Losing The Light Of The Moon

Plan Your Work And Work Your Plan

Chapter 21: Plan Your Work And Work Your Plan

JILLIAN

Standing in front of the stove, I listlessly stirred the pot of stew that Mrs. Dottie had started for lunch, my eyes staring out into nowhere as I contemplated how to protect both Mattias and myself from the truth of our connection. A thought had come to mind—it was all a matter of whether or not I could make it happen—and if it would actually work...

I jumped slightly as I felt strong arms wrapping around my waist from behind before Arturo’s deep voice whispered in my ear, “I hope that distant look means you are thinking about me as much as I have been thinking about you today.”

Swallowing hard to calm my anxiousness, I sweetly replied, “My thoughts are about you—and how I can help you with your guest. Work on proving there can be trust between us.”

“Interesting...tell me, what are those thoughts?” Arturo curiously murmured, his arms tightening their hold.

Forcing my voice to sound confident and calm, I quietly replied, “Well, I’m guessing you want to get information from your visitor.”

“Mmmmhmmm,” Arturo slowly murmured, “It would help if we could get more information from the young man, especially about the witches Nicholas has at his disposal now.”

Feigning uncertainty and relief, I breathed out, “So it is a young man, which means it could work.”

“What could work?” Arturo breathed out, nuzzling the side of my head.

While I was frantic inside, outside I managed to still maintain confidence, “Have Amelia make him think I’m his mate. I could act like I desperately want our connection and am working to help him escape. Trick him into giving you all the information you seek.”

Whirling me around, I went rigid for a moment—shocked by the sudden move—as Arturo’s lips crashed down on mine. I quickly recovered however, relaxing within his embrace, pretending to welcome the gesture. Breaking away from my lips, he deviously rasped out, “You are a true Blood Horizon, Jillian! That is BRILLIANT!”

The smile I responded with was genuine as I earnestly stated, “I thought you might get mad about my idea...you know, making him believe that I’m his mate.”

“Not at all,” Arturo grinned, “Let him think you’re his mate all he wants to while he sits in that cell.”  His hands gliding up my sides to rub along the outside of my breasts, he lustfully continued, “All the while, you will be in my arms and my bed, gorgeous! Plotting against him while he pines for you!”

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

TATIANA

We had just finished up our first Auntie’s army workout when Raven suddenly appeared beside me wanting to chat for a few moments before our scheduled training. My sisters had graciously come out to join me, helping me get everyone used to the feeling of incorporating my powers with their own strengths in their battle maneuvers. Horacio, of course, was used to it—chuckling under his breath and shaking his head as my young Crescent Moons would flash wide exhilarated child-like grins following every new move.  

Tink immediately grabbed hold of Horacio’s arm after practice, dragging him with her and Beast to discuss the finer details of their plans once Umar arrived. His eyes were kind as he gazed back at me, nodding with his usual outward tight grin of appreciation and acknowledgement as I smiled brightly back at him in return. I was still deeply touched by his story about looking up the meaning of my name—my smile widening even further as I thought about it now, knowing more than likely Horacio had a new nickname for me...

“Judging by your expression, I take it your practice went well,” Raven gleefully stated as Persephone and Reina walked up beside us.

Persephone’s voice was filled with a rejuvenated spirit as she greeted, “I forgot how these workouts are both energizing and exhausting! I’m not quite sure which one I’m feeling currently. Though I am glad that our Tati asked us to assist her in preparing for the demonstration.”

“You’ve done well in building your army, Sister!” Reina proudly boasted, “They have all taken so quickly to the addition of a little magic to impressive talents! Tink, especially, though I fear she won’t want to go to battle without at least one of us now! I can’t wait to see how they all flourish tomorrow, especially our four horsemen!”

“Yes, I heard you used your bewitching skills to bring them together, Auntie,” Raven impressively said, “That came as quite a surprise to many of us.” Looking at all three of us, she thoughtfully stated, “Are you three sure you want to work out with Talon and I now? Aunt Loa was unfortunately unable to attend today. If you are too tired after—”

Persephone quickly silenced Raven’s concerns, eagerly interrupting, “Nonsense, dear. We are looking forward to seeing the potential of your handsome warlock’s newly gifted powers.”

“Yes, we recover quite quickly, Raven,” I assured her, “especially when we combine our powers. It brings us back to life again in no time.”

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

After our second round of training ended with Raven and Talon, my sisters and I stood together in my favorite spot, looking out over the water and chatting for a moment before they headed back to their mates...

“If I’m truthful, the talent of this generation of Mystic Fires and Crescent Moons surpasses that of their predecessors that we were fortunate enough to work with and love,” Persephone thought out loud, “All of them are extraordinary and so very talented.”

“I agree, Sister,” Reina tenderly stated, “Though I do wish the others were still with us today. I miss our old friends and loved ones terribly. They would be so incredibly proud of their children.”

“Yes, I’m sure they would be,” I inaudibly breathed out.

Both of their heads instantly turned back towards me, their eyes filled with remorse and worry. “I’m so sorry, Tati,” Reina quickly backtracked, “We—We weren’t thinking, Sister. We should never have—”

Holding my hand up, I quietly interrupted, “No harm was done, Reina. I miss them—all of our loved ones—just as desperately as both of you.”

“It was nice to see that certain smile of yours earlier, Tati,” Persephone cautiously diverted the subject, “when Horacio was leaving. It was obvious from the look in both of your eyes that it had nothing to do with practice.”

“Mmmmm,” I hummed out, replaying our private conversation in my mind again, “I appreciate the kindness he has shown me and the friendship that continues to develop between us. I think we both do.”

“I think you both do as well,” Persephone lovingly replied, “Just as I think reconnecting with one another has been good for both of you.”

“Yes, take the truce for instance,” Reina delightedly chimed in, “That never would have happened if not for you, Sister. You are a very positive influence on him!”

Before I could stop myself from voicing my curious thought, I asked them, “Do either of you remember why I was named Tatiana?”

Persephone’s expression was perplexed as she repeated, “Why you were named Tatiana?”

Reina appeared unfazed as she affectionately answered, “I know Mother wanted our names to stand for goddesses and queens. Persephone for the goddess of spring, Mine, meaning queen, and yours for the queen of...” Her voice trailed off as she looked over at Persephone, obviously unable to remember. However, Persephone’s confused eyes were glued on me.

Her expression softening, I noticed her smile was quivering slightly as Persephone adoringly told me, “You were so tiny, Tati. All of us were afraid to pick you up—afraid we would drop or break you. You felt and looked like the tiniest, most beautiful doll in the world when I held you in my arms! Light as a feather! I think that is why Mother named you Tatiana—the fairy queen—because you were delicate and beautiful. I think it’s also because, inside and out...you have always gifted all those around you with the most powerful, heartfelt magic!”

“Thank you, Persephone,” I warmly smiled in return, realizing that the full truth was one more secret our mother and I shared, “Even now, I suppose part of me still feels I’m so different from both of you. You two have always been so much alike.”

“Not different—I’ve always preferred special,” Persephone purposefully breathed out, reaching out and pulling me into a tight embrace, fervently exclaiming, “You have been special, Tati, from the day you were born! We all saw it—we knew it instantly. While Reina and I may appear to be more alike, you, my beautiful littlest sister—you continue to show both of us that we should always strive to be more like you! Always!”

***********

JACE

Carrying a small basket in my hand with a blanket draped over the top, I was hoping to find my mother at our spot by the lake, thrilled when I discovered that was precisely where she was. I grew a bit concerned, however, as I saw she was standing alone, her expression appearing a bit downhearted and deep in thought while staring out over the water.

“Mother?” I gently called out, quickening my pace towards her.

Turning to face me, mother’s face instantly lit up, warming my heart in return as she excitedly replied, “Jace, my darling! What a lovely surprise!”  Looking down at the basket, she curiously asked, “What do you have there?”

Holding it up, I happily declared, “Lunch! Thought I would see if you might be interested in having a picnic by the lake. It’s been a bit hectic, and you’ve been so busy—not that I’m complaining too much, mind you—but I have missed our daily walks together, just you and I.”

“I have missed our time together as well, my love,” Mother sweetly replied, walking up and gently pulling my face down towards her to place a tender kiss on my cheek, “Which is why I think, since we both typically wake up before dawn, you and I should plan early morning coffee together if you would like. Start our day off with caffeine and a chat!”

“That sounds like the perfect plan!” I enthused before returning her show of affection, “And when you have some time during the week, a few lunch dates here at our spot!”

The hazel flecks in her eyes glittering in her excitement, Mother replied, “Wonderful!  I do love it when a perfect plan comes together!”

“It would appear so,” I chuckled, “Auntie’s army is creating quite a stir around here—and a bit of jealousy for some. Though I am personally very impressed with your choices. Well done, Mother.”

Flashing me a wide proud smile, she replied, “Thank you, Jace!”

“And from what I have now heard from a very humored Nicholas and Horacio,” I mockingly began in a warning tone as I spread the blanket on the ground, “My mother has found herself two admirers—Mattias and Guntur?”

Giggling, Mother modestly stated, “Completely harmless, but admittedly, quite comical. They were incredibly sweet young men. And believe me, my darling, at my age, it’s nice to be noticed in such a way every now and then. I hope Umar wasn’t too hard on them.”

“Believe me, I’ve seen it—you are noticed quite often,” I humorously retorted, “A bit unnerving for your son at times, much like it is when my Goddess is noticed for her exquisite beauty, but in light of the fact that you are both quite stunning, I try to think of it as I’m incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by such beauty.”

“While I hate that I cause you any distress,” Mother kindly replied, “I take that as a very flattering compliment, my darling.”

As we sat down and I began unpacking our lunch, I gingerly inquired, “So what were you thinking about when I arrived? Your expression looked a bit sad.”

“It truly wasn’t anything specific and nothing to worry about, Jace,” she lightly brushed off, “It’s been a very eventful day. Sometimes, if I am in deep concentration or reflection, my expression comes across that way. Now, let’s enjoy this beautiful lunch you have prepared for us!”

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

AMELIA

Sitting with my trio of trouble at the dining room table eating lunch, I listened as Arturo explained a plan that had come to mind—a plan that I knew from past experience, could work to our advantage quite well...

“The spell would be quite simple,” I calmly assured them, “I’ve utilized it many times. And Jillian is the same age as Mattias at eighteen. Honestly, it’s quite clever.”

“It could help us to get some much-needed information,” Lucious reasoned, “and Jillian is on board with this?”

“Yes,” Arturo smirked, “She’s ready to help us—especially me—in any way possible.”

“And you are okay with this?” Kristoff harshly questioned, “You have become quite possessive over the girl.”

“If it gets us closer to succeeding in any way, I’m on board as well,” Arturo resolutely declared, “Besides, its harmless. He’ll be in a cell, desperate for her, while she is with me, with no connection to him whatsoever.”

“Then its settled,” I wickedly grinned, “We have a plan—a solid one at that—Mattias will be both very informative and our perfect pawn!”

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

MATTIAS

Sitting on a large rock at the edge of the forest, I stared off into the pitch-black area ahead of me, suddenly feeling an immense amount of guilt...

“I don’t care how mad my dad got or how old she supposedly is,” Guntur breathed out, “Tatiana was beautiful! Had to be said, don’t regret it! And there’s no way she’s older than Unc! Mid-thirties, maybe, but not Unc-old!”

“Unc-old?” I scoffed, “Man, he would kill you if he heard you say that! And while I agree that Tatiana is beautiful—mesmerizing, in fact—she’s way too old for us! Besides, we are on the hunt for mates, not flings.”

“Oh, really? Then what are we doing here at the Forest of the Vines, o’ best friend and future Alpha of mine?” Guntur sarcastically snapped back, “Your grandfather and my dad would definitely kill us if they found out we were here—and not just because we’re meeting Molly and Genevieve, who by the way, aren’t our mates!”

“I know,” I muttered, looking back out into the darkness, “Maybe we should go.”

“So, we made plans with the girls and snuck out here—barely making it past our border patrol unnoticed—for nothing?” Guntur jeered, “Seriously? I’ve put my neck out on the line for this—for you!”

Letting out a long, deep, frustrated sigh, I helplessly looked back at my best friend, “I know! Oh, I don’t know! I mean, it does seem kind of silly that my grandfather has made this dead forest forbidden for whatever reason.  He gets so bent out of shape anytime he hears Forest of the Vines! Nothing is in there, right? Look at it—there’s NOTHING! And he won’t tell me why it's supposedly so dangerous, other than because he says so and that’s all I need to know.  He completely shuts down! And you’re right! I am the future Alpha for cripes-sake!”

“I don’t know if you are trying to convince me or yourself,” Guntur mockingly shot back, “But my dad won’t talk about it either. And newsflash—the girls can’t make it. Molly’s mother apparently busted her and Genevieve attempting to sneak out through her window—they’re in lock down. They want to give it another shot next week sometime.”

Standing up, the long breath I let out this time was filled more with relief, “Let’s just go back to the house. The forest isn’t going anywhere. Maybe we’ll come back next week or make some other plans with the girls.”