To Have And To Hold

Changing In All The Good Ways...

Chapter Sixty-Six: Changing In All The Good Ways...

TATIANA

All was right once more at the lake—Raven and I making quick work of our cleanup with a flick of our fingers, appearing a small distance away from my bench with Charlotte, who continued to be quite shaken as well as soaked to the bone—all three of us were—as Raven and I attempted to comfort her, knowing there was only one person who had the ability to truly do that...

“Charlotte?” Carson blurted out in a panic the moment he appeared, running towards us at a furious pace.

Breaking away in a mad dash, Charlotte ran towards him, sobbing uncontrollably as she leapt into the air towards Carson when she reached him—a sight that was both heartbreaking and heartwarming as my sandy-haired sweet boy flung his arms around my girl, sending droplets of water sailing out all around them. Every ounce of love and residual fear was evident as all Carson’s strength was utilized in the solid hold around Charlotte's shaking body...

My heart was torn further by those two conflicting emotions as I heard Charlotte’s muffled cry, “I still get to love you.”

Releasing her enough to bring his forehead down to touch hers, Carson thickly replied before tenderly kissing her lips, “Again, that’s my line, Lottie. I’m the luckiest guy in the world because—I still get to love you.”

“Nicely done, Carson,” I inaudibly muttered under my breath before turning to proudly boast, “And nicely done out there, Raven. Every move confident and masterful, my darling.”

Taking my hand, Raven steadfastly replied, “Both of us were confident and masterful, Auntie. We make a wonderful team, you and I—I’m not sure either of us could have defeated that dark magic spell on our own. It never occurred to me to utilize that live spell to give us the advantage and help save Charlotte—it was a brilliant idea.”

“Thank you for that,” I lovingly returned, “And I would have to agree—we do make an incredible team.”

Biting my lip to quell the overwhelming emotions brought forth by my next thought, I reverently murmured, “Your mother would be so proud of what we accomplished together, Raven. It was everything Sarika dreamed she and I could do all those years ago.”

Falling into a thoughtful silence, Raven and I watched as our family that came forth allowed our sweet couple a moment before coming up to check on Charlotte, though she remained in Carson’s arms, his hold on her unrelenting, as it would more than likely be for some time...

Nicholas gently placed his hand on the back of Charlotte’s head as he relayed loving words and sentiments, followed by Jace, who sweetly kissed her forehead before they both made their way over to us...

“Are you two alright?” Nicholas worriedly called out, his normal even-keeled smooth handsome face and tone reflecting his overwhelmed state as they hurriedly reached us.

“We’re fine, just a little wet from the unexpected storm,” I pleasantly returned.

“I’m just thankful all three of you came out of this unharmed,” Jace heavily heaved out, pulling me into a fervent loving embrace before doing the same with Raven, “As always, you were both amazing. It does continue to be a struggle, however—watching you two take on the full weight of the battle.”

“I couldn’t agree more with any of those statements,” Nicholas appreciatively sighed out, hugging me tight, “However, I don’t think there are any words that could express how proud and thankful I am that you work so flawlessly together. Or how fortunate we are to have you both in our lives to love and adore. I’m just thankful all ended well.”

“Some of us in particular love and adore you two heart-stopping, awe-inspiring ladies,” Talon’s voice called out from behind, anxiously running his hand through the top of his thick black hair as he came up to Raven, “Though as Jace said, watching you in action can be quite difficult.”

Taking Raven in his arms and kissing her softly, Talon exhaled out, “You were unbelievable up there, my beautiful blackbird.”

I couldn’t help but miss my King of Fury in that moment, but hid the growing return of despair, quietly murmuring, “I’m truly sorry, Nicholas. I know I promised you and Madeline that nothing would interfere with your special day, though in truth, that is the case now. Your wedding will still be beautiful and perfect.”

“Auntie’s right—while I understand it may be difficult, I hope that you and Madeline can put everything aside and allow yourselves to embrace the happiness that today will bring,” Raven affectionately urged, “I'll help calm Madeline.”

Reaching up to cup his face, I pleadingly encouraged, “And we will all do whatever you need here, Nicholas. Please do not allow any victories to be had in this thwarted attack.”

“I fear we will all have our hands full with Madeline,” Nicholas reluctantly agreed, “But my trust is always in you, so I see no reason to not to proceed with our wedding today.”

Pulling his face towards me and standing up on my tiptoes, I kissed Nicholas’ cheek, beaming at my handsome Alpha afterwards as Raven and I promised to keep our doors open and on the lookout for anything else out of the ordinary.

Inquiring about our four sorceresses, Nicholas informed me that Ursula and Kingston had been keeping an eye on them and that they were in extreme stunned states after all that occurred. I quickly sent a link to Ursula, requesting that she inform the ladies their requested plan had been executed, hopefully leaving Saphira and diminished clan of four thinking that their plan had ended with their fellow sisters perishing in the end...

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

SAPHIRA

Taken aback by Uma’s jarring response, anger exploded inside me, fueling my fierce reply, “They need to be avenged! All of them! And I promise you, we will find a way to do that!”

“You do what you must—go to Igor and tell him of the failed attack and the sacrifices made for his cause,” Uma icily returned, “Plan another attack—meet the same fate—but don’t call on me for any further help because I’m done, Saphira. My debt to you has been paid—at the cost of four lives that I will forever feel partially responsible for. You have made it perfectly clear that any attempt to save you from yourself is obviously a wasted effort. If you decide to come to your senses, you know where to find me.”

Before I could plead with her, Uma disappeared from the room, leading me to seek out my other closest confidante, hoping to see compassion in her eyes. But instead, I found the same look of shame and abandonment as Cordelia tearfully pleaded with me, “You know she’s right, Saphira. Take some time and think about what you are doing. You are one of my dearest friends, but after all the loss that we have endured today, I will no longer remain by your side while you allow Igor to use all of us for his own means. Our deaths mean nothing to him—even yours.”

Taking her leave immediately after, I was left sitting with only Temora and Theodora, who were each trying to gauge my thoughts. Gripping Azora’s letter tightly in my hand, I brokenly murmured, “Looks like you two are the only ones who are truly loyal to me.”

Temora wickedly grinned, “So, you are going to continue our mission.”

Holding my head up high, I sneered, “While I’m not looking forward to telling Igor that we met with completely failure, yes—I have every intention on figuring out a way to make Tatiana and Raven pay for everything they’ve done! What they have cost me will be returned a thousand-fold!”

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

URSULA

Standing with Kingston and the sorceresses who chose to bravely defy Saphira, I couldn’t help but smile, again proud of what I had been a part of and in turn, what had been decisively accomplished—something that still had the four witches in awed stupors...

Her slender hands shaking after being thrust high in the air by the black magic—saved by Tati’s fortuitous spell, Enora's tone was dazed, “I’ve never seen anything like that in my life—nor did I ever think I would—much less be saved by such cosmic sorcery. I could actually feel the immense power Tatiana wields when her aura burst out all around me.”

“Something that one could also see in both she and Raven as they faced off against that dark spell,” Elveena breathlessly whispered, “Truth be told, it gave me a whole new appreciation of what sorcery can truly achieve.”

“For me, it was the first time in my life that I've truly appreciated sorcery,” Azora hesitantly admitted, “Never in my wildest dreams have I imagined seeing such greatness and what could be achieved by it. I can also see why fate chose Raven and Tatiana to bestow such immense powers.”

Tati linked then, asking me to inform the ladies that their plan was executed, their expressions filling with relief, appearing to lift a great weight from their shoulders as Elvira lifted her bound hands, earnestly asked, “Do you know what will happen to us now, Ursula? Will we really be exonerated for helping Saphira? We did, after all, help her in the devastation that has been incurred as of late—even if we did finally do the right thing in the end.”

All their pensive expressions fell upon me, leading Kingston to place his arm around my waist, kindly stating, “While I cannot speak for The Council, mistakes are always forgivable if one has the courage to admit them, even ones as gravely erroneous as yours. Especially when you can see deep regret, which is currently being shown in your eyes and expressions.”

Her gaze falling on Kingston’s hand, which was gently resting on my side, Enora shockingly asked, “Ursula? Have you found a mate?”

“No,” I earnestly replied, peering up at him to adoringly add, “But I have found a great love in my Kingston, Enora.”

“Oh, I’m so happy for you!” Elveena excitedly gushed, as my love peered down at me with the same affection, “And I can see your happiness as well, not only with this incredibly handsome gentleman but in the home that you have found at Crescent Moon, even working alongside Raven, Tatiana, and all the talented sorceresses that have come together here.”

Just then, Tati and Nicholas appeared, sincerely thanking them for their efforts and reiterating the number of lives saved by their courageous choice, easing their minds as Tati removed their shackles and the next steps were relayed...

There was another similar cottage not far from mine with two rooms to house the four where the Sorceress Six would place a cloaking and protection spell to help keep them hidden until it was safe to reemerge. They would also be kept under close watch by several warriors stationed outside at all times until further discussions could be had with Raven, Tati, and The Council about all that occurred...

Taking them to the small stone house, Tati stoically relayed, “We can bring over your hidden belongings as well, if you would like. I hope you three are truly alright with the destruction of your former home and hopefully once everything is settled, you can retrieve your other things, Azora.”

“Though I may change my mind and go back for a few items, everything I really want has already been taken from the house, Tatiana,” Azora sincerely returned, her dark eyes filling with hope as she continued, “I’m looking forward to what I hope is a new beginning, though I’m not quite sure what that is yet.”

“We three aren’t quite sure what that will entail yet either as Elveena will get to choose, but appreciate that The Council are willing to allow us that opportunity and are also looking forward to the same—though finding somewhere that truly feels like home has been an endless battle for us,” Enora respectfully chimed in.

I almost let out a gasp as I knew the look that crossed Tati’s face as she warmly smiled, “Oh, I get the feeling that will change—and I find myself quite pleased that all of you wish for new beginnings.”

There was a knock on the door then, my head whipping over towards the sound as I grabbed hold of Kingston’s hand, who chuckled in response. Standing right next to the entrance, Nicholas must have been made aware of what was about to happen as well, shaking his head as he opened the door with a bright smile on his face to reveal two tall and brawny older gentlemen—both with light brown hair and greying sideburns and beards, one with light brown eyes who immediately locked with Elveena’s shocked blue orbs and one with a chocolate brown gaze that was widened as it fell upon Azora, who stumbled two steps back in her shocked reaction before all four rasped out, “MATE!”

“Jerah, Triton—allow me to respectively introduce you to Elveena and Azora, as well as Elveena's sisters, Enora and Elvira,” Nicholas politely greeted, ushering the stunned men in as the Enora and Elvira reacted to their littlest sister’s fortune...

Covering her mouth with her hands, tears filled both their eyes as Elvira muttered under her breath in disbelief, “E—Elveena?”

Giggling, Elveena walked forward towards Jerah, whose face was a mixture of perplexed and elated, “It’s true, Sisters—and it is the most remarkable feeling in the world! I think—I think I have found home—I hope you will feel the same.”

I could see a realization hit her as Elveena's expression fell slightly, though her smile remained as she and Jerah closed the space between them, “And I hope—”

Pausing for a moment, Elveena became teary-eyed herself as she softly pleaded, “I hope after hearing the details of my story that you won’t be disappointed with the Moon Goddess’ choice for you and will accept my heartfelt apologies for my recent horrible choices, Jerah—which by the way is the loveliest name I have ever heard.”

“I hope the same with you, Triton,” Azora choked out, frozen in wide-eyed bewilderment as the incredibly tall and attractive warrior slowly made his way to her, “Especially as I feel even more ashamed now, even if truthfully, all of my bad choices did bring me here—to you.”

Already appearing completely enamored with her, Triton sensitively replied, his low baritone voice so calm and soothing, “Considering your last choice saved hundreds of lives—not to mention my Alpha’s wedding day—I think we can work through it all together. What do you think?”

Azora tried to quell the emotions his sweet reply brought forth, her shaking hand coming up to her throat, which she attempted to clear before managing out in a hoarse whisper, “I think I would love that, just as much as I love my mother for nudging me to be true to my heart—thank you, Triton.”

Peering over at the Sassy Sisters—the lovers of love—who were watching with misty eyes, I solemnly inquired, “Carson missed this one on purpose, didn’t he?”

Nodding, Tati—who was still in her damp clothes, her beautiful sparking platinum ringlets dulled by the heavy moisture—murmured under her breath, “He did and understandably so—there is a lot of forgiveness to be had that my sweet boy isn’t ready for yet. But he will get there—I’ve already seen it—Carson just needs a chance to see their true hearts.”

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

CHARLOTTE

When I stepped out of the shower—thankful for the relief the hot water gave my tense, chilled body—I looked up to see that Carson had hung some clothes for me on the back of the door, a favored long flowy cotton shirt of mine in pink with a pair of white leggings.

Towel-drying my hair as I walked out, my wolf was instantly alarmed, whimpering in despair when I saw my apprehensive, distracted mate sitting on our bed, Carson’s back against the headboard, staring out into nothing as he lightly bounced my brush up and down on top of his palm.

My entrance bringing him back from his deep thought, Carson’s usual boisterous personality was completely muted as he quietly asked in the most loving of tones, “Want me to brush your hair for you?”

“I can do it,” I adoringly replied, “I promise, Carson—I’m fine.”

“I know you are—and I’m incredibly thankful for that,” Carson pensively countered, his eyes filled with so much sorrow, it was breaking my heart, “I don’t mind—I really like doing it—plus, it’s an excuse to have you sit in my lap for a while.” A hint of his humor returned as he flashed me a half-grin, “I promise I’ll keep it innocent and allow you to just relax.”

Knowing he needed this as much as I did, I complied with Carson’s request, sitting down on the bed as he brought his legs up around mine, gently running the bristled brush through my long, wet tresses, being so careful and caring with every stroke, pausing from time to time to lean down and place endearing tiny kisses along my neck and shoulders as he so tenderly cared for me, my wolf and I relishing every touch...

We talked about my sisters—Carson wanting to make sure they were both put at ease—before he gratefully exhaled out, “Thanks for agreeing to stay with me for the wedding breakfast, Lottie, not that I understand Auntie’s insistence that we still have it. I probably won’t be able eat much.”

My concern for him rising, I lightly fibbed try to ease his tension, “Well, I’m starving, so I hope you eat something. I’ll look like a pig if you don’t.”

He laughed slightly, giving me hope, “You know I won’t let that happen, gorgeous. I’ll do anything for you, so if you are hungry—I’ll eat too.”

Laying the brush down on the bed, Carson enveloped me in his comforting, muscular arms, crisscrossing them in front to pull me close before brushing his lips against my left ear, “I’ve come so close to losing you twice this week, Lottie. I hope what Auntie said earlier is true—that all the spells targeting you are dead and gone now—because my forever is all wrapped up in you. If I lost you, it would completely change who I am in the worst way. Just like your love changes who I am—in all the good ways.”

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

HORACIO

Even though it didn’t matter in the afterlife—I felt like I could breathe again and currently, I was relieved that fury was still allowed here as well...

“For future reference, in case you’ve forgotten over the years, Spirit Walkers—me, especially—prefer knowing all the details,” I harshly scolded Soloman—Alpha or not, I didn’t appreciate that he withheld the fact that Charlotte was going to be placed in danger again, “Why didn’t you say anything about Charlotte?”

“You were already beside yourself with worry about Tati—I didn’t think it necessary to distress you further,” Soloman calmly replied.

“Not that you ever care about my opinion, but I feel the need to show solidarity here, Soloman,” Julien cautiously reprimanded—something I found myself appreciating greatly as he boldly continued, “I agree with Horacio—you should have said something.”

“Well, it would appear you two have formed quite the bond,” Soloman grinned, “What a shame your time together is coming to an end—for now—and I’m pleased to say for some time to come.”

Both our mouths gaped open, I inaudibly mouthed out, “I—I’m going back?”

“As I told you before the battle began—always trust our Tati,” Soloman proudly boasted, “Her bravery against the dark magic and continued willingness to sacrifice has earned her a great deal of respect from fate—and has also turned the tides of your fate, Horacio.”

Beaming at me, Soloman placed his hands on my shoulders, “Take care of our girl, Horacio—love Tati and allow her to continue the ruination that has changed you into the man you always wanted to be—the man you have always been meant to be. We’ll be watching you, reminding you, when necessary, in our own way.”

“Including my dreams?” I exhaled out with great hope in my tone, looking between them, “I wouldn’t mind that—seeing both of you and my parents, if that’s allowed. And by the way, I didn’t miss the fact that you said I wouldn’t be returning for some time to come—much appreciated.”

“Allowed or not, nothing could stop us now that we’ve figured out the boundaries,” my mother’s voice lovingly rang out, a smile crossing my face as I saw them nearing us.

“Besides, my old Alpha here owes me a few favors,” Father chuckled, “And I have every intention of calling those in, Soloman.”

“I would expect no less, Fergus,” Soloman humorously replied, turning back towards me, “I thought you might want to say your goodbyes to your parents properly before you go back. Send my Winged Angel our love, Horacio and tell Tati how proud I am of her—just as I always am.”

Patting my shoulder, Julien mischievously grinned, “And if you don’t mind, add firecracker in on your pixie retorts every now and then to really drive her nuts and let her know it’s officially two against one. A shared love for our Fairy Queen like none ever known. Both of us by her side always—”

His words stopping for a moment, I discovered that tears could also be fall in eternity as Julien extended out his hand towards me, thickly choking out, “Even if only one can physically be seen.”