Chained to the Enemy Alpha
Chapter 108: Give Me A Reason

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?

Lily shook her head and gave him a small smile.

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

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

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.

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

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.

“I’m–”

“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.

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

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

“Of course.”

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

Hunter raised his hand, shaking his head.

“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.”

Zayn clenched his jaw.

“But she doesn’t speak.”

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

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

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

Lily remained standing, she was too nervous to sit.

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

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.

His disinterest was a ruse.

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

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

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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘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.’

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

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.

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

An idea popped into her mind.

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

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

‘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.’

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

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.

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

The negotiation hung in silence for a long moment.

Finally, Hunter extended his hand. “Deal.”

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.

“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.

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

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

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

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

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.”

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

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

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

Hunter clapped his hands together.

“Excellent! Follow me.”

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

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

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

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

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

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.”

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

“I’m afraid not,” Hunter replied.

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

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

“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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.”