Chapter 82.
Chapter Fifty-Six: Shrouded Intentions
Phera POV:
The sun peeks through the slits of the blinds, casting lines of warmth across my room, pulling me from the comfort of sleep into the reality of a new day. I stretch, my body stiff from yesterday’s events, the lingering sense of unease from last night’s revelations still clutching at the edges of my
consciousness. Today isn’t just another day; it’s a day that could change everything. Maybe just maybe Josh could help shed some light. I’m optimistic but I have to remember I’m asking for info regarding his pack and I’m not so sure how well that would go down with him.
I shuffle out of bed, my feet cold against the wooden floor. The mirror reflects a girl who seems caught between two worlds – one of normalcy and one fraught with secrets and potential danger, not to mention a mate bond creeping up my throat to be completed. My eyes, a deep brown, carry the weight of the unresolved, and my hair, brown ringlets, falls messily around my shoulders, a stark contrast to the usual meticulous appearance
aintain.
Quickly jumping into the shower so I have enough time to get ready my mind wandered towards the attacks on the pack but
also the fiances of the pack how they had been hacked into last night. Zane is working on the threat. Why would anyone targer the Red Moon Pack? We were a force to reckon with so who would have the guts to go up against the ruthless alpha triplets?
The clothes I choose today need to offer comfort yet command authority. I settle on a simple pair of jeans and a soft, blue sweater that brings out the warmth in my eyes. It’s a meeting, not a date, I remind myself as I brush out my curls, letting them fall freely.
The triplets – Damon, Axel, and Zane – have been more than just leaders or protectors; they’ve become a part of my very soul. But today’s decision weighs heavily on me. Josh, maybe my ex and future Beta of the Blue Moon pack, but he has information that could be vital for our safety. Yet, mentioning his name to the triplets would unleash a storm of
protectiveness and possibly prevent me from uncovering what’s really happening behind the veil of secrecy that’s descended upon our packs.
As I glance at my reflection one last time, the woman staring back seems stronger, more determined. I grab my phone, hesitating for a heartbeat. Should I send a message to the triplets? No, I can’t. Plus this is josh he’s been my rock through it all and the triplets may not see that but there is no harm when it comes to Josh. But goddess forbid if the need arises I can easily go head to head with josh till I link the triplets.
Josh’s words, “Meet me away from both territories,” echo in my ind. It’s risky, but the potential rewards outweigh the dangers.
12.75%
I need answers, and if Josh can provide them, I owe it to myself and my pack to find out.
With one last look around my room, I pocket my phone and head out, my heart a symphony of conflicting emotions. As the door closes behind me, I step into the unknown, the weight of my decision anchoring me firmly to the decision I’m making. For the pack!
1 head towards the meeting place, each step a silent testament to the turmoil swirling within me. The address Josh texted isn’t far, but the distance feels monumental, each footfall echoing the gravity of what this meeting could mean. I had to taker the longer route through the forest to evade the guards on patrol. At. least with me being in a warrior I knew the patterns and time for the patrol. Otherwise, no way in hell would the guards not alert my stubborn mates that their luna is dilly-dallying in the woods. The familiarity of the forest provides a small comfort, the whispers of the leaves a gentle reminder that life continues, irrespective of our dramas.
The choice not to inform Damon, Axel, and Zane about this
ezvous claws at me with each advancing step. Maybe I ould’ve told someone maybe my brother, hell maybe even Betty or Reese. But I know they would demand to come, to protect, to ensure my safety despite whoever I told. But this is about protection; it’s about uncovering truths buried beneath
layers of deceit and manipulation. Josh’s insights could be the key we need to unravel the tangled web that’s been woven around us.
The phone in my pocket feels like a beacon, a link to my mates. that I’m consciously choosing to silence. The thought sends a pang of guilt through me, but I steel myself against it. This isn’t about betrayal; it’s about preservation, about securing a future where fear and uncertainty no longer loom over us like dark clouds.
As the designated place comes into view, a nondescript clearing that’s seen countless meetings before, my steps slow. This is it, the moment of truth. Josh’s intentions, the secrets he harbours, could alter the course of this upcoming battle.. I take a deep breath, the air crisp and cold, bracing myself for what’s to come.
The sun, now higher in the sky, casts a dappled light through the trees, the shadows playing tricks with my vision. It’s a reminder that in this world of shadows and light, the truth is often shrouded in grey. But today, I’m determined to uncover it, to bring clarity to the darkness that’s encroached upon our lives.
I wait, the silence a stark contrast to the cacophony of thoughts racing through my mind. Today, I stand not just as Phera, but as the future Luna of the RedMoon Pack, of my mates, of a future that hangs precariously in the balance. And, after this meeting is done I’m going to accept my mate. I’m going to complete the mating bond. My mates have paid their dues. I may not ever truly let go of how they delta with things but I owe to myself to accept this gift the goddess gave me. The weight of this
responsibility anchors me to the spot, a steadfast resolve settling over me
The forest seems to hold its breath as I wait, the silence stretching on, a physical thing that wraps around me, tight and suffocating. Finally, a rustle breaks the quiet, a figure emerging from the shadows. Josh. He looks different there’s a
hardness in his eyes that wasn’t there before, a rigidity to his stance.
“Josh,” I start, my voice steady despite the pounding of my heart. “Thank you for coming.”
He nods, a noncommittal gesture, his gaze scanning the area before settling on me.
“Phera,” he replies, and I notice the absence of warmth, the detachment. “Let’s get this over with.”
I bristle at his tone. Okay what went up his a*s today? Until yesterday he was all sugar and unicorns. I want to call him out for being a rude-a*s but remind myself why I’m here.
“ed to know what’s happening. The attacks, the tension
en our packs… What do you know?”
Josh’s eyes narrow slightly, and he takes a step closer.
“It’s complicated, Phera. Things aren’t black and white. There are… alliances, agreements made in the shadows. Your pack, your mates… they might not be the heroes you think they are.”
I feel a surge of anger at his insinuation.
“Don’t try to turn this around. I know the Red Moon pack, I know my mates. They’ve done nothing but seek peace. Tell me, Josh, why would Blue Moon align with rogues? What is Erickson planning?”
He chuckles, a sound devoid of any humor.
“Erickson? He’s a puppet, Phera. There are bigger players in this game. But your precious mates, are they really telling you everything?”
I clench my fists, trying to keep my composure. What’s up with him?
“Stop deflecting. I need facts, Josh. People are getting hurt. If you have information, now is the time to share it.”
Josh looks away, a flicker of something crossing his face. Guilt? Regret? It’s gone before I can read it.
“Phera, it’s not that simple. There are things at play here that ar beyond our control. The alliance with the rogues, it’s a means t an end. But your pack, your mates… they’re not innocent.”
I shake my head, frustration building.
“You’re spinning tales, Josh. Give me something concrete. Who is the real enemy here?”
He sighs, running a hand through his hair.
“Look, Phera, there are things you don’t understand. The world isn’t just about your pack and mine. There’s a third party, someone pulling the strings, making moves that none of us saw coming.”
“Who, Josh? Who is this third party?” I press, desperate for something tangible.
He hesitates, then looks me straight in the eye.
“I can’t… I can’t say. It’s bigger than you and me, bigger than our packs. Just… be careful, Phera. Trust no one.”
I take a step back, my mind racing.
“You’re not helping, Josh. You’re just spreading more doubt,
re fear.”
He reaches out, as if to touch my arm, but I step out of reach.
“Phera, I… I’m trying to help you, in my own way. Just remember, not everything is as it seems. Be careful.”
With that, he turns and disappears back into the forest, leaving me alone with more questions than answers. The frustration boils over, a scream tearing from my throat, dissipating into the silent woods. I’m no closer to the truth, only further tangled in a web of deceit and hidden agendas.
As I make my way back, the weight of the unknown presses down on me. Josh’s warnings echo in my mind, a haunting refrain of distrust and hidden dangers. I’m more lost than ever, caught between the love and loyalty I feel for my mates and the creeping doubt that something sinister is at play, threatening to tear everything apart.
