To Have And To Hold

Late Night Talk...Part I

Chapter Forty-Five: Late Night Talk...Part I

JACE

My admiration continued to grow for Anabelle, who thoughtfully brought down Mother’s favorite blanket and a change of clothes, gingerly covering her up as I congratulated Spiros...

“Thank you, Jace. And since I disappointed you earlier, perhaps I can make up for it now,” Spiros kindly said, looking over at Luna, who was standing beside me, good-naturedly continuing, “I’ve heard rumor that Luna would like Anabelle and I to remain in her wing, so if that is true, that is where I would appreciate being able to reside with Anabelle—if my mate is in agreement, of course.”

“Oh, Spiros! Really?” Anabelle excitedly gushed in an almost inaudible whisper, running over to him and throwing her arms around his waist, “Oh, thank you, thank you!” Spiros laughed, leisurely bringing his arm around her, pulling Anabelle into his tall, strong frame.

Luna was beaming in glee as I wrapped my arm around her, appreciatively replying, “Seems I’m further in your debt for granting my beloved Luna her wish, Spiros. Thank you.” Leaning down, I kissed her on the side of the head, whispering, “Congratulations on your victory, my Luna.”

“My Jace's silliness aside, you’ve made my heart very happy, thank you, Spiros,” Luna affectionately murmured, her hand coming to rest on my chest, “And I promise, I will not interfere with your private time with Anabelle.”

Constance, Alastor, Vivian, Lorenzo, and Priscilla quietly entered the room then, leading Luna, Spiros, and Anabelle to take their leave, but not before all congratulated our warrior on his new positions. After a quick greeting, Lorenzo went over to sit down beside Horacio, a solemn expression on his face as laid his hand down on Horacio’s cast. Priscilla gave me an unexpected warm hug before going over to sit beside him, one hand endearingly placed on Lorenzo’s arm, while the other came to rest on Horacio’s side. Alastor privately linked then, asking if we could give them a moment alone with Mother and Horacio. Quickly agreeing, we made our way back out into the waiting room...

Raven came out when she heard us with Constance and Vivian joining her for some tea at a small table in the center of the room while I sat with Alastor across from Horacio’s room, chatting for quite a while about various subjects. Every now and then, Alastor would stand up to check on his parents, his whole body reflecting heavy concern. Much like Lorenzo, Alastor had a tall regal look and posture, his head normally held high, but currently, he was slouching slightly, the dark features of his face hardened...

“I know none of us are faring well, Jace, but I’m worried about Mother and Father,” he admitted, “I’ve never seen either of them like this. Horacio is—well, he’s important to all of us. But I don’t know what to do to help them—or Auntie for that matter. I just wish Horacio would wake and ease everyone’s minds.”

“As do I,” I soberly stated, “Unfortunately, like it was with Mother not long ago, I’m afraid patience is required. We just need to keep talking to him and tell Horacio how much we need him here. And you know how he is about Mother, maybe we can try to work that angle as well.”

“Would you mind, Cousin,” Alastor hesitantly exhaled out, “If Vivian and I stay here with you and Constance tonight to keep an eye on Horacio and Auntie?”

“Not at all,” I thoughtfully returned, “Raven is bringing in another bed. Family needs to stick together, especially in times like these. We can take shifts sitting with Mother and Horacio.”

“I would really appreciate that, Jace, thank you,” Alastor earnestly returned, running his hand through his thick black hair, “I think my parents would help my parents to know that we’re here—and help me a great deal as well.”

***********

ALASTOR

I had always thought Father looked young for his age—or allowed myself to think that, unwilling to believe the real number of years he had been on this earth, because it brought fear of losing him sooner than I wanted. One of the things I didn’t like—that my parents had me later in life...

But when he came out of Horacio’s room, the deepened wrinkles on Father’s forehead and above his eyes made him look ten years older, frightening me as I realized how right Vivian was—and what an arrogant fool I was, once more taking for granted that nothing could affect the incredible strength and fortitude of my father, who was indeed in great despair now—we all were.

Father stated that Mother requested some time alone with Horacio and Auntie before they returned to the main house for the night. I told him that Vivvy and I were staying overnight at the hospital, which seemed to please Father a great deal to know we would be keeping an eye on things, with promises made to also keep him informed of how things were going before I suggested that we take a little walk down to Auntie’s bench while Mother was visiting our loved ones.

Our stroll slow as we walked down the stony path, Father distractedly sighed out, “So, what is it you want to discuss with me, Alastor? There must be some reason for your impromptu invitation.”

Swallowing hard, I quietly replied, “I wanted to apologize for upsetting you earlier today with my outburst. It was a reactionary response that caused you unneeded additional distress. Plus, I wanted to see how you were doing as I’m currently very worried about your well-being. I hope that knowing Vivvy and I will be here tonight will ease your mind a little, but if there is something else that I can do to help you, Father—all you have to do is ask.”

“Thank you for your concern, Alastor, and for staying at the hospital tonight, as it does ease my mind,” Father kindly returned, “As far as your outburst, it was reactionary, but it reflected my feelings as well.”

An uncomfortable silence flowed between us until we reached the water’s edge. Staring out at the calming rippling water, Father’s tone held deep regret as he admitted, “I know it was my fault, Alastor—the breakdown of the closeness that formed between you and Horacio when you were younger. The reason I didn’t put my foot down about your participation in battle before I did was because—well, it did my heart good—to see the bond you two shared. I knew what would happen afterwards, which is of course what did happen. You felt betrayed by him, just like you felt betrayed by me. I think it’s a Spirit Walker thing—pride, arrogance, and stubbornness.”

An instinctive ticking began in my jaw as I solemnly replied, “Your last sentence is true enough, which is why I wish our Winged Angel had never disappeared from our lives. Auntie return seems to have brought much-needed change to us all in that aspect.”

Looking over at Auntie’s bench, my tone turned longing as I asked him, “Do you ever think about it, Father? If she hadn’t been stolen from us—would things have been different—would we have been different somehow? Auntie’s light guiding us to where we are now long ago?”

“I’ve thought about it many times, but I have no clear-cut answer, Alastor,” Father thoughtfully sighed out, “The whole truth came out the way it did because things happened the way it did. Just as the mending of our relationship actually began with the return of the Rogue Eight. And the past is—the past. All we can do is move forward and hope that fate is kind, allowing us to be as we are now—a close-knit family. And if Tati’s light has shown me anything, it’s that I want more of this—the way we are now. I want that more than anything—and I want to watch as both my boys lead Spirit Walker into its next phase of the future for a long time to come. It has made me so happy that you and Horacio have become close again. And I want to spend the rest of my years on this earth feeling that joy—enjoying time together with our family.”

It was still taking some getting used to—Father’s honest, heartfelt words—but I was finding myself grateful for them currently, reciprocating with some of my own, but as always, in my own way, “Vivvy says I was jealous of the bond between you and Horacio. I really hate it when she’s right—makes me feel undeserving of my little beauty when Vivvy points out my selfishness and arrogance.”

“I actually rather love that about our Vivian,” Father chuckled, “That beautiful young lady has gumption and is not afraid to confront you when she feels strongly about something, which will come in quite handy when you take over as Alpha. Sometimes I wish your mother didn’t let me get away with my arrogance for so long. And if you love me at all, you will not repeat those words to her.”

I softly laughed before my tone turned downhearted, “We need our Horacio back, Father. For Auntie—and for us. It genuinely worries me that Auntie and Raven can’t see him in their visions of our future.”

“I know—one of the ways that having their abilities at our disposal is both a gift and a curse,” Father drawled out, “But I continue to be in great hopes that Tati can accomplish that very thing through their connection, Alastor—and that Horacio will fully recover and be back with us soon.”

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

PRISCILLA

Taking Lorenzo’s place beside Horacio, I sat in silent awe for several minutes, staring at Horacio and Tati, who was snuggled up on top of his chest wrapped up in her blanket—both sleeping so peacefully...

“The way Tati loves and adores you, Horacio,” I quietly thought out loud, “That’s what every mother wants for her son. It’s what your mother always wanted for you—and it’s what I have always wanted for you.”

Taking in a deep breath, I let my feelings out in small, broken increments as I continued our one-sided conversation, “Get ready to feel uncomfortable by my softer side again. Because I think of you that way, you know—my son. You’ve been adopted in my heart for many years now, especially after your parents’ untimely passing. I feel very fortunate in my life. I have three magnificent men who are completely and utterly dedicated to me—protective of me—who love me unconditionally—Lorenzo, Alastor—and you.”

My hand on his enormous bicep, I leisurely ran it up and down Horacio’s arm, “I’ve suffered enough loss when it comes to my children, Horacio. Four of them in fact. So, please don’t make me go through another one. I beg you, please don’t leave me. Don’t do that to my heart, because I wouldn’t only suffer your loss, but the loss of a huge part of Tati. You two have so many years of life and beautiful memories to make. Ones I want to be there for and be a part of. So, I need you to fight like I know you can. Work your way back into Raven and Tati’s visions and come home where you belong. I can’t bear the thought of anything else—of your untimely passing. So, do that for us—do that for me.”

Standing up, I bent down to kiss Horacio’s forehead before reaching over to delicately push several strands of Tati’s curls away from her face, inaudibly mouthing out, “I need to see you two have a perfect wedding day and to live the life you should have had together all these years. My love for you both is eternal and true—rest well, my loves.”

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

ANABELLE

It had been a rollercoaster day full of up and downs, especially for Spiros, who looked completely spent by the time we laid down. A long, exhaustive sigh passed through his lips as I cuddled up close to him on my side, his arm coming to rest around my waist as we faced one another...

Smiling warmly, I lovingly murmured, “So, I haven’t had a chance to tell you yet, but Remi used some of her healing powers on my back earlier and Talon was quite pleased with the results—want to see?”

My news excited him as Spiros sprung straight up, eagerly blurting out, “Yes! Show me!”

Rolling onto my stomach, Spiros lifted my shirt, exhaling out in awe, “The redness is almost gone! I can’t believe how much better it looks!”

I felt Spiros push himself forward to hover over me, supporting himself on his right hand that came to rest behind my head while his left pushed my hair to the side, his rosewood scent overpowering my senses as Spiros’ lips gently grazed across the back of my neck, sending chills down my spine...

“I know you don’t like me kissing your back because of the cream—is this okay?” Spiros asked, his fingers slowly making their way down my side.

“Mmmhmmm,” I hummed out, lost in the feel of his touch as Spiros placed small, tender kisses all across my skin before making his way around to my ear.

“I love you, Anabelle,” Spiros whispered, his tone thick with desire, “Thank you for supporting me the way you do—and the love you’ve shown me today. It means everything to me to have you by my side. I know at times, it wasn’t easy for you. I’m sorry for scaring you earlier.”

“I’m proud of you Spiros and always will be,” I rasped out, “And I will always be by your side—I love you—forever. I can’t wait to—”

“I can’t wait either, Anabelle,” Spiros murmured in my ear, “There’s nothing I want more than to make you all mine. Just a little while longer, my little love. If this is too much, I’ll stop.”

“No! Please—please don’t stop, Spiros,” I desperately pleaded, his fingers instantly gliding back up until I felt his thumb on the outside of my breast, “I love this. Feeling your love this way. No one else can make me feel like you do. I don’t know how I’ve survived all this time without you. I need you, Spiros—more than I’ve ever needed anything—and I want you—I’ve never wanted anything more.”

His hot breath felt like it was set aflame by my words, the heat between us rising as Spiros continued to caress my breast while his lips moved down to my clothed shoulder in a slow, sensual pace. Continuing to brace his weight on his right arm, Spiros suddenly maneuvered himself down, a kiss placed where a caress once was—on the exposed outer edge of my breast—my breath catching as his hand came to rest on my hip while his mouth and tongue worked their way down my side...

“I’m going to have stop, Anabelle, or I won’t be able to stop,” Spiros hungrily growled out, “I want you so badly, but I don’t want to hurt you and I don’t want to cause you any additional pain.”

“I know,” I softly moaned, “Oh, but I don’t want you to stop—I don’t ever want you to stop, Spiros.”

“Dammit, that doesn’t make this any easier!” Spiros lowly growled out again, his hand gripping my hip, turning me up onto my side, which in turn, fully exposed my breast—the heat between us now at a boiling point as his kisses became more passionate along my stomach as I reached up to run my fingers through his curls, which had become damp from sweat.

“You’re so beautiful, Anabelle, every inch—every taste of your skin—oh, it’s so sweet, my little love!” Spiros groaned out before his head came back up, his mouth hesitating slightly before devouring the bottom of my breast, his tongue frantically darting out, flicking up to tweak my n****e, sending a heavy gasp of desire expelling out from me in response.

The struggle was real now—neither of us wanting to stop—only wanting more as evidenced by Spiros’ fervent claim of my n****e, gently sucking, pulling it up into his mouth, my nub hardening and my body screaming for more as I pressed down on the back of Spiros’ head.

I could feel his frustration—and mine—as Spiros forced his lips to release their hold, pushing himself up to rest on his knees, panting out, “I’m—I’m sorry, Anabelle. That wasn’t fair—to either of us.”

Closing my eyes, I reluctantly pulled my shirt down, breathlessly replying, “It’s—It’s okay. That felt—amazing, but I understand. I want our first time—to be perfect too.”

Dropping heavily down beside me, Spiros brought his hand up to my face, his thumb beneath my chin as I reopened my eyes to see hunger, want, and desire remaining in his gaze, but also—so much love as he leaned forward to kiss me tenderly, hoarsely murmuring afterwards, “And it will be—soon. Until then, I will try not to tease you like this again, Anabelle. I just got—carried away.”

My hand now on his face, I softly whispered, “We both did—and I loved every minute, just as I love you. I meant what I said, Spiros. No one could ever make me feel the way you do.”

Kissing me again, Spiros blew out against my lips afterwards, “You, my little love, are worth every second of the wait. I will spend the rest of my life making you feel that way, Anabelle—every second of every day. I love you with all that I am and will ever be!”

***********

ARUNA

Standing out on my balcony, I looked up at the waning crescent moon, thankful for several outcomes of today’s trials—and heartbroken at others...

“Aruna?” Priscilla’s voice interjected into my deep thoughts, “What are you doing out here so late?”

“Oh, just thinking, Priscilla,” I replied, my eyes still on the sky, “How are you holding up through all of this?”

“Much like you, I’m doing as best I can,” Priscilla stoically returned, “I was about to make myself some tea before retiring for the evening. Would you like some?”

“That would be lovely, thank you,” I appreciatively sighed out, as Altalune’s voice rang out, “I could use some tea as well, if you don’t mind a third wheel.”

As Priscilla went to start the kettle, Alta came up behind me, her hand gently coming to rest on my back, comfortingly stating, “I hear Anabelle and Spiros will be residing with you in the wing on a permanent basis. That makes me very happy—for all three of you. Spiros deserves all the accolades he received today. He was truly exceptional in every action he took in that clearing. My nephew was wise to bring him aboard, though it is something he should have pressed for long before now. And you get to keep your Anabelle close, which is good for you both, Sister.”

“Mmmmm,” I hummed out, as Priscilla stepped back out onto the balcony, my tone downhearted as I sighed out, “How many times have we gone through this scenario over the years, ladies?”

“Too many to count, but unfortunately, that is the nature of the beast, Aruna,” Priscilla sadly admitted, “We are Lunas. We all knew this job was not going to be easy. Like our Alphas, we are at the forefront of all the trials, tribulations, and battles. There are victories and there are losses, but the losses tend to be what weigh on us the most. Today was a victory in most ways—and I refuse to accept that there will be any losses in it. Only wounds that need time to heal.”

My fears spilled out as I hopelessly replied, “I hope you’re right, Priscilla—because if you’re not, the loss will be another great weight on my heart, as well as so many others, including you. And I worry that for Tati, the weight will be too great.”

Hugging me closer, Alta solemnly said, “Yes, there are many decisions made by fate that I will never understand. So many good people—our family in particular—stolen from us before their time. But what Tati has faced over the years, it’s so mindboggling and heartbreaking all at the same time. She has overcome so much, but if tonight is any indication, I would have to agree with you, Aruna. As strong and resilient as she is, I’m not sure Tati would ever fully recover.”

“Which is why her family will remain by her side and support her in whatever way is necessary,” Priscilla firmly stated, adamant as she ranted afterwards, “Not only for her and us, but for Horacio. But it won’t come to that—my Horacio is strong and resilient too. He will fight for her and for us. I don’t care that Raven and Tati’s can’t currently see him in their visions—Horacio is coming back! Our Beta is going to come back to his family, both here and at Spirit Walker. He is going to help Alastor begin his reign as Alpha. He is going to marry Tatiana. And most of all, Horacio is going to have the full life and love that he has always deserved!”

Alta and I turned to see Priscilla’s whole body shaking, heavy tears falling down her face as she desperately sobbed out, “I will not lose him—I will not lose Horacio! I—I can’t! I will not lose another son! I won’t! Fate cannot take him away from me!”