Dark Moon Rising

Chapter 41: The Hidden Lineage

Jo's Point of View

Felix hugged me tightly as soon as I crossed the magical barrier. His heart was beating rapidly, and it was clear that even though my mate trusted me to handle the situation with Eyrx, Felix had been terrified.

"I'm okay. The babies are okay. I promise," I reassured my mate.

"I know you are more than capable, but you and the twins are my world," Felix murmured as he kissed my head.

"We weren't alone in the forest. There was a vampire that took the pilot out for us. It helped immensely. I don't think we would have been able to move as quickly and be as effective without their help," I confessed to my mate.

"I wonder if the Shifting Circle has reached out to others for help," Felix said.

"Eyrx said I should ask my mom and Lennox," I replied. "Have they arrived yet?"

"No, but they should be here tonight. We'll make it a point to talk to them after they've settled in," Felix promised.

I observed Argus, Elara, and Taryn proudly displaying the mark given to them by Selene. It was reassuring to see that they were being cautious and taking initiative without being told. I noticed how protective both women were of Argus, which was unusual, until Felix reminded me that it was Seraphina, one of the two adopted children with alpha blood. Argus was an omega, and both women were of alpha blood from different packs. Despite Argus outranking them in the Collective and having more power, they instinctively knew to protect him.

While observing them interact, I sensed that there was something more to their relationship. I couldn't help but wonder if one of them was Argus's mate. As they noticed me staring at them, they approached me to introduce themselves.

"Luna Jo, it's an honor to meet you. We appreciate your help in allowing us to enter and seek refuge in the Dark Moon pack. Without your assistance and Eyrx's, we wouldn't have been able to do so," Argus expressed.

I knew that the Moon Goddess had been in constant contact with Argus while planning this mission, and he was well-informed about the happenings in our pack. However, we didn't know as much about him and his companions.

"I must admit that we weren't alone in the forest; a vampire assisted us," I disclosed.

"He ensured that the pilot was taken care of to prevent any alerts to the Collective about complications. It won't be long before Lucius realizes the mission's failure and your disappearance," I continued.

"He will probably dispatch another team to retrieve you, me, and Eyrx. I suspect that Eyrx is the son of Lucius Void after encountering Alpha Felix, but I need confirmation. When can that happen?" Argus inquired.

"Once your sister learns that Eyrx is Lucius's son," Felix replied.

"She will be devastated," Argus lamented.

"Why?" Taryn asked, curious.

"Because she has feelings for both Adrian and Eyrx. But considering Eyrx is the son of our adoptive father..." Argus explained.

"Her heart will be shattered. Seraphina is resilient and brave, but Lucius's actions deeply affected her," Elara said with sorrow.

"Can we wait to tell her? At least until tomorrow?" Argus pleaded.

Felix nodded, and Argus let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, Alpha Felix. I truly value this," Argus expressed.

"We'll bring you to your sister's place now. Based on what my Gamma has shared, I can tell she's eagerly waiting for you to arrive," Felix said with a smile.

The three of us made our way to the house that Rogue, Seraphina, and Adrian shared. Seraphina eagerly pushed open the door and leaped into her brother's arms, almost toppling him in her overwhelming happiness and relief at reuniting with him. It was heartwarming to see the deep bond between Seraphina and her adopted brother as they embraced each other with such strong affection.

Adrian, Rogue, and Damian came out of the house next to greet our newest additions to the Dark Moon pack. It had already been decided to offer them full-pack membership rather than just sanctuary. Seraphina guided her brother, Elara and Taryn into the home so that they could view it. Interestingly, Argus chose the room right in between what would be Elara and Taryn's rooms. Elara was at the end of the hall, and Taryn had the room right beside Adrian.

Oh, I sense some drama brewing, Rica chuckled.

What? Why? I replied, confused.

How are you still this innocent? groaned my wolf.

Unknown Point of View

"All tasks were completed as per your instructions," Xander reported.

"However, there might be a potential issue," he hesitantly added.

"Eyrx is the child we aided when the creature was defeated. It seems that he possesses similar abilities to the forest demon, albeit in a more controlled manner," Xander elaborated as I motioned for him to continue.

I had instructed that all involved have their memories of the events erased to avoid any direct connection to us. As a member of the Vampire Council, I took great care to eliminate any evidence of our involvement. My coven had closely monitored the Hunter Foundation since they took the young pups from the Silver Forest pack. Unfortunately, they were able to capture Seraphina and Argus. The Luna of the Obsidian Moon Pack was a vampire-werewolf hybrid, one of the most progressive packs of its time. Several pack members had mated with vampires, but Seraphina and Argus were the only children born from these unions.

After meeting Adrian's mother and realizing we were mates, I brought her to the Silver Fang Pack for safety when the Obsidian Moon Pack was attacked. Despite our hidden union, which was necessary due to my position, her unexpected death during childbirth was a tragic end. This loss, a mystery I could never solve, should never have happened. Only Xander, my most trusted officer, and closest friend knew the truth about Adrian's father's identity. He knew the weight of the secrets I carried and the burden of the grief that haunted me.

I watched my son grow from a distance, feeling proud yet wistful. Adrian inherited his mother's passionate nature and my determined spirit, making him a natural leader. I arranged a trust fund for him, which the Luna and Alpha of the Silver Fang Pack presented to Adrian as he ventured out on his own. This fund provided him with the resources to start a new chapter as Adrian Byte. I was impressed by his accomplishments with the Byte Club and the numerous individuals he and his team were able to assist. The day would come when he would need to know the truth, but until then, I vowed to protect him with every fiber of my being, which also meant protecting those whom my son held dear.