“That I can prove. But we need to talk, in person, and on neutral ground.”
“Alone?”
I take a breath in. This idea has been at the back of my mind for a while, and until recently, I didn’t think this would be realistic, but... maybe now is the time to do something really unexpected.
“No, with a lot of people.”
“Interesting...”
I turn to Damian and choose my words carefully. He probably guessed I was busy mind-linking William because he was waiting for me with his eyes going colder and colder. Now that my attention is back to him, that icy stare of his melts immediately.
“You don’t want me meeting William alone, right?”
“Right...”
“Let’s say I would invite a lot of people?”
Damian seems to catch on my attempt to bring my idea on the table right away, because he suddenly stands up to face me, looking wary.
“Who are you thinking about?” He asks.
I don’t avoid his gaze, and answer looking at him eye-to-eye. I borrow some of my wolf’s confidence for support because it’s like I’m facing a wall right now. I take a deep breath.
“All our allies. The neutrals, too. I mean the Alphas, the packs. We can gather all of them, Damian, and let them know we won’t go by the Gold Moon’s rules.”
He shakes his head. “Nora, you are too optimistic. Most of the Clans fear us or hate us. They—”
“Damian, you are the Werewolf King of this city! Even if you are ruling by fear right now, is it enough to keep the peace? Soon, that won’t be enough anymore! So, use it before this war really breaks out. Call them, summon them. I can’t take this whole game of alliances anymore. Street fighting and bickering is fine, but an all-out war between packs? This financial pressure or whatever it is, it has to stop! No matter what, there is only one Silver City!”
He stares at me, looking impressed, surprised, and undecided. I know this is totally unprecedented and risky, but we have to. No matter what, all those schemes between the packs can’t go on anymore. He turns to Neal, still holding my hand.
“What do you say?”
His Beta takes his time to answer, looking just as surprised as my mate by my idea. After a while, he nods slowly.
“It would certainly be worth trying... It’s never been done before, though. Also, we are headed toward a conflict with either the Gold Moon or the Sapphire Moon. In any case, the Blood Moon will be seen as the source of the problem unless we go... very public.”
Damian stays silent for a while, and I’m really nervous. This would be a crazy, unprecedented, and perilous idea, but right now, I’m sure this is our best way of solving things. Or at least, to try to show our goodwill. I still remember Vince’s anxiousness when Liam and Nate visited the pack, even if it was a dinner. He knew one step wrong, one word could end his Clan.
Maybe this is what a lot of packs will think. Damian is the Alpha King, and saying he is feared is quite an understatement. I am immune to his Alpha aura, but I am the only one, and Moon Goddess, I see it all too clearly wheneversomeone else is in the room. Even other Alphas respect him instantly. He is way too strong, which also explains why most of the other packs never meet him personally. His reputation is plenty enough. However, things are changing, and there is no way he can remain isolated anymore.
“All right... Let’s try Nora’s idea.”
“Yes!”
I can’t hide my joy and jump at Damian’s neck, kissing him. He chuckles a bit and kisses my neck, pulling me to sit on his lap. Behind us, Neal clicks his tongue.
“Before engaging in your happy couple activities, can we talk about the details?”
I blush a little. That wasn’t really serious of me, but oh well. Damian growls at his Beta a bit, annoyed, but Neal is right. I try to regain my composure and think about this seriously.
“We’ll have the meeting on neutral ground, somewhere no one will feel threatened.”
“We could use the Silver Stadium. It’s one of the most neutral spots, easy to access, and at the heart of the city,” suggests Damian.
Neal and I nod. Good idea. Werewolves love sports, so everyone is used to going to the stadium to watch matches, and as he said, it doesn’t belong to any turf. Every wolf can go there within an hour and exit it quickly if we leave all doors wide open. No one will feel trapped if they are outdoor, either.
“We can send invitations to everyone, even the smaller packs,” I say. “I’ll tell Vince will come, and he can convince the Pearl Moon Alpha, too. William already promised he would come, and Elena can talk the White Moon Alpha into it, too.”
