Page 34 of Omega Makes a Family
"It was more than that," Oliver says with a grin.
"Honestly, it was having Filo volunteer for the exchange that really sold it. Sure, we could've sent anyone, but he's from your family," I explain. "It just adds that much more weight to the sincerity of the proposal. I think they're going to agree unconditionally."
"That's quite the bold statement," Roman says, raising a brow at me. "Are you sure?"
"There's no reason for them to fight us on this. We've made an offer in good faith, too much negotiation on their part might sour the discussions which is something they can't afford any more than we can," I assure him. "After all the research we've done, I know I'm right about this. They know that the future of their pack is in jeopardy if they don't form strong alliances soon."
"Then why the delay in the negotiations until tomorrow?" Sebastian asks. "Why not just agree right now?"
"Practicality," Lucas says, rolling his eyes. "They need to make sure their pack can spare someone who is equal in status to Filo."
"Exactly." I nod. "They're not going to send some no-name pup from the outskirts of the pack; they need to send someone important enough that it means something when they're gone for a year. Anyway, enough of that. How are you?" I reach out a hand and lovingly caress Oliver's cheek while resting a hand on his pregnant belly. "How are the pups?"
"They're good." Oliver nods, a soft smile playing across his lips. "And I'm a little tired, but also good. I'm glad we decided to hold the talks in the evening. If we had done this during the day, I don't think I would've been able to stay awake through the whole thing."
"That nap you took earlier was a good call then," Lucas says with a little chuckle. Oliver had been dead set against the idea but had finally relented after Lucas started massaging his feet until he fell asleep.
Oliver smirks and shakes his head. "Yes, it was. You were right. I can admit when I'm wrong." He laughs lightly and gives Lucas a little kiss on the nose. "But for now, let's join the others and go home. Tomorrow, we find out whether or not they agreed to all of Theo's charm."
"Even if they don't, there'll be room to discuss things," I remind him as we all begin walking back down the trail toward the farm. "Ideally this will all be over tomorrow, and I feel pretty confident that they'll agree without condition, but there's always the chance that these talks continue for a bit longer than we anticipated."
"I know." Oliver sighs. "It's that uncertainty that I hate. I feel like we can't make any solid plans without knowing what to expect from the future. If we don't form this alliance then we're going to have to start courting the other packs, and they're all much more distant and have much less reason to want to ally with us."
"No, no, I don't think you understand, my love," I say as I look him in the eye and smile. "This alliance will happen. It's only a matter of when. They've already shown their hand, I know they want this as badly as we do. Any resistance they show at this point is probably just to try and save face from admitting to any past wrongdoing. I have them exactly where I want them, and I promise you, the alliance will take place. If not tomorrow, then certainly by the next full moon."
Chapter 25
Oliver
Theo was right. They agreed unconditionally. We'd barely even gathered at the amphitheater for the second day of the discussion before they made their announcement. After decades of conflict, we've ended the fighting with one of our greatest rivals.
"Are you sure this is enough chairs?" I look out over the collection of tables and chairs arranged on the lawn at the farm. People are running to and fro, tablecloths are being spread, everyone has something to do, and the entire place is a blur of activity.
"Hun, for the last time, let us handle this, please," Roman says as he finishes unfolding the last chair he'd been carrying to the table. "You should be sitting down and resting. We can handle the details."
"I'm fine," I assure him as I rest one of my hands on my pregnant belly. "We've got way too much to do for me to just sit around."
"You won't just be sitting around," he reminds me. "You're delegating. You don't have to do everything yourself. You've got the grand vision here."
I exhale and wince a little as I shift my weight from one foot to the other. I've been trying to ignore the discomfort in my feet, the ache in my back, and all the other little pains that have been accumulating over the last few hours. Being pregnant has completely deflated my ability to keep up with my alphas. I feel useless just sitting around being pampered and letting everyone do everything.
But...
"Lucas!" Roman calls out across the yard and gestures for the other alpha to join us.
"Yeah?" Lucas asks as he jogs over. "What's up?"
"Can you take Oliver inside and make sure he sits down?" Roman asks.
"I was about to ask why he was even out here," Lucas says, looking sidelong at me.
"I'm right here," I mumble, pouting.
"He's being stubborn," Roman says with a sigh. "So we need someone to make sure he's taking it easy."
"Right." Lucas nods. "Yeah, I'll do that. Theo had me looking for the tiki torches though, he said they're supposed to be in the shed behind the house."
"I'll find them and get them to him. I just finished up here."
