Losing The Light Of The Moon

The Beauty Of Love And Destiny...

Chapter 47:  The Beauty of Love and Destiny...

TATIANA

Sitting with Horacio on the couch, I wasn’t as surprised as he thought I would be—I had a feeling Lorenzo and Priscilla knowing him so well may lead to suspicion of our secret but was grateful they agreed to keep it quiet for now. 

Leaning down to look deep into my eyes, Horacio sarcastically told me, “Even they are more loyal to you than me! My well-being was threatened! If you turn Umar, Celestia, and the boys, you will completely defeat me, you wicked little fairy!”

“Ohhh, I sense a challenge!” I animatedly teased, rubbing my hands together, “Let the wickedness and planning begin! Though maybe I will show you mercy—allow you to keep Umar.”

“Willing to show me mercy, huh?” Horacio murmured through his humored grin, “You live for a challenge and like me, strive for complete domination in every battle. Maybe you do love me.”

We were torn from our moment by a knock at my door, leading Horacio to sigh in frustration, pulling away from me as I stood up. Patting him soothingly on the leg, I answered the door to find a beaming Carson and Charlotte on the other side, asking if they could have a moment. 

I didn’t even have to explain Horacio’s presence--my two little love birds were oblivious to anything else around them, their excitement infectious as Charlotte showed me her beautiful ring as Carson announced they were engaged. I was touched soon after, as Carson also informed me that the proposal happened at my bench...

“Well, congratulations, you two,” Horacio cordially stated, standing up to walk over, shaking Carson’s hand, “You are a lucky man indeed for your beautiful mate and now fiancé, Carson.”

“I know,” Carson modestly exhaled out, “Trust me.”

Taking my hands in hers, Charlotte sweetly stated, “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy, Auntie!”

I couldn’t hide the joy I felt inside, “Oh, my dear Charlotte, that makes me so very happy in return!”

“So, you won’t mind if I find myself at your bench often?” Charlotte shyly asked, “I’m a bit of a hopeless romantic.”

“As am I, so of course not!” I adoringly returned, “I am willing to share, always! It warms my heart to know there are already special memories that are held there!”

“Thanks, Auntie—for that and everything,” Carson earnestly replied, walking up to hug me tightly, “I really appreciate your help.”

“It was perfect, just as you hoped,” I affectionately said, cupping his face in my hand as I kissed him on the cheek, which he immediately returned, leading me to wink at him afterwards, “and as I knew it would be!”

Flashing me his cute toothy grin, Carson charmingly replied, “Love you, Auntie! Lottie and I heard about the deal you made earlier—we’re holding you to it too.”

“What deal?” Horacio curiously asked, looking between us.

“Auntie is never allowed to leave us on this earth without her!” Charlotte affectionately said, leaning down to kiss my cheek, “Speaking of that deal, we should probably find Luna so I can thank her as well. It means a lot to me that this ring was hers. I feel incredibly fortunate to have both of you in our lives!”

Walking back towards the door with them, I warmly urged, “Of course! You two enjoy every beautiful moment as you share the news! Imprint it all on your minds to hold onto forever, hmmmm?”

Opening the door, Charlotte sweetly kissed me on the cheek again, exiting into the hallway as I called out to her, “If you will, give me just a moment with Carson. I’ll send him right out, I promise!”

Carson was confused as I closed the door slightly, extending out a small pocket-sized bound book I had brought forth behind my back, grinning as I handed it to him, “My congratulatory gift to you, my dear Carson. Only the best Auntie-approved quotes! One of my favorites is in the front. I hope you keep the words close to your heart, just as I keep you close to my heart, always!”

“You’re the best, Auntie!” Carson lovingly exclaimed, hugging me tight, “And I will—promise!”  Quickly putting the book in his back pocket, he darted out the door.

Shutting the door behind him, I turned towards Horacio, who was making his way towards me with an enamored look of his own, “You are a hopeless romantic, aren’t you? Thinking I may need a copy of one of those pocket Auntie-ism books if it’s filled with romantic love quotes.”

Folding my arms in front of me, I mockingly scoffed, “If you’re already out of romance, we may need to call this whole thing off!”

Lifting me up into his arms, Horacio smiled down at me before kissing me on the nose, tenderly stating afterwards, “I’m wanting it more because it’s filled with your favorite love quotes—the ones that mean the most to you—the ones that make your heart happy. And by the way, I’m holding you to that deal as well, beautiful. You are never allowed to leave me on this earth without you.”

I grinned ear to ear, softly replying, “That was incredibly romantic.”

“You are the only one who could make me say something like that,” Horacio warmly returned, “You are completely ruining me, Fairy Queen—but amazingly, I’ve never been happier admitting defeat.”

Before I could reply, another knock came at the door. Horacio rolled his eyes in frustration as I humorously muttered under my breath, “I was expecting this much-needed visit, love. Someone who needs both of us right now.”

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

“You can call me Auntie if you would like. Tatiana sounds so formal coming from you,” I pleasantly told Caelus, handing him a mug of hot chocolate while placing a tray of cookies on the table, “It’s been a while since I’ve had hot chocolate. I’m looking forward to it and visiting with you a bit.”

“I would really like calling you Auntie, thank you,” Caelus sweetly returned before taking a sip from his cup and grinning, “Please don’t tell my mom, but this is best hot chocolate ever!”

I laughed at his response as I watched the handsome young man and Horacio excitedly dive into the cookies. It was amazing how much Caelus not only looked like his father but had his mannerisms too. I saw so many great things in his future—but I also saw something that concerned me...

“So, how are you doing, Caelus?” I kindly inquired, “I know this isn’t easy for you. You and Guntur are incredibly close.”

Caelus attempted to cover his anxiousness and rage, relaying unconvincingly in a hardened tone, “I’m okay. I appreciate you inviting me to visit for a bit and having Unc here. It’s been hard watching mom, you know? I’m very—protective—over my family. That’s why I want to help in the rescue mission.”

“I understand your reasons, Caelus,” Horacio gently advised, “But you have to understand ours in not allowing it. You’re—”

“Too young—not ready,” Caelus irritatingly interrupted, “Yeah, I know.  But I’m stronger than all of you think! I’ve been working really hard and excelling quicker than Guntur did—quicker than dad even!” His expression falling into a devastated scowl, he added, “I’ve done it so I can be a good warrior and protect my family and my pack, but I guess it’s just not enough.”

It wasn’t hard to see his mind was at work, leading me to voice the reason I asked for our visit, knowingly stating, “I’ve seen the outcome, Caelus. Please don’t proceed. It will break your entire family’s hearts.”

“Proceed with what?” Horacio harshly questioned, his eyes pensive as he gazed at the young warrior, “Caelus? Explain!”

But Caelus’ eyes were on me, the hard, intense expression gone as he intently wondered out loud, “Y—You saw it? Me joining the fight? In your visions?”  Horacio opened his mouth to speak, but I slowly held up my hand, silently requesting that he give me a moment.

“Your brother made a huge mistake entering the Forest of The Vines and was dealt a hard blow by fate for that decision,” I calmly stated, “If you attempt to sneak in and join the battle, you will also be dealt a hard blow for your decision—a potentially fatal blow and that would desperately break so many hearts, mine included—but especially your mother’s. For her—for all of us—be patient and let us bring Guntur home—safely.”

I was both surprised and proud when Horacio took in a long, deep breath, exhaling it out slowly, calming himself before ardently urging, “Listen to her Caelus and listen to me—your heart, as always, is in the right place. And I understand why it is so important to you to be there, but it is not your time to fight, not yet. You have excelled beyond everyone’s expectations, including mine, but you are just starting out in warrior training and this kind of fight requires experience, not just strength.”

Sitting forward, Horacio placed his elbows on his knees, wringing his fisted fingers as he wholeheartedly continued, “It would completely devastate everyone to lose you—including me, as I have lost enough people I love well before their time. We are all lucky Tati has seen your plan and the outcome. Promise me you won’t go through with this plan of yours. I don’t want to worry your parents any more than they already are by revealing what I know now. I trust you to do the right thing. Give me your word that you will.”

Caelus sat silent for a moment, a dejected look on his face before quietly replying, “I won’t go there, I promise. I’ll be patient and trust that you will bring Guntur home.”  

His eyes glazing over, Caelus then rambled out in broken despair, “H-have you seen him, Auntie? G-Guntur? There—there was so much blood—we’re all worried about his injuries—h-he’s going to be okay? I mean—you still see Guntur as Beta, right? It—It means everything to him. I don’t mean to sound weak—I want to stay strong for him—for me—for my family. But I can’t stand the thought of my brother being devastated—robbed of his destiny.”

“You don’t sound weak at all, Caelus,” I affectionately replied, “You, my darling, are a protector—it’s ingrained in you so deeply, much like your father—a trait that I love and admire greatly about you both.  And I will be truthful with you, I have not seen Guntur’s current state and there are still many changes that can happen to affect the outcome of our rescue efforts, but I feel most assured that all will be well in the end and Guntur will indeed fulfill his destiny as Beta.”

Taking his hands in mine, I emphatically continued, “Now, let me tell you what else I have seen. I have seen you, Caelus. My darling, you have a destiny for greatness as well, but you don’t seem to envision that for yourself. While striving to be the best warrior that you can be, you aren’t realizing what you can do with that talent. You have decided to relegate yourself to just being a good warrior in the army—nothing else—feeling that it is Guntur’s destiny to shine as the eldest son. Your heart is so full of love for your family, you are sacrificing your own dreams—which is admirable—but stifling the immense gift you carry inside that can and should shine just as bright!”

“But it is his destiny. Mattias and Guntur are the future leaders—Alpha and Beta—of the Howling Winds.  Their close connection is undeniable and important for our future,” Caelus wholeheartedly argued, “I’ve always accepted that. Tried to keep their stupid butts from continuing their crazy antics for that—failing miserably, obviously, but I tried. The other high ranks are already planned as well. Legacies fulfilled.”

“Ever occur to you that they may all need you to continue to keep their butts in line?” Horacio earnestly asked him, “Leadership isn’t just a title or legacy, Caelus. I had no legacy—I became Beta by working hard and striving for leadership, earning respect for my character, strength, dedication, and loyalty. You have all that inside you—you have your father inside you—I’ve seen it—and that carries more influence than a title ever could. You will be sought out for the respect you are given who you are, your integrity, and your drive—a leader in every way that matters. I’ve known you your whole life, Caelus—you are anything but just a warrior.”

“Which is why you will also be sought out for the integrated army,” I proudly told him, “You have already caught my Jace’s eye—so you may have to work on balance, my darling, because in the end, you will be sought out by many...which is why I have a gift for you.”

“You have a gift—for me?” Caelus incredulously asked.

Opening a drawer in the center of the table, I pulled out a small box, handing it to him as I tenderly said, “I realize I have probably overwhelmed you with information, but hopefully you will think about all that you know now and remember it with this.”

Caelus slowly opened the box, revealing a leather cuff like his brother’s, but one I created just for him. While it was the same light brown toned band, Caelus’ cuff had five thinner bands lined all along the wide bracelet, tied down with tiny leather straps—each of them engraved.

“I’m always one for little reminders of words and wisdom, I hope you don’t mind,” I sweetly grinned.

Caelus chuckled, reading out the first two, “Big dreams create the magic of greatness—A leader is someone who demonstrates what’s possible.” Continuing to gaze along it, he continued, “Decisions, not conditions, determine your destiny—Fear is a reaction, courage is a decision.” And lastly, as he looked at the small words across the long band on the bottom, Caelus slowly read out, “Believe and reach with all your heart to achieve your dreams.”

Slowly running his fingers all along the cuff, Caelus’ eyes softened, looking back at me with overwhelming appreciation as he admiringly breathed out, “Thank you, Auntie. This really means a lot to me.”  

Turning his wrist over, Caelus secured the cuff on his arm before turning it forward again, continuing to gaze down on it fondly, “I am grateful for your vision—the huge mistake I was about to make. You saved my life—saved me from myself. A reminder I will always wear on my wrist along with all your words of wisdom—inspirations for my dreams. I love my gift, but I love even more that I get to call you my Auntie now.”

***********

JACE

Stepping out of our bathroom in a pair of blue nylon shorts, holding the matching shirt in my hand following my shower, I looked up to find my Goddess laying across our window bed on her side, greeting me with her stunning pearly white smile. Propped up on her elbow, her head laying atop her hand, Goddess was wearing nothing but one of my white t-shirts that tantalizingly draped over her perfectly shaped frame, her long blonde curls draping down over her shoulders, illuminated by the light of the moon, as was the curve of her hips peeking out and long shapely legs that she sexily rubbed against one another. The shirt in my hand instantly dropping to the floor...

“Hello, handsome,” Goddess’ musical voice sang out, “Glad you got rid of the shirt already. Have I mentioned how much I love and adore you—especially when you’re almost naked?”

“Fortunately for me, you have—quite often,” I grinned, slowly walking towards her, “Just as I love and adore you for eternity, Goddess. And it must be said—as I say every time you wear one—no one wears my white t-shirts better than you.”

“Is that why you don’t wear them anymore?” Goddess playfully teased, her fingers toying with her curls.

“I want to make sure you always have them at your disposal,” I huskily replied, drawing closer to her, “Benefitting us both—which is why there is one available for you to wear every day of the week if you choose. Kept at the front of my side of the closet—easy access.”

“I know,” she emphatically cooed, “Up for a little worshipping with your Goddess this evening?”

Taking the last few steps to reach her, I lowered my body onto the bed, gently pushing her back onto the mattress, murmuring softly, “That, my dear Goddess, is never a question—any time of the day.”

Her slender arms wove around my neck as I passionately kissed her lip, our tongues slowly lacing together expressing the deep desire we held for one another as I brought my hand up to cup her perfectly rounded breast, lightly flicking her n****e. I broke our kiss, slowly moving my lips down her neck until I found my favorite mark on her gorgeous body—the one I placed on her—gently sucking on it as Goddess moaned out in pleasured bliss, her hands reacting in her fervor, hungrily running them down my back towards my torso.

“Talk to me Smooth Talker,” Constance rasped out her plea, “You know I love that too! And let me feel all of you against my body—nothing between us!”

“Your wish is always my command, Moon Goddess,” I hoarsely exhaled out against her skin, tearing off my shorts as I continued, “My favorite vision will always be your exquisite body lit perfectly by the light of the moon! Every inch of you perfect—every inch MINE!”

Arching her back as I released her from the confines of my shirt immediately after, my mouth devouring her exposed n****e, Goddess breathlessly claimed, “Forever, Jace! I’m yours—forever!”

“Words that I live for, Goddess,” I murmured out as I moved my lips towards her other breast, “and I will forever worship you—in every way possible.”  Running my tongue around her other n****e, I made sure her other breast did not go completely abandoned, kneading it while rubbing her hard nub between two of my fingers as her legs wrapped around my waist, pressing down on my lower body, begging for me to connect us as one. 

Never one to deny her, I slowly entered her, relishing in the feel of her tightening all around me, thrusting her hips up to take me whole, a low growl followed by a pleasurable groan exiting out, sending a burst of hot air across her breast that brought forth another glorious moan of ecstasy from my blonde beauty. 

Moving my way back up her chest with my lips, I pushed deeper inside her as Goddess moved along with me, slowly beginning to increase our rhythmic motion, exclaiming in my pleasure, “No one could ever make me feel like you do, Goddess! I will always cherish every moment like this with you!”

As I reached her ear, sucking on the sweet lobe, Goddess’ lips found my other favorite mark—her mark on my neck—sucking on it hard reflecting her overwhelming desire and need, causing me to reactively pound into her heavier—her intention by the seductive move—the heat of our bodies reaching a feverish level—the pitch of her glorious moan of ecstasy expelled arousing me to the point of no return. 

Her walls clamping hard around me as Goddess was reaching her climax, her breath grew heavier with every forceful lunge in and out of her I made until we filled the room with our pleasured sounds of connected rapture and love—our lips connecting again solidifying every ounce of intimate devotion to one another. Slowly releasing her from our kiss, I breathlessly whispered, “I will love, worship, and protect you forever, my love! My life is nonexistent without my Goddess by my side!”