Blackfeather Woods finger deep within the borderline

With the prior actions of his greeter, Mordecai was not surprised when he surged forward to block the path he intended to take. His steps were halted, a momentary spark of anger flaring up only to be smothered. He didn't want the trouble and had gathered all he ever wanted to know of the dark woods along the river. If this was Meldresi's pack, he was appalled. He was shocked that such a dark seed could have fostered in the wolf he had once called a packmate, though he did not think her capable of such deeds. He doubted, ultimately, that she was even truly at the helm of this pack, though it had been so long that her own musk was lost to him; in reality, she was quite there and at its head.

"As tempting as the offer is, perhaps we could save it for another time?" he answered coolly, keeping his tone even-tempered. He held his ground, making no move to press on past the other. If it was in his intention to make a move against Mordecai, then he would have to be the one to make it; the tawny Ostrega wanted no part of whatever implications were being cast. The din of the cacophony behind him seemed quiet in comparison, and the dark figure that lingered beyond their meeting went unnoticed. He had little idea of just how stacked the odds were against him.