Dark Moon Rising

Chapter 32: A Sweet Goodnight Kiss

Argus's Point of View

After Selene departed, I generously offered Taryn and Elara the two bedrooms while I settled on the couch. When I made the suggestion, they looked at me in disbelief. Despite having fed on them in the past, nothing more had ever transpired between us. Even under my thrall, I refrained from taking advantage of them. A vampire's bite can induce euphoria and enhance one's sensual experience. Each time they made advances, I turned them down, leading them to believe I had little interest in them for anything beyond that. Out of respect for them, I didn't pursue anything further, although they would never acknowledge or comprehend that. They were unaware of Seraphina and my presence in the compound as they were younger than us when we were all held captive together, but I remembered them clearly.

Both Taryn and Elara, stunning, resilient, and intelligent, had faced immense challenges during their time in the compound and on missions. Hailing from separate packs, they were unmistakably alpha heirs exuding authority with powerful auras. Despite my attempts to protect them, my undercover role limited my interventions. Given the situation, they had every reason to harbor resentment towards me, a sentiment I would have shared if I were in their position.

Taryn sported long auburn hair and captivating bright green eyes. With a curvy yet athletic physique, she possessed remarkable marksmanship skills and extraordinary reflexes. I yearned for a sparring match with her, fully aware of her superior strength. The excitement of the challenge would have outweighed the physical toll it would take on me.

Elara possessed captivating blue eyes brimming with wisdom that appeared to gaze deep into one's soul. Her serene demeanor radiated kindness and warmth. With her long blonde hair usually pulled back in a casual bun, she enjoyed sketching in her free time between missions. Elara had a keen eye for beauty that others overlooked and was exceptionally observant, surpassing even Tony.

Taryn and Elara often faced harassment from the operatives due to their beauty and unapproachable demeanor. Both could fend off unwanted advances, protecting themselves and each other. As far as I knew, they had only made advances towards me, which I declined, deepening their animosity. If circumstances were different, I would have welcomed the opportunity to be with them. Having already given up my virginity in exchange for information to further our fight against the Collective, I had made numerous sacrifices. I believed that I would never find a fated mate, feeling too damaged for one.

Selene mentioned that Adrian and Seraphina were resolving their differences, which I appreciated. My sister had harbored feelings for Adrian for a while, whether she acknowledged it or not. Her interest in Eryx was puzzling—was he her destined partner? The drone footage showed that he had restrained himself despite Seraphina's advances, earning my respect. However, Eryx's body language hinted at his feelings for her, though I wished I could see more of his facial features to know who he was, honestly. It also would have helped me to determine who Lucius's son was - Felix or Eyrx.

Elara emerged from my bedroom and settled on the couch, gazing at me attentively. She wore a long t-shirt that, upon closer inspection, I realized belonged to me. Raising an eyebrow, I looked at her, and she responded with a smirk.

"If your scent is on one of us, it will make our presence here more believable. I understand that neither Taryn nor I am your type, so I won't repeat the mistake of showing interest in you," Elara remarked softly.

She was correct. I hadn't thought about that aspect, but Elara had, thankfully. Her ability to anticipate ahead was impressive, and I always appreciated having her by my side during missions. With her, there were fewer casualties on both sides. I valued her insights and tactical observations.

Elara asked, "Will you explain why Lucius is assigning us to the Dark Moon pack? Understanding the reason will help me perform my duties more effectively."

I mentioned that Lucius fathered a child with a she-wolf hidden from him for years.

"Surprisingly, Lucius now shows interest in establishing a relationship with his son," I replied.

"More likely to possess another asset for control than to have a relationship with his son. We're there to retrieve him and Luna Jo, right?" Elara asked.

"That's the reason he's sending us, indeed. The objective is to pass through the magical barrier and uncover his son's identity. Lucius can never get his hands on his son. He'll destroy him," I conveyed with a hint of bitterness.

Elara gazed at the crescent-shaped tattoos on our wrists, hidden from view. Selene promised they would become more pronounced once we passed through the magical barrier, marking us under her protection.

Elara asked with sadness, "Why didn't you ever tell us? Why did you let Taryn and I hate you?"

"It was simpler that way. I recall the day when they brought you and Taryn to the compound. Neither of you remembered Seraphina and me being there. You were both too young to recall the day when the Voids arrived and adopted my sister and me," I answered.

"But I remember what they did when Seraphina was brought back to the compound to be 'rehabilitated.' We wanted to go with her when Serpahine escaped, but the Moon Goddess had told us we needed to stay. Selene said she would help us escape and not lose faith," Elara said.

"I'm so sorry for all that you both went through. I tried to shield you both, but I failed. I have so many regrets for what I did in trying to do what I could to bring the Collective down," I admitted sadly.

"You sacrificed, too. It would have been easier for you to escape with your sister, but you stayed to help her and save many others. I'm sorry for judging you, Argus. I hope that by being part of a new pack and starting over, we can finally be friends," Elara said.

Friends. I didn't have any others besides my sister and the Moon Goddess. I wanted that.

"I'd like that, thank you," I murmured, looking into her kind, blue eyes.

Elara stood up, walked over to me, and gently kissed my forehead before returning to her room to sleep.

I didn't feel as overwhelmed after our interaction, and the anxiety eased enough for me to drift off into a dreamless sleep.