CHAPTER 108: CHAPTER 108: GIVE ME A REASON

Zayn released Lily from his embrace, shocked to realize what he’d done.

“I–” He didn’t know what to say, how could he justify his actions?

Remembering what happened with the previous merchants, Lily signed again.

A muscle in Zayn’s jaw twitched as he fought to control his temper. He wanted to rip Hunter to shreds where he stood. He hated everything about the man. The cocky smirk, the know-it-all expression he had.

“We’re leaving,” Zayn said abruptly, standing up.

“As for your companions... you two will be in here.”

Lily remained standing, she was too nervous to sit.

He stepped aside and gestured to Victoria to follow, “Follow me.”

“I promised Luna Lily and Alpha Zayn that you are all under my protection. No harm will come to any of you. You have my personal guarantee,” Hunter interjected.

Zayn’s expression turned dark. He promptly smacked it away. The glass shattered against the wall. Lily immediately grabbed hold of Zayn’s arm, brows furrowed.

‘Aren’t you worried about Victoria?’ She signed.

“Everything we’ve agreed upon has been written down in here. Feel free to review the contents as you see fit. Once you’re done, you may sign it,” Hunter explained as an ink bottle and pen were also placed on the table between them.

He leaned forward, lowering his voice. “Let’s be realistic. You need these supplies more than I need your business. Yes?”

An idea popped into her mind.

“Tell me, Luna Lily. What do you have to offer me?” Hunter asked.

“So,” Hunter leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled together, “How much rations are you looking for?”

“That’s not a problem for me,” Hunter replied smoothly. “I understand sign language quite well.”

‘We’re here to make a deal for the sake of the pack, remember?’

“An Alpha and Luna reunited, how touching,” Hunter mused. He poured a new glass of whiskey.

Once that was complete, he leaned back with satisfaction, “It’s getting late. You’re all welcome to stay the night. You have my word, no one will dare harm you while you’re here.”

‘So we have a deal?’ Lily asked through signing.

Lily looked at Zayn. She could see the rage building in his eyes. But to her surprise, he agreed.

Hunter raised his hand, shaking his head.

“So you know why we’re here?” He asked.

“Of course.”

“If you’re going to tell me you’re Luna Lily’s bodyguard, save it. I know who you are, Alpha Zayn,” Hunter interjected as he sat down leisurely.

But Lily noticed something. Since they started talking, Hunter had been staring at the crystal totem from the corner of his eye. It must be more valuable than they had previously thought.

‘We’ve been burned before,’ Lily explained earnestly, hoping it would work in their favor, ‘Building trust between us is important, I hope you’ll make an exception.’

When the pen was handed to Lily, she refused to accept it, pointing to Zayn instead.

Hunter smiled. It didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Zayn loosened his tense shoulders. There was no need for him to hide.

Victoria’s face darkened with anger, but she said nothing more as she was being led away by Hunter.

He led them out of the room and down a narrow hallway. There were multiple sets of doors lines on both sides.

“I’m–”

Finally, Hunter extended his hand. “Deal.”

‘What if we gave you one now, and one upon delivery?’ She signed carefully.

“Aren’t any of these rooms available?” She gestured to the room right next to Zayn and Lily’s.

“Alpha Zayn and Luna Lily, this will be your room,” He gestured towards the room on the right.

‘Those totems don’t mean anything to me. But fine by me,” He said nonchalantly.

Lily signed her response, ‘Four months’ worth.’

She bit her lip. She’d never negotiated before. She wasn’t sure how much would be a good amount.

‘On top of that, I want you to personally deliver the rations.’

“Excellent! Follow me.”

“I don’t mean to be rude, Alpha Zayn. But I think I’d prefer to negotiate with your mate instead,” he said, nodding toward Lily. “She seems more... level-headed at the moment.”

‘Your rations for our milling services. We have mills you don’t have access to. We mill your grain, increasing its value when you sell it. To sweeten the deal,’ she continued, ‘if we find more crystal totems to sell in the future, you’ll get priority access to them.’

)

“Fine by me,” He muttered before taking a seat across from Hunter.

“I’m afraid not,” Hunter replied.

Victoria stepped forward, her voice dripping with sweetness. “And where will I be staying?”

Zayn exchanged glances with Lily. Zayn signed his name first, followed by Lily. Hunter took the papers from them and signed it as well.

Hunter’s eyes flickered between them, “Very well. I’ll require both of your signatures. Shall we make it official?”

Victoria didn’t believe him at all. She turned to Zayn, expecting him to intervene. But he didn’t.

Hunter looked her up and down, as if seeing her for the first time. “I hadn’t planned for you, my dear, but I’ll make sure you’re well taken care of. Follow me.”

“Perfect. Let’s not waste each other’s time, then. We...”

Hunter’s interest visibly piqued. “Go on.”

Lily took out the crystal totem from her pocket and placed it on the table between them. Hunter barely glanced at it. But Lily had a gut feeling.

“And where will I be staying?” Victoria asked, voice dripping with sweetness.

Zayn clenched his jaw.

“Our gracious host has given his word. I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

Hunter clapped his hands together.

“May I offer you a drink?” Hunter asked as he handed it to Zayn.

Lily watched until they turned a corner. Zayn had already entered their shared room. She closed the door behind her before turning to Zayn with questioning eyes.

His disinterest was a ruse.

Hunter whistled, “Given the current shortages after the recent... incidents, it’s going to cost you. Delivery will be extra, of course. A single crystal totem isn’t going to cut it.”

Lily touched his arm, signing quickly. ‘We should stay. Building a good relationship with him is important for our future dealings.’

Zayn snorted, “Victoria is more than capable of taking care of herself.”

“Half now, half upon delivery?” Hunter laughed. “That’s not how I usually do business, Luna Lily.”

Victoria pleaded with Zayn with her eyes. She was about to take a step towards him, but he cut her off.

He was trying to keep himself from lashing out. Lily knew she had to think of something. Fast.

She glanced over at Zayn who didn’t say anything in return. She assumed he agreed with her.

‘I’ve submitted to Alpha Zayn, he’ll be the one to sign it.’Lily explained through signing.

“But she doesn’t speak.”

Lily shook her head and gave him a small smile.

Zayn looked at her for a long moment, conflict evident in his eyes before he reluctantly nodded. “Fine. We’ll stay.”

Lily shook it firmly, relief flooding through her. The tension in the room broke. Hunter rang a handbell that was on the coffee table. A masked wolf entered the room with some papers in hand.

“Me?” Hunter chuckled in disbelief, “That’s not how I usually operate.”

Sweat trickled down Lily’s forehead. She glanced at Zayn. Though he seemed calm and collected on the surface, she could see his knuckles turning white from the pressure he placed on them.

‘I have a better proposal,’ Lily signed, her movements precise and confident. ‘A long-term partnership.’

“Perhaps I should share a room with Luna Lily. We women should stick–”

The negotiation hung in silence for a long moment.

A dark smile played across his lips as he added, “And if Hunter tries anything, it would give me the perfect excuse to punch him in the face.”