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Peter watched in appreciation as competent people did their work. People that were not him. Something Talia never would have tolerated. Although, after some long talks with Magnus and John, he agreed with their theories that Deaton likely had something to do with her isolationist attitudes.
Talia's successes and failures were not necessarily anything he could do anything about. He was working to fix what he could and had to leave the rest alone.
It took a month of negotiations to get all the players to agree to come to the same physical location. Alec had immediately volunteered the use of the New York Institute as a neutral meeting place. It was the night of the new moon, Peter knew that was deliberate on the part of the others.
Alec's sister Isabelle was a godsend in making the final arrangements, ensuring the meeting participants did not encounter each other until they entered the meeting room. Which was large enough to allow them to avoid direct contact unless they chose to.
Predictably enough, conversation was at a minimum.
A large, square table was in the center of the room. Alec and Isabelle stood at one side of the table.
"Please, everyone take a seat," Alec said firmly. Izzy stood a step back, obviously on guard.
Hallie Gajos, with two men and a woman Peter had not met, sat to Alec's left. Evangeline Argent, a tall, matronly woman, sat on Alec's right side, flanked by Gerard and Christopher Argent, with a woman, likely an Argent soldier, who Peter did not know next to Gerard.
Peter, Derek, and Stiles sat across from Alec and Izzy. Both Bobby and John had wanted to be in attendance but Peter had argued that he would prefer to keep them out of the spotlight. Having Derek and Stiles with him would be enough.
Alec had warned Peter that there would be no introductions. Peter, Halszka Gajos, and Evangline Argent were the primaries and it would be up to them to introduce anyone they brought with them.
"We are here at the... request of Alpha Hale," Alec said. "His Pack has suffered great losses and seeks Justice."
Peter heard Gerard snort but ignored it. Although he did note that Evangeline side-eyed Gerard briefly.
"Be aware that violence is not allowed, under any circumstances," Alec continued. "This is meant to be a peaceful negotiation."
Alec looked around to make sure everyone was paying attention.
"We will start by allowing Alpha Hale to speak," Alec said. He nodded at Peter.
Peter stood. "Thank you for hosting us." He gave a small head bow to Alec.
"Madame Argent, Madame Gajos," Peter said. "Thank you for hearing our request for Justice."
The two women nodded back.
"The Hale Pack has been in Beacon Hills for well over a hundred years," Peter started his story. "While keeping to itself, the Pack was also a part of the local community. Pack members attended school, worked in town, owned businesses, and served in local government. The Hale Alphas worked hard to keep the peace in the area and between other Packs."
Peter looked down at Derek who he knew was scared but looked resolute.
"My nephew, Derek Hale, was targeted by Hunters as a weak link," Peter said. "A female Hunter worked her way into the local high school as a teacher. The teacher she replaced, human and not at all involved in the supernatural, has disappeared and we have suspect she was collateral damage to the larger scheme. For that alone, the Hunters should be punished, but that is not part of our story."
Peter took a breath and put a hand on Derek's shoulder.
"An adult, female Hunter, old enough to pass as a qualified school teacher, seduced Derek for information against the Hale family. Derek, was only sixteen at the time of the seduction. In neither the human nor the supernatural world was Derek considered an adult," Peter went on. "The teacher's name was Katie Silver, who we can prove was Katherine Argent, the daughter of Gerard Argent."
Evangeline hissed and Christopher paled.
"With the information she coerced from Derek, Kate Argent orchestrated and set the fire that destroyed the Hale family," Peter said baldly.
"Lies!" Gerard bellowed.
Peter ignored him.
"Recently, the revived Hale Pack was attacked by mercenaries at the home of the Beacon Hills Sheriff. Half-a-dozen men, using machine guns and bullets laced with wolfsbane, shot up the Sheriff's home that was in a residential neighborhood. The men are now in the custody of the FBI and have given evidence that allowed us to prove that they were hired by Gerard Argent."
"More lies!" Gerard hissed.
"The evidence has been shared with the head of the Argent Clan, as well as the head of the Gajos clan," Peter said. He glanced at Stiles, who nodded back at him.
"Be aware that the Gajos Clan has a parallel claim against Gerard Argent for an attempt on the life of the Gajos Heir," Peter added.
Evangeline looked startled at that revelation.
"Mieczysław Stilinski, who I have the honor to have as Emissary to the Hale Pack, is also the Heir to the Gajos Clan," Peter said.
Evangeline's eyes narrowed. She turned to Alec. "You have seen this evidence?"
"Yes," Alec nodded.
"All that Alpha Hale says is true?" she demanded.
"By the Angel, it is true," Alec intoned.
"Stefanie, do it," Evangeline said, without turning away from Alec.
Peter sucked in a breath as the woman next to Gerard Argent brought out a sword and, with one stroke, cut off his head.
"Where is Katherine?" Evangeline demanded of Christopher, even as Gerard's blood dripped down the side of her face.
"We have her," Alec admitted. He gave a sharp grin. "She did not expect Shadowhunters to find her. We can discuss her future at another time."
Evangeline barked a laugh. "Katherine always thought she was invincible, didn't she?" She looked at Christopher, who was pale and still as granite in his seat. "I will... release you from your marriage to that woman. You will bring your daughter to me for training."
"Yes, grand-mère," Christopher nodded his head. He swallowed. "May I accompany her?"
"You may," Evangeline nodded. "But you will be on avertissement, on warning." She turned to Peter. "Do you have information on Christopher's part in this?"
"We do not," Peter admitted. "Katherine and Gerard were the only Argents who we can prove took part in the scheme against the Hale Pack."
Another laugh. "I see how you word that, Alpha Hale! I will keep that in mind."
Peter nodded. They had nothing against Christopher. But it never hurt to be sure of one's enemies.
Evangeline turned to Alec. "My apologies for the... mess."
"Not a problem," Alec shrugged. "If you like, Izzy can take you to get cleaned up."
"It is only an inconvenience," Evangeline replied. She turned to Hallie. "Your Heir. Is he being trained properly? Do you need anything from me?"
"Mieczysław is in hands that I trust," Hallie replied. "I have also learned much from them."
"Come and visit? Or I will come to you?" Evangeline invited. "I think we old ladies need to make sure of what is happening in our houses."
"I would like that," Hallie nodded.
Evangeline turned back to Alec and Izzy. "House Argent is thankful for the services provided by the Clave today."
"You are welcome," Alec replied.
"Young Isabelle, you are welcome to seek training from House Argent, if you are so inclined," Evangeline invited.
Izzy grinned. "An honor. Thank you."
Evangeline turned to Peter. "Alpha Hale. I can only offer the deepest apologies from House Argent to the Hale Pack." She eyed Stiles for a moment. "Perhaps you and your Emissary would be amenable to discussing a treaty?"
"We would be," Peter nodded. A heretofore unheard of treaty between a 'wolf Pack and House Argent would be to everyone's advantage in the supernatural world. Peter would make sure of that.
"We will take our leave," Evangeline said.
"Let me escort you to your vehicle," Izzy said.
Izzy guided Evangeline to the door of the room as Christopher and Stefanie followed closely. As the door shut behind them, Stiles let out a breath he had been holding.
"Whoa!" Stiles said. "Was that as... interesting as I think it was?"
Peter nodded. "House Argent has never even considered a treaty between the House and a Pack. Yes, interesting is one way to put it."
"Okay, let's let the clean-up crew do their thing," Alec said. "There are drinks and food in another room, if anyone wants one."
Without Hallie, they would go back to Magnus' apartment. But since she didn't seem inclined to leave, as Magnus correctly predicted, they were having their small celebration at the Institute.
For all that alcohol wouldn't get him drunk, a good, stiff drink was exactly what Peter needed right now. He ushered Derek and Stiles along the opposite side of the table from where Gerard's body lay and they went out into another room.
"For all that the results were good," Hallie said to Stiles. "I am sorry to have to name you as the Heir that way."
"I'm just hoping that it's worth it," Stiles replied.
"We will work to make it worth it," Peter promised.