27. Remina

Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a glow across Gi-Gi"s apartment. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, offering a brief respite from the intensity of the day ahead. I sat alone at the small dining table, my hands wrapped around a steaming mug, the porcelain warming my chilled fingertips.

The silence of the apartment surrounded me, providing a momentary escape from the impending mission. Gi-Gi had already left to gather supplies, leaving me to wrestle with my thoughts in solitude. I felt a knot in my stomach, a familiar sensation that accompanied the unresolved questions lingering from yesterday"s visit to the dark mage ruins.

The events of that day played like a haunting melody in my mind. The ruins, once my family"s home, lay in desolation. The crumbling archways whispered secrets, but the answers remained elusive, buried beneath layers of time and tragedy.

I traced the rim of the coffee mug with my fingertips, lost in the labyrinth of my contemplation. The muted sounds of the city outside filtered through the closed windows, a distant backdrop to the internal storm brewing within me. I wrestled with the ghosts of my past, with the desire to unveil the truth behind my family"s murders.

The apartment"s colorful décor offered little distraction. Gi-Gi"s personal touches adorned the walls. My gaze lingered on a framed photograph, capturing a moment with Gi-Gi and Slade both smiling wide. It was a moment vastly different from the somber tone of the morning.

As I sipped the coffee, its bitter warmth seeping into my bones, I questioned why the answers I sought remained elusive. I couldn"t escape the nagging belief that, after all these years, I was no closer to finding those responsible for my family"s deaths. The questions echoed in my mind, each one a reminder of the tangled web of mysteries that bound me to the past.

I closed my eyes, attempting to shut out the world and find solace in the rhythmic sounds of my breath. The apartment embraced me in its quietude, offering a momentary respite from the chaos that awaited beyond its walls.

Before I could delve further into the contemplative solitude, a sharp knock echoed through the apartment. Startled, I glanced toward the door, setting my coffee mug down on the table. Slade stood on the other side; a stern expression etched across his features. I watched him as he entered, his presence bringing my senses alive.

"Remina," he greeted, his voice gruff and lustful. The familiar scent of leather and earth accompanied him, which had me immediately thinking about our hot encounter in the forest. Slade was a force of nature, and the intensity in his amber eyes had me pinned.

"Slade," I replied, acknowledging his presence with a wry smile. With rugged, practical clothing emphasizing his rich chocolate skin, tousled dark brown hair, and intense golden amber eyes, Slade radiated a no-nonsense charm.

Unfortunately for my libido which had flared to life in his presence, this seemed to be a business visit. Slade wasted no time in getting to the point. "The council met early this morning, Remi. You"ll be with me and my team today," he declared, his words firm and devoid of any room for negotiation. My eyebrows furrowed in mild irritation. The council had convened without me, making decisions that directly involved my role in the mission. It was a reminder that even though we were on the same team, I would forever be an outsider. Just a visitor from The Order.

I pushed aside the lingering frustration, focusing on the details of the mission Slade divulged. The Blackstone residence, perched atop a distant mountain, would be approached from the south. Other teams would advance from different directions, starting at the base of the mountain before scaling it on foot.

"The plan is to approach quietly, avoiding detection until we reach the mountain top. Once there, we storm the residence from all directions simultaneously," Slade explained, his gaze on me steady, gauging my reaction. "We"re aiming for stealth. If anyone is there, they may have their defenses, and we need the element of surprise."

I nodded, absorbing the specifics of the plan. "If we move swiftly, we can reach the residence by the afternoon. All teams will have a magic user, giving us the best chance of reaching the summit undetected," Slade continued, the weight of leadership evident in every word.

As Slade spoke, I could sense the bond growing between us, an acknowledgment that we were in this together. I preferred the company of Slade"s team to the unpredictable dynamics that might have arisen with Reaghan, Kique, or Ryatt. We shared a developing understanding and respect for one another that was a lot more than I could say for the others.

The rich, earthy tones of his skin and the dark brown of his tousled hair form a harmonious palette, a visual representation of the wilderness that has sculpted him into the formidable figure he is.

Slade closed the distance between us and ran a finger across my bottom lip. "Remina," he began, his eyes intense. "There's something else I wanted to talk about."

I gestured for him to continue, the room"s atmosphere thickening with anticipation.

Slade didn"t waste any time. "I know we haven"t talked about it, but my wolf is convinced you"re his mate," he confessed, his words hanging in the air.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the unspoken truths that had been lingering between us. "I know you didn"t want to talk about it yet," Slade said, his gaze softening. "But I don"t want to go into this mission with things hanging between us."

The chemistry between us crackled with unresolved energy, like the electricity before a storm. I could feel the intensity in Slade"s gaze, his golden amber eyes not leaving mine as he laid bare the truth about his desires and intentions.

"I want you as my mate, Remina," he admitted. "But I understand it"s not that easy. I won"t pressure you. I"m happy to just spend time with you, get to know you better. Maybe spend some time between those delicious thighs of yours, if you'll have me. I won"t bring the mate thing up again, but make no mistake, in my mind you are mine."

Slade"s words resonated, not just in my ears but in the very air around us. He understood the intricacies of the situation, acknowledging that claiming me as his mate wasn"t a straightforward decision.

His sincerity was evident in the set of his jaw and the way his gaze bore into mine. The room pulsed with unspoken desire, the anticipation of what could be lingering in every corner.

Slade"s admission lingered in the air like an unspoken promise, and the charged atmosphere between us begged for more words to bridge the gap.

"You know," Slade continued, his gaze steady, "I"m not used to wanting something so badly. But I"m willing to take whatever time you need. Just know that I"m serious about this."

His sincerity was both unsettling and comforting, a paradox of emotions that left me searching for the right words.

"I appreciate that," I replied, grateful for his honesty. "It"s not that I"m not interested, but ... there"s a lot to process,"

My eyes flickered away from his intense gaze. "This is a lot to process, especially with everything else going on."

He nodded understandingly. "I get it. The timing is not ideal, we live completely different lives and to top it off you"re my little sister's best friend. But I never thought I"d get a mate and I wanted to clear the air."

I sighed, feeling everything pressing down on me. "It"s just that ... I"ve spent so long burying my past, my emotions. I"m not sure if I"m ready to open that door again."

Slade reached out, placing a reassuring hand on mine. "Remina, you don"t have to face everything alone. We"re a team, and I"m here for you, no matter what."

His words brought a mixture of comfort and uncertainty. "I know, Slade. It"s just ... the idea of being someone"s mate, it"s not something I"ve considered."

Slade nodded, his expression reflecting a mix of patience and want. "Take all the time you need, Remina. We"ve got a mission ahead, and I want you focused. But when this is over, I"d like a chance. A real chance."

His words settled between us, and I found myself softening. "I"ll keep that in mind, Slade," I assured him, realizing that the uncharted territory of emotions required careful navigation. I was attracted to Slade, and I could acknowledge that I felt a pull towards him. But I would be lying if I hadn't felt that towards some of the other council members as well.

As the conversation shifted, the air seemed to ease. Slade leaned back; his eyes glimmered in the morning sun. "Okay, time to move that sweet ass and pack. Let's get this show on the road."

The courtyard buzzed with restrained energy as Slade"s pack prepared for the mission ahead. The metallic scent of weapons being sharpened mingled with the earthy fragrance of damp soil. The morning sun was high in the sky, casting a warmth across the courtyard.

"Ready, Remina?" Slade"s voice cut through the ambient sounds. I nodded, my fingers tracing arcane patterns in the air to form a shimmering portal. The magic responded to my command, swirling into existence like a rippling vortex.

The gateway revealed the rocky terrain at the base of a mountain—our destination. Slade"s pack enforcers gathered around, their eyes reflecting the moonlight with a predatory gleam. One by one, we stepped through the portal, the transition a brief moment of disorientation before our boots met solid ground.

The air at the mountain"s base was fresh, and a gentle breeze whispered through the towering trees. Slade, his pack at the ready, surveyed the surroundings with a wolfish intensity.

"Keep your senses sharp," Slade murmured, his eyes locking onto mine. An understanding passed between us—this mission held a gravity beyond the ordinary.

The rocky path ascended gradually, the ground beneath our boots shifting with each step. Light filtered through the dense foliage overhead, casting a dappled pattern on the forest floor. The pack moved in eerie silence, their instincts guiding them through the shadows.

As we ascended, the mountain"s imposing silhouette loomed overhead. A sense of foreboding settled in the air, intensifying with every upward climb. My senses extended, probing the magical currents interwoven with the mountain"s core.

"Anything unusual?" Slade"s question hung in the still night air. I closed my eyes, reaching out to the magical energies that pulsed through the mountain. A subtle disturbance, a dark undercurrent, thrummed beneath the surface.

"There"s something here," I whispered, my voice carried away by the mountain breeze. Slade"s pack adjusted their formation.

The ascent grew steeper, loose rocks protesting beneath our boots. The moon cast an ethereal glow on the rocky path, illuminating our way. The Blackstone estate awaited at the mountain"s top, shrouded in an eerie mist.

Slade"s eyes, now a glinting golden amber, met mine. "We approach with caution. The Blackthrones won"t have made this easy."

The pack moved with a disciplined precision, their silhouettes merging with the natural surroundings.

"Stay close, Remina," Slade"s voice, a low rumble, reached my ears.

His wolfish eyes met mine, conveying reassurance. We moved in sync with the pack, the crunch of gravel beneath our boots melding with the distant howls of creatures.

In the eerie silence, Slade"s voice was like a blade. "Remina, your magic. Can you sense anything unusual?"

Closing my eyes, I extended my senses, reaching out to the magical currents that wove through the mountain. A subtle disturbance hummed beneath the surface, an undercurrent of dark energy that set my nerves on edge.

Slade"s pack, attuned to my every word, adjusted their pace. We fanned out, melding into the natural surroundings, the pack's predatory instincts on high alert. Slade moved beside me, his presence a grounding force. "We need to be cautious. The Blackthrones won"t be welcoming."

Slowly led by Slade, we gathered at the designated spot, ready to ascend. Sunlight bathed the rocky terrain as we prepared for the daunting climb.

"Remina, what"s up there?" Slade"s voice, a low rumble, broke through my concentration. My senses, extended like tendrils of energy, reached into the mountain"s core. A subtle disturbance, an arcane murmur, caught my attention.

"Something"s stirring," I replied, my eyes narrowing as I focused on the unseen energies. The mountain, a silent sentinel, seemed to harbor secrets that eluded even my trained perception.

Before I could delve deeper into the mystical currents, a blaring crash of dislodged rocks thundered from above. Instinct kicked in as I conjured a protective shield, a shimmering barrier that enveloped Slade and me. The cascade of rocks, unleashed by an unseen force, crashed against our magical defense.

The impact reverberated through the shield, a force that shook the very core of our magical barrier. The scent of freshly overturned soil mingled with the dust kicked up by the landslide. I could hear the sharp cracks of rocks colliding, a symphony of chaos as the mountainside unleashed its fury.

Slade"s pack, swift and agile in their wolf forms, dispersed in a blur of fur and sinew. Some shifted mid-motion, their forms morphing seamlessly to evade the oncoming onslaught. The mountain, once a serene backdrop, became a battleground of elements colliding.

"Everyone, spread out!" Slade"s command cut through the chaos. The pack, instinctively attuned to their alpha"s voice, dispersed with fluidity. The metallic tang of blood arose as a few unfortunate shifters, caught in the path of the landslide, were struck by the hurtling rocks.

Adrenaline surged through my veins as I maintained the protective shield and stretched it out to cover as many as possible. The force of the rocks battering against my magic vibrated through me. The air crackled with residual energy as the landslide"s dissent ended.

"Remina, we"ve got wounded!" Slade"s voice reached me through the chaos. I dropped the shield, my senses refocusing on the immediate danger. Shifting my attention from the rocks above, I assessed the situation. Several members of the pack lay injured, the scent of blood permeating the air.

Without hesitation, I joined Slade in tending to the wounded. The mountain, a silent witness to the chaos, loomed above us as we worked swiftly to assess injuries.

"Remina, can you use your magic to heal them?" Slade"s amber gaze met mine.

I shook my head. "Only light magic users can heal, luckily Seraphina left me with some healing tonics that should heal most of the damage," I said, urgency lacing my words.

I pulled out the vials in my pocket which glowed with the soft radiance of healing magic. The air filled with the scent of herbs as my magic wove through the wounded, mending injuries and easing their pain.

As the wounded were stabilized, unease lingered. The mountain, having unleashed its fury, now stood silent and brooding. The injured shifters, supported by their pack-mates, cast wary glances toward the looming heights.

I turned to Slade, my eyes locking with his. "Slade, that wasn"t a natural landslide," I said, my words carrying a sense of pressing importance. "It was a dark magic trap, triggered when we approached the mountain."

His brow furrowed, and I could see the gears turning in his mind as he processed the information. "Dark magic?" he questioned, his voice low and focused. "Are you sure?"

I nodded, my jaw tightening. "I"m sure. We can"t afford to underestimate the Blackstones. Message the other groups, and give them a heads-up. There might be more traps waiting for us as we climb."

Slade"s gaze hardened, his fingers swiftly moving over his phone. "Got it. We"ll stay vigilant." Our eyes locked for a moment, a silent agreement passing between us. In the looming shadow of the mountain, we braced ourselves for the challenges ahead.

"We press on," Slade declared, his voice resonating with grit. The mountain, a stoic sentinel, seemed to challenge our ascent.

The ascent up the mountain was treacherous, every step weighed down by the uncertainty that clung to the air like thick fog. The path was littered with signs of the Blackstone"s malevolent welcome—intricate traps and curses that seemed designed to wear down our resolve. My senses were on high alert, every rustle of the wind or distant creak of shifting rocks making me flinch. Slade"s pack moved in unison, their animal instincts guiding them through the hazards.

Slade"s voice cut through the eerie silence. "Remina, heads up!" His warning came just in time as a concealed pit yawned open beneath my next step. With a quick pulse of magic, I levitated above the trap, landing safely on the other side. "Thanks," I muttered, acknowledging Slade"s watchful eye. His pack exchanged knowing glances, their trust in each other evident.

The mountain path stretched before us, winding its way through the jagged peaks and dark shadows. As we approached a treacherous bend, a sudden tension gripped the group, and their eyes, tinged with an expectant gleam, turned towards me.

I felt it then—an insidious presence, a malevolent hex lurking just around the bend like a silent serpent ready to strike. The air thickened with foreboding energy, and I raised my hand, signaling the pack to halt. Slade"s amber eyes met mine. The pack, each werewolf ready to strike, awaited my command.

My focus intensified, honing in on the dark magic that slithered through the atmosphere. It was a volatile dance, invisible to the naked eye but resonating in the prickling of the skin and the subtle tremors beneath our feet. It was a wicked enchantment, cunningly hidden, designed to ensnare the unsuspecting.

My fingers danced through the air, tracing the invisible lines of the spell. The magic responded to my touch, resisting at first before succumbing to the potency of my dark magic. It was a dance of power, a delicate balance between dark forces. With a deliberate and practiced gesture, I unleashed a surge of counter-magic, a rippling force that dispelled the trap"s insidious hold on the mountain path.

The release was palpable, a collective exhale echoing through the pack. Their bodies visibly relaxed, and a murmur of gratitude passed between them, a language of nods and the rhythmic flick of tails.

We continued our ascent, each step a test of our mettle. The mountain echoed with the whispers of ancient spells.

Our journey upward persisted, with every footfall resonating as a challenge to our resolve. The mountain, an ancient repository of mystical energies, responded with a subtle hum of arcane whispers. As we advanced, the very fabric of the terrain quivered beneath our feet, prompting Slade to command the pack to halt.

Suddenly, the air crackled with a surge of enchantment, and before us materialized a shimmering illusion—an intricate labyrinth of ever-shifting pathways that threatened to bewilder and ensnare. The pack, keenly attuned to the magical trap, stood poised, their instincts on high alert. The illusory maze unfolded, a dance of ethereal walls and deceptive turns.

With a deft wave of my hand, I summoned a counter-magic, seeking to discern the true path amid the illusion. Yet, as the mystical labyrinth resisted my attempts to unravel its secrets, a profound realization set in—the Blackstone"s arsenal was not confined to physical hazards but extended into the intricate realm of enchantments and illusions, making our ascent a dance through both the tangible and the arcane.

Slade"s growl vibrated through the air. "Remina, we need to find a way to neutralize these traps, or we"ll never reach the top."

I nodded, scanning the surroundings for a solution. My eyes caught a glimmer of enchanted wards on the rocks, guiding the traps" activation.

Determination coursed through my veins as I tried to disrupt the dark energy that fueled the obstacles. The dark magic, a cunning adversary, resisted my every attempt to unravel its insidious weave. It clung to its existence, a testament to the skill of the Dark Mage who had crafted it. My fingers danced through the arcane gestures, seeking to disrupt the sinister energy that fueled the obstacles before us.

Each wave of dispelling magic I unleashed met with a counterforce, a resistance that sent shivers down my spine. The wolves, Slade"s vigilant pack, stood by my side, their keen senses attuned to the ebb and flow of magical currents.

The struggle was intense. Sweat trickled down my brow as I delved deeper, pushing against the dark tide that sought to repel me. The air crackled, and my breath quickened with the exertion.

With gritted teeth, I channeled every ounce of my magical prowess, weaving intricate patterns to disrupt the trap's energy. It fought back, its resistance manifesting as a surge of dark power that threatened to overwhelm me. The wolves, ever watchful, growled low, sensing the invisible struggle that unfolded before them.

Time seemed to stretch, each moment pregnant with uncertainty. The mountain, a stoic witness to our tribulation, held its breath as if awaiting the outcome of this magical duel. Beads of sweat gathered on my forehead as I pressed on, the dispelling magic becoming a rhythmic dance, a cadence in sync with the heartbeat of the mountain itself.

Then, with a burst of focused energy, I felt the dark magic relent. It recoiled, disrupted by the assault of my dispelling magic. A collective exhale swept through the pack, the anxiety lifting like a dissipating storm. The wolves, recognizing the shift in the magical currents, offered silent nods of approval.

The pack, now accustomed to our synchrony, moved with newfound confidence. As we navigated through the hazardous terrain, Slade shot me a sidelong glance. "Impressive, Remina. You"ve got quite the bag of tricks."

I smirked, a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction coloring my features. "Years of dealing with dark magic will teach you a thing or two."

We reached a plateau, a brief respite from the relentless challenges. The wind whistled through the mountain peaks. Slade approached me, his eyes reflecting a mix of appreciation and something deeper. "Remina, we wouldn"t have made it this far without you. I appreciate having you by our side."

Hours had passed since arriving at the mountain"s base. The descent of night draped the mountain in shadows, intensifying the already distinct tension that clung to our group. As we trudged forward, the echoes of our footsteps mingled with the whispers of the wind, creating an eerie symphony of anticipation. The day had slipped away in cautious progress, our journey fraught with traps that demanded our constant vigilance. Our climb was tortuously slow.

Slade"s pack moved in a disciplined formation; their instincts finely tuned to the rhythm of the mountain. I couldn"t shake the feeling that every rustle of leaves held a secret, every gust of wind carrying a veiled warning.

Ahead, the mountain revealed a series of caves, their dark openings like mouths waiting to swallow us whole. Slade, his sharp eyes catching the subtle cues of exhaustion on our faces, suggested a temporary respite. "Let"s take a break here. We"ll need our strength for whatever the Blackthrones have waiting for us further up."

Grateful for the suggestion, I nodded, the weariness settling into my bones. The pack dispersed, finding spots in the rocky terrain to rest. The subtle growls and murmurs of shifter conversation surrounded us. Slade approached, his golden eyes reflecting the weariness we all felt.

"We"ll eat here before pressing on. Can"t risk continuing up the mountain in the dark, especially with the wounded." I agreed, my focus already shifting to the task of setting up a makeshift camp. The scent of rations mingled with the earthy aroma of the cave.

As we gathered, a flash of movement caught my eye. One of the wolves, caught in the weariness of the journey, strayed too close to a curse trigger. The ominous shift in the atmosphere alerted me to greenish-yellow clouds rolling in. They were unnatural and toxic. "RUN!" I screamed into the night.

Panic rippled through the pack as we scrambled to reach the shelter of the caves. The mountain path twisted upward, narrowing as it led us towards the darkened caves. The air thrummed with the mounting tension. The scent of acidic salt filled the mountain, a bitter aroma laced with uncertainty.

As we neared the caves, a cascade of acidic rain erupted from the somber sky, catching us off guard. Panic surged through the pack, and chaos unfolded like a frenetic dance of survival. The first drops landed with a hiss, sizzling on contact. The wolves, their fur bristling with alarm, scattered in desperate attempts to evade the corrosive deluge.

I felt the sting of acid against my skin, the ominous rain biting through the fabric of my clothing. The air thrummed with urgency as we sprinted towards the sanctuary of the caves, the ground beneath our feet slick with rain and trepidation. The once disciplined formation of Slade"s pack disintegrated into a frenzied scramble, each shifter racing against the merciless onslaught.

I summoned my magic in haste, forming a protective barrier as we charged forward. The world blurred into a chaotic symphony of paws pounding against the rocky terrain, the unforgiving rhythm of the rain providing a dark backdrop. My heart hammered in tandem with the frantic pace, and the air hummed with pain and despair.

Wolves, their eyes wide with fear, darted through the relentless downpour. The acidic rain clung to their fur, creating a chorus of yelps and howls. The sting of acid seeped through my magical shield, a constant reminder that time was a cruel adversary.

Slade"s voice, strained with urgency, rang through the mountainside. "Keep moving! We"re almost there!" The cave entrance loomed like a promised haven, its shadows offering respite from the constant assault. Yet, with each step, the acid rain intensified, its malevolent touch seeking vulnerabilities in our defenses.

Shifters stumbled, their fur singed and matted, the scent of burning filling the air. The pain of acid searing through their coats mirrored the desperation etched on their faces. In the race against time, the mountain itself seemed to close in around us.

Finally, the cave entrance emerged, a sanctuary against the wrath of the mountain. Wolves, their breaths ragged and chests heaving, scrambled inside. The acidic rain persisted, dancing on the threshold between safety and peril. I stood at the entrance, my magical shield straining against the non-stop assault, ensuring the last of Slade"s pack sought refuge within.

As the final wolf slipped inside, I retreated into the cave, my magical shield dissipating with a flicker. The acidic rain hissed against the rocky entrance, a menacing reminder of the perils that lurked beyond. The cave, now a refuge from the tempest, echoed with the heavy breaths of the pack. Night had fully descended upon the mountain, casting shadows that concealed the dangers yet to be faced.