The Succubus and her two Mates

5 | Negotiations

The meeting went for longer than they had planned or hoped. With every passing hour, Brock got more short-tempered. He wanted to leave but couldn't get the stupid Warlocks to accept the offerings.

The Warlocks had a Wolf Kingdom prisoner they were trying to negotiate for. It was very sensitive politically and the Wolves were not known for keeping their cool in heated situations, so the Dragon Kingdom was operating as a representative for the Wolves. The Warlocks were playing hard ball. The trade was heavily one-sided in favour of the Warlocks but they were not budging.

"Look. We aren't getting anywhere here," Brand interjected. Motioning with his hands for the people in the room to listen. "The Wolves have come to the table here. They've offered you additional compensation and agreed to the adjustment to the northern border."

"What kind of message would it send to others who would send spies-"

"They have sworn an oath, he was not a spy. The Wolf was operating on his own."

"One of the Alpha King's top men?"

"Do you think they'd send someone like that to spy?" Brand sat back in his chair. He looked at the Warlock. He was an older gentleman. Handsome and well-kept. Freshly shaven with his shoulder-length hair combed back. Brand tried not to generalise but the warlocks here were typical, guarded, snide and a little smug.

"What do you actually want? We wouldn't have gotten this far if there wasn't something you are holding out for." Brand could barely keep the exasperation from his voice.

Brock made a low grunt - too low for the Warlocks to hear, made for Brand's benefit. He didn't like this tactic. He felt it gave the Warlock too much negotiating power.

The Warlock glanced at his second and back to Brand. "The release of Kainon Wyld."

Brock made a disgusted noise as Brand sunk further into his chair. Damn it. He had overplayed.

"That's ridiculous. Aim much, much lower."

The Warlock exhaled in frustration. It made Brand think how this may have all come to pass. Someone had found a way for a top-rank wolf to infiltrate the Warlock's inner sanctum and very nearly escaped with priceless and powerful artifices - devices of magic that Warlocks used. The prevailing theory had been that the young wolf had been enchanted, but Brand had the feeling he was just forced to do it. Brock and Brand knew the wolf. He was the son of the second in command to the Alpha King. He was mated to the King's youngest daughter. He wouldn't have done anything so stupid on his own. The king wanted him back. His daughter was distraught.

"I will come back with a list of other prisoners that we may consider. You go away and think about what else could make amends."

The Warlock nodded. "And if there is anything they want from us to get Kainon, we will consider it."

Brock just scowled as Brand responded, "We will reconvene tomorrow then."

Brock gave orders to Dane, a young Werecat that was helping them with the mountain of work these negotiations had put upon them. Their time was often taken up with diplomatic assignments - the cost of Brock's position, Brand taking his side as a mate would - mates were partners in all aspects of the word, often working together.

Dane was young but eager and had taken the brunt of the admin work. He left, leaving the two in the conference room alone.

"That could have gone better," Brock grumbled.

"Who would have thought they would come out with such a crazy request?" Brand exclaimed, loosening his tie.

It was almost 8pm. They had been going back and forth for close to ten hours. Trading offers.