5.The Trade Deal

William's POV

I caught up with Thomas in the tavern. He was a tall, muscular male wolf who had served as my beta for many years. I needed his help and I knew he was always up for an adventure.

"Thomas, I need your help with something," I said, taking a seat at his table.

“Yes sir, anything.” The enthusiasm in his tone never got old.

I smirked and began, reclining, "Well, I met this girl… she was small. It was at the Luna festival. And since we spent that night together, I haven't been able to stop thinking about her.” I stopped and looked at him. “I need to find her again."

He grinned and drained his ale, nodding his head. "Ok ok, just give a little description and I'll locate her in no time."

"I like your confidence.” I praised him. Then, thinking back to that night, I tried to picture her once again. “She had on this beautiful white silk dress with pearls and roses embroidered on it.”

I paused, realizing. “Can we ask the merchants if they sold any dresses that match that description to anyone?"

Thomas hesitated, frowning. "William, that's dangerous territory. If their Alpha catches wind of our search, he'll be furious. We could be in big trouble.”

I leaned forward. "Thomas, I need to see her again. I can't stand the thought of being without her."

Thomas exhaled, contemplating my words. He knew how stubborn I could be. I never gave up easily, no matter what.

"Alright William but I'm warning you, if we get into trouble, the consequences might be severe."

I grinned, grateful for his assistance. "You don't have to worry Thomas. Thanks."

“Anything for you Sir.”

I returned my gaze to Thomas. "I’ll have to extend the time of the Shadow Clan's stay in the Blue River territory until I find her."

He looked at me with worry. "Are you sure you want to do this, William? The Alpha of the Blue River Clan won't be happy about it. We might be in danger."

I nodded. "I'm very much aware of the risks, but I can't let her go. She's a part of me now, and I will do anything to find her. I'll do anything to be with her."

Thomas uncertainly agreed, "If you're so willing to take this risk then there's nothing I can do to stop you. I'll try my best to support you."

As Thomas came into the clearing, I called him, “Thomas!”

“Yes Sir.”

I looked around at everyone. "Just wanted to make sure everyone was ready to leave for the meeting with the Blue River Clan Alpha. We're leaving soon, so let me know if there's anything we need before we go."

"I'll let you know if there's anything," Thomas said. His voice was calm and collected, and a bit excited.

"We're all excited to start this meeting and maybe we can finally come to an agreement with the Blue River Clan Alpha." I tell everyone. "That's our goal."

The situation between Robert, the Blue River Clan Alpha and I quickly escalated as we met in the Blue River Clan meeting room to discuss cooperation.

I could feel my patience running out, and I blurted out, "The rules in Blue River are old-fashioned and stubborn. Your clan is always so isolated and doesn't want anyone from other clans to enter their territory. That's an outrage!"

Robert's expression hardened. "Watch your tongue, William! Remember, you're still a guest in these lands, and you must respect our rules."

My temper flared. "That's exactly the problem here, Robert; you are so old-fashioned and stubborn. You don't understand that the world is not the same as it used to be then. The world is evolving and the warewolves should evolve with it. It isn't right to hold them back!"

Robert leaned forward, his voice low and threatening. "You will watch your mouth, William or I'll cut that tongue! I have already told you severally, I do not tolerate disrespect in my territory!"

The air in meeting room was becoming hot. I could feel my temper increase and I spat at him, “You're a tyrant, Robert.. The way you treat other clans is terrible and downright ridiculous!"

"And you, William, are a scoundrel. Who do you think you are coming into my territory and disrespecting my laws? You must not evolve with the world to successfully lead a clan. Well, maybe for the group of scoundrels you call your ‘clan’, but a respectable Clan like the Blue River Clan required respectable rules.”

My rage flared, but then the calming gesture Thomas gave me reminded me that I have to try to calm the situation, rather than worsen it by arguing.

I took a deep breath and reduced my voice. "Robert, quarreling will lead us nowhere. This is’nt the reason for our meeting. The plan was to discuss how to cooperate for the betterment of both Clans. Can we please set aside our differences and focus on what's important? Can we call a truce?"

Robert's expression softened a little as he listened. Sighing tiredly, he nodded. "You're right. We shouldn't let our disagreements get in the way of doing what's best for our clans. Let's try to move forward."

I nodded, relaxing back in the chair. "Thank you, Robert. So, how do you suggest we strengthen the relationship between our clans?"

Robert also leaned back in his chair, thinking for a moment. "Well, there are several ways we could cooperate, but perhaps the most crucial is resource sharing. We have plenty of hunting grounds here, and we would be willing to share some of these resources with your clan. In return, we ask for your support in defending our territory if a rival clan tries to attack us."

"That sounds like a fair trade.” I smirked. “We will definitely do our best to defend your territory. And in return, we would greatly appreciate access to your hunting grounds."

Robert smiled. "I'm glad we were able to come to an agreement. I have a feeling this will be the beginning of a strong, healthy relationship between our clans."

Robert called for some rum to celebrate the successful conclusion of our negotiations. It was passed around and each wolf nodded in agreement as they took their sip.

“Cheers!” We raised cups of rum in toast to our success. I looked at my clan, proudly.

“The future that lay ahead of use seems brighter, much brighter now.” Thomas grinned in agreement with my statement.

“So, what are your plans now William?” Robert asked me.

I thought about it before answering, “Well, due to the trade deal with my Clan, during the transportation of goods, I will stay in the Blue River Clan territory for half a month.”

Strangely, as the discussion came to an end, I noticed that Robert seemed to have a hostile reaction to what I said.

It was odd, as I had always treated the other clans with respect and even offered to cooperate with them in the past.

"Robert?” I approached him, concerned about his demeanor. “Is something the matter?"

With a serious look on his face, he spoke quite loudly, "For the two weeks or so that you will be staying here, I want you to stay away from my daughter, William. She is not for trading."

With a light hearted smile I replied, "Oh, I didn't know that. I will make sure to stay away from her."

“You're not the type of wolf to back down when being faced with a bully,” the firm way Thomas spoke showed that he was clearly upset. “This is so unlike you William, you are better at negotiating than this. It's unlike you to agree to conditions when you're not the one giving them. I expected you to counter Robert's offer and present your own instead."

"I know, Thomas. Robert was so firm in his demands, and I didn't want to risk our relationship with him by pushing too hard."

Thomas sighed. "I understand your hesitation, but we can't let ourselves be pushed around. We need to be strong and stand up for what we want. We need to do things on our own conditions and not just his. You have to believe in yourself and your abilities, Willaim. Otherwise, we'll never get anywhere."

"You're right Thomas but let’s leave things as they are for the time being. If all Robert needs is for me to stay away from his daughter, then I am fine with that."

We all exited the meeting hall. At that point, it hadn't dawned to me that my little she-wolf was his daughter.

Thomas and I came across Ava and her friend in the hallway. As I sensed the familiar scent in the air, I knew that it was no doubt, my little she-wolf had appeared.

Excitement bubbled in my chest and I leaned close to Thomas and whispered, "Do you smell that? That's the scent of my little Ava."

He inhaled deeply and nodded with satisfaction. "She is indeed beautiful and her scent truly captivating. I guess I can finally see why you have been so obsessed with her."

I smiled as I looked over at her, she was wearing a stunning white flowing gown and a beautiful tiara that sparkled in the light. She looked like the picture of elegance and grace, and I melted as her presence neared. She was even more stunning than I remembered.

Her friend noticed my excitement and pushed her playful. Her friend was also a very beautiful she-wolf.

"She's breathtaking," I breathed, feeling something tingle in my chest at the mere sight of her.

Thomas leaned in closer, his voice low and excited. "I've never seen a wolf like her before. She's like a work of art, a painting come to life."

“Yes... she is my mate," I said softly, my blood boiling all over.