To Have And To Hold

Finding The Strength Within...

Chapter Twenty-Six: Finding The Strength Within...

ANABELLE

As all the ladies stood frozen in place, stunned by Alpha Madeline’s admission that her wedding to Alpha Nicholas may be postponed, there was a knock on Luna Aruna’s door before the groom poked his head in, quietly asking, “Is everything alright in here? I’m feeling rising anxiousness from my Alpha.”

Auntie appeared astounded as she looked over at Alpha Nicholas, pressing for answers, “Why do you two think you will need to postpone your wedding?”

“It’s just a precaution Nicholas and I are discussing, Auntie,” Alpha Madeline quietly told her, “Nothing has been decided yet. Hopefully, we will find the answers needed to locate Igor today so we can get this whole thing settled and proceed as planned.”

“Raven and I have assured you both that we see nothing interfering with your wedding day,” Auntie steadfastly protested, “There is no reason to postpone it.”

“As Madeline said, we haven’t made any decisions yet, Auntie,” Nicholas calmly told her as he walked into the room. Peering over at Alpha Madeline, he exclaimed in jaw-dropping awe, “Madeline! You look—I don’t even have words for how beautiful you look! Breathtaking is all I can come up with and even that doesn’t come close to describing your beauty!”

“I couldn’t agree more, and Madeline will look even more breathtaking on your wedding day, which does not need to be postponed,” Auntie adamantly declared, “This feeling you have is simply nerves. I’ve just conjured up another vision and still see nothing but you two sharing a perfect wedding day together.”

“Well, I can say this,” Alpha Nicholas admiringly stated, “There will never be a more perfect or more dazzling bride than my Madeline on our wedding day.”

Alpha Madeline flashed him an enamored smile, “Do you really like it?”

“I don’t just like it—I love it,” Alpha Nicholas earnestly murmured, “In fact, I hope you don’t plan on taking it down, my Alpha. I wouldn’t mind having the opportunity to admire it all day.”

Gazing all around the room before his gaze settled on me, Alpha Nicholas warmly added, “In fact, all the women in this room look stunning thanks to our newest Crescent Moon. Thank you for sharing your talent with them, Anabelle.”

My cheeks went rosy as I bashfully nodded before Alpha Nicholas suggested, “Why don’t we go back into the great room so all the gentlemen anxiously awaiting your return can admire you ladies?”

“While I understand your hesitation with this Igor problem, Nicholas, I do hope you will listen to Tati,” Luna Priscilla stoically stated as she walked towards the door, “Don’t make any rash decisions just yet. I’m sure a solution will be found before Igor can pose a problem for you wedding.”

Luna Altalune sounded just as confident, following close behind, “I agree with Priscilla, my dear nephew. Nerves are expected with this sort of thing, especially when you must stand in front of so many people. I remember how nerve wracking it was for me. But I trust Tati and Raven and if they say all will be well, then it will be.”

“I too trust both my niece and Tati,” Loa kindly stated, patting Nicholas’ arm on her way out, “And I will do everything possible today to find the answers we all seek.”

Walking up to her son, Luna Aruna placed her hand on Alpha Nicholas’ arm, peering up at him with deep affection, “I will agree with whatever you and Madeline decide, Nicholas. I trust you and your judgement in what is best, but I do hope you won’t have to postpone your nuptials.”

“Thank you, Mother,” Alpha Nicholas softly returned, “You look beautiful, by the way. I love your hair too.”

“Thank you, my dearest boy,” Luna Aruna tenderly said, her tone and gaze full of her reverence for him, before she turned back towards us, quietly urging, “Luminara, Anabelle—let’s join the others, shall we?”

Luminara and I followed behind Luna Aruna to leave the room, but as I passed beside Alpha Nicholas, he reached out to grab my hand, just as Alpha Madeline had done, squeezing it as I looked up at his handsome face—his lips that were surrounded by his closely shaven blonde beard and mustache expanded out into a warm smile, “Thank you again, Anabelle. You have brought so much joy to the women who hold special places in my heart, especially my mother and my Alpha. In fact, you have quickly found your way into a special place all your own there, making me very grateful that you have joined our family at Crescent Moon.”

I was blown away by his tender sentiments, tears building up in the corners of my eyes as I fondly returned, “Nothing makes me happier than to know I finally found my way, Alpha Nicholas—both in my arrival at Crescent Moon and in your heart—especially as all of you have instantly become a huge part of my own. I already love all of you so dearly.”

“Which makes me incredibly happy, Anabelle,” Alpha Nicholas wholeheartedly replied, “I hope moving forward, you won’t feel the need to be so formal—from now on, just call us Nicholas and Madeline, if you will.”

Squeezing his hand, I shyly agreed, “Thank you for bestowing that privilege, Nicholas.” Turning back to Madeline, I beamed, “And thank you, Madeline—you are going to be the most beautiful bride anyone has ever seen, no matter when your wedding takes place.”

**********

NICHOLAS

Madeline looked so beautiful—her long brown hair braided across the back of her head, pulling it away from her gorgeous heart-shaped face of flawless ivory skin, but still cascading down over her shoulders and back in luscious curls—her expression was downhearted, however, as she continued to look at our Auntie...

My wolf was on alert and feeling anxious itself as we watched our mate, especially after she privately linked, I don’t want to tell Auntie about my dream or panic attack just yet, Nicholas. Maybe I’ll discuss it later together with her and Aruna—after my fitting.

I didn’t understand why but decided to do as she wished as Madeline calmly stated, “I do trust you, Auntie. But after Igor’s attempt on Maxim and Anabelle yesterday, Nicholas and I were concerned that the distraction of a wedding may provide an open opportunity for him to retaliate.”

Auntie’s hardened stance softened, the normal warm expression on her youthful-looking round face returning as she walked towards Madeline, who must have anticipated Auntie taking hold of her hands, standing up from her chair keeping them busy by running them down the front of her black t-shirt and blue jeans as Auntie devotedly returned, “I understand your reasons, my darling, but if at all possible, I would prefer Igor not getting his wish of invoking enough fear in us to force you to make that decision. Raven and I are keeping a close eye on your special day, and I have high hopes that something will be found in the excursion into the forest today.”

I went over to Madeline, attempting to help make sure Auntie didn’t have a chance to embrace her, taking my Alpha in my arms as I sincerely stated, “We are in hopes of that as well, Auntie. It was only a discussion had between Madeline and I after what occurred yesterday with Maxim and Anabelle.”

“Again, I understand,” Auntie pleasantly returned, flashing us a wide, bright smile, “For now, I will leave you to admire your beautiful bride, Nicholas. I need to get to a training session with our sorceresses anyway. Ursula is joining us. I’m rather excited to see what her powers will add to our little group.”

“Mind if The Council joins you?” I politely asked, “They’ve been rather anxious to see how you have all progressed, especially with the addition of your Fairy Queen powers.”

“Perhaps you can bring them out towards the end of our session,” Auntie enthused, “I don’t want Ursula to feel overwhelmed with their presence and it will give me time to work on integrating her into our group.”

“Of course,” Madeline grinned, “Just link when you are ready for us.”

After Auntie made her leave, I pulled Madeline in closer, her hands coming to rest on top of my shoulders, toying with the neck of my blue shirt as I lightly ran my fingers across the braid on the left side of her head, sighing out, “Well, that went better than I thought it would.”

“For now, at least,” Madeline anxiously replied, “Thank you for not saying anything. I want to see how today goes first before discussing my dream with Auntie.”

Leaning down to kiss her on the forehead, I admiringly exhaled out, “I understand, my Alpha. I meant what I said—you are going to be a gorgeous bride. Thank you for appeasing your groom by leaving your hair down in the back. I love the look Anabelle created.”

“So do I,” Madeline gleefully returned, “And it was her first attempt, no less! She’s such a sweet, gentle soul, Nicholas. I’m so happy she found us—and not just because she’s made so many ladies here happy with her talents—but because of who she is. She truly is a Crescent Moon at heart. Truthfully, Anabelle reminds me of your mother a great deal in her thoughtful and loving demeanor.”

“I agree. I think that’s why Mother has quickly grown attached to her,” I thoughtfully relayed, “But don’t fear—Mother’s immense love for you and all the girls will not suffer.”

“I feel no jealousy over their bond. Honestly, it is something I appreciate,” Madeline sweetly stated, wrapping her arms around my neck, “I like that Anabelle is here in the wing with Aruna. She’s good for her, especially as she enjoys her company and isn’t alone while we are working.”

“I like that too,” I huskily replied, “and I love you—so very much my beautiful bride. Thank you again for keeping your hair up this way.”

“It wasn’t just for your benefit,” Madeline chided, “It will also be nice to see it this way in my dress and veil during my fitting.”

“Maybe I should pop over later,” I amorously suggested, “Meet you in your old room after you’re done?”

Madeline giggled before pulling me into a passionate kiss that gave me my answer—a very resounding...yes...

********

URSULA

In all my years of mastering my craft, I have never experienced anything like this—never seen anything like what these sorceresses were capable of—and I have never felt more exhilarated or powerful as I do now, combining powers with the five incredible sorceresses who stood alongside me...

While at first intimidated watching them training together—especially the sight of Tatiana’s magnificent and stunning Fairy Queen and Raven’s exquisite Firebird Phoenix—and reluctant to join the girls, once I did, I couldn’t help but wish I had found my way to Crescent Moon—and them—long ago. They were all so patient, kind, and encouraging as they pushed me past what I thought were my limits, only to find that when I did so, there was power deep within me that had never been touched, thrilling everyone and myself as it appeared I was much more powerful than even I ever realized...

Horacio had joined us, enabling me to practice utilizing my magic to assist him in battle, which was a bit difficult, especially when we combined our magic. But I was determined to master the surge of overwhelming powers—and master it I did—again, much to all our delight.

Afterwards, we worked on some of the more intricate moves Tatiana and Raven created, which proved to be incredibly challenging—finding the balance of both the magic and tactics of execution the girls utilized. Though, as I began to feel more comfortable, I’ve never felt so—free. Soon, Tatiana brought her enormous wings back in to work further with me one on one with Horacio...

“Well done, Ursula!” Tatiana enthusiastically exclaimed after I powerfully thrust Horacio into what was once a cotton stuffed dummy, now merely a pile of fluff on the ground from his strike, “We are all in agreement—you are a wonderful addition to our team. What do you say? Will you officially make us the Sorceress Six?”

Looking around, I saw Persephone, Reina, Loa, and Raven all beaming at me, nodding in agreement, bringing an enlivened smile to my face, “What you ladies have accomplished here is everything I have dreamed of. And while I feel there is still much work to be done as far as my balance and execution, I would love nothing more than to join you.”

“Excellent!” Tatiana gleefully exclaimed, “I hope you don’t mind, but we have two more on their way to help your practice before The Council arrives. They should be here momentarily.”

I was a bit nervous about The Council’s arrival but pushed my anxiety aside as our two new arrivals came over the hill—Anabelle’s mate, Spiros, who had never experienced the use of magic in battle and Zayden, who had just recently joined Auntie’s army, but had been worked with Tatiana individually for the last little while. Anabelle came along as well to watch her mate, smiling as he shifted and ran up with Zayden to listen to Horacio’s instructions.

As I watched them, I couldn’t help but think how well-suited Tatiana and Horacio were for one another—in my mind, their vast size difference as his enormous hulking frame towered over her tiny one only made them look cuter together—not only were they loving mates, but they worked so well together, helping both young men adapt to our combined magic. Spiros and Zayden both excelled quickly under their tutelage, soon destroying the dummies much like Horacio had, to both their instructors’ glee—and mine as I continued to see my own magic in a beautiful new light...

*********

ANABELLE

While I was still trying to wrap my head around what was happening in front of me with the six sorceresses displaying their overwhelming powers, Spiros’ wolf was energized and enthusiastic as Horacio instructed him on how to balance the magic and his own massive strength. Both his and Zayden’s bulky dark grey wolves soaking up every ounce of knowledge bestowed upon them, mastering every new move quickly and truth be told, working very well together.

Hearing rustling behind me, I turned to find Talon coming up, kindly greeting me. Asking how I was feeling, I told him of my pain earlier, Spiros’ concern about the appearance, and Auntie’s suggestion about a new medicated salve. Taking a look at my back, Talon agreed, stating that they would prepare a new concoction to try.

Afterwards, I told Talon that I couldn’t wait to be fully healed so he would clear me to shift into my wolf, as it had been rather antsy to be released and I really wanted to go on a run with Spiros. I was elated when Talon informed me that he had high hopes that my wish would be fulfilled soon, anxious to tell Spiros as he ran up to me after Auntie suggested a small break as The Council were about to arrive.

His tongue was adorably flopping out the side of his muzzle as I crouched down to lovingly run my hands over his furry face, softly laughing, “You look like you are having fun out there, my handsome warrior, and doing very well in your training. I’ve never seen anything like what you were doing.”

Leaning down to place a kiss on top of his head, I grinned, “I’m so proud of you, Spiros. You are strong and incredibly powerful. Talon said hopefully soon, I can release my wolf and we can go on a run together. Though, I may have a hard time keeping up with you.”

Nudging his forehead against mine, Spiros playfully darted his tongue out to lick my nose, making me giggle before his head turned to the right towards a hill. Following his gaze, I saw that not only were The Council and their spouses coming towards us, but a large crowd of family members—all of them with gazes full of anticipation—as the six witches happily greeted them, asking if they were ready to see the new and improved magical weapon of—The Sorceress Six...

It was then that I received my first glimpse of Auntie’s Fairy Queen, leaving me in astonished awe as she shot herself up in a thick bolt of green, flying high in the air before twirling around as her glorious emerald green swallowtail wings expanded out. I gasped at the sight of her—her glittering wings gleaming brightly in the sun—at least ten times the size she was—their width at least six feet wide on either side of her and at least ten feet above and below her. It was the most stunning sight I had ever seen in my life, leaving me to wonder what Raven’s Firebird Phoenix looked like...

“Look at how beautiful Auntie is, Spiros!” I exhaled out, wrapping my arms around his neck, my hand slowly running through his thick grey fur.

Turning to face me, I saw Spiros’ own stunned amazement reflected in his large dark eyes before we both tilted our heads back up to peer at her again, greeted with a bright smile as Auntie looked down at us, playfully winking before returning her gaze to the approaching crowd...

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

NICHOLAS

When I agreed to allow Auntie time to train alone with our other sorceresses to allow them all to get used to her unharnessed Fairy Queen powers, I thought it was to simply balance their combined efforts—it’s what we all thought—until Auntie came back down to the ground and the Sorceress Six clasped hands—a cloud forming underneath them all, lifting them up into the sky before shocking us all by what we saw next...

Our entire family were soon standing around with dazed expressions on our faces as we peered up into the sky—seeing not only Auntie, but the entire Sorceress Six flying high in the air beaming down at us—each of them with sparkling multi-colored wings representing their integrated magic that glistened brightly in the sun.

Their wingspans were half the size of Auntie’s, extending three feet wide from the side and three feet above and below them, but balanced with their body size—and incredible to see. While I was caught speechless, there were several of our family members who were not...

“Holy CRAP!” Carson muttered under his breath, “They all have wings now?”

“Well, I’ll be damned!” Jace unsurprisingly exclaimed under his breath.

“WOW!” Constance and Charlotte breathlessly exclaimed in awed unison.

Tink excitedly blurted out, “No kidding WOW! That’s so BADASS!”

Horacio had obviously been kept in the loop and well-aware of what Auntie had been working on, proudly enthusing, “It will give them a better view of the battle, allow a better distance view, and keep them out of harms way. Amazing new little trick in their arsenal—and just the beginning. Adding Ursula was a good call too. Another great weapon for our united front.”

Mahan was flabbergasted, starstruck as he quietly murmured, “Loa said there was a surprise in store for me, but this exceeds anything I could have imagined. She looks absolutely stunning up there.”

Horacio wasn’t kidding when he said it was just the beginning of their new tricks. With Auntie’s Fairy Queen powers, each witch was able to have full use of their powers and maneuverability, their magic strengthened with Auntie and Raven’s powers being the strongest and exponentially so—the hits on their targets explosive, decimating them instantly.

The shields all six were able to provide appeared vastly more impenetrable than ever before. Even more impressive was when Horacio shifted before he, Spiros, and Zayden ran to the center of the dummies as Raven shifted into her white wolf—the pink ends of her fur gleaming with the rainbow of colors from all six hosts—pink, green, silver, blush, and yellow, matching her wings—swooping down to circle around their wolves and the other targets, encasing them all in cloud of multi-colored dust, which froze the three in place, unable to move, while Auntie created a dome to the side, which they and the dummies appeared in seconds later.

“Well, there is a trick that may come in very handy!” Alastor elatedly exclaimed, “Well done, indeed!”

“Agreed,” I breathed out in wonderment, my eyes zeroed in on our newest witch, “And Ursula appears to fit in perfectly with our other sorceresses.”

Auntie then invited our family to participate in the demonstration. An invitation that was met with great enthusiasm from our group, who immediately shifted into their wolves while The Council members and myself continued to watch.

Removing the dome, Auntie and Raven scattered the targets about as Horacio’s massive black wolf eagerly ran towards one. Ursula threw out a spiral beam just as Horacio leapt into the air, catching his hind legs to forcibly thrust him towards his fake prey that was demolished upon impact, shreds of cotton and fabric flying up high before raining back down on the ground, showing us the added impact to be had with Auntie’s additional powers.

As Auntie requested, I watched as Spiros and Zayden worked together to dispose of two more fake enemies, swiftly leaping into the air, propelled forward with overwhelming force by Auntie and Raven, before their front paws lit up in magical sparkles, taking ferocious swipes at the two dummies standing on opposite ends of the field, sending them sailing towards one another before viciously crashing together, cotton exploding out everywhere from the forceful impact of their well-timed, synchronous strikes.

“Nicely done by your two transitioning warriors,” Mahan impressively stated, “This bodes well for us, Nicholas. Not only in this situation with Igor, but any future circumstances that may present themselves. What these sorceresses have created together is amazing.”

“Truly amazing,” Soren marveled, “But it will also require additional training. And to reap the full benefit of the opportunity they present, I dare say we need to work out details for them to train with each of our armies as soon as possible.”

As we continued to watch our family taking turns to attack their designated prey, Lorenzo thought out loud, “Perhaps we should split the Sorceress Six up to visit the other three packs for initial workouts—have Tati and Reina come to Spirit Walker, send Persephone to Moon Stone to work with Loa, and have Raven and Ursula visit Howling Wind.”

“And then bring all the armies here to Crescent Moon for an alliance workout to work with the Sorceress Six as a combined unit,” Madeline surmised, looking up at me.

My eyes still glued to the action in front of us, I slowly drawled out, “Sounds like we are all in agreement. Let’s discuss it with the ladies and put things in motion. The sooner we get started, the better. Especially as we all feel Igor will be making another move against us soon.”