< Chapter 86 Desperate Alli
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Chapter 86: Desperate Alliances
Chapter 86: Desperate Alliances
(Scarlett’s POV)
“I want to start by making amends, Scarlett,” Nathan said as he reached into his pocket. His movements were precise, but I caught the unease in his eyes. It was subtle, but it was there, like someone trying to hide desperation under a calm exterior.
From his pocket, he pulled out an amulet. It shimmered faintly in the room’s light, the black moonstone at its center catching a flicker of my reflection. The craftsmanship was intricate, almost overly detailed, with silver etchings curling around the stone like vines. He set it on the table between us, the sound quiet but deliberate.
“What’s this?” I asked, eyeing the object with suspicion.
Nathan leaned back slightly. “It’s an ancient amulet passed down in my pack for generations. It’s said to protect its owner from betrayal and misfortune. I’ve never parted with it before, but I want you to have it.”
I raised an eyebrow, my instincts instantly on high alert. People like Nathan Blake didn’t give away something precious without expecting something in return.
“It’s my apology,” he continued, his voice tight. “An apology for Sophie’s behavior at the Territory Council. She overstepped her bounds, and her actions disrupted the relationship we’ve been building.”
I reached forward, picking up the amulet. It was heavier than I expected, the weight oddly uncomforting. I turned it over in my hand, inspecting the delicate silver etching as I thought over his words.
“And you think this?” I said, holding it up slightly, “will fix things?”
Nathan flinched, though it was barely perceptible. He shifted in his seat. “It’s more than just an object,” he argued. “This amulet is sacred to my pack. Offering it to you isn’t a small gesture. I thought it might sho
sincerity.”
I stared at the amulet for another moment before setting it back on the table. The sound of metal meeting wood rang louder than I anticipated. “Nathan,” I said slowly, locking eyes with him, “Roman’s not the kind of man who’s impressed by gestures like this. He doesn’t care about trinkets, no matter how symbolic they might be. What he wants is results. Real, tangible results.”
ur
A flicker of frustration crossed Nathan’s face. He exhaled deeply, leaning forward. “Scarlett, I’m not trying to manipulate anyone. I’m trying to salvage what’s left. Sophie’s actions destroyed any progress I’d made, and if I don’t fix this soon, my pack’s alliance with the Shadow Organization may never recover.”
There it was. The truth, laid bare. Nathan wasn’t here to apologize for Sophie. He was here to save his own
position, his own pack.
My voice hardened, my patience thinning. “Then you should be addressing the deeper issues in your pack, not giving me things that you think will way me. This amulet won’t undo what Sophie did. It won’t change how Roman sees you.”
Nathan’s jaw tightened. He looked away briefly, the tension in his posture increasing. “I know Sophie’s betrayal made things worse,” he said; fighting to keep his voice even. “But Roman’s reaction…” He hesitated, searching for the right words. “It was… unexpected. His protectiveness over you. It caught me off guard.”
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Chapter 86 Desperate Alli
I stiffened slightly, my mind flashing to Roman’s unyielding, cold presence. That protectiveness Nathan spoke
of–it ran deep. But it wasn’t something I needed to explain.
Nathan worked his jaw, as if wrestling with his pride. “Scarlett,” he said, his voice softer now, almost
pleading, “you know Roman better than anyone. Perhaps you can help him see reason.”
I folded my arms, narrowing my gaze. “What exactly are you asking me to do?”
“Ask him to reconsider,” Nathan said quickly, a spark of hope lighting his eyes. “Tell him my pack is still
willing to negotiate. That we can still rebuild this alliance.”
I studied him for a moment. His desperation was clear, but so was the weight of his words. Despite his flaws, Nathan was serious about saving what was left. Still, this wasn’t a decision I could–or wanted to–make
alone.
“I’ll call him,” I said finally, my tone firm. “But don’t expect a miracle, Nathan. Roman doesn’t changé his mind
easily.”
Relief flashed across his features, though it was quickly tempered by nervousness. He nodded, sitting
straighter.
I picked up my phone, feeling its familiar weight in my hands as I dialed Roman’s number. I switched it to speaker, glancing at Nathan as the call connected.
“Scarlett?” Roman’s voice came through the line, deep and steady.
“It’s me,” I said, my voice softening slightly. “I wanted to ask your opinion on something.”
There was a pause. I could almost picture him frowning on the other end. “Go on.”
“It’s about Nathan Blake,” I said carefully.
The silence that followed was deafening. Nathan visibly tensed beside me, his hands gripping the edge of the
chair.
When Roman finally spoke, his one was sharper than before. “Why are you asking about him?”
I hesitated, choosing my next words carefully. “He’s here… to discuss the alliance with the Shadow Organization. He’s trying to repair the damage Sophie caused.”
Another pause. “And what does this have to do with you?” Roman’s voice was cold now, laced with suspicion.
My grip on the phone tightened. “It’s just politics, Roman,” I said quickly. “He wanted my perspective. I
thought I should run it by you.”
Roman’s reply was immediate, his voice low and dangerous. “Have you developed an interest in him, Scarlett?
My eyes widened, heat rushing to my cheeks. “What? No! Of course not!”
Nathan shifted uncomfortably in his seat as Roman’s tone grew colder.
“It’s a simple question,” Roman said, hwords cutting. “I want to make sure you aren’t wasting your time–or
mine.”
“I’m not,” I snapped, my frustration spilling over. “This has nothing to do with personal interest, Roman. It’s about your alliances, nothing more.”
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Chapter 86 Desperate Alli
For a moment, the line went silent again. Then Roman’s voice came through, sharp and resolute. “Nathan
Blake is untrustworthy.”
Nathan flinched visibly at Roman’s words, his shoulders hunching slightly.
“He can’t even control his own pack members,” Roman continued coldly. “Sophie’s actions were more than a mistake. They revealed a weakness in his leadership. And I don’t tolerate weak Alphas.”
I glanced at Nathan, whose expression had darkened considerably. His hands clenched into fists, though he
remained silent.
Roman’s voice softened slightly as he addressed me directly. “I’ll meet you for dinner. We’ll discuss this
further then.”
With that, the call ended.
Nathan stared at the phone, his face a mixture of frustration and defeat. For a long moment, neither of us
spoke.
“Well,” I said, breaking the silence, “you heard him.”
Nathan exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple. “So that’s it?” he said bitterly. “Because of Sophie, my entire
pack is condemned?”
I straightened in my seat, meeting his gaze. “No,” I corrected firmly. “Your pack is being judged because Sophie acted out. Roman sees that as a failure of your leadership.”
Nathan shot me an incredulous look. “Leadership? Do you really think an entire alliance should hinge on one
member’s actions?”
I didn’t hesitate. “Yes. Because it’s more than just one action, Nathan. It’s a reflection of your control–or lack of it. If you can’t maintain discipline in your pack, why would Roman trust you as an ally?”
Nathan’s jaw tightened. He leaned forward, his voice rising slightly. “That’s not fair, Scarlett. Packs aren perfect, and neither are Alphas. Mistakes happen. That doesn’t make us weak.”
“Then prove it,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “Show Roman–and everyone else–that you can keep your pack in line. Until then, you’re asking for trust you haven’t earned.”
Nathan leaned back in his chair, frustration evident in his tense posture. He ran a hand through his hair, his lips pressed into a thin line.
After a moment, he sighed heavily, his tone softening. “How did Roman’s pack handle things with you?” he asked. “Compared to how the Winters treated you.”
His words struck a nerve. My hands clenched into fists, memories I’d long buried surfacing unbidden.
“Don’t,” I said sharply, my voice brimming with warning.
Nathan raised his hands in a placating gesture. “I wasn’t trying to-”
“You don’t get to compare them,” I snap d, cutting him off. “The Thorn Pack raised me, protected me, gave me a place to belong. The Winters? They abandoned me. They chose Grace over their own daughter.”
My voice wavered slightly, but I pushed through. “Don’t talk about them like they’re the same. They’re not.” Nathan looked genuinely remorseful. He leaned forward, his tone careful. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just… I understand now why you stand by Roman’s pack.”
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<Chapter 87 Alliance Nego
