To Have And To Hold

Taking The Next Step...

Chapter Seventeen: Taking The Next Step...

MATTIAS

My grandfather’s timing, as always, was scary—it was like a radar went off in his head that I was up to something he wouldn’t approve of. In fact, he wasn’t even supposed to be here, having already gone to Crescent Moon earlier today.

Something happened, however, that had him returning to Howling Wind, linking me to come to his office while I was still blissfully enjoying the afterglow of my first-time making love to Jillie and her mark, sending me into a panic.

“Grandfather is going to kill me,” I despairingly rasped out, my fingers rubbing my newly imprinted neck, “and then grandmother is going to kill me. They’re so old-fashioned—I was supposed to take my time and do the whole courting thing. And Guntur—oh, he’s going to want to kill me for sure! I’m so dead! There won’t be anything left for you, Jillie. At least I will die with your mark, which totally makes my death worth it.”

Jillie giggled, tracing her finger over the lines of my chest, “Want me to go with you? Your grandparents love me. Maybe I can save you from their wrath. As far as Guntur, with all these incredible new muscles you’ve been working on, I think you can take him, though I'm not thrilled with either of you about this bet of yours.”

“Please don't tell Celimine and it's probably best that I do this on my own,” I heavily sighed out, “An Alpha should never show fear—a phrase I will probably have repeat to myself a hundred times on my way downstairs.”

Raising up, Jillie kissed me softly, encouraging me afterwards, “You’ve got this, my Alpha. We’re mates. Your grandparents knew this was inevitable, but if you change your mind, I’ll be ready to run down there to stand by your side.”

***********

“An Alpha never shows fear,” I muttered out my repetitious mantra before opening the door to Grandfather’s office, walking in to find he, Umar, and Guntur sitting around his desk, their heads turning towards me—and as I expected, my grandfather’s eyes immediately zeroed in on my neck.

Forcing my voice to remain steady, I happily greeted, “Good afternoon, everyone. Everything okay?”

“No, but I’ll get to that in a moment,” Grandfather drawled out, “It would appear from the mark on your neck that you had a pleasurable afternoon with our Jillian following your early dismissal from training, my boy—a wickedly pleasurable afternoon. I should have known all the lectures your grandmother and I gave you on courting a young lady were useless.”

Guntur’s mouth instantly gaped open as Umar chuckled beside him. My best friend irritatingly spatting, “You jerk! You beat me to it and won our bet!”

“Fortunately, not everyone in our family is loser regarding a bet on which of you two would mark their mate first, Guntur,” Umar laughingly said, looking over at Grandfather, “Seems your little underhanded move giving my son a suite in the main house backfired, Soren! I still ended up winning!”

“Thanks to your underhanded move of dismissing the boys early after I left for Crescent Moon,” Grandfather retorted, receiving a humored, triumphant grin from our Beta, “I wasn’t the only one committing a little dirty play in our bet, Umar.”

Guntur’s head snapped around to look at Grandfather, blurting out in awe, “Wait, that’s why you gave me the suite?” After a slight pause, his chortled, “Gotta say, Alpha Soren, I both respect and appreciate that move!”

“Load of good it did me. My damn grandson ruined my ingenious plan,” Grandfather defeatedly sighed out, “Though the suite is still yours, Guntur. I was young once too, you know—I remember the urges of being a young man with a beautiful mate.”

His gaze softened as an enamored grin expanded across Grandfather’s face, “My Alta was a wild little beauty back then, who also had an overprotective father to deal with thanks to her troublemaking ways. That stunning woman was all over me! But Alta and Aruna’s father was relentless in his torture. Not only with me but Aldric, even if we did make both his daughters Lunas. Blamed me for bringing Aldric here, leading to Aruna leaving him for a life at Crescent Moon.”

His expression humored, Grandfather laughed out, “However, unlike you, Guntur, my boy, I didn’t have to deal with five overprotective brothers. You need all the help you can get, my boy. Once you mark Celimine, you may even need an army of our best warriors to protect you from their initial wrath. I don’t think those boys, or their father, have realized that little beauty is of age yet.”

Umar and I both laughed as Guntur rolled his eyes, “Tell me about it! And thank you for that. It may be more a truth than either of us want.”

“Hold on, Grandmother was not only a ‘wild thing’, but all over you?” I guffawed, “There was no mention of that in your lectures. You two made it sound like you did this courting thing of yours for years!”

Backtracking slightly, Grandfather gruffly replied, “One of the things you’ll learn as Alpha—the art of bending the truth a little when it serves a higher purpose—like keeping peace with your grandmother and defeating an opponent, in this case Umar, though it appears to have been done in vain on both accounts in this instance.”

My grandfather both amazed and elated me with his next words, his expression turning to one of pride, “Regardless, I’ll take care of things with your grandmother. I’ll simply remind her of our youth, especially hers, which may prove as a victory for me if all goes well. And I will also gift you and Jillian with one of the larger suites to share as it will prove quite difficult for you both to refrain from enjoying the spoils of one another now. Though, it may bode well for both of us to have Jillian there when we inform your grandmother—Alta loves and adores our future little Luna, much like I do.”

“Thank you, Grandfather!” I excitedly returned with a broad grin on my face—my wolf feeling like it was doing backflips in my head from its excitement—linking Jillian to tell her the news. She returned with her own squealing delight, already making plans to pack.

Afterwards, my good mood was dampened as Grandfather informed us of what happened at Crescent Moon with their newest visitors. Alpha Igor used another witch he had at his disposal to try to bring Ursula, Anabelle, and Maxim to a forest, planning to kill them. Fortunately, our Power of Three and Raven stopped him from completing his deadly intentions, but Anabelle had suffered additional injury in the attack before Auntie brought her and Maxim back safely...

“There are plans for an exploration of the area that Tati and Raven saw in their visions,” Grandfather informed us, “Horacio and Beast will be joining the teams and I would like you to join as well, Guntur. As Celimine’s father and brothers will be part of the group, perhaps you can show them your vast skills, my boy. Ease their troubled minds while also representing our value in the endeavor.”

“Yes, sir,” Guntur eagerly replied, “I’m happy to help in any way I can.”

Grandfather smiled in return, “Good man, Guntur. Now, let’s ready ourselves for our visit to Crescent Moon. Make sure to welcome Ursula, Maxim, and Anabelle, if she is well enough to attend. I think Jillian will particularly be able to identify with that poor young girl’s experience with Igor’s vile treatment of her. Anabelle also needs all the help she can get to recover from what she has endured.”

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

NICHOLAS

Not every Alpha was as fortunate as I was—my warriors were not only formidable and strong, but they were good men with good hearts—my army not only dedicated to me, but our people, first and always...

Returning my attention to Horacio, who was leisurely leaning against the wall continuing to eat his snack, I chuckled, “I didn’t realize you were there, Horacio, or eavesdropping.”

“I’m always hungry, remember?” Horacio mischievously grinned, “If there is a kitchen near, you should always check it before conducting private conversations.”

“I’ll remember that, but you’re right. Regarding Spiros, I’m afraid he has always been content being a border patrol warrior, declining any higher-ranking positions I’ve offered him,” I thoughtfully admitted, “He’s overwhelmingly dedicated to his family, which is why I think Spiros worries that he will make Finn or Valentin think he’s trying to outshine them. He still lives with his parents to help care for them and helps Sebastian on the farm a great deal. Though if I’m truthful, while his brothers are impressive, I've always felt Spiros is the most talented of the three. Much like his father, Faizon, who was in my father’s inner circle.”

Taking another bite of his sandwich, Horacio mused, “Only makes me admire him more. Which is why, personally, if Tati ever does make it fourteen in Auntie’s army, Spiros will be my recommendation—may have to let Carson and Madeline duke it out for that last spot. If nothing else, for entertainment purposes.”

A roll of laughter filled the air as I retorted, “I’ve gone against my Alpha myself—my money’s on her. But you do have a point—I think I may have to push Spiros a little harder.”

“Well, you know me. I can be pushy, especially if I believe in something—or someone,” Horacio humorously grinned, “Let me know if I can help.”

Looking back towards Anabelle’s room, I smiled, slowly breathing out, “I may just take you up on that, Horacio.”

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

TATIANA

I was sitting on the couch when Horacio came in, wearing a mischievous smile I knew all too well, leading me to sarcastically sigh out, “Am I going to have to pause my sewing to bake another strawberry cake for tonight?”

Sliding onto the couch next to me, Horacio replied in good humor, “I kept my promise to you about that—hard as it was, I didn’t touch it. But I did just have a chat with Nicholas about Spiros, who I do feel is incredibly underutilized in his army. I may be helping the Alpha fix that.”

Pausing, I closed my eyes, conjuring up a vision, giggling afterwards, “I can see that—and I agree about Auntie’s army should we expand. I have always admired Spiros and his talents.”

Hey, Auntie, Caelus charmingly linked, Any chance you can bring Ayla over for dinner tonight? And Celimine? Guntur is in my ear driving me nuts as we speak—I can barely think to link! Apparently Mattias marked Jillie, so Guntur lost their bet. Ayla has someone driving her crazy too wanting to join if it’s okay.

The news about Mattias and Jillie made me incredibly happy, but when Caelus told me the other Spirit Walker who was begging to come to Crescent Moon, a vision popped into my head—one that had me looking at Horacio with wide, shocked eyes as he laughed after seeing the shared image, “Well, here we go again—Carson’s night is made!”

“It would appear so,” I warmly returned, “But I should probably warn Jade and Vivian. It appears another Spirit Walker will be splitting time between there and Crescent Moon.”

***********

ARTURO

I was a little cynical when Igor requested our presence to discuss a retaliatory plan—a plan that Oralia came up with—Sahar's reluctance also clearly evident when we arrived...

The moment we walked into Igor’s living room, he had Sahar search her visions to see if The Council would perform a search for the location of our little visit with Maxim and Anabelle that ended so badly. After a long pause, she informed him that there indeed would be a party sent to find the location. In fact, there would be two parties sent out with one sent to a clearing not far from where we were, while the other would find themselves in the exact spot we had been.

Igor and Oralia’s lips expanded into wide, mischievous grins before Igor asked who Sahar saw in the search parties. She informed him that it would be warriors from Moon Stone, including Badru, Cassius, and his five sons. But directly afterwards, Sahar listed off names that I didn’t expect, including one particular wolf that had me infuriated by the mere mention of his name—and intrigued as to what Igor had in mind...

“Horacio is going to be there?” I growled out, my tone incensed, “as well as the Howling Winds’ pathetic excuse for a future Beta, Guntur?”

“Yes,” Sahar confirmed, “The Crescent Moon warrior, Beast, will be taking part as well, but it appears he will be leading the other search party. Guntur will remain by Horacio’s side, shadowing him as a form of training.”

“Perfect!” Oralia gushed, clapping her hands, as she lovingly gazed at Igor, “And just as I anticipated! My experience with knowing how The Council works is paying off. Quite honestly, my two counterparts shouldn’t be surprised by the news.”

When Lucious tried to argue that he was not as surprised, Igor dismissed him to relay the plan he and his Blood Horizon lover came up with—to have Sahar turn Mahan’s warriors who were not under the protection of Tatiana’s magic against those that were—Badru, Horacio, and Guntur.

I couldn’t lie—Oralia’s plan was ingenious—Sahar would place a spell on the Moon Stone wolves, working quickly to take advantage of the three being outnumbered, directing deadly blows be delivered to the three before Tatiana and Raven caught wind of our attack and showed up to thwart our move...

Summing up their plan, Igor satisfyingly stated, “This provides the opportunity for my wish to leave bodies for The Council to find come to fruition in the most devastating ways. And as the best part is, it will be done at the hands of Mahan’s own men! Two Betas and the future Beta of Howling Wind left dead in that clearing! The only disappointment is the Crescent Moon Beta won’t be among them.”

“I’m not surprised Nicholas isn’t sending Gavin. He always protects that damn little brother of his,” I knowingly spat, “But I do like the sound of this plan, especially as I don’t feel they will expect it!”

“Based on what I’ve just seen, that is the case and the chance for success is high,” Sahar cautiously relayed, “Not only that, but I’ve just seen Loa appear, which would enable another blow to Mahan. But I can’t help but feel that the slight chance I’ve seen for failure with Tatiana and Raven arriving in time to save them still makes this risky. You’ve seen what happens when we underestimate them.”

“If we allow ourselves to constantly worry about those two, we will never be able to make a strike against our enemy, Sahar,” Igor authoritatively returned, “There is always risk in war—and as you have just stated, you’ve seen that our chance at success is high. That is enough for me. But that doesn’t mean I won’t take protective measures.”

“I’ve already seen your protective measures, Igor,” Sahar defensively retorted, peering over at me, “You are only sending two on this little mission of yours—Arturo and me.”

“There’s no need for all of us to be there,” Igor knowingly replied, “and after what was done to him, Arturo deserves the satisfaction of watching Horacio die.”

“Nothing will stop me from being there,” I excitedly blurted out, “There’s no one who wants Horacio dead more than me!”

Sahar’s eyes went distant, distractedly drawling out, “Oh there is one, I assure you.”

“Regardless of who wants the Spirit Walker Beta dead, the matter is settled,” Igor returned in the same, slow cadence, “I would advise that you both remain a good distance away in case things don’t go our way and an escape needs to be made. Should you get caught—you will be on your own.”

********

TATIANA

Horacio and I found ourselves at the main training ground after I linked to find out where Jade was. As it turns out, several of our family had gathered there, watching as Jade and Maxim faced off against one another...

“What is happening here?” I curiously asked just as Maxim’s burly dark grey wolf dodged one of Jade’s leaping attacks, swatting her bright auburn wolf slightly on the shoulder, obviously trying to be careful not to harm her...

Concentrating on what was playing out before him, Jace murmured, “Maxim had a little nervous energy—asked if he could burn it off in the ring—and I’m rather glad he did. He’s very impressive and intuitive in his battle tactics. Much to our surprise, he has outmaneuvered Jade on several occasions. Alastor and I have asked Nicholas and Gavin to come take a look at him.”

My Spirit Walker nephew sweetly came up and greeted me as I watched Jade made another move, charging towards her brother before dipping her head down low, appearing to try and slide underneath him. Maxim, however, read her maneuver, sprinting forward before making a powerful bounding leap into the air, twisting around to tap the side of her head lightly before landing perfectly right behind her. Her head whipping around, Jade’s muzzle expanded into a proud panting grin before she rounded to face him again.

“Nicely done. Maxim has tremendous flexibility and control,” Horacio assessed out loud, “Great musculature in his wolf as well. Looks like he will be a nice addition to the Crescent Moon army.”

Alastor agreed, fervently stating, “And the integrated army as well. I plan on talking with Nicholas about having Maxim and Caelus workout together. In fact, if he agrees, I may have you bring Caelus forth, Auntie, so we can make introductions. Based on what I’ve seen, I think their wolves would work very well together and complement each other well, making quite a formidable duo.”

“Maxim definitely has talent,” Zayn chuckled, “And while Red is impressed, she’s getting frustrated. He’s posing a bit of a challenge for her.”

“I’ve been surprised though, Jade’s handling it better than I ever thought she would,” Carson thought out loud, “But she’s bound to break anytime. We’ve made bets as to how long it will last.”

“Hopefully, she handles your news as well, love,” Horacio knowingly stated, “Though depending on how this turns out, you may need to think about waiting to tell her about Maxim.”

“Tell her what?” Zayn curiously asked, “Everything okay?”

My gaze turning to Carson, I animatedly exhaled out, “Poof!”

“NO!” Carson jubilantly mouthed out, “Seriously? When? Who?”

“Dinner,” I softly admitted, “And as far as who, for now, I will only say that it is a Spirit Walker.”

“Maxim’s mate is a Spirit Walker?” Alastor slyly grinned, “Well, as always, my beautiful Winged Angel is the bearer of good news for my plans for the future!”

I’ll let you tell Vivian, my darling, I privately linked, informing him of Maxim’s intended. Alastor silently nodded in acknowledgement, winking at me as he chuckled under his breath.

“No disrespect, Alastor, but these plans of yours—Maxim will continue to reside here at Crescent Moon, right?” Zayn questioned in a tone that was both hopeful and worried, “If he doesn’t, Red will be devastated.”

“Don't worry, Zayn. Maxim is very attached to his sister,” I assured him, conjuring up a vision regarding Alastor’s idea, “He will remain close to Jade here, but will also spend some of his time at Spirit Walker. It would appear Alastor’s thoughts of pairing Maxim with Caelus will prove to be an excellent one. They are going to form a very close bond—much like Umar and Horacio—proving to be of great benefit to us all.”