To Have And To Hold

Dare To Dream...Part II

Chapter Twenty-One: Dare To Dream...Part II

MAXIM

Hearing me walking towards them, Anabelle turned, a warm smile on her face as she rushed towards me, pulling me into a congratulatory hug as she gushed about Kishi and how much it meant to her to see me so happy. Jillian walked up as well, extending her congratulatory greeting before I returned her kind gesture...

“Looks like we are both lucky,” I kindly told her, “Finally finding where we have always belonged.”

“We are, aren’t we?” Jillian softly exhaled out, “Congratulations, Maxim. It’s amazing, isn’t it? The life we have found the instant we stepped foot in Crescent Moon. You have a new home with a sister and now, a mate. I’m sure it has all come as quite a shock, but I hope you have found the happiness you deserve here. I know I wasn’t allowed to speak to you, I could always see your kindness.”

“Thanks,” I uncomfortably replied, shifting my weight slightly as I dishearteningly admitted, “I wasn’t allowed to speak to you either, which I feel bad about now, especially after Jade told me all that you were put through. That’s why I wanted to come talk to you now. So, I could tell you that I’m sorry. I had no idea, Jillian. Had I known—”

“There was nothing you could have done, Maxim, not without consequences or risking your own life,” Jillian steadfastly returned, “We were both trapped—and betrayed—by those around us. I’m working on putting it all behind me now. I hope you can do the same. Neither of us were ever really Blood Horizons at heart. Because we have hearts. I’m just glad we’ve been given the chance to start over in packs where we have always belonged. And I look forward to getting to know both you and Anabelle better.”

Mattias, Guntur, and Caelus ran up then, excited as they relayed Auntie had agreed to their request for some tattoos. The thought intrigued me as well—in fact, I had an interesting idea for one, wondering if Auntie could create something that would represent both my past and my new beginning...

***********

TATIANA

The smiles on Mattias and Guntur’s faces said it all—they were ecstatic—their shoulders now emblazoned with Howling Wind emblems and as they sweetly requested, fairy tattoos in honor of my rescue of them from Amelia’s dungeon.

As I expected and wished for, Spiros also joined in on the fun, requesting the Crescent Moon Emblem on his shoulder which had my added magical touch that had been placed on the rest of my family’s tattoos, enabling me to find them always.

Afterwards, Spiros made a heartwarming request for his other shoulder—a portrait of the face and neck of his father’s wolf with large, piercing dark brown eyes shaded to reflect the determination and confidence Faizon was well known for—his muzzle widened in a smile that exhibited the same. To the left side of the wolf was his mother’s favorite flower, an ombre light and dark purple hibiscus, representing Spiros’ boundless love for both of his parents. Sarene was instantly enamored with it, tears brimming her eyes as she admired it after I was done.

Maxim was the next to request a tattoo. An interesting idea that when brought forth on his shoulder, I was infatuated with. In fact, there were several who were enchanted by it...

“Okay, now that is seriously cool, Auntie!” Tink breathlessly exclaimed in awe, “If Maxim doesn’t mind, I want that added to mine!”

Gazing at Maxim’s Crescent Moon emblem with a satisfied grin, I set my palm aglow with white light, causing the bright colors of the hologram-looking overlay of the Mystic Fire emblem to shine again, the flame appearing to come to life combining the two emblems just as Nicholas and Madeline had combined the two packs, exhaling out, “I don’t blame you. I think this may be my one of favorites as well.”

Coming in closer, Gavin continued to enthusiastically admire the details of it, “Mine too. What do you say, Maxim? Mind if we steal your idea?”

Maxim thoughtfully replied, “Not at all—we’re all Mystic Fires and Crescent Moons, right?”

“We most certainly are and like Anabelle, I believe you may be a trendsetter, Maxim,” Madeline warmly smiled, “which is why your Mystic Fire Alpha is going to get a smaller version of this on her shoulder, if Auntie wouldn’t mind.”

The rest of the girls agreed with her, requesting the same—the remaining lineage of Mystic Fire paying homage to both their pack and their ancestors—while also representing their dual loyalty and love for Crescent Moon...

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

ARUNA

I found myself continuing to be drawn to Anabelle, the sweet young girl so quickly capturing a place in my heart from the moment I met her. I suppose that’s why I’m so happy things have worked out so well with her—finding Spiros and becoming part of his large, loving family. But there was also part of me—a private selfish part I kept hidden inside—that was sad at the same time...

Aldric and I tried for so many years to have a child, only to be left disappointed by medical issues I suffered from due to an abnormality with cysts in my ovaries that caused both a struggle to get pregnant and ended in four miscarriages before Tatiana came to our rescue—something I wouldn’t find out until just recently—turning our devastation to elation with the birth of our handsome blonde-haired, blue-eyed Nicholas.

By then, however, I was almost forty, advised by our physician and resident healers that attempting to have more children would put me at great risk even with magical help. And while I was still willing to try again, Aldric was not, lovingly informing me that he wouldn’t take a chance on losing me—not only for himself, but for our baby boy...

I came to terms with the fact that my dreams of having a big family were not in the fate's plans for me, agreeing with Aldric in the end. And since that day, I have always felt, especially now, that fate rewarded me in kind for that choice—our adoption of Gavin bringing so much love to my world, as well as the places carved in my heart by my boys, Jace, Carson, and Beast, who I have loved as if they were my own since they were born, the brotherhood between the five always thicker than blood.

And then there are my Mystic Fire girls, who I impatiently waited to reappear in our lives after finding Aldric’s note revealing their truth, loving them unconditionally and wholeheartedly before their arrival, and even more so upon their return. So, in truth, I had been gifted exactly what I wished for—but there was still a part of me longing for the dream of the daughter I wanted Aldric and I to share...

The moment I met Anabelle I felt a closeness with her I couldn’t explain, admiring her instantly—her strength, kindness, resilience, and fortitude—and her devout morals of goodness, carrying herself with such modesty while displaying a truly giving and caring nature—leaving me wondering so many times today that if the daughter I always wished for Aldric and I to have would have been like her.

Those thoughts are what led me to insist she stay with Tati and I in my wing. I wasn’t ready to let go of her, a feeling of overwhelming protectiveness over Anabelle expelling out of my heart and mind. And it didn’t mean that I didn’t love my girls, because I do, so very much—but there was something so very special about Anabelle—something that had me wanting to keep her as close to me as possible for as long as I could.

But now, that all may change. In fact, it undoubtedly will as she moves forward in her life with Spiros and his family, though I will still selfishly try to steal her away as much as I can to fill my heart with the joy she brings. And that was something I too would come to accept because my sweet young Anabelle’s happiness would always come first above my own desires. Though it happened almost instantly, I would do what I did for Nicholas—set Anabelle free to live her life.

I shivered slightly as that thought came to mind—something that caught Anabelle's attention, reaching down into a bag she had sitting beside her that I hadn’t noticed until now, before jumping up from her seat beside Spiros to walk towards me—my breath catching in my chest as I realized Anabelle was carrying my favorite shawl that I kept laid across a chair in my room.

“Are you cold, Luna?” she pleasantly asked, unfolding my shawl to place across my shoulders when she reached me, “I hope you don’t mind, but I worried it was getting a bit chilly, so I ran back upstairs while Auntie was working on Mattias’ tattoo to get this for you in case you needed it. I got a blanket for Auntie too. Jillian mentioned she gets cold easily.”

“Well, that was incredibly kind of you, Anabelle,” Nicholas appreciatively told her, “Thank you for that thoughtful gesture.”

“Yes, that was so very sweet of you, Anabelle, thank you!” I gushed, deeply touched by her thoughtfulness, tears forming in the corners of my eyes as I affectionately chided, “You’re quite sneaky! I didn’t even see you leave or come back with that bag!”

“I left while you were distracted watching Auntie,” Anabelle shyly admitted, “I didn’t want you to worry I wasn’t feeling well or tell me it wasn’t necessary. And I’m glad my tactic worked. I can’t have you getting sick on me. It would break my heart. My reasons may have been a bit selfish as well—we’re supposed to go for a walk at Mystic Fire tomorrow, which I am looking forward to a great deal.”

Taking her hand in mine, I pulled Anabelle towards me to kiss the top of her head, “And go for a walk we shall, my dear. I’m looking forward to it as well. Thank you again for sweetly thinking about me, Anabelle. Now, go be with your Spiros, hmmmm?”

Returning my kiss with one of her own on my cheek, Anabelle gave me a warm smile before returning to Spiros’ side. As I was watching her gleefully sit down beside him again, Nicholas leaned to the side, kissing my other cheek, “I believe you and Anabelle are quite taken with one another, Mother.”

“Tati and I have very much enjoyed having Anabelle close by in my wing,” I sweetly replied, “She has a tender heart and a sweet soul. I’m afraid you may find I’m adopting another one in my heart, dear.”

“I don’t mind sharing you or that beautiful heart of yours,” Nicholas proudly returned, “So long as no one tries to steal you away from me completely.”

I laughed, patting his hand as Altalune leaned over, murmuring out in a hushed tone, “While I am even more jealous of you, I am also very happy that Anabelle is residing in the wing with you, Sister. Though you may find I will be visiting more often as I am enamored with that sweet little thing myself.”

Glancing over with a warm smile, I whispered, “She is sweet, isn’t she Alta?”

I was gifted with a thoughtful and loving expression crossing Alta's rounded, softly wrinkled face, the same ice blue found in my eyes staring back at me as she knowingly and compassionately linked to keep her words private, If you and Aldric had the daughter you always wanted, Aruna, I have no doubt that she would have been much like Anabelle. She reminds me of you at that age. And as I know your heart is as big as the full moon itself, there’s no reason not to give that girl a special part of it and love her as if she were your own. There are so many fortunate children around us that you have bestowed that upon, Sister. That’s what makes you special.

Thank you for those sweet words, Alta, I devotedly replied, I love you, Sister. Always have, always will.

And I love you, Aruna, Alta returned with heartfelt sincerity, You continue to be so much like our mother, who was always so proud of her two girls, especially you as I had a bit of a rebellious streak. Maybe that’s another reason I have quickly grown fond of Anabelle as she reminds me of her too. I can’t help but feel Father would have loved her as well. That’s what initially broke his heart when you left Howling Wind, you know—the loss of you and your heart so soon after Mother’s passing. He missed you not being there to greet him every morning.

I know, that’s why I visited so often, I lovingly linked back, And, you do still know me so well, Alta. I’ve wondered many times today if Aldric and I had a daughter, if she would be like Anabelle. I suppose that’s why the special place in my heart you mentioned is already hers.

I continued to watch as Anabelle and Spiros huddled together sharing a little secret, their adoring gazes locked with one another as they happily whispered back and forth—something I used to enjoy doing with my beloved mate throughout our many years together, voicing the longing thoughts that filtered into my mind to my sister...

Part of me can’t help but feel that my Aldric had a hand in bringing Anabelle here, Sister. Even from eternity, my love seems to continue to find ways to make all my dreams come true—a lifetime of loving all my boys, the return of my beloved girls, and now—sweet Anabelle coming into my life. The large family he and I both dreamed of surrounding me and reminding me of his words—Family is not only made of blood. It is also made up of those who give their hearts to one another, uniting together in love.

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

MADELINE

Anabelle continued to impress me and the bond that had quickly formed between she and Aruna melted my heart. She seemed to bring great happiness to our Luna, making me glad that she was staying close to her in her wing with Auntie and Horacio...

Tilting her head towards me, Luminara kindly murmured, “I like Anabelle a great deal, Madeline. That was so sweet of her, bringing down Aruna’s shawl. It does break my heart for her even more, however, knowing what Igor did to her. At least, in the end, she found her way here.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” I quietly returned, “And neither could Aruna, or Auntie for that matter. They both adore her.”

I saw Luminara shift uncomfortably beside me, turning to look at my dear friend, who was wearing a lovely gown Auntie made for her that gave Luminara the appearance of the Moon Goddess herself—a dark blue chiffon dress that had a plunging v-neck with thin straps and a silk band just below her breasts, allowing for comfort as the loose, flowing material cascaded around her protruding belly.

“Are my niece and nephew kicking again?” I grinned, placing my hand on her stomach, greeted immediately by incessant strong, hearty greetings against my palm.

“Does that answer your question? I believe our son is already as strong and powerful as his father and our daughter is battling him for room in there,” Luminara laughed out, capturing Badru’s attention. Placing his hand on the other side of her rounded mid-section, Badru began gently rubbing it, attempting to lovingly settle the children down.

Luminara let out a sigh of relief, “And then there was calm once more. As much as I hate to admit it, they’re already listening to their father more than me. Badru can always ease them with the simple touch of his hand.”

Her eyes narrowing slightly, Luminara tone turned anguished, “Speaking of fathers, I wish mine would listen to me and stop allowing himself to feel so overcome with anxiety and unease when it comes to the children and me. I’m beginning to worry about the effect Igor is having on him and his own health.”

“While I have shared much of his concern, Mahan has been unusually out of sorts as of late,” Badru murmured in his low baritone, his rugged face showing the same worry as his wife.

“Nicholas mentioned Mahan was quite stressed about tomorrow’s search,” I despairingly sighed out, “While I hope he proves me wrong, I fear Igor will have left no trace behind. We could very well come up empty-handed.”

“Oh, I hope not,” Luminara disparagingly sighed out, “We have all dreamed of this for so long, Madeline. I want Father to be able to enjoy this time in our lives and have grown very tired of this heavy protection detail that follows me everywhere I go. At least I have a trip to Mystic Fire to look forward to tomorrow. Auntie may find that additional bolt of material I suggested she get for my dress will come in very handy.”

I giggled, assuring my friend I didn’t feel that would be the case, looking up afterwards to see Mahan walking towards us from the other end of the table where he had been chatting with Lorenzo and Soren, carrying a plate that held a large piece of Auntie’s strawberry cake. His hand gently wrapping around Luminara’s shoulder, Mahan leaned down to place the dessert in front of her, thankfully appearing more like his usual tranquil self, softly stating, “Perhaps this will calm my grandchildren down, Luminara. They do tend to share a sweet tooth.”

Tilting her head up to beam at him, Luminara lovingly returned, “Thank you, Father. Though this isn’t going to help me fit into that dress tomorrow.”

Picking the plate back up, Mahan playfully chided, “I can always take it back down to the other end of the table if you would like.”

Her lips forming into a large pout in response, Luminara mockingly whined, “I think that’s the meanest thing you’ve ever said to me. And for the record, based on the massive kick they each just bestowed upon me, your grandchildren are highly displeased with their beloved Papa. For both of our safeties, I’d set that plate back down. The children have just notified me that they didn’t like Papa either, by the way. It amazes me how vocal and opinionated they already are in my womb—two swift kicks have just been bestowed. I believe you are going to have to go with Pop-Pop—that seems to appease them.”

Laughing, Mahan set the plate back down in front of her, “I don’t care what either of my grandchildren call me. Their happiness and well-being are my only concern, as well as that of my beautiful daughter.”

Taking the fork in hand, Luminara took a large bite of the cake, a wide smile crossing her face as she breathed out in satisfaction, “Mmmmm, then you better make sure our baker keeps sweets such as this on-hand if you wish for their contentment. Hopefully these daily sacrifices to my normally healthy diet are paying off. With all the pastries, cakes, and cookies they’ve insisted on, they should both be filled with enough sugar and spice to make them the sweetest children in the world!”

Her father, Badru, and Nicholas chortled at her reply, before Mahan sweetly leaned down, kissing Luminara on the head, “If they are anything like their mother, they will be, my dear. You have and always will be my greatest dream brought to life, Luminara.”

Laying her hand on top of his that continued to reside on her shoulder, Luminara peered up at him again, devoutly declaring, “You, my very loved and adored Father, make cherishing and treasuring you so easy. Something I can most assuredly tell you is felt by your two little loves as well—especially when you come bearing cake.”

While he displayed a humored reaction, I could still see distress and apprehension in Mahan’s gaze, leaving me hoping that I was wrong and tomorrow, we would not come up empty-handed, but full of the knowledge we seek about Igor’s whereabouts...