Dark Moon Rising

Chapter 46: Unchained Desires

Elara’s Point of View

I remember the moment clearly. I knew it wasn't a mate bond, but we connected strongly. My feelings for Argus have been present since our first kiss after he fed on me years ago. It was an unforgettable moment and my first kiss. Despite the unusual circumstances, there was something special about it. He hesitated initially, but then the kiss deepened, becoming everything I had hoped for despite the unconventional setting.

Everyone in the Collective knew that Argus was a vampire-werewolf. He was one of the few allowed to openly embrace his true nature, a privilege granted to only a handful of individuals, including Seraphina, Taryn, myself, and a select few others. I had pretty much thrown myself at Argus, hoping to gain his interest and attention. Taryn did the same thing. Despite our efforts, he consistently and politely but firmly declined our propositions.

I grew to hate him over the years. I believed he thought Taryn and I were beneath him, only good enough for the blood he needed to survive. We both volunteered anytime those imprisoned in the compound were asked to donate blood. Being near him, his lips on me again, even if only to feed, was worth it. Taryn came with me to protect me. She didn’t have an interest in Argus.

Or at least I thought that until I watched her enjoy pleasuring him. It bothered me, even though we’d done the same thing with other men. I wasn’t innocent by any means. But I had real feelings for Argus, and Taryn knew that. I didn’t want to share him. Even if he didn’t sense a mate bond with me, I wanted to be with him in any way that I could.

Taryn and I frequently ponder whether the Collective has done something to us, as we have never felt a mate bond with anyone before. Did our experiences leave us irreparably shattered? Were we deemed unworthy due to the actions we were forced to take while in captivity? The Collective would brutalize us if we refused to participate in the raids on packs. Taryn and I had to go with Argus to supervise the operatives' missions. I could always tell that he didn't want to do it either. Being the adoptive son of Lucius Void didn't give him a "free pass." What happened to Seraphina was proof of that.

I watched Argus process what I had confessed to him and the fact that he had just gotten oral s*x from both of us without soliciting it.

“I don’t know what to say after that,” Argus blushed. “Thank you,” he added most adorably.

“It's our pleasure,” Taryn purred. "But from now on, I’m unavailable for that or more unless Elara asks me to. I’m not going to make a move on someone that I now know my best friend has feelings for.”

A rush of relief flooded me as I finally exhaled the breath I had unconsciously held. Taryn met my gaze and slyly winked.

Thank you for letting me share that experience with you. I will not pursue Argus now that we both know he is the one you want to be with; my best friend linked me.

Her words echoed in my mind as I mustered the courage to respond.

I love you, Taryn, I whispered in our link, feeling the weight of those words as they left my lips.

Love you too, Elara. That won’t change when we join this pack. It will always be you and me, standing together against whatever challenges the world throws at us, Taryn promised solemnly before closing our mind link.

The stillness was suddenly shattered by a series of loud moans and a violent crash against the cabin. Startled, Argus stood up and moved toward the door, but Taryn and I quickly rose to block his path.

“Let Seraphina have this. That is NOT a moan of pain,” I demanded.

Argus appeared distressed but settled back into his seat, looking bewildered.

“My sister is f*****g Eyrx outside,” he muttered, his words barely audible as he spoke in a hushed tone.

"Do you need to be?" Taryn asked, a mischievous grin spreading across her face as she gazed at me and then at Argus before returning her gaze to me.

Taryn's words took Argus aback. He looked at her, startled, but she shrugged in response.

Argus shifted uncomfortably, attempting to conceal his obvious arousal from her bold invitation on my behalf. He nervously bit his lip, gazing at me as if weighing his words carefully.

“As much as I would enjoy that, I would rather have the pleasure of Elara’s company in that manner in a more discrete location where I can truly appreciate the beautiful woman she is,” Argus said.

Taryn's smile widened as I felt my face flush with embarrassment.

Seraphina and Eyrx came into the cabin, both looking a bit disheveled. They exchanged a smile before sitting down. While Seraphina seemed unfazed, Eyrx appeared slightly flustered, especially under the glaring gaze of Argus.

“Not a word, Argus,” Seraphina said as she sipped her now cold coffee.

Seraphina flashed a big smile at her brother as she added, "We could hear the three of you outside."

Xander’s Point of View

“I received a call from Luna Bethany of the Shifting Circle and Alpha Felix of the Dark Moon pack today. They seek assistance to monitor the current situation and evaluate how our clan can provide further support. They also mentioned that Luna Jo specifically expressed her gratitude towards you,” Elder Simon said.

I nodded in understanding. It had crossed my mind that I might be chosen for this task, and I knew exactly why. As Elder Simon's most trusted officer and his closest friend, I carried the weight of responsibility with diligence. I was determined to report everything to him without fail.

"May I inquire about the possibility of staying in the packhouse?" I politely asked.

"Rogue is in a committed relationship with Gamma Damian, and while he hasn't officially claimed her as his mate, it's likely to happen in the near future. When she relocates to his place, they will have a spare room available for you. It sounds like this room will be set up for your comfort, providing both a sleeping area and a workspace, as well as a private bathroom," Elder Simon informed me.

My old friend emphasized the importance of closely monitoring Adrian while I stayed in the same home. Elder Simon made it clear that keeping his son safe was a top priority. He had explicitly instructed Luna Bethany and Alpha Felix not to reveal Adrian's parentage to him yet. It was stressed that Adrian needed to focus on ensuring his own safety and that of the Dark Moon pack.

With determination in my voice, I declared, "I promise not to let you down," as I turned to depart.

"Xander, I'll inform him when the time is right. Our current focus must be on safeguarding Adrian," Elder Simon expressed with a profound sense of concern and worry for his child.