To Have And To Hold

Strength And Support In Numbers...Part I

Chapter Thirty-Five: Strength and Support In Numbers...Part I

GUNTUR

While anxious to get to Crescent Moon, especially after seeing Auntie’s state during the interrogation of Sahar and Arturo—who I wanted to kill for a multitude of reasons, but especially when he spit in Auntie’s face—I wanted to check on Corazon, Callan, Apollo, Aybrek, and especially, Tarkik. Alpha Mahan sent Cassius home instead of fulfilling his request to join the search of Igor’s tunnels, insisting that he rest and informing him that he would be checking on him and the boys tomorrow...

Aunt Reina sent us back to Cassius’ house, telling me to link when I was ready to go to Crescent Moon with Celimine. When we walked through the door, we found Aysu, Celimine, her brothers, and their mates sitting at the dining room table, which was filled with untouched food—but Tarkik was nowhere in sight.

Aysu and Celimine sprung to their feet the instant they saw us. Aysu hurriedly walked towards Cassius, her sympathetic blue eyes filled with love and devotion, while Celimine ran straight towards me before slowing her step to carefully wrap her arms around me as I curiously asked, “Where is he?”

“In the back yard,” Celimine solemnly said, “We’ve all tried to talk him into coming inside, but Tarkik refuses, saying he wants to be alone for a while to clear his head.”

Dipping my head down, I softly kissed Celimine before murmuring, “Let me try to talk to him.”

Celimine sadly nodded before she released me from her hold and I headed towards the back door in the kitchen. As I passed the dining room table, I kindly inquired, “I would ask if you guys are doing alright, but I already know the answer—there’s still food on the table. Do me a favor and eat, will you, please? I really don’t want to have to admit I’ll feel guilty and think it’s my fault if you don’t. Besides, technically I outrank you as future Beta—do you really want to give me the satisfaction of ordering you to eat?”

I heard Cassius chuckle before Corazon deadpanned, “This isn’t Howling Wind, Beta-boy, so don’t push your luck. And don’t even think about using the ‘I’ll just get Alpha Mahan and Badru to order you to eat’ tactic either—I know how that mind of yours works.”

Smirking, I retorted, “You forgot one.” Turning my head towards Cassius, I politely stated, “I don’t know what you think, Pops, but I think Mom and the girls put a lot of work into this meal and my brothers here are letting it all get cold and go to waste.”

Cassius smiled brightly at me, mockingly replying, “Don’t you worry, son, they will have full plates when you get back. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Might as well start fixing your plates now, fellas,” Apollo defeatedly sighed out, his hulking frame straightening up in his chair as all their mates, Aysu, and Celimine snickered, reaching out to grab the bowl of mashed potatoes, “Looks like Beta-boy has turned the old-man—temporarily anyway.”

Aysu laid her head against Cassius’ chest, affectionately stating, “Celimine and I will fix a plate for you to take with you to Crescent Moon, Guntur. You need to eat too, sweetheart.”

“Great, he got to Mom too,” Callan sarcastically scoffed, rolling is dark blue eyes as he grabbed the plate of fried chicken, “Guess we have to play nice for now.”

“Guess so,” Aybrek sighed out, running his hand through his thick black hair before sincerely adding, “Glad you’re okay, Guntur. And while we know we were under a spell—we’re really sorry about Horacio. We all hope Tatiana can heal him quickly.”

Corazon, Callan, and Apollo all looked at me then with sympathetic tight grins—all four, who were the spitting images of their tall, hefty father silently nodding in unified consensus. I returned their gesture before heading out to talk to Tarkik, who carried the heaviest burden of Sahar’s vile spell...

He was standing at the tree line on the far end of the back yard, staring out into the trees. While he too had jet black hair and dark blue eyes, Tarkik was a combination of Cassius and Aysu. His oversized muscular frame, long forehead, and rounded face heavily favored his father, but Tarkik had his mother’s longer bulbous nose, full lips, and big bright blue eyes, though currently they were clouded over in despair.

Hearing my footsteps, he turned—Tarkik’s expression and voice full of distress, “Hey, Guntur. I heard Horacio was stable enough to be taken to the Crescent Moon hospital but is still in bad shape. I’m sorry—truly I am. I hope Tatiana’s magic will help him wake soon.”

“Tarkik, you do realize what happened out there right?” I resolutely returned, “Sahar used you—she used all of you—against us.”

Thrusting his hands in his jean pockets, Tarkik rocked back and forth, his eyes dropping to the ground, “Alpha Mahan basically said the same thing you just did. That it was the spell—not me—that did all that. And I’m trying to come to terms with it and not let it change me, like Alpha said. But it’s not that easy, Guntur. To not feel responsible for my wolf committing such heinous attacks against—my allies and—my own Beta.”

Walking closer, I quietly urged, “I understand, but just give yourself some time. You’ll see that we’re right.”

Continuing to rock back and forth on his heels, Tarkik miserably admitted, “Yeah, I think I may step back for a while. Maybe even figure out something else to do. You know, other than being a warrior.”

“No, Tarkik! You love being a warrior!” I assertively countered, picking up my step until I was standing directly in front of him, my hands flying up to his shoulders, “You said it yourself. Don’t let this change you. If you quit, if you allow what happened today to destroy your dreams of being a part of the Moon Stone army, you are giving Igor, Sahar—all of them—a victory today!”

“I can figure out another dream, Guntur,” Tarkik hesitantly replied, “Maybe this was a sign. Maybe I’m supposed to go down a different path. Maybe I’m not meant to be a Moon Stone warrior.”

Tarkik’s reaction was worse than I thought and to help him, I was going to need help—and from the sounds of it, it's going to take several of us to convince Tarkik that he is meant to be a Moon Stone warrior. We had to find a way to help him let go and move past what happened in the clearing today...

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

NICHOLAS

Raven, Aunt Persephone, Aunt Reina, and Ursula brought forth a group of warriors from each of the four Council packs after Sahar led us to Igor’s underground tunnels. Gavin, Badru, and Umar were leading the search of the vast lair, but unfortunately, by the time we arrived, the tunnels were completely barren, appearing untouched, much less lived in. In fact, I would have thought Sahar was lying to us had Igor not left behind a message...

There was a young girl found lying in a pool of blood in a pit, bite marks all over her body from the rats that had been feeding on her, her long, curly blonde hair chopped off, laying all around her—her throat slit from ear to ear, all of it undoubtedly done at Igor’s hand...

According to Sahar, her name was Raphaela, one of the many teenage girls Igor had on hand to satisfy the urges of his men—and one of his favorites until she had erroneously tormented Anabelle. A betrayal against Igor’s orders that in the end, cost the misguided girl her life...

“To accomplish what he did in these tunnels, Igor had assistance from another witch, Nicholas,” Aunt Persephone knowingly relayed before glaring over at Sahar, “I would remember my sister’s warning, dear. Who else is helping him?”

“Igor more than likely called upon my sister, Saphira, using my capture as a means to obtain her services,” Sahar hesitantly admitted, “I will tell you the other locations of underground hideouts I know about, but if you know Igor at all, you must realize he always has a contingency plan to ensure you won’t find him and Saphira is an immensely talented sorceress. Neither will make it easy for you to find them.”

With a despairing scowl on his face, Mahan stated, “While we will check these other locations, Nicholas, I’m afraid Sahar is right. Igor has always been methodical in his tactics and a master at strategizing. That’s how he has managed to escape capture all these years. We may need to enlist Raven and Tati’s visions to help find them.”

As if on cue, Raven slowly came out of the tunnel entrance. Nervously running fingers over her black bun, Raven’s beautiful thin oval features were heavily distraught as she quietly requested, “Nicholas, I need to speak with you and The Council, as well as Alastor, Vivian, Jace, Constance, and the aunts—alone, please.”

I didn’t like the devastated look in Raven’s caramel eyes. Swallowing hard, I braced myself for the worst, linking Alastor, Vivian, Jace, and Constance to come out of the tunnels, as well as Gavin...

The moment my brother appeared, I asked him to keep an eye on Sahar before sternly ordering her, “Inform Gavin of the other locations, Sahar. We’ll be back in a moment.”

Motioning for the rest to follow me towards an area a small distance away, I delicately asked her, “I take it you have news about Horacio?”

My heart fell as Raven’s calm and stoic demeanor now reflected tremendous worry and fear, as did her tone, “I do—while he remains stable, neither Auntie nor I can see Horacio in our visions of the future any longer.”

“But you just said Horacio is stable,” Constance incredulously reiterated, “Why can’t you see him?”

“I’m afraid Horacio’s life is still hanging in the balance, Constance,” Jace desolately replied, glaring over at Sahar, whose eyes turned fearful beneath the weight of the fury in his.

Everyone’s expressions fell into great despair as Aunt Reina tearfully stated, “I feared our Horacio was still in grave danger. That’s why Tati was so out of sorts—his fate is still undecided.”

“The hell it is!” Alastor furiously sneered in a harsh, desperate whisper, as Vivian ran her slender hand comfortingly on his arm, trying to calm him, “After everything Horacio has been through to finally get to this place in his life—what both he and Auntie have been through—denied of their connection time and time again for over twenty-five years! Auntie’s brush with death was bad enough! I don’t care how we do it—we are not losing him! Horacio lives and Igor dies! PERIOD!”

Lorenzo was just as shattered as his son at the news, in a complete stupor—his intimidating stature hunched over—appearing two inches shorter, and the destroyed expression on his face, which already held the wrinkles of many strenuous years as Alpha made him look ten years older as he slowly walked away from our group, devastatingly muttering out, “Let’s get the searches done so we can get to Crescent Moon and Mahan can return home to Loa.”

“Father?” Alastor worriedly called out after him.

Turning his head back towards us, Lorenzo harshly returned, “You heard me, Alastor. We need to get back to our Beta as soon as possible. Inform our men that we have no time to waste.”

Alastor immediately went after Lorenzo, as did Soren, who angrily mumbled under his breath as he stormed past me, “As far as I’m concerned, Nicholas, we don’t need to waste time with a trial—with their long list of criminal acts, Sahar and Arturo deserve death for this.”

We all watched as Soren caught up with his old friend, his short, stubby fingers coming to rest gently on Lorenzo’s back as they walked back towards Gavin, who after seeing the tense conversation and aftermath, peered over at them before turning his highly concerned gaze towards me.

“I’m sorry, Nicholas. I’m afraid my many failures to capture Igor all these years has left quite a mess for the Leader of The Council, as well as my fellow members,” Mahan bleakly stated, shame consuming every facet of tall, regal frame.

Like Lorenzo, Mahan’s broad shoulders slumped forward as he took slow, reluctant steps towards the others, “I take full responsibility for my greatest failure as Alpha of Moon Stone—especially after today, as I have failed my mate, my best friends, and my family.”

“Mahan,” I desperately exhaled out, reaching out to grab his arm only to have Mahan forcibly pull away—appearing completely and utterly ruined as he made his way back towards the tunnels...

“It seems Igor was victorious today,” Raven quietly murmured, “He’s tearing The Council and our family apart at the seams, Nicholas.”

“I know,” I gut-wrenchingly replied, “Which is why I need to talk with Luminara as soon as possible. Mahan is going need all the support that she, Loa, and Badru can provide, while we take care of our Spirit Walkers and Howling Winds—and our Auntie.”

**********

REMI

We had been through so many corridors in Igor's tunnels, they were all starting to look the same—dark and dingy even with the light Raven’s spell provided—and each one empty with no sign of Igor’s rogue army, the Blood Horizons, or their witch...

Walking down the long hallway with Zayden, Spiros, Jade, and Zayn, I looked over at my best friend, who had been mostly silent since we left the clearing—a very rare occurrence with Jade. I knew what was weighing heavy on her mind—how she as going to tell Maxim that the attack was masterminded by Oralia—and I had no idea what to say or do to help her...

Coming upon two rooms across from each other, I suggested that Jade and I investigate one while the guys looked around the other room. Once inside, I quietly assured her, “I’ll help you tell Maxim, if you want me to.”

“No, I’ll tell him,” Jade curtly replied, “I’m just glad Maxim was sent back to Crescent Moon instead of being there in front of everyone when we learned the attack was Oralia’s idea.”

“Yeah, me too,” I sadly replied, “Maybe you shouldn’t tell him that part.”

Whirling around, Jade’s red ponytail swung hard side to side as she staunchly declared, “Maxim has been lied to his whole life, Remi. I won’t keep any secrets from my brother, even when I know how much it will hurt him. I have no doubt he will blame himself for what happened, but I’ll just—I’ll just—fix it! I’ll do whatever is necessary to make him understand that he is not at fault for this—it was Oralia’s fault! One of many cold-hearted choices that despicable woman has made in her life, especially where Maxim is concerned! And I’ll do it privately, so he won’t have to deal with facing anyone but his sister.”

Tears brimmed in the corners of Jade’s dulled green eyes as she suddenly fell into a complete meltdown, brokenheartedly rambling out, “His sister who has just met him, but loves him more than anything in the world! Who he laughed with and smiled non-stop with earlier today at Mystic Fire when we sat in my family home and I told him about our Father’s fun, free-spirited upbringing of me. An upbringing he should have been a part of! He had every right to be devastated then, Remi-girl, but Maxim was happy to hear those stories. And now I have to devastate him again with news that the woman who claimed to be his mother viciously devised the attack on our family today! Not only that, Raphaela lost her life in that pit after being viciously tortured. Maxim already felt guilty that she ended up there—that it was his fault. When he finds out that she died—”

My own heart was breaking as Jade stopped mid-sentence, battling her overflowing emotions of despair from boiling over as she cried out, “How am I supposed to tell Maxim about how we found Raphaela, Remi-girl? How can I tell him everything without completely devastating my brother?”

Rushing towards her, I threw my arms around Jade, lovingly murmuring, “How about not doing it alone?”

“I’m with Remi. How about not doing it alone?” Zayn’s voice purposefully drawled out from behind us, my arms dropping as I turned, both our gazes drifting over to him as Zayn slowly came towards us.

His lips were curved up in his usual light-hearted grin, Zayn’s kind brown eyes devotedly locked on Jade as he lightly scolded, “I thought we had moved past this fierce and stubborn independent streak of yours, Jade. The weight of the world doesn’t just rest on your shoulders now—it rests on our shoulders. Kinda part of the mate thing—plus my loving you, you’re the center of my world thing.”

Zayden came through the doorway then, the same exact slow stroll being made towards us as he earnestly chimed in, “Don’t forget the family thing—best friends mated and in love with identical twins. While my bonehead brother and I enjoy sibling rivalry and endless banter, when it comes to things like this, we stick together. Strength in numbers.”

I stepped to the side as Zayn neared us, scooping Jade up in his arms as she wiped the tears from her face, accusing in a soft, hurt tone, “You didn’t call me Red. You know I worry when you don’t call me that. It usually means you're mad at me.”

Brushing the stray strands of red away from her face, Zayn playfully replied, “I know—it’s a tactic I’ve learned to use when I really need my Red to hear what I have to say. Works like a charm every time.”

Zayden wrapped his arms around me, leaning down to kiss me softly, murmuring out against my lips afterwards, “Have I mentioned that I love Zayn is more challenged in the mate department than I am, my Remi?”

“I heard that,” Jade deadpanned, making me giggle, “Don’t press your luck, Brains and Brawn. I’m still not happy with you about the whole Auntie’s army thing.”

“While I don’t have anything really witty to say, other than I feel quite at home currently thanks to having three brothers who banter like this with me endlessly,” Spiros pleasantly stated from the doorway, “I would like to request that we tell Maxim and Anabelle together, if you wouldn’t mind. She will feel quite guilty as well, especially about Raphaela. Like Maxim, Anabelle felt responsible for what happened to her. Not to mention, she would want to be there for your brother, Jade, as would I, if that’s alright.”

Nuzzling her nose, Zayn gently encouraged her, “Strength and support in numbers, Red. Sounds like the perfect plan to me.”

“He’s right, Jade,” I grinned, “What do you say?”

Taking in a deep breath, Jade exhaled out slowly, “Okay. We’ll tell them both everything—together.”

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

LUMINARA

“Thank you for doing this, Anabelle,” I appreciatively exhaled out, arranging the colorful lilies our gardener brought up in the center of table on Father’s balcony, “I’m not sure I could have done this on my own. The children already sense the food. At least the flowers are distracting me.”

“I’m happy to help,” Anabelle sweetly replied, placing the platter of Father’s favorite honey glazed salmon down, before turning to smile at Loa, “I didn’t add too much of your saffron and turmeric to your tea, did I? I don’t know how it tastes, but it smelled awfully bitter.”

“It’s perfect—everything is perfect—thank you, Anabelle,” Loa weakly replied, setting her cup down. While she sounded exhausted and frail, thanks to the kindness of the newest Crescent Moon, Loa looked beautiful. Anabelle and I helped her get cleaned up and changed into a long, navy blue velvet puff sleeved dress with a flared skirt—one of Father’s favorites that Auntie created for her.

Afterwards, we helped get Loa comfortable in the chair on the balcony, placing a tall pillow behind her for comfort and support before Anabelle fixed her hair into loose birdcage look like Priscilla’s from the previous night, but making sure not to make it too snug so it wouldn’t put too much pressure on the back of her head, curling wisps of her black hair and small strands from the white streak on the side. She also added a little foundation and blush to help hide her paled face, as well as a shimmery pink lip gloss to give her an added bit of color.

Standing back, we looked over the beautifully set table before beaming at one another as Loa quietly urged, “Spiros will be arriving home any moment, Anabelle. I think it’s time for Reina to bring you home. You have both done quite enough for me today, especially your mate. Please tell Spiros that I send the same love and appreciation that I extend to you now. And remind him that I wish to see him tomorrow when we all arrive to check on Horacio and Tati.”

“I will and I hope this will help ease Alpha Mahan’s distress. I’m not sure how I can help Auntie, but hopefully Spiros and I can figure out something and Horacio will wake soon,” Anabelle warmheartedly returned, hugging me and kissing Loa on the cheek before bidding us both goodbye, “Please give my best to Alpha Mahan and Badru. Rest well tonight—all of you.”

After she disappeared in Reina’s sparkling silver dust, I looked over at Loa, “I have found myself quickly enamored with Anabelle. She’s such a sweet, positive soul. I didn’t have the heart to tell her about the latest news regarding Horacio. I’m worried about him, Loa—and Auntie. And you do realize Father is not going to let you go anywhere tomorrow.”

“I’m very fond of Anabelle as well. And I’m just as worried about Horacio,” Loa distractedly murmured, “But Tati’s Fairy Queen powers are just as vast and immense as Raven’s, if not more. And her magical connection to Horacio is unlike anything I’ve ever seen between a sorceress and a wolf. While it is worrisome that neither she nor Raven can see Horacio in their visions, if anyone can bring him back, it’s Tati. And as far as your father, leave that to me. I’ll take care of that in due order.”