The Dark Side of The Moon

Chapter 3- Sarah

Wow this child is a carbon copy of her mother. I take her from her father’s arms and walk with her into the sitting area. Her blonde hair in a tangled mess from her afternoon nap and her awe stuck expression may very well be the cutest thing I have ever seen.

“Hello Ellie. It is very nice to meet you. You look so much like your mommy. I would love to answer all of your questions, how about tonight I can tell you the story if your parents say it’s okay?”

Her hazel eyes practically pop out of her head trying to find her parents to get their approval. Both Darius and Julie smile and nod their heads.

“YES! I can’t wait! I will show you all of my animals and toys! We can drink hot chocolate and eat popcorn! I CAN’T wait to go to sleep!” Ellie yells and jumps off my lap and takes off running up the stairs.

I find Julie and Darius laughing.

“You sure know how to make an entrance. I think that’s the first time she has ever said those words. You may regret telling her that, I’m sure she up in her room getting all of her toys to show you.” Julie laughs.

“I’m sure it’ll be fine. I haven’t been around pups in awhile. It’s nice to see the world through their eyes even if I’m just a bed time story for the ages.” I reply and we all laugh.

“Sarah the other Alphas and some of their pack members are arriving tonight. We are planning a cook out to welcome them and let them rest from their trip. My son Ronan is also supposed to come back tonight. No one knows you are here. I didn’t want to tell them without your permission.” Darius says to me.

“I appreciate that I really do. But before I do anything I really want to know what is going on.” I reply.

“Of course. I would say we could talk in my office but it’s currently, uhm, under construction.” He says giving a glance to his mate. “We can talk in my Beta’s office. Follow me.” I stifle a laugh and wink at Julie as I pass by.

“I know why we are here. Julie’s wolf told me but I think we should hear from the Darius before we make any assumptions. I don’t think she was lying but I don’t think he was telling her everything.” Aria says.

“Okay, let’s see what this is all about.”

The alpha’s office door was open when we walked by. It looked like a tornado had went through and a tsunami tried to clean it up.

“Yeah, I’ll tell you about that later on too. Let’s just say the Moon Goddess definitely picked the right mate for him.” Aria snickers.

We walk into the Beta’s office. The smell of cedar and old cigars flood my nose. It’s not unpleasant but definitely not great. Darius takes a seat behind the large wooden desk.

“Has Aria told you why we have you here?” He asked.

“She only knows what Julie’s wolf has told her. She says it would be best for you to tell me everything. Start at the beginning.” I say as I sit in on of the chairs across from him.

“About 3 months ago pack members started disappearing. Some were found dead others vanished without a trace. They were all random and there were no signs of struggle. The only consistency that we were able to find and relate them together was it only targets mates. Only one mate is taken. Then it progressed to an entire pack being wiped out. Whoever it was snuck into the pack and burned the entire place to the ground. Ronan is out there now looking for any clues. So far he has found no survivors or any trace of who it could have been.” Darius’ frowns.

His age apparent in the in his once youthful face now showing the wear of all the pressure life has brought him.

“I should have come sooner. I’ve been having this nagging feeling for weeks. Aria has felt it too . I should’ve popped in sooner.” I said.

“No. Do not blame yourself for this. My pride got in the way. I should’ve called you the day I realized whoever it was left without a trace.”

“Have you contacted any witches to see if any magic had been used?” I asked.

“No, after the last war they have been keeping to themselves and I particularly don’t want to poke the bear. But Remmi did come and said there was no trace of magic that he could feel.”

“Remmi knows of everything but didn’t want to investigate any further. That doesn’t feel right.” I said to Aria.

“I was thinking the same thing. But Darius is telling the truth. I can’t feel him hiding anything. I think we should pay Remmi a visit.” Aria tells me.

“Have you talked to Remmi since? The Fae and the wolves have always been Allies. I can’t imagine he would just leave you when you seemed to need him the most?” I question.

His anger palpable, “Not a f*****g word. I have called him several times and he has someone else answer. I even went to see him and each time he has one of the faes tell me he’s away or ‘unavailable’” he lifts his hands in air quotes, “I could smell him. He was still there. I haven’t heard a word from him since the day he came to see if magic hand been used.”

How interesting. Definitely going to have to put talking to Remmi on this top priority list.

I stand and take Darius’ hand sending a calming energy to him. I smile at him.

“It’ll be okay Darius. We will figure this out. Tonight at the cook out, we can announce my presence as you see fit. I assure you, they will not look at you as if you are weak. It takes a strong leader to put aside their pride for the better of their people. Your other alpha’s are arriving, show me to my room and then go and greet them. Be the leader I know you are.”

He stands. The pride and strength returning to his eyes and he simply nods. I follow him out of the room and down the hall and up the stairs to his private floor.

“It’s the second door on the right. I figured you would rather be up here next to us and away from prying eyes.”

“Thank you Darius.” I touch his arm allowing our mind link to open. “Let me know when you are ready for me.”