Losing The Light Of The Moon

Displaying The Beauty Of Love, Part I

Chapter 53: Displaying The Beauty Of Love, Part I

HORACIO

While I appreciated Tati’s loving and tender attentiveness towards me as she continued to feel guilty about the fear inflicted on me today, I was ready to put it behind us—honestly, it was breaking my heart at how pained she was by it all.

Tati fulfilled Jace’s wish—she gifted him a tattoo with the same powers as mine. She fulfilled my wish as well—while it was still a fairy, it was different than the one I would cherish forever. Jace’s fairy contained the same darkly shaded coloring as mine and had a red and blue butterfly. However, his was a full-winged, curly-haired fairy facing the front, her left leg crooked back slightly at the knee like she was gracefully sailing in the air, the large swallowtail wings beautifully shadowed exactly like mine with her right arm extended out to the side, her smiling face turned sideways, gazing at the butterfly sitting on her palm. It was exquisite, but I still loved mine more—it was the original.

I requested that she and I remain at the cottage alone for a bit longer, which Tati graciously agreed to, sending Jace back home after we went through the house, picking out and sending some of her things back home to Crescent Moon.

Walking along the walls of books in the living room, I laughed out softly, “You can’t even tell Mahan, Alastor, and Jace have each taken a box full of books from your collection. I can’t believe you’ve read everything here.”

“My mind never rests, you know that,” Tati jokingly grinned, throwing her arms around my waist as I draped my arm over her shoulder, “and I thrive on knowledge, as well as an escape from the real world for a while. I may have to forget to tell Alastor and Jace when Mahan returns the ones he’s borrowed—there could be another battle over claiming rights with the newly further bonded cousins.”

“I’m glad you sent some things back home, especially all your paintings,” I earnestly stated, pulling her tighter to my side, “I wouldn’t mind a couple for our room at Spirit Walker. I have plenty of space for a few furniture pieces too—or you can redecorate the whole room if you want. Make it warm and cozy like you have here, instead of my current bachelor décor.”

Tati beamed, eagerly replying, “I like the sound of that. We can choose some things from here before we go. Maybe we can pick some new things out together once things settle down. Spend the bounty money The Council just transferred to me on making our room at our Spirit Walker home truly ours.”

“We've never talked about finances,” I humorously replied, “You are quite fortunate in that aspect. As I have never really had any expenses living in the main house and rarely take time off to travel or feel a need to buy much, I have done quite well, my Fairy Queen. You’ve snagged a rather wealthy man as your life partner who will spoil you with whatever your heart desires. Just leave a little—I should still probably bequeath some sort of inheritance to my beloved adopted nephews.”

“Actually, as it turns out, we have both done well,” Tati mused, “I’m rather good with finances—between the inheritance from my parents, the money Soloman had The Council put in a trust for me after dismantling The Chosen, and the work I've done over the years, I’m quite wealthy as well—so, your beloved nephews' inheritance should remain safe. I do like that neither of us put on airs about it. Another thing we have in common.”   

Turning to look around the room again, I softly informed her, “I would like to make this a getaway cottage for us to escape to when we can. I like it here, plus I love the idea of being out in the middle of nowhere with you with no one to disturb us.”

Tati squeezed my side, happily sighing out, “Then that is what we will do. Make it our getaway cottage.” Tilting her head up, Tati placed her chin on my ribs, worriedly asking, “You have forgiven me for today, haven’t you, Horacio? I still feel an immense amount of guilt for how I made you feel.”

Lifting her up into my arms, I brought my face down to within inches of Tati’s stunning ivory round face, her silky shiny curls lightly bouncing around in response, devoutly informing her, “Yes, I have forgiven you, so stop worrying, alright? My heart is also home to you forever, Tati. Don’t ever think otherwise or be afraid to always reside there. I want you to always come home—to me.”

“I think that may be my favorite home,” Tati amorously replied, “It, too, is so warm and cozy. If you would like, I can show you exactly how much I love it there before we go back to Crescent Moon. Care to take another look around my room?”

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

JACE

Walking into our room at the main house, I was greeted by Goddess, who immediately had me explain everything that happened with Mother. She was angered at the threat made by Lorenzo and curtly informed me that while she somewhat understood, I should have trusted Mother wouldn’t leave in such a way. She also asked if she could go visit the cottage with me soon to pay her respects to my grandparents and see where Mother lived for so many years. 

Helping me unbox my new treasured books Mother gave me from her collection, Goddess excitedly said, “I can’t wait to see Auntie’s paintings. They sound beautiful!”

“They are incredible, Goddess. She is truly extraordinarily talented. I’m going to make sure she picks it back up again,” I admiringly replied, “Mother said we can pick out whatever we want for our room here and the house on the lake. There are several I really like, but I will let you look first before telling you which ones they are.”

“Books and paintings,” Goddess laughed out, “You have received some very nice gifts from your Mother today. You must be on cloud nine.”

Glancing sideways at her, I hesitantly replied, “I actually received another gift. One I hope you mind as you have always admired my other one.”

“Other one?” Goddess curiously giggled out, “What do we have two of now?”

Lifting my sleeve up, I showed Goddess my new fairy tattoo, explaining the powers held within it. Fortunately, she was completely in love with it from the moment she saw it...

“It almost makes me want one,” she grinned, running her fingers all along the large swallowtail wings, “I love that there is only color on the butterfly. And the fairy represents your mother so beautifully. It’s official—I’m jealous, but at least I will get to admire it always.”

“Mother worried you would be a little jealous that she and Raven are represented by tattoos now,” I affectionately told her, “So, she has offered to gift me another one—one that represents you. I have found I’m rather partial to them and would love to have another mark on my body that is dedicated to you. One that will reside on my chest—right over my heart.”

Goddess beamed at me, tenderly replying, “I am incredibly partial to them, so I would love that too! We will come up with the design together! I may have to live in a white shirt after that so I can admire all of your tattoos as much as I want!”

**********

TATIANA

I was still overwhelmed at the number of my canvases that were now displayed all over a spare room in Aruna’s wing. Horacio and Aruna were helping me spread them all out, as I had decided to gift several this evening at an impromptu dinner party Aruna suggested we have. However, beforehand, I wanted to show some of my private work to my Spirit Walker family, sending Horacio to get them while Aruna and I finished up.

“Thank you for trusting me and standing up for me today, Aruna,” I adoringly told her, tapping my finger on my lips as I held up one of my colorful flower paintings, contemplating whether to add it to the offerings, “Horacio said you were quite adamant that I wouldn’t lie to you, which I hope you know will always be true.”

“I know that, Tati,” Aruna pleasantly replied, admiring the painting of the brook and wildflowers she had been drawn to at the cottage, “Although I got nervous when we couldn’t find you at first, deep in my heart I knew you wouldn’t do such a thing, just as I know—and I hope you know as well—that you and I can always confide anything and everything to one another—always kept privately between us.”

Setting the painting down in my keep pile, I walked over to Aruna, placing my arm around her shoulders as I softly whispered in her ear, “I haven’t fooled you at all, have I, Aruna? I expected as much—it was only a matter of time, wasn’t it?”

“I’m not blind, Tati, and have known you longer than most. Plus, we are living in the same wing,” Aruna quietly admitted, “It makes me incredibly happy—you and Horacio—because I see the happiness it has brought both of you. Though I am curious about all this secrecy around it. I’m guessing it’s due to a vision?”

“It is,” I stoically confirmed, “But I know you will keep our secret safe.” Pausing slightly, I smiled as I looked back down at the painting, “I brought this especially for you, Aruna. It’s yours as well as anything else you wish from the room. You get first pick.”

Aruna turned her head, her mouth slightly open in surprise, exclaiming in astonishment, “Oh, Tati, I—I couldn’t! I know how much you love this painting! You should keep it so you can always have the things you love so much from your cottage close to you!”

“I was always inspired there, so I have several,” I lovingly replied, “I’ve already put mine in my room and I have another very similar to this that I plan to gift to Nicholas later as he seemed to love it as well. He asked if I would come by his and Madeline’s treehouse a bit later.”

Her sparkling blue eyes were gleaming as Aruna brought her hand up to the side of my cheek, pressing it against hers, tenderly stating, “I will treasure it always, Tati. I know exactly where it will go in my room. A daily reminder of the beauty you bring to our world. Thank you.”

“I hope we too get to choose our choices of treasures before the children snatch them up,” Priscilla kindly called out from the doorway as she and the rest of my beloved Spirit Walkers entered, “Is that why you had Horacio bring us?”

“That is part of the reason I brought you here,” I warmly greeted, making my way over and hugging Vivian first, “I know Alastor told you the reason he had to leave Crescent Moon this morning, Vivian. I hope I didn’t distress you too much.”

“I won’t lie—I was beside myself until I heard you were found, Auntie,” Vivian sweetly returned, “Madeline and I both were. We did keep the others from knowing what was going on, explaining that you had gone to the cottage to retrieve some things. Both of us are just grateful that you are alright and home. And from what I hear, an official aunt to my elated Alastor. I’ll have my hands quite full with that knowledge bestowed upon him. He enjoys bragging a bit—more than a bit, truthfully. I may need your assistance to reel him in from boasting that he is your only nephew by relation.”

Alastor humorously defended, “I’m very proud of my aunt, thank you. I have every right to boast as much as I want.”

Vivian rolled her eyes as I giggled in response. After closing the door, Horacio came to stand beside me, taking my hand in his as we walked over to a stack of paintings towards the back that were covered with a heavy cloth to conceal them. I looked up at my handsome Beta, who grinned and nodded at me affectionately in return.

“Vivian, what I am about to say stays here for now—just between us, ” I kindly began, “I am attempting to keep this very low key due to a vision I’ve had, but Horacio and I have decided not to have Alastor, Nicholas, and Jace keep secrets from you, Madeline, and Constance.”

“Thank you for this, Auntie,” Alastor sighed out in relief, “I don’t like keeping anything from my little beauty. I was actually going to discuss Vivvy’s knowledge regarding you two this evening.”

“I see you have confided in Aruna as well,” Horacio chuckled, looking over at my dearest friend, who grinned and winked at him, “I’m guessing she figured it out like you anticipated?” Nodding at him, I murmured, “The circle widens. We really do need to stop at this point, however.”

Vivian gawked at us incredulously, “Wait—you two?  I mean I know you and Horacio have grown close, but—you two are—you’re—”

We had obviously rendered her unable to speak coherently and I could tell from her continued dazed look that Vivian was still trying to wrap her head around our news, and I had no doubt that I would see that same expression on two more of my Mystic Fire girls I loved and adored more than anything in this world today—very soon, in fact...

***********

JILLIE

Before we headed down to take the dinner trays to Mattias and Guntur with Mrs. Dottie, Arturo had me come to his room. A sense of dread consumed me—a heartbreaking feeling as I had been so happy just moments before, knowing I was finally going to see my beloved mate. 

Arturo had pressed me about my visit to Mattias in his absence. Fearing Amelia may see it, I told him of the kiss Mattias gave me, telling him that it was short and sweet and nothing to worry about. While initially he wasn’t pleased, in the end, he had decided that it was something to work with now...

“Keep it simple like before, but allow it to happen again,” Arturo reluctantly urged, “Give him something else to miss.  If there is more information to be had, it will make him desperate, which will work to our advantage.”

His grip around me was so tight I almost couldn’t breathe as he leaned down to passionately kiss me on the lips before smugly grinning, “At least you can come back to this—to me. No one will ever satisfy you like I can, Jillian. Ever!”

I felt sick inside, but managed to remain calm on the outside, softly telling him a truth within my lie, “Even Mattias admits he has no experience with women.”

“Stupid kid,” Arturo deeply chuckled out, “That is the one thing you should never say to a woman, much less your mate! Especially when she is as beautiful as you, Jillian. Lucky for you, I have plenty of experience and you are mine!”

*********

MATTIAS

FINALLY! JILLIE!  I heard the footsteps coming down the stairs, bracing myself for more torture, thrilled when I saw her walking behind Mrs. Dottie. While she was blocked slightly by Mrs. Dottie’s larger frame, Jillie walked slightly to the side, smiling brightly at me. 

As Mrs. Dottie arrived at Guntur’s cell and slid the tray through the access door, Arturo’s voice bellowed out, echoing all along the hallway, “Mrs. Dottie, we need you in the kitchen now! Dinner for our men shouldn’t go cold because you're feeding them!”

“A cook’s work is never done,” Mrs. Dottie nervously blew out, “Don’t stay long, Jillie. He seems to be in a mood today.”

"In a mood?” I worriedly whispered as Jillie slid my tray into the cell, anxiously reaching my hands out through the metal bars, waiting for her to stand back up, “You okay? Arturo hasn’t been taking it out on you, has he?”

Righting herself, Jillie brought her hands up, intertwining her fingers with mine, shaking her head slowly side to side, glancing sideways as a warning, I guessed, softly replying, “I’m okay. Nothing I can’t handle.”

“I missed you today,” I affectionately whispered, “I’m afraid I’ve been driving Guntur nuts.”

“He has,” Guntur irritatingly muttered under his breath, “You bring out the mushy side, Jillie. Glad you’re here to give me a break from it for a few minutes.”

“You have a mushy side, huh?” Jillie quietly laughed, sending my heart soaring from the sound, “Wish I could stay longer—I wouldn’t mind giving Guntur a longer break to hear it for myself.”

Rubbing her hand with my thumb, I emphatically whispered, “I love you, Jillie. You’ll always be my first and last thought every day. All the ones in between too.”

“Great, now he’s corny too,” Guntur chuckled out, “You’re a bad influence, Jillie.”

“I will have to disagree with you, Guntur,” Jillie murmured through her beautiful grin, stepping closer to me, “I rather like hearing that—in fact, it was quite—charming.”

Leaning forward, Jillie pressed her soft lips against mine, kissing me tenderly on the mouth as I released her hands to wrap mine around her waist. She quickly deepened our connection, opening her mouth slightly to run her tongue across my lips, my reaction immediate as I returned her affection. I’ve never felt more alive in my life—or motivated to figure out how to escape this cell and get back home—take Jillie home—her forever home—with me.

“Jillie!” Arturo shouted, his loud footsteps signaling he was quickly coming down the stairs, “What’s taking so long?”

Breaking away from my hold, Jillie covered her mouth as her cheeks turned slightly crimson, mouthing out, “I love you” before running towards the entryway—towards Arturo, whose expression was infuriated as he met her at the bottom of the stairs, glaring at us before grabbing her by the arm. It was then that I saw her expression shift slightly—a momentary falter into shock before quickly covering—and then I heard the words that sent cold chills down my spine as she exhaled out heavily, “Hello, Amelia.”

I heard Guntur slowly pushing himself off his cot—felt him come up to stand beside me with only the barrier of bars between us. Both of us on alert and in protective mode for Jillie—a useless effort as we were confined to our tiny spaces with no way out, rendering us completely and utterly helpless—but our instincts had kicked in as I continued to intently watch the potential dangerous situation unfolding, fighting everything in me—especially my frantic wolf—to remain calm and unwavering in my stoic stare. 

Amelia came into view then, looking at Jillie before her eyes drifted over to Guntur, then me. Staring at me in deep contemplation for a long moment, Amelia scrutinized every inch of my body—a tight grin crossing her face as she knowingly drawled out, “So, Mattias—you and Jillian are mates, are you?”

I sucked in a sharp breath—my mind a flurry of thoughts—was this part of their plan? Another form of torture? Amelia had put a spell on me to make me think I was Jillian’s mate. I quickly attempted to tear apart that one sentence word for word—she emphasized mates, not are—maybe my hope was true...maybe this was one of their torture tactics...

I could take torture—I could take anything they threw at me if it meant Jillie would stay safe and out of harms way. Please let me be right—PLEASE!

And then I remembered—Jillie’s note. If Amelia or Arturo decided to come down here, I needed to make sure the note from Jillie wasn’t discovered—but how was I going to do it? If we hadn’t been discovered already—how was I going to make sure my Jillie wasn’t discovered now?