Dark Moon Rising

Chapter Three: My Name Is Evie

Rogue's Point of View

Sharing with my friends that Damian was my mate felt satisfying yet daunting as it made our relationship more tangible. What began as indulging in our physical desires yesterday quickly evolved into something more profound. Having only been intimate with Ansel before yesterday, the experience with Damian was extraordinary. Cuddling with Damian, even on a cramped couch, felt perfect. I had never felt so understood, loved, and desired. I felt secure enough to drift off to sleep in his embrace, with Zoé keeping watch. The following day, she recounted his words to me. Damian softly said, "I am willing to do anything for you to accept me, Rogue. I already love you."

During the attack, Damian remained by my side and connected with all the warriors and those designated to perform specific tasks in our strategic battle plan. As Wesley had marked Aralia, Damian could also link with her, making surveillance much easier since the forest guardian could communicate with the creatures under her protection. As a result, we had eyes everywhere. The attack began quickly in the early morning hours but ended just as quickly. We were well-prepared and organized and emerged victorious.

Crypta, a rebellious and courageous individual, had decided to take matters into her own hands and launch an attack on the operatives by infiltrating the Hunter Foundation from within. She cleverly disguised herself as one of the operatives and initiated her own assault. Selene, the Moon Goddess, had granted her a special mark that allowed her to enter the magical barrier of the Dark Moon Pack safely. Crypta kept her plan a secret from everyone except Selene. She and Selene had been having some fun lately by using their powers to manipulate the minds of the Hunter Foundation's leadership. Crypta particularly enjoyed using her vampire powers to cause chaos.

Most individuals tend to avoid danger, yet my friend bravely faced it head-on to assist the Dark Moon pack and ensure my survival. Recalling that Adrian, Crypta, and I were the sole survivors of the Byte Club sent shivers down my spine. Our small vigilante hacker group dedicated themselves to safeguarding others. I pondered the fate of our benefactor, Seraphina Dusk. Had the Collective tracked her down? Had she also been eliminated?

I glanced at Damian, peacefully asleep in my bed. He had been reluctant to part from my side all yesterday. Strangely, I found solace in his presence. It felt intense, but his proximity brought me comfort.

It's the mate bond, Zoé said.

Last night, we were on the brink of making a significant move in the heat of the moment, but I hesitated and drew back. Tears welled as I grappled with the idea of a long-term commitment, even though it seemed right. Everything was happening too quickly, and I felt overwhelmed. I needed more time, and although Damian seemed disappointed, he embraced me tenderly as I cried, promising to wait until I was ready. He truly cared for me. Yet, did I reciprocate those feelings? I held affection for him, but the depth of my emotions was uncertain. He had a way with words and actions, especially in intimate moments. Oh, his way with words and actions in private was truly impressive.

I think, in your own way, you do love Damian, my wolf assured me.

I know I am already bonded to his wolf, Ignatious, Zoé said.

Can we just get through the pack ceremony today? We almost marked each other last night, and that freaked me out. One thing at a time. He's already in bed beside us, and right now, that is enough for me, I chastised my wolf.

Damian stirred beside me and opened his beautiful eyes, gazing at me with adoration. f**k this man. He was making it hard to take things slow.

"Good morning, beautiful. Thank you for letting me crash in your room. Did you sleep well?" His deep voice rumbled as he offered me a shy smile.

"I did. Thank you. Should we save water and shower together?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

"Yes, please," Damian grinned, picked me up, threw me over his shoulder, and headed to the ensuite bathroom.

We eventually bathed after we f****d repeatedly in the shower and ran out of hot water. I didn't mind though. The cold blast of water woke us both up, which was helpful, given neither of us got much sleep last night. We enjoyed being naked and in bed together a little too much. I thought again about how we'd almost marked each other and my face fell. Damian noticed right away.

"I know that you are my mate, Rogue. But I will never force my mark on you. When you are ready, and I know in my heart that you will be now, you tell me ... or mark me first... whatever you want to do. I know it's fast but this... what we have ... means everything to me," Damian said, gently lifting my chin to look at him.

Damn it. He was perfect. I nodded and hugged him. Damian held me in his arms, and I knew he meant every word. I also knew that Zoé was telling the truth. Damian did love me.

"I go by the name of Rogue, but that's not my real name. My given name is Evie. I changed it when I left my previous pack and started a new life. I thought 'Rogue' suited me better as a new name," I explained quietly as I averted my gaze.

You told him your real name, Zoé gasped.

"What do you want me to call you?" Damian asked softly.

Fuck, he really is perfect, purred my wolf.

"When we're with others, I go by Rogue. But if it's just us, calling me Evie would be fine. I want you to know everything about me before you mark me. Damian, your patience means a lot to me as I take my time to decide. Thank you," I expressed.

And then, I told him everything about my past, why I left, and how I felt about him as he held me and listened. No judgment, no interruptions. Damian simply listened and held me with love.