Dark Moon Rising

Chapter Seven: Let The Games Begin

Crypta's Point of View

Surprisingly, slipping away from the celebration was relatively easy. I managed to persuade the patrolling warriors at the border to let me leave. This will grow more difficult to do as we establish a sophisticated security system to strengthen the magical shield. Selene had tasked us with assuming greater duties in safeguarding the Dark Moon pack, utilizing our hacking abilities to anticipate and thwart potential threats.

The Moon Goddess knew of my multiple identities and my past. She was well aware of how accomplishing what was asked of us put me at further risk of exposure. I sighed as I made my way deeper into the forest. I hadn't worn the proper footwear for trekking out this far, but I wanted to avoid drawing attention to myself.

I dug through my crossbody purse to find my burner phone. I dialed the number to my handler and he answered immediately.

On the other end of the line, a brief voice inquired, "Are you in a secure location?"

"Of course," I retorted, feeling irritated.

"Any updates to share?" he pressed, his annoyance matching mine.

"No, but I am safe and unharmed. Not that you bothered to ask," I replied dismissively.

"I would have been informed if anything was wrong," he cautioned.

"Am I being watched right now?" I inquired, attempting to hide my nerves. I hoped that by pretending, he might believe it.

"I can't disclose that information," the voice taunted.

"When will you be back?" he inquired, his voice softer this time.

"Is this your unconventional way of saying you miss me?" I chuckled.

"Perhaps. Take care. You know I worry. ... consider your actions, please," he said before the call ended.

I rolled my eyes. I was meticulous in my planning and actions. I had to be careful living multiple lives. I was so thorough that I sometimes forgot where I began and where my aliases ended. This had been my life since I had escaped at sixteen. I did what was necessary to survive and prevent any supernatural creature from enduring what I did.

My sacrifice pales in comparison to that of my handler. While I managed to escape, he chose to stay behind to secure my freedom. He ensured I had access to my rightful funds and that crucial information needed for the Byte Club or Selene was readily available. Despite our banter, exchanging snarky remarks was easier than admitting our mutual fear for each other's safety. Engaged in a risky venture, we were resolute on emerging victorious. With too many lives hanging in the balance, success was not an option but a necessity. Moreover, having the Moon Goddess as an ally spoke volumes about our cause.

Returning my burner phone to the hidden compartment in my purse, a sense of being watched crept over me again. I hurriedly checked my surroundings but found nothing amiss. Despite the unseen gaze, I sensed a familiar presence reminiscent of encounters in the forest and at the pack ceremony earlier that day. While there was no apparent threat, I was curious to uncover the identity behind this mysterious observer.

I chuckled as I located a tree stump to settle on. I was determined to discover who or what this was.

Oh, Goddess, don't you dare, my wolf pleaded in my mind.

Nyx, I've done much worse. Why are you so worried? I chuckled wryly.

He literally just reminded you to be cautious and thoughtful about your decisions, groaned Nyx.

Pft. I wasn't worried.

"I am aware of your presence and that you have been observing me," I called out in the direction that I sensed the presence I could not see.

A deep, captivating voice reassured me, “I won't harm you. Selene requested me to protect you.'"

It sent shivers down my spine and aroused me at the same time. There was something dark and mysterious about it. f**k, it turned me on.

"It seems wrong that you can see me, but I can't see you," I purred.

The voice replied, "Perhaps I prefer not to be seen.'"

"And why is that? Are you a forest creature?" I inquired.

"Not exactly," he said.

Wrong answer. Now, my curiosity has been piqued.

"I'd like to see you," I stated.

"Not today," he said quickly.

I wonder why this mysterious man did not want me to see him.

"Are you a member of the Dark Moon pack?" I asked.

"No," the voice was firm and resolute in his response.

"Do you want to be?" I inquired.

"No, I have a home here in the forest where I am content to dwell," he responded.

"If I searched for your home, would I find it?" I asked.

"No, it is hidden from others for a good reason," he chuckled.

I loved a challenge. This was definitely not a horny squirrel, and I wanted to know who was behind this sexy voice.

"I like your laugh and am curious about the person behind it. However, I must return to the packhouse before someone notices my absence. Do you think we will meet again?" I inquired.

"I am responsible for your safety. If you're wondering whether I will still guard you in the forest, the answer is yes," he replied, his voice gentler now. He was glad I inquired about his identity and looked forward to our next encounter.

"Until next time," I exclaimed as I blew a kiss in the direction of the voice before walking away.

His gaze was fixed on my ass as I sashayed away.

Eyrx's Point of View

It was easier to speak to her than I imagined. I liked the fire in her eyes. Crypta showed no fear, sitting on the tree stump and staring in my direction. She couldn't see me, but Crypta could sense my presence and dared to engage me.

She appreciated my laughter. When Crypta mentioned it, I blushed, although she was unaware of its impact on me. And when the vampire-werewolf hybrid blew me a kiss and walked away like that, it took all of my self-control to remain where I was and not react. I would see her again, even if it was because she came looking for me. Unintentionally, I found myself in a captivating game of cat and mouse with this enchanting beauty, whose mysterious charm had me completely spellbound. The dilemma arose when I lost track of whether I was the cat or the mouse in this intriguing scenario.