Dark Moon Rising

Chapter 31: Mission: Unveiled

Argus's Point of View

"No complaints or whining from you two this time?" Enzo, one of the seasoned operatives on this mission, sneered at Elara and Taryn, teasing them.

"Leave me alone," Taryn snapped, irritated by his presence and attempt to provoke her.

"We don't have a choice, do we? This mission is supposed to be quick. It would be easier to agree to this one, and we can skip your next scheduled collection run," Elara sighed.

If I hadn't known Selene's agreement with them to assist in their escape by participating in this mission, I would have found their reactions believable. They were pretty convincing.

"I can't believe we have to endure another mission with these... werewolves," Frankie exclaimed in frustration.

I rolled my eyes. They were experienced operatives proficient at carrying out all instructions from the Collective but arrogant and lacking in intelligence. Well, Enzo and Frankie were. I was worried about Tony. He was quiet, deadly, and noticed everything. Tony was also the most loyal to the Collective.

"Lucius has endorsed this plan, with the condition that it must be carried out within 48 hours. Any issues that arise should be promptly reported to him. This mission is sensitive and should not be disclosed to anyone outside the team. Our usual weaponry with the silver bullets dipped in wolfsbane will be employed. We will be airdropped in and minimize the use of communication devices," I briefed my team.

Curious eyes locked with mine, prompting a sigh from me. I realized I needed to explain everything to Enzo and Frankie. Tony nodded in agreement, whereas Taryn and Elara seemed uninterested and indifferent.

"The Hunter Foundation's operatives faced an unfamiliar adversary in the forest when they tried to access the Dark Moon pack during the early dark hours, as previously communicated with all team members. The 'Byte Club' was responsible for disrupting radio and cellular signals," I explained to the group, specifically for the benefit of Enzo and Frankie.

"Our most recent information reveals the group's implementation of a new security system. While all Byte Club members were apprehended and dealt with, Adrian, Rogue Byte, and Crypta Sangine managed to escape and join the Dark Moon pack under the leadership of the notorious Adrian Byte."

"They'll be anticipating a standard attack, if they are expecting one at all," Tony noted. "What's the plan, Argus?"

"Our drop-off point will be near the pack entrance to bypass the forest. The Collective has devised technology to help our team penetrate the magical shield and temporarily disrupt their security system, allowing us to enter unnoticed. After finding a secure location, we inform Lucius that we have arrived and initiated surveillance to pinpoint the whereabouts of the two targets," I responded.

Tony asked, "Do we have access to the Boeing V-22 Osprey for this mission?"

"Absolutely. We must find the right individuals. After we finish our extraction mission, we need to leave promptly. Before we depart, a second team will be sent in to ensure no survivors. We need to act swiftly and precisely. We must ensure we secure the correct targets. There is no margin for error on this mission," I responded.

"Who are we hunting?" Frankie asked while Taryn and Elara looked at him with disgust.

"That information is on a need-to-know basis. It's classified, and I am the only one with access unless Lucius instructs otherwise. Each of you was chosen for your exceptional skills. As promised by Lucius, promotions and a substantial bonus await upon our return. Please remember that this mission is highly confidential. Pack only essential supplies for two days. Any questions before I let you go?" I inquired.

"These two aren't going back to the compound, eh? Those are their bags?" Tony asked about Taryn and Elara.

"Yes, the compound personnel prepared them as per our usual protocol. They will stay with me under careful monitoring until we depart," I answered.

Taryn and Elara were unimpressed with my response, but I didn't care. We needed to ensure that everything went smoothly with our observances, or we would all be in danger before we even left for the mission. Lucius wouldn't hesitate to eliminate personally anyone he felt had deceived him or gone against him.

Frankie and Enzo smirked, with disgusting thoughts permeating their meager brains, while Tony nodded. I had to admit he was professional, and that earned my respect. If the situation differed, I would want him on my side and not against me. However, this wasn't the case, and Tony would not return to the Collective. If Selene was correct, nothing would be left of his remains, and his existence would be wiped out without a trace once Eyrx dealt with him.

An uncomfortable silence filled the room after Frankie, Enzo, and Tony left my office.

Taryn's question pierced the quiet air, "Are you feeding on us here or at your apartment?" Her tone carried bitterness and hatred.

"Not here," I replied shortly, avoiding eye contact.

Dialing my office phone, I planned to inform my adoptive father that the team meeting had concluded, and we would stick to the original plan of departing at 5 a.m. the next day. Lucius answered promptly.

"The briefing is complete. I will ensure that Taryn and Elara follow the appropriate personnel. I don't believe additional security will be needed, as we don't want to be more aware of this mission than necessary. Do you still have the security system to monitor my apartment?" I asked.

"Yes, the entrance to your apartment is monitored. Are you sure you will be rested enough with those two the night before such an important mission?" Lucius asked.

"I'm confident I can find ways to ensure that I sleep well," I replied, causing my adoptive father to laugh, thinking I implied something else.

"Enjoy yourself, son. I'll see you soon. Be safe, and remember I love you," Lucius said.

"Same, Dad," I said, making it sound like I was smiling in response.

"You are disgusting, Argus," Elara muttered.

I knew we were being monitored, so I didn't react. I opened the door to my office and gestured towards their bags. Elara and Taryn scowled at me, grabbed their bags, and waited in the hallway while I collected my laptop and necessary files. I made sure not to take anything I didn't need because I knew that doing so would raise suspicions. I turned off the lights and locked my office door, as was my usual routine. I said nothing as we rode the elevator down to the parking garage.

"That's your car?" Taryn said, her voice a mixture of awe and apprehension.

"Come on in," I replied, opening the door to reveal the backseat of my sleek, black Ferrari Purosangue. It was a stunning, sleek vehicle I cherished and would miss dearly.

"Wow, this has much more room than I expected," Elara remarked with surprise.

Her observation was spot on. Upon opening the doors, my car showcased a surprisingly spacious interior. I couldn't help but chuckle when Elara discovered that the back seats could be heated and reclined independently.

"Oh my goddess, the seats even have a massage feature," Taryn exclaimed delightfully.

"Embrace it. The night is cool, and it will help you unwind. We all require a good night's sleep. Tomorrow, there is no room for errors," I replied.

"Why are you being so kind to us? Are you planning to force us to do something once we arrive at your place?" Elara asked, suspicion lacing her voice.

"No, he is not," Selene responded sternly, suddenly appearing in the front passenger seat.

"All good?" I asked, hoping that it was.

"I've met with all the key members of the Dark Moon pack, except for your sister and Adrian. They are sorting out some issues," replied the Moon Goddess.

"Will we be free from the Collective?" Taryn asked hopefully.

"If everything goes as planned, yes. Olivia sent two blood bags for Argus, and I have three takeout packages for tonight's dinner at the Dark Moon pack, as well as breakfast for the three of you," Selene said, smiling.

"She sent that for us?" Elara asked, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Each of you will have your own room with a private bathroom, equipped with everything you need to begin a new life in your new pack. But, the three of you must find a way to collaborate. Everyone is relying on it," added the Moon Goddess.