Losing The Light Of The Moon

A Little Mischief...

Chapter 16: A Little Mischief...

TATIANA

“You and I have an agreement, Tati,” Persephone harshly stated in her highly agitated state, “You should have told Reina and I that help was needed!”

Upon hearing the events that took place at Spirit Walker, my sisters appeared in my room—not bothering to show up outside my door to knock—with furious expressions and tones as they woke me just after the sun came up.

“There wasn’t time, Persephone,” I calmly argued in a motherly tone, “Had I not arrived at that exact moment, all four of them would have perished. Everything happened incredibly fast.”

“I believe there was a bit of time at the main house,” Reina insistently retorted, “We could have helped both you and Priscilla.”

“The situation did not require all three of us,” I comforted, knowing their true reason for wanting to be there—to protect me, “It’s not like we don’t work on our own when necessary. And Priscilla’s memories were not returned until afterwards, which made it best for only one of us to be present. If she had seen all three of us, it would have appeared to be a bigger threat to her. Besides, you both know the other reason.”

“Don’t try to play that card, Sister,” Persephone quickly countered, “Priscilla, Reina, and I had become cordial with one another for several years before our disappearance. A truce was made—you were there! You were the mediator!”  

“Alright,” I exhaustively replied in defeat before taking in another deep breath, sincerely admitting, “You're right, Persephone. I did go against our agreement. However, we have always said that no matter what, we will do whatever is necessary to ensure safety of those who need us.”

“Tati—” Persephone admonishingly drawled out.

Quickly taking her hands in mine, I tenderly said, “BUT, I should have let you both know what was going on, especially before you heard it from someone else.”

“Mmmmmm,” Persephone irritatingly murmured out in acknowledgement.

After a slight pause, I reluctantly divulged, “In light of that, I should also tell you that in talking with Vivian afterwards, I revealed a few things about my past.”

Their eyes widened, instantly filling with sadness and concern, Persephone shockingly replied, “What things?”

“Do not worry, Sisters,” I quickly assured them, “Just a few harmless revelations were made known.”

Before they could inquire further, there was a knock on my door right before Jace opened it with two cups in his hand. His eyes narrowed slightly as he took us all in, uncomfortably stating, “Well, it appears the aunts have found out what you were up to last night and judging by their faces, are not too happy with you currently, Mother.”

Holding up the cups, he added, “And I’ve only brought two coffees with me, though I think you are the only one who needs it currently. Adrenaline fueling the other two gorgeous women in the room. Though, if I may, time was of the essence last night.”

“Nicely done protecting your mother, Jace,” Reina amusingly giggled, “But she has apologized, so for me at least, all is forgiven.”

“All is forgiven, Jace,” Persephone half-heartedly murmured as she shot me a dispirited look, “Your mother’s judgement is rarely flawed. Though, the Power of Three are always stronger when we are together.”

“No truer words have ever been spoken,” I earnestly told her, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek, knowing she was still reeling inside from my admission moments ago.

“Perhaps we should take our leave, Persephone,” Reina sweetly said, but her eyes reflected a much different sentiment, worriedly looking between Persephone and me, “Give Jace and Tati some time before her breakfast with Aruna. Besides, we need to get back to make breakfast for Ronan and Artem.”

Looking deep into Persephone’s troubled gaze, I dotingly said, “I love you both more than you will ever know.”

“More than I deserve,” Persephone inaudibly whispered, “But am eternally grateful for, Tatiana.”

 ***********

After the sisters returned home, I uncomfortably said, “Thank you for assisting me with your aunts. They get a bit out of sorts when they feel left out.”

“Oh, I remember,” Jace slowly sang out, chuckling softly, “I saw it several times as a child when you struck out on your own. They are quite unforgettable when provoked.”

“Yes,” I distantly replied, "They most certainly are.”

My expression must have reflected my distressing memories as Jace curiously called out, “Mother? Are you alright?”

Snapping out of my thoughts, I pleasantly returned, “Yes, just remembering some silly sibling disagreements your aunts and I have had in the past.”

Laughing softly, Jace handed me a cup before we sat down on the window bench, musing, “Speaking of the past, Alastor informed me this morning that he and Vivian learned a few things about you last night. As you so rarely talk about your youth, care to share?”

I had prepared myself to reiterate my previous night’s admissions to Jace, knowing that the children were all incredibly close and he would find out about it. So, as we drank our coffee, I shared the same details I had with Vivian while Jace intently listened to every word and morsel of revelation. 

At times, it was heartwarming, like laughing together about the bell I had to wear when I was a toddler and my disappearing acts. I could see his anger and concern, however, when I talked about those who sought me out for their own purposes, leading me to quickly divert to stories about his father...

His face almost child-like in its amazed wonderment, Jace inquired, “You have such a gift with your visions. You really didn’t see him coming?” 

“No,” I affectionately replied, “Though I quickly saw how serious your father was when he threatened to physically carry me back here.”

“Oh, I bet!” Jace laughed out, “When Father had his mind made up, there was no stopping him.”

“Until me,” I wickedly grinned, “I quickly proved to him that you should never provoke a witch. All in fun, of course!”

Jace’s humored dark coffee eyes twinkled as he eagerly questioned, “What did you do to him?”

“Well,” I slowly began, quickly falling into a fit of giggles, “Trying to prove that he was serious, your father attempted to throw me over his shoulder. Unfortunately for him, I immediately made him disappear—dropping him into a mudhole a few feet away. He ended up covered head to toe in muck. I did feel bad afterwards—so I made him disappear again—only this time, I dropped him in the pond not far from our cottage to clean him off.”

Loud roaring laughter filled my room as Jace’s mouth gaped open, “You didn’t!”

“I most certainly did!” I mockingly defended, moving my first finger slowly side to side, lightly warning, “Unless you can wield magic, never, ever provoke a witch, my darling! Even in jest! A lesson your father learned that day—we can be quite wicked!”

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

ARUNA

Chatting away at breakfast with Tatiana, I grew even more excited that she was moving into my wing. While the children were always loving and very attentive, it was going to be nice having Tati here with me. We always shared a beautiful bond and friendship with one another with an ease of discussing so many subjects. I was quite surprised to hear from Jace, however, that she had revealed some things following her fortunate vision the previous evening...

“I know you are probably tired of hearing this, Tati, as you have never liked being singled out for your talents, but thank you for everything you did last night,” I sincerely stated, “You have enabled us all to still have with us so many that we love.”

“Thank you, Aruna,” Tatiana appreciatively smiled, “But no thanks is ever needed. I had selfish reasons too, you know. I love them all as well.”

“I also know how hesitant you are to reveal anything about your past growing up,” I delicately stated, “but I’m glad you revealed a few tidbits, especially to Jace. I think he should know about it—how special his mother truly is.”

“I appreciate your kindness, Aruna, but there are other ways I can make Jace proud of me than my past,” Tatiana uncomfortably breathed out, “Last night, for instance. After I returned home, he said goodnight like we used to when he was young. That is a memory I will hold onto forever. Though his laughter when I told him about Aldric and Julien finding the Power of Three—and how his father ended up in a mudhole and a pond that day—that was a special moment as well.”

Laughter filled the air just as Nicholas walked into the dining room, a humored grin across his face as he cautiously greeted, “I smelled mischief! Might have known I would find it here!”

“Nicholas, my love!” I happily greeted, “Coming to check up on your Mother and Auntie earlier than expected, I see!”

Looking over at Tatiana, Nicholas smirked, “In truth, we have all been abandoned again—the girls have gathered this morning to discuss dress ideas for another upcoming girls’ night which I suspect will involve party punch!”

Flashing him a naughty grin, Tatiana sang out gleefully, “You will be glad after! For the dresses and the wolf punch!”

His eyes momentarily wide with mocked fear, Nicholas shook his head and laughed, sitting down beside me as he kindly asked, “As our mates are busy, why don’t I have Jace, Carson, and Beast come up? I know Auntie wants to move some things around and get settled into her suite. We could spend the morning together.”

“That would be lovely, Nicholas,” Tatiana sweetly agreed, “I would enjoy that very much, thank you.”

“Before I have them come up, there are a couple of things I wanted to talk with you about, Aunt Tati,” Nicholas hesitantly told her, “Mind if I start with the one that I’m a bit uncomfortable about?”

Tatiana’s expression fell slightly as she cautiously replied, “Right now, I think I prefer Auntie. Aunt Tati sounds like a serious talk. You must still be upset with me about Priscilla.”

“No, no, it’s not that!” Nicholas quickly interrupted in a comforting tone, “Though I would still like to have all details, even minor ones when it comes to your visions, Auntie. No, this is about...Callisto.” 

Tatiana’s eyes narrowed, reluctantly repeating, “C-Callisto?”

Nodding, Nicholas gently continued, “I know you haven’t asked or possibly even wanted to go there as it may still be a bit soon...but I wanted to let you know that I had her moved to a different part of the cemetery. Far on the other side. I just didn’t want you to feel like you couldn’t go see Uncle Julien—and I don’t want you to feel pressured to now, of course, only when you are ready.”

Her eyes lightly glazed over as Tatiana’s expression reflected how deeply touched she was by Nicholas’ gesture, graciously replying, “You are so thoughtful, Nicholas, and like your father, very intuitive and lead with a kind and compassionate heart. As you are indeed correct about my hesitation...thank you.”

I saw Nicholas’ jaw tighten slightly before he looked over at me, obviously needing me to confirm he had made the right decision bringing this up now. Nodding with a warm smile on my face, I reached out under the table and gently patted his leg to comfort him. I couldn’t deny how much he looked and acted like his father in that moment. Aldric was much the same way when it came to delicate matters such as this, his huge heart evident in every spoken word.

Tatiana must have felt his unease as well, softly clearing her throat before warmly urging, “What else would you like to discuss with me, Nicholas?”

His tension easing, Nicholas' expression turned humored, “My uncle has requested your assistance at an upcoming alliance workout here at Crescent Moon next week.”

After hearing his tone, Tatiana’s curiosity was peaked as she enthused, “Soren wants my assistance at the workout? With what exactly?”

“Well, you know Soren,” I laughed out softly, “He does love a good demonstration and apparently, even with Umar’s help, his army is still a bit reluctant when it comes to our integration, especially having witches assisting in battle.”

“Yes, and as always with my uncle, he wants them to learn the lesson first hand,” Nicholas mused, “He specifically asked for you. In fact, he ordered me to relay the request in his exact words—he would like you to shake things up.”

A slow devilish grin crossed Tatiana's face, “Well, it appears I have an opportunity for some approved mischief! I accept!”

“Why do I suddenly have a bad feeling about this?” Nicholas laughed out loud.

Her elbows on the table, Tatiana brought her hands up, slowly intertwining her fingers together before setting her chin on top, thoughtfully asking, “Can I handpick my team?”

Sitting back in his chair, Nicholas folded his arms in front of him as he lightheartedly replied, “Yes, but I feel the need to require that I have final approval. That look of yours is a bit too mischievous for my liking.”

“I’ll play nice,” Tatiana innocently stated, before friskily adding, “Well, a little nice—maybe. Soren is wanting lessons to be learned.”

“Tati has done this type of thing before, Nicholas,” I assured him, finding myself looking forward to the demonstration, “And there are two things I can promise you—those men will have a new appreciation for what our integrated army can bring to battle—including witches—and we are all in for a very entertaining show!”

***********

TINK

I can’t lie—I’m really happy to have some time alone time with Auntie! My big guy knew how excited I was and although he wasn’t overly thrilled to leave us, I told him he could come back in a little while and hang out before Auntie had to leave. I also privately promised to make it up to him later with a little demolition in the room of his choosing. 

Sitting on a stool in the kitchen of the house my big guy grew up in, I apologized again, “Sorry about the mess out there, Auntie. Beast and I are still—”

“Renovating?” Auntie giggled out, looking around the room, “Do not worry, my darling. I’m always content in a kitchen, especially with someone so willing to taste test an old cookie recipe!” 

Turning to the side, she mused, “Although I have to admit, I have never seen the shell of a refrigerator door used as a wall decoration before.”

“Yeah,” I chuckled out, “It’s a little inside joke between me and that huge hunk of testosterone of mine.”

Auntie caught onto the humor, sighing out, “Ahhhh!” before she sweetly asked, “So, while our cookies are baking, why don’t you tell me what’s on that mind of yours, Tink.”

I thought back to the interrogation, my voice a bit harsh as I admitted, “I wanted to take those guys out for trying to kill Casanova, Auntie. But when I found out they could have hurt or killed you too? In my mind, they were deader than dead! Shield or no shield!”

“You have always been my great protector,” Auntie affectionately replied, “One of the many reasons I love and adore you. But I am sorry if I worried you.”

“I’ll always be protective, Auntie, even if I do trust your powers and know you can protect yourself,” I honestly told her, “But I also saw it in his face and heard it in his voice—Horacio is protective of you too. When he heard that you and Luna Priscilla were threatened and yelled for the shield to come down? I could tell—it wasn’t just about the Luna, it was about you too. Kinda made me respect him a little—I even came up with an instant nickname for him—King of Fury—and Beast and I both offered to be his partners to tear those guys apart!”

Nodding slowly with that pretty smile of hers, Auntie hesitated before she softly said, “Horacio is protective of me, Tink, both because I have saved his life twice now, but more so because we are friends. Believe it or not, he does have a kind side, but don’t tell him I told you that.”

“Yeah, I get it, but I can’t say I won’t still think he’s a jerk—at least for now,” I thought out loud, “I like that he’s looking out for you too though, so maybe Beast and I can give him a pass...at least a temporary one.”

Auntie laughed under her breath, “King of Fury, huh? For an instant nickname, that is quite fitting for Horacio. I think it’s a keeper!”

“It is, isn’t it?” I snickered, “One of my better off the top of my head creations! Who knew the King of Fury could redeem himself, huh? So, as long as he doesn’t do anything stupid again, me and the big guy won’t plan any injuries to him or his buddy Umar in practice—but only because we love you.”

“Oh, Tink!” Auntie enthusiastically replied, “Thank you! You have no idea how happy that makes me!”

Suddenly Auntie’s eyes had a look I knew all too well—a look I often gave the gang when the Dark One came out to play—a look of mischievous plotting as she excitedly leaned in closer to me, “Especially since I have a proposition for you! How would you like to have a little fun with your Auntie?”