To Have And To Hold

In The Heat Of The Night...Part I

Chapter Twenty-Three: In The Heat Of The Night...Part I

SOREN

Between the conversation I had with Mattias, Umar, and Guntur in my office and seeing my Alta walk out of Aruna’s room this evening, I had been sent on a trip down memory lane to my youth and the young love Alta and I shared back then—so much of it feeling like yesterday, yet there had been over fifty years that had passed—years that had flown by way too quickly...

As we walked back into our room, Alta reached back to begin unpinning her silky silver hair, leading me to blurt out in protest, “Alta! Wait!”, before tenderly requesting, “Don’t take it down—please, not yet. I still want to admire it for a while. You look so beautiful tonight, my dear.”

Turning to face me, Alta appeared stunned, softly laughing out, “Well, perhaps Mattias was right. It’s nice to know I can still turn your head after all these years, Soren.”

It amazed me now like it has every day since I first saw my Alta—how she could make my heart skip a beat taking in her vast beauty. And how even the wrinkles that have appeared over our many years together only made her more beautiful to me...

Staring deep into her bright blue eyes, I warmly returned, “You’ve turned my head every day since the day I met you, Alta. Just as you have challenged me. Though over the years, our fun banter has turned into more bickering and our long, enlightening discussions have turned into more heated, stubborn debates. But through it all, you have always been the most beautiful woman ever to grace this earth and most assuredly have always been my perfect partner in life. My forever perfect mate.”

Her jaw dropping, Alta breathlessly exclaimed, “Soren! I don’t even remember the last time you said anything so lovely and romantic to me!”

“My apologies for lacking in my words of endearment, my dear, particularly as I know you used to hear such things often,” I earnestly replied, walking up to take her hands in mine, as I watched her mouth widen into the prettiest smile, “How did it happen, Alta? How has time slipped by us so fast?”

Letting out a humored chuckle, Alta sweetly returned, “That’s how time works, especially when you live a full life. And you and I have shared a very long, beautiful, and full life together, Soren. One that we are not near done living yet.”

“I will never be done living this life with you by my side, my love,” I informed her with heartfelt sincerity, “Especially when you make me still feel so young—and in love. Just talking about our youth together and seeing you look just as you did back then—it invigorates me and will always keep me young, even if it’s only on the inside.”

“Anabelle officially has to fix my hair more often,” Alta grinned, “It’s nice to see the return of my romantic warrior, Soren. It makes me feel like that spontaneous and fun young girl so very much in love with our Howling Wind Alpha.”

“Do you remember that pretty braided bun your mother used to put in your hair?” I admiringly asked, “The one that looked like the bottom of a basket? All intertwined and such?”

Alta almost doubled over in laughter, “The bottom of a basket? Honestly, Soren—I love you, but you never were very good at describing beauty, though your attempts continue to be endearing to me. But yes, I do remember that hairstyle. How could I forget it? You complimented me every time I had Mother fix it that way. Several times a day, in fact. That’s why I had her fix it that way often.”

I joined in her humor, chuckling, “At least my futile attempts come across as endearing, but—do you think Anabelle can recreate it?”

I loved it when I could make Alta’s eyes twinkle as they were now, her tone filling with adoration, “Yes, I believe she can. Perhaps I’ll have her try in the morning.”

“Thank you,” I enchantingly sighed out, lifting my eyebrow, “Now for the most pertinent question—it’s been some time since we have frolicked about in bed twice in one day. And much like when you were younger, you have me feeling incredibly frisky. Want to see if we can accomplish it without breaking either of our hips?”

“And there went romance, right out the window,” Alta chortled, closing the distance between us, “But as always, you do bring humor to my life, you wicked old man! You are still just as strong and virile as you were the day I met you, Soren.”

Her soft, thin lips connected with mine in a hard, passionate kiss before Alta animatedly cooed, “Brace yourself—I may attempt some moves from our younger days, love. Frisky doesn’t begin to describe what I’m feeling for my handsome mate right now. And if I have my way, we will be doing so much more than frolicking!”

Through an excited grin, I rasped out, “Oh, hips—please don’t fail me now!”

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

HORACIO

In the middle of my shower, a vision Tati was having played out in my mind. A conversation between Spiros and Mahan that came as a bit of a surprise to me. It was very unlike Mahan to act in such a way, especially over something like this...

Exiting our bathroom with only a towel around my waist, I saw Tati sitting on the couch, her gaze distant and concerned, leading me to try to distract her with a little humor, “I know you were hesitant to enable my continued addiction of displaying your incredible artwork on my body, beautiful, but I do love Anabelle's quotes. However, at this rate, I’m going to have to starting thinking about other body parts. What do you think about putting ‘Once an ass, always an ass’ on my left butt cheek?”

Peering over at me, Tati’s expression lightened as I hoped it would. Cutting her eyes at me, she mockingly retorted, “I think you’ve lost your mind if you think I’m ever going to put anything like that on your body. However, a simple depiction of a donkey on your butt cheek might be fun. I could even incorporate the cheesy grin that crosses your face when you think you have bested me.”

Walking towards my Fairy Queen, I chuckled, “Touché, oh, twisted little pixie of mine! One of the things I love the most about us—we share the same dark and twisty sense of humor.”

Standing before her, I quietly reassured, “Mahan is just worried about Luminara, you know. He wants the best of the best out there tomorrow so we can find answers, which is why he isn’t crazy about Guntur or Spiros joining us. But as you always say, all will be well in the end. I promise.”

Tati stood up, lovingly stating, “I have every confidence that will be the case, especially with my King of Fury there. I also have no doubt that Loa can handle things if you need assistance, but I can still go, if you want. I’m sure the girls won’t mind if we delay their fittings tomorrow.”

“Nonsense! To be perfectly honest, I’m surprised this is being made into such a big deal, love,” I adamantly returned, “It’s just a search for clues, not a battle. We may not even find anything out there, though to help ease Mahan’s mind, I hope we do. And Nicholas and Madeline’s wedding is in a few weeks. We can’t have our Alpha of Mystic Fire not looking perfect in front of hundreds of people, especially considering there will be Alphas and leaders of packs near and far among them. She needs you and despite what you may think, I am quite capable of taking care of myself.”

Reaching out to lift her up into my arms, I huskily murmured, “Besides, if I need you, you are only a link away.”

“That’s true, I suppose,” Tati contemplated out loud, “And there is still quite a bit I need to finish up on Madeline’s dress.”

“Exactly,” I mischievously grinned, “But as it happens, I do really need you right now, Fairy Queen—want me to link over how you can help?”

Her lips vibrating against mine, Tati seductively breathed out, “In this case, I think I can read that insatiable mind of yours, Fury. Every word so incredibly wicked! Another thing I happen to love about us—our shared thoughts of wickedness.”

“Damn straight,” I lowly growled out, “Which is why I struggle with busy work days. Passion struggles with the loss of life’s connection—and voice in his head.”

Her sparkling brown eyes with flakes of shimmery hazel peered deep into mine as Tati sweetly countered, “As long as there is breath in our lungs, my love, life and passion are always connected, even when we are hundreds of miles apart!”

Kissing her tenderly, I murmured, “Thankfully, we aren’t hundreds of miles apart currently. What do you say we enjoy a little, green-coated pleasurable wickedness to tide me over until I return home to my Queen tomorrow evening?”

Tati giggled, our deep emerald aura of connection swirling up around us, expanding out to cover our room and secure our door from any interruptions, while also stopping the sounds of our lovemaking from spilling out into the hallway.

Considering we got a bit more animated than usual, utilizing not only the bed, but the couch, the back wall, the bench on the end of the bed, and the shower in our numerous lovemaking antics, that was without a doubt—a very good call...

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

ANABELLE

Sitting on the end of my bed, I was a little anxious about the conversation being had between Spiros and Alpha Mahan. Fortunately, it wasn’t too long before my mate returned and, after seeing me nervously wringing my hands, sat down beside me, taking hold of them as Spiros informed me of their talk...

“I can’t blame Alpha Mahan for his concern, Belles,” Spiros earnestly stated, “His daughter is the future Alpha of Moon Stone and pregnant with his grandchildren, who are the future of their pack. Igor has sworn for years to destroy Mahan and his family. He doesn’t want anything overlooked and neither Guntur nor I have any real experience working with an investigative search team.”

His expression determined, Spiros adamantly continued, “Truthfully, I’m glad Alpha Mahan talked with me. It gave me even more focus and drive to prove I am an asset to Crescent Moon and The Council armies. Plus, I get to work closely with Horacio and Beast, both of whom I know I will learn a lot from.”

“I believe in you, Spiros,” I wholeheartedly said, squeezing his hand, “So I have no doubt that you will prove to everyone what a tremendous asset you are in any mission they choose you to take part in.”

Cupping my face, Spiros leaned down to lay a soft kiss upon my lips, blowing out against them afterwards, “You make me believe that Anabelle—you make me believe I can do anything.”

“You can do anything,” I softly murmured, “That being said, I want you well rested. Why don’t we lay down and share a little more of this, then get some sleep?”

Spiros agreed, both of us changing into more comfortable clothes—fortunately, he had left a few pairs of nylon shorts and t-shirts earlier, laughing as I stole one of the shirts to wear as a nightgown as it swallowed me whole—before laying down together in bed as Spiros continued his cautious tender embrace to protect my healing back, our lips connecting in kisses filled with the love and devotion we already deeply held for one another in our hearts.

Snuggling in as close as I could to his solid muscular frame, I fell asleep in my Spiros’ arms, feeling happy, content, and safe. I knew then that I wouldn’t be able to sleep well again without him by my side, for in his arms, I was truly home...

**********

MAXIM

It killed me to say goodnight to Kishi in Luna Aruna’s wing. She and Ayla were sharing a room there—a room that was on the complete opposite side of the main house from where my room was.

My adrenaline still flowing heavily in my veins from all the events that occurred today, I decided to take a hot shower, hoping it would relax me enough to be able to get some rest. Fortunately, it did seem to help calm me—well, that and thoughts of my beautiful auburn-haired, brown-eyed mate.

After riding through so many ups and downs today, I had to admit—tonight had been perfect. I couldn’t explain how happy Kishi made me, just like I couldn’t explain the joy Jade’s arrival in my world made me. Between that and my new tattoos—and all the reactions from my fellow Mystic Fires, who all requested to have the same emblem on their arms—I was able to set aside all the grief, at least momentarily.

Looking at my shoulders in the mirror, a broad smile crossed my face. I loved seeing my Crescent Moon emblem with the holographic overlay of Mystic Fire’s emblem. The multicolored flame with a phoenix in the center gleaming brightly in the light—the head of the Crescent Moon wolf still visible beneath it, combining just as beautifully as the people the symbols represented had come together as one...

My gaze diverting to my other shoulder, there was another tattoo that I loved just as much—a shaded image of the head of Kishi’s wolf howling at the full moon that was inlaid behind her, inspired by one of our many conversations where I learned that my mate enjoyed late night walks, especially beneath the bright light of a fully rounded moon.

As she had seen Kishi’s wolf several times, Auntie’s depiction was perfect, according to my awed and excited mate, who had been stunned by my request. Running my fingers over the life-like bristled fur along the wolf’s neck on the bottom edge of my magical ink, I couldn’t decide which of my new tattoos I loved more...

Wrapping a towel around my waist, my mind continued to be flooded with thoughts of my conversations with Kishi, the smile on my face expanding as I walked over to my bed, throwing on the red nylon shorts Zayn had kindly given me until Jade took me shopping for some clothes tomorrow.

Taking the towel back in hand, I started running it over my wet hair when I heard a faint knock on my door. Thinking it was Jade making sure I had everything I needed, I rushed over to open it—shocked when I discovered that it wasn’t my sister on the other side—it was Kishi, who had changed into a dark purple t-shirt and black leggings.

“Hey,” I happily exhaled out, “What are you—”

“Doing sneaking all the way down here to see you?” Kishi blurted out in a hushed whisper, “I’ve completely lost my mind. Can I come in before someone sees or hears me?”

Silently nodding, I swung the door open, laughing under my breath as Kishi rushed in with the cutest nervous and guilty expression I’ve ever seen. Carefully closing the door so I wouldn’t alert anyone else that I had an unexpected visitor, I quietly kidded her, “I thought you said you believed in following the rules. I believe you were supposed to stay in the room with Ayla tonight, meeting me and Caelus in the morning for breakfast.”

“I don’t know who the worst influence is, Ayla or you,” Kishi defeatedly defended, “First, Ayla decides to sneak off to see Caelus, thanks to Guntur’s offer to help get her in their room unseen, leaving me all alone.”

Taking a few steps forward, Kishi reached out to gently graze her fingers over my tattoo of her wolf, a starry-eyed expression on her face, “And then, all I could think about was you—and how much it meant to me that on the very night we met, you’ve already marked your skin with a symbol of your love and devotion to me—and in such a unique way. This tattoo was such a romantic thing to do, Maxim. Thank you for making me feel so special.”

“You are special, Kishi,” I admiringly whispered, “Tonight has meant everything to me. Finding you—the girl—the mate of my dreams—it means—everything. I’m already desperately in love you—and I will love you—always.”

Kishi’s response was just as unexpected as her appearance at my door, jumping up to wrap her arms around my neck, caressing her lips against mine before ever so softly capturing them in the sweetest, most heartwarming kiss—our first kiss—that I eagerly returned. My heart began pounding hard in my chest, undoubtedly fighting not to explode from the weight of immense happiness Kishi instilled in it. It was perfect—Kishi was perfect—and in her, I found exactly what my heart and soul had always dreamed of...

When our lips finally parted, Kishi instantly had me laughing, “So, as I am not typically a rule breaker—any ideas on how to get me back into my room unseen and unbusted? I was a nervous wreck the whole way down here—I might pass out getting back.”

“I’ve been known to break a few rules in my time,” I chuckled, “I think I can manage to help you sneak back up to your room. But not just yet.”

Grinning ear to ear, she giggled, “I knew it—you are a bad influence! However, in this case, that’s a good thing!”

In the midst of our shared laughter afterwards, Kishi’s humored brown eyes softened slightly, her words said in an adoring whisper, “I love you too, by the way. And I will fight for you and for us, Maxim. What you face, I face—together—always.”

My heartfelt reply came in the form of our second kiss—one that I instigated, losing myself in Kishi—everything else I would eventually have to face disappearing as I embraced my future—a life I would build together with my mate, now and forever facing the world as one.

*********

TINK

No matter how good my big guy is making me feel right now—I can’t break—I need to find a way to join that search tomorrow! Damn him and those magical fingers! It never fails. My huge hunk of testosterone always pulls this move when he’s trying to get his way...

Oh, for the love of—nope! Concentrate, Tink! CONCENTRATE! Mmmmm...wait—what was I concentrating on again? OH YEAH! DAMN HIM! Speak now while you remember, Tink—or Beast will make you forget again and forever hold your peace—DO NOT SUCCUMB TO THE BIG LUG’S OH SO SWEET MOVES OF DISTRACTION!

“This doesn’t change anything, big guy,” I forced out in a rasped whisper, “We still need to figure out a way for me to join that search tomorrow. You seem to always—oh, sweet ecstasy, you tricky Beast! Where was I? Oh yeah—you always find a way to get in trouble if we don’t work as a unit!”

“Wedding fitting is more important,” Beast murmured, flicking his tongue out—man, he knows how to work me!

“Excuse doesn’t hold up, O’Insatiable One!” I moaned out in rising rapture, “Plenty of time before our big day, big guy!”

Another sly and masterful move in our battle was made by my seven-foot wonder, bringing forth a second pleasured deep throated moan, “Ohhhhh! That’s so unfair, Roly, but oh so good!”

I heard my favorite sound then—Beast’s laugh—leading me to breathlessly try to chuckle myself, “You’re the only one I let get away with crap like this, you know.”

“I better be,” Beast chortled, blowing out before he flicked his tongue again, “You’re MINE!”

Letting out a loud groan, I hoarsely whispered, “Get back up here and look me in the face, big guy.”

Beast did as I asked, his black hair a mussed mess, falling out of his ponytail to lay across his face and shoulders. I regretted pushing the stray strands from his face—his dark eyes reflecting every ounce of love for me the big guy had in his heart—moving my hands down to rest on his mammoth shoulders, softly pleading, “Promise me you won’t get into any trouble, Beast. I mean it—NONE! Or I’ll go all—Dark One Tink on you!”

“Promise. I’ve done this a hundred times, Tink,” Beast lovingly returned, “Better as a unit? Yes. But it’s a simple search. I want everything to be perfect for our wedding day—and most of all, for you to be really happy—and when you dress up Tink-style, it makes you really happy.”

Ahhhh! The big ol’ lug! He officially won the battle...

“You jerk! How can I say no after fifty words?” I frustratingly sighed out, “It does prove that you’re excited to marry me and for our wedding day, which makes it pretty sweet, I guess—you Tink lovin’ freak.”

That darn sweet grin I love expanded out across his face then, “Can I go back to magic fingers now?”

“Nope!” I adamantly blurted out, “I will not be defeated twice today by you, my hunka-hunka insatiable foe! You will bend to my will on this one, my perfect lover—we continue with bang-bang—” Pausing for a moment, I continued softly, “Together as one.”

“Deal,” Beast touchingly whispered, kissing me tenderly on the lips.

When he released his heartwarming hold and I could speak again, I murmured, “Do me a favor big guy. When I give you the one child I’ve promised, make sure it’s a boy and that he’s just like you, will ya? The sweet, loveable, force of nature part. I don’t want to know if he’s insatiable like you—there are some things I won’t need or want to know.”

“Anything for you, Tink,” Beast laughingly replied, dipping his mouth down to lightly kiss his mark on my neck, before we slowed down our pace, lust replaced with adoration and devotion, bang-bang replaced with making beautiful love...