Dark Moon Rising

Chapter 30: Countdown to Conflict

Jo's Point of View

Through our connection, I sensed Felix's anger, which concerned me. He intensely disliked deception, even by omission; I had experienced this firsthand.

"If Crypta kept this from us and her friends, she had a valid reason," I whispered to my partner.

"She put the pack at risk by withholding this information from us," growled Felix. "The loyalty oath wasn't real for her, was it?"

The comment was meant only for my ears, but we were at a table with werewolves, another supernatural being, and the Moon Goddess. They heard everything, and Selene did not look pleased. While Felix fumed, I sank lower in my seat.

"Alpha Felix, Seraphina was in a position I hope you never find yourself in. She has sacrificed more than anyone you've ever encountered to keep others safe, not for personal gain but because she was striving for the greater good. She recited your pack's loyalty oath to the best of her ability and has been exceedingly loyal to the Dark Moon pack," the Moon Goddess replied sternly.

"Argus, Elara, and Taryn are running from the Collective. They will have my mark to identify them. The magical barrier can be breached, so please be mindful of anyone you do not recognize or know," Selene added.

"What do you mean the barrier can be breached? Is that why you wanted us to create a new, enhanced security system that other packs could replicate?" Rogue asked, to which the Moon Goddess nodded.

"The Shifting Circle has recently become aware of something I had suspected but had not known for certain. I don't know how the Collective could hide this from me for so long, but I intend to find out. The young pups taken from the Silver Forest pack were not eliminated, as we had all been led to believe. Instead, they were experimented upon, with their wolf instincts suppressed and tampered with. Once these children were "cured," they were adopted by members of the Hunter Foundation and similar agencies. Many of them grew up to become operatives themselves, and they can cross the magical barriers because, even though it is dormant within them, they still have their wolves. The Collective is aware of that and has been using these operatives to carry out massacres of packs for years," Selene explained with sadness.

"Dad knows about this now, doesn't he?" I asked in a small, quiet voice.

"He does, and Lennox will need your support to process this. Your adopted father had no idea that he was not the only one to "survive" the horrors the Hunter Foundation inflicted upon him. With the "success" they had, they repeated the process over and over again. Crypta and Argus were taken from their pack, and what they endured was even worse than what Lennox went through because they were hybrids. The compound at the Collective, where the children were taken and held, was an even more horrific environment. Lucius Void adopted Argus and Seraphina, but Elara and Taryn grew up and remained there, forced to participate in missions against their will," the Moon Goddess shared, her voice breaking as she did.

How could such malevolence thrive in our world? It was excruciating to hear this.

"Alpha Felix, with this small piece of information, I trust that you can demonstrate compassion and provide sanctuary for these vulnerable souls. The Collective will attack regardless of their presence. They possess valuable knowledge on defending against the Collective and can assist other packs similarly," Selene explained.

"Luna and Eyrx, I need you tomorrow to ensure that Argus, Elara, and Taryn make it safely to the Dark Moon Pack. Ensure that the operatives with them do NOT cross the magical border and are eliminated. Alpha Felix, make sure you greet them personally and let them know they are safe and welcome," instructed the Moon Goddess.

Felix felt displeased with the directive, but Selene interrupted him with her following words before he could respond.

"Luna Jo is an elemental wolf, the most powerful in your pack. Eyrx possesses hidden talents and abilities that are yet to be revealed. He will protect Jo, as she is one of the few, besides Aralia, who will not be afraid of his darker nature. Your partner's most valuable attribute is her compassion and warmth. It must be her," declared the Moon Goddess firmly.

"Luna Jo is my friend, and I will protect her, Alpha Felix. I give you my word that no harm will come to her," Eyrx said.

Felix looked at me, fear in his eyes that I was putting myself and our unborn children at risk by doing this.

"I trust Eyrx and the Moon Goddess. Please trust me," I said softly to my mate.

Felix closed his eyes and sighed heavily, a pained expression on his face as he nodded.

Damian asked the Moon Goddess, "Do we need to strategize our defense again?"

Selene responded, "Wesley should keep training Luna Jo while you work with the Byte Club and Aralia to devise a plan to protect the pack. The Collective is getting closer. Even though this won't be the showdown, winning is crucial. We need to capture Lucius alive. There seems to be a traitor in the Shifting Circle, as the CEO of the Collective has sensitive information he shouldn't have. We need answers. Despite his appearance of being in charge, Lucius is not in control."

The Moon Goddess paused in her speech to savor a bite of the dish Olivia had prepared for her, letting out a delighted moan.

"Olivia, this is heavenly! Please tell me the secret seasoning you used for this roasted chicken!" Selene exclaimed, much to the delight of the lead omega.

Olivia came and sat in the empty seat beside the Moon Goddess, thanking her and sharing the ingredients used. I took that as our cue to meet with those we needed to.

"Shall we?" I asked Eyrx and Wesley as I stood and gestured towards the door.

Felix gently touched my arm as I turned to leave and pulled me to him for a tender kiss.

"Alpha, don't exhaust yourself. I have plans for us later," I murmured as his eyes flashed dark with desire.