* The designated meeting spot was a cabin situated between two mountain peaks, dead center of both mine and Donovan Wilson's territories. We were all suited up for combat, knowing our weapons would have to be checked at the door regardless. Gabriel Jericho​ took in the area as I navigated the truck over the ruts in the dirt lane. Gina-Leigh Jericho​ sat in the back, her hand resting on Caiden Bauer​'s thigh. Jealousy unfurled in my gut despite my attempts to squash it. She did not belong to me. Period. "Seems like a strange location for a meeting." My eyes met Caiden's in the rearview mirror at his remark. "This has been the land of truce for centuries. Fighting armies meet here under a flag of neutrality." Gabe explained. Cantwell and my enforcers were behind us as I parked the truck. Humvees and another truck sat parked and I knew Donovan came early in an attempt to intimidate. I killed the engine. "Let's do this." Gabe was out of the truck without hesitation, opening the door to the extended cab. Gina hopped out and I watched Gabe tighten her bullet proof vest. I made sure my knives were tucked away nice and neat as Gina fixed the back of Caidens vest. She slid a black leather jacket over her vest and the cheetah did the same. "We'll follow you, Coop. Like enforcers should." Gabe was so confident, naturally at ease in charge. I'd seen him just as calm hurling a grenade into the resting nest of a child pedophiles property. Nothing shook him, ever. I moved to the front of them and made my way to the cabin. As we approached the door, it opened for us and two of Donovan’s men stood guard. Cantwell shoved one out of the way. “One of you, one of us. To make sure there isn’t any funny business.” I stepped inside and Donovan sat at a long table, his front to the door. He was older than me – old enough to be my old man – which is why he wanted my territories. His beta and enforcers sat next to him. Gabe and Caiden were at my nine and three with Gina guarding my six. We moved at the same time and sat down. Donovan and I stared at each other. “Cooper, you’ve become quite the pain in the ass. Literally.” I didn’t crack a smile. “I’m not giving you my pack. Or my land.” He shrugged. “Perhaps we can come to an agreement we both find appealing.” I snorted. “I doubt that, but I’m here in an attempt to show good faith and end this war.” He leaned forward.

* The designated meeting spot was a cabin situated between two mountain peaks, dead center of both mine and Donovan Wilson's territories. We were all suited up for combat, knowing our weapons would have to be checked at the door regardless. Gabriel Jericho​ took in the area as I navigated the truck over the ruts in the dirt lane. Gina-Leigh Jericho​ sat in the back, her hand resting on Caiden Bauer​'s thigh. Jealousy unfurled in my gut despite my attempts to squash it. She did not belong to me. Period. "Seems like a strange location for a meeting." My eyes met Caiden's in the rearview mirror at his remark. "This has been the land of truce for centuries. Fighting armies meet here under a flag of neutrality." Gabe explained. Cantwell and my enforcers were behind us as I parked the truck. Humvees and another truck sat parked and I knew Donovan came early in an attempt to intimidate. I killed the engine. "Let's do this." Gabe was out of the truck without hesitation, opening the door to the extended cab. Gina hopped out and I watched Gabe tighten her bullet proof vest. I made sure my knives were tucked away nice and neat as Gina fixed the back of Caidens vest. She slid a black leather jacket over her vest and the cheetah did the same. "We'll follow you, Coop. Like enforcers should." Gabe was so confident, naturally at ease in charge. I'd seen him just as calm hurling a grenade into the resting nest of a child pedophiles property. Nothing shook him, ever. I moved to the front of them and made my way to the cabin. As we approached the door, it opened for us and two of Donovan’s men stood guard. Cantwell shoved one out of the way. “One of you, one of us. To make sure there isn’t any funny business.” I stepped inside and Donovan sat at a long table, his front to the door. He was older than me – old enough to be my old man – which is why he wanted my territories. His beta and enforcers sat next to him. Gabe and Caiden were at my nine and three with Gina guarding my six. We moved at the same time and sat down. Donovan and I stared at each other. “Cooper, you’ve become quite the pain in the ass. Literally.” I didn’t crack a smile. “I’m not giving you my pack. Or my land.” He shrugged. “Perhaps we can come to an agreement we both find appealing.” I snorted. “I doubt that, but I’m here in an attempt to show good faith and end this war.” He leaned forward.
“We merge. You and I. You mate Cherylynn and it joins our packs as one. We share land.” I shook my head. “And you remain Alpha. And he remains Beta. And you take my head anyways. There can never be two Alphas. You know it and I know it.” She stepped out then, from one of the back rooms. Cherylynn was petite and blonde, with pixie-like features. She leaned a hand on Donovan’s shoulder, throwing her opposite hip out and settling a hand on it. “You don’t want me, Quinn?” Her perfect lips pouted. I heard Gina snark something in Caiden’s ear. "I don't know you." I responded. She half shrugged. "You could change that..." I shook my head. "Get on with it, Wilson. Im seconds away from getting up and bouncing outta here because nothing your saying is what Im willing to buy." I leaned back, staring him down. *