Dark Moon Rising

Chapter Five: Strike A Match

Crypta's Point of View

This task seemed overwhelmingly challenging. I sighed, realizing the importance of joining the Dark Moon pack to safeguard Rogue and Adrian, my dearest friends I deeply cared for. Infiltrating the Hunter Foundation to aid in eliminating their operatives posed risks of exposure in multiple ways. I understood the reason behind their ability to breach the magical barrier, yet revealing my true identity was out of the question. The burden of countless secrets weighed on me, though each was essential.

Moreover, Rogue had found her soulmate. My friend appeared more content than ever before. Damian would soon realize this wouldn't be a quick 'happily ever after' for Rogue though. My friend was complex, like an onion with numerous layers. She sensed the mate bond, found him intriguing, and in her unique manner, Rogue loved him. However, simplicity did not come naturally to her, Adrian, or me. It would take time, patience, and perseverance for my friend to allow Damian to mark her. I hoped that he would truly be everything she needed him to be.

Despite the differences in our stories, a universal thread linked Rogue, Adrian, and me. We understood the challenges of seeking acceptance and belonging.

Adrian and I shared a common bond through our hybrid lineage. We craved blood, and that set us apart as well. During the ceremony, my gaze remained fixed on him as we both received a small cut. Thankfully, I had already dealt with the operatives trying to breach the magical barrier, leaving me completely satisfied. Alpha Felix managed to find blood bags that Adrian could also consume, providing a temporary solution. However, now that we were joining the Dark Moon pack, a sustainable source of nourishment would be essential for Adrian and me. If we couldn't leave to feed, this would pose a challenge unless suitable arrangements were put in place.

During the ceremony, I sensed eyes on me and instinctively turned towards the source of the surveillance. Although unseen, I could perceive its presence. It felt familiar, like the same entity that accompanied me in the woods during the attack. Although I could not see it, I could sense its presence. This entity never posed a threat or raised any alarms. If anything, it provided a sense of reassurance. It seemed to convey appreciation for my actions, maybe even admiration. This feeling was empowering, spurring me on, even when facing overwhelming odds as I navigated through the forest, eliminating the operatives one by one.

I wondered whether Aralia was aware of the identity or nature of that presence and if she would disclose this information if I inquired. My intuition hinted that the forest guardian harbored her own valuable secrets.

Until now, I had successfully kept my double life hidden, with only Selene aware of my true identity as Seraphina Dusk. I was firm with her about keeping it secret from Adrian. I needed to maintain the separation of my identities, allowing him only to know me as Crypta. Revealing my other persona would lead to numerous inquiries I wasn't prepared to address, delving into a past I preferred to keep buried, resurfacing only in my nightmares. Clinging to my past had its benefits, providing the Byte Club with the necessary funds and granting us access to information beyond our hacking skills.

As far as anyone could know, in the Dark Moon pack, I was Crypta Sanguine. They could never know I was Seraphina Dusk. While taking the loyalty oath, my heart felt heavy as I concealed part of the truth. My loyalty was split in ways beyond anyone's comprehension.

My gaze shifted from the forest back to Adrian. I pondered about the prospect of living with him and Rogue. We planned to stay in the packhouse for a few more days to get to know everyone better. I still had my privacy and own space until we moved into our new home.

Adrian and I have felt attraction since our first meeting. There was an undeniable connection with Adrian, but we both hesitated to act on it due to our friendship. Perhaps it was the sensible choice. At least, that's what I reassured myself and my inner wolf.

He's not our mate. We'd know by now if he was, I told my wolf, Nyx.

Given all that was done to us as a child, we may never recognize our mate because of it, Nyx insisted.

That is assuming that Selene would grant us a fated mate. She knows all that we have endured. I don't know if we could ever love someone the way we are supposed to, I countered.

You are capable of love, Seraphina. You love your friends, Nyx insisted.

I do love my friends. I may even want to f**k one of them. But that doesn't mean he is my fated mate, I scoffed.

I turned my gaze back to the forest. Sensing that someone was still observing me, I felt a strange sensation of excitement. The intensity of the stare was palpable, so much so that I felt rather warm and had a fluttering feeling in my stomach. Damn it. I needed to get laid soon. As far as I knew, a woodland creature could be curious about me. Perhaps a horny squirrel?

Seriously? A horny squirrel? That's what you're going with? groaned Nyx.

What else would it be? As if there would actually be something lurking in the forest that I couldn't see, I responded with disdain.

Regardless of what's happening, I must head to the forest promptly to touch base with the individuals overseeing my trust fund. It's a prerequisite they've set for granting me access and allowing me to live independently. It seems absurd, given that I am an adult woman with a wide range of skills, capable of looking after myself. Sigh. I wonder if I can manage to slip out tonight to make a quick call.

I could still feel those eyes lingering on me. I looked up with a smirk and winked. Whatever it was, I wasn't scared of it. If anything, it should be scared of me.