To Have And To Hold

Eternal Connections Made Clear...

Chapter Sixty-Nine: Eternal Connections Made Clear...

NICHOLAS

Though over time, dots have slowly been connected about the fateful day long ago when a large part of our family were sent to eternity much too soon, there were still several things unanswered. A few of which I needed to hear as their absences were one of the very few things about my wedding day that brought forth great sadness for both Madeline and me...

“I’ve been expecting that question for quite some time,” Auntie knowingly grinned, “And the truth is—my visions of the future had a great deal of influence in the final choices that were made.”

Letting out a long sigh, Auntie thoughtfully relayed, “As you have seen, there are differences in the sorcery of the Firebird Phoenix and Fairy Queen. It was one of the reasons Sarika felt very strongly that I should bring the full weight of my powers forth, feeling that we were meant to work together as a team. One of the greatest differences between us was our visions. While the Firebird Phoenix can see the future vastly more extensively than your usual sorceress with that talent—especially during times of peril—my visions seem to have the farthest reach, including the ability to see plans set forth by the Moon Goddess, which seems to evade them.”

Peering over at Spiros before moving her gaze to Horacio and then the aunts, Auntie affectionately breathed out, “While I am caught by surprise every now and then, as with Spiros, Horacio, and my sisters, I can usually see the connections when the Moon Goddess deems it is time. I’m not sure why—sometimes I think it is just one more way fate is testing me. But to my surprise, I saw her intended plans for each of you much earlier—the very day the girls were born. Again, I thought it was a test from fate—to keep the secret until it was time.”

“But you didn’t keep the secret,” I pondered out loud, “You told our fathers about Madeline and me—that Mystic Fire and Crescent Moon would combine.”

Sitting back in her chair, Auntie dreamily recalled, “Yes, I did. In fact, I told them about all the mate connections, but it wasn’t an easy decision. The visions were mind blowing, yet so very beautiful—all the incredible bonds I saw between you children. Seeing not only the Moon Goddess’ intentions, but fate’s plans unfolding with each birth, so perfectly coinciding bringing not only Mystic Fire and Crescent Moon together, but with Vivian’s birth, Spirit Walker’s new path. I saw the integrated army that you and Alastor would create, bringing together all four Council packs. It was the first time I had seen anything like that play out in my mind, which left me trying to understand the reasons behind why the information was so freely given to me.”

Her thumb and middle finger coming up to underneath her chin, Auntie slowly ran the fingernail on her first finger back and forth on her lower lip, revealing more, “As I’ve said before, my visions are both a blessing and a curse at times, requiring a great deal of balance. Having to keep all those secrets for so many years felt like quite the daunting task, but one that I was willing to undertake. However, every time Ainar and Aldric pressed me for more information, I felt this unrelenting pull inside—feeling more and more compelled to tell them—until I finally gave in. Quite honestly, it was very liberating, not having to hold it all in and repeat my manta constantly.”

“Timing is everything, when you are ready for it, it will come,” I breathlessly whispered.

“Yes, and as I’ve thought about, I believe fate utilized me to enable the Firebird Phoenix to return with the plans that were set forth that day,” Auntie stoically returned, “And although I wish it had ended differently with me bringing the girls back here, as we all know—a different path had been chosen. Fortunately, it was one that still led all of you back to one another—and eventually led the Power of Three to make our return to Crescent Moon.”

“Something I’m very grateful for on all accounts,” I earnestly exhaled out, forcing a smile on my face as I continued to reflect on Father and Ainar, something Auntie intuitively read...

Her tone was full of reverence and adoration as Auntie murmured, “I wish my visions could provide the answers we all wish for, Nicholas—the reason for the road that had to be taken. But I promise you—your fathers are with you and Madeline today—they are all with you and so very proud.”

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

HORACIO

Readying to depart for Mystic Fire, Tati was making sure she had everything in her bags when she suddenly stopped, a bright smile crossing her face as my Fairy Queen told me that she had to run to Aruna’s room for a moment and would be right back, planting a sweet kiss on my lips before rushing out of the room.

I could feel something was off, realizing mere seconds after the door shut the real reasons for her departure as Reina appeared in the room...

There were tears in her eyes as Reina walked towards me, hesitantly murmuring, “I hope you don’t mind that I asked my littlest sister for a moment. There were so many people around when you popped in to surprise us all with your return. I didn’t get to say everything I wanted to you, my dearest Horacio.”

Rushing forward, Reina enveloped me in the tightest hug, which I returned as she breathlessly exclaimed, “I don’t think you have any idea how much I love you. And not just because you love my Tati as she deserves and I’ve always thought you to be one of the most drop-dead gorgeous men I’ve ever seen—but because of you, Horacio—because of your integrity, confidence, and character. My sister isn’t the only one who saw past that rough exterior of yours—I saw it too.”

Laughing, I held her tighter, affectionately replying, “Probably best you didn’t say all that in front of Ronan. He would never allow me to receive another one of your incredible hugs again.”

Leaning back, Reina girlishly giggled, “Oh, Ronan already knows all about my love for you, dear! I’ve always had a penchant for men who were rough around the edges. Back in the day, I voiced my admiration of you quite often to our circle of friends. Ronan hasn’t forgotten that, but knows deep down my heart belongs to him always and it’s a sisterly love I hold for you now.”

Her tone full of sincerity, Reina ardently informed me, “But he also knows that losing you would be a devastation to my heart that I would never recover from, Horacio. My love for you runs that deep.”

Planting a heartfelt kiss on her cheek, I cupped it in my hand afterwards, softly replying, “Words that you said to me during my coma that I will never forget, Reina. I love you too. Persephone said some rather surprising reflections of love as well.”

It was all I could do not to bust out in a raucous fit of laughter at the jealous expression on Reina’s face as she harshly inquired, “Oh she did, did she? Tell me truth, dear—is Persephone vying for my spot as favorite? It wouldn’t be the first time, but this is one victory I cannot allow.”

Chuckling slightly, I thought out loud in mocked shock, “So, I’m in the middle of two sister battles now? I never thought so many women in our family would have a penchant for bad boys!”

“Rough around the edges sounds better, dear,” Reina giggled, hugging me again, “Especially as you aren’t truly a bad boy, Horacio—we all know that.”

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

After Tati returned the room, laughing at my excitement over the new battle instigated between her sisters, a knock was soon heard that brought more exhilaration...

Flashing me his crooked smile, Carson ecstatically greeted in a private link as Charlotte was hugging Tati, Are you sure about this? Not that I don’t appreciate your offer, but—

A wide grin on my face, I cut him off, I’m positive, so no arguments. I already reluctantly agreed to let you pay me back for it. Don’t give me another reason to torture you. Tati is going to hand the box to you when I hug Charlotte. Just remember—the little white lie stays between us.

His tone full of appreciation and sincerity, Carson replied, Thanks, Horacio—seriously—it means a lot to me that you’re helping me out like this and allowing me to surprise Lottie too. But I still feel kinda bad that I’m stealing half your early wedding day gift.

I gave one last final link before walking towards Charlotte—one filled with my well-known satirical bite, Don’t worry, I already have plans to spoil her even more on that day—that’s why I wanted her to have these now. You better start saving up now if you have any plans to try to outdo me.

Carson laughed under his breath as Charlotte met me halfway, hugging me tight as she giggled, “Thanks for letting me help you surprise the girls, Horacio, especially Constance and Tink—they’re going to be green with envy that I got to greet you first. You gifted me with my first move in the new battle.”

Leaning back, I reached into my pocket, pulling out a red velvet box that I gently placed in her hand, affectionately replying, “Funny you mentioned gift. I have something else for you—it can be your second move.”

Looking down at it, Charlotte’s breath hitched, peering back up at me, “What is this?”

When I responded with only a simple nod towards the box, she brought her other hand up, slowly flipping open the top, tears instantly welling in her eyes as Charlotte saw the large, beveled oval stud earrings inside. They were different from Constance’s sapphires—hers being aquamarine that held no imperfections and let off a stunning subtle glisten in the light, much like the lovely young lady who would wear them.

Through a tearful beaming smile, Constance gushed, throwing her arms around me afterwards, “Horacio! Oh, they’re so beautiful! I can’t believe—oh, I love them! Thank you, but this is too much!”

Softly wiping away her tears, I earnestly replied, “Nonsense. Besides, they will go beautifully with your dress today and better still—give us some fun with your sisters.”

As planned, Carson came to stand beside her, elatedly chiming in, “Horacio was kind enough to help me surprise you too, Lottie.”

Turning towards him, Charlotte perplexingly inquired, “What do you mean?”

I reached out to take the box out of her hand as Carson replaced it with another smaller round one of identical red, her eyes darting between us before her gaze fell into a daze, slowly opening the lid, her breath hastening again as he lovingly replied, “It matches your earrings. Even came from the same raw stone.”

I was glad he remembered that little tidbit—reveling in the joy the ring brought to Charlotte’s heart and face. The oval stone matching the earrings perfectly in size and cut, set in a beautiful leaf and floral design of white gold on the sides.

Bouncing up and down in glee, Charlotte threw her arms around Carson’s neck, giddily thanking him like she had done with me moments earlier. I looked over to see Tati smiling brightly at me with love and pride, blowing me a kiss.

Putting on her new accessories, Charlotte animatedly enthused, “I will treasure these always, just like I do both of you. Now! Let’s go surprise everyone at Mystic Fire!”

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

CHARLOTTE

I couldn’t believe what Carson and Horacio had done for me, the aquamarine ring and earrings holding so much meaning to me, it still brought tears to my eyes and made me even more excited to be a part of Horacio’s surprise return with the girls...

While Madeline, Lorelei, Luminara, Vivian, Raven, and Anabelle had gone up to begin hair and makeup, the rest of the girls were in the kitchen finishing up breakfast, which is where Horacio had decided to begin. Auntie brought us all—including Luna Aruna—to the enormous ornate foyer that held our Mystic Fire crescent in the center with the three of them waiting just outside as Carson and I walked in...

All the girls leapt from their seats, eagerly rushing up to greet and embrace me. My sisters allowed everyone to go first, knowing theirs would be a longer greeting...

Tears already flowing, Constance wrapped me up in firm, unrelenting hold, exhaling out, “Finally! I’ve been so worried about you! I know I’ve asked a hundred times, but are you alright, Charlotte?”

“I’m fine, I promise, Constance,” I emphatically assured her, returning her heartfelt hug.

The moment she released me, Tink harshly pulled me into her arms, “Told you that you weren’t a victim—we three are always the storm! And I promise you—I’m going to be one hell of storm when I get my hands on Igor and Saphira!”

I softly laughed as Tink let me go, standing back and proving she always noticed every little detail, guffawing, “So much for getting Charlotte a new charm, Chatterbox! Nicely done with the bling!”

All the girls went crazy over my new jewelry then, holding up my hand to examine the ring closer while complimenting my earrings, leading me to laughingly inform them, my eyes on Constance’s ears, which glimmered from her stunning sapphires, “Actually, while the ring is from Carson—the earrings were given to me by someone else.”

They all began curiously looking around at one another—except for Constance, whose eyes filled with moisture as she hesitantly asked their burning question, “Who gave you the earrings, Charlotte?”

His soft voice echoing out into the room, Horacio answered, “I think you already know the answer to that, Goddess.”

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

HORACIO

All eyes found their way to the doorway where Tati, Aruna, and I stood—their bodies frozen in place from shock momentarily before most of the girls rushed towards me—except for Constance and Tink who stared at me with dropped jaws and tear-filled eyes...

Tati and Aruna had to back up as I found myself surrounded with arms flying up all around me. Remi, Jade, Jillie, Celimine, Ayla, Kishi, Selena, and Elena all beaming ear to ear as they expressed their welcomes with endearing words of love...

After they all released me, Constance finally found her footing again, running straight into my awaiting arms, brokenly rasping out, “I—oh, you have no idea how happy I am—please—don’t ever do that to me again! I can’t lose you, Horacio! I love you so much!”

Setting her back down, I grinned, “Love you too, Goddess and I promise I will try to behave. Well, after this, I’ll try to behave.”

Leaning back, she knowingly asked in a humored tone, “After this? What have you done, Fury?”

Bringing Tink into my sights, who was still standing beside Charlotte, biting her lower lip, I lightly chastised, “So, tell me, Tink—are you making me save the best for last? Or waiting for my answer first—which, by the way is yes.”

It was rare to make Tink falter from her usual outward confidence, but I had apparently accomplished just that as she disbelievingly mouthed out, “Really? You’ll do it?”

I had barely given my assuring nod before she barreled towards me, Constance quickly moving out of the way before her sister took the breath out of me for a second with her powerful pouncing embrace, returning to her snarky self when she released me, “I’ve missed the hell out of you, Fury! No more severe injuries or coma-crap, got it? I can’t live without you or Auntie—and I’m guessing you heard that and all the mushy stuff that came out in our one-sided talk, you pain in the ass! You know I hate mushy! Which is why I will simply say—thank you for agreeing to walk me down the aisle.”

Folding her arms in front of her, Constance lifted her eyebrow, mockingly questioning, “Wait—you made a move against me while Horacio was in a coma by asking him to walk you down the aisle too?”

There was a wide grin on Tink’s face—at first—one that fell slightly as she locked eyes with Charlotte, who had a mischievous grin on her face, as did Carson who had his arm leisurely laid around her shoulders. Turning her attention back to Constance, she sarcastically retorted, “I get the feeling I’m not the only one who made that move, o’evil elder. There’s a new enemy in our battle—our sneaky middle sister who has newly studded ears. And—she was the first of us to greet him upon Horacio’s return—endearing herself to our King of Fury by keeping his secret from all of us until he was ready, then assisting him to execute his plan.”

Laughing softly, Charlotte lightheartedly teased, “He bestowed a new nickname too—I’m Horacio's little Tempest now.”

Their narrowed eyes slowly turning towards me, I chortled, “I’m afraid that’s true. But I am very honored to be escorting all three of you down the aisle, which I believe levels that playing field. Although Charlotte did take advantage of her luck being at Crescent Moon when I woke. And Tink is right—I greatly admire my little Tempest’s initiative to help me surprise all of you.”

All the other girls giggled at my playful response with more snickers ensuing as Tink mockingly replied, “After pouring my heart out—privately, by the way—how could you do this to me? A nickname and you give those two an advantage with the ear bling, Fury? I thought you and I talked about this—”

“I would never force you to pierce your ears, Tink,” I kindly interrupted, pulling her box from my pocket and extending it out to her, “While the nickname does give Charlotte a bit of an upper hand, I think you’ll find these level the playing field again as far as the bling and are more—Tink style.”

Biting her lower lip again, Tink hesitantly took the box from my hand, slowly opening it to reveal the four white gold butterfly hairpins I had made for her. They were simple like she liked it and not too large—slightly more than her oversized fingertip in size. Delicate wings extended out with small red rubies and dark blue sapphires down the center of the body, both of our two favorite colors giving it just a hint of shimmer and sparkling shine.

While her eyes softened the instant she peered down at them, it took Tink a minute to release her lip, obviously touched by her gift. Finally moving her gaze back to me, she was fighting back tears in her hoarse reply, “You’re really good at the gift stuff, Horacio. They’re beautiful and I love them—like really, really love them. The perfect accessories for my Tink-style.””

Thrusting herself forward, she emphatically, wholeheartedly, and brokenly whispered, “Thank you—for saying yes to all three of us—for these—for getting me—and for coming back home to us, Horacio.”

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

For some reason, my last stop felt like the hardest in some ways—no less exciting mind you—but hit my heart a little more than I anticipated...

Tati opened the door to Madeline’s dressing room—her parents’ old room—with Aruna walking in with her as my Fairy Queen pleasantly greeting from the doorway, “Ladies—I see all is going quite well in here. Charlotte will be up shortly, but you do have another visitor who has asked for a moment, Madeline.”

I heard Madeline anxiously return, “Let me guess—Nicholas wants to talk through the door? Tell him I’m calmer now and promise to meet him at the end of the—”

“It’s not Nicholas, my dear,” Aruna softly assured her, as Tati motioned me in.

Slowly coming into view, my throat felt like it was swelling shut from overflowing emotions as all four girls lost their ability to breathe, their widened eyes immediately filling with tears as Madeline breathlessly exhaled out in shock, several droplets rolling down her beautiful ivory face, “H-Horacio?”

Smiling, I warmly replied, “Glad I got here before you started on the makeup part. I would have felt guilty if I made you mess that up. Not that any of you need that stuff.”

All of them beamed at me before Madeline sprung up from her dressing table chair and bolted towards me, embracing me tightly, sobbing out, “Oh, I’m not dreaming! You’re really here! My wish came true!”

Softly laughing, I reiterated, “As I told Nicholas—you two really need set your standards higher on the wishes. You’re an Alpha and a Luna, Madeline—not that I don’t find it flattering, but you can do better than that.”

Letting out a half-laugh, Madeline exclaimed, “I have missed you terribly, Horacio!” Her shaking fingers coming up to her ears, she adoringly said, “And thank you for your touching gift. The thought put into them means so much to me. They are my favorite wedding gift. I will cherish them and you, always.”

A wry grin crossing my face, I enthused, “Misson accomplished!”, which brought a much-loved round of musical laughter to the room.

I found myself in Vivian’s embrace next, my future Luna tearfully greeting, “You have no idea what a relief it is to see you. None of our worlds are the same without you, Horacio. We need our Beta, so don’t ever scare us like this again, do you hear?”

My tone thick with respect and love, I heavily exhaled out, “Yes, Luna, I hear you loud and clear.”

“You even had my patience growing thin—and you’ve piqued my curiosity,” Raven softly informed me through a beautiful, relieved smile, hugging me tight, “How did you manage to continue to escape my visions until just now?”

“Wasn’t easy, but I was owed a favor for being kept in limbo for so long,” I lightly chuckled, “You were amazing today, Raven.”

My gaze drifted over to Anabelle, who stood with tears streaming down her face across the room, softly chastising, “It wasn’t fair, you know—teasing me with becoming one of your favorites and making me care about you so deeply in such a short time—then almost leaving us all like you did.”

“Haven’t you heard? I’m an ass,” I grinned, covering the heartache her sweet words brought on as everyone else softly laughed around me again.

Shaking her head fervently side to side, Anabelle ran towards me, breathlessly exclaiming as she threw her small arms around me, “King of Fury or not—that is one thing I’ll never believe, Horacio. I love you and am so glad you are finally back home—with us—where you belong.”