Losing The Light Of The Moon

The Greatest Blessing Is Family...

Chapter 52:  The Greatest Blessing Is Family...

TATIANA

My sisters decided to go back into the house following our heartfelt discussion as Lorenzo came out with the next group who would learn of our uncovered secret connection. Knowing this conversation may get a bit more animated, I took us further away from the house—away from prying ears...

Horacio and Lorenzo stood on either side of me, while Jace stood behind me, his hand gently placed on my shoulder, showing his love and support as Lorenzo delightedly revealed our news—and apparently decided to challenge and debate my paperwork again...

Priscilla stood speechless and stunned, while Alastor was excitedly looking over the paperwork Lorenzo had ruefully taken possession of, “So, my Winged Angel really is my aunt and a Spirit Walker! Legally! And I have a cousin now!”

Jace chuckled, “I will consider acknowledging you as my cousin, depending on how much torture you decide to inflect on everyone with your new knowledge.” 

His elated eyes peering over at me, Alastor lightly admonished, accusingly waving his finger, “You shouldn’t have kept this a secret all these years, Auntie!”  Moving his gaze to Lorenzo, his humored tone continued, “And you should have known about this! Your instincts are usually better than that, Father! I find myself rather disappointed in you currently!”

“I have every intention of remedying the situation, Alastor,” Lorenzo stoically stated, “All will be recorded and adjusted accordingly on Tati’s paperwork—with notations made on my nephew’s records as well. Though Crescent Moon is his birthright. But, we will always love Jace as our own—our only nephew.”

“I appreciate that, Lorenzo, and share your loving sentiment,” Jace grinned, “And while I may agree to a notation being made on my records, Mother will always remain a Crescent Moon as well.”

“We had a deal, Lorenzo,” I kindly reminded him, “Don’t change your mind on me now, please, and stop your games. I am rather exhausted and would prefer all to remain well between us. Though I do appreciate your declaration of love for Jace.”

Always one to react with thought and patience, Nicholas humorously grinned, “You know I am the Leader of The Council, Auntie. I believe I can find a way to revoke these if you would like, especially if Lorenzo is going to challenge your membership in the Crescent Moon pack. I’ll still let him frame the documents, though.”

“I’ve already got that covered, my darling,” I wickedly grinned, “If my dear older brother decides to push this too hard, his papers will be rendered to ash—incinerated by his loving sister.”

Alastor playfully retorted, “I protest! That’s cruelly harsh and incredibly unfair to your one and only legal nephew, Auntie! Nicholas not only steals a Spirit Walker, who, by the way, is in love with our Spirit Walker Beta, but now wants to use his authority in The Council to revoke an official document proving that you are indeed a beloved part of our family?  I’m hurt deeply by your betrayal, my Auntie, who I love and adore more than words can say! And that’s dirty play, Nicholas, especially for you! Tell him, Horacio, and tell my aunt how wrong she is for hurting me so. She’s lucky I love her so much and will forgive her.”

Shaking my head, I lovingly told him, “Alastor, my love, while I adore you and the fact that you have your grandfather’s sense of humor, you are acting too much like your father right now. No stealing took place, I chose Crescent Moon, but have always shared my alliance with both. Behave for your Auntie, hmmmm? I love you dearly, forever, and always. Which is why I will also suggest that you don’t attempt anything of this nature with Tink. I’m afraid it will not end well. You hold a special place in her heart—it would hurt me greatly to have you two at odds over me.”

Jace’s face lit up, cynically contemplating out loud, “Oh, I hadn’t thought about that...perhaps we should involve Tink, Nicholas. The Dark One will settle this dispute with my uncle and cousin very quickly!”

Horacio let out a roll of laughter, folding his arms across his chest before replying, “As for me, sorry gentlemen, but I’m afraid I’m not going down with my Spirit Walker family twice today. Tati knows I will let her do whatever she wants. I already think of her as a Spirit Walker after everything she’s done for us, as well as a Crescent Moon. A shared treasure, which is why I agree with her stance.”

His grin humored, Horacio deliberately continued, “I know you and your father prefer complete domination, Alastor, but I’m afraid you both will have to concede this battle. As your Beta, I would advise that you accept the compromise offered—or face the dire consequences on your own if you choose to fight my beautiful fairy’s wishes. Accept the claim on her that she is willing to give you, with Nicholas receiving the majority share.”  

I giggled as Horacio flashed a satisfied grin immediately following, proudly boasting, “Either way, I still get what I’ll always want in the end—my sole claim on a portion of her huge, beautiful heart.”

“Well said, Horacio,” Nicholas chuckled before pleasantly stating, "I am reluctantly willing to make a small notation on Jace's records while sharing a claim of alliance and affection regarding Auntie. As has been stated, she has been incredibly faithful and loyal to both packs and is especially beloved by her Alpha at Crescent Moon. So, if it is her wish, Auntie can be a Crescent Moon and a Spirit Walker—so long as I get the bigger share of claiming rights. If that cannot be agreed upon here, we can reconvene in my kitchen at home. And as has been brilliantly suggested, I will bring in Tink to mediate any further discussion on the matter.”

Lorenzo’s humored, but determined eyes moved to meet with Nicholas’ as he countered, “To save us all from Tink’s dark side, I would prefer to negotiate our shared claim on Tati here, Nicholas—my sister was a Spirit Walker well before she became a Crescent Moon, and it should be noted as such. While indisputably a Crescent Moon, Jace’s records should reflect his connection to our family as well. As for Tati, I will accept our deal if Spirit Walker is listed above Crescent Moon on all paperwork with the majority claim only being voiced as little as possible amongst us.”

“Lorenzo, did you get up this morning and think, let’s see how far I can push Tati today?” I bantered back, looking over at Nicholas, “I have a question for the Leader of The Council—what is the punishment for turning an Alpha and Council member into a slug? Technically, it would be a family dispute—littlest sister against older, overgrown childish brother.”

“I prefer not to get in the middle of family disputes,” Nicholas diplomatically returned, “If you promise to turn him back eventually, it seems fairly harmless. No action would be required. If it interferes with our schedule at all, Alastor will soon be Alpha of Spirit Walker. He can cover for Lorenzo at The Council.”

“Sorry, Father, I’m afraid I’m no longer of help to you,” Alastor snickered, “My alliance has been brilliantly shifted back to Auntie. It would appear she is the most cunning, convincing, and intelligent one in our family. I’m sure she is well aware that I would love to see that too much to continue siding with you.”

“Traitor!” Lorenzo spat out under his breath, “I can never hold your loyalty for long over family matters—with your mother or now, your aunt.”

With a tearful gaze, Priscilla thickly spoke up then, “I’m afraid you’re outnumbered, Lorenzo, as my alliance is also with my sister, Tati. Therefore, I will speak for our family now and say that it won’t be necessary to fulfill those wishes. We will do as Soloman did—allow Tati to make her own choices while knowing in our hearts, they will forever have a home—Tati, our beloved sister and aunt—and Jace, our beloved nephew.”

Displaying her own humorous side, Priscilla adoringly relayed, “If necessary, I will handle Lorenzo if he continues to cause trouble in any way with this silly argument regarding Tati’s paperwork. It may require enlisting the assistance of my dear sister as she has so graciously offered, doing whatever is required to keep him in line. I’m sure I can find some sort of box to place Lorenzo in and we have enough vegetation to keep him fed for as long as it is necessary for him to come to his senses.”  

Walking forward, Priscilla tenderly wrapped her arms around me, whispering out, “Soloman was adamant that our family always stick together. Thank you for allowing us to receive this long overdue final gift from him, Tati—making you and Jace a part of our family in every way.”

**************

MATTIAS

A fierce battle was waging inside me—my captors were utilizing Jillie to torture me, again not allowing her to bring our breakfast—and their method was working. The box I had created in my mind was bursting at the seams, unable to hold all the overwhelming frantic emotions raging inside—both in me and my wolf—I desperately needed to see Jillie, especially after our kiss...

Guntur was sitting up on his cot watching me as I furiously paced in circles around my cell. Thankfully, he was feeling better this morning after another dose of healing by our irritatingly smug witch, Amelia, his tone calm and comforting as he advised in a hushed whisper, “You’ve got to pull it together, Mattias. You’re playing right into their hands. If Amelia is watching you in her visions, she’s enjoying every moment of this, something neither of us wants. Don’t give her or any of them that satisfaction. Distract yourself—think about the good stuff—concentrate on how Jillie makes you feel, not the fact you can’t see her. Not going to lie, I’m incredibly jealous of you and slightly miffed—you won our bet by finding your mate first.”  

Chuckling slightly, he humorously added, “Something else to help distract you—think about the price you’re going to make me pay for winning said bet.”

Stopping beside the bars between us, I looked over at him as I took in a deep breath, gratefully exhaling out, “I’m not going to make you pay for that win—especially when it’s my fault we’re in this mess and I almost cost you your life. What they did to you in the forest...the way you have suffered and continue to suffer in pain still—they were going to kill you, Guntur. You are my brother in every way that matters. It will be a long time before I can even think about forgiving myself for all of this—for what I have done to you.”

Swallowing hard, Guntur did what he always did when a conversation got heavy—wisecracked, “I take it back—go back to pacing. You know I don’t like mushy Mattias. It’s unnerving.”

Firmly gripping the bars with my hand, I allowed my body to relax, gently falling back and pulling myself forward again several times, grinning at him, “Afraid as my Beta, you have to deal with that side too, my beloved best friend, closest confidante, and faithful and loyal partner of mischief and mayhem—though you may want to work harder stopping me on the last part...we have to lead a pack one day soon and I really don’t know if I’ll have the same rhythm with your dad as I have with you. The sooner you get up to speed and we can divert Umar to other duties—admirable ones of course, as he has always been faithful and loyal to the Howling Winds—the better off I’ll be. Maybe I can get Nicolas to figure out a role for him in the integrated army.”

“Dad still has a lot of Beta life in him, Mattias,” Guntur sighed out, “Not sure he will be easily convinced to pass it down to me for a while, especially after this. The best I can probably offer is to work side by side with him as much as possible to assist in your survival.”

“I’ve already come up with another idea. Hurry up and find your mate,” I amusingly commanded, “Give Umar and your mom a bunch of grandkids to help motivate him—keep them busy and occupied.”

Guntur flashed me a jaw-dropped aghast look as he scoffed, “Grandkids? We’re only eighteen, you jerk! Finding my mate, I’m good with, but at least let me enjoy the perks of that for a while! Immediately having kids is out of the question. Besides, I have a fear of having kids exactly like me. I’ll need to be much older and mature before I can handle that—although you have provided me with idea...maybe I’ll just hand them over to mom. She’s experienced at dealing with kids like me. I’ll take them back when they’ve outgrown it—I’ll figure out at what age once I’ve outgrown it.”  

Holding up his finger, he circled it in the air, “Regardless, you’re supposed to be an Alpha—re-Alpha think how to get dad to retire while you’re pacing around. Keeping you on track is exhausting and I’m still injured. Let me rest for a while, oh best friend of mine! But I will give you one reluctant mushy moment—you’re my brother in every way too—always.”

***********

JACE

After privately telling the closest parties involved, the rest of our inner circle was informed of Soloman’s gift to Mother. Everyone found it touching what he had done for her and elated at the deepening bonds held now. My aunts still appeared a bit shaken by the news and Alastor continued to be enamored with the fact that he was tied even more with his ‘legal’ aunt and cousin. I had no doubt we would all continue to hear the happiness that brought him...I felt rather sorry for the others who would have to endure his joyful banter now—fortunately for me, I had the best claim on Mother as I am her only son.

We all spent a bit more time together at the cottage before everyone left with only Horacio and I remaining, requesting that we have a few moments alone with Mother before heading back...

Standing in front of her garden, Mother perused her colorful array of flowers, stoically stating, “While I’m still a bit hurt that I was not trusted, especially by both of you, I suppose I can see why you had cause for concern. I’m sorry for what I put you both through this morning.”

While sounding calm, Horacio was unwavering and firm as he demanded, “Since you’ve brought it up, give it back to me, Tati. Now.”

Mother looked at him with wide eyes as she softly argued, “We can talk about—”

Horacio interrupted her, obviously fighting an internal battle not to explode as his face turned slightly red, “Jace and I have formed a very close bond as of late—I don’t care if he knows about this.”  

I was stunned when Horacio lifted his sleeve up, revealing a beautiful fairy tattoo high on his shoulder, pointing at it as he insisted, “So do whatever you have to do, but give me back the power to find you. I can’t go through another day like today. It’s one thing to ruin me—it’s another to destroy me. This morning did that, Tati—it destroyed me not knowing where you were—thinking that you had vanished from my life. You took away my ability to always find you—something you will never do again. Do you hear me? EVER! I don’t care how mad at me you are!” 

My interest peaked as I inquired, “Mother? What is Horacio talking about? This tattoo of his—you gave it to him? A magical way to find you?”

“A mark of sorts, like the tattoos you received from Raven,” Mother reluctantly admitted, “Only as you have just heard, I can retract the powers.”

“Again, retracting the powers in my tattoo is no longer an option for you—it stays—permanently,” Horacio uncompromisingly told her, his fingers tapping on top of it, “It needs a little dusting—now, please.”

“Of course,” Mother whispered out, her tone full of deep remorse as she extended her hand out to emit tiny particles of green on top, making it glow in response as she profusely apologized, “I’m truly sorry, Horacio. Please forgive me. I would never intentionally hurt you in such a way. To know I made you feel that desperate—that I destroyed you because of a rash decision in my angered state—I feel very ashamed of what I did to you. You are right, taking away your ability to find me was reprehensible and I promise you—I will never do it again. I love you, you know...so very much.”

As the light dissipated, Horacio remained silent as he placed his hand back on the tattoo. Instantly, Mother lit up in a green glow that extended out towards him—a warm smile crossing his face before leaning down to kiss Mother softly on the lips, his arms enveloping around her as he breathed out, “Thank you. Good thing I love you more than anything else in this world, Fairy Queen. You’re already forgiven—but I’m holding you to that promise and will more than likely reiterate it again several times before the day is done—and the next few days, maybe even months, just for good measure!”

While it was touching to watch them, I couldn’t help the overwhelming need I felt inside, obstinately voicing it out, “I want one of those as well—I want a fairy tattoo on my other shoulder just like Horacio’s with that power.”

“Please don’t take this the wrong way, Jace,” Horacio cautiously said, “While I appreciate the bond you and I now share, I’m a little personal about my mark from your mother. You know that ‘mine’ thing one has for their mate that invokes a possessive reaction? That’s how I feel about my tattoo.”

Mother’s brown eyes darted towards me as she inaudibly replied, “Jace, my darling, I—”

“I need to know you can’t ever completely vanish from my life again—and I’m not talking about just by your choice, but by anyone who may want to harm you,” I resolutely interjected.

All the pent-up emotions and thoughts I had been holding in spilled out as I pleaded with her, “Please, Mother, gift me with the same power. The tattoo can be different from Horacio’s. I don’t care what it is. I just want to know I can always find you. And while you’re at it, bring some of your personal belongings to Crescent Moon.  If you want to keep this cottage as a place to get away, come see my grandparents, or preserve your past in some way, I respect that. But your true home is Crescent Moon with all of us—your family, who cherish you—especially Horacio and me.”

The air I attempted to take in stuck in my constricting throat as I hoarsely continued, “You never have to hide from the world again, Mother—I—we won’t let you! There’s no need to leave everything here—not anymore. Things that you love and treasure. Secrets you fight so desperately to protect. I don’t care how much you bring, just share at least part of you at your forever home—with us. There is such a huge part of you that seems to always be left behind to reside here—hidden and alone, unnecessarily covered in dust.”

“Jace,” Mother alarmingly murmured, breaking away from Horacio’s embrace to gently place her arms around me, her head tilted back to peer deep into my eyes as she devotedly replied, “I am just as ashamed for what I put you through today, my darling. I love you to the moon and back, forever and always. I know where my home is and always will be—with you, Horacio, and all my loved ones. The deal I made with all of you—nothing has changed.”

Looking back up at the house, she sweetly admitted, “But perhaps you’re right—maybe it is time for me to stop keeping everything that is important to me hidden away here collecting dust. Why don’t we go back inside and see what needs to come home with me to Crescent Moon?”

Horacio appreciatively nodded at me as I happily told her, “I would love that, Mother. And I hope you will consider my request for the tattoo. I respect that Horacio’s tattoo is special to him, so make mine whatever you wish. It would ease my mind to know that I too can always find you.”