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"Yes, he could. But that would cost money. This pack may have a source of income, but it isn't exactly in the riches. It would cost more money than they make to rebuild."
"Hence them wanting some of our territory. They could expand to becoming farmers as well, bringing in more money. Trees take a while to grow. Other plants, not so much."
Remy noticed the Alpha stepping outside the house with two others flanking him. He was a short man with a small belly forming. If he was showing anything other than muscle, he was an old Lycan. Some white spots in his dyed black hair also told that story. He was up there in years. Maybe even in a few centuries. Not as old as Fenry, but closer to him than some others. His eyes were menacing, staring at their car. Hospitality Laws would mean he would greet them in their home and provide protection so they could discuss business. The way he presented himself as he stood on the front porch made Remy wonder if he would respect that law.
Dimitri remained on the porch while they got out of the car. The two Lycans flanking him stepped down off the porch and made their way toward them. One was a brunette with dark tones that competed with jet black. The other was bald, clearly shaven and not natural, with dark lines from the hair that had been there before. Both were taller than Dimitri and more toned. It was clear to Remy that they were younger than the Alpha.
Bryan stood on Lykos's left, giving Remy the right. As she was the heir, this placement displayed her position instead of her power. It was a smart move, making it seem like Remy had less power than she did and that this was just political. At least, that was what had been discussed in the car.
The two Redwoods stood before them and put their hands behind their backs. It was a signal that they were high in the hierarchy. They had training and had fought for their positions, and they had the power to maintain those positions as well. That stance told her more than she needed to know, and she was thankful for her mother teaching her all about it.
"I am Drake, Dimitri's second," the brunette said. And this is Matthew, Dimitri's third. We acknowledge that you are in our territory with consent and extend Hospitality to you and yours."
Lykos bowed his head. "We accept your Hospitality and extend our promise to abide by it."
The two Lycans turned and began walking back to the house. Lykos followed them, and Remy continued to flank. Something unsettling made her stomach turn. She looked around and saw no Lycans hovering around, waiting for the right moment to attack. Remy then looked up at the house to see if anyone was watching but did not see anyone. There was nothing to prove her instinct to be accurate. However, Remy knew better than to ignore those feelings. She then looked at the Alpha.
Dimitri did not look pleased with their arrival. Considering he wanted some of their land, Remy wasn't sure why he would look unhappy. Lykos was willing to discuss this matter, which he was not required to do according to Pack Law. The lines were drawn many years ago. If the Alphas did not want to let their land go, no law could make them consider it. If Dimitri wanted this, he should be thrilled that Lykos arrived to talk it out with him. With that in mind, Remy made a mental note to watch her surroundings here. Hospitality Laws or not, she didn't like how Dimitri looked at them.
"Alpha Lykos, it is a pleasure to see you," Dimitri told him, extending his hand to her father.
Tell that to your face.
"Thank you, Alpha Dimitri. It is a pleasure to see you as well. This is my daughter, Remy, and my second, Bryan."
Alpha Dimitri bowed his head. "I'm pleased to see you both. Remy, I haven't seen you since you were smaller than my arm. You've grown into quite the Lycan."
Remy fought the urge to growl. "Thank you, Alpha Dimitri. I apologize, but I can't remember the day I saw you."
He did a belly laugh, and Remy had to keep her face from displaying her dismay. The sound rubbed her wrong.
"I don't think you were even a year old, so that makes sense. Come in; we have much to discuss."
Remy noted how the house looked as they walked through it to a small table in a room at the heart of the home. Like any pack house, it was decently sized. They passed several rooms on the way in, like the living room, dining room, and kitchen. This room was more in the back of the house, with only one door going in and out. The house was decorated very plainly in whites or tans and didn't seem to have a lot of decorations or personality. It didn't feel like a home. It felt like a space that was lived in and nothing more. Remy shared a look with her father, and she knew he felt the same way. Something was off, and neither of them liked it.
There were enough chairs to seat all six of them. Dimitri sat down at the head of the table closest to the door. Remy watched her father walk the length of the table to sit at the other end. Remy sat to his right and Bryan to his left, matching their positions from outside, as did Drake and Matthew with Dimitri. Things were already making Remy want to run for the hills, but now, with them being the furthest inside of the room, it made it worse. If things went sideways, they would need to fight their way out... in someone else's home... with more packs to pull into the fight when they only had themselves.
I don't like this.
Neither do I. Stay sharp.
"So, I understand you came here to discuss the territory lines. Why the sudden change?"
Remy didn't like how Dimitri started the discussion. She hadn't attended many round table meetings like this, but the handful her father made her attend never started like this. It always started more pleasantly. Small talk that led to a more in-depth conversation.
Lykos cleared his throat. "Things are different now. I don't know if you have noticed, but I certainly have. The kingdom is falling into disarray. People are turning to Old Ways to settle their arguments instead of having civilized conversations. This is not the way of our people anymore. I would rather work things out instead of bringing more death and destruction."
Dimitri listened to this but didn't say anything back. Remy knew she had to remain quiet and do her best to keep her eyes forward. If she appeared nervous, that would indicate no trust within the home and upset the hospitality laws. The ones who were to talk were her father and Dimitri.
Now I wish I could have stayed home.
"Fair enough reason. I have noticed packs have leaned more into the Old Ways than not. I do not understand why that is a bad thing. Through those times, the territory lines were drawn. It is not something to spit at. If it weren't for those days, your pack wouldn't have what you do."
"But it is in the past. We are more civilized than that."
The face Dimitri made wasn't strictly positive, but it quickly changed to his normal resting bitch face. Remy brushed it off, deciding that he must just be a grumpy person, and that was just his face since it seemed normal. However, her stomach twisted, and the hairs on her neck raised. Remy's legs began to bounce as her senses told her to run. This would not go well, but she wasn't sure how to bring it up to her father.
"Well, go on with your proposal then."
