“That’s all I wanted in the first place,” I said gently. “I just need you to support me.”
He sighed and leaned his forehead against mine. “I’m sorry. I should have heard you out. I just …”
“You just want to protect me,” I finished warmly. “I love that you want to protect me, but I feel the same way about you. And for the first time, in a long time, I can actually do something about those feelings.”
“Yeah. But I’m staying with you the whole time,” he added fiercely. “If it looks like it’s too much or it’s hurting you, I’m stopping it. Got it?”
I nodded, willing to compromise. “Deal.”
He kissed me again, softer this time.
“Who knew that when we stood in here two weeks ago arguing over me going to the Summit, that we’d be where we are now?” I mumbled, looking around his bedroom.
“It’s been a long two weeks,” he replied, one hand tangling in my hair and the other settling on my waist possessively.
“Feels like it’s been months,” I said, shaking my head. “Whoever said absence makes the heart grow fonder was an idiot.”
“You’re calling Thomas Haynes an idiot?” He smiled at me, an eyebrow raised questioningly.
I laughed, loving that Remy was as much of a literature nerd as he was an Alpha. “Yeah. I am.”
“He would be deeply offended,” Remy chuckled, kissing the underside of my jaw.
I pulled back in mock outrage. “Whose side are you on? Mine or Tommy’s?”
He smiled softly at me, completely sincere. “Yours, babe. Always yours.”
49
Skye
I pulled my feet up onto the couch as Remy picked up the phone in his office. Katy sat to my left, just as anxious as I was. Rhodes, Dante, and Will had filed in and closed the door. Rhodes perched on the arm of the couch beside me. Dante leaned against the door, and Will had dropped into the empty armchair.
“Ready?” Remy asked.
I wasn’t sure if he was addressing us or himself. Either way, I gave a slow nod, my head sinking to my chest and barely rising under the gravity of the moment.
Rhodes’s hand settled comfortingly on my shoulder as Katy leaned against my side. Remy picked up the phone and started to dial, putting it on speaker mode the way we had discussed.
“Alpha,” Damien’s cool voice greeted, seemingly calm and patient.
“Damien,” Remy replied, ignoring the formalities.
Damien chuckled, not giving into the slight. “How can I be of service?”
I grit my teeth, resisting the urge to start biting my lip.
Remy leaned forward, steepling his fingers in front of his face, elbows braced against the edge of the massive desk. His dark eyes found me as he spoke. “I heard you’re planning on heading into Windale.”
Damien’s chuckle turned into an outright laugh. “And if I am?”
“I have another offer,” Remy replied, his tone firm and even.
“I don’t see what you could possibly have to offer that I would want,” Damien drawled.
Lie.
We all knew there was plenty he wanted.
A smile ghosted over Remy’s lips. “How about Blackwater?”
There was a heavy pause before Damien spoke. “You have my attention.”
“I think we both know where this is headed, Damien, so let’s save both our packs the headache,” Remy answered. “I’ll meet you in Windale in two days. One last challenge to see who controls the packs.”
“I must admit, I’m surprised,” Damien said slowly. “When last we spoke, I offered you a truce and you refused.”
“I did.”
“How do I know this isn’t some ploy to save your friend, Griffin?”
Remy’s jaw flexed. “It absolutely is.”
Another cold laugh came from Damien. “You Holts. So adorably loyal.”
“Do we have a deal?” Remy ground out.
“I’ll accept your terms with one condition,” Damien replied.
Remy stayed quiet, waiting for the axe to drop.
“Your mate must attend,” Damien informed him.
Remy’s eyebrows slammed down as he frowned. “My mate has nothing to do with this.”
“But doesn’t she?” Damien countered. “I’m fully aware of her heritage, and the connections she now has in Europe thanks to her father. My pack would do well to acquire those connections.”
“Sure. You win and we’ll arrange a meeting with you and her father.” Remy rolled his eyes.
Damien chuckled darkly. “That’s not what I had in mind. When you fall, she will join us. Willingly.”
It felt like insects were crawling up my spine.
Remy’s eyes narrowed into thin slits. “Skye isn’t part of this deal.”
“Yes, she is,” Damien countered coldly. “I’m assuming she’s sitting beside you? Let’s leave the decision in her hands since your pack is so adamant that women be given the same rights