do? Did you declare war?” I asked, trying to not shake. I'd sworn off any contact with them but the thought of the war starting again…

“No,” he chuckled and my breath hitched in relief, “why would I? After all, I have a mediator don't I? One that is coincidentally related to the pack.”

Relief instead twisted into worry.

Maybe I'd hoped things would change, but I was proven wrong. There was no escaping this.

The Eclipse pack, my parents, Alyn and Tristan. I was going to face them again.

Days passed after Alistair announced his decision. He'd been the one to pick the place which was unsurprisingly his pack hall. With all the details set in place all that was left was for me to face them.

I had the time to prepare throughout the drive to the venue. Now I was ready.

I murmured thanks as the pack guards lent me a hand in stepping down. Whether due to my continuous stay or the deal, they had become much friendlier and polite. Some of the pack members greeted me on the way, but it still didn't stop my anxiety.

Stepping inside, I opened the door and was reunited with both packs. My past and present.

“The Shadow Moon Pack Advisor, Valerie Valentine!” They announced.

It took everything in me to not stumble as I walked in, ignoring the stares. Only as I sat in my place in the middle seat between both packs did I finally look up.

My former pack members were looking at me with shock, as if they had seen a ghost. My parents were also present, eyes wide.

And Tristan… I froze under the force of his stare. He didn't look angry but…different. Heated in a way that I'd never seen him look before.

My father suddenly rose, red faced.

“What is this Alpha Alistair? How dare you capture our daughter to mediate this fight?” he shouted,

“Be careful of your words Mr Valentine,” Alistair cut him off, “She is no longer your pack member or Luna, as we and many other packs are aware of. You all were proud to say so as well during the annual meeting so why are you all complaining now?

She accepted my position of her free will. There is no reason for you all to complain unless…you're worried about something?”

Murmurs began but I couldn't focus. Why was Tristan still looking at me so intensely?