To Have And To Hold

My Chosen...

Chapter Fifty-Two: My Chosen...

NICHOLAS

Standing up from my seat following Auntie’s surprise-filled appearance at the party, I was grateful when I saw Coraline and Zara running towards her, distracting our Fairy Queen for a moment as she knelt to warmly greet them with sweet hugs and kisses. The girls were jumping up and down in their elated excitement to see her, loudly informing Auntie that she was already invited to their seventeenth birthday parties, making her laugh and bringing forth her sparkling smile.

Congratulating Elara and Sterling before greeting and extending the same well wishes to Dorado and Giada, I left the Prism Moon Alpha and Luna with Madeline for a moment as I made my way to Auntie’s side. Coraline and Zara ran past me as I neared her, animatedly giggling about a secret bag of cookies Auntie had given them to share. Reaching out to pull her into a tight embrace, I affectionately murmured, “Looks like you are two for two today, Auntie. Another beautiful match made. And as I’ve just seen Coraline and Zara with one of your goodie bags, I think they too are over the moon happy.”

“Mmmmm,” Auntie brokenly hummed out, peering up at me with glassy eyes, “These are my favorite visions to watch come to life—the ones filled with love. Sugaring up the girls was a bonus. Theirs is a lifelong close friendship that brings me much joy as well—much like that of a sisterly bond.”

Faizon and Finn strolled towards us, with Finn lightly chastising in a hushed whisper, “You could have waited, you know—until Elara was like, I don’t know—thirty? He’s from Prism Moon, Auntie. That’s too far away. How could you do that to me? Although, we all know Elara’s love of bling—he’s perfect for her. I even heard Sterling call her his ‘little gem’.”

“Family is very important to them both, Finn, especially Sterling. I can assure you that they will visit often and I will send you and Laticia there anytime you wish,” Auntie affectionately assured him, “Plus, Elara and Selena will continue to be close and in close vicinity to one another and you’re right about her love of gems—which is why their match is perfect. Together, she and Sterling are not only going to be blissfully happy, but Elara is going to find a new passion, which will bring her more joy than she has ever known.”

“Fine, you win. Honestly, I already really like the kid—and after what you’ve told me, I like him even more. Plus, knowing Elara is going to be happy makes me happy,” Finn defeatedly sighed, narrowing his eyes at Carson as he sarcastically mimicked, “Poof! Mate!”

His hands forming into fists, Carson swung them up to his chest, looking up towards the sky as he merrily exhaled out, “Oh, the sweet sounds of victory!”

Laughter filled the air—and then Finn’s eyes filled with immense adoration as they met with Auntie’s again. Taking her in his arms, he reverently exhaled out, “Thank you for helping Elara find her true happiness, Auntie. I love you, forever and always.”

Turning and jogging back towards the table in an attempt to hide his overwhelming emotions, Finn left us as Faizon appreciatively murmured, “For the second time today, I, too, owe you a great deal of thanks, Tati. You’ve made my two eldest granddaughters very happy. Like you and my boys, I have no doubt they will each find great happiness with their already beloved chosen.”

My expression fell slightly as he said the word ‘chosen’—a faux pas that Faizon realized as well, reaching out to take hold of Auntie’s hands, “I’m sorry, Tati. I—”

“Don’t be sorry,” Auntie fervently whispered, her hand coming up to grasp her Believe necklace, “It’s true—and I couldn’t be happier.”

Faizon gently squeezed her hand, warmly encouraging, “Will you stay for cake? I’m sure Selena would love for you to join the party for a little while.” Looking over at Carson, Charlotte, Tink, and Beast, he pleasantly stated, “We would love for you four to join us as well.”

While the others agreed, Auntie slowly shook her head, her lips quivering slightly as she replied, “I should get back to Horacio. I told Raven I wouldn’t be long.”

Knowingly nodding, Faizon leaned forward to kiss her cheek, his tone full of regret as he murmured, “Love you. I’ll come by and check on you in the morning.”

Momentarily gazing at me with disparaging eyes, Faizon left us, passing Madeline as he went back to the table. As she hugged Auntie, the aunts linked me, informing me that she requested they remain at the table when she arrived as she wasn’t planning on staying long and didn’t want to put a damper on their evening. But while they were trying to respect her wishes, they were also worried about Auntie as they saw her current state...

As Madeline released her, Auntie placed her slightly shaking hand on my Alpha’s cheek, steadfastly stating, “I have several things to say before I go—one, I’m fine, so none of you worry about me and enjoy the rest of the party. Two, you look absolutely gorgeous this evening, my darling. Three, I already know you love Anabelle’s outfit, and I will make you a similar one of those as well. And four, under no circumstances will your wedding be postponed.”

Their teary eyes locked with one another, Auntie devoutly declared, “It’s what my Horacio would want. And I promise you, I will be beaming with pride walking you down that aisle with Aruna. Your wedding day will be one of the happiest days of my life, Madeline, because what you and Nicholas share is one of the most incredible love stories I have ever known.”

Wiping away her tears, Auntie inaudibly whispered, “Now, I should really get back.”

Taking several steps back, Auntie lovingly looked around before winking at all of us, causing another tear to fall as she lifted her hands up and set them aglow in green, laughing under her breath, informing my stunning mate before she disappeared, “Oh, and one more thing—Horacio and I are well taken care of at the hospital, and you will be linked if there are any changes. I made that outfit anticipating you two making a little escape to your treehouse, Madeline—don’t disappoint me.”

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

MAXIM

A large group of us decided to go to the pavilion at the lake to hang out for a while, enabling me to further relax my mind, especially having Kishi by my side—her father was right—she did bring me so much peace and calm...

Something else that helped was being around Caelus. The more time I spent with him, the closer we seemed to become, viewing so many things similarly in our many conversations. And I was greatly appreciative of the support he always provided me. For the first time in my life, I truly felt what it was like to have a good friend...

Standing on the edge of the floating deck alone for a moment, I was staring out into the water when Jade came up beside me, quietly asking, “Happy thoughts I hope?”

Turning to look at her with deep affection, I put my arm around my sister, replying, “Very happy thoughts, actually. I’m feeling incredibly lucky right now, Jade. For you and the family and friendships I’ve found here—and for Kishi. I’ve never been happier, which is an amazing feeling.”

Her arms coming around my waist to return my embrace, Jade gleefully replied, “That, little brother, makes me happier than I’ve ever been. That’s all I want, you know—for you to be happy and have the life you want, Maxim—selfishly here with me, but still.”

Bringing my other arm around to pull her in tight, I laughed out loud, bending down to kiss the top of her fiery red head, “Love you, Sis. Here’s to more nights together like this.”

Zayn and Kishi came up behind us, my sister’s mate jokingly whispering in her ear, “You’ve had your few minutes, Red. Now it’s time to share the love. Let’s give these two a few minutes before we eat.”

Squeezing me one more time, Jade moved her arms over to Zayn’s waist, beaming at me and Kishi as they walked away, while my beautiful dark-haired mate took her place beside me.

Peering up at me with a hopeful gaze, Kishi sweetly said, “I saw smiles—that’s a good sign.”

My eyes full of the deep admiration I held for her, I replied by dropping my head down to kiss Kishi softly on the lips, murmuring afterwards, “I have the two most important women in my life with me tonight—my sister and my beautiful mate. Things couldn’t be any more perfect.”

***********

IGOR

The aggressiveness Oralia displayed in our bed was unlike anything I had experienced with her—and more exhilarating than anything I have ever experienced in my life. Before her, I had always enjoyed the company of younger girls—they were easy to control and overzealous in their desire to please me. However, in Oralia, I had found my equal—our bodies perfectly made for one another—hers so soft and despite her age, so flexible and firm, allowing me to feel a satisfaction like nothing I’ve ever known...both physically and as we thought much alike, intellectually...

As she rolled off the top of me, Oralia kept her pleasured gaze locked with mine, gasping out, “Sorry I refused to relent control, my love, but I needed to blow off some steam. And it must be said, my darling Igor—you are the most incredible lover I’ve ever had! Your body defines perfection and the places you reach inside me—it only leaves me wanting more and inspires me in ways you can’t imagine.”

Rolling up to my side, I began kissing the top of Oralia’s chest, slowly working my way up to her neck, ecstatically murmuring, “Few have been brave enough to attempt taking control away from me. And you, my dear Oralia, are the only one to achieve victory—and the only one I would readily surrender to at your will. Feel free to request inspiration anytime you wish—and blow off as much steam as you want, my little vixen.”

Oralia softly laughed, “I may take you up on that now, love. I’ve got another plan forming in my mind. One that may provide us with quite the victory—and again, we wouldn’t have to leave these tunnels. A plan that would make it very clear to Maxim that crossing me was the biggest mistake he will ever make.”

A broad smile crossing my face, I began trailing my kisses up towards her ear, huskily murmuring, “Inspire me, Oralia—tell me more.”

“If Nicholas and Madeline are arrogant enough to go through with their wedding plans,” Oralia sensually replied, “Maybe Saphira and her friends can not only rid us of our enemies, including The Council and their precious inner circle, but leave many packs without any leadership at all.”

I liked where this was going, though there was a part of me that still wanted to hand deliver my vengeance personally, especially to Mahan, Maxim, Anabelle, and Ursula, but I was intrigued—and becoming quite inspired myself by the brilliance of my chosen love...

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

URSULA

Deciding to take a walk back to the cottage after the party, Kingston and I continued to talk with ease, each of us in awe of everything that happened today and Tati’s role in it all...

Finding ourselves at her bench by the lake, Kingston was admiring Jace’s work, crouching down and thoughtfully reading the inscription lovingly placed in the center, “For our Fairy Queen, who has always loved all more than she has loved herself. Forever a bright light to carry us out of the darkness. I don’t think truer words have ever been said about Tati.”

“I would have to agree,” I wholeheartedly returned, “Especially after everything she’s done today. Though it was heartbreaking to see her so forlorn before she left.”

Standing back up, Kingston turned back towards me, his piercing blue eyes peering deep into mine, “I’ve always heard the stories, but never really witnessed Tati’s light. It was inspiring to see it in person, but like you, heartbreaking all at the same time.”

“I’ve been inspired many times since I showed up at The Council,” I heavily exhaled out, losing myself in his heartwarming gaze, “Tati saved me from certain death, Kingston, and has helped me discover a life I never thought possible. I’m forever in her debt for her many gifts.”

His steps slow and purposeful, Kingston reached out, cupping my face in his hand, tenderly stating, “I am forever in Tati’s debt too, Ursula. By saving you—Tati has given me the most unexpected and cherished gift.”

Dipping his head down, Kingston gently pressed his lips against mine. The bristles of his mustache and beard grazed against my skin tickling me, making his kiss even more pleasurable as my pounding heart soared from his endearing words and arousing feel of our unanticipated embrace. My arms coming up to rest on his broad back, I tenderly returned Kingston’s welcomed affection beneath the light of the half moon, relishing in our special moment.

Our lips both reluctant to part, we continued to enjoy our embrace for a few minutes, every savory kiss deepening until our tongues lightly brushed against one another, sending another wave of pleasure through me.

Slowly ending our incredible first kiss, Kingston rasped out, “It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this way, Ursula, but I don’t want to overwhelm you.”

“It’s been a long time for me too,” I anxiously murmured, “If I’m truthful, it feels a lifetime ago, so I may need to take this a little slow, if that’s alright. But—not too slow—I’m quickly becoming quite enamored with this—and very enamored with you. I will selfishly admit that I’m glad to know you’re staying at Faizon’s another night.”

Kingston chuckled under his breath, sending a burst of his tantalizing heated exhale across my lips, “I will readily admit—I had ulterior motives in my suggestion of a poker night.”

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

TATIANA

Jace was waiting for me when I returned and after showing him what occurred, once again told me how proud he was of me, bringing great joy to my heart. Though reluctant, it was then that I decided to confess to my darling boy fate’s original intention for Horacio...

His demeanor changed dramatically after I divulged the truth, a despairing gaze directed toward my King of Fury’s ashen face as Jace heavily exhaled out, “So, Father told you Horacio wasn’t supposed to make it—that your magic thwarted fate’s plans.”

“Yes, which is why he is currently in a flux of sorts, unable to be reached by anyone here—or in the afterlife,” I replied, looking down at Horacio’s hand that I held gently in both of mine, “Horacio’s outcome is undecided, Jace, but hopefully, between my magic and my persistence, in the end, fate will choose our side.”

Moving his devastated eyes back to me, Jace comfortingly placed his hand over mine and Horacio’s, earnestly stating, “Though I wish you had told me earlier, thank you for telling me now, Mother. And like you, I won’t give up or stop fighting either—for all of us.”

Silently nodding, despair began to rise in me again, leading me to tell Jace that I was going to try to lie down and rest for a while. And although he was reluctant, my beloved son agreed to my request that I spend tonight alone with my King of Fury.

Turning out the lights in our room as he lovingly bid me goodnight, I laid down beside my love, our aura of bright green giving off a soft glow in the room. Still holding Horacio’s hand in mine, I laid them on top of his chest as I snuggled into his firm side, whispering to my love, “It was so beautiful, watching Elara and Sterling, Horacio. I wish you had been there, but I will replay it for you when you wake, as well as the beautiful connection between Tarkik and Selena. You will, of course, laugh and make fun of me as I cried—both times. And you will love Carson’s little payback with Finn—long overdue according to him. But I’m afraid Carson’s sudden presence may make all fathers of girls nervous in the future. He and I may have to work on more covert moves. Maybe you can give us hopeless romantics some ideas on that, hmmmm?”

Our door creaked open then, my eyes moving towards the opening expecting to find Lorenzo or Alastor, but it wasn’t either of them—it was Sebastian, who slowly came up to my bedside, holding a small, covered plate in his hand.

“I didn’t wake you, did I?” he softly asked, still looking handsome in his tight grey button-down shirt and dress pants. Though not a warrior, Sebastian was still broad and muscular like Faizon, well-defined thanks to his hard work on the farm.

“No, I was just talking with Horacio for a moment before turning in,” I warmly answered.

“So, I may or may not have seen Kingston and Ursula kissing in front of your bench on my way here,” he jovially stated, “Did you have a hand in that too, o'lover of love?”

Letting out a small laugh, I innocently returned, “Now what makes you think that?”

“Oh, Auntie,” Sebastian humorously sighed, sitting down beside me, “What am I going to do with you, huh?”

“I know it’s hard to know the girls will be leaving you sooner than you wished, but I’m hoping you and Finn aren’t too brokenhearted,” I earnestly stated, “Selena and Elara will both be so happy in their lives with Tarkik and Sterling, Sebastian. I’ve seen it.”

“Oh, I know—I’ve seen it too, though not like you,” Sebastian warmly exhaled out, “That’s why I’m here. To say thank you for what you’ve done for our family today.”

Holding up the plate, he grinned, “I also brought cake, which I expect you to take at least three bites of for me, because I know you’re not eating. It’s the least you can do after sending those boys to steal our girls away.”

Unwrapping the dessert, Sebastian handed it to me with a fork, reaching over to pour me a glass of water and continuing in his good-natured humor, “I was hoping Selena would find someone here who would fall in love with the farm since Silas and Fallon want to go into the army like their grandfather and uncles.”

Sensing the undertone of disappointment in his voice, I leaned up, lovingly informing him, “While I will not give you the all the details, as I feel it will bring more joy to your heart as things unfold, I can promise you, Sebastian—you are not the only one in your family who will have a love of the earth and what it can provide if tended to and passionately cared for. What you have painstakingly put your entire heart into and impressively built on your own will be not only carried on, but expanded for many, many generations to come.”

His body slowly falling back into the chair, Sebastian disbelievingly muttered out, “NO! R—Really?”

Gently releasing Horacio’s hand, I placed both hands on top of his, which were resting beside me. Showing him a split-second aerial glimpse of his farm in the future, Sebastian’s handsome rounded face lit up as he saw the three additional large parcels of land filled with crops. There were no words that could describe the feelings of immense happiness brought forth by the ecstatic smile that crossed his face...

His eyes glistening from the moisture that took hold of them as he stood up, Sebastian brought his free hand around to the back of my head, pulling me forward to press his lips against my forehead, cradling my face in his hands afterwards, declaring with heartfelt sincerity, “Your gifts towards our family have been overly abundant over the last few days, Auntie—do you have any idea how much I love you? And not just for what you have done for us, but for being who you are—for being you. Which is why I’m also worried about you and hope that you will take a break from helping everyone else but yourself and rest.”

Trying to quell his worry, I laughed, “Oh, you know me, Sebastian. My mind is always going, and I can’t stop the visions from coming forth—and truthfully wouldn’t want to, especially when they are ones that can help ease minds and bring joy.”

“I do know that but thought I would at least try to convince you to concentrate on yourself,” Sebastian chuckled, “Fortunately, we are out of girls for you steal for at least a few years. But I’m happy to say you have Valentin nervous about his only baby girl Zara finding a mate one day—should make for some fun family dinners in the future. After you left, he made her promise that she would stop growing and stay six forever. We’ll see how that works out for him.”

I laughed again, beaming at him as Sebastian sat back down, refusing to leave me until I took the three small bites of birthday cake, but kind enough not to press me to eat more. While he continued to encourage me to slow down and rest, Sebastian did allow me to send him back home instead of making the long walk, promising that he would return tomorrow in an effort to convince me to take a few more bites of the cake he carefully re-wrapped.

Cuddling back up to my King of Fury, I dreamily sighed, “I thought of you, you know—watching the beauty of the love and connections discovered today. I kept seeing the moment you and I discovered that not only were we one another’s chosen, but mates all along—sharing the overwhelming shock and joy of that realization. I love you so much, Horacio and I hope your Fairy Queen made you very proud today. Rest well, my love, and hurry back to me—my chosen.”