The lost mate

Chapter 122: A deal

"Jackson, you are crossing the line." Liana warned.

"Enough!"

Richard’s deep voice echoed through the hall as he strode in, along with Alpha Falcon. The tension in the air shifted the moment they entered. All eyes turned towards them. Jackson’s gaze immediately flickered with unease when he saw Falcon. He stiffened, his earlier bravado fading as fear crept into his eyes.

There was history between him and Jackson. The moment their eyes met, Jackson’s shoulders tensed, and his confidence cracked ever so slightly.

"Jackson," Falcon said, his voice low and dangerous, "what secret were you talking about?" His eyes were sharp, narrowing in suspicion.

Jackson swallowed, a nervous chuckle escaping him. "It wasn’t a big deal, Falcon," he said, trying to sound casual. "Just a small matter of retribution. My daughter, Jessica, was humiliated. I was seeking justice for her. That’s all."

"Justice? For what, exactly?" He asked, his voice as hard as stone. "I’ve seen you try to manipulate situations before, Jackson. Don’t play games with me."

Jackson’s smile faltered, and he glanced at Richard, hoping for support. But Richard remained silent, his face unreadable.

"I only want what’s fair," Jackson stammered, his facade crumbling under Falcon’s scrutiny. "My daughter was promised to Damien. And now she’s left with nothing. I want retribution—territory, compensation. A show of respect for the insult."

Falcon’s eyes narrowed, his lips curling in disdain. "Respect? You think respect is earned by forcing alliances and manipulating mates?"

Before Falcon could press further, Richard stepped forward, breaking the silence. "Enough," Richard said firmly, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Jackson, I agree with your terms. Jessica can stay in our pack until she finds her true mate. I will ensure that she is treated with respect and dignity. As for the compensation, we will negotiate territory."

"No, Father," Damien growled, his voice filled with fury. "You can’t do this. I won’t allow it. This isn’t just about Jessica. He tried to destroy everything. And now you want to negotiate

with him?"

Richard met Damien’s gaze, his eyes stern but calm. "I am still the Alpha of this pack, Damien," he said, his voice firm, though there was a hint of weariness beneath his words. "And as Alpha, I will make decisions that benefit our pack. This feud with Jackson has gone on long enough. We need stability, not more bloodshed. Jessica is not to blame for her father’s actions. She deserves protection until she finds her mate."

Damien’s fists clenched at his sides, his anger burning hot. "You can’t seriously expect me to stand by while you let her stay."

"Enough!" Richard’s voice boomed, silencing his son. He stepped closer, his eyes locked onto Damien’s. "I understand your pain, Damien. I know what this means to you. But this is about the future of our pack. As Alpha, I must think beyond revenge."

Falcon stood silent besides Richard, though his eyes remained fixed on Jackson, watching him carefully. Jackson, meanwhile, seemed to be regaining some of his confidence now that Richard was backing his demands.

Jackson’s smirk widened, knowing he had Richard’s backing. "You see, Damien?" he said smoothly. "It’s time to let go of this grudge. For the good of the pack."

Damien’s vision blurred with rage, the urge to lash out overwhelming him. But then Falcon’s voice cut through the haze, calm but firm.

"Be careful, Jackson," Falcon said, his voice low and dangerous. "You’ve gotten what you came for, but don’t think for a second that you’re safe. This isn’t over. You’ve played your cards, but I’ll be watching you. And trust me, if you step out of line, I will personally see to it that you pay."

Jackson’s smirk faltered for a moment. He nodded stiffly.

*************************

Anne heard a knock on her door and opened it.

"Nicky?" Anne asked, stepping aside to let her friend in. "What’s going on?"

Nicky hurried inside, her eyes wide with concern. "Anne, I just came from the packhouse. You need to hear this. There’s a meeting happening right now in Alpha Richard’s office."

Anne’s heart sink. "A meeting about what?"

Nicky hesitated, biting her lip before continuing. "It’s about Jackson and Jessica."

At the mention of Jackson’s name, Anne felt her wolf stir, a low growl rumbling in her chest.

"Tell me everything," Anne said, her voice low and steady.

Nicky took a deep breath, her eyes flicking to the window before she spoke. "Jackson came to demand retribution. He’s claiming that Damien humiliated Jessica by choosing you over her. He’s asking for territory, and... well, Alpha Richard has agreed to some of his demands."

Anne’s breath caught in her throat. "He what?"

Nicky’s eyes flashed with anger. "Alpha Richard agreed to let Jessica stay in the pack until she finds her mate. He thinks it’s a way to keep the peace between our packs, but Damien—Damien was furious."

"Jessica’s staying here?" Anne repeated, the words bitter on her tongue. Her wolf growled louder now, agitated by the news. "After everything she and her father have done, she’s just going to be allowed to live here."

Nicky nodded, her expression grim. "Alpha Richard thinks it’s the only way to avoid a war. Damien tried to fight him on it, but Richard reminded him that he’s still the Alpha. His word is law."

Anne clenched her fists, the frustration bubbling inside her. She had already distanced herself from Damien, trying to give her wolf the space she needed to calm down, but this—this changed everything. How was she supposed to feel safe with Jessica lurking in the shadows?

"I have to do something," Anne said, more to herself than to Nicky.

" I have to go, and if you need anything—anything at all—you let me know."

As Nicky left, Anne closed the door behind her and leant against it, her mind swirling with the news.

She needed to find Damien.

Without another thought, Anne stormed out the door. The evening air was cool and crisp, but it did little to calm the fire burning inside her. She hurried down the path leading to the packhouse. Damien had to be somewhere nearby.

But as Anne wandered through the pack grounds, she found no sign of him. She checked the training grounds, the packhouse, even his usual spots by the river where he went to think. Nothing.

She felt the pull of their bond, but it was distant, clouded by the emotions of the day. Damien had been angry; she knew that much. But where was he now? Why wasn’t he fighting this harder?

As she circled back towards the central courtyard, a figure caught her eye. A woman, walking leisurely through the pack grounds, her head held high as if she owned the place. Anne’s heart sank as she recognised the long, dark hair and the smug posture. 4

Jessica.