To Have And To Hold

Ode To The Light...

Chapter Sixty-Two: Ode To The Light...

NICHOLAS

After enjoying lunch with everyone in Mother’s wing, it was time for me to start my afternoon meeting sessions—beginning with my longest scheduled meeting—the one I had been looking forward to the most all morning...

“Oh, how I love advisory meetings,” Madeline moaned out as I thrust in and out of her wet folds while sucking hard on my mark.

“You do seem to leave them very relaxed and content, my Alpha,” I purred out, pounding deeper inside her tightening walls, bringing forth the beginning of her ecstasy-filled quake.

Madeline’s arched back fell back down onto the bed hard, sending her long brown curls forward, the silky strands tickling the back of my neck as she continued to enjoy our lengthy pleasure-filled rendezvous. My wolf unrelenting in our desire and need to maintain control of the pace, I took hold of both her wrists with my right hand, immobilizing hers in my firm grasp as I brought them up over Madeline’s head while trailing my tongue down to her perfectly rounded left breast.

Sucking hard on the aroused stiff nub, I pulled it straight up while continuing to quicken my furious pace down below, reveling in the feel of added friction against my shaft from Madeline’s building climax.

The beginnings of my own rapture starting to pulsate through me, I pressed her hands harder into the pillow, bringing forth more heat in my already heavily turned-on mate, as Madeline hoarsely pleaded, “There—oh, Nicholas—harder—right there! And don’t release my hands—please, my Alpha!”

Never one to deny my stunning mate, I did just as she wished—the quaking of Madeline’s swelled juicy walls starting to send me over the edge as I forcefully hammered in and out of her relentlessly now. Each of us reaching our desired full body climax, wave after wave of euphoric bliss expelled into our minds and out of our mouths as we came together as one, echoes of our expressed love for one another filling the room...

Looking down at my Alpha, I let out a deep throated cracked laugh as her eyes were closed, ivory skin was flushed, and breath hastened, but her mouth was widened in an overtly satisfied smile...

My voice husky, I amorously inquired, “See what I mean? Completely content and relaxed. Are you sure you want to be all traditional and stay at Mystic Fire alone the night before our wedding? I know you, my Alpha. You’re going to be anxious. How about I make an early morning visit to calm you?”

Madeline’s eyes popped open, eyeing me warily as she breathlessly scoffed, “Oh, that’s dirty play, Nicholas! You know fully well in my current state how tempting that is to me.”

Grinning wickedly, I continued my taunt and tease play, “You know how much I love your room—and turning you on by taking control like this—at least let Auntie pop me over after your girls’ night ends. What do you say? I’ll leave before midnight and make sure you wake up calm and very, very happy.”

Flashing me an irritated glare, Madeline retook control, freeing her wrists before placing her hands on my shoulders to heftily flip me onto my back, hovering over me as she sarcastically muttered under her breath, “Meeting adjourned.”

Grabbing hold of her hips to hold her in place before she could make her escape off the bed, I laughingly murmured, “I love you, Madeline.”

Rolling her eyes, Madeline couldn’t hold back her stifled humor any longer, replying in a half-laugh, “I love you too, which is why you will more than likely end up in my room at Mystic Fire. However—if I decide to allow it, at the stroke of midnight, out you go—understood?”

“Mmmmm, I do love that you used the word ‘stroke’. I also love a good debate—especially this kind!” I humorously boasted, “When I win, I hear the most amazing, sweet sounds of victory!”

Madeline heartily laughed before her expression turned more serious as she apprehensively exhaled out, “I hope you can quell my anxiousness, Nicholas. I still can’t shake this feeling that something is going to happen—and even worse, that Horacio isn’t going to be there to celebrate with us. Not to mention, knowing Auntie has been sleeping most of the day, I’m worried about her well-being as well.”

Gently pulling her back down, I wrapped my arms tightly around Madeline, pressing her naked body into mine as I brought my Alpha’s face to within inches of my own, earnestly whispering, “We will take every measure to ensure all is well for our wedding day. Right up until you walk down the aisle, Madeline. As far as Auntie, Talon assures me that he feels her exhaustion stems from her powers regenerating. And unfortunately, it’s up to fate on whether Horacio will wake in time—but I’m not giving up and neither should you.”

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

HORACIO

While there are times that I can honestly say I struggle with the knowledge that Tati’s love is shared between Julien and me, this wasn’t one of those times as I relayed what I felt deep inside...

“I can never replace you in Tati and Jace’s hearts, Julien, nor do I want to,” I earnestly murmured, “But I do love them more than anything. You know their hearts—they’re big enough to love us both, just like the Moon Goddess intended. As far as Lorenzo becoming the favorite—like hell he will—nephew or not, I’m not giving up Jace. Plus, I live for the sister battle with Goddess and Tink, not to mention Charlotte has decided to join in on the fun. Three beautiful she-wolves fighting for my favoritism? I’ll be damned if I’m giving that up!”

“And here you are having a fit that a group of young warriors want to dance with our Fairy Queen. A bit hypocritical, don’t you think?” Julien chortled.

“That’s different!” I ardently defended, “The triplet battle is innocent family fun. You and I both know those warriors’ mindsets will be anything but innocent when they see our gorgeous mate in what will undoubtedly be a stunning dress. Those little bastards will try to take advantage of my coma and Tati already has a younger man—ME!”

“Ahhhh, I remember those feelings well when it came to big parties—with the exception that I wasn’t younger than Tati,” Julien grinned, “You need to remember as I always did, Horacio—Tati is fiercely loyal and faithful and loves you more than anything in the world. Although as werewolves, possessiveness and jealousy is a natural tendency, which is hard for a sorceress to understand at times. Again—that doesn’t change in eternity.”

The burning question I had from the moment Tati and I made one another our chosen came flying out of my mouth then, “Do you think we could have done it, Julien? Found a way to share Tati?”

“If you think about it—in a way, we’re doing it now,” Julien thoughtfully replied, “I don’t think the kinship I feel with you would be any different if I were still there. While I’m sure it would have been a challenge and taken some time, I think somehow you and I would have worked it out. Just like we both accept Tati’s special relationship with Mahan, though we also both heard their conversation settling our curiosity about that.”

“Not going to lie—it was still a struggle knowing Mahan was massaging her leg instead of me,” I enviously stated, “Admittedly, though—Tati has so many special relationships that she balances so beautifully. And unlike you and I, she rarely ever feels any jealousy. Sometimes it’s hard for me to wrap my head around it, as we have shown that we feel jealousy over her very easily.”

“True—but we both feel appreciation as well,” Julien quietly replied, “And I do appreciate what you bring to both Tati and Jace, Horacio. It brings me peace to know you’re looking out for them and love them as deeply as I do, which is why I’m fighting for your return too—in fact, there is a whole army of loved ones debating fate’s intention for you. Not that I don’t enjoy the banter over our pint-sized firecracker pixie, but Tati and Jace need you—and I need you to be there for them.”

“Thank you for that. I will fight for you too when Soloman returns—I rather like having a brother-in-arms here with me,” I fervently replied, sighing out afterwards, “Somehow, I need to get back before the wedding, Julien.”

Pausing for a moment, I also honestly admitted, “And after my return, I wouldn’t mind a visit from you every now and then in my dreams like you have done with Jace—a meeting of the minds—a Pint-Sized Firecracker Pixie Club of sorts to help us both with matters of our shared heart—hearts full of love for our beautiful and charming Fairy Queen.”

Our conversation ceased then, as we heard Talon’s highly distressed words to Tati, leading Julien to worriedly exhale out, “There’s trouble.”

My mind began racing, wondering if I was going to have to instigate a furious fight with fate myself, fearfully murmuring, “Charlotte.”

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

CHARLOTTE

While I felt the expected soreness when I woke up this morning and loved all the visits made to my room today, I was starting to wear pretty thin. Just after lunch, however, even Talon’s potions and the attempts made by Remi and the aunts couldn’t seem to take the edge off for long as excruciating pain had taken hold of me, especially in my chest and hips.

My poor, sweet Carson was beside himself, as was Tink and my dear Beast, all frantic as everyone tried to ease my pain. Nicholas and Madeline rushed in, watching with heavily fraught expressions as Remi made another attempt with her streams of healing powers. The look on Jace’s face matched theirs when he came bursting in from Constance’s room, just as I received Remi’s jolt of white in my chest.

“I don’t think we have any other choice,” Jace despairingly echoed out into the room after Remi’s attempt failed, “We need to wake Mother.”

Even though I knew Jace was right, that was the last thing I wanted knowing the toll it had taken on Auntie saving Constance and me. Talon had gone to check on her and must have found her awake, as they suddenly appeared beside me, with Auntie admonishingly exhaling out, her hands already lit up in green, “Someone should have alerted me to this before now, especially after Remi’s attempts failed to help.”

“We wanted to try to help Charlotte first,” Aunt Reina softly defended, “You needed rest, Tati.”

“If it helps, we were about to wake you,” Aunt Persephone worriedly sighed, as Auntie encased me in her emerald green, “I’m afraid we’re seeing the effects of all the power Charlotte was attacked with, Tati. We’ve tried several different potions and Remi’s healing magic, but it was a very potent spell and as she was the primary target—”

Sending out several burst of her powers over my chest and pelvic area, Auntie dishearteningly finished, “There are remnants of powers that embedded into her body from taking the brunt of the attack. I had hoped my dose of healing magic last night eradicated their presence, but in my weakened state, some fragments must have managed to remain.”

“I can attest to their strength,” Remi dejectedly sighed out, “My powers haven’t even touched them.”

“Don’t distress yourself, Remi,” Auntie gently consoled, “You and I have been working on more individual healing efforts. I believe this brings forth the need for you and I to work on battling injuries caused by combined sources of sorcery. Now—let’s ease our Charlotte’s pain, shall we?”

Bringing her fingers down, Auntie twirled them around several times, causing her aura to turn into a whirling wind over my body, softly murmuring, “Heed my words, hear me loud and clear. That which is not meant for her body, allow me to draw near. Come forth out of hiding—your time is at an end. By the Fairy Queen’s command—my will is now what you must bend.”

Several sharp pains shot through my chest and pelvis as three thick blades of magic—blue, orange, and yellow—heftily burst out of my chest, while two more of orange and magenta followed suit, all viciously swept up into Auntie’s harsh winds. Following the initial excruciating torture, I felt immense relief—the intense pressure and agony finally gone...

Talon stepped forward, peering at the shards of magic imprisoned in the fierce winds, breathing out in awe, “There’s no doubt of the powerful magic utilized against the girls yesterday, Auntie.”

Nicholas, Madeline, and Jace came in for a closer look as well as Jace exhaled out in contemplative wonder, “For those to survive your harnessed efforts and Remi’s strikes yesterday, Mother—”

“Yes, I know—at least only five penetrated inside Charlotte to wreak additional havoc,” she regretfully sighed out, her gaze full of regret on me as Auntie continued, “I’m so sorry, my darling. I’m afraid my weakened state betrayed us both.”

Taking in a welcomed deep breath, I weakly exhaled out, “No—it’s okay—really. I’m much better now, Auntie, thank you.”

“Yes, thank you, Auntie,” Carson heavily choked out before a rare look of anger crossed his face as he peered over at the spinning orbs that had caused my pain, “If it weren’t for the fact I’m worried about your health, I would ask if you could send a blast of pain to those five—” Looking over at Tink, he deadpanned, “Witch bitches?”

Smirking, Tink nodded, spatting, “Don’t worry, Chatterbox. I’m still pulling for us to have our day with them. I’ll let you in on the plans later—big plans!”

“And with that, I believe it’s time to rid us of these problematic remnants,” Auntie slowly drawled out.

Bringing the fragmented magic up into a tornadic cone, Auntie fiercely whisked her hand out in front of her, the enemy magic igniting into dust, smiling down at me afterwards, soothingly breathing out, “That’s better! Though I am going to leave you in my healing aura for a bit for good measure, my darling.”

“Really, Auntie, I feel much better now,” I intensely protested, “Please—don’t overdo it.”

“I’m much better myself, so don’t you worry yourself, alright?” Auntie sweetly replied, looking over her shoulder, “You may glow a little, Carson, but it’s safe to return to Charlotte’s side now and I’m sure my girl will be much more relaxed resting in your arms.”

Warmly smiling at her, Carson came up, kissing Auntie’s cheek before sitting down beside me on the bed. As Auntie warned, both of us were glowing as he lovingly wrapped his arms around me, “All better now, Lottie?” I silently nodded, dropping my head onto his shoulder...

“As a precaution, I think you should continue to rest too, Auntie,” Nicholas admiringly advised.

“I couldn’t agree more,” Raven’s voice stoically called out, all our heads turning to see her standing in the doorway, “You been forced to quite enough during my absence—allow me to take over for a while.”

Several gleefully shouted out her name—Talon’s being the loudest and most heartwarming, rushing over to embrace her tightly, “Hello, my darling blackbird! My apologies for not being there when you woke.”

Gracefully bringing her hand up to run through Talon’s dark hair before resting on his rugged cheek, Raven adoringly pecked his lips, “It makes me much happier to know you are here helping our Charlotte, my love.”

Jace was behind Talon to greet her as Raven affectionately hugged him, “How is our Constance?”

“Incredibly sore and impatient to be released, but doing well,” Jace softly told her, “Good to have you back, Raven.”

Turning her attention to me, Raven warmly smiled, “Fortunately, after seeing what was happening here, I was able to speed things along a little, though not soon enough for my liking.”

Quickly embracing Madeline, Raven was soon by my side, sitting down beside me on the bed, her soft, compassionate gaze briefly drifting up to Carson and Auntie before she brought them back to me, “You and I have much to talk about, Charlotte, but for now, I’m very thankful you are alright. I’m going to recommend the same for you and Carson. Get some rest and I’ll be back soon.”

Kissing my forehead, her stoic demeanor disappeared as she brokenly whispered, “I love you, you know—and your special heart—one that only you have, Charlotte. My world would never be the same without it.”

“I love you too, Raven,” I tearfully returned, “Welcome back. It’s good to have you home.”

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

TATIANA

After Raven sent everyone out of Charlotte’s room—requesting the others go back to the main house for a bit—and urging me to come back to Horacio’s room while she visited Constance for a moment, I laid back down with Horacio, explaining everything that occurred.

As I finished informing my love of the latest events, Raven walked in, her eyes on Horacio as she calmly stated, “I get the feeling he hears everything we say, Auntie, and Horacio’s message has eased my mind a little. But unfortunately, I have no other news. Fate is keeping everything very close-vested.”

“Yes, I know,” I sadly replied, gently running my fingers across Horacio’s cheek, looking over at her as Raven sat down on the other side of him, “How are you feeling? I had things well in hand here, so I hope you didn’t rush things too much and are fully regenerated and rejuvenated.”

“Like you, the process seems to be much easier now. I’m feeling much better,” Raven sighed out in great relief, eyeing me with great concern after, “Now, let’s talk about you—and the new challenge we are facing.”

Explaining everything to her, we talked for some time about Saphira and our hopes about the four reluctant witches, who we both voiced our worries about as no contact had been made yet. And Raven’s visions matched my own, giving us no new clues as to what we could expect—and still showing no signs of Horacio...

“I know neither of us like this waiting game we are stuck in, Auntie, but I do hope you will at least allow me to relieve you for a bit,” Raven soberly urged, “From what I can tell, we’re both going to need to be at our strongest to defeat Saphira.”

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

SAPHIRA

While managing to obtain the help of a few more sorceresses, I was amazed and infuriated at the reluctance I had run into—the moment I mentioned Tatiana and Raven, most had immediately rejected me, unwilling to go against the reputable duo.

The only ones showing any sympathy as I lamented about the cowardice shown to me were Temora and Theodora—not even Uma and Cordelia, who were supposed to be my closest friends said anything, remaining silent and peering at one another with distressed-looking grimaces.

Finally speaking up, Cordelia’s nonchalant response only increased my irritation, “It really shouldn’t come as a surprise, Saphira. If anything, it should prove to you and Igor that this battle you are determined to fight is fruitless, no matter the hatred you have for all involved.”

“I’m starting to question our friendship, Cordelia!” I hurtfully snapped back, “What kind of friend would ask me to give up on a fight such as this—a fight to save my sister and the integrity of sorcery that we all were taught to believe in and utilize that is being suffocated by The Council’s overbearing laws and even by the Firebird Phoenix and Fairy Queen themselves?”

“Oh, stop with your rhetoric, Saphira,” Uma dismissively condoned, “We are the kind of friends that are attempting to save you from yourself while continuing to loyally stand by your side, despite our own feelings on the matter. The reason those laws were put in place is because of actions taken like this planned wedding attack and the thoughts of superiority and entitlement that have just spilled out of your mouth, which are felt wholeheartedly and being fed to you by Igor. Truthfully, I’m starting to question my own sanity, but I’m still here—so I would suggest that we get to the matter at hand.”

“Fine,” I huffed, attempting to quell my fury, “I have obtained the necessary ingredients for our potion. We will need to be incredibly careful mixing them as they are both potent and dangerous. Enora, Elvira—you will also need to proceed with caution and exit as quickly as possible once you release our spell at Mystic Fire.”

“As I stated during our first discussion regarding this, our agreement was working behind the scenes, not being sent to slaughter,” Enora snarked, “We aren’t just talking about remaining out of view of Tatiana and Raven. You know as well as I do the magic that lives at Mystic Fire—and if captured, The Council’s sentence for using black magic will be immediate death.”

“Which is why you will set this forth well beyond the borders of Mystic Fire,” I unwaveringly argued, having prepared for the expected argument before their arrival, “If done efficiently, you will be in and out within mere moments before Tatiana and Raven are aware of any misdoings—and our billowy white cloud of plague will send the black rain down on all who attend the wedding.”

“And what of the danger Enora and I are not only putting ourselves in, but Elveena, with the dark magic that’s involved in this spell?” Elvira incredulously asked, “Something I find very interesting that you failed to inform Igor—if the timing of the incantation and release of the potion are not perfectly in sync, the sorceresses invoking the spell and their entire family die as black magic demands victims—no matter the side.”

Her usual timid demeanor was surprisingly replaced with a defiant anger as Elveena accusingly spat, “Which is why you have instructed me to remain at home—alone—so there will be no repercussions for any of you should Enora and Elvira fail, and death comes calling for me. I may as well go with them.”

Appalled by her response, Enora protectively spat, “You aren’t going to be anywhere near this, Elveena.”

“Agreed,” I adamantly concurred, “In the slight chance that your sisters are caught, and the cloud is not dispersed, I need you here. But I trust in your sister’s vast abilities and protectiveness over you, Elveena, which is why I know they will succeed in our endeavor.”

I could hear the hard click of Enora’s jaw as she harshly informed me, “You know as well as we do—this kind of magic has a mind of its own, Saphira. This whole plan could backfire—on all of us.”

Holding my head up high, I confidently relayed, “I have full faith that it will work. And when we succeed, Igor plans to have us stay on in his new leadership as equals, placing more power in our hands than the Firebird Phoenix and Fairy Queen ever had!”