38

DAMIAN’S VIEW

"When I asked you what our first task would be, somehow I didn't think of something like that here," said Niklas, pointing around. I asked him amused: "Why is that? Surely the whole thing doesn't overwhelm you?"

"No, I wouldn't go that far," he said. Niklas looked around a little uneasily. "Nevertheless, I would have preferred an easier task. One for beginners, if you will."

I could understand him. But a gathering of fourteen alphas was a prime opportunity for him to see if he was comfortable with the position of beta. Still, I felt something like sympathy for him. Not even I had ever witnessed anything like it.

It was really interesting how many alphas could answer a call when negotiating a deal rather than a fight. Suddenly everyone was able to come, wanting the best possible result to come out of this.

I had promised Jack that I would make sure our people never had to go through anything like this again. And I kept my promises. It was difficult to convince Eriens, Samuel, Zabrina and Karl not to kill all members of the organization. But I succeeded.

We killed most of the soldiers, that was true. But the masterminds behind their actions, we kept those alive who were willing to enter into an agreement with us. At this point, they probably would have agreed to anything as long as we let them live, but I would try to find a fair deal. One that favored neither the humans nor the werewolves.

Otherwise it would be inevitable that war would break out again. And I wanted to prevent that. So we would negotiate. At first I wanted to invite a few people, but quickly rejected the idea.

Who knew how certain people present would behave. I didn't take the risk. Only one I could not convince to stay away. Mr. Tally stayed close to Lerhome, one of the few werewolves he actually knew.

I knew several of the people who were now cavorting in my living room. Well, that meant in the pack house. I didn't want them in my house after all. Among other things, Karl was here. I had already spoken to him, he would stand by me.

Since I assumed that not many would approve of giving people some freedom, I had spoken to a few beforehand. Karl would hold back during the conversation, but if there was a vote, I would have his vote for sure.

Eriens would probably agree with my suggestion as well. Unless my suggestion would go completely against his own ideas. So I could count on his voice.

I had also spoken to Zabrina. However, I could not get any concrete information from her about the position that she would take up here. I could understand it and of course I had no intention of pushing her into anything. The losses were eating away at her, you could tell that clearly.

And then there was Samuel. I just didn't know how to deal with him. I didn't know him enough to make a decision on that. Niklas had advised me to simply and completely casually ask him if he was already sure what he was hoping for from this conversation. But ultimately I didn't. I wasn't sure why. Hopefully I wouldn't regret that.

There were nine other Alphas present. The most important worldwide, because fortunately many had understood how important today would be for our further life, what meaning it would carry. I knew three of them.

There was Estelle and her mate Britannia. They lived very secluded with their people and had decided on a place of residence. Their pack members were fixed and no more were added. Estelle never engaged in any arguments or fights, which greatly benefited her own peace. I couldn't tell who she would stick with here. Since they had always avoided problems in the past, I hoped that they would now do their utmost to ensure that things stayed that way.

Rudolf was here too. I hadn't greeted him and he hadn't even looked at me. If he hadn't been here, it definitely wouldn't make me dead sad. I could assume that no matter what I said here, he would disagree.

Then there was Olec. He was here with his soul mate. Muasa had pulled me into a tight hug as soon as she saw me, which Niklas had observed suspiciously. I smiled and returned the old woman's hug. Olec had looked at us skeptically, or rather at me, because he had never liked me.

Very different from his mate. I had met her when I was young. Really very young. We had always had brief dealings with each other and Muasa was like a grandmother to me, who pressed a chocolate candy into my hand every time we saw each other. When we greeted her today, she gave me a big kiss on the cheek and repeatedly emphasized how happy she was to see me.

When everyone finally gathered and said hello, an alpha asked us to sit down. I had spoken to her briefly beforehand and got some information from Lerhome about her. Her name was Cynthia. A very calm she-wolf who seemed to have no problem doing the talking.

"I think we're all clear about why we're here today. Damian has already enlightened us in his letters and everyone is probably aware of the event that triggered this," Cynthia began. As she looked, so she spoke. Calm, even pitch, which nevertheless demanded the attention of those present.

But the woman was abruptly interrupted by someone. Nemero, I remembered, that was his name. "That's right. I know very well why I'm here. And that's why I want to position myself right at the beginning." Nemero spoke loudly. Far removed from the soft voice of the previous speaker.

"The werewolves have always taken everything. Why should that change now?" he asked and looked everyone in the eyes questioningly. "I'm here to ensure that nothing will change. I don't see why we humans," he literally spat out the word, "have to give more. We are clearly superior to them."

"With all due respect," Eriens said, getting up from his seat, "you weren't there, Nemero. On that fateful day. If you think it's that easy, why didn't you help us?" "I didn't realize what weaklings lead our kind when they can't even beat humans," Nemero laughed sardonically. I wasn't sure if I was the only one who noticed the deadly glares Jones was giving him.

"We humans have evolved," suddenly spoke Mr. Tally, and it obviously didn't just surprise me. "We are able to come up against you if we wanted to. But that would mean too many unnecessary sacrifices. All of that could be avoided today."

"If you are so strong," Lilijana intervened. A short-haired, burly alpha I'd rather not face-to-face, "then why don't you fight back?" "Have you all slept through the last few months?" Samuel looked from one to the other in disbelief. "That's what happened. You were just lucky you didn't end up in their sights."

"Right, and they targeted you so much because you have a goddess among you, don't you?" Nemero's eyes glittered with anticipation and I was about to smack his face at the sickening desire within. "Where is she? Maybe she can tell us more?"

"She is not present. But I assure you that what we," I gestured at Karl, Zabrina, Eriens and Samuel, "will tell you will be the same." "Well, I think I speak for some here when I say we don't believe the words of those who haven't even been able to defend themselves." Olec received clear encouragement for this sentence. Muasa wasn't happy about that at all. She clutched her mate's arm and seemed to be talking to him in thought.

"We should all calm down. We are here to make important decisions for the future." "You've always been good at talking and placating, Cynthia," Lilijana said, amused. "What's your opinion? Should we really let humans undermine us? We are the stronger ones. Why should we let anything be taken away from us?"

Cynthia looked calmly at the Alpha. Calmly. She took her time with her answer. "I don't think it's about undermining us. It's about justice. For us and for mortals. We could give people territories that only they can use. Or you could set up a treaty for peaceful coexistence. We have there are many possibilities, but the point is to restore peace." She turned her stern gaze on me. "I agree Damian."

"I can't believe it. You're all effeminate." "I rather think you just don't know how to make wise decisions," Samuel Nemero replied. "Let's do a vote," Olec suddenly suggested, his wife gave him a warning look. "Let's vote on whether we should make an agreement, a contract with the people, in which we give them fixed lands and determine how we behave and live together, or whether we should continue to live as before. The way it always is was."

"Agreed," said Lilijana, "but nothing will change if there is a tie." She looked at Cynthia requestingly, her voice brooking no contradiction. It was clear that she should lead and guide this vote. Cynthia nodded and stood up. "Anyone who is in favor of nothing changing, please report now."

Of course, Nemero and Lilijana both raised their hands. Olec also joined them. Muasa looked at him indignantly and I had the irrevocable feeling that this would have repercussions for him. But that didn't seem to stop Olec.

To my dismay, more and more people raised their hands until eight alphas had raised their hands. Eight pieces that hadn't experienced first-hand what people were capable of today. Who couldn't see that we couldn't go on living like we used to.

Cynthia silently counted and then asked, although it was actually unnecessary: "If you are in favor of change, please raise your hand now." Karl raised his hand. Eriens raised his hand. I raised my hand. Even Zabrina and Samuel raised their hands, the former, I'm sure, would want to have a say if a deal were to be reached, since she hadn't forgotten what was done to Sophie. But in the end, reason won out for her, unlike the others. It was a real pity that Mr. Tally's vote wouldn't count at this meeting as he wasn't a werewolf and especially not an alpha. We could have used his voice.

Cynthia could count herself among them, as she had previously stated. Six to eight. It wouldn't do. Nemero grinned as he came to the same conclusion. But it couldn't end like this. We were finally ready to get involved with people and then it failed because of a lack of votes.

I wouldn't settle for that. So before Nemero or anyone else could have a say, I said, "I know that none of you were there. You have no idea what kind of power people already have, what influence they can have. But I know . I saw it. I died from it, as did many others. These are victims that you cannot simply ignore. And if we don't do something about it now, there will be another violent clash. Maybe we will then but not so lucky."

"Touching words. Really," said Rudolf, rolling his eyes and leaning back in his chair. It was clear that I wouldn't be able to change anything about his voice. But someone else had heard my words. Had always lived peacefully and wouldn't want that peace to change at all.

Estelle also stood up and now added something to the discussion by saying, "I'd like to change my voice." She looked at Cynthia, who gave her an inviting look. "I am also voting for a change so that I and my people can continue to live in peace."

I smiled gratefully at her. Estelle nodded to me and sat back down, giving Britannia a look, which her mate nodded back. "How touching," Lilijana said. "Then we now have a tie. But as we clarified before, nothing changes if there is a tie."

"You said that," Samuel contradicted. "And you didn't say anything against it," she replied. "Well, then this really was an insane waste of time. Although not quite. It was really nice to see you again," Nemero grinned and turned to go.

Mr. Tally gave me a panicked look. I understood. But what else could I do? Karl also sat motionless. Should the sacrifice of our wolves really have been in vain? "You can't be serious now," said Samuel angrily. "On the contrary. That's it."

A wolf howled in the distance and I heard a door open, but I didn't care. "Unfortunately, as long as the number of votes remains the same, we can't do anything for you. That's what we agreed on."

Suddenly someone came into the room. I heard it clearly, as did everyone else. Everyone turned their eyes to the person who now entered the room. As if of their own accord, everyone made way for her. I saw her beauty - white shiny hair, blue eyes, a full mouth and a glow that surrounded her body - registered the smile on her face as she approached the table - all the Alphas who had already stood up let themselves fall back in her chair - and said, "I vote for a contract." And with that it was final, because who would dare to contradict a goddess.