CHAPTER THREE: Something In Return

ALLISON.

This can’t be happening! No, I must be dreaming. For the past two weeks, I have been trying to erase any traces of memory that I had from that night. It was supposed to be a bleep in my mind; something that I shouldn’t even talk about anymore. The Howling Night was a blur and I wanted to keep it that way. That night was as good as a fever dream to me. I was like an animal who let my inner instincts get the best of me. It was bold. It was primal… in the most humiliating way.

“I thought we were late for the meeting. Glad to see that we’re just on time,” Liam said, his eyes still fixed on as he strode inside the meeting room.

Oh my god.

I could feel the tension thickening in the room as Quinn cleared his throat. “Everyone, this is Liam Miller. He’s here to discuss the potential alliance between our packs.”

“Oh my, he looks like a total snack in person,” Latisha whispered giddily, her cheeks flushing red.

My heart raced as he stepped forward, the air around him crackling with confidence. Liam was standing right in front of me, looking every bit as captivating as I remembered. His neck-length brunette hair framed his face, and those striking green eyes held an intensity that made my skin flush. I thought I’d forgotten those eyes, but apparently, they were burned into my memory.

Shit! Why am I even thinking about his damn looks when I’m supposed to be pretending that I don’t recognize him. Hell, I knew he was an Alpha the night I met him but I didn’t know that he was Liam Miller! The notorious Alpha of Moon Stone Pack! This pack is known for having a ruthless reputation. Thanks to him, by the way. I heard Liam Miller is a maniac who loves the sight of blood. You wouldn’t want to be his enemy because he was known for tracking all his foes even to the depths of hell just to kill them. No one messes with Liam Miller and leave unscathed. That’s why he was dubbed as the Bloodhound.

The pack always follows after its leader, so it was not really a shocker that both the Alpha and the pack have a rather ferocious image.

"Yeah, I just filled my executives in on the recent incident at the human settlement and the chance that there could be another attack soon,” Quinn explained.

“Your executives… hmm. You seem to have a pretty reliable team, Alpha Quinn,” Liam commented as he surveyed the room of people, his eyes lingering on me.

“Uh, yes. Of course,” Quinn answered, her tone a mix of confidence and confusion. “They’ve been briefed on the situation and are here to help us discuss our next steps.”

“Interesting,” Liam mused, a smirk playing on his lips as he leaned casually against the table. “But I’m not here to discuss alliances just yet.”

The room tensed at his words. I could feel the weight of his gaze as it settled on me, and I fought the urge to squirm under his scrutiny. What the hell is this man talking about? Didn’t they come here to discuss alliance?

Liam’s words sent the room into an awkward and tension-filled silence. His stood tall in front of Quinn, his eyes sharp and unyielding as if he’s the best person in this room and anyone else were just irrelevant insects in his way. It was a deafening silence until Nick stepped forward and decided to break it.

“Excuse me, but I didn’t like your tone there. You’re acting as if we owe you the honor for coming here,” Nick spat.

Liam gave Nick a bored look. “Don’t you?”

That seemed to have made Nick more pissed. “What makes you think we need your pack?” Nick challenged, his voice steady.

Liam’s expression shifted, his playful demeanor fading into something more serious. He walked towards Nick and sized him up from head to toe, as if assessing whether he was worth his time or not. “What’s your name?” Liam asked.

“I’m Nic—”

“Yeah, no. Forget it. I don’t really care,” Liam cut him off. “You’re asking why you’d need my help? Well, your pack is vulnerable right now and you’re the nearest pack from the location of the crime. Chances are, whoever did that to the village will also do the same thing to your pack… or maybe worse.”

Liam’s words hung in the air like a dark cloud, heavy and ominous. I glanced at Nick, whose expression was a mix of disbelief and annoyance. His family has been serving Quinn’s ancestors for decades, so he’s fiercely loyal to this pack. I’m sure Liam’s guts and subtle insults are already getting to his nerves.

“We can handle ourselves,” Nick replied, crossing his arms defiantly.

Liam raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching into a smirk. “Can you? Because from where I stand, it looks like your defenses are about as solid as a paper wall.”

A low murmur rippled through the room, and I could see my pack members exchanging uneasy glances. Liam’s confidence was palpable to the point of arrogance. Goodness. He’s more insufferable than the rumors say!

His condescending eyes found me and I’m not sure if my face gave it away, but it made his smile fade away. Quinn told me before that I wear my heart on my sleeves. Maybe, it’s so obvious that I look pissed right now.

“Oh, looks like you don’t seem very happy with what I just said, miss…”

“Allison.” Damn. Why did I just give him my name!

Liam smirked; amusement evident in his eyes. “Allison. Hmm. I knew you’d have a cute name.”

“Cute? Is that how you describe a potential ally?” I fired back. Sure, he’s hot. But he’s also starting to get on my nerves!

Liam shrugged, his smirk unwavering. “Depends on the ally. You’re not just cute; you have fire. That’s why I’m interested.”

I let out a laugh devoid of humor. Shaking my arm, I popped an eyebrow and challenged his gaze. “Interest isn’t enough,” I retorted, trying to keep my composure. “You think you can just waltz in here, throw around insults, and expect us to fall in line?”

Liam stepped closer, his eyes growing more intense. “I’m not expecting you to fall in line. I’m suggesting you open your eyes. Your whole pack is in danger, and I can help you—if you’re willing to be smart about it.”

“Smart? By aligning with you? A ruthless Alpha with a bloody reputation?” I spat, my tone biting.

“Exactly,” Liam replied, unfazed. “You think I got here by being nice? I play to win. And right now, your pack is losing.”

Quinn stepped forward, her voice steady. “We’re looking for an alliance, but I won’t tolerate any more insults, Liam.”

Liam raised his hands in mock surrender, a playful smirk on his face. “I’m a simple man, Quinn. An Alpha, yes, but simple nonetheless. Alliances aren’t formed without a price.”

“What do you mean by that?” Quinn asked, narrowing her eyes.

Why do I have a bad feeling about this?

“Tell me, how much can you pay for the cost of your safety?” Liam’s tone turned serious, the atmosphere thickening with tension.

I snorted. Seriously? He wanted to get compensated in exchange for this alliance? He didn’t strike me as a businessman. Oh, well. I heard their family’s company is booming these days, but I didn’t realize that he would also treat this one as if it’s a business deal. This is why I can’t stand Alphas other than Quinn.

Quinn crossed her arms, her eyes carefully assessing him. “Fine. If you’re talking about the price, how much do you want? I’ll write you a check.”

Liam chuckled, shaking his head. He glanced at his Beta, Elliott, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Do you hear this? They think I want money?”

Elliott smirked, leaning back casually. “Honestly, I thought you were about to pull out a treasure map. Maybe a pirate’s gold?”

“Right?” Liam laughed, shaking his head. “What do I look like? A werewolf with a penchant for gold coins?”

My face twisted in confusion. If he’s not all about money, then what the hell is his deal?

Quinn’s patience wore thin as she interrupted, crossing her arms. “Enough with the games. What kind of price do you really want?”

Liam’s smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. “I want something far more valuable than money.”

Tension thickened in the room as everyone leaned in, waiting of what he’s going to say next. Now what?

“The alliance,” he continued, “will only be possible with one condition.”

“And what’s that condition?” Quinn asked.

Liam stepped closer, his gaze locked onto mine, as if the rest of the room had faded away. Shit. With a renewed smirk on his lips, he slowly raised his hand and hooked a finger under my chin.

“I want her.”

“W-What?” I stammered in shock.

Everyone in the room, except his Beta, gasped at his crazy condition. Even Emily, who had been quiet until now, stepped forward, her eyes blazing. “Sorry, but is this some kind of sick joke?!”

“I don’t play around when it comes to this. I told you I am a simple man. If you want to continue this alliance, then give me what I want…” He paused, his gaze drifting to me, those striking eyes flickering in molten gold, reminding me of the Howling Night. “I want this one,” he declared, cupping my chin with his fingers.

In an instant, I slapped his hand away, my anger surging. “What the hell is your problem? I’m not just a possession you can claim!”

His amused expression didn’t falter. If anything, he looked even more thrilled to see me pissed. Damn it.

“Too bad. I don’t do things without getting something in return. This time, I want you.”