To Have And To Hold

Tattered At The Seams...

Chapter Thirty-Two: Tattered At The Seams...

GUNTUR

My eyes were glued to the door while Bertrand and Talon were applying some gauze to my leg. I needed to see her—my Celimine—my lifeline...

At first, I had no intention of leaving Unc, but then Nicholas gave me Auntie’s message and though I was still incredibly reluctant, I knew deep inside she was right—Unc would be angry if I didn’t have my wounds tended to and after laying his life on the line for me, it was the least I could do for him.

Just as I was about to ask Raven to bring me to the Moon Stone hospital, Celimine linked—following Cassius informing her and Aysu of what happened—sounding frightened as she insisted that I go to the hospital and that she was on her way there—her last statement leading me to make my request to the relief of my large, extended family. Dad, overprotective as always, came with me, while Caelus and Mattias stayed behind to keep us posted on Unc.

Alpha Mahan came in to check the status of my injuries after hearing of my arrival, praising me for my actions in the clearing and appreciative of all our efforts to not inflict any harm to Cassius or Celimine’s brothers and the sacrifices we made to ensure that they remained safe. He seemed to be even more appreciative when I told him that I needed talk to Celimine’s family, especially Cassius...

Cassius—I felt bad for what I said and especially, how I said it—that I wasn’t his son. I saw the pain in his eyes increase ten-fold the instant those words flew out of my mouth. It was an incredibly unfair act on my part, especially as Cassius was already riddled with guilt. I wish I could take it back, especially after his reaction following Auntie's removal of Sahar's spell...

Just like Unc’s hit, I’ll never forget the look in Cassius’ eyes just seconds before Auntie arrived. They weren’t just deadly, they were evil. His claws were extended out on his massive brown paw raised high in the air. I braced myself for the hit, hoping that I was wrong and would survive it, because I couldn’t bring myself to strike back. It was Celimine’s father and the only way out of the position I was in was to throw my own deadly blow. And I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t do that to Celimine...

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a flash of black, my eyes instinctively darting towards the motion to see Unc racing as fast as he could towards us. And the sight of what happened next would haunt me for the rest of my life—Tarkik accomplishing what few wolves had ever done—leaving Unc completely unaware of his impending arrival...

Completely horrified by Tarkik’s lethal strike to the back of Unc’s head, I helplessly watched as his colossal black wolf heftily hit the ground—landing was so hard, I could feel the self-sacrifice Unc made for me as the earth vibrated beneath my downed wolf—a rare misstep made by a man I had idolized my whole life, putting himself at risk by ignoring his surroundings...to save me...

I was devastated, but also fearful as I felt a rush of wind across my muzzle from Cassius’ ferocious swing, my attention diverted back to him to find his paw coming down towards my neck. I thought I was dead, but his forward motion stopped—frozen—followed soon by a sea of green taking over the clearing. Auntie had arrived—but my wide eyes were still on Cassius’ paw that was within a mere millimeter of completing the mission set forth by Igor’s witch...

I was suddenly shifted back into my human form, as was Cassius. I could still see the look of confusion and deep despair in his wide eyes as his senses slowly came back, realizing where he was—Cassius’ gaze turning frantic as he looked down at his open-palmed hand that was right next to my face, suddenly realizing what came so close to happening...

Pushing himself off me as I continued to lay on the ground, Cassius landed hard at my feet, shamefully looking at his hands while breathlessly exhaling out, “G-Guntur? Are you alright?”

His gaze zeroing in on my neck, Cassius forcibly thrust himself forward, panic-stricken as he searched for any trace of broken skin, “She stopped me in time, right? I don’t see any marks. Tatiana stopped me before I—”

“It was close, but Auntie stopped you from landing your hit,” I harshly whispered out in response, pushing him out of the way as I scrambled to my feet, “Unc was coming to stop you, but Tarkik got to him first. He’s really hurt. I need to check on him.”

“Guntur, wait!” Cassius exclaimed, his tone hoarse and so heavy with emotion it made me turn back towards him. I was met with an appalled gaze when I connected with Cassius’ eyes, “I—I don’t know what to say—I—would never—please—forgive me.”

“You were under a spell,” I grimly replied, turning my back on him, consumed by my own guilt about Unc’s sacrificial act, “I took a few hard hits, but I’m fine. I have to get to my uncle.”

I felt a hand on my shoulder, before Dad’s fretful voice pulled me from my deep thoughts, “Guntur? Did you hear Talon?”

“I’m sorry—what?” I asked in a daze, refocusing my gaze to look at Dad, who peered back at me with great unease as we both sat on the edge of the bed.

“I was just saying that you shouldn’t have to wear the wraps for more than a few days, Guntur,” Talon kindly said, “You’ll be sore for a while, but you’re young and should bounce back quickly. You were very fortunate out there today.”

Much to my relief and sorrow, Celimine burst through the door then, her long, black hair flowing out in her fast-paced entrance—even in a plain purple t-shirt and jeans, Celimine’s tall, slender frame radiated beauty and grace—but the frailty and deep despair in her beautiful heart-shaped face and dark blue eyes broke my heart as she ran to my side, almost knocking over Bertrand and Talon, who were crouched down on my left, finishing up their work on my leg. Even Dad had to jump out of the way of her impassioned sprint to reach me.

Celimine thrust her hands out to grab hold of my face as she looked down at the physicians, apologizing, “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to—”

“It’s understandable, Celimine,” Bertrand kindly returned, “Don’t worry about us, your mate has been watching that door since he arrived, anxiously awaiting your arrival.”

Biting her quivering lip, Celimine brought her dark blue eyes back up to peer deep into mine, shakily exhaling out, “I’m sorry I was a bit delayed, Guntur. I tried to be quick—checking on Father and my brothers in the waiting room. After hearing what happened, I’m just so grateful all of you are alright!”

“I’m just glad you’re here,” I exhaustively exhaled out, my eyes glazing over, “Now all I need is for Auntie to fix up Unc and all will be right in my world again.”

Leaning forward, Celimine softly kissed my lips, affectionately murmuring after, “Auntie will make sure all is well, Guntur, and so will I. I’ve already packed a bag so I can take care of you while you are healing. Just promise me you will be a good patient until we get you and Unc all well.”

“So, you’ll stay with me for a few days?” I quietly asked, my tone filling with immense hope.

Her soft fingers comfortingly rubbing up and down my cheek, Celimine nodded, softly replying, “Right by your side for as long as you want.”

Taking in a deep breath, I slowly exhaled out, “How’s forever sound?”

While Dad, Bertrand, and Talon laughed at my reply, Celimine’s gaze softened, filling with love and devotion, “Forever sounds perfect to me.”

I felt completely drained from the enormous weight of my despair and distress—my head heavy as I dropped it down to rest my forehead against hers, closing my eyes as I whispered, “I love you so much, Celimine. Thank you.”

“I love you too, Guntur,” she inaudibly returned, “I don’t know what I would do if I ever lost you.”

I didn’t want to let her go, but Bertrand and Talon were ready to wrap my ribcage. I tried my hardest not to flinch or show how painful it was, but at times, it was so overwhelming I couldn’t help it. The distraught expressions on both Celimine and Dad’s faces with every outward expression of my suffering and discomfort only adding to my agony.

After they finished up, Bertrand and Talon went to check on Loa while Dad left to update Celimine’s family, who were in the waiting room, leaving me and Celimine alone...

Wrapping her arms around my neck, Celimine tearfully exhaled out, “I can’t imagine what you are feeling right now, Guntur. What that witch put all of you through—”

“Always expect the unexpected and be prepared for anything,” I stoically interrupted her, “One of the lessons both Dad and Unc taught me. Unfortunately, I’m not sure how we could have been prepared for what was put in motion, other than having Raven or Auntie there. But there didn’t seem to be a reason for it, you know? That’s where we went wrong—we all underestimated our enemies—a big lesson learned today. I just hope it isn’t one that Unc pays the highest price for.”

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

NICHOLAS

Raven and Mahan reappeared next to me in the clearing, their eyes immediately seeking out Auntie’s protective dome where her work on Horacio continued...

“Still no word from Tati?” Mahan sadly inquired, looking spent from the harrowing events of today.

“She linked me a few moments ago,” I quietly returned, cautiously informing him, “Horacio has several badly fractured ribs and broke his left arm in several places, but his head wound is the worst of his injuries. Auntie said it was very complex.”

“Much more than a mere concussion,” Mahan depressively exhaled out, “Igor certainly got the best of me today in his personal vendetta against Moon Stone.”

“I would say currently, Igor’s greatest victory is in the psychological warfare he has put in play,” I thought out loud, “So many are blaming themselves instead of the true perpetrator of today’s events—Cassius, his sons, Guntur, Auntie—and now you.” Looking over at my Alpha, who was talking with Raven and Vivian by the trees a short distance away, I added, “And I have no doubt Madeline will be joining you soon.”

“Because Tati was with her at Mystic Fire,” Mahan automatically assumed, while I remained silent, wishing that were the case...

After a long pause, Mahan murmured embarrassingly under his breath, “I’m angry, Nicholas—more furious than I have ever been in my life. I’m trying to think clearly, but—I’m struggling.”

I was touched that he confided that fact in me, but it is a miserable feeling—seeing someone you love and admire struggle—wanting to fix it, but knowing they have to go through the steps and there was nothing you could say to convince them otherwise. I revered Mahan, looked up to him more than anyone, gently murmuring back a truth in hopes that I could ease his pain, “I have learned many things from you over the years, Mahan, but one of the most valuable is putting my emotions in a box so I can not only think clearly, but see clearly.”

A thought came into my head then, one that I mystifyingly verbalized, “It’s funny now that I think about it. Auntie’s lanterns—she does the same thing—puts all the emotions and thoughts that are weighing her down into one of her lanterns and then sends them high into the air to relieve them from her mind, so she can see things clearly without bias.”

Mahan chuckled under his breath, astutely replying, “I wondered when the similarities of those would come to you. As it turns out, my method of forming the box in my mind—that was one of the ways I kept Tati with me in her long absence, Nicholas. Something I didn’t realize until her return, of course, and something I’ve never told her—or anyone until now—but true all the same. The box represents Tati’s lantern, which she would bring forth often back in the day when I needed to think clearly without bias. I think the beauty of that spell of hers is what eased my mind the most. I guess that’s why subconsciously, I found a way to emulate it—and to keep Tati close to me.”

Returning his humored reaction, I curiously asked, “I think that’s rather touching. Why have you never told Auntie?”

“I don’t know, honestly,” Mahan thought out loud, “Didn’t seem necessary, I suppose. I was just grateful for the return of Tati and our deep friendship. “

Staring down at the emerald green, Mahan sadly drawled out, “We’ve always shared a special bond, Tati and I, which is one of the many reasons my heart is completely broken for her and Horacio. I only hope that Tati’s magic will once more be her King of Fury’s salvation.”

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

GUNTUR

With Celimine by my side, I felt like I was able to catch my breath after all that happened today. Her presence centering me, allowing me think more rationally and clearly—calming me like no one else could—or ever had...

Reaching around, Celimine grabbed by white t-shirt, gingerly placing it over my head before helping me put it on, lovingly relaying, “Father was impressed and proud of how you handled yourself today, Guntur. He said your injuries occurred because you were completely selfless in your protection of him.”

“Yeah—about that. I should probably talk to your dad—and Tarkik,” I hesitatingly admitted, placing my hands on her hips, “I need to apologize, Celimine, especially to Cassius. I got pretty upset about Unc. I wasn’t very kind to him in the clearing. In fact, I was incredibly insensitive. I feel horrible about it—Cassius didn’t deserve it.”

Slowly running her hand through my wiry brown hair, Celimine exhaled out, “Mother and I would both appreciate that, especially since Father is struggling to come to terms with what happened. It’s killing him inside, Guntur—knowing he came so close to killing you and is responsible for your pain and suffering now. While my whole family is suffering, Father and Tarkik are taking it the hardest. They are completely beside themselves and consumed with guilt.”

I asked Celimine to have her father come into the room, both of us watching as Cassius slowly pushed the door open, his step hesitant when he finally entered, purposefully stopping just inside, like he felt there needed to be distance between him and me. Taking in a deep breath, I kindly asked Celimine to step out, allowing me to speak privately with him, which seemed to make Cassius even more anxious.

As she passed her father, Celimine flashed him a loving grin, gently placing her hand on Cassius’ arm. Slowly turning to watch her leave, I heard him take in a harrowed breath before returning his attention to me. Cassius was overcome with devastation and guilt—something I knew I needed to fix...

Rubbing the left side of his face, he shamefully said, “It took me a bit to figure out why my jaw was sore, but I finally remembered everything that happened out there. That was a nice move you made on that tree. Gave you some much needed time until Tatiana arrived to save you from me.”

“You and I both know who is to blame for all this, Cassius, and it’s not you,” I earnestly declared, “Like I told you in the clearing, you were under a spell—though I could have said it better. I’m sorry about that. I was feeling guilty about Unc and took it out on you. And I’m truly sorry about my harshness towards you afterwards when you called me son. That wasn’t fair to you, especially after what you were put through.”

“You owe me no apologies, Guntur,” Cassius thickly rasped out, “I’m the one who needs to ask for forgiveness. Even if I was under a spell, the torture I put you through not only physically, but mentally and emotionally—”

Completely shaken, Cassius paused for a moment before asking in a stupefied daze, “The reason you feel guilty about Horacio—you weren’t going to fight back, were you? You were going to let me make that deadly strike on your neck. That’s why you feel it was your fault he was injured.”

Shrugging, I reluctantly replied, “You had me in the perfect position and pinned. The only way I could get out of it was to make my own deadly strike and I couldn’t do that to Celimine. I love her more than anything and always will—but you—you’re her father. I’m replaceable in her heart—you and her brothers aren’t. She loves her family more than anything in the world. I should have known Unc would try to stop you, because we feel the same way about each other—but all I could think about when you pinned me was...”

My words trailed off, but Cassius knew what they were, understandingly murmuring, “All you could think about was Celimine.” Still unable to speak, I simply nodded in response.

Running his hand through his short black hair that held hints of grey, Cassius’ expression seemed to ease, his round, black and grey bearded face softening as he admiringly stated, “Seems I need to correct you on two things you are wrong about, Guntur. Firstly, you are anything but replaceable. From the moment Celimine saw you at Crescent Moon, there is nothing and no one my daughter has ever loved more, which is probably why her jealous father and brothers have given you such a hard time. It’s not easy for us—especially me—to accept the fact that it’s time for us to let Celimine go so she can live the life our Moon Goddess destined her for. A life with the future Beta of Howling Wind—a life with you.”

Taking a few steps forward, he ardently continued, “And secondly, in both my mind and heart, I have six sons that I am incredibly proud of and grateful for in my life, which is why today’s events are so hard for me to accept. I almost took the life of one of my own and destroyed my Celimine’s happiness—and her heart, as well as mine if I had succeeded in taking your life. However, I’m very proud of what you did out there today, Guntur. Not only in the way you carried yourself, but the choices you made in the face of adversity to protect all those around you. And most importantly—you were selflessly willing to sacrifice your life without a second thought—all in the name of my Celimine’s happiness and heart. No father could ever ask for more than that in his daughter’s mate.”

I never expected to hear those words from Cassius—I wanted to hear them—but I never thought he would think I was good enough for his daughter, sincerely replying, “Thank you, Cassius. It means a lot to me to hear you say that and know that you feel that way, especially that you see me as one of your sons. What do you say we hug it out—lightly if you don’t mind. You pack one hell of a punch, old man.”

A humored grin crossed his face, relieving me in the process, as Cassius retorted, “You were doing well until the old man comment, though I suppose I deserved it. And while I am coming to terms with you stealing my daughter away, it would be nice if you would agree to help this old man out by promising to join us for family dinner—say three nights a week?”

Eyeing him warily, I bartered, “I’ll give you two nights a week and one night of family dinner at my parent’s house at Howling Wind. My mom makes a blackberry pie that may have you wanting to swap for two nights there and one here.”

“Ingenious move, son, and very Beta-like in your thought process and delivery. You know I can never turn down anything that has blackberries in it, though Aysu has set high standards with her blackberry cobbler,” Cassius contemplatively exhaled out, “Let’s start with two nights here until I perform a taste test of this pie—deal?”

Gingerly lowering my feet down to the floor, I stood up in front of him, extending out my hand, “Deal.”

Taking a step forward, Cassius wrapped his arms around my head, gently pulling me into his embrace, his humored tone gone, replaced with overwhelming relief as he earnestly breathing out, “Thank you for allowing me to say the words that were weighing so heavily on my heart, Guntur. And for what you did today and your forgiveness of this old man—but most of all, thank you for loving my Celimine the way you do—the way I have always wanted my baby girl to be loved.”

Releasing his hold, he stepped back, kindly suggesting, “Now, let’s get back to the clearing with your father and check on Horacio. I’ll have Aysu take the boys and Celimine back to the house. My daughter won’t be happy about it, but I don’t want Celimine anywhere near Arturo or that witch.”

“Agreed,” I adamantly returned, “Maybe we could suggest that she help ease Tarkik’s mind. How’s he doing, by the way?”

“Not well, I’m afraid,” Cassius sadly replied, “Which makes your idea an excellent one. I’m worried about him, Guntur. Tarkik has his mother’s kind heart. While he suffered no real physical injury, other than some bumps and bruises, the damage that has been done inside him—I’m not sure how long it will take him to recover.”

“I’ll talk to him,” I solemnly replied before anger rose in me and I harshly admitted, “You may need to worry about me too, by the way. It’s not going to be easy for me when Auntie wakes up Arturo. Between everything that happened at Amelia’s and what he’s done today, I want nothing more than to do what my Unc thought was already done—finish Arturo off for good!”