Dark Moon Rising

Chapter 40: Teamwork

Adrian's Point of View

I woke up to find Seraphina sleeping with her head on my chest, curled up in my shirt. She looked adorable, but we needed to get up soon to monitor the security system. All three of us would be required to watch the screens and other devices, with Gamma Damian staying in constant communication with the rest of the pack. Rogue, Seraphina, and I would keep our mindlink open only with each other to stay focused and work as a team.

"Hey beautiful, we need to get up," I whispered to the gorgeous woman in my arms.

"Already?" Seraphina groaned, snuggling more into me.

Having Seraphina in nothing but a T-shirt in my arms in my bed was probably not the best idea, considering we had things to do. She opened one eye and grinned mischievously before climbing on top of me. Twenty minutes later, Rogue banged on my door to yell that the coffee was ready and to meet her in the office. Seraphina and I quickly showered and dressed, hurrying to the office to begin our surveillance task.

"Our intel says their aircraft left the Collective at 5 a.m. on schedule. Their estimated arrival time is forty minutes from now. Luna Jo is going with Alpha Felix, Wesley, and Aralia to the magical barrier where the operatives plan to land and enter pack lands," Damian stated.

"What about Eyrx?" Rogue asked the question I wanted to but hesitated to.

"He will meet them but remain hidden in the forest. No matter what you see on the screens, I need you to stay focused and monitor for anything breaching the magical barrier," Damian instructed.

I was grateful for that. Given our situation, seeing Eyrx could distract Seraphina and me. Neither of us knew what he looked like, only that somehow Eyrx had a strong connection to Seraphina. What that meant for us would need to be sorted out, but not today.

"You two have time to grab a coffee and something quick to eat but not enough time to head back to your room to do other things," Rogue said sternly, narrowing her eyes at Seraphina and me.

Seraphina blushed as she rolled her eyes. That was new. Usually Seraphina just made a sarcastic comment in response. I didn't want to think about her reaction too much, but it did pique my curiosity.

We quickly ate and drank our coffees, tidied up after ourselves, and returned to the office. When we returned, Rogue smiled at us, pleased that we had followed her instructions. Fortunately, she said nothing about it because I don't think Seraphina or I would have responded pleasantly.

Felix's Point of View

I was not fond of this plan as much as my mate tried to assure me she would be fine. She was powerful, but Jo was still mine to protect. I held her close before she crossed the magical barrier to hide in the forest with Eyrx. Wesley, Aralia, and I stood out of view and waited for the operatives to arrive.

Mate will be fine. Rica says not to worry, Conall assured me.

I hoped my wolf was right. Our fight with the Collective wouldn't end today. This was just the beginning.

Eyrx's Point of View

"I need to stay out of view. If Seraphina sees me on surveillance, she won't be able to focus. Thank you for bringing the extra clothes for me because what I'm wearing will be shredded when I quickly shift," I said to Luna Jo.

"Thank you for remaining clothed," my friend laughed at me.

I grinned at her, grateful she could find humor in this situation.

"Damian says that they should arrive momentarily. Selene contacted him to alert the Gamma that the aircraft left on time, with an estimated travel time of forty minutes. Which means..." Luna Jo's voice trailed off as we heard the aircraft approaching.

My friend quickly grabbed my hand and squeezed it, assuring me that we could do this.

I noticed movement in the distance, much like when I first encountered Seraphina. I knew it wasn't her. Seraphina would not leave the office with the rest of the Byte Club. Luna Jo did not seem to notice; she watched the aircraft closely. I did not get a sense that this was an entity for us to be wary of. I was sure it was a vampire, though. Why would there be one here now?

"Eyrx, it's time. Shift," Luna Jo urged.

I didn't waste time removing my clothes, I simply transformed. My friend shivered when she saw me but offered a small smile of encouragement. We immediately sprang into action upon the aircraft's landing and the operatives' exit. Argus, Elara, and Taryn swiftly approached the magical barrier, crossing it to meet Alpha Felix while I handled the largest of the three remaining operatives. Luna Jo used the element of air to lift and slam the other two against the ancient trees, knocking them out until I could drag them off and dispose of them properly. As I finished dealing with the operative I initially targeted, I caught a glimpse of movement where the pilot should have been. It seemed like the vampire had already eliminated him on our behalf.

"What was that?" Luna Jo inquired, gesturing towards the aircraft as I neared the unconscious operatives on the ground.

"It was a vampire. It appears we have an unexpected ally aiding us," I replied before confronting our last adversaries.

Xander's Point of View

I knew that Eyrx sensed my presence, yet he remained passive, simply keeping track of my whereabouts and actions. Once the aircraft landed safely, the operatives disembarked and headed towards the mystical barrier. With the information provided by the Shifting Circle, I identified Argus, Elara, and Taryn. Adrian's father had contacted them after Luna Bethany regained control of the organization. I observed them closely to ensure their safe passage and then shifted my focus to the pilot inside the aircraft.

My movements were a blur, silent and deadly, giving the victim no time to react, let alone escape. I swiftly attacked. The pilot did not have an opportunity to alert the Collective. I tossed the body out of the aircraft, completely drained of blood, and made my way out of the forest to where my ride was waiting. Eyrx had made quick work of the bodies of the operatives, and I knew that he would also tend to the body of the pilot if I left it on display.

Jo's Point of View

"I waited for Eyrx to return to me and turned to give him privacy as he transformed. He quickly clothed himself.

"Are you coming with me?" I asked my friend, hoping that he would join us.

"It's best if I don't just yet. Seraphina and Argus have enough to deal with right now," Eyrx said.

"Does Aralia know who the vampire was that helped us?" I asked my friend.

"No, but I know who will. Your mother and Lennox. They will return this evening. I believe that the Shifting Circle is now working with the vampires to help us take down the Collective," Eyrx responded.