Heavy rain pelts Montgomery Parr-Teague's back as a ring of rival wolves closes in. Caught alone and vulnerable on Moonwood Collective territory, they press him with frantic pleas regarding a grave dilemma. His agitation builds at their audacity to trespass on forbidden soil.
Montgomery: And how does this warrant your rival pack crossing Moonwood Collective boundaries? What exactly do you think I am to do for you?
Lou: Brick’s children are in danger. Greg took them when they were sleeping. I was told to get as many wolves as I can for backup. It was an order by my alpha.
Montgomery: [Shouts] Your alpha is misguided! Not only a careless parent, but a careless alpha too—blind to Greg's cunning until calamity struck. [scans each of the surrounding wolves] Mr. Lunvik has been observing your every step. This childnapping scheme is merely bait, and you are all too eager to take it. He's laid a snare, and it is I he means to catch.
So to answer your request, no, I will not breach the agreed upon pact in order to mend another alpha's folly.
Lou: But Rebel followed after him too. What if she needs you? You're still a father...
Montgomery: I met my obligations as a father. I shielded my young, I saw them through. Brick cannot claim the same. His brood is not my burden. Still, I trust he will find the strength and willpower to do what is needed.
Lou: But his kids are werefolk now. They're the future of this community. What if he doesn't figure it out? Please sir... He doesn't know Greg like you do. You're just going to leave him hanging like that?
Montgomery stares with proud, stoic silence. Thunder softly rumbles behind his shoulders, coaxing him to speak, but he doesn't budge.
Lou: Y'know... Selene and I talked about having kids someday. I didn’t want to raise them with all these boundaries, not with alphas like you around. But Selene… somehow she sees the good in you. Maybe she’s right. I think she’s wrong, but I hope she isn’t.
Montgomery sighs and rubs his temples in frustration. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out an old artifact.
Montgomery: Fine.
Montgomery: That wonderful woman you go home to every night, is a trusted friend to the Collective, and a valued member of the community. I'm doing this for the betterment of Moonwood Mill as a whole. Do not mistake this gesture for trust. I would leave you empty-handed if not for Selene. So you can thank her. See boy, love is a powerful thing. No one knows this better than Greggorius himself.
Montgomery holds up an Intricate pendant attached to an old brass chain, not only for Lou, but for all to see. It's ancient, but still glimmers as it catches small beads of rain.
Montgomery: This cherished little keepsake once belonged to Avelina, Greg's late wife. Greg has missed it terribly ever since our little… mishap a few years back. Show him this and you will see him break. I call it leverage.