Thank you for the feedback from my last question <3
Mina POV - She had found it in the Alpha’s office, sitting atop a pile of folders as if Castriel had planted it there to spite her. It caught her eye immediately, the thick blue card adorned with white accents, and beautiful calligraphy. She had had to sign her fair few of these cards before. It was the formal design used for Clear blue for all of their announcements and invitations sent to other packs. The last one she had signed was her confirmation to attend the Luna court at the Diamond Ridge pack. Though that had only been a month ago, she picked up the invitation by the tips of her fingers, as if it was a treasure that would disintegrate at her touch. ‘To Alpha Castriel of the Blood Mountain pack, You are invited to attend the inauguration of Chloe Skye as the next Clear Blue Luna.’ Mina didn’t read further, the words blurring as tears bunched in her eyes. Roman was at her side in a moment, his arm wrapping around her waist, drawing her into his body. He plucked the invite
Mina POV - “So, somehow you managed to win over Alastor in an afternoon? You know that took me twenty-five years and the Moon Goddess’ blessing to do? You have to tell me your secrets.” She smiled and bumped again Blake, who was sat beside her on the ledge. The height still made Mina’s stomach feel lighter than it should, but the peace of the view was worth the fear. She had spent too many days in a room deep in the packhouse or the cell, where she couldn’t feel the fresh air. Now she couldn’t get enough of it, even the wispy air at the high altitude. Inside the heart of Blood Mountain gave her the same feeling, but she did miss the blue expanse above her. Maybe she should suggest they paint the inner walls. With her legs dangling over the sheer rock wall that formed the hidden path to the pack’s entrance, the rock biting into the back of her thighs was a comfort. It was a reminder that she was safe and grounded. Mina shifted on the ledge, settling into a comfier position. She winc
Blake POV - “You’re holding back.” Roman growled as he landed another punch to Blake’s gut. The wind burst from his lungs, his abdomen tensing just in time to catch the blow and stop it sucker punching his internal organs. The force carried him back a few steps, but he let the momentum take him, rolling into it to put more distance between him and his sparring partner. Though, Roman was less like a sparring partner and more like a force of nature. He had happily accepted the sparring invitation, as had Alastor, but had been quick to step up for the first match and was quick to begin. He had come at Blake with singular focus, his attacks strong, his purpose clear. Though Williamina may have forgiven Blake for his choices, and Alastor was beginning to understand why he made them, the Lynn wolf had not. Blake could see it now, burning in his steely glare. Anger. Distrust. Pain. They battered him with each blow, and he let them, taking the force of each one. “Take it easy.” Alastor
Roman POV - He chose his wolf form to sit atop the mountain path and wait. Though Roman had trained his senses to stay heightened in his human form, he felt more comfortable on enemy territory in his wolf. He had tried to encourage Mini to leave, to go back to the Lynn village, but she decided to stay. There was a light in her eyes he hadn’t seen before, and he couldn’t deny the way she seemed so relaxed in Blood Mountain. However, he didn’t like it. This pack had taken his mate, had tried to force her into being Castriel’s Luna, had hurt her. Roman’s jaw clenched. He supposed it wasn’t the pack who had done that, but Blake. A low growl built in his chest. He couldn’t understand why Alastor and Mini had seemingly forgiven the Issacs wolf so quick. Does a mate bond brush away all previous misdeeds in their eyes? It didn’t for him. Roman didn’t trust him, playing the victim now after so long being Castriel’s dog. A few good deeds wouldn’t change that. Especially ones done for all to
Roman POV - A sudden flash of black moved behind the enemy. A Blood Mountain wolf? He sniffed the air but couldn’t catch its scent. It moved fast, it must’ve been a warrior. Why did it hide in the shadows? Roman needed help, and he needed it now. If they were a part of the patrol, there’d be more wolves with it, but it was seemingly alone. He wondered if it was Blake. He knew the wolf would be ready to watch his downfall. To let Roman die here, and to pretend to simply find the body later, would serve him and his innocent act. Why help, when Mini wasn’t here to see it, and getting rid of Roman would make his life easier? A snarl built in his throat, anger pooling in it thick and heavy, enough to make his enemy pause. He needed to prove Blake’s righteous act was false and this was the man he truly was. One that would happily watch his unit die to benefit himself. However, even if he could prove it, it’d be pointless unless he found a way to survive. Before another wolf could attac
Roman POV - Roman was running again, pushing harder and faster than he ever did for himself. His parents were in danger, and there was nothing else that mattered to him in that moment. He was limited only by Blake’s speed as he followed the Issacs wolf to the infiltrators, but every time he pushed his speed on, Blake responded in kind. He moved fluidly through the trees, as if the path over loose roots and around bushes was mapped out for him. Each step was confident, unburdened by the uncertainty of the territory like Roman had. Blake took him directly through the forest, avoiding the tediousness of the winding path, cutting their route in half. When Roman heard the first growls and snarls of a fight, adrenaline flooded him. His paws pushed harder, eating up the distance, thundering through the woods as if racing the speed of his rapid heartbeat. He passed Blake, and charged onto the path. It only took him a breath to survey the scene. He saw his mother first, each crease worrying
Mina POV - It was the warning from Blake, relayed through a Blood Mountain warrior, that had Mina heading to the packhouse. She had promised Alastor that she’d stay within the pack while he left to help Roman but had worried at its border at the base of the cave tunnels. However, now she knew her mates were safe, collecting her composure was easy. They had bravely faced the enemy and she would face their guest with the same courage. The packhouse hall was grand, overlooking the Blood Mountain township. It’s chill still made Mina uncomfortable and feel disconnected from her pack, but its distance would keep them safe until she understood Luna Jade’s motivations. She had helped the Red Spire Luna, warning her of the coup being planning by Castriel’s ally. She should be coming to Blood Mountain with thanks and peace, but there had to be something more going on. Some of her wolves had attacked first and, though she had been happy to kill them, why was Blood Mountain their target? Her
Mina POV - Jade sighed as she dropped into a chair and took her first sip of whiskey. She rolled the liquid around the glass and took another. It hadn’t taken long to set up the dining table and chairs in the packhouse hall, just enough time for the Red Spire Luna to give her explanation about the attack. After flushing out Castriel’s ally, and those involved in the coup, some had escaped detection and ran as soon as they could. Jade had pursued them, and had found them just in time to join the end of the already-won battle. It was a little convenient for Mina’s liking, but Jade had killed the last two intruders that could’ve corroborated the story.However, she took the explanation at face value, only asking a few questions. Whether she trusted the woman’s story or not didn’t matter, she still wanted to hear what she had to say. The distrust was more blatant on her mates’ features, but they too sat at the table to talk with the Red Spire Luna. Mina took a breath before taking her