Dark Moon Rising

Chapter Fifteen: Gravity

Jo's Point of View

I wasn't well-versed in werewolf lore, but I needed to check if that was how the mate bond operated. Eyrx was convinced that he had a mate in the Dark Moon Pack. However, was he even a werewolf?

"Eyrx, I hope this isn't too forward... but are you also a werewolf?" I asked delicately.

"No, I'm not," the attractive man replied.

Eyrx chose not to elaborate on his true nature, and I sensed it was best not to press further.

"I recently discovered my werewolf heritage. I'm still uncovering its complexities. Why do you believe your mate is in the Dark Moon pack?" I inquired.

"I feel drawn there. It's as if someone in that pack resonates with my very essence," Eyrx explained with a shrug.

Yeah, that does sound like a mate bond, Rica agreed.

He does have that mark on his wrist that could only have come from Selene, too, my wolf added.

"Have you spoken to Aralia about it?" I asked.

"It feels strange discussing it with my mom," Eyrx muttered.

"Have you interacted with other pack members besides knowing who they are? Have you had conversations with them?" I inquired.

"I've met Cyrpta," the handsome man mumbled.

Wow. Crypta was not who I would have expected him to meet first. I wonder what kind of impression she left, Rica wondered.

"Oh," I expressed surprise, mirroring Rica's reaction.

"Do you think you could discuss this with her comfortably?" I gently inquired.

"I thought I could before, but not anymore. She's not the right person to confide in now," Eyrx answered.

I was relieved. Crypta can be intense, and she might overwhelm Eyrx. He appeared gentle and reserved. How did they even meet?

When Eyrx saw my surprised expression, he shyly smiled and shook his head.

"Crypta often comes to the forest for solitude. It's challenging for her to live with her friends. She hasn't seen me, though. I've only talked to her while hidden. You're the first person I've approached and revealed myself to," Eyrx explained.

His trust in me touched me, and a broad smile appeared on my face. I felt a connection with Eyrx. He seemed shy, quiet, and somewhat awkward, just like me.

"Thank you, Eyrx, that means a lot to me," I expressed.

"I'm not the best person to advise on this. I'm still learning as I go. Would you consider talking to my mate, Alpha Felix, or maybe his father, Silas? Silas was incredibly welcoming and patient when I joined the Dark Moon pack. He always listened to my questions without judgment, and I never felt embarrassed. Would you be willing to meet him?" I inquired.

"I would feel more at ease discussing this with Silas if he is open to it," Eyrx replied.

"I am certain he would be delighted to. I'm sure that Wesley is looking forward to meeting you. Interestingly, Wesley is the reason I have such a deep affection for the forest. He introduced me to its beauty and fostered my appreciation for nature. For a significant period, Wesley played a paternal role in my life," I shared.

Eyrx appeared intrigued and interested in learning more but seemed hesitant to inquire further.

"I didn't have a close bond with my adoptive father. My life was quite restricted. Growing up, I didn't have many friends and struggled to connect with others. Lennox, my adoptive father, made several mistakes while raising me. Wesley, who worked for him, often watched over me when my father was busy or away. I only discovered Wesley's werewolf identity after coming here. Despite that, he was always kind and protective," I elaborated.

"I've observed you training with him. Wesley is patient yet challenges you. He's the perfect match for Aralia. He shields her while allowing her the freedom to be herself and fulfill her role as the forest guardian. I'm anxious about meeting him. Would you stay longer and converse with me until they arrive?" Eyrx asked timidly.

"Of course, Eyrx," I replied warmly, sensing his nervousness. "I'd be happy to stay and chat."

Eyrx took a deep breath, visibly calming down. "Thank you," he expressed, his voice more composed.

He seemed pretty anxious about meeting Wesley. We should remain to ensure the meeting goes smoothly. Wesley might feel upset that Aralia kept this information from him. However, it wouldn't be fair for him to blame Eyrx, Rica said.

"Wesley is compassionate and open-minded. Just be yourself, Eyrx. That's all anyone can expect," I said.

During our conversation, filled with stories and laughter, time passed quickly. The sun began to set, painting the forest with a soft golden hue. As the shadows lengthened, I spotted two familiar figures emerging from the trees.

"There they are," I said, pointing towards Aralia and Wesley. Eyrx stood up, a mix of anticipation and excitement in his eyes.

"Thank you for staying with me," he said sincerely. "I feel much better now."

"Anytime, Eyrx," I replied with a smile. "Now, let’s go meet them together."

Wesley's Point of View

I had been Jo's protector for two decades, and now Alpha Felix had charged me with ensuring her safety. Learning that my mate had kept her son's existence a secret from me left me furious. She reassured me that he posed no threat to Jo. My young Luna remained innocent and untainted; would she even recognize danger if it approached? Her heart was kind and loving. Jo would be instantly drawn to Eyrx if he genuinely was Aarali described.

We ventured in silence deep into the woods, my mind spinning. Aralia had forsaken everything when we discovered we were mates. She joined me without hesitation or doubt, willingly becoming mine. I felt grateful that the enchanting guardian of the forest, exuding ethereal beauty, was my mate. Aralia wasn't just stunning with her cascading blonde locks and piercing blue eyes; she was also wise, kind, and strong. I let out a sigh. I trusted Aralia and her decisions, even though it stung that she hadn't shared this crucial part of her life with me earlier. It had been a considerable time since the Hunter Foundation incident. There had been many opportunities for her to confide in me.

"Eyrx has never breached the magical barrier despite having the ability granted by the Moon Goddess. Before mentioning it to Alpha Felix and Luna Jo, I wanted to inform you. I hadn't anticipated Luna Jo meeting my son today. She sensed his presence in the forest, and I knew she was close to his dwelling, where Eyrx would be vigilant if someone approached. She's the first person, besides Selene and me, to see him. Others who've encountered Eyrx have only heard his voice," Aralia explained.

"But his other form..." I trailed off. I struggled to articulate my concerns without coming across as judgmental or biased.

"The Moon Goddess recently modified his mark. Whenever Eyrx experiences intense emotions that overwhelm him, he is driven to distance himself from the situation. Trust me, Luna Jo is safe with my son. The entire Dark Moon pack is," reassured my lovely mate.

I nodded, absorbing the weight of her words. The forest seemed to grow denser around us as if it were holding its breath and listening to our conversation. The thought of Eyrx, with his unique abilities and the burden of his mark, filled me with curiosity and concern. How had he managed all this time, hidden away yet so close?

"Will he ever join the pack openly?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Aralia's eyes softened with a hint of sadness. "He wants to, more than anything. But he fears the reaction of others. Who Eryx is, both man and monster, is a gift and a curse not many would understand."