Chapter Text
“Peter, do you have a couple of minutes to talk in my office, please?”
He hears Talia’s voice in the library, and of course, while it sounds like a request, it really isn’t. He quickly thinks about everything that’s going on and what she might want to talk about. He’s in charge of the family investments and they’re a solid eight and a half percent annually. He could do better, but Talia’s risk adverse and nothing he says or does, including showing her his results at twelve percent, will change her mind.
Things are going well overall. There’ve been a few unwanted visitors in Beacon Hills the last year, but Derek and his group of baby betas take care of them. Derek’s doing well with the new trainees at his loft, the adults are happy at the main house – nothing’s jumping out at Peter as a “need to talk” subject.
He says “certainly” knowing that she’ll hear him, puts a bookmark in his copy of Anna Karenina and goes to talk with his sister, the alpha.
“Shut the door and sit down, Peter,” Talia says, smiling and nodding at the chair opposite her desk. There is a small sitting area with plush arm chairs and a small coffee table at the side of the room, but this is apparently a desk-worthy conversation.
“Talia. You wanted to talk?”
She sighs and drums her fingers on the desk, visibly steeling herself and trying to decide how to start. “Peter, I’ve been in conversations with representatives from two different packs regarding making an alliance. Part of the alliance would include the possibility of a member of our pack joining with a member of the other pack. Obviously, I’m not certain that’s something we want to do, but it is something that I think we should consider. And in one instance, in fact, you were mentioned by name.”
Peter smirks, and chuckles. “Me? You’re thinking I’m a good candidate for an arranged mating?”
“No, as far as I can see, you’re not a good candidate for any type of mating, unless it’s one that ends before dawn,” Talia replies. “When was your last relationship that lasted more than a couple of months?”
He pulls back and looks at her. “This feels a bit like you’re questioning my morals, Talia. I haven’t found anyone that I want to spend my life with. We can’t all be as lucky as you and David.”
“Peter, try to see things from my point of view. From others’ points of view. You’re the alpha’s brother and you’re one of the senior pack members for this generation. You haven’t found a mate on your own and now there’s two possible candidates for you, both of whom would provide a good alliance for our pack and be a good mate for you.” Talia laces her fingers in front of her chest, a gesture that Peter positively hates; it makes her look like she’s trying to be thoughtful. “At this point, if you haven’t chosen a mate for yourself and I don’t agree to one of the mates suggested, it looks like either a) we think that you – and that means the Hales – are too good for other packs or b) there’s something wrong with you and no one should be forced to mate with you. Neither of those options are very good, Peter.”
He sighs again, trying to think of options. He and Talia have always gotten along, both concerned with the welfare of their pack, even though it’s in very different ways. “Okay, I suppose I see your point. What’s the minimum you need, Talia, to ensure that your discussions can continue without actually prostituting me out?”
“You’re such a drama queen, Peter. You’re my favorite brother and ideally, I’d like you to find true love, to find your true mate and raise a family and be happy forever. But at this point, you need to find someone you can tolerate to be mated with, who tolerates you and benefits the pack.”
Peter nods and smiles tightly. “Ignoring the fact that I’m your only brother, the ability to tolerate each other sounds pleasant. And when do you think this should happen?”
“You have one month, Peter. After that, I’ll need to figure out what to do.”