Page 95 of Broken Forced Mate

“Smart thinking,” Dorian agrees. “People support what benefits them personally.”

The afternoon progresses with working groups addressing specific implementation challenges. I watch Raegan coordinate between different interests and perspectives, finding compromise solutions that advance collective security without threatening territorial autonomy.

“She’s become quite the diplomat,” Elder Nettle comments as we watch her mediate a dispute between two pack representatives.

“Natural talent that the crisis revealed,” I reply.

“Or developed talent that the crisis demanded.”

“Either way, she’s found her calling.”

“And your marriage has found solid ground.”

“Finally. Took long enough.”

The conversation reminds me how dramatically our relationship has evolved. Forced marriage became a chosen partnership through crisis, pain, and mutual respect that grew into genuine love.

“Any regrets about how it all started?” Elder Nettle asks perceptively.

“About the circumstances? Yes. About the outcome? No.”

“The greatest threats sometimes create the strongest bonds.”

“In this case, they definitely did.”

I think about those early weeks when every interaction felt like a battle. Raegan is fighting the marriage, me trying to protect her despite her resistance, and both of us struggling with expectations we never chose. The progression from resentment to partnership to love seems almost miraculous in retrospect.

“The vote is happening,” Sera announces, drawing my attention back to the conference proceedings.

Delegates cast their formal votes on the regional cooperation framework. Territory by territory, the alliance structure Raegan has been advocating gains approval. Not unanimous, but overwhelming support that will allow implementation to begin.

“Motion passes,” Oren announces from the leadership table. “Regional early warning network approved for development.”

Applause fills the room as delegates recognize the historic nature of what they’ve just accomplished. Never before have so many territories committed to systematic cooperation on security matters.

“How do you feel?” I ask Raegan as the formal session concludes.

“Relieved. And slightly terrified by the responsibility.”

“You’ll handle it. You’ve handled everything else.”

“We’ll handle it. This only works with support from people like you.”

The correction reminds me how naturally we’ve become a team. Not just in marriage, but in every aspect of our work together. Her diplomatic skills complement my strategic background to create something neither of us could achieve alone.

As evening approaches, delegates begin preparing for departure. Tomorrow will bring the hard work of implementation, but tonight, there’s celebration and relationship building that make future cooperation more likely.

We walk back toward our home in the woods together. Her hand finds mine naturally as we discuss the day’s developments. The easy intimacy between us still feels remarkable after the conflict that marked our early relationship.

“Do you ever wonder what would have happened if you never kidnapped me?” she asks.

I nod and reply, “Sometimes. Do you?”

“Sometimes. But I can’t imagine ending up anywhere better than where we are now.”

“Even with all the pain and confusion it took to get here?”

She rests her head on my shoulder. “Easy relationships don’t build the kind of trust we have now.”