Dark Moon Rising

Chapter 48: Xander of the Riley Clan

Jo's Point of View

I regretted inviting Clara to join me in introducing Xander to the Byte Club and showing him where he was staying. The day before, Rogue had moved out and was now fully mated and marked by Damian. I was genuinely happy for them but felt extremely uncomfortable with how Clara looked at our vampire guest. I couldn't help but wonder what Jacob would say about her behavior.

You know what Jacob would say, which is why we won't tell him, Rica warned me.

Xander is gorgeous; I'm not disputing that. I'm annoyed with Clara and glad he didn't come into the pack house. Can you imagine the reaction of the ladies working today? I groaned to my wolf as Clara stood there with her mouth wide open.

Our guest vampire was tall and muscular, exuding a brooding and enigmatic charm. His remarkable platinum blonde hair bestowed upon him an otherworldly and captivating aura. Xander's piercing golden amber eyes mirrored a predatory nature, complemented by his sharp, angular features accentuating his imposing and noble demeanor. His flawless and pale skin further enhanced his unnaturally attractive visage. Even though his vampiric nature was known, he had an irresistible and charismatic magnetism.

It's not him; it's the vampire's thrall. It's a powerful and subtle form of hypnotic influence – a kind of supernatural charm that draws people in, disarms their instincts, and opens them to the vampire's whims, explained my wolf. It's like an aura of allure and fascination that radiates from the vampire, making it hard for people to resist their presence.

Why are we not affected by it? I asked Rica.

Perhaps it is our powers. It is not a bad thing we are immune to this. One more ability to keep us safe, Rica noted.

"Xander, I am truly grateful for your help in ensuring that Argus, Elara, and Taryn were able to cross the magical barrier safely. Thank you," I said.

As he flashed me a small smile, his eyes revealed a combination of eagerness and gravity. Then I noticed his gaze shift to the mark on his arm, symbolizing the Moon Goddess's reluctant but essential approval for Xander to cross the barrier. Selene, with all her celestial grace, arranged to meet Xander at the boundary where our newest pack members had crossed over to join us. She gave him her blessing before accompanying him to the pack house. Her otherworldly presence disappeared as Clara and I approached to greet him.

"Maybe one day, we won't need these blessings anymore, and we won't live in fear of each other. My clan harbors no ill will towards the Dark Moon pack," Xander expressed in a smooth, melodic voice.

"I would like that very much," I responded with sincerity.

Xander regarded me carefully, and his eyes softened.

"I believe that you would, Luna Jo. Your pack is blessed to have your leadership. You have the fierceness of your mother but a gentleness that makes you approachable. I can tell that you truly care about your pack members and all those who cross your path," Xander said.

"Elder Simon would love to meet you one day," the handsome vampire added.

"I would enjoy making his acquaintance as well. Perhaps we can make arrangements for that once the threat of Lucius Void has passed," I responded.

"The security system that the Byte Club has created is impressive. The magical barrier does neutralize possible threats, but knowing that those with dormant wolves can breach the barrier worries me. Will the forest guardian continue to monitor the area and report any concerns?" Xander inquired.

"Aralia is mated to Wesley, one of our most respected warriors. She is diligent in her duties as the forest guardian and loyal to the Dark Moon pack. Her adoptive son, Eyrx, remains in the forest at his cabin to assist in watching over things as well," I replied.

"When Eyrx shifted, he was quite fearsome. It was quite terrifying to see him attack and devour his prey, and I'm an older vampire who has seen many things in both of his lifetimes," Xander said.

"We are fortunate to have Eyrx's assistance. He, too, bears a blessing from the Moon Goddess and can cross the magical barrier. Eyrx is a good friend of mine and has a relationship with Seraphina Dusk. You may have the opportunity to get to know him more for this very reason," I shared.

Xander asked with a puzzled expression, "Does Eyrx make frequent visits to see Seraphina?"

"No, Seraphina will meet him in the forest or at his cabin. Most of the pack has now met Eyrx, all but Adrian," I shared awkwardly.

"Is there a reason that Adrian has not met Eyrx?" Xander asked, intrigued.

"It is a choice. Both Adrian and Eyrx are involved with Seraphina. They have decided it is best not to encounter one another for now. The men are aware of one another's presence and significance to Seraphina. To avoid conflict, they have chosen not to interact until the threat of Lucius Void has been neutralized," I explained.

"Is Seraphina mated to both men?" Xander asked.

He's asking quite a bit about these three pack members, Rica noted.

We know that Adrian is Elder Simon's son. He is aware that we know. This may be a test to see if I will honor Elder Simon's request not to reveal this information, I responded to my wolf.

Be careful how you respond then, my wolf cautioned.

"No one is aware of any mate bond. Seraphina has been honest with both men, stating that she does not feel a mate bond with either of them. Nonetheless, their relationship is their own, and we cannot meddle with it," I answered firmly.

"Okay, Luna Jo," Xander whispered. His displeasure was evident, but he respected my clear boundaries.

"My mate, Beta Jacob, has arranged for blood bags to be available for you, Seraphina, Argus, and Adrian. If there are any issues or if you need more bags, please don't hesitate to let us know," Clara said, enchanted by our guest.

Xander revealed his pointed fangs with a mischievous smile, causing Clara to let out a wistful sigh.

I rolled my eyes in exasperation as Xander flashed a smug smirk in my direction.

He was a strikingly handsome figure, and we were in desperate need of Xander's assistance. Nevertheless, a sense of foreboding crept over me as I felt that this vampire was bound to stir up trouble.