Hestia House Book One

Chapter Three

~Arynn's POV~

Sitting at the conference table, my parents on my left and Leo on my right, we faced off with my Alpha and Luna across the table. When we had entered the pack house, Leo had quietly asked me to guide him to the conference room, but made it appear as though he knew exactly where he was going. His support and protection encouraged me, and I allowed myself some hope that the outcome of this meeting would be beneficial for me and my parents. Luna Kristin was sitting as straight as a rolling pin, not even looking at our side of the table. Knowing we also had some intimidating warriors standing behind us, I wouldn't have wanted to look my way either. After a tense few minutes of silence, Alpha Sean finally spoke first.

"Well, besides taking one of my omegas and her family, what are your demands for peace?" His voice sounded annoyed by the prospect of losing us, though his attitude said he was furious about the thought.

"My mate, her family, and no more attacks on my lands. That's all I demand, as you call it. Though I didn't even have to extend this courtesy, since all your attacks took place on my territory. So, as minor as losing a pack family is, all out war between our packs would have been worse." Leo spoke with a calm authority, calling out Alpha Sean's attitude. I cast a small glance at my parents, to see my father watching Alpha Sean, and my mother's eyes on me. Concern, love, and worry shown through her gaze, both comforting and disconcerting at the same time. Why would she be worried? The conversation demanded my attention again, so thoughts of my mother's worry were pushed to the side.

"Well, she can't just leave today! If she truly is blessed enough to be mated to an alpha, then we need to give her a proper send off. That will be my only caveat to these negotiations, or there will be no treaty. One week from today should be sufficient to send her off properly." Alpha Sean sounded smug with himself, as though he had gained the upper hand somehow. Leo glanced back at one of his warriors, connecting looks for a moment, then turned to me. His voice was soft and low, warming me from the inside out.

"Arynn. Do you feel comfortable staying a week before leaving? It would allow you time to say goodbye to any of your friends. But if you want to leave today, we will. No matter what he says." He reached over and gently touched my head with his pointer finger, sending small tingles through my skin and down my neck. "Just think your answer. I can hear you."

'What do you mean you can hear my answer? And I'm not sure I have an answer. It would be easier with a few days to make sure we have what belongings we truly want, but I would also leave with you today if I needed to.' I was so confused by his request to think my answer, but complied as best I could anyway.

'Mates and pack members can communicate telepathically. Didn't you learn about this with your parents or your pack? Can you not communicate with your pack this way?' His tone was concerned, and I realized now that all of his communication with me since entering the pack house had been telepathically. A feeling of threat started growing in me at that moment though I couldn't figure out why. Before I could reply, Leo turned his attention back to Alpha Sean.

"Arynn and her parents will stay for three days. That is all I am willing to compromise on in this situation. Just so you know I am serious, two of my men will also stay to help them prepare." He lifted his hand, signaling the men behind him and two positioned themselves behind my parents and me. Turning to me, he switched back to the mind link.

'I will see you in three days. I will leave a car for you and your family, but don't hesitate to reach out or leave early if you need. My wolf and I don't want to leave you, but this alpha needs to feel as though he has some control over this situation.' He touched his forehead to mine, both our eyes sliding shut as he slid his hand to the base of my neck. The connection was sending rushes of emotion through me, but ended too soon when he sighed and stood to move away. My mother put a hand on my arm, as if to reassure me. I gave her a small smile before turning back to Leo as he spoke again.

"Thank you for your peace Alpha. I hope it can bring us both many years of prosperity."

And with one final longing look at me, he left.