“I don’t know exactly what we can give you in exchange, but—”
“You underestimate your own power, little human.” She crosses her arms. “I’m simply considering the implications of helping the wolf who is, by most perspectives, Jarron’s greatest threat to winning your devotion.”
I roll my eyes. “Thompson is not a threat to Jarron.”
“That remains to be seen.”
I shake my head. “Anyway, I was under the impression that these kinds of favors were in exchange for another favor.”
“Not necessarily. And when you begin a proposition saying you don’t know how you can repay it, that puts you in a vulnerable position.”
“I thought you said there weren’t any faux pas?”
“There aren’t. You are simply doing yourself a disservice.”
“Okay. So, what exactly did I do wrong, then?”
“You are implying you need my help more than I need you. Instead, begin strong. Imply your target should want to help you. In most cases, that will be true, so long as you don’t let that wolf of yours drive a wedge between you and your prince. Most supernaturals will bend over backward to do you a favor just for the chance at getting close to demon royalty.”
“Why, though? Without a specific benefit to them, what does that prove?”
“Just being seen around you could lift someone’s reputation quite powerfully.”
“Not yours, though. Not in this case. You’re already quite close with Jarron.”
“True, but lead strong, and if the other party requires more, they will begin the bargaining.”
I sigh. “All right. I need you to do something for me.”
“Better.” She runs her fingers along the armrest of the chair. “Best if you compliment me in some way. And perhaps imply there are many people who could serve this purpose. If you can get them to feel like they must compete for the opportunity, you’ll have all the control you need. Try, ‘I have need of a favor from someone magically gifted in spells. You’re one of the top students in that area, correct? Would you be interested in being part of my endeavor?’ You’d have them eating out of the palm of your hand.” She grins, exposing elongated canines.
“Would I have you eating out of the palm of my hand?” I ask.
Her lashes flutter, and for the first time, I get the feeling I have the upper hand in the conversation. She’s obviously trying to help me, though, hence the supernatural negotiation lesson, but it still feels good to have a slight advantage.
“Perhaps you would, little human.”
“Well, do you want the chance to help me or not? We keep beating around the bush.”
Her lips tip up just slightly. “Very well. Go on. How can I help you help Thompson?” She wrinkles her nose when she speaks his name. She’s not a fan of the wolf shifter, apparently.
“He’s having some trouble back home. More specifically, his pack needs help.”
“Unsurprising. He’s from a tiny pack with no allies that routinely pisses off the large packs surrounding them.”
“I would like you to help them defend his land.”
Manuela jerks back as if I’d slapped her. “You want—you ignorant, foolish girl.”
My stomach sinks. My eyes widen.
“Do you have any idea—” She stands and turns her back to me. “Thompson is a squirmy manipulative ass. Did he tell you to come to me? You said he didn’t know you were coming, but did he imply it? Otherwise, why would you askmein particular?”
Suddenly, I feel very small, and very guilty for some offense I have no idea about. “He needs help from a stronger supernatural.” Should I not mention that he was hoping for help from Jarron? I suppose it’ll be fairly obvious, but I’ll just skip over that bit for now. “We were discussing if anyone in the school could help because otherwise he’s going to have to leave. Jarron is preoccupied, obviously. Auren hates me. You are one of the strongest left.”
“Auren doesn’t seem to hate you as much as you think.” Her shoulders relax a bit. “He didn’t mention my people’s history with the land his pack resides over?”
My eyes flare. “No. He didn’t mention that.”
