Chapter 37: A guest

“Is that a threat?” Elder Nolan asked, and the air in the hall suddenly turned stifling and tense.

“If that is what the elder takes it as, then it is.” Damien replied in the same calm tone that was only infuriating to Elder Nolan.

Elder Nolan gritted his teeth, his fists tightly clenched.

For a brief moment, it seemed as though Elder Nolan would erupt and yet again, he forced himself to calm down in the next moment.

Although he was certain that he would not lose to Damien in some areas, he was still in his territory and Elder Nolan could be said to be vulnerable at this point.

He knew Damien was not joking when he said he would cut his tongue and Elder Nolan even felt a trace of fear seeped into his heart.

His rage receded, and in its place was calculation and scheme.

“Fine. The Alpha surely lives up to his reputation, you can’t be calculated against.” Elder Nolan said, but he was not smiling.

“So choose your next words carefully, Elder Nolan.” Damien reminded lightly.

Elder Nolan nodded and began in a calm voice, different from the cold one he had used earlier.

“Your pack and my black ridge pack intersect in ways that are obvious because of how close our lands are. Our patrol routes are connected and our borders touch. The recent rogue attack did not just affect your pack, but my pack was affected as well.”

Damien said nothing and merely waited for Elder Nolan to continue.

“For the sake of protection for both packs, the best way to intimidate the rogues and to stop their actions is our collaboration. You should also know that the rogues are not working alone, they are supported by a few packs as well. I am certain Alpha Damien does not think he can handle these people by himself. So, I propose that my daughter remain here.”

Damien’s expression darkened.

“Not as your Luna, but as a guest. This will make the rogues and the packs supporting them think twice before making any attack. It would show that my pack and yours are in an alliance. Imagine two strong packs being in an alliance, is that not enough to scare them off?”

Mireya’s eyes flashed briefly, but she quickly masked any emotions on her face as she continued from where her father had stopped.

“That is true. In addition, I have always been interested in the culture in your pack, I could stay behind to learn, observe and act as a bridge between both packs, as a guest. The Alpha might not want a marriage alliance, but he should not be against having guests, right? Moreover, it is for the benefit of both packs.”

Damien did not speak for a while and merely studied the pair of father and daughter calmly.

“You plan to leave your daughter in a territory you know is ruled by a ruthless Alpha?” Damien asked Elder Nolan calmly.

Elder Nolan answered with a calculating smile, "My daughter is willing to stay, signifying a symbol of trust. If anything were to happen to her for the brief time she would spend here, the responsibility would fall on you. Moreover, if I did not trust the Alpha’s authority, I wouldn’t have made this suggestion.”

Damien knew what they were both doing.

They were pushing the responsibility on him, so by the end of the day, he would have no choice but to take Mireya in as his woman.

It was a nice plan.

And it made Damien scoff inwardly.

Mireya spoke again, “Father is only looking for means of stability for both packs. With the recent unrest, it would ease the mind of the people to know that such an alliance has been formed. And I assure you that I won’t be a burden whatsoever.”

“I will leave a few guards for Mireya, and the Alpha can order them around as he deem fit.” Elder Nolan said and Damien chuckled.

“Didn’t Elder Nolan just say he trusts me?”

“I am leaving these men at your disposal. It shows my goodwill towards you.” Elder Nolan replied and Damien snorted lightly.

Good will indeed.

More like leaving the men to spy on him.

Damien stared at Elder Nolan for a brief seconds before he nodded, his eyes unreadable, “Very well. You may leave your daughter here for a few weeks, but remember, she is staying as a guest and it would remain that way. In addition, she will only stay here for a month, after that, I won’t be polite.”

Elder Nolan glanced at Mireya and she nodded subtly.

A month is enough for her to accomplish her goals.

Their little actions did not miss Damien’s eyes, but he made no comment on it.

“That is more than enough, Alpha Damien.” Elder Nolan said as he rose to his feet before turning to Mireya. “You know what to do, right? Do not cause trouble for Alpha Damien.”

Mireya smiled meaningfully, “I know, Father. I won’t disappoint you.”

Elder Nolan nodded in satisfaction, “The Alpha does not have to see me off.”

“I have quite a lot on my neck, so I am certain Elder Nolan can find his way out.” Damien replied and Elder Nolan almost choked.

With his face darkened, he left, but Mireya stayed behind.

As expected of Alpha Damien, he was very charismatic, he was also the only man who could make her father speechless.

Damien ignored her gaze and proceeded to leave the hall.

“Alpha Damien.” She called softly behind him, but he did not stop and she could only hurry after him, not the least bit annoyed.

“You don’t have to be so distant, Alpha." She began coyly. “Even if I can’t be your Luna, I can still be useful.” She added, reaching out to touch his arm.

She expected him to swat her hand away, but when he did not react, she raised her head in surprise only to realize that he was not looking at her, but at something else ahead.

It was a woman in plain dress, but with that beautiful feature, Mireya could tell who it was with a single glance.