Dark Moon Rising

Chapter 45: More Secrets Within

Lennox's Point of View

Discovering I was a werewolf, an Alpha heir of the Silver Forest pack, and narrowly escaping termination thanks to Achan Mardochaios was incredibly challenging. However, it was even more distressing to learn that the pack's children were abducted and subjected to experiments. Those who survived had their wolf instincts suppressed, were adopted, and indoctrinated into a Collective mindset, eventually becoming operatives for the Hunter Foundation or similar groups. Recognized as a successful endeavor, this practice became standard for the Collective. I knew I could never do enough to undo all the damage I had caused by supporting the Hunter Foundation, which funded the atrocities inflicted upon innocent werewolves and other supernatural creatures.

The Moon Goddess believed I was worthy of being Luna Bethany's mate. Under her leadership, the Shifting Circle thrived, resurrecting it to its former glory. Various supernatural species reached out to offer support or request assistance. Not long ago, an ancient vampire clan generously donated to support our organization, providing intel and assistance for an upcoming operation they shouldn't have known about. This operation ensured the successful entry of Argus, Elara, and Taryn into the Dark Moon pack. The head of the clan sent his closest friend and officer, a vampire named Xander, to assist.

I attentively listened as Luna Jo, my adoptive daughter, excitedly recounted the successful mission and mentioned the surprising help from a vampire unfamiliar to her and her friend Eyrx. Jo glanced at me and her mother, waiting for further details. I met my mate's gaze, and upon receiving a nod, I began sharing the sought-after information with our daughter and her mate, Alpha Felix.

“Elder Simon Riley leads the Riley clan. He is a powerful and well-connected ancient vampire. His mate, a werewolf, passed away while giving birth. Our vampire companion holds significant influence within the Vampire Council and is actively seeking more backing for the Collective," I replied.

"Why the sudden interest in the Shifting Circle and the Dark Moon pack?" Felix inquired, suspicion evident in the narrowing of his eyes.

I comprehended the reply from my son-in-law, as my response had mirrored his.

"His son is a member of the Dark Moon pack," I answered.

Felix and Jo gazed at each other in astonishment. Only two male vampire-werewolf hybrids were in the pack, and only one was a member.

Their voices crescendoed into a piercing shrill as they exclaimed in unison, "Adrian?!"

"What in the actual f**k Lennox!" Felix's voice filled with anger as he shouted, "How long have you known?"

"Only a few days," Bethany answered for me.

"Adrian doesn't know. We were asked not to disclose this to him," I added.

Felix let out an exasperated huff. "More secrets," he muttered, clearly dismayed.

"It is not our place to share this with Adrian," Bethany asserted in a firm, irritated voice. "This information was shared in confidence, and the Riley clan is not one we wish to make our enemy."

Silas told us that the Riley Clan was known for its secretive and elusive nature. He speculated that Elder Simon's offer of assistance likely stemmed from a genuine concern. Rogue and Seraphina, the only remaining members of the Byte Club, are considered to be Adrian's closest friends. Silas also pointed out that because Argus is Seraphina's brother, it most likely played a significant role in motivating the offer of help. The former Alpha emphasized that Elder Simon must also know about Seraphina's importance to his son.

"Oh, that could be a problem then," Jo said, looking concerned.

"Why? What am I missing?" Felix asked, looking at his friend with a shocked expression.

"Seraphina is involved with both Eyrx and Adrian," Jo explained.

"Please tell me that all of them are aware of this situation," Felix groaned in frustration.

"Based on what Eyrx told me, it seems to be the case. Felix, their romantic relationship is their own business," Jo reprimanded her partner as he responded with an eye roll.

"It affects the pack, Jo. Eyrx is not a werewolf; he is a dangerous and lethal creature we know little about. We're lucky Eyrx is on our side. If Seraphina was messing around with both of them without both men being aware, that could create hostility and cause problems in the Dark Moon pack. Eyrx has a blessing from the Moon Goddess that allows him to breach the magical barrier at any point," Felix explained.

"Eyrx cares very much about Seraphina. He knew that seeing him today would have upset Seraphina deeply, so Eyrx did not cross the magical barrier to come with me to welcome Argus, Elara, and Taryn. Eyrx is my friend, and I trust him, Felix. He is not a creature; Eyrx is a person. He is also Aralia's adoptive son. Be careful how you talk about my friend," Jo snapped.

I was determined to resolve this escalating tension before it spiraled out of control. Jo, who was pregnant, had already experienced a taxing day. Engaging in a heated argument with her mate under these circumstances was detrimental to both her and the unborn babies.

"As we prepare for retaliation from the Collective, contacting the Riley clan for additional support would be prudent. Simon might be open to deploying a small team to aid us in protecting the Dark Moon pack. We've encountered reluctance from other packs we've approached for physical assistance," I said.

Bethany believed that the decision was wise. She thought it would help the Dark Moon pack and the Shifting Circle create additional allies willing to provide more substantial support beyond monetary contributions.

"We should both contact Elder Riley soon," Bethany suggested, observing an unusual expression crossing Felix's face.

"Felix, what is it?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued by the peculiar expression on my son-in-law's face.

Felix hesitated, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "It's just... his name," he murmured, looking embarrassed. "Simon Ghost Riley is a well-known character in a popular video game series."

Felix asked, "Are you certain that is the correct name of the Elder?"

Bethany managed to keep her composure, but as her mate, I could tell she struggled to stifle her laughter.

My mate mused, "Every legendary hero has a beginning — some are so extraordinary that they evolve into the substance of myths and timeless tales, even within video games."