Jacob’s POV
The sound of my boots crunching on the gravel echoed in the quiet night as I made my way to the old Ridge. It wasn’t much of a place-just an old, run-down tavern on the edge of nowhere-but it had served as neutral ground for years. When you needed a conversation that wouldn’t make its way back to either side, this was the spot.
Marcus was already there, sitting in a dark corner booth, a half-full glass of whiskey in front of him. He looked as grim as I’d ever seen him. It wasn’t hard to understand why.
His pack had been humiliated, beaten down by some rogue wolf. Marcus didn’t take losses lightly, especially not ones that made him look weak.
I made my way over and slid into the seat across from him. His cold eyes flicked up to meet mine, but he didn’t say anything at first, just waited for me to speak. He never had much patience for small talk.
“Thanks for meeting me,” I said, signaling the bartender to bring me a drink. “I heard about your pack. About the attack.”
His jaw clenched, but he said nothing. Just stared at me, waiting.
I sighed, trying to sound genuine. “I’m sorry, Marcus. I know you lost some good wolves out there. That rogue… he’s crossed a line that can’t be uncrossed.”
His lip curled in disgust, and he leaned forward, eyes narrowing at me. “Jacob, if all you wanted was to offer me your condolences, you could’ve saved yourself the trouble. I don’t need your sympathy. What do you want?”
Straight to the point, as always. Marcus never liked wasting time, especially when he had blood on his mind. I took a deep breath, knowing that what I had to say wasn’t going to sit well with him.
“I want Reyna back,” I said, keeping my voice even. “And I want her married away.”
His reaction was immediate, a flash of disbelief mixed with anger crossing his face. He slammed his glass down, the whiskey sloshing over the rim. “You gave her away before. Threw her to the wolves-literally. And now, suddenly, you want her back? What’s changed?”
“My pack is suffering, Marcus,” I said quietly. “We’re barely holding on. If we don’t forge an alliance with another alpha, we won’t last another year. And the only way to seal that alliance is through marriage. Reyna… she’s the key.”
Marcus sat back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, staring at me with cold, assessing eyes. “And what makes you think she’d go along with this? Reyna’s not a bargaining chip, Jacob. You’re talking about trading her like she’s nothing more than a piece on a chessboard.”
I clenched my fist, trying to stay calm. Marcus had always been like this.
“She doesn’t have to like it,” I replied, my voice hardening. “She just has to do it. The alliance depends on it.”
Marcus’ eyes darkened, but he didn’t speak. I could see the wheels turning in his mind. He wasn’t stupid. He knew that packs like mine, struggling on the fringes, couldn’t survive alone.
After a moment, he leaned forward again, his voice cold. “Have you told this alpha that Reyna hasn’t… expressed her werewolf form yet? Or are you planning to keep that little detail under wraps?”
I shrugged, trying to play it off. “It’s not something he needs to know, at least not until after the ceremony. By then, it won’t matter. The alliance will be sealed, and I’ll deal with any fallout if it comes to that.”
Marcus stared at me for a long moment, the disgust in his eyes clear. “You’re willing to gamble your own daughter’s future on a lie. And what happens when this alpha finds out? What happens when he realizes she’s not what you promised?”
I didn’t have an answer for that, not a good one anyway. But I wasn’t about to back down now. I had no choice.
“There’s something else,” I said, pushing forward before he could press the point further. “Another alpha has taken her into his custody.”
Marcus’ expression turned dark, his knuckles tightening around the glass he held. “Who?”
“The oldest son of Alpha Williams,” I said, feeling a chill run down my spine just mentioning the name. “He’s got her hidden away, and I need your help to get her back.”
Marcus raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting to one of cold amusement. “And why would I help you with that? After everything you’ve done, why should I care?”
I leaned forward, knowing this was the moment. The pitch.
“Because I can help you too,” I said, lowering my voice. “That rogue who humiliated your pack? I’ve got intel on him. You want to take him down? You’ll need allies. If you help me with Reyna, I’ll join forces with you. Together, we’ll find this rogue, and we’ll make him and his pack pay.”
For a moment, Marcus said nothing, his gaze locked on mine. I could see the gears turning in his mind, weighing the offer, measuring the risks.
Finally, he leaned back, his expression unreadable. “So, let me get this straight. You want me to help you deal with this Alpha, get your daughter back so you can sell her off to another alpha, and in return, you’ll help me deal with the rogue who tore through my pack?”
I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. “That’s the deal.”
Marcus stared at me for a long moment, and I couldn’t tell if he was going to throw me out or agree to the plan. Finally, he spoke.
“I’ll consider it,” he said, his voice cool. “But know this, Jacob. If you’re lying to me, if this doesn’t go exactly as you say it will… you’ll wish that rogue had killed you first.”
I swallowed hard, knowing that he meant every word. But I had no choice. This was my last chance, and I was willing to risk everything to save my pack.
Even if it meant going up against Marcus.