To Have And To Hold

Life Of The Party...

Chapter Fifty-One: Life Of The Party...

TATIANA

I was talking with Lorenzo when Ursula appeared in my room, wearing the lovely sage dress I sent over for her with Jace earlier, her hair in a beautiful messy updo, sprigs of her white curled around her face and back of her loose bun—a look I had no doubt was created by my Anabelle...

“Oh, Ursula! Don’t you look lovely!” I happily exclaimed, “I take it you have decided to partake in the festivities at Sebastian’s this evening with Kingston?”

“You already know the answer to that, Tatiana,” Ursula knowingly chastised, smirking afterwards, “I’m sure that’s why you sent over this beautiful dress.”

Asking Lorenzo if she could have a private moment with me, I urged him to go back to the main house and have dinner with Priscilla and the rest of our family in Aruna’s wing. After he reluctantly agreed and left us, Ursula sat down beside me on the bed, taking a gentle hold of my hand, “I wanted to pop in before Kingston’s arrival to the cottage to thank you for all your beautiful gifts today. While I appreciate your thoughtfulness, it was far too much, Tatiana.”

“Tati, please,” I affectionately urged, “And truthfully, spoiling you brought me much-needed joy today.”

Lifting her hand up, I admiringly told her, “This ring represents the integral part you play and our sisterhood in the Sorceress Six. The rose necklace represents your courage to face death so that Maxim and Anabelle had a chance at life. The painting a loving reminder of your former mountain home near Prism Moon while embracing the joy and love of your new home here at Crescent Moon. And the dress a reminder of your vast beauty, inside and out, and the possibility of allowing an incredible man to appreciate that beauty. And Kingston is an incredible man, Ursula—it’s never too late to find love.”

“How do you do that?” Ursula incredulously asked, “How do you so easily go out of your way for others, while enduring your own devastating suffering?”

“Mindset, I suppose,” I thought out loud, “But I can assure you, like I have assured others, I’m not perfect and most certainly am not a saint. I’ve faltered many times, like most of us have. At first, I even tried to deny my love for Horacio, just like he denied his for me over twenty-five years ago.”

Looking down at my love, I smiled, warmly stating, “But we broke through the barriers together. That’s another reason I think I have pushed through my current sorrow—I want to make Horacio proud. To continue to be his Fairy Queen—the woman he knows and loves.”

“I’ve always wanted that—what you and Horacio have,” Ursula reverently returned, “I thought I had it at one time, but—well, I was young, naive, and misguided.”

After pausing for a long moment, Ursula hesitantly admitted, “I’ve never been attracted to—a man outside of our own kind, Tati. But Kingston is so different than any man I’ve ever known. Undoubtedly the most handsome I’ve ever encountered—and charming—and so easy for me to talk to. I’ve always been intrigued by the ‘mate’ bond—but have found myself wondering if he would feel like something was missing if things progressed between us without being fated together by the Moon Goddess.”

“I can’t tell you it would be the same for all wolves, but Horacio and I didn’t discover we were mates until after I unharnessed my Fairy Queen side,” I ardently replied, “Before that, we fell deeply in love, referring to each another as our ‘chosen’ and still do. Knowing him, I think Kingston would feel much the same way. He has a beautiful heart, Ursula, and I’ve never seen him this way about another woman before.”

“I enjoy his company so much, Tati,” Ursula earnestly replied, “He makes me feel—”

My adoring gaze on Horacio, I wistfully finished, “Alive.”

“Yes,” Ursula quietly murmured as I looked at her once more, her gaze falling to her lap as she fidgeted with one of the crocheted roses, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be talking about this with you.”

“I disagree,” I softly replied, “I’m enjoying our conversation a great deal, but don’t stay too long if Kingston is due to arrive at the cottage soon. I can’t wait to hear about his reaction to your beautiful look this evening. Anabelle did a lovely job on your hair.”

“After hearing that I was joining them tonight with Kingston, she showed up at the cottage offering to help me with it,” Ursula warmly smiled, “Anabelle is such a sweet young girl and quite talented. This took her no time at all. I hope Kingston likes it. I will let you know tomorrow when I come to visit.”

Standing up, Ursula squeezed my hand, gleefully stating, “I should probably go, but thank you again, Tati. No just for tonight, but for everything you’ve done for me, especially for accepting and including me in your family. You and Horacio rest well for me tonight.”

After she disappeared from the room, I lowered myself down on the bed, resting my head on Horacio’s shoulder, quietly murmuring, “You’ve gotten quite the earful today, haven’t you, my handsome chosen one? I’ve had a better day today, though I have missed my daily banter with you. Perhaps I should try a little of that to entice you to come back to me.”

As the idea for my one-sided playful exchange came to mind, I giggled, lightly chiding, “Alright, Fury. You can either wake up for a lively debate on this—or suffer the consequences! And trust me, this is not a victory you want me to claim!”

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

URSULA

Sebastian’s farm was vast and made for a colorful and pleasantly appealing walk. There were huge trees that contained apples, oranges, pears, bananas, plums, walnuts, almonds, and cashews, as well as huge plots of acreage that contained his many crops with large sunflowers stunningly scattered throughout the fields.

“I’m rather glad you suggested walking instead of utilizing my magic to arrive here,” I delightedly exhaled out, my fingers wrapped around his massive bicep, “I’ve never realized the beauty to be had on a farm. The vibrant colors of all the different crops—and the hard work Sebastian has put into this place—it gives me a whole new appreciation of the food he provides.”

“I always enjoy walking around the farm,” Kingston softly returned in wonder, “It does give one a whole new appreciation of what Sebastian has done here, though currently I’m appreciating a different view. That dress and your hair—you look ravishing this evening, Ursula.”

“Thank you,” I shyly replied, looking up at him and admiring his neatly pressed beige button down dress shirt and black dress pants, “You look very dapper as well.”

As he let out a soft laugh, I got incredibly nervous, heat rising through my cheeks as he appreciatively stated, “Thank you for that. You always hear women use handsome when describing a man’s appearance. But I like that—dapper. Your compliment makes wearing these uncomfortable clothes feel worthwhile. I much prefer t-shirts and jeans.”

I giggled as we came upon the soft light of dozens of red paper lanterns, cordially greeted by Faizon, “Kingston, Ursula, it’s good to see you both. Welcome to our little party.”

Walking up to me, Faizon—who also looked quite nice in his baby blue button down and black pants—warmly smiled, “You look beautiful this evening, Ursula. That dress is exquisite. I dare say, my old friend here is an incredibly fortunate man this evening to have such a lovely date. And I must thank you—it’s been quite some time since Kingston has visited with us at Crescent Moon, despite many invitations.”

His flattering words made me blush as I appreciatively returned, “Thank you, Faizon. I appreciate your kind invitation to join you this evening. And no thanks is needed—I just hope I haven’t taken away from your visit with all the work Kingston did at my cottage today.”

“Not at all,” Faizon kindly assured me, “I know how much he enjoys doing things like that.”

“And there are several things that still need to be done at Ursula’s cottage, so you may be seeing me quite a bit,” Kingston pleasantly said, leading us into the large back yard behind the trees that held several rectangular tables end to end and many chairs, making me realize this was anything but a ‘little party’, “We should plan a poker night—I’ve missed taking a dent out of your retirement money.”

Cassius, Ronan, and Artem had been talking nearby and overheard the word ‘poker’, immediately joining our conversation with Cassius stating that he, Aysu, and Tarkik were staying at Crescent Moon for a couple of days and wondered if they might be interested in playing some cards the next evening—and to my joy, Kingston animatedly agreed to the offer, which meant he would be staying longer...

As they were all humorously bantering back and forth over who would be walking away with the winnings, Sarene laughingly told Kingston that she was rescuing me from the conversation for a moment to talk with the girls nearby. Joining Reina, Persephone, Aysu, and Milena, who were quietly talking with bright smiles on their faces while watching Selena and Tarkik sitting at the end of the table, Sarene and I followed their gazes...

“I think it’s so sweet that after he learned of Nicholas’ gift that Tarkik had Cassius and Sebastian take him to get Selena some charms to add to the bracelet,” Milena affectionately murmured, turning to smile at Aysu, “He’s such a kind-hearted and good-natured soul. While it was earlier than her father wanted, Sebastian and I couldn’t be happier. Selena is over the moon for him.”

“Cassius and I are beyond thrilled, Milena,” Aysu tearfully returned, “Selena is such a beautiful young lady with the same sweet soul as my youngest son, which is probably why she already has Cassius wrapped around her finger—he bought her a charm as well. But my Tarkik was determined to find her a gift for before this evening’s birthday festivities. And just look at them—Selena is simply radiant and I’ve never seen my son so happy—in their own little world, completely oblivious to everything else around them. Reminds me of my first days with his father.”

Another pretty young girl walked up to the young couple, undoubtedly related as she had the same long brown wavy hair and big brown eyes, her oval face and rounded chin reminding me of Spiros...

“Elara is going to struggle,” Sarene knowingly sighed, “She and Selena have always been incredibly close. They are only a few weeks apart in age. Elara turned seventeen a few weeks ago. They do everything together.”

“As they are wanting to build a house near ours, it will be a little while before Selena comes to Moon Stone,” Aysu compassionately replied, “And Tarkik will be more involved with the integrated army now, so Selena will be making regular visits back home.” A humored grin crossing her face, she added, “Cassius loves the farm, so I get the feeling you will see us often as well.”

Our two Alphas arrived soon after, the attractive couple pleasantly greeting everyone as we all complimented Madeline’s gorgeous dress, which Nicholas was quite fond of as well, unable to take his enamored eyes off his alluring mate.

Kingston pulled my chair out for me as we all took our seats at the table, once more complimenting my dress and giving me a look that made me blush again as it was very similar to the one Nicholas had in his eyes.

Looking over at Anabelle, who was seated beside me wearing a new outfit also made by Tati—a unique pair of wide-legged pants in a beautiful shade of mauve that came down to her ankles, but had a cut up the sides giving it the appearance of a skirt, modestly showing off her shapely legs and paired with an elegant keyhole blouse with contrasting lace that extended up from atop her cleavage to her neck. I thanked her again for her help with my hair and lauding her look, both of us grateful for Tati’s amazing creations.

Peering across the table at Reina and Persephone, who both had giddy, girly excited gleams in their eyes as they gazed at Kingston and me, I had to stifle a giggle as the platters and bowls of delicious foods were being passed around the table. And that’s when it hit me—there was a time not too long ago that a large dinner party like this would have felt overwhelming to me, but right now, I didn’t feel overwhelmed at all. Instead, I felt great joy in the people I was surrounded by and for once, I was looking forward to the future...

**********

TATIANA

After my unsuccessful one-sided banter session with Horacio, Raven appeared, asking if I would like to visit Loa for a few moments. I was relieved when I saw her doing so well, but could tell she was trying to hide her continued pain, much like I normally did.

Making a quick run to our room, I put together another potion for her to try, ignoring my own pain as I went into the closet to grab a jar of herbs that sat on the shelf above Horacio’s t-shirts—pausing for a moment to run my fingers along the short sleeves as I took in the faint musky scent that I loved...

When I returned to my King of Fury, I felt quite exhausted, taking my spot beside him in our aura and resting my head beside his, drifting off to sleep. I’m not sure how long I had been asleep when I suddenly felt a blanket being draped over me...

Slowly opening my eyes, I drowsily called out, “Sterling?” As my focus became clearer, I smiled, “Dorado—Giada, what a wonderful surprise to see you all.”

“Hello, Auntie,” Sterling adoringly returned, “I’m sorry I woke you. You were shaking like you were cold, so I was trying to cover you up.”

Bringing my hand up, I motioned him forward, opening my arms up wide to hug my sweet blonde-haired Prism Moon—the vast similarities in physical appearance between he and Mattias just as mindboggling as they were the first time I saw him—heavily exhaling out, “You are very sweet. It’s good to see you, my darling.”

“It’s good to see both of you as well,” I kindly greeted as Dorado and Giada came up behind him, each gently embracing me, “I hope I haven’t taken you away from your very busy schedules.”

Dorado beamed at me, “Busy thanks to you, but we are never too busy when it comes to those that we hold dear, Tati.” Taking in the Prism Moon Alpha’s dark and handsome appearance, I couldn’t help but zero in on his black hair that held a hint of white and grey—it reminded me of Horacio’s—and the way he towered over me...

“And you and Horacio are very dear to us,” Giada lovingly said, breaking into my thoughts as I turned to see her smile was as beautiful as always and her attire elegant—wearing a lovely off-white sundress with red rose blooms along the bottom—and long, thick wavy blonde hair cascading across her shoulders.

I was pleased to hear how well things were going for Sterling in the mines I saw in my vision, the abundance of gems even more vast than I expected, making my darling young Prism Moon and his parents excited for the future of their mining efforts.

As Sterling was explaining the two unique stones they had recently discovered, however, my green doors burst open, revealing an unexpected, but heartwarming bit of news. I had to stifle a giggle as I sent out a confidential link and envisioned the reaction of one particular Crescent Moon loved one of mine when he realized what was about to happen...

***********

NICHOLAS

If there was one thing Faizon and his family knew how to do, it was how to throw a wonderful party. The food was delicious and the company more than enjoyable, especially with Valentin and Finn’s endless bantering.

Looking around the long and very full table of guests, my gaze fell on Ursula and Kingston, who were animatedly talking with one another, their enamored eyes and bright smiles bringing an elated expression on mine, especially after my conversation with Soren, who was overjoyed that his former Delta and dear friend had found himself entranced by our newest sorceress—and she appeared just as captivated by him. Soren had worried about Kingston’s and the solitary life he led for many years and knowing him as I do, I too was pleased to see his and Ursula’s friendship blossom into potentially something more...

Suddenly, however, all our attention was diverted to the entrance of Sebastian’s back yard as Carson, Charlotte, Tink, and Beast made an unexpected appearance...

“Excuse our interruption, but I wanted to let Nicholas and Madeline know that Dorado, Giada, and Sterling have arrived to check on Auntie and Horacio,” Carson mischievously grinned, his eyes not on me, but instead, zeroing in—on Finn.

“You could have linked,” Finn flatly exhaled out in a hastened breath, nervously peering down at Elara before slowly moving his suspicious gaze back to Carson, who continued to appear quite humored.

“I could have,” Carson slyly grinned as Tink gave one of her Dark One smirks beside him while Charlotte and Beast began to snicker behind them, making me a little nervous, “But, that’s not the only reason I’m here—do you remember a few years back when you rigged that bucket of slop to fall out of the tree above the platform on the training field and I told you I would pay you back when you least expected it?”

His well-defined jaw tightening on Finn’s oval face, panic flowed over his entire being as he muttered, “Don’t do it, Carson. No—No POOF!”

“Surely that’s not possible,” Cassius dumbfoundedly murmured out not far from me.

“Oh, my dear Cassius, you will find when it comes to our littlest sister,” Aunt Reina giggled, looking over at Aunt Persephone, who humorously grinned as she sang out in unison with her, “Anything is possible!”

Eyes widened as Faizon shook his head and fell into a fit of soft laughter while Carson continued to have his fun, beaming, “That’s right. My day has finally come Finn—”

Slapping his hands together, he dramatically exhaled out through a bright toothy grin, “POOF!”

Auntie appeared just as Carson was breathing out one of his newer favorite words with Dorado, Giada—and Sterling, whose eyes immediately connected with Elara’s before she gasped and they both shockingly exhaled out, “MATE!”

Carson ecstatically bellowed out afterwards, “Poof! Mate! Ahhhh, this just might be my favorite one— besides mine, of course!”

Dorado and Giada were just as stunned as we all were, looking all around the large crowd before Elara stood up, beaming at Sterling as she hurriedly made her way around the table. When she passed behind Finn, he ran his hand hard down his face, his eyes glazed as he watched Elara make her way towards her mate. The immense happiness radiating from his eldest daughter’s smile was undeniable—causing a loving, reactive smile to extend across Finn’s face while reaching out to take his mate, Laticia’s, hand.

Giada was beaming ear to ear as her still-stunned son slowly walked towards his gift from the Moon Goddess, taking hold of Dorado’s hand and dropping her head onto his arm, tears welling heavily in her eyes.

His whole face lit up in excitement and joy, Sterling softly greeted, “Auntie wasn’t kidding when she said she had a surprise for me. I never expected—wow, I’ve never seen anyone more exquisite than you. No gem could ever come close to matching your beauty. I’m—Sterling.”

Elara’s cheeks went crimson as she bashfully replied, “I’m Elara—and that’s the most beautiful thing anyone has ever said to me, Sterling. Thank you.”

Extending her hand out towards the table, she warmly smiled, “We’re celebrating my cousin’s birthday, who also found her mate today thanks to a little help from our Auntie.”

Turning back to look at Auntie in complete wonderment, Sterling choked out, “You’re kidding me.” Chuckling afterwards, he went up to her, hugging her tight, “You are always full of surprises, aren’t you? Thank you, Auntie.”

Elara ran up behind him, embracing Auntie tight after he released her, “Yes, thank you, Auntie. You’ve made me so happy!”

Flashing them a beautiful, sparkling beaming smile, Auntie reached up, placing one of her tiny hands on each of their cheeks, adoringly replying, “I love you both so very much, my darlings. Just be happy for me always, hmmmm?”

They both nodded, kissing her cheeks before Elara sweetly asked, looking over at Dorado and Giada, who were already gazing at her lovingly, “Are you hungry? There’s going to be cake soon. Please, join us.”

Dorado and Giada hugged Auntie before making their way over to the table—her gaze turning tearful as she watched introductions being made.

Carson, Charlotte, Beast, and Tink came up to surround her, each giving her a hug and kiss—the last one being Beast, who gently placed his arm around Auntie’s shoulders as she slowly brought her hand up to rest on top of his—her love of love undeniable as she gazed at Elara and Sterling with a beautiful enamored smile—but the look in her eyes saddened me, as they also reflected her broken heart...