My Second Chance Mate is a Barbarian (Sera and Fenris) novel Chapter 489

Sera

"Aren't you afraid to anger them, Luna?" Vane asked, brushing past me as I opened the door. "The gate is no barrier. It's only a courtesy."

Amara moved before I could answer, stepping between us, close to me, and stayed there, watching him.

Vane stopped. For the first time, he really looked at Amara.

He kept his hands still and in plain sight, and took no step closer.

Vane smiled. "I see you're getting active."

Amara remained motionless, eyes fixed on Vane. I didn't move her aside. I was used to her being my constant companion, but I'd never seen her step between me and another pack member. The fact that she had chosen to do so now, with Vane, sent a drop of ice down my spine.

"You're asking me to let him in?" I could barely keep the incredulity from my voice.

Vane blinked slowly. "I'm telling you that refusing him would be a grave mistake, Luna."

"A mistake?" I quoted, voice icy. "You told me an enemy inside the walls does more harm in an hour than an army in a season." I jabbed a finger toward the window. "That's Vidar Sarn, and now you want to invite him in? You wouldn't let him cross the threshold. What changed?"

"You can't leave him standing there," Vane said. "We can't insult him. If word gets around that the Luna of Ironmaw closed her gates in a Northern Alpha's face, you can be sure every other pack will turn on your mate."

I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms. Vane was right. I'd known it the moment Vidar arrived. But accepting Vidar's presence in Ironmaw? It made me want to retch.

I let out a heavy sigh and looked around my bedchamber with exasperation. "What kind of situation is this?" I muttered. I turned back to Vane. "What would you have me do then? Throw open the gates and let him bring his men into our den?"

Vane sighed too. "I told you not to let Vidar anywhere near Ironmaw. But that was before."

"Before what?" I pressed, even though I already knew the answer.

"Before he showed up at our gate with his men." Vane met my eyes. "Turning him away risks a war, Luna. And Ironmaw at war with another pack right now, with the Alpha gone...it's the last thing we need." He looked down, toying with the hem of his cloak. I could tell it pained him to say it.

Vane's lips compressed. "I would advise granting him full ceremony. Gifts accepted, formal greeting, a feast if need be. It's a delay, nothing more, but delays are precious right now."

The spectacle of welcoming Vidar Sarn as an honored guest turned my stomach. But time mattered. Vidar would demand to see his brother. Where was Mina? She should have returned by now. I glanced at the door.

"And after he's in?" I asked hollowly.

Vane's eyes flicked to Amara and back to me. "Keep him away from the family houses."

Something in my chest seized up. I pushed it down, managed to keep my face still, but I could feel Vane watching me intently.

"Is there something I should know?" he asked, his voice soft as a summer breeze.

I gave him nothing.

Amara shifted, ever so slightly, drawing my gaze. I felt Vane's eyes jump to her again.

BANG!!

The door slammed against the wall. Mina burst into the chamber, struggling for breath. "Sera, I..." She froze, words cut off. Her gaze locked onto Vane. Blood drained from her skin in a heartbeat, leaving her ashen. One sleeve was drenched in wet, vivid red. Her eyes flared at the sight of him, her fingers twitching.

"What's wrong, girl?" Vane asked calmly.

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