To Have And To Hold

Breakfast And Banter...

Chapter Twenty-Five: Breakfast and Banter...

ANABELLE

I woke up early, feeling like I was in a dream as I looked up to see Spiros’ handsome face. The deep connection I felt made my wolf desperate and frenzied, pushing me to complete our mate bond. And truthfully, I wanted that desperately as well...

Still sleeping soundly, Spiros’ brown curls were a wild mess, sticking straight up all over his head. I loved how it gave him such a charming, boyish look. Carefully pushing myself up, I placed a soft kiss on his perfectly rounded chin, feeling a bit embarrassed when a smile crossed his face to reveal the deep dimples I had come to adore...

“Good morning, my handsome warrior,” I shyly greeted, “Sorry I woke you. You just looked so cute lying there. I couldn’t resist.”

“Good morning to you too, my pretty little love,” Spiros groggily rasped out, “And I like that endearing compliment, especially if it means I will wake up to a sweet kiss from you every morning. How are you feeling?”

“There is some pain, but nothing I can’t handle,” I honestly murmured, “I’ll get Luna or Auntie to put some cream on my back a little later.”

Slowly opening his eyes, Spiros gazed down at me, affectionately exhaling out, “There’s no need to wait, Belles. The lotion is right there on your side table and I’m right here. Roll over on your stomach and let me take care of you.”

“I’m not messing up your shirt,” I protested, knowing how much it hurt him seeing my back yesterday, covering with humor, “Especially since I plan on claiming it for my new nightgown.”

Leaning down to kiss my nose, Spiros bantered back, “I have three more t-shirts that exact color of light blue at home, so no arguments. In fact, just wait until you see my closet at my parents’ place. Mom laughs at me all the time because I have so many clothes, especially t-shirts. Trust me when I tell you that you’ll have plenty of options to choose from for nightgowns and probably still won’t make a dent in my collection!”

I giggled, informing him that I would be claiming several new nightgowns from his closet before giving into his request and rolling over. Reaching over me, Spiros grabbed the white container of salve, gingerly applying it to my back.

The relief was almost instant, making me thankful that Spiros’ convinced me to allow him to care for me. It must have looked worse than I thought, however, as he worriedly informed me the marks still appeared very inflamed, suggesting that we go see Talon and Raven before he left or at the very least, have Auntie look at them.

I told Spiros that Remi offered to use her healing powers to help me and even had hopes that she could minimize the scarring, which would please me a great deal, especially as it always distressed him so, apologizing for the ugly reminder as he placed the container back on the table.

Laying back down beside me as I continued to lie on my stomach, Spiros laid his arm across my hips, his gentle touch sending sparks of desire running through my entire body. My head turning towards him, I rested my cheek on my hand, peering over to find Spiros gazing at me with immense devotion and love, which only made me want him more.

Brushing the stray brown strands of hair away from my face, Spiros adamantly told me in an emotional, hushed whisper, “Nothing about you could ever be ugly, Anabelle. Every inch of you will always be beautiful to me. So, don’t ever apologize for what has been inflicted upon you. You didn’t ask for it and you definitely didn’t deserve it, my little love.”

Smiling at him, I quietly returned, “I think that’s my favorite nickname—little love. Only to said by you, of course.”

Chuckling, Spiros leaned forward to kiss me, sweetly replying afterwards, “I better be the only one to say it, because you, my little love, are ALL MINE!”

I could feel the heat rise in my cheeks as I admitted, “I know this going to sound bold, but I can’t wait for you to make me all yours, Spiros. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything more.”

Smiling warmly, Spiros placed his thumb under my chin, his fingers lightly grazing across what I knew were crimson cheeks, murmuring in a soft, raspy tone that only propelled my want and need for him, “I’ve never wanted anything more either, Anabelle, but I want you fully healed first. I don’t want there to be any pain in a special moment like making love to the girl of my dreams for the first time.”

Though a small part of me felt disappointed, his words only made me love Spiros more. We never did go back to sleep. Instead, we chatted away about various subjects. As usual, conversation between us occuring with such ease. Spiros told me more about his four nieces and five nephews, who understandably worshipped their uncle, reminding me once more of how large and beautiful his family was.

I grew concerned, though, when we discussed our plans for the day. Spiros became a bit anxious as he talked about the search mission, leading me to assure him again that I had every faith he would prove his value in the field, my heart filling with warmth when he seemed to relax afterwards.

Wanting to make sure Spiros was well fed before his long day, I offered to make breakfast, which piqued his interest, though he was reluctant for me to get out of bed, wanting me to rest longer. I ignored his protest, getting up and throwing on my jeans while leaving his shirt on, knotting it to the side.

As he got dressed in his red t-shirt and blue jeans, Spiros lovingly told me that he liked seeing his shirt on me so much that I would be gifted several to use for that purpose as well—a proposition I eagerly agreed to.

Sitting on a stool at the large kitchen island, Spiros watched with interest as I began pulling ingredients for biscuits, telling me that it was a good thing I could cook, as it was one talent he didn’t inherit from his mother.

Auntie came in soon after, pleasantly greeting us before making a pot of her ‘special coffee’. After she finished, Spiros told her about my back, politely asking if Auntie would mind looking at my wounds to ease his concerns from earlier. Reluctantly lifting my shirt for her, I was relieved when she told Spiros that while they still looked irritated, it wasn’t as bad as he feared, promising to get together with Raven and Talon to come up with another potion-filled salve to help lessen the inflammation.

Before heading down to the main house, Auntie amusingly warned me that Horacio was aware that I was in the kitchen, so I should expect him not long after she was gone, apologizing beforehand as she exasperated out that Horacio was always hungry.

I giggled, assuring her there would be plenty so there was no need to worry. Gently hugging me, Auntie kindly suggested I make several batches if it wasn’t too much trouble, as she had foreseen that we would also be joined by several others who were residing in the wing after they smelled my delicious gravy. As I laughingly thanked her for the warning, I couldn’t help but think how sweet it was that she and her son, Jace, shared morning coffee together.

A few minutes later, Horacio did make his appearance, leading to another humored giggle as he kindly greeted us, eagerly eyeing the biscuits I had just placed in the oven before his eyes drifted to the pan of gravy I was making, “Probably a good idea for us to go over a few things before we head out to Moon Stone territory today, Spiros.”

Grinning, I nonchalantly offered as Spiros stifled a laugh, “I’ll make some more biscuits. You two can chat over breakfast. Auntie made some coffee before she went to meet Jace. Would you like some?”

Coming up behind me, Horacio placed his hands on my shoulders, leaning down to murmur, “You’re gaining more ground on favortism, Anabelle. Thank you for you sweet offer, which I will take you up on, especially as that gravy smells heavenly, just as Tati’s coffee always does. Best coffee in the world. Something both of you will see for yourselves when you pour a cup.”

As Horacio walked over to the coffeepot, Spiros came up behind me, placing a tender kiss on the back of my head before joining him. I heard his satisfied hum a moment later before Spiros astonishingly revealed it was indeed the best coffee he ever had, jokingly adding that Auntie had given him two new addictions now.

Horacio let out a deep, hearty laugh as he and Spiros sat down together before they began discussing details about the planned excursion with Moon Stone army. I appreciated Horacio’s effort to help Spiros feel more comfortable about what to expect and what needed to be done in their effort to find Igor, privately linking him to express my gratitude. I saw his slight smile in a covert response, which brought the same to my face...

My first batch of biscuits and gravy were quickly consumed by my two stout warriors, laughing as they praised my cooking between their devouring bites. I had placed another round in the oven, working on more gravy when Luminara and Badru came into the kitchen.

After their initial gracious greetings, Badru sat down beside Horacio, grabbing the two remaining biscuits from the platter and extending one out to Luminara, humorously warning, “I hope you don’t mind us infiltrating, but my beautiful bride smelled the delectable breakfast you’re making Anabelle. Our children have a penchant for breads and pastries and with that, have bestowed upon their mother a new talent—Luminara can smell them from miles away.”

“Get ready for a mini-morning workout, Spiros,” Horacio chortled, “I’ll block Luminara’s charge while you grab all the biscuits you can when they come out of the oven. We’ll split them fifty-fifty.”

“You would steal food from the children?” Luminara mockingly scoffed, quickly grabbing the biscuit from Badru’s hand before suddenly reaching over with a mischievous grin on her beautiful oval face to steal one off Horacio's plate, “What kind of Papi are you? I hope the children tattle on you to their Lovey.”

Laughter filled the room as Horacio bantered back, “Their Lovey knows no one steals from my plate without consequence. Which means that I’m obviously a good Papi based on my restraint just now. Only you and Tati could get away with that, Luminara.”

“Just a heads up, Belles,” Spiros snickered, “This is what it’s like at every family dinner at my parents’ house.”

A wicked grin on his face, Horacio quipped, “I’ve had your mother’s cooking. Really good stuff. How is she with uninvited guests just showing up?”

Spiros returned the grin, impishly replying, “Help me in retaliatory comebacks that will silence my brothers and I’ll give you an open invitation anytime.”

“Good food and I get to be an ass? Consider it done, my friend!” Horacio excitedly returned, “Just tell me when and I’ve got your back. Word to the wise—invite Tink too. Guarantees victory. Your brothers won’t stand a chance.”

I smiled as another round of hysterics filled the room, just as Luna Aruna came in, “It brings joy to my heart to hear so much fun being had in my kitchen. The perfect way to start my day.”

Handing her a plate, I grinned, “I have fresh biscuits coming out of the oven, Luna. You and Luminara be ready on my left. I’m afraid I may need to try and block for both of you with Horacio and Spiros’ endless appetites.”

“Thank you, Anabelle. The children love you already, as do I,” Luminara satisfyingly grinned before sticking her tongue out at Horacio while wrapping her hand around Luna’s arm, smugly encouraging as Luna let out a roll of soft laughter, “Let’s ready ourselves for battle, Aruna. I use my current wide girth to shield you—snatch up as many biscuits as you can before Fury can make his move.”

As they came to stand behind me, I told Luminara that I loved babies and would be happy to help tend to them anytime she wished, especially when they visited Crescent Moon. As I pulled the biscuits out, I asked if they had chosen names for the children, to which Luminara replied they had chosen their son’s name but were waiting to tell her Father before revealing it to all.

“Well, as I am here, you can feel free to tell us all my grandson’s name,” Alpha Mahan pleasantly called out, as he and Loa joined our group.

Beaming at him, Luminara softly returned, “Badru and I have decided to name him Bijou, Father.”

The moment she said the name, it was clear that it had special meaning to Alpha Mahan. His gaze softening, filling with stunned adoration as he breathlessly queried, “After Grandfather—your great grandfather? Are you both quite sure?”

“It is perfect and quite fitting, Mahan,” Badru proudly informed him, “We know how much your grandfather meant to you. Plus, Bijou and I will have the same initials at the beginning and end of our names.”

“Oh, how sweet!” Luna exclaimed, “And very fitting, indeed, especially as I was fortunate to know Bijou, who was not only highly intelligent and wise, but such a lovely soft spoken and endearing man.”

“Thank you—both of you,” Alpha Mahan sincerely exhaled out, warmly embracing Luminara and placing a tender kiss on her cheek, “For you to carry on Grandfather’s name means more to me than you will ever know and I’m sure you will come up with a perfect name for my beautiful granddaughter as well.”

As I continued to relish every moment of my morning, feeling more and more grateful for where fate had brought me, Auntie came in with not only Jace, but Alastor, Vivian, Alpha Madeline, and Alpha Nicholas, who delightedly greeted us, informing everyone that they heard about the breakfast I was cooking and decided to join us after Auntie had a vision and informed them of the fun being had.

I loved watching Horacio and Auntie together—the minute he saw her walk in, Horacio’s whole face ecstatically lit up, throwing his massive arms around her as soon as she was within reach before kissing her softly. Reaching over to pinch off a bite of his biscuit, he dipped it in gravy before placing it upon her lips, encouraging a reluctant Auntie to take the bite. After a bit of banter between them, she finally gave in, softly laughing as Horacio playfully chastised her that without him, Auntie would waste away to nothing with as little as she ate.

After putting in my third batch of biscuits, the crowd grew dramatically, both in the kitchen and Luna’s great room as The Council and their mates joined our group, followed by Mattias, Jillian, Umar, Celestia, Guntur, Caelus, Celimine, Ayla, Kishi, and Maxim, who came up to hug and greet me as I was mixing up another bowl of batter.

Celestia was kind enough to help me, stirring the gravy as she asked me about my recipes, complimenting my cooking as Umar lovingly fed her small bites from his plate. Smiling, I looked up at Spiros, who returned with a prideful grin, winking at me before continuing to adoringly gaze at me.

Between Celestia and I, we quickly had food ready for everyone and even had the kitchen spotless once more while we munched on our own breakfasts. Walking around the island, I wrapped my arms around Spiros’ neck, tenderly kissing his lips just as all the Lunas and Loa came up, asking if they could take me up on my offer to fix their hair again. I readily agreed, giving Spiros one more kiss as Alpha Lorenzo and Alpha Soren came in.

Coming to stand beside Luna Priscilla, Alpha Lorenzo kindly stated, “Thank you for agreeing to do this for our Lunas, Anabelle, as well as Soren and myself. We enjoyed seeing the happiness it brought them last evening, as well as the beautiful styles you created.”

“We did indeed,” Alpha Soren grinned, pecking Luna Altalune on the cheek, “Alta can describe it better, but there is a style she used to wear—a pretty basket looking braided bun on the back of her head—”

“Excuse Alpha Soren, Anabelle,” Luna Altalune softly laughed out, interrupting him, “While he greatly appreciates beauty and beautiful women, describing it and them is not his forte. I’ll explain it better in a bit.”

“You two just enjoy your girl time, dear,” Alpha Lorenzo sweetly murmured before kissing Luna Priscilla—a prolonged kiss that brought out their Beta’s humor again...

“Alastor—your parents are at it again,” Horacio loudly deadpanned, “They’re doing that newfound lovey-dovey thing that makes us uncomfortable.” Auntie giggled, swatting him on the shoulder in lighthearted dismay.

Alastor was standing just outside the kitchen doorway with Alpha Nicholas. With a raised eyebrow, he mockingly replied, “I can see that. Honestly! I realize you two lovebirds are enjoying this new softer side of one another, but ease us into this public show of affection you seem so enamored with, will you please? While it is heartwarming to see, it is going to take a while to get used to this lovely new dynamic that’s developed between you two and our family. Horacio and I have finally found common ground. If you keep this up, you may force my Beta to leave me—and then where will I be? I’d be totally lost without him when I become Alpha, especially as I need him to train Caelus.”

With an enamored grin, Luna Priscilla placed her hand on Alpha Lorenzo’s chest, leaning up to plant another tender kiss on his lips before sarcastically warning Alastor and Horacio, her eyes still locked with Alpha Lorenzo’s, “Your Luna suggests that you both grow up and get over it, especially as I’m enjoying this softer side—”

Placing her hand on Alpha Lorenzo’s cheek, she lovingly enthused, “Immensely, in fact.”

*********

Once again, I had all the ladies giddy, enthusiastically admiring one another’s hair as Auntie told them all how beautiful they looked. Soon, I found myself giddy as the ladies asked if I would mind joining them for morning coffee and hair several times a week—an invitation I enthusiastically accepted.

I was still laughing at Alpha Soren’s description, but according to an elated Luna Altalune, I had managed to recreate the basket look he had requested. As it was something their mother used to do to each of their hair, Luna Aruna had me recreate it for her as well, both ladies lovingly reminiscing about their youth while sipping on their coffee.

For Luna Priscilla, I did a double dutch braid on each side all the way down, intertwining the two braids to form a bun on the bottom at the nape of her neck. And for Loa, an upside-down French braid with a tousled volumed bun on top. Both ladies gushing their appreciation and love for their unique styles.

Alpha Madeline and Luminara had also joined us and after making quick work of the other ladies’ hair, I asked if they would like me to show them a couple of styles for the wedding. They both accepted my offer, but Alpha Madeline appeared hesitant as Luminara sat down in the chair.

Luminara’s hair was so long, silky, and soft, yet so thick and full of natural waves and curls, I found myself a little jealous of the gorgeous Moon Stone. Forming a thick braid across the back of her head, I allowed her beautiful curls to remain on display, framing them as they cascaded down in a half up, half down style that would allow for placement of the fresh flowers she and Madeline had spoken of. While she appeared ecstatic about it when I was done, there was still something in Alpha Madeline’s expression that felt off. Luminara, however, gasped in pure delight as I held the mirror up for her, eager for Badru to see it.

Sitting Madeline down in the chair, I ran my fingers through her long, thick brown hair that also had waves and curls, but hers were looser. She requested a half up, half down style too, stating that Alpha Nicholas loved her hair down. Staring at her in the mirror, I pondered for a moment before deciding on my first idea to try, hoping that if it was nervousness she felt, I could ease her distress.

Wanting to give her a whimsical, romantic look, I went for a more intricate braid. Like Luminara’s, I weaved the loose braid across the back of Madeline’s head—fishtailed instead of French braided—making it wider to fall a little lower, the bottom of the braid lying just past ear level to allow perfect placement of her veil. Making sure to give Madeline some volume at the top, I curled several sprigs of her luscious brown hair to fall around her face before creating long, bouncing curls beneath the braid in the back.

As I was adding a few finishing touches, Luna Aruna came up behind me, breathlessly exclaiming, “Oh, Madeline! You look absolutely stunning, my dear!” Placing her hand on my shoulder, she enthused, “Anabelle, her hair looks beautiful!”

“Aruna is right,” Auntie adoringly chimed in, “It’s perfect for your wedding day, my darling. It completes the dream look you described to me in every way.”

“They’re both right, Madeline,” Luminara earnestly whispered, “I’ve never seen a more perfect look for you.”

Looking up, I saw Luna’s reflection in the mirror—her eyes full of tears as she pressed her fingers against her quivering lips, looking at Madeline, who was tearing up just watching her. Turning around, Madeline’s own voice was shaking as she asked, “Can I see it now, Anabelle?”

Reaching over, I grabbed the hand mirror off the table, holding it up for her as Alpha Madeline turned towards me to see the back in Luna’s large dressing mirror. I jumped slightly when she thrust her hand out to grab a hold of my free one. Squeezing it tightly, she tearfully exclaimed, bringing tears to my eyes, “Oh, Anabelle! This is it! This is—oh, it’s perfect! I love it! I absolutely love it! Thank you!”

Luna Priscilla thoughtfully said, “I think we can all agree—you are going to be absolutely radiant on your wedding day, Madeline.”

“Hopefully, we won’t have to postpone it,” Alpha Madeline despondently replied, confirming my suspicions that something was wrong, but still catching me off-guard in her response—and as I looked around at everyone’s shocked expressions, I realized I wasn’t alone in that feeling...