32 Sharing secrets

Author's note: This is from Seraphina's point of view

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In the study…

When everyone found a place to sit, I sat next to Duke on the sofa and started, "Since you took the oath, Drago and I can disclose some things about us. First, let me address Ash's question related to how he can read minds. Sergio said that due to the oath, everyone will get a blessing from the Moon Goddess. That happened last night, and everyone felt it when the ceremony was completed. Right?"

I paused and saw that Zoe, Ash, and Luca nodded.

"Other than the energy surge, there is one more part.", I continued. "There was a chance for you to get another benefit that is related to me and Drago. Ash, I believe that you can read minds, because, in a way, that's what I can do."

"You can read minds?", Zoe asked immediately with urgency. I could see that she was uncomfortable with it. Well, I guess everyone would be.

"Not exactly.", I said, and then I told them how I was able to access Duke's subconsciousness when he was in a coma.

I didn't want to say how I can access my memories and that I remember every detail that happened to me since I was four years old. I didn't say that to Duke either because I didn't think it was relevant.

"So, you can see people's past?", Ash asked.

"Not really.", I confessed. "I can see Drago's because we share a deep connection. Also, it's not as simple as me touching him. We both need to be relaxed; it's more like he is allowing me access to his mind, and it happens. I can't do it forcefully, at least I was unable to do it so far."

Ash's eyes widened. "You will be able to do it in the future?"

I shrugged. "Anything is possible. Abilities can evolve, think of it like a muscle. There is a chance that given enough practice, I might be able to access memories of other people, and assuming that what you do is reading minds, you might develop it to see memories, or maybe you can do it without touching a person. Keep in mind that, just how you are hiding your identity as werewolves when you are among humans, you need to hide what you can do in front of everyone. That's for your safety and ours."

I stressed this last part, and they all nodded in understanding. I was not confident they understood the dangers if anyone finds out about our abilities, oath or not, so I decided to talk about it more later. I didn't want to sound like a broken record.

It was Duke's turn to address the point of his name being Mateo.

As expected, kids were shocked and excited to hear that Duke is Mateo Testa, son of Damiano Testa, the Supreme Alpha that perished more than a decade ago. In a way, he was a legend. They grew up hearing stories about the Bluemoon pack and its glory, and part of that glory was right in front of them.

"We sensed your Alpha aura at Luca's birthday party", Zoe said, "But you smell human. How come others are not aware of your existence?"

I responded, "That's because Drago was poisoned as a child and his wolf is dormant. His father sent him away with Sergio when the open war started, so for the world, Mateo Testa is missing, presumably dead. We believe that we can awaken his wolf. Preparations are ongoing for that procedure…"

The kids were visibly excited at the prospect of Duke's wolf awakening.

With that, I ended our conversation. "There is more for us to share, but let's stop here for now. It's almost time for lunch. Take time to process all that you've learned and ask us questions anytime. I need to repeat that our identities and abilities need to stay secret. When people find out who Drago really is, there will be many eyes on him and the longer we can keep it a secret, the more time we will have to prepare for whatever is coming."

"Werewolves will be happy that Mateo Testa is alive.", Zoe said, and I smiled at her kind naivety.

"Not all of them, Zoe. With Mateo showing up, waves will be created. Werewolves who are not happy with their current leadership and living conditions will come asking for Mateo to guide them. Do you think that current Alphas will be happy about it?"

I thought that they will understand the dangers, but all three teens looked at Duke with sparkles in their eyes. Ah, he became their idol!

Ash couldn't contain his excitement. "You will start a pack? That makes us founding members!"

Zoe inhaled sharply. "I knew it! Serina will be our Alpha. I mean, Luna. I mean, both Serina and Mateo will be Alphas!"

Duke shook his head. "We have no intention of starting a pack. We are happy with our family." He put his arm around me and kissed my temple and I felt close to dissolving into an emotional mush.

I snapped myself out of my Duke-induced daze, and clarified, "We have no intention of starting a pack, however, that doesn't mean werewolves won't come on their own."

Sergio explained that werewolves are attracted to power and that once the Supreme Alpha appears, weaker werewolves will come to Duke, seeking refuge and protection in exchange for submission. Duke opposed the idea of leading a pack, but when Sergio said that they will come to him regardless of his intentions, we found a compromise.

"If werewolves come here, we will offer them to live in the town and get jobs, as for anything else, we will see how things go."

Duke agreed with this solution. After all, he is already managing his company, and the town will need residents, so this won't be too much out of his comfort zone, and with our three capable assistants, we can balance the workload.

I looked at Ash. "I can guide you in finding out the extent of what your newly-found ability can do."

Ash nodded enthusiastically.

I spoke to Luca and Zoe. "In case you feel anything different, you are free to talk to me or Drago, but don't reveal it to others, if possible. If anyone else finds out about your abilities, you will put yourself and us in danger."

"So, what do we do if someone finds out?", Luca asked his first question since we arrived at the study.

"The only way to ensure you are safe is to leave no witnesses behind.", I said.

All three teens gulped audibly. They understood clearly the meaning behind my words.

Ash left the study first after letting me know that he will wait for me in his room.

"So, can I go to London?", Luca asked.

"It's not a problem, but I would like to know the reason.", I responded.

Luca glanced at Zoe who looked back at him with confusion.

"You want me to leave?", Zoe asked Luca with disapproval in her voice.

Luca shrugged, indicating that it doesn't matter, but I could see that he wanted to say something without Zoe around.

Reluctantly, Luca spoke to me and Duke. "When we went through financial reports about Notte Pharmaceuticals, I struggled. I want to learn the basics about finances and to get a taste of independence. If I can stay with Ash and go with him to the Eclipse, that would be great. I promise to check emails and do work remotely as your assistant. It's only for a week."

Because of this last part, I understood Luca's motive. I think. Zoe's birthday is in one week. Is he planning a surprise for her? That must be why he wanted to talk with us without Zoe overhearing.

"I have no objections.", I said. "If Drago approves, you can use one of the apartments that are on the same floor with Ash's and go with him to work. Since Sergio will stay here, you can be Ash's helping hand and learn at the same time."

"That's fine with me", Duke approved. "I will give you pointers, and there is nothing better than learning hands-on."

Luca thanked us with, "I will head to London from here with Ash."

Zoe frowned in disapproval. We were planning to leave that afternoon, and it was obvious that Zoe was not happy to part with Luca.

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