“All right,” she agreed. “Typically, my clients want to get right to business, but it’s your call.”
The problems would press on him soon enough. Since he couldn’t woo his mate, he could at least bask in the comfort of being near her.
“What I’ve learned in all my years of running this resort and serving as beta of this pack is that dealing with struggles is a part of life. Nothing will change whether you tell me how the visit went now or after we enjoy a drink together.”
She appraised him with a slow nod. “I suppose you’re right.”
She ordered a glass of white wine and he selected a winter lager on tap from their server, Matt. They spoke about innocuous topics for a few minutes until Matt returned with their drinks and took their order. Then they selected an appetizer sampler, so she could sample the different tastes, and they ordered a plate of chicken nachos.
After he left, Grayson noted, “In some ways, my responsibilities are like yours.”
“How so?”
“I spend much of my time fixing things, including negotiations.” He grinned. “Although, my affairs are often with outside vendors or pack members.”
“I wish I had your patience.” She sipped her wine.
“I’m sure you do. You deal with heated emotions on each side. Patience must be an essential skill for your job, isn’t it?”
“Yes.” She exhaled and frowned. “Sometimes it can be frustrating.”
Since her most recent assignment involved him, his skin prickled. He wanted a chance to get to know her better, but that didn’t seem to be a suitable option.
“All right. From experience with the Saccos, I’m guessing this is one of those times.” Despite his disdain for their pack, somehow he managed to keep his voice level.
Aurora sighed. “They were quite stubborn.” She summarized the conversation and their demands.
The muscles in Grayson’s neck corded to steel. “They actually said they want Rafe to present Damon’s head?” His eyes bulged. “Are they insane?”
“It isn’t a reasonable request. I’m hoping this is just them making an extreme demand right from the start, so they project the image that they are being agreeable when they compromise.” She shrugged. “Or, maybe it’s a matter of saving face to the pack.”
Grayson nodded. That somewhat made sense. A shifter’s pride was notorious and often led to trouble. Still, the demand for Damon’s head filled him with rage. How could they even go there? He clenched his hands into fists under the table. “We will absolutely not agree to that request. The death of one of our pack mates is off the table.”
“Of course.” Aurora gave him a sympathetic glance. “The good news is that they’ve agreed to a mediator, which means they are open to negotiation. My job is to work with both packs to find a more reasonable settlement that both parties will accept.”
Grayson gulped some beer. “I hope so.” He ground his jaw. When he glanced across the pub, he spotted Rafe entering. Rafe caught his eye and Grayson motioned him over, inviting him to join them.
“That’s all right,” Rafe said. “I’m sure you both have plenty to talk about.”
He exchanged a glance with Grayson, all but communicating that he wouldn’t interfere with the limited time Grayson had with his mate.
“Can you fill me in on how it went today?” Rafe asked.
This time, Grayson locked eyes with Aurora. “I’ll tell him,” he told her.
He communicated telepathically.Aurora was just filling me in on the conversation. They’re playing hardball. They’re still requesting Damon’s head in exchange for the loss of their enforcer, only now Kane added that he wants you to give it to him.
“He what?” Rafe barked out loud. His features twisted with fury, and his eyes narrowed.
Aurora blinked at each of them and lowered her voice. “Are you two communicating in that silent shifter way?”
“Yes,” Grayson acknowledged.
She nodded. “We won’t accept it,” she addressed both of them. “We can make a counteroffer.”
The way she said “we” warmed Grayson. It indicated that she was on their side, although she couldn’t be. Maybe she used that option with all her clients.
“That’s what we’ll need to discuss,” Grayson addressed Rafe. “Your office tomorrow morning?”
