The Last Crescent

Chapter 29

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Matt

I lay there, watching Xander sleep beside me. Our afternoon together had been incredible, but a wave of anxiety washed over me. It wasn't the physical exhaustion; it was the lingering fear that something terrible might happen to him because of my past. As I lay there, trying to steady my thoughts, Xander stirred and looked at me with a smirk.

"I thought you were asleep," he said, his voice still husky from sleep.

"I was, but I felt your fear wake me up," he said, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. "What's going on in that head of yours?"

"There's so much I want to experience with you, but I'm carrying so much baggage. I don't want to put you in danger," I confessed, my heart heavy with the weight of unspoken fears.

Xander's eyes softened as he kissed my forehead. "You're mine. You were made for me, and I'm made for you. There's nothing on this earth, except death itself, that could keep me away from you and your baggage."

His words were comforting, but the haunting memories of my past remained, pressing on my mind. Maybe he needed to understand more. I took a deep breath, sat up, and took his hands in mine. He looked at me with curiosity, his expression a mix of concern and intrigue.

"Okay, but don't freak out," I said, closing my eyes to focus. I took a moment to think of a place where I felt peace and safety.

When I opened my eyes, I created an illusion for Xander, showing him everything I had felt since meeting him. The room around us shifted and transformed, revealing scenes from our past—our first meeting, the joy of our early days together, and the deep connection we had forged. Each moment was vivid, like a living memory, swirling around us in a tapestry of emotion and color.

"This is my gift," I began, trying to keep my voice steady. "Each member of the Crescent Pack has a unique ability. Mine is creating illusions. It's not something I'm very skilled at, so it only lasts for a brief moment. This is a sworn secret within our pack. Only members and mates know about it."

Xander watched in awe, his eyes wide with a mix of wonder and confusion. "This is incredible," he said, clearly overwhelmed. "But why is it a secret?"

"It's a matter of tradition and safety," I explained, struggling to maintain the illusion. "Ten years ago, our pack was destroyed by a rogue pack. Only a few members survived, escaping with their lives. We've been on the run ever since, and those rogues are still pursuing us. The fewer people know about our abilities, the safer we are."

Xander's face went pale as he processed the information. "Is that why you came to our pack originally?" His voice trembled slightly. "Is that why you were so afraid to tell me?"

"Yes," I admitted, the illusion fading as my emotions surged. "That's why I was so scared to open up about it. I didn't want to put you in any more danger than you're already in. I thought keeping this secret was the only way to keep you safe."

Xander took a deep breath, his fear palpable. "I need to know everything," he said firmly. "What's happening with your pack, and what can we do to help?"

I nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and sadness. "I'll tell you everything," I promised. "We'll face it together."

As we talked, I could see Xander's determination to support me and our future together. It gave me strength, even as we faced the uncertainties ahead.

Aku

I left the meeting with Greyson feeling a mix of unease and determination. The information his father can gather is crucial—the rogue pack that had decimated the Crescent Pack. Our numbers were dwindling, and the safety of our members, especially those who had sought refuge with us, was becoming increasingly precarious.