Page 121 of Shrouded in the Dark

“Anyway, we don’t have a name for our group. It helps keep us anonymous. We have several leaders who give out instructions, including the vampire who recruited Wyn and me. When we heard of the attack on the Fae, the leaders called a meeting. They’ve reached out to the Fae. They’re still discussing what we can do. I’m meant to be there, but I wanted to be here and speak with you all before I join them.”

“Not to mention he needed to tell his wife about the secret he’s been hiding for years,” Mom interjected hotly. She was still angry at him. “Smart not to leave until you know that you’re forgiven.”

Gary looked ready to bolt. “You’re absolutely right, dear. I needed to come clean with you before anything else.”

I had to slap a hand over my mouth to stop the giggle that formed. It was a serious situation but I couldn’t help it. It seemed I wasn’t the only one. Cody started to laugh, it wasn’t long before we all joined in. Even Gary and Mom.

“Okay,” I got my laughter under control. “So what does this mean? We’re splitting up? I don’t like the idea.” It made sense, but I still didn’t like it.

“A few of us need to go with Wyn, even if it means we have to hide some distance away. The rest should be with Gary so we can meet with these resistance leaders and find out what they know and plan.” Seth sighed. “I hate to say it, but Jasper, go with Gary. If this group is going to go up against the Venandi, you'll have the best chance of negotiating.” He ran a hand down my back. “You’ll take Cody with you and Becca. Axel and I will go with Wyn.”

“What?” Cody shook his head. “We shouldn’t separate.” There was desperation in his tone.

I reached out to touch his cheek, about to say something when Seth did.

“It’s not a good idea to have you anywhere near the Venandi, Cody. You’ll go to protect Jasper and Becca. It’s not a request, it’s an order.” His voice hardened and Cody just nodded in defeat.

“Alright, if that’s decided, we, at least, have a plan for the next step.” Gary stood, offering Mom his hand. “We’re going to get some sleep. You’re all welcome to stay in the guest room in the basement. We’ll figure out more in the morning. I’ll make a few calls. We leave bright and early.”

Mom took Gary’s hand. Before they left the room, she looked at me. “All I care about is that you’re safe, hun. So these mates of yours better do their job or answer to me.”

We waited until we could hear their bedroom door close. Jasper gave a wince.

“Your mom scares me.”

“She scares me, too.” I stood, bending backward a little to pop my back. “This is a lot to take in.” I looked at my mates. “I was going to tell you guys earlier, but there hasn't been a good time, I guess now is. I want to help Wyn and Gary stop the Venandi. What they’ve done is atrocious and shouldn’t be allowed any longer. I want to join the resistance.” I hadn’t said this in front of my mom. I knew she would have had a fit, possibly divorced Gary over it.

Well, maybe not that drastic.

Wyn snorted as Seth groaned into his hand. Axel chuckled and held out his hand to Seth.

“Pay up.”

I looked at them confused. “What?”

Seth moved, pulling his wallet from his back pocket. He handed Axel a twenty dollar bill. “You won. You were right.”

Axel continued to chuckle as he folded the money in half. “I bet Seth that you would want to join the group.”

“So, you bet on me?” Feeling a little miffed, but amused, I decided to mess with them a little. “That’s not cool.”

“To be fair, you did act a little secretive with what you wanted when you could have just told us.” Seth stood up, pulling Cody with him. “Why don’t we all head down to the basement? Unless you want to stay in your room, Becca?” His lips twitched as he tried not to smile.

“Oh shush.” I took Cody’s hand. “We’re going to have a cuddle pile.”

There were still so many questions left.

Chapter 28

Becca

Having a cuddle pile was now one of my favorite things. We took a few hours to cuddle, talk about random things, and not focus on the bad things that were happening.

“I knew you guys had mentioned that there were other beings out there besides shifters, but vampires? Fae? What else is out there?” I laid on my stomach using my crossed arms as a pillow. “Are you going to tell me that ghosts are real?”

They just stared at me.

“You are. Ghosts are real?”