The Bargainer Novels & Stories

“Read it.” Snow picked it up, hands steady despite the cold dread curling through her stomach. The words burned clear and cruel. A demand. A threat. Proof that someone had tracked her location right to this mountain fortress. They knew exactly where she slept. Exactly whose bed she shared. “They want a trade,” Silas said. His tone was dangerously calm, wrapping around every word. “You, in exchange for backing off old blood feuds.” Snow’s head snapped up. “Me?” “Seems everyone thinks you are my weakness now,” he bit out bitter and sharp. His sarcasm was nowhere to be found. “Clever of them. Annoying as hell for us.”

I deadpanned. His face sparked up like an inferno but before he could speak, I added, “Bring it back, Morrison Brewery," I pleaded in a low brittle voice. He took a double look at me and my heart raced faster. I knew I had taken it too far and I hoped he didn't take it as an offence- I had never pleaded for anything. “This is business. You have to bargain. Don't think I will throw money at a failed legacy because a girl in torn jeans marched in here and asked nicely.”

ASHER: Her frail form trembles before me. She leans backwards, pressing her body against the wooden chair. Wolfless or not, I cannot let her tears fool me. It's impossible for her to have ruined me all on her own. Could it be the Dark Knight scheme to make a fool out of me and seize the opportunity they've been waiting for to strike? My father, late Alpha of the Silver haired pack had taken up the marriage treaty offered by the Alpha of the Dark Knight pack who secretly covets our land. Our pack suffered more from the war before, so it was the only resolution my father saw.

"I can handle my problems." The bartender, who had been watching the exchange with interest, decided to intervene. "Hey, guys, why don't I get you another round?" she suggested, her voice friendly and neutral. James nodded, holding up his glass. "Yeah, sure. Another whiskey, please." Steve hesitated, “No need to worry; we've had more than enough, and we are very much okay for the night.”

Still admiring the gown on my body, Barbara suddenly barged into my room. She eyed me from head to toe, taking in the appearance of the gown. I knew she wouldn't admit that the gown was beautiful but she knew it was. It hurt her that she couldn't give a bad comment about the gown, so she made a very interesting and at the same time annoying confession. “Just to show that you are such a useless brat, my dad switched my place with yours. Now you will be stuck with that beast and I will be here enjoying life as I please,” she waved her long acrylic nails at me, evil gleaming in her eyes.

As I came out, I stared at me wondering how earth I was going to convince him to go against his boss' words. “Listen,” I stood closer to him. “I'm going to tell you something real quick, hopefully you cooperate.” “Oh what do we have here?” He raised his hands in mock surrender, nooding his head. I didn't understand. Why was he acting like that? I looked at him like he had grown two horns on his head. “Sorry ma'am,” he half smiled. “You may go on.” “Good,” I replied. “I don't want you to go in with me and Stefano can't also know of this.”

“And I gotta say, boss, it was sweet to see Dan's head rolling on the floor. Just like they did to our boss” Margaret eyes flickered, a hint of annoyance crossing her face. She didn't like her men to get to cocky, too confident. It made them sloppy, and sloppy was something she couldn't afford. Before she could respond, another man entered the room, a look of concern etched on his face. “Boss, we have a problem”. Margaret's gaze shifted to the new arrival. “What is it?” The man began explaining, “The people we just raided, they're not just any ordinary players. They've been in the business for a long time, and they're not going to take this lying down”.

“You can have someone else find him for you, and pay the four hundred billion dollars, because no one's going to find him in two days for you except me” “Fifty-five” he bargained. “Sixty is my final say, one more bargain and it's all your assets” He chuckled, darkly, with a hint of amusement. “That's why I like you Hilton, you're the man to get the job done.” Passing the photo to Liam without a word, “My lawyer will prepare a contract, I’ll contact you when it’s done.” I didn’t wait for a response, I walked out, Liam following closely behind.

“ Nana still has it in her, okay?” I laughed, munching down the food as she placed more on my plate. She really did know how to ease me up. After a heartfelt breakfast I settled down on the couch after helping Nana in the kitchen. I was about to turn on the TV when I heard Nana’s voice. “Oh! That reminds me–” she paused, adjusting herself on the adjacent couch she sat in while knitting. I sat up instinctively, facing her. “Pa Rogers said he's in need of a worker in their restaurant urgently. I don't remember the role he's hiring, but he definitely needs workers"

“We can both agree we didn’t know things would and could get this intense between us. The potential was there, but I obviously doubted your appeal. The contract can be amended. “I like it just fine. Mr Crowe.” “What would it take to make you change your mind? I want you to be honest.” He looked determined enough. I bit my lip contemplating “On the off chance that i wanted this…the way you speak to me would have to change entirely.” “What’s wrong with the way i talk.” Now he just looked amused. “The fact that you don’t see anything wrong with negotiating my body like it’s a business is a problem.” “ Through negotiation things are clear: there are no unwanted expectations at the end of our arr