“While the inner workings of your pack are left up to you, if discovered members are being abused, you and I will have an issue. Do you understand? We’re wolves, not monsters. We don’t hurt our own. Solve your internal problems peacefully, so they don’t spill into the town and affect lives here.”
Colin’s eyes narrowed at that. He’d undoubtedly hurt more wolves than he could count, and my subtle jab at him didn’t go unnoticed. I didn’t care. As long as peace was preserved, he and I didn’t need to cross paths.
No doubt he was now wondering what exactly Diana had told me.
“Finally,” I began to say when Jackson laughed mockingly.
“What?” he laughed. “Do you want to make sure we recycle our trash too?”
“Silence!” Colin yelled, and Jackson jerked with surprise. “This is a discussion between alphas. Know your place!”
Jackson cowered immediately, his head bowed. “I apologize, alpha.”
Colin’s eyes were glowing while staring at Jackson, who avoided his gaze. “I apologize for my nephew. He’s still young and learning.”
“I’m aware,” I replied when he turned to face me once more, and I took the document Killian was holding out. “This is a contract for all the terms I’ve stated and others. Once you sign, you agree to all terms, including staying 200 yards away from my territory unless personally invited. Likewise, my members will do the same for your territory.”
Walking forward, I gave the contract to Colin, who took it. “You can read over the contract before signing, but those are my terms.”
Colin skimmed the document while nodding. “I’ll have this signed and returned to you within two days. But make no mistake Alpha Kaleem, despite our history, I’m grateful for this chance. My pack will adhere to your rules.”
“Good,” I said. “I’m glad to hear that.”
He turned as if to leave but stopped, and my eyes lowered suspiciously. “There is something I’d like to add,” Colin said.
But I’d already known there was no way this meeting would end so smoothly, so I was ready.
“I don’t doubt you now know the true nature of my relationship with Diana, and if you don’t, she’s my niece. In the best interest of both packs, if either of you decides to pursue a relationship, I’d appreciate being notified.” Colin held the contract out to Jackson, who took it. “As her alpha and uncle, I’m sure you understand the situation.”
“Of course,” I growled, and they left without saying anything further.
Killian and I watched them leave, and once we could no longer sense them, Killian’s growl rumbled around us, bouncing off the trees and leaves.
“Watch them, all of them,” I growled, and Killian’s fists clenched.
“Already on it,” he grumbled. “Should I have someone keep an eye on Diana and her father specifically?”
“Yes,” I answered, and my fangs elongated. “Keep an eye on them as well.”
It wasn’t Diana I didn’t trust, it was Colin. I didn’t trust him to not hurt her as a means to get to me. I was welcoming Colin, but he wasn’t a changed man. If anything, he’d only grown more cunning.