The Alpha's Runaway Mate

THE DEAL

Nathaly's POV

The rest of the day went off without anything happening. After I talked to my father, Doctor Green called me in for a check-out and gave me some pills that were going to help me with my sleep. Then I readied myself for dinner. I wore an ankle-length black dress with only one strap on my left shoulder that was plain and loose, but elegant, and used nude low heels with it. After dinner, I got a quick shower and went off to sleep. I took one of the pills Doctor Green gave me and I slept like a baby.

When I woke up and got ready for breakfast, I put on a long white loose blouse with half-leg jean shorts and headed downstairs. When I was about to go in, I heard Aroon 'Hey sis, are you coming?' 'About to come in, care to fill me in. Who is inside?' 'Sure, that would be mom, dad, Jainny, me, and the Argent Moon Pack guests, and the Alpha seems a bit on the edge. Maybe it is because he doesn't know your whereabouts.' Sometimes Aroon is such a child, he can't lose an opportunity to tease me. 'Very unlikely' I said with a tired air, 'Want to bet little sis?', let's just breath. 'Sure, but you will lose this time' 'Then come in and prove me wrong', I could feel he was about to laugh big time in middle of breakfast. So I entered the dining hall, and almost ran to our table to grab the quickest meal ever. I was already kind of late for breakfast. Those pills really got the job done... When I took my seat next to Aroon he started laughing so much I was about to cover my reddened face, "Y-you...lo-lost" he said in the middle of his laugh attack.

I got what he meant. Edward looked just fine to me, and even looked relieved when we locked eyes for one second. Had he really been waiting for me to show up? "Ok, smartypants, finish your breakfast, we have to get ready for the meeting". He started to calm down. "Sure sis, but you owe me, remember that you lost our little bet" and he pushed me playfully, and I laughed as well. Then dad intervened, "Guys, I have already talked to Seb, he will stand right next to Naty when I make the introductions, and just in case you forgot, you have thirty minutes to get ready for the meeting" and in unison, Aroon and I said, grinning the whole time, "Sure dad".

When I finished my sandwich and orange juice, I took off to my room to get what I needed before I escorted our guests from Argent Moon to the conference room. When I was about to go to get them, my phone rang. "Hello, this is Nathaly speaking, who is on the other side?" "Hey, it's Edward. I was wondering when you were going to come to get us? I know we still have fifteen, but ...". Dear Goddess, "I am on my way, don't worry, are all of you in the entrance hall?" I spoke as I closed the door of my room and started heading towards the main entrance. "Yes we are, and on purpose Dereck has something to ask you, but when you get here" "Sure thing, I am almost there". The moment I got to them, they were all dressed up in suits, pants and shirts. Through them, you could see how well-built they were. It was clear they were all well-trained. But Derck was in jeans and a random t-shirt, understandable since he didn't have to go to the meeting. I had to remind myself that staring was something very impolite to do. When I caught myself staring at Edward's figure, which towered over me, I was about 5'2". Therefore, I was almost completely sure he was about 6'6" tall. When I looked at Dereck I noticed Edward had a smirk pasted to his face, he had caught me, d**n it. "So Dereck, you wanted to ask me something?" I said to stop the tension that was building in the room, and to give me other things to focus on aside from Edward's eyes on me... What is really going on with him? "Oh, yeah, you'll see, since I can't attend the meeting I was wondering where I could go? I mean, do I have access everywhere or is there some place that is off limits?" I chuckled. "Well, the off-limit zones are the ones you have painted in red on the map I left in your room. Other than those places, you can go anywhere you want, even the neighboring towns, but I don't recommend you go there, because it's a bit far, and you have to come back for lunch. If you need any help getting somewhere while I am at the meeting, you can speak to any pack member that you find. They will be delighted to help you out". He nodded, "Thanks, so I'll see you around guys." "Go away already, you are the only one who gets to have fun" said the Beta, Axel, and Dereck ran to a passing by omega to ask her for indications. I couldn't help but let out a quick laugh, all of them acted like children.

Their eyes were fixed on me while we walked to the conference room. On the way, we found Sebastian, who joined us and took a protective place right by my side. I guess dad told him about his discomfort with me being all by myself with them. Apparently, Edward didn't like too much the idea of Sebastian standing next to me, since he was throwing daggers at him. When we got to the door of the conference room, I stood right next to Sebastian, and Edward, his Beta and Gamma stood on the other side of the door. "Good morning everybody, Alpha Edward, Beta Axel and Gamma Darrin, let me introduce you to my family; this is my Luna, Asil, my son Aroon, his mate Jainny, my daughter Nathaly, that you already know, Sebastian a very close friend to our family, and my Beta Fred". After dad introduced Sebastian, I could almost feel Edward's fists loosen a bit, since he clenched them when he had taken the spot right next to me in the family line. "Now, I think we should proceed to our meeting, otherwise it would be hard to stick to the schedule, and my daughter worked very hard to organize everything in there", I smiled and saw them enter and close the doors behind them.

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Edward's POV

We have been getting ready for these meetings for almost a month now, but yesterday something unexpected happened. We found the one, our mate. I could barely believe it. I had been searching everywhere for her just to find her in my oldest enemy's pack, and she had to be the Alpha's daughter. But since she doesn't seem to feel anything, I've tried my best to keep Aran, my wolf, under control and myself as cool as I could. But she didn't make it any easier, by fainting and almost making me lose my mind out of pure concern, and then by showing up looking like an angel for lunch, drawing looks out of all the unmated males of the room. At that instant, Aran wanted to run and mark her, but how could I allow that? She could have gotten hurt, and I would never have forgiven myself if any harm was to happen to her because of my impulsive behavior. And then, right a few moments ago, when my imagination played tricks on my ears and I thought I was about to hear that Sebastian was her mate... what a nightmare, 'NO, she is OUR mate'. Oh my dear, 'I know Aran, will you calm down now? We have to talk business and fix this.' 'It's your fault, you started thinking about her'. He was right, but come on, he was definitely not helping me calm down. 'Just keep your mouth shut, so I can work' 'Ok, but remember you can take advantage of the fact she is our mate. After all, you said we came here to establish a long-lasting peace. Why couldn't that be the way?'. Goddess, give me patience. 'If you were really listening to me, you would have heard that is part of the plan. Now let me focus, otherwise I could mess up' 'Don't you dare'. We have only agreed on a couple of things with my wolf since he awakened when I was fourteen, and one of those things is that, regardless of what dad said, we would always care for our mate, and so I had been looking for a way to take her home with us after this visit is over, and I think I got the way.

"Alpha Peter, is your daughter, Miss Nathaly by any chance human?" I asked, when he was still arranging some documents on his side of the table. "Well, Alpha Edward, yes she is, even though both of her parents were werewolves. She is already sixteen and not showing any signs of awakening". Now that explained why she was not feeling half of the things she made me feel. Every time I saw her go inside a room she had so much grace, it was like she was shining all the time, and her smile was something so beautiful, and those eyes. D**n, I am doing that again. "Thanks Alpha". "You are welcome, now let's get down to business", he said while signaling the omegas in the room to hand us some papers.

We spent almost two hours discussing the different agreements we could make in order to ensure the benefit of both packs and with that we should be able to sign the peace. After all this time, we had arrived at a peace treaty divided into three main parts; commerce and trade between packs, economic support, and humanitarian assistance if ever needed. Both son and father had already signed the treaty, then the Beta and the Beta-to-be signed as well, and when it was our turn to sign and put an end to this never-ending conflict, I looked at Axel and Darrin for support. They looked back at me and gave me one reassuring nod each. After that, Axel said through the mind link, 'We need our Luna, for you to be stronger, and the pack to be complete. Don't hesitate' I gave him a quick nod and started talking, holding the pen and turning it in my hand, "I will sign anything you tell me to..." Now they were completely shocked. Alpha Peter tried to cover it, but the premise was too striking, which was exactly what I intended. "...on one condition, I want to take my mate back to Argent Moon's territory after our visit is over, and we ensure peace between both packs".

Everyone was startled, except Alpha Peter and his Beta who had regained their composure after listening to my condition. They looked at each other and then Alpha Peter asked directly to me, "And who would be your mate, Alpha Edward?" He had leaned on the table and his eyes were serious and cold as he scanned my features with pressing attention. "It would be Miss Nathaly Everain, Alpha Peter", he nodded. With no further delay he turned towards his soon and commanded, "Tell your sister we need her here right away. It's a very important matter...", then he turned back to face me as he spoke intently, "You must understand Alpha, I can give her orders both as her father and as an Alpha, but I still would like to hear what my daughter has to say about this new development of events". It sounded completely reasonable, and if he put it that way, I would also like to know what was on my mate's mind. "I agree with you Alpha" is all I said in reply, containing the joy it brought me to be able to have her acknowledge our bond.

A few minutes later, my angel opened the door and took a seat right next to her father, which to my advantage was at the head of the table, so she was close to me as well. But she looked a bit concerned. "You asked for me father?". Her voice was like a melody, the most beautiful I had ever heard in my life. "Yes sweetie, my suspicions have come to an answer thanks to the gentlemen here..." her face turned into a confused expression. "Alpha Edward here has claimed you as his mate, and wants to take you with him to Argent Moon Pack when their visit reaches its end, that is his only condition to sign the peace treaty", her face was so adorable, she was looking at everyone in the room to notice any hint of a joke. She found none... Her brother was awkwardly moving in his chair as well as his future Beta. On the other hand, I knew Axel, Darrin and I were looking at her with gentle smiles, silently asking her to accept the deal.

After a couple of minutes that felt like ages, she finally spoke "So... this is your only condition for peace?" She talked to me with a questioning look in her eyes. "Yes, if you agree to come with me, I will sign. No questions asked and there would finally be peace". "Could we make a deal between us?" I looked back and was immediately compelled by her eyes, "Please Edward". This is so unfair, she is already taking advantage of her effects on me, even without knowing it. First, I looked up to the ceiling, and then back at her, "I would do anything for you". Now there was a sparkle in her eyes, that told me she was up to something. "Well, you know I am a human, I am just sixteen years old, and I barely know anything about directing a pack?" I nodded. Here it comes: "So here is my proposition...". She was looking dead serious into my eyes, "You sign the treaty right now, because both packs need peace badly, but I will go with you to Argent Moon Pack when I turn eighteen to ensure I am well-prepared for my Luna duties and ready to fully accept the mate bond. Before you answer, please consider I don't know you at all, and this time could be useful to begin our relationship, and as well, I think it would help me overcome the fact that... it was your father who killed my biological parents, and even if I don't blame you for that I would be marrying into the family that left me an orphan".

All eyes were on her and me. She didn't let her stare fall even for one second and in the mindlink I heard both Axel and Darrin already agreeing, 'She will be an amazing Luna, but we don't think you should push her'. I thought for a moment about it, "So, would I be allowed to come and visit you whenever I want? And you would listen and obey what I tell you?". She looked a little confused and looked back to her dad. "Sure Alpha, you would be welcome to come whenever you want to see her, but about her listening and obeying to all your wishes, I think you may find it a bit difficult. She doesn't even listen to her brother or me less obey every single order" she blushed a bit, and we all laughed. "Then, could you at least tell me you would consider very seriously what I tell you?" she looked amused. "We could reach an understanding about that, but I will be sure to consider whatever you tell me", she said while holding a thoughtful expression. "Hmmm, how much would you like me to sign that treaty?", right now I was using my devilish grin to see how much I could push it. She leaned in and was close enough for me to get intoxicated by her scent of mint and wild berries, "Very much. I don't want any more broken hearts out of our endless war" and she tilted her head, letting her hair drop to one side, leaving her marking spot visible, not that she noticed.

I grinned and kissed her cheek, "If that is your wish, then I will make it come true, but remember our deal. Okay angel?" I saw her still startled by the peck, which made me laugh while I signed the treaty. That reduced lots of the tension that had built in the room, as she said in a low whisper, "I won't forget". That's when I noticed the hint of coldness in her voice, but she still held in her face a little smile that didn't really reach her eyes. I knew that at this moment she had been affected by the bond which I saw made her vulnerable, and I noticed that she hated it.

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Third Person's POV

Aroon and Sebastian's minds were completely blown away. How had the Alpha seen this coming? And why weren't they aware of anything? And most importantly, how had Nathaly been able to manipulate that Alpha so easily into her wishes? They knew she was having a big inner discussion about what had just happened, and what she had just done. Of course, her brother felt her unease and reassured her, 'Sis, you were amazing, thanks to you. Now we get to have peace. Don't forget to smile, dad is very proud of you, he knows how difficult this must be for you'. She gave him a little smile, 'I know, he must be thinking something like poetic justice, you know'. 'Actually, he is telling all the pack through the mind link that we are finally at peace with the Argent Moon Pack thanks to your intervention'. Her heart felt heavy and confused due to the sudden overwhelming wave of information, 'If they only knew half of it'.

Then their father asked him to connect him with his daughter while they still had time. 'Sis, dad wants to talk to you, so I leave you two'. 'Dad?', 'Sweetie, I don't want you to be sad or go in denial of this whole thing, I thought it would be better if in some way he was the one to tell you, but your mom and I noticed this yesterday, when we entered the dinning hall, and he couldn't keep his eyes away from you, and when he looked at every unmated male like if they were going to definitely die for looking at you. Just know I believe he is different from his father, and, anyway, that man is trapped in a coma state after his heart attack, so don't focus on the bad things, and consider the good in all this', 'Which is dad?', 'Sweetie, you've finally found your mate, he is an Alpha, which means you are getting your prince charming, after all the pain that you went through after their deaths, now they are giving you their blessing to go on. And that's why the Moon Goddess gave you the greatest among her gifts', 'If you put it that way dad, then I guess it is pretty nice to have found him at last'.

Even if her voice faltered through the link, a spark of hope ignited in her heart. There were still doubts in her mind that needed to be solved, and something was off around them. The people on the table were happy for her, and glad to have finished the war, but she couldn't help to feel that someone was staring at her. That made a cold shiver run through her back. But she decided to push it as just an impression, and a few moments later Alpha Peter invited everyone to the dining hall. They all agreed and left to get lunch.

On their way downstairs, she was left behind a bit, but her mate approached her. "Hey angel, are you alright?", she smiled back to him and gave him a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes, "Yes, Edward, it's just that this caught me totally off guard". He laughed, and she grinned. "If someone was more surprised than you, it was me, who would expect their mate to negotiate over the conditions of their relationship as a condition of signing a peace treaty?" she understood now, why she was starting to feel drawn to him, and laughed. Then he put a protective arm around her shoulders and kissed her forehead, "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me". That stunned Nathaly, but filled her heart with the hope that she could truly find happiness with this Alpha. He may have had the reputation of a cruel and heartless man, but in the two days she had seen him, he could be all of what people said, but he wasn't like that to her and that could be enough.