Losing The Light Of The Moon

Dirty Little Secrets

Chapter 42: Dirty Little Secrets

MATTIAS

I didn’t know whether to be glad Lucious came with Amelia to check on Guntur or infuriated—it was late, which meant, more than likely, Arturo was with Jillie and doing things to her that had me going insane thinking about—that I would only want to kill him more for—causing my wolf to growl ferociously in response. Locking my jaw, I forced those thoughts out—I had to...

A thought occurred to me then—I had to put them in a box in my mind—a box like what Nicholas had described to me that contained all my overwhelming emotions so I could focus while watching every mannerism and reaction while listening to every word and tone from our captors...and that is exactly what I did...

“Is he alright?” I demandingly asked, “Why did you have to put Guntur back to sleep?”

“He needs to heal a bit more,” Amelia coldly replied, her attentiveness to my best friend diverting to me as she turned around to meet my steely gaze, “He should be more alert in the morning. Though it will still take some time to heal, the pain shouldn't be as severe.”

As she walked out into the narrow hallway and Lucious locked the door, Amelia grinned, “I heard you have taken a liking to our Jillian. Is that what has you a bit out of sorts, feeling that you can speak to me so arrogantly? Arturo also informed us of his talk with you. Raven is still under tutelage, is she? With her aunt and these three Aunties who have come out of retirement?”

“That’s right,” I stoically replied, “Though I don’t know about the retirement part—I never heard their backstory. I don’t know much about the Firebird Phoenix powers either, but I know Raven hasn’t had the gift long.”

“You’re right, she hasn’t,” Amelia coolly replied, but I noticed her jaw ticking slightly, “Something that could work to our advantage. Do you mind if I ask you about—The Forest of The Vines?”

“It would have to be a vague question, I’m afraid,” I nonchalantly returned, “My grandfather doesn’t like to talk about it, just that it’s forbidden.”

“Obviously, your grandfather has chosen to keep his future Alpha in the dark about many things,” Amelia sarcastically returned, “Is that why you went there? To find out more about the former home of The Chosen? Frieda’s old stomping grounds?”

“I’ve heard a little about The Chosen, but who is Frieda?” I curiously asked, “Friend of yours?”

“No, but she is a former friend of my mother’s,” Amelia informed me, “I’ve often been curious about where she has been hidden in captivity. Any chance your grandfather has ever talked with you about The Council’s hidden prisons?”

I laughed under my breath before I scoffed, “Like you said, I’ve been kept in the dark about many things. Do you really think I know anything about hidden prisons?”

“Yes, good point,” Amelia humorously laughed out, before her eyes darkened dramatically and the tick in her jaw came back, while still maintaining the façade of humor, “Rather surprising as Alpha Nicholas is your cousin and was younger than you when he became Alpha. From what I hear, he has been rewarded quite well for his excellence in the role—his whole inner circle has, in fact—with the return of the impressive young she-wolves of Mystic Fire. All of them finding mates, including Raven’s precious Firebird Phoenix Delta, Jace. I believe her name is Constance.”

“Yes, they’ve all been very fortunate, including my cousin and Jace,” I replied, allowing no emotion to reflect in my voice as I continued to watch Amelia, who had a vile thickness in her tone when she said Constance’s name, “If I can ask, why the interest in Jace’s mate? I don’t know her well—do you know her somehow?”

“Not personally,” Amelia sang out softly, but I could hear the irritation in her tone, “But I am curious about her...I was, after all, Jace’s mate myself.”

A humored grin crossed my face, “You? You were Jace’s mate?  I don’t think so. That I think I would know about that.”

And then I remembered—I did know! Amelia—she was the witch that tricked Jace into thinking she was his mate! The whole story flooded my mind—unbeknownst to Lucious and Amelia, as I kept my stoic exterior—giving me the information I needed to know about her involvement with the Blood Horizons now. She was out for revenge against Jace! And she asked about—CONSTANCE! Was she planning on kidnapping her too? I couldn’t help but feel she had to be!

Though my thoughts were running rampant, my eyes remained unfazed in their focus on Amelia as she spitefully stated, “With as little knowledge as he has given you, I’m beginning to wonder if Soren intends you to be Alpha at all, Mattias! Not that it’s surprising—you obviously can’t be trusted if you were foolish enough to go into the Forest of The Vines! Though you have given me an idea! Perhaps I can find out more about these Aunties!”

**********

AMELIA

It was the dead of night when I appeared in the clearing of the Forest of The Vines, stepping out from the portal used previously in our kidnapping of Mattias and Guntur. Frieda had been a friend of my mother’s, so I had been here many times in my youth, but the forest looked nothing like it did before. What was once lush, beautiful greenery was now eerily reflecting the blackened scars of darkness, death, and destruction left behind after the five witches who were once in control here were obliterated from our existence by The Council. Frieda’s once immaculate home had been left to rot, now in a dilapidated state—it was sad, really. I always admired The Chosen...

Well, it took you long enough, Amelia, Frieda’s voice kindly echoed out all around me, You look well, my dear.

Smiling, I warmly replied, “So, you are alive and still have a hold here. I wasn’t sure, as you stayed silent during an earlier visit by our men. How are you, Freida? I take it you saw me coming?”

I did, but unfortunately, this is all I could see. Rather confusing to me, but regardless, at least I can be of help to you now, Frieda replied, intriguing me by her offer.

“I would be grateful for any assistance, Frieda, ,” I appreciatively stated.

And I’m more than happy to help! So, focus all your energy now, my dear, Frieda’s shaky voice obligingly returned, and recite the words of an old, departed friend of mine—Memories of the past, Memories stored, Memories of murder, Memories restore!

I did as Frieda asked, centering my energy, and reciting the words. Slowly, hidden, forgotten events from the past started flooding my mind...Miranda, her partnership formed with Roman, the battle at Mystic Fire—and THE POWER OF THREE!! TATIANA! The person who dealt the deadly blow to my mother wasn’t Julien—it was JACE’S MOTHER! Callisto—I had inflicted such beautiful torture and I didn’t even know it! But somehow, the secret had been found out—Tatiana was back home—SHE WAS ALIVE AND AT CRESCENT MOON!  

“Miranda’s plan WORKED! She—She erased the memories of The Power of Three and took them away for good from Crescent Moon!” I exclaimed, adding with satisfaction, “And even though my memories were erased as well—I helped replace Tatiana with Callisto in all of their minds!”

Yes, you did! And beautifully so, my dear! Frieda proudly boasted, Your mother would have been so proud of you!

“But how did you know? How did you return my memories?” I vehemently asked.

Miranda used to visit me often here. We decided it was best to have a backup plan should a certain possible scenario play out, Frieda explained, While he tried, Roman was too arrogant for his own good— setting himself up for failure. Never trusted the man. Miranda knew the risk and was willing to pay the price—and she did, but not by Sarika—Tatiana delivered her to death’s door. That was the reason Miranda didn’t want you to join her that day—so if needed, you would complete the plan for the Power of Three, especially ripping apart Tatiana’s life.

A harshness filled her voice as Frieda continued, They needed to be removed from Crescent Moon—fighting alongside wolves! Tatiana mating and giving birth to that disgusting hybrid, Jace, mixing our blood with theirs! Fortunately, thanks Miranda’s spell, Tatiana’s penchant for foolishly hiding—denying her destiny for greatness—forced them back into exile. She is a disgrace to all of sorcery! But unfortunately, Raven appears to be much like her mother, restoring the Crescent Moon memories of the Power of Three and bringing them back out of hiding.

“While keeping their true identities, their dirty little secret,” I furiously reasoned, “Do they know I’m alive?”

Unfortunately they do, thanks to that nasty little fairy’s trickery! Frieda infuriatingly exclaimed, and she killed poor Prue in the process! Without any strikes made against her!

“Another witch dead at her hands,” I seethed, immediately asking, “I take it since Miranda visited you—Tatiana has managed to make it impossible to free you?”

She has, Frieda devastatingly confirmed, unless you can succeed. If you can kill Tati, I will be free. Once she is dead, the magic in the shackles she has placed me in will weaken. Cackling, she added, The one thing Roman did was humor me...Loa spent all those years in shackles Miranda created because her powers weren’t strong enough to break free even coming from such a prominent family—she was never worthy of being the Firebird Phoenix and paid dearly for it! I, however, can free myself...if Tatiana is DEAD! 

“It sounds like you have a plan, Frieda,” I grinned, “Do tell!”

 What would you say if I told you that the Power of Three can't utilize their powers here? Perhaps it is time for the Forest of The Vines to be brought back to LIFE!

**********

HORACIO

For the first time in I don’t know how many years, I was able to fall into a sound, peaceful sleep—all it took was having my Fairy Queen in my arms. Tati’s stunningly beautiful petite naked body pressed tightly against my side, her tiny shapely leg intertwined with mine, her soft arm draped up on my chest, and her head resting gently on my shoulder, strands of sparkling curls sprawled out against my skin...I was the one who felt like he was in a dream...

I still woke up before dawn, as I always did, but this time, I was in ecstasy instead of in solitude. Tati was still sleeping soundly. Lightly grazing my fingers up and down her silky arms, I reflected on the perfection of my night with her—a night, I reluctantly admit, I had daydreamed about many times...

I glanced over at the fairy mark gifted to me by the woman I loved so desperately—bringing forth the smile I could freely reveal now, but would need to hide later so no questions would be asked. I loved my tattoo, I loved that Tati referred to it as her mark—and it gave me a bit of peace to know...I could always find her.

There were many rounds in our lovemaking—a fact that was going to make it difficult to not have this bright smile on my face all day—a sight that would allow everyone to know something had drastically changed in my life and while it was for the good, I didn’t know if I was ready to fully disclose it all just yet...

Tati began to stir slightly beside me, leading me to reach over with my finger to play with one of her sexy platinum curls as I whispered, “Good morning, my Fairy Queen!”

“Mmmmmm,” she happily hummed out, lifting her head slightly as a wide grin crossed her face, murmuring, “Good morning, handsome! I would have thought you would still be asleep after our wicked and pleasure-filled evening!”

Looking down to see her forehead had thankfully healed dramatically, I kissed it before lifting my head slightly to inspect the bruises on her neck, “How are you feeling this morning? Headache?”

“A bit, but not bad,” she softly stated, “Seems you are good medicine for me.” Pressing harder against me as she snuggled tighter into my side, she pleasingly sighed, “And so very warm. I think I will keep you, my love!”

“Don’t have a choice, you're stuck with me now,” I chuckled out before reluctantly stating, “But I am wondering—do you think we could keep this private for a bit? You and me?”

I was relieved she didn’t appear angry as Tati sat up, chiding me in mocking offense, “Are you embarrassed by me already? It’s because I’m an older woman, isn’t it? You said it yourself—you’ll look older than me soon enough! I won’t lie, that was a very pleasing admission to hear about you and me!”

Propping myself on my elbow, I amusingly snapped back, “As I’ve already gotten you in bed, I can be honest now—that was a lie—and before you go singeing my hair with your green stream of mean, I’m talking about me, not you! You still look beautifully youthful—is that a potion you use or is it genetics? I’m asking for a friend.”

Lightly smacking me on the arm, Tati laughed before sincerely asking, “In all seriousness, tell me why, Horacio. We can compare notes, see if we truly are connected and on the same page, as I have wondered about the same thing.”

Relief flowed through me as I surprisingly asked, “You have?”

“Mmmmmm,” she hummed out, pushing herself up to rest her back against the headboard, looking down at me, “I have. We all have quite a bit on our plate with this Amelia business and bringing Mattias and Guntur home. I feel it best to keep everyone’s concentration on that with no distractions—and I get the feeling you and I may pose a distraction to several. What are your reasons?”

Taking her hand in mine, I reluctantly confessed—shamelessly, “Not surprisingly, yours are more noble ones, while mine are a bit more—selfish. I’ve waited so long to feel this way, Tati—to be with you—I just want to be able to enjoy it for a while, privately. I told you, I’ve always liked a small circle. Not that I’m complaining, mind you, but with you, because you’re so damn lovable—I’m going to be expanding it a lot! That is going to be an adjustment for me. And I’m not sure everyone is going to agree with our choice. I don’t want anything to put a damper on my happiness now that I finally have it, at least not yet—selfish, I know, but true. Hopefully your influence on me will provide more noble reasons for any future actions, but for now—I just want to stay in this magical little bubble—with you.”

Lowering her arms, Tati laid them on my chest, her chin coming to rest on top of her hands as her body laid out sideways on the bed while I placed my arm across the small of her bare back as she affectionately smiled, “That’s rather sweet—especially the magical little bubble part, though some of it does sound a bit selfish—but all-in-all, I’m leaning towards sweet and will agree—for now us stays between us—well, and my sisters more than likely...I get the feeling they gave a slight push in all this.” 

Relishing in the feel of her soft skin beneath my fingertips, I began aimlessly trailing them up and down her back slowly as I grinned in response, “My lips are sealed.” But as I thought about it more, my smile faltered as a thought hit me, leading me to slowly breathe out, “There is one more person I think we should tell.”

“One person?” Tati curiously questioned, “Who might that be?”

*********

I chuckled slightly as Tati nervously stood by her couch, her expression looking like one of a guilty child as the soft knock came at the door. Placing my hand on the doorknob, I peered back over at her with a humored grin, her brow lifting in response as she weakly linked, Are we sure about this? I can zap you back to your room—he’ll never know you were here.

Out of everyone, I confidently replied, I don’t want you keeping any secrets from him. Besides, I get the feeling he won’t be overly surprised—I’m not sure about pleased, but there is only one way to find out.

Opening the door wide, I ushered him in, grinning, “Good early morning, Jace. Come on in.”

“Horacio,” Jace hesitantly greeted me, walking in, and turning as I shut the door, his eyes squinting as he scanned me up and down, “You’re visiting Mother incredibly early this morning—answering her door—in the same clothes as yesterday.”

Chuckling under my breath, I muttered out, “A trait you get from your mother—you notice every detail.”

I saw his jaw lock, opening his mouth to say something else, but then we both heard Tati let out a loud gasp, our attention immediately diverting to her. No longer with a child-like expression on her face—Tati stood before us in a wide-eyed astounded daze as I called out to her in a panic, “TATI?”

Jace and I both rushed over to her, standing on either side, guiding her towards the couch as Jace anxiously questioned, “Mother? Talk to us! Is everything alright?”

“Yes,” Tati breathlessly whispered out, “This was the right—decision. Keeping this a secret—and telling you, Jace—this is what needs to be done, but there is one more who needs to be present—so we can all work together when the time is right.”