Page 14 of Moonlight and Mischief
“Are loyalty and obedience the same thing?” Hazel says. Her voice is strong and steady. The corner of my mouth curves at her boldness.
“I guess not. But both are required, are they not?” Zephyr’s smile is snake-like. Slate bristles at how Zephyr’s eyes slide over Hazel.
“Perhaps,” Heath says, pacifying.
“If there is anything we can do to assist your pack and rebuild our friendship, please let me know,” Zephyr says.
“Your offense was against my heir so I will leave that up to her,” Heath says, nodding toward Hazel.
Her eyes narrow at Zephyr and his smile fades. “You were our ally once, but that relationship had deteriorated even before Granite Ridge’s actions, correct?”
“Unfortunately, yes. It’s past time for us to correct the situation.” Despite his respectful words, his lip curls for a split second before he regains his composure.
Hazel considers for a moment, causing Zephyr to grind his teeth.
“Alliances are built on communication. In addition to your participation in our upcoming Alpha Counsel, I think it would be wise for our Gammas to speak on a regular basis. I’m sure they can find ways we can collaborate.” Her voice is soft but firm.
“A commendable idea.”
Dell leans forward in his seat. “I look forward to hearing from you,” he says to Hawthorne. “It will be good to stay in closer contact.”
Hawthorne nods curtly.
“How has your contact been with Ferris in the last few months?” Slate asks.
“Minimal,” Zephyr answers, “I have tried to keep the channel open, but his belief that Granite Ridge is superior to all other packs makes it difficult to find any common ground. I’m afraid we aren’t the ally he was hoping for.”
Interesting word choice. It’s true that Ferris and Sienna believe they are above the other packs. But they wouldn’t withdraw from negotiations.
“Hopefully we all can find a way to reconcile peacefully,” Heath says.
“We will see,” Zephyr says.
Neither leader seems to believe that reconciliation is likely between Granite Ridge and the surrounding packs. Knowing their misdeeds, I am not surprised.
“You’ve given us a lot to think about. Was there anything else we needed to discuss before the upcoming Alpha Counsel?”
“Nothing that needs to be addressed today.”
Heath straightens, his hands falling to his knees. “Well, would you like to enjoy the lunch our chef prepared?”
My brows crease. Offering a meal to Zephyr is a way to offer alliance and friendship again. I know that’s the goal, but warning bells are still ringing in my head.
Zephyr shakes his head, pushing his chair back and standing. His fingers adjust the sleeves of his coat while his eyes travel over each of us. “I’m afraid we must be heading back. Our work is never complete, is it?”
“Such is the role of a leader,” Heath says, his tone a little colder than before.
Hawthorne steps forward to open the door for our visitors. “Another time.”
“Of course.”
Heath remains standing so I hover nearby, waiting. After our guests have driven away, Hawthorne returns, his expression unreadable. The two men exchange looks.
“Well, how do we feel that went?” Heath asks.
“Interesting,” Slate says, “He seems sincere, but I’m not eager to trust him.”
“I’m not sure I expected him to own up to the role they played,” Heath says, his hand running over his short beard. “Perhaps Zephyr still has a sense of morality.”
