Chapter 12: An Agreement

Matt woke me at midnight. He asked me if I was ready, then briefly told me what I had to tell Winston.

"I thought about what Kate said last night. And I think she might be right in saying that Winston won't just give his territory and away. So to cope: tell him that I want a meeting, no strings attached, the day after tomorrow. He is only allowed to bring one Alpha, as I will also. I don't need to tell you much more, for Winston and I will talk over things while were there."

"You know, I saw you pick her up and carry her towards here from the cliff. How's Kate's leg?"

"How did you see me?" For the first time since I've met him, he was surprised.

"I was at the top of the cliff looking down at you," I said proudly, happy that I had managed to get the better of him once. "I also overhead you and some other Alphas talking about her." He thought for a while, then replied.

"You are a cunning and smart wolf. You could've been one of the best if you had chosen to be an Alpha."

"I know. I uh, get that a lot. Now, back to my question. How is her leg? It was quite a nasty fall."

"Yes it was," he admitted, "but her leg is doing fine since we made a splint. She ought to be up and running in a month or so."

"May I have breakfast before I go? I'm really hungry."

"Sorry. If you don't remember, the reason we have you two is because we're low on food. The faster you get there, the earlier you and her can get food. Let that be a motivation for you. Goodbye, but remember to come back. Need I remind the consequences?"

"Oh, I'll remember."

As I ran out of the den, I was surprised that I had so casually conversed with Matt, even in such a dire situation, though I was happy that Kate would be better soon. I thought back to what she said last night. "So she really does like me!" I finally realized. This gave me the motivation to run faster. "I'm gonna save her... then... Winston will have no choice but to let be married!"

Later...

I had run all through the early morning. Out of breath I arrived at the first den of our territory. Slowing to considerable speed, I made it to the pack leader's den, where I noticed that Winston was back. That's when I remembered that Matt had told me to tell Winston about this meeting thing. But how did he know that Winston was back already? That means that they must also have spies here; perhaps lurking in a corner near me, ready to strike if I did something stupid.

Anyway,I was too out of breath to get his attention, but he eventually heard someone wheezing behind him.

"Humphrey!" Winston exclaimed, embracing me as if he was welcoming a lost son. "How did you get back?" I held up my paw to tell him to wait for me to catch my breath. By the time I had, most of the pack had already assembled outside. Rumors spread like wildfire here. "Please, don't all of you come rushing in to see Humphrey. We have to have talk first." The others wolves slowly dispersed back to whatever they had been doing.

"How did you get away Humphrey?"

"I didn't get away, sir. I'm afraid I'm just the messenger. He let me go on the condition that I bring you his offer of a meeting the day after tomorrow. I must return before sunset. He wants to settle this territorial dispute once and for all."

"But what will I get out of it?"

"I think it would be not having Kate tortured. He said that you're allowed to bring only one Alpha as he will do the same." After thinking a bit, Winston was a just about to say something when Eve came in.

"Where's my Kate?! Where is she?!"

"Calm down Eve, just let me finish talking with Humphrey then I'll let you ask him any question you want."

"Do it quickly then," she grumbled.

"Sir, he told me to be back by sunset, so I can't stay too long."

"That's fine. You can go tell Matt that I will be at the meeting, but not after you get a well deserved rest. Now... your question Eve?"

"Have they done anything to my daughter, Humphrey? If so, I'm going to bite their dirty paws off and shove them down their throats!"

"Fortunately, nothing has happened to her, ma'am. At least for now. I don't know how long she will be safe, but they seem to want to keep her alive. They made a splint for her when she broke one of legs from a fall. She's fine but still a hostage."

"Interesting..."

"He says that no harm will come to her if you comply."

"Thank you Humphrey. You've been most helpful. Now go and get a well deserved rest."

"Thank you, sir. Thank you."