Alex’s brows arched in challenge. “You need to explain that to your brother.”
“My brother’s actions were unsanctioned and have been addressed.” He paused for a sip of whiskey before adding, “It’s my intention to return Eagle Village to our customary neutrality.”
“Neutrality is for pussies,” Alex sneered. “Everyone must choose a side.”
“I disagree,” Gabriel said firmly. “We are three separate villages. There’s no need for us to interact.”
“Really? I never took you for a coward.” Challenge rang through every word. “You hate Zion as much as I do. Why would you even consider joining his side?”
Patrick tensed. Alex’s point was valid. Animosity had been festering between Gabriel and Zion for years. In many ways it made more sense for the raptors to join forces with the wolves.
Gabriel tossed back the rest of his drink before he spoke again. “I’m not taking anyone’s side. Eagle Village will focus on raptor shifters and only raptor shifters. With that fact in mind, how do we proceed?”
“Go ask your brother,” Alex snapped. “He’s the one who got in bed with Zion. I have no problem with you, but any ally of the fucking cats is my enemy.”
Hostility pulsed all around Patrick. His gut twisted and tension banded his chest, making it hard to breathe. He wasn’t sure if the emotions came from Alex or Nate, or a combination of the two. All he knew for sure was that the wolves were a lot more dangerous than they appeared.
“Raphael believed that he was rescuing the females. I admit that he was misguided, but his motivation was pure.”
“I don’t give a shit about his motivation,” Alex stressed as he set his glass aside. “We defend ourselves when we’re attacked. If you’re serious about remaining neutral, all you have to do is stay out of our way.”
“That was easier to do when you weren’t seven miles from our front gates.” Gabriel’s tone remained conversational, but he narrowed his eyes.
Alex waved away the concern. “This encampment is no threat to you. My pack is no threat to you.”
“Unless we get in your way,” Gabriel countered.
“Exactly.”
They stared at each other silently for a long moment. Patrick glanced at the beta, but Nate appeared almost bored. He stood guard in the archway with his arms crossed over his chest.
“How long have you known about the tunnels?” Gabriel asked without warning. He scooted to the edge of his seat.
Gabriel’s posture was tense and ready, but Patrick wasn’t sure if he was preparing to fight or to flee.
Alex grinned. “We built our village around the main entrance to the mine. It took us years to reinforce and map all the tunnels. They go on for miles.”
“Have you learned anything about the miners? When were the tunnels dug and what were they after?”
“No clue.” Alex shrugged, but the calculative gleam in his eyes didn’t match his nonchalance. “Whatever they were after is long gone now.”
“What about the miners?” Gabriel persisted. “Are they long gone too?”
“Unfortunately.” Another unconvincing shrug lifted Alex’s shoulders. “Would’ve been nice to trade with or learn from a civilization like that.”
It was obvious Gabriel didn’t believe him, but all he said was, “My brother attacked you, and you attacked us. Are we even now, or can I expect further trouble?”
“I have no plans to attack Eagle Village.” Alex sounded sincere this time. “That could change, however, if I keep seeing birds fighting shoulder to shoulder with cats.”
“I want nothing to do with your war with the cats, and I will make sure my brother understands how strongly I feel about it.”
Alex’s only response was a subtle nod.
Gabriel stood up and squared his shoulders. “If we understand each other, I’ll take up no more of your time.”
Alex stood as well, but his gaze was colder now. “Don’t confuse me with Elias. We have very different priorities. Every wolf on this planet has a valid reason for hating the cats, but we have no beef with you.”
“Glad to hear it. I’ll do everything I can to keep it that way.”
