To Have And To Hold

Dare To Dream, Part I

Chapter Twenty: Dare To Dream...Part I

MAXIM

I found my mate—and I was instantly captivated by her. In fact, I was completely in love with her. Kishi was unlike anyone I ever met, and she most definitely wasn’t shy...

Kishi’s beauty was unmatched by anyone—her hand as she placed it on my bare arm felt like silk against my skin, every feature on Kishi’s olive toned face perfect from her cheeks to her cute little nose to full, luscious lips that I was currently dreaming of kissing as we sat talking with one another before dinner.

My favorite feature of her beautiful face was found in Kishi’s eyes—big and so full of life, her dark brown chocolate gaze full of the vast love she carried in her heart—her soul so pure that it could also be heard in every syllable of every word she spoke. In meeting her, my birthday wish had come true. A first for me. The beginning of many firsts that I looked forward to...

She was so upbeat and happy, talking nonstop about everything—her life at Spirit Walker, the she-wolf army she was training in there, her family, which included her mother, Jasmine, her father, Kaemon, and an older brother, Kaito, and her favorite things to do in her downtime, walking through the wildflower field, particularly at night and especially if there was a full moon, loving the way the flowers looked beneath the bright glow it casted upon them.

Suddenly, however, Kishi seemed to become embarrassed, her cheeks turning the endearing crimson color they had before, apologizing for talking about herself so much. I tried to ease her discomfort, telling her that I was relishing every word and wanted to know all about her life. It was then, however, that I felt uncomfortable—Kishi cautiously asked me about my life before arriving to Crescent Moon.

Seeing my reluctance and downhearted expression, she quickly backtracked, “I’m sorry. Sometimes, especially when I’m nervous, I can put my foot in my mouth pretty bad. That’s why I’m blabbering on like I am. You probably don’t want to talk about it. Why don’t you tell me about meeting Jade? It was pretty amazing, I bet—finding out she was your sister and being able to connect with her. I’ve been lucky enough to work with Jade in our training. She’s awesome!”

Looking over at my sister, who was watching us from the side, obviously trying to give us a chance to talk before taking her seat beside me, I warmly smiled, “Yeah, Jade is really awesome. We’ve bonded so quickly. It’s all just come so naturally—like we have known each other our whole lives.”

My eyes slowly moving back to Kishi’s warmhearted brown gaze, I slowly breathed out, “Just like talking to you comes naturally. I’ll tell you anything you want to know about my life before I arrived here today—after I ask you one question.”

“You can ask me anything,” Kishi grinned, “If you haven’t guessed already, I’m a talker. What do you want to know?”

Swallowing hard, I asked the question that had plagued my mind since the word ‘mate’ came out of my mouth, “Doesn’t it bother you? That your mate is a Blood Horizon?”

“No, it doesn’t,” Kishi immediately replied, her tone thick with sincere surety, “Just because that’s where you were raised, doesn’t mean you carry the darkness in your heart and mind that so many Blood Horizons have in theirs. You chose to leave, Maxim. You chose to make your way here. You and Jade share the same father, a remarkable, well-respected Mystic Fire warrior, who fought tirelessly for the greater good of all. And as fate would have it, was also a mentor to my father.”

Leaning in, Kishi ardently added, “That’s who I see in front of me, Maxim—I see Keegan’s son, my mate—who I can also see very clearly has the same heart as his father and his sister. Not to mention, according to what I hear, you are a Crescent Moon now, so your concerns are actually a mute point.”

“Wow,” I astonishingly exhaled out, “You really are a talker.” Attempting to catch my breath, I gulped out, “My father really mentored your father?”

“Yes, he did,” Kishi grinned, “Which is why Father shares my thoughts—he could care less that you were brought up in Blood Horizon and is in fact, absolutely thrilled to hear that you are my mate.”

“Huh,” I rasped out, stunned beyond measure, just as Jade and Zayn came up, my sister humorously stating, “I’m taking it you told Maxim that our fathers were very close.”

“I did—among a hundred other things,” Kishi laughingly replied, “I think I may have overwhelmed him.”

“Ahhh, well. My brother is much like me,” Jade lightheartedly returned, “He’ll get over it quickly.”

Zayn laughed as he took in my flabbergasted expression, while Jade put her arm around me, kissing my cheek, “Congratulations, Maxim. I couldn’t be happier for you or Kishi. She’s a phenomenal warrior, little brother, and very strong minded, which in my mind makes her perfect for you. Treat her well, or you’ll deal with me.”

Kishi giggled, smiling brightly, “Thanks, Jade. I’ve always wanted a big sister.”

My eyes locking with Jade’s, I affectionately exhaled out, “So have I. I guess all my dreams are coming true today.”

Jade kissed my cheek again, lovingly murmuring under her breath, “Mine too, little brother.”

*********

NICHOLAS

From the day the girls of Rogue Eight entered our lives, each of our worlds changed in the best of ways. There was nothing I loved more now than sitting with our large family enjoying the love and togetherness shared between us. What meant even more to me was that our family continued to expand...

Following our rocky start, there was nothing more Madeline loved either, leaned into my side with an enchanted smile on her face as she watched Maxim and Anabelle’s happiness with their newfound mates. I was reluctant to remove my arm that was leisurely wrapped around my Alpha, enjoying her jovial mood, and hating to break the moment, but it was time to put a little plan in motion with Horacio and Faizon...

After my conversation with Horacio, I decided to invite his father to meet with me at the getaway treehouse I built for Madeline, knowing how much he enjoyed the views from our porch there. I was quick to find that my father’s old friend and trusted insider was already aware of my ulterior motive, proving that he had been in Father’s inner-circle for a reason. Not only did Faizon have immense strength but was also very intelligent and instincts that were unmatched by most.

I also found myself humored by his initial reaction, asking me point blank what took me so long to seek him out to help convince Spiros of his true potential and destiny in the Crescent Moon army. Faizon then told me that while his son tried to hide the knowledge of my offers for more leadership, he was well aware of them and of Spiros’ reluctance—something that bothered him a great deal, but also something that he felt responsible for...

Faizon’s deep unconditional admiration and love for his youngest son was never made clearer as he thoughtfully relayed that while all four of his strapping boys favored him, Spiros was his beloved Sarene inside, inheriting her heart and caring nature. It was thought by his whole family that Spiros would follow Sebastian as a farmer, the close-knit bond between the two formed almost instantly following his birth.

So, when Spiros declared that he was going into the army instead, everyone was left stunned, especially Faison, who, unlike Finn and Valentin, had never really educated Spiros in the art of combat. It didn’t take long, however, for him to discover as Spiros quickly mastered every lesson, that his youngest was more like him than Faizon realized—and more talented than he ever could have imagined.

“Even when he was small boy, like Sarene, Spiros is a tremendous caregiver,” Faizon proudly stated, “He would be at Sebastian’s farm every day at dawn, working the fields and helping with chores, then rush back home to help Sarene at the house while I was out on patrol.”

Deep regret filled his tone and expression as Faizon admitted, “I told Spiros so often that if anything happened to me, I needed him to take care of his mother and our family. And I’m afraid my Spiros took it very much to heart—making me regret those words now. It unfair to him, Nicholas. I fear I have inadvertently held my son back, though I’ve tried to hard to reverse my mistake over the years. Sarene has tried as well, knowing that our Spiros dreams of more, but he continues to deny those dreams exist. And unfortunately, in their fierce protectiveness over their baby brother, Finn, Valentin, and Sebastian aren’t much help.”

Following our discussion, I told Faizon about my conversation with Spiros and my talk with Horacio, both of us deciding to see if together, we couldn’t convince Spiros to step outside of his comfort zone and propel him to go after what he had always wanted. But we had to tread carefully, making sure not to cause Anabelle any distress, which is why we brought Mother, Auntie, and Sarene on board to help divert her fear...

Nodding towards Horacio and Faizon, I leaned down, softly kissing my mate while linking her that I would return shortly. As I had informed her of my plan, Madeline wished me luck before I linked the three requesting a quick chat a short distance away from the group.

Spiros appeared quite perplexed as we all gathered at the bottom of the hill, inquiring, “Is everything alright?”

As planned, Horacio took the lead, “Everything is fine. I’m afraid that I am at fault for this little meeting. I was discussing the upcoming search for the location where Anabelle and Maxim were taken today and asked Nicholas if he would be willing to allow not only Beast, but you to join us.”

Spiros was dumbfounded, looking around at all of us, “Not that I don’t appreciate the offer, especially as I want Igor found as much, if not more, than everyone because of Anabelle, but why me? Why not Tink? And why is my dad here?”

Horacio honestly admitted, “Look, I’m straight-forward, Spiros. I was in the kitchen when you were talking with Nicholas earlier and heard every word you said. You impressed the hell out of me. Something that is very hard to do. Which is why I aggressively questioned Nicholas about you after you left. And which is why when he told me of your vast talents, I made him feel like an i***t for not pushing you harder to utilize your talents and abilities.”

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far,” I kindly protested, “But as we have discussed many times before, Spiros, I have felt for quite some time that you are underutilized and have much more to offer in our army.”

Faizon placed his hand on Spiros’ shoulder, wholeheartedly declaring, “And the reason I’m here is to make sure you are listening to their words, son, both at their request—and your mother’s. If Anabelle’s arrival in your life proves anything, Spiros, it’s that after all this time, it is finally your time. I know deep inside, you want this, son. You have for a long time—and the only one stopping this is you.”

Following his gaze as Spiros turned back to look at Anabelle, who was surrounded by our three accomplices, he hesitantly replied, “I worry about the same thing I worried about after my talk with you earlier, Nicholas. Anabelle has been through so much. I don’t want to upset her or cause her more worry.”

“She knows you’re a warrior and this is part of it,” Horacio assured him, “And while we’ve only known her a short time, I think I can say most assuredly—Anabelle would want you to go after your dreams too.”

Both our gazes still on Anabelle, she looked over at him, nodding at Spiros with a loving grin just as he laughed under his breath, “Looks like you do know Anabelle well, Horacio. Though her exact words were—you’ve made my dreams come true, now it’s your turn.”

“Knew I liked that girl,” Horacio thoughtfully sighed, “So, that’s a yes, then.”

Turning his attention back towards our group, Spiros acknowledged with bright smile, “Yes.”

**********

ANABELLE

While I appreciated the supportive words that Sarene, Aruna, and Auntie gave me regarding Spiros’ work after informing me of Alpha Nicholas’ wishes, they weren’t necessary for my mate to have my support in fulfilling something I could already see was a dream he had denied himself.

I understood that I was the mate of a warrior and while there was a part of me that would always worry like I had done earlier, I admired Sarene and had already decided to follow her lead, supporting him while encouraging him to fulfill his duties and his dreams of the role he wished to play in the Crescent Moon army. Doing exactly that when I looked over to see his anxious gaze, I linked Spiros, encouraging him to accept the offer being made to take part in the search party being sent out to look for clues in the clearing Maxim and I had been taken to.

I was receiving acclaim from my three inspiring elders when Jillian came up, asking if we could chat for a moment. Getting up from my seat, I kindly agreed, walking over to an area not far from the table...

“I hope you don’t mind my intrusion, Anabelle,” Jillian sweetly began, “I just wanted to take a moment to see how you were faring after all you have endured.”

I was surprised, but then appreciative as Jillian then told me about her own trials and tribulations as a former Blood Horizon, especially when she relayed the abuse that endured from Arturo, who I knew of from the tunnels. Though fortunately, I didn’t have much interaction with him.

“I’m so sorry for what you were put through, Jillian,” I sadly exhaled out, “But thank you for opening up to me like this and telling me your story. It helps to not feel so alone.”

“That was my intention, Anabelle,” Jillian softly stated, her gaze drifting over to peer around everyone at the table, “Those that find their way here are so fortunate. There’s more support and love in the family they’ve built together than I ever imagined possible.”

My own eyes admiringly gazing around, I lightheartedly exhaled out, “It didn’t take long for me to see that. I’ve always said the hardest lessons are those that touch your soul, but I’m finding that the beautiful lessons found at Crescent Moon have touched my soul the deepest.”

Jillian smiled, warmly returning, “I would have to agree. But, if you ever need to talk or just vent, I hope you feel you have someone to talk to that understands the pain. And I would also recommend one of Auntie’s lanterns if you haven’t experienced that yet. It really helped me to let go.”

I was intrigued, asking Jillian more about the lanterns, soon deciding to talk about them more with Auntie and continuing to feel fortunate that fate brought me to Crescent Moon to be among so many incredible souls...

********

NICHOLAS

I was thrilled that Spiros agreed to join the search party in Moon Stone territory, eager to talk with Mahan about upon my return—but surprised when my old friend had reservations.

It was rare for Mahan to not be amenable, but in this case, his questioning of my reasons for placing Spiros on the team seemed quite harsh, pointing out the fact that my warrior had no experience in anything of this nature, even relaying that he felt both Spiros and Guntur’s presence was going to be a detriment to the mission, something that could impede a search that was of the utmost importance to our Moon Stone Alpha...

“This is nothing against Spiros or Guntur personally, Nicholas,” Mahan stoically relayed, “But when it comes to dealing with Igor, experience is key. That’s why I’ve placed my best men in the search party. And the reason I readily agreed to Horacio and Beast joining—each of them have vast amounts of knowledge that makes them tremendous assets to the search.”

Mahan had Luminara in his sights as he voiced his deepest concerns, “Soren is adamant that Guntur is ready, having progressed well under Umar’s tutelage, but I can’t help but feel that his decision to send their future Beta is more to do with the fact that Cassius and his sons will be there. And now you are asking for Spiros, who has absolutely no experience or additional training, to be added to the team as well. I just can help but feel it may be a distraction that could cause something to be missed, affecting the outcome we seek—finding Igor before he makes another move against us—especially as I know he desperately wants to make a strike against Moon Stone.”

I didn’t blame Mahan for being fearful for Luminara and his grandchildren’s safety, as well as the safety of his pack, but I also knew deep down that Spiros wouldn’t be a detriment and neither would Guntur, diplomatically reasoning, “I can assure you that Spiros is more talented than his current rank and status appear, Mahan. You know Faizon well, working with him many times as he was a very important part of my father’s inner circle. And I can promise you, Spiros was trained in depth by Faizon and is his father’s son in every way.”

Like my Uncle, I was adamant in my choice, thoughtfully requesting, “What if I offer a compromise? I know we had plans for Beast to help lead the second team, but you’re men are more than capable of handling themselves, especially as they have performed this type of search for Igor before. Why don’t I have Horacio and Beast take Spiros under their wing to make sure he isn’t a distraction to the overall mission. I have no doubt that we will both find that Spiros is an asset in maneuvers such as these, something I think we will also see in Guntur, who is quickly becoming much like Umar. Trust me.”

Bringing his gold-flaked grey gaze back to me, Mahan reluctantly agreed, “Two words that will always be the case when it comes to you, young Nicholas. I do trust you, which is why I will agree to your request. You have been my protégé for many years now. Maybe the student will indeed become the teacher in this instance. And trust me when I tell you—no one hopes for that to be true more than me.”

**********

MAXIM

While today has been a heavy mix of the highest of highs and lowest of lows, every moment felt like it was worth it as I sat between Jade and Kishi, both of whom within seconds of meeting them, I felt an immense connection with..

When I first left the tunnels, I was searching for freedom. But what I found was so much more—I was surrounded by amazing people, forming bonds that I already cherished and would fight for...

Little did I know a euphoric high was on the horizon—Kishi—whose unexpected arrival in my life made my greatest dream come true. And in truth, my Spirit Walker mate didn’t just make that dream come true—she exceeded it.

It was amazing and exhilarating—being surrounded by people who shared the same moral compass I have always dreamed of being able to display, but unable to because of who I was supposed to be. Something that I had in common with another former Blood Horizon that managed to escape—only she had become a Howling Wind—Jillian.

I was aware of Jillian when we were living at Amelia’s, though we had little contact with one another as I was kept isolated most of the time, Kristoff’s way of protecting me, always trying to keep his more questionable actions close-vested. But I did find out about some of them, although at the time I fought for denial of his truth in my conscience, forgiving of his deeds because I wanted the dream of who I made myself believe he was—who I wanted him to be—to be the truth...

Vivian had asked for a moment with Ayla and Kishi, leaving Caelus and I to animatedly talk with one another. Caelus was ecstatic that Kishi was my mate, our friendship continuing to strengthen as we discussed plans to hang out together with the girls.

But when I looked up to find Jillian talking with Anabelle a short distance away from our table, I excused myself for a moment, telling Caelus I wanted to make sure Anabelle was feeling alright. What I really wanted, however, was a much-needed word with Jillian...