To Have And To Hold

Smoke On The Water...Part I

Chapter Sixty-Three: Smoke On The Water...Part I

AZORA

Invoking another spell of protection and concealment on my home to keep my activity private, I walked through every room making a mental list of all the items I wanted to take with me. I would make sure to leave duplicates of certain things I knew Saphira would know was missing as she had spent much time with my mother here...

Enora, Elvira, and Elveena’s eager agreeance with my plan and the perfect show they put on at Saphira’s—knowing she expected them to furiously continue to debate their involvement—both relieved and thrilled me. Knowing that Enora and Elvira were Saphira’s choices to carry out the attack at the wedding gave us the perfect opportunity to both stop it and provide a safety net to help ensure our exit from Saphira wouldn’t be met with any repercussions—at least I hoped so...

After I finished my inventory of wanted belongings, I set my most prized possession down on the desk—my mother’s enormous old book of spells—opening it to her special note section where I found the passage I sought. Earmarking it for easy access, I carefully closed the book before exhaustively falling back in Mother’s worn-out wooden chair to catch my breath.

I was anxious, but felt confident in my plan to free myself from Saphira’s hold—hoping that when we met with Tatiana, the Fairy Queen and the Firebird Phoenix would be able to easily destroy the black magic being put into play...

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

HORACIO

Livid? Oh, I was so much more than livid!

“NO! This is not happening!” I furiously growled out, “I need to get back there! I need to get back to Tati now!”

“It won’t change anything, Horacio,” Soloman serenely replied, “All your presence will do is cause interference with fate’s plans, which is why you will remain here. This is the hard part—watching the hard decisions being made by our loved ones, hoping that the outcomes are as we wish.”

“He’s right, Horacio,” Julien gut-wrenchingly murmured, his expression as distraught as mine after hearing Soloman’s news of the upcoming attack, “Things have already been put in motion. We can’t protect her. All we can do at this point is put our trust in Tati.”

“This has nothing to do with my trust in Tati. I trust her above all else! Always have, always will,” I emphatically returned, “It’s the danger of this dark magic I don’t trust!”

“Tati has always been the light out of the darkness, Horacio,” Soloman assuredly told me, “Like Julien said—we need to trust that truth.”

I knew Soloman was right, but it didn’t stop my overwhelming need to protect my Fairy Queen, who I hoped would realize—she wasn’t going to be able to do this alone...

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

NICHOLAS

It was the day before our wedding and Madeline’s anxiousness was at an all-high pitch—and not just because she was going to soon be standing in front of a courtyard full of Alphas and leaders, most of whom were strangers to my Alpha—but because of her continued fear that something was going to go terribly wrong...

While Constance returned home two days ago, Talon and Raven had just released Charlotte from the hospital yesterday afternoon. She was still incredibly weak but doing well enough to continue recuperating here. The thought of allowing her to go with the girls for their pre-wedding festivities at Mystic Fire, however, had Carson unusually nervous and possessive—kindly, but firmly voicing his preference for Charlotte to remain here to rest before the busy and exhaustive big day. I couldn’t blame my old friend for wanting to keep his mate close, but fortunately, between Beast and Jace, their encouragement had Carson relenting his fervent heartfelt wish...

Madeline was currently with Auntie in Horacio’s room having her nails done by our Fairy Queen—our greatest wish not yet granted by fate—our King of Fury continuing to remain in a coma. As her nails were the only other part of her look I was allowed to see, I made my way down to the hospital after a meeting with Gavin and Jace over tomorrow’s protection detail at Mystic Fire...

Entering the room, I greeted two of the most important women in my life with an excited grin as Madeline sat in a tall, plush high back chair that Auntie brought over, wearing one of my red t-shirts knotted in the front with a pair of white capris while Auntie sat on a stool at her feet, wearing a beautiful off-white silky blouse with orange and yellow flowers on it, adding her special artwork to my Alpha’s pedicure...

An elated smile on her face, Madeline held up her slender left hand—the rainbow of colors in her Mystic Fire topaz engagement ring sparkling brighter than I’ve ever seen them—showing off her beautifully manicured nails that held an ombre of purplish pink that lightened leading up the white tips. A very elegant look that had a dash of unique beauty on her fourth fingers that held stunning bright white flowers going up the outer side—the bottom flower containing three pedals, the rest having two—with a sparkling multi-colored small stone in the center of each one that matched her ring...

“Auntie cleaned my ring and is putting flowers on my big toes too,” Madeline delightedly gushed, “Do you like it?”

“I love it, not only because it is beautiful, but it has made my stunning bride very happy,” I lovingly replied, taking her hand in mine to look at the detailed artwork closer before kissing it, admiringly stating, “You have outdone yourself, Auntie.”

“I’m glad you like them,” Auntie sweetly returned, continuing to concentrate on her work, “Your Mother and I will have dazzling fingers and toes as well—and more than likely our other Lunas and Loa—I believe they are planning a nail party here after the girls leave for their evening.”

Looking over at Horacio, I chuckled, “What are we going to do with your amazingly talented pint-sized pixie and this penchant of hers for being a whirlwind of non-stop activity, Horacio? She’s supposed to be resting.”

“I’m fine and this happens to be relaxing to me,” Auntie humorously argued, sitting back and admiring her work, “Your lovely bride deserves to feel beautiful from head to toe.”

Gently lifting her foot up, Auntie beamed at my Alpha, “What do you think?”

Her hands coming up in front of her face, Madeline eagerly clapped them together, “Oh, they’re so pretty! I love it, Auntie, thank you!”

Auntie pleasantly nodded before the air in the room suddenly thickened—dramatically so—as her expression filled with the weight of heavy emotions, including her sparkling brown and hazel eyes that were now glassy, bringing forth instant worry in mine...

Pulling a small red velvet box from the pocket of her wide-legged denim blue pants, Auntie timidly began as she looked down at it, softly grazing her fingers along the top, “Horacio worked with Sterling to make these for you as a wedding gift—you’re something new. He planned to give them to you today and tell you how proud he was of your bravery in standing up in front of everyone tomorrow—making a joke of how he didn’t envy you—better you than him, as he put it—”

Extending the box out towards Madeline, Auntie flashed a shaky smile, “Horacio wanted you to know that he loves you, Madeline, and hopes tomorrow fulfills every dream you’ve had about your wedding day.”

Her own hand trembling, Madeline slowly reached out, taking the box from Auntie’s hand—tears welling in her eyes as she opened the box, immediately covering her mouth, which had dropped open in stunned admiration as she looked down at Horacio’s gift—a stunning pair of large oval stone earrings that gave off a similar kaleidoscopic array of color as her engagement ring...

“They aren’t Mystic Fire topaz as that is a very rare stone, but they are very similar—a new gem that Sterling found recently in his newly discovered mines,” Auntie tenderly relayed, “In fact, as part of his gift, Horacio has convinced Dorado and Sterling to name it in honor of you both. It will be known as—the Mystic Crescent topaz.”

Turning to gaze upon our stilled King of Fury again, I found myself speechless by Horacio’s incredibly thoughtful gift, further saddened that it appeared he wouldn’t be with us as Madeline and I had both hoped...

As I glanced back over at Madeline, her brown eyes were glistening with moisture as she too was peering at our beloved Spirit Walker Beta, inaudibly murmuring, “I can’t believe Horacio—”

Dropping her gaze back down to the exquisite earrings, my Alpha breathlessly said, “They are breathtaking and the most meaningful wedding gift I will receive.”

Auntie softly laughed, “I can promise you those words have made Horacio incredibly happy. I can hear him now—mission accomplished. Even in gift-giving, he’s very competitive.”

Her tone turning a bit downhearted, Auntie continued, “He loves to spoil his girls as Horacio has referred to us many times and always makes sure each gift holds great meaning and reflects his vast love for us.”

Still stunned, Madeline and I peered back at Auntie, whose softened, dedicated gaze was on her mate, “That’s one of the things that has made him happiest, you know—opening his heart to fiercely love not just me and his Spirit Walker and Howling Wind families, but all of you. You have all made Horacio see that what he really wanted all along was a large circle of people to love.”

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

CHARLOTTE

Carson continued to dote on me at every turn, getting up before dawn to get all his work done so he could help me pack for my trip to Mystic Fire and spend some time with me before I left, bringing up a lunch tray for us to share first, insisting we eat in bed. Refusing to allow me to lift a finger, he then started packing my bag, despite my loving protests...

“Please don’t overdo it tonight, Lottie,” he adoringly urged, hanging my dress on the door, “I’m going to be checking in with you to make sure you are in bed and resting at a good hour. You’ve been looking forward to the wedding and reception, gorgeous. I don’t want you exhausted.”

I couldn’t help but notice Carson was wearing a light blue t-shirt that matched the dress I was wearing for the wedding, complimenting him, “I really like that color on you. I can’t wait to see you all dressed up when you arrive to Mystic Fire tomorrow.”

“Good, because I’ll probably get there early, right after our big breakfast shindig in the morning,” Carson grinned, “That way I can help you get ready.”

I quickly informed him that Constance and Tink were going to help me as I got up to pack my jewelry and toiletries, soon finding that Carson’s insistence that I lie back down was a request I couldn’t deny as I suddenly felt weak and light-headed, trying my hardest to hide it from my very aware mate...

Rushing into the bathroom as I was steadying myself with my hands on the vanity, Carson picked me up and carried me towards the bed, anxiously murmuring, “Maybe I should have Raven bring me over to stay with you tonight after your girls’ thing.”

Raven appeared at my bedside the moment he laid me down, calmly assuring him, extending a cup out towards me, “That won’t be necessary, Carson. We’ll keep an eye on her. Talon, Auntie, and I have made another potion for Charlotte that I will be carrying with me as well that should help.”

Thanking Raven as I took the drink from her hand, I also tried to set my distressed love’s mind at ease, earnestly promising, “I have plenty of people watching out for me, Carson, so there’s nothing for you to worry about. Just relax and enjoy your breakfast with the guys. Trust me—I’ll be just fine.”

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

MADELINE

It had been a wonderful evening with my girls at Mystic Fire, taking me back to the days when we lived together in our little hidden house by the pond as the Rogue Eight, though even more special as there were several more with us tonight—and we were home...

Vivian, Raven, Luminara and I were clustered together in the great room, looking out at the lively conversations occurring all throughout the room...

“Anabelle, Lorelei, and Remi seem to have grown very close,” Vivian delightedly murmured, taking another sip of the Sassy sisters party punch that Auntie sent over, “And it seems Jade has bonded with her quite a bit this evening as well.”

“As have Jillian, Celimine, Ayla, Kishi, Selena, and Elara,” Luminara pleasantly stated, picking up a blueberry scone, “I’m glad you decided to have them join us as well, Madeline.

Watching her face light up in glee, I softly laughed, “As am I—finally deciding to give in to your favorite craving?”

“No choice,” Luminara muffled out after taking a big bite, sighing in satisfaction, “The children told on me when I visited Auntie this afternoon. She was very displeased that I’ve been depriving her little loves of their favorite food, which is why she sent a huge platter of these over with the punch. Bijou and his sister completely took advantage of Auntie’s ability to hear them from the womb. Hopefully another yard of material won’t have to be added to my dress tomorrow.”

We all laughed before I curiously asked, “Still no name for our little mini-Luminara?”

“No, not yet,” Luminara perplexingly returned, “Badru and I have thrown out several names, but none seem to feel right.”

Reaching up, I ran my fingertips over my earrings Horacio had given me as I had done several times over the course of the day, leading Raven to kindly compliment again, “I still can’t get over how stunning those are and the thoughtfulness behind Horacio’s gift—having the stone named the Mystic Crescent Topaz.”

“Only further proof of the many changes Auntie has made in him,” Vivian thoughtfully said, “Even Lorenzo and Alastor were shocked at his gesture.”

“Mmmmm,” I distractedly hummed out, “If only he would finally wake. I desperately want him here with us tomorrow.”

“There’s still time, Madeline,” Vivian lovingly replied, “You know our King of Fury—maybe Horacio is just waiting to make one of Auntie’s grand entrances.”

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

TATIANA

Our nail night was a success—all my dear friends doing their best to keep me distracted from my heartbreaking realization that Horacio was more than likely going to remain in limbo for the wedding. Priscilla was struggling too, sitting beside him, and adoringly caressing his prickly face several times during the evening...

After they left, I was talking with my love while cleaning a little—more so talking with fate, pleading for answers when Nicholas walked in, sadly peering over at Horacio as I stoically inquired, “Ready for your trip to Mystic Fire?”

“Almost—I wanted to spend a few minutes with you first,” Nicholas sweetly returned, his expression lightening—warm as he brought his gaze back to me, “I passed some very happy ladies on my way here. It’s nice to see everyone so excited for tomorrow, though I could see through Priscilla’s façade. I hugged her a little tighter before I left them.”

Slowly strolling towards me, Nicholas took the basket I was holding from my hand, setting it on the floor before completely engulfing his tall, broad frame around me—the strength of his loving hold leading me to melt into his embrace—the feel of being held so tenderly tremendously comforting as he heavily exhaled out, “Another reason I wanted a few minutes with you—to tell you how much I love you, my incredible Winged Angel—our awe-inspiring Crescent Moon Fairy Queen.”

“I’m so proud of you—and for you and Madeline, Nicholas,” I tearfully choked out, pushing back slightly to peer up into his kind bright blue eyes, “We both are—Madeline isn’t the only one Horacio loves a great deal. And I promise—this time tomorrow, you and Madeline will be relaxing and reflecting on your perfect wedding with great joy and happiness.”

Looking back over at Horacio, Nicholas thickly returned, “I’m choosing to believe that Auntie—and that fate will be kind on mine and Madeline’s special day.”

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

NICHOLAS

While Madeline has threatened to put a bigger bed in her old room, I was grateful she had left it exactly as it was when she was sent away at ten—the nostalgia of our time spent playing here and the closeness her single bed provided after our lovemaking bringing a great sense of contentment inside...

Caressing the top of her head, I brushed my lips against Madeline’s forehead, lovingly murmuring, “Thank you for giving in to your groom’s naughty request—and for allowing me to stay here with you right up to the stroke of midnight.”

“I will admit that’s for selfish reasons—I’m not ready to let go of the comfort you bring me yet,” Madeline quietly returned, slowly running her hand up my arm onto my shoulder, “I did enjoy sneaking you over tonight—immensely, in fact. I’m dreading being alone after you leave—we both know what happens when I’m given too much time to think.”

Lightly laughing under my breath, I humorously replied, “Which is why I brought along M, The Defender to hopefully bring you comfort and help you sleep. We can release her from the confines of your side table drawer now if you would like. Though I’m a little afraid of retribution for my deceitful actions of keeping her imprisoned in darkness while we made love. It’s her own fault. M is known for making attempts to block my reflection of endless love for you. I wasn’t about to take any chances of her ruining our evening—and for the record, she also isn’t invited on our honeymoon.”

Relieved when I heard Madeline laugh, she retorted, “I’ll wait to free her until you leave—probably safer. And I’ll have Lorelei take her back to Crescent Moon after the wedding so you can freely reflect all the love you wish on our honeymoon.”

Peering again around the room, I thought out loud, “It’s been quite an adventure—getting to where we are now. Ready to start the next phase of our lives together, my Alpha?”

“I am—are you?” Madeline sincerely replied.

Tilting her chin up, I wholeheartedly exhaled out, “Yes—I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.”

“Neither can I,” Madeline earnestly whispered, “I hope fate is kind to us, Nicholas, but no matter what, no matter the challenge, I can weather any storm—as long as I have you by my side.”

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

TATIANA

Looking in the mirror as I applied the final touches to my face mask, my gaze drifted over to Horacio’s hunky reflection. Even paled, his rugged face was, as always, overwhelmingly attractive to me, as I quietly teased, “I seem to remember you asking if my youthful appearance was genes or potions—and the truth is—it’s both.”

Turning to face him, I laughingly asked, “I’ve always done these while you were working, but I’m curious—would you like to give it a try? If you don’t answer me, I will take it as a yes and we’ll enjoy something new together after I give you a little trim for the big day tomorrow—the full works as I’ve just done. Potion-filled cleansers and astringents, pink masks, cucumbers, aging creams, and all. I’ll tell everyone who asks the reason for the dramatic difference in your skin—a whole new ruination of your reputation—unless you wake up for me now.”

There was a small part of me that hoped my playful teasing and threat of applying feminine products to his face would push my King of Fury to open his eyes, despite his continued absence from the green doors in my mind, but he didn’t. That didn’t stop me from going through with my threat, however, after I neatened up Horacio’s hair and beard with my small shears.

Taking my place beside him when I was done, I laid back on his massive shoulder, peering up at Horacio, unable to stop the fit of giggles that passed through my lips at the sight his salt and peppered beard sticking out through the hardening creamy pink mask, as well as the cucumbers currently covering his eyes, envisioning his reaction in my mind if my love were to wake up now...

“Oh, how I wish you would,” I inaudibly mouthed out, expelling my greatest wish into the air in a hushed whisper for fate to hear, “While I’ve been told my dance card is full, there’s nothing I want more than to politely decline them all so I can spend the whole evening where I truly belong—in the arms of my King of Fury.”

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

SAPHIRA

Unable to sleep, I started the preparations for our potion, laying out everything that would need to be added as our incantations were given and starting our base of gnatbane and venom dust in my special broth as the thought of our last failed attack came to mind, leading me to murmur out a secret personal instruction...

“While I wanted two, I was willing to settle for one in my last authoritative demand. Do not fail to seek her out first, two failures unacceptable—her death first and foremost, I now command. Dark powers I instruct thee as you unfold—cut that girl’s strings of life—even if she is the only victim your poisonous cloud can enfold.”

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

CHARLOTTE

My head had barely hit the pillow when Carson’s voice softly echoed in my mind, I just wanted to tell you that I love you and sweet dreams, Lottie. I’m glad you were well enough to have fun tonight with the girls. I feel kinda bad that I tried to keep you here after hearing you sound so happy earlier at the party. I miss you though. It’s lonely in our bed without you.

I miss you too—and love you more, I ardently replied, I can’t wait to see you tomorrow after the wedding breakfast. Get some sleep for me and have sweet dreams too. Dream about our wedding and what a beautiful day it will be. I’ll do the same and we can compare notes when you get here. Deal?

Deal, gorgeous, Carson eagerly linked, hopefully this time, my dream won’t include torrential rain and Tink writing my vows—I love you more than trees, so I should just leave? She keeps telling me to use that one—never should have told her about that dream...

Laughing, I lovingly returned, I’ll send good vibes your way—hopefully that will help you avoid having to endure two relentless storms again...