Chapter 79: Chapter 79: An Unexpected Alliance Opportunity
Estelle’s POV
“I don’t take back gifts that I have already given out,” Zayne continued. “If you absolutely must be rid of it, then throw it away—”
“No!” I exclaimed, alarmed. Then, I cleared my throat awkwardly once I realized I had reacted too intensely. “I mean... If that’s the case, I shall keep it. Thank you for the gift. It’s wonderful, and I’ll treasure it well.”
Zayne nodded, looking surprisingly pleased with my answer.
I slipped the velvet box back into my purse, trying to ignore how my heart had jumped at the thought of discarding something so beautiful.
“I should return to Blackmoon soon,” I said, checking the time on my phone. “My Beta would be worried about me otherwise. There are also several matters I need to handle once I’m back.”
Zayne’s expression returned to its usual composed mask. “Of course.”
Just as I was about to stand, my phone buzzed with an incoming message. I glanced at the screen and saw Caleb’s name.
“Actually, let me check this quickly,” I said, opening the text.
My eyebrows rose as I read through Caleb’s message. “That’s unexpected,” I murmured.
“Something wrong?” Zayne asked.
“Not wrong, exactly. Just surprising.” I looked up from my phone.
According to Caleb, the Tidal Valley Pack wanted to discuss a possible partnership. They reached out to us first, which was unusual. Initially, I was planning on contacting them tomorrow or the day after.
The Tidal Valley Pack was notoriously selective about their alliances and which packs they worked with.
I read through Caleb’s message again.
Their Beta, Logan Green, was currently staying at a hotel in neutral territory for a conference. Caleb mentioned that since I was already in the area, Logan would like to meet with me rather than wait to arrange for a later date.
It was convenient timing.
The partnership with Tidal Valley was the second most important agreement on Benedict’s list. Their Alpha, Jude Reed, had a reputation for being extremely fickle when it came to negotiations. But they were powerful enough to be a valuable ally.
“I should go,” I said, standing up. “I have something I need to tend to immediately.”
Zayne rose as well. “I can have Mason drive you there.”
“There’s no need,” I replied, gathering my things. “It should just be around the area. I can manage on my own.”
For a moment, it looked like Zayne might insist. But then he nodded curtly. “Very well.”
We walked to the door together, and I turned to face him one last time. “Thank you for breakfast. And for the clarification about the dance.”
“Of course.”
There was something in his tone that made me hesitate, but I couldn’t place what it was. The air between us felt charged with unspoken words.
“Goodbye, Zayne.”
“Goodbye, Estelle.”
I left his building and immediately called Caleb as I walked toward my car.
“Caleb, it’s me,” I said when he picked up. “Tell me more about this Tidal Valley situation. Why the sudden interest in partnering with us?”
“I’m not entirely sure,” Caleb admitted. “Logan Greene contacted me directly about an hour ago. He was very professional but didn’t give many details. Just said they were interested in forming an alliance with Blackmoon.”
I frowned as I unlocked my car. “That’s odd. Tidal Valley usually makes other packs come to them.”
“My thoughts exactly. But Logan seemed genuine. He mentioned that since he was already in neutral territory for this conference, it would be more efficient to meet now.”
“What do you know about Logan Greene personally?”
“He’s got quite the reputation,” Caleb said. “Rumor has it that he’s actually the one making most of the decisions for Tidal Valley. Their Alpha, Jude Reed, is more hands-off and leaves the business side of things to Logan.”
That was interesting. If Logan was the real decision-maker, then this meeting could be even more significant than I’d initially thought.
“Alright,” I said, starting my engine. “I’m heading there now. Send me any additional details you might have.”
“Already done. Good luck, Estelle.”
The drive to the hotel didn’t take long. It was a well-established place in neutral territory and perfect for discreet meetings.
I arrived just as the conference Logan had mentioned was ending. I could see various pack members filtering out of the building, their conversations indicating the day’s sessions had concluded.
Logan Greene appeared in the lobby exactly on time. He was immediately recognizable from Caleb’s description—pale skin, black hair, and maroon eyes that looked almost red under the hotel’s lighting. He really did look like a vampire.
“Luna Estelle,” he said, approaching with measured steps. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”
“Beta Logan,” I replied, shaking his offered hand. His grip was firm and professional. “I appreciate you reaching out to us.”
“Please, call me Logan. Shall we find somewhere more private to discuss business?”
The hotel staff quickly arranged a private meeting room for us. Logan’s demeanor was strictly professional—cold, but not rude or discourteous. Just business. I appreciated the straightforward approach.
We settled into comfortable chairs across from each other, and Logan wasted no time getting to the point.
“Tidal Valley would like to form an alliance with Blackmoon,” he said, pulling out a folder from his briefcase. “We believe our packs could benefit from a formal partnership.”
He handed me a contract, and I began browsing through it carefully. The terms seemed reasonable—mutual defense agreements, trade partnerships, and shared resources during emergencies. Nothing seemed out of place or disadvantageous to Blackmoon.
“These terms appear fair,” I said after reviewing the document thoroughly. “Is there anything specific that prompted Tidal Valley’s interest in this alliance?”
Logan’s expression remained neutral. “We’ve been watching Blackmoon’s recent developments with interest. Your leadership transition has been handled smoothly, and we respect efficiency. Furthermore, the lycans have expressed trust in your leadership, and our Alpha strongly believes in their judgment.”
My eyes widened slightly.
Other than the Blackmoon Pack, the Tidal Valley Pack was one of the few werewolf packs that had direct alliances with the lycans.
If Tidal Valley made the decision to work with us because of the lycans, then it would just mean that Zayne probably had something to do with this.
I nodded, appreciating his directness. “If everything here is acceptable to both parties, I’m prepared to move forward.”
“Excellent.”
I signed the contract with steady hands, feeling a surge of satisfaction. With this, I was one step closer to my goal.
“Thank you for your time, Logan,” I said, standing to shake his hand again. “I look forward to working with Tidal Valley.”
“Likewise, Luna Estelle.”
I gathered my things and headed toward the door, already thinking about how to present this success to the pack. As I stepped out of the meeting room, still looking down at my phone to text Caleb the good news, I collided directly with someone.
“Oh, I’m so sorry—” I began, looking up.
My words died in my throat.
Standing before me, looking just as shocked as I felt, was Hazel.
