Losing The Light Of The Moon

Double, Double, Toil, and Trouble, Part I

Chapter Eleven: Double, Double, Toil and Trouble, Part I

TATIANA

Reina and Persephone asked if they, along with Ronan and Artem, could join me on my visit to see the garden that Beast had so beautifully tended to after his dear mother, Larissa’s death. I was amazed at what our oversized young man had done keeping it going in her memory.

Always the big-hearted gentleman, I found it endearing that Beast kindly offered me his arm, while holding Tink’s hand on the other side of him, as we walked through the colorful array of beautiful flowers. Tink did most of the talking and kept us entertained, of course, as our Beast was a man of few words. At least he was with everyone but Tink apparently, who informed me that in private, Beast had quite a bit to say to her—another endearing quality that I now loved and adored about him. And there was no denying the deep connection of love and adoration between he and Tink—just the way they looked at one another made it perfectly clear they were each other’s destiny.

After our visit, Ronan and Artem politely excused themselves as Reina, Persephone, and I walked along the lake towards my spot. As soon as their mates were out of sight, my sisters and I continued chatting as we walked down the path...

“It is sweet how excited they are—de-bachelorizing their homes for you two,” I humorously breathed out, “Poor Zixin and Faizon have worked so hard with them as well. Although Sarene is quite pleased they have all been occupied and staying out of trouble.”

“Yes, I’m quite looking forward to decorating,” Persephone excitedly stated before her tone turned a bit serious, “Are you sure that you are alright with us moving out of the main house, Tati?”

“Yes, tell us, Sister,” Reina worriedly urged, wrapping her arm around me, “We are both concerned that you may feel we are abandoning you.”

“Nonsense,” I immediately assured them, my tone reflecting my joy for them both, “Nothing makes me happier than to see both of you find your mates and be so deeply in love finally. The only sadness I feel is that it took so long. Besides, Aruna has sweetly asked that I move into her wing. She’s already having a large suite prepared for me. We are having breakfast in the morning to discuss redecorating it together.”

“That is wonderful news!” Persephone delightedly breathed out, “It eases my mind knowing you and Aruna will have one another to keep company. Though just because we are not living there, doesn’t mean we won’t still spend our sister time with one another each day!”

“Mmmmm,” I hummed out, then giggled, “Though I think Nicholas and Jace are a bit nervous as to what mischief and trouble Aruna and I may get into living in such close quarters to one another—I believe they fear that we will be plotting together against our young. So, you two will definitely have to plan to spend time with both of us plotting together!”

“Yes, indeed! Best to keep them on their toes, dear,” Reina laughed out, “Though all the children are so sweet and loving towards us. I still can’t believe they are going to build us cottages in their little get away area along the lake so we can spend time relaxing with them.”

“Aruna said Nicholas is almost done with her cottage,” I told them, “She’s very excited that they are including all of us as well. Jace wants to build one close to his and Constance’s house for me. Your chosen spots aren’t far from mine. Our Jace wants to make sure he keeps us all close.”

“It doesn’t matter how far apart our homes are,” Persephone softly stated, wrapping her arm around me from the other side, “We are always close and that includes our dear Jace and lovely soon to be niece, Constance. Not to mention, nothing can ever come between the Power of Three! That has been the most important thing to me for many years now...that the three Sassy Sisters are never to be far apart from one another again.”

“Sing it, sister!” Reina happily sang out before sincerely adding, “It is nice being back at Crescent Moon with our family, though. I can’t help but finally feel...complete in every way.”

“Which is why we have to figure out what fate has in store for us, sisters,” I resolutely declared, “We need to get this upcoming trouble settled so we can simply concentrate on enjoying time with our family.”

“Agreed,” Persephone exhaled out thoughtfully before stating, “Not to change the subject, Tati, but Horacio seemed quite pleased to take part in our demonstration earlier.”

Flashing a bright smile, Reina concurred, “I did immensely enjoy his and Umar’s move! All that cotton spraying across the field!”

“Yes, he was very pleased, and they both enjoyed themselves and that move, I believe,” I grinned, remembering his whispered words, chuckling out, “I also think he is quite the fan of our wolf party punch as well.”

“I think he is quite the fan of our Tati,” Persephone delicately stated, “which makes two Spirit Walkers who have had a dislike and distrust of witches converted thanks to you. And it would seem you have a continuous effect on them, Sister, especially Horacio.”

“What are you talking about?” I chortled out, “Before our return, Horacio avoided me at all costs! I’ve honestly been surprised that he has talked to me so openly since his memories were returned. It is sad, though...he has continued to be alone since Dusan, but fortunately, Umar has been a good friend to him. Horacio not only cares a great deal about him, but his family as well.”

“Horacio cares a great deal about you, Tati,” Persephone softly returned, “Even before you saved him, he always viewed you differently than the rest of us. I can’t believe you never noticed the way he looks at you.”

“What our sister says is very true, Tati,” Reina nodded, ardently continuing, “But I have always admired that Horacio has been respectful about it and believe that is why he avoided you. He appreciated what you shared with Julien and respected you both, always polite, but reserved in his interactions with you two as is his way. But Persephone and I always notice this look in his eyes when Horacio gazes upon you.”

“I saved his life,” I reasoned out loud, confused by their thoughts on the matter, “That’s why he is so kind to me.”

“Tati, my darling,” Persephone dotingly replied, “Reina and I are incredibly protective over our beloved littlest sister, which provides us both an awareness and intuition about things and people that others may not notice so easily. And I have no doubt that Horacio has always deeply admired and cared about you a great deal.”

“And like many, had a crush on you at one point,” Reina softly added, “Though currently, I believe he is just wanting to explore more of a better friendship with you—quietly, of course. Again, that is his way, bless him. Undoubtedly due to being treated quite viciously by Dusan.”

Hugging my side, Persephone lovingly told me, “But after seeing him with you after our demonstration earlier—even though the moment was brief—the way Horacio looked at you when he gently wrapped his fingers around your wrist, Tati...Reina and I felt you should be aware of our observations in case there is more to it. As our sister stated, we are very protective over you.”

“Of course. Thank you, sisters,” I murmured, deep in thought as I scrutinized every moment with Horacio trying to see what they had observed. Were they right? Surely, they had to be wrong!

I had quickly become appreciative of the friendship that seemed to be developing between Horacio and I since my brief return...especially our talk by the lake that brought with it such calmness and peace inside me. However, I couldn’t help but wonder if my sisters’ thoughts were true—if I’m truthful, however, I was reluctant to discuss it with Horacio as I feared he would start avoiding me again—and I couldn’t deny that I felt it would devastate me to so quickly lose my renewed friendship with him...

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

ALASTOR

I was surprised and honestly, a bit angry when Father requested that I return home without Vivian this evening. I didn’t like not having Vivvy by my side and neither did my wolf, both of us incredibly anxious to be apart from her overnight. But apparently, Mother and Father wanted to speak with me alone over dinner, which usually meant some sort of lecture over the preferences my father had regarding how I should lead our pack. I couldn’t help but feel deeply disappointed when the request had been made—Father and I had been on the same page as of late, bringing us closer in the process—and I didn’t want to lose that in one night...

After the first two courses had passed with no signs of any grievances, my unease only grew as the three of us sat together at the end of the table, something my Mother apparently noticed in my hardened expression as she sat across from me.

“You can relax, Alastor," she comforted, "Tonight will not include any long discussions about the future of our pack. I simply wanted to have my son and my husband all to myself to share a rare special moment together—a moment that I hope will find you very happy and excited for your future with our Vivian.”

Relief and curiosity immediately replaced the tension as I exhaled out, “Really?”

Pulling out a familiar small dark velvet box, Mother nodded, smiling as she reached out to set it down in the middle of the table. Swallowing hard, I slowly retrieved it, pulling to top open to reveal what I knew was the most precious gift my mother had ever received from anyone—my grandmother’s engagement ring that she inherited many years ago. The large diamond surrounded by small sapphires was stunning. Even in the darkened dining room, it sparkled and gleamed spectacularly. It was so treasured by my mother that she only wore it on special occasions outside the house. Mostly, it was worn here when she found herself missing the woman who meant so much to her.

Stunned that it was now in my hand, I looked up at her in shock and disbelief, clearing my throat before stammering out, “M-Mother? A-Are you really giving me this? To give to Vivian? I-It means so much to you.”

My mother rarely cried, which is why I was completely caught off guard to see tears brimming the corners of her eyes as she choked out, “You mean so much to me, Alastor, as well as your Vivian. I couldn’t be more proud or more thankful the Moon Goddess has been so kind in her gift to our son. There is nothing that would make me happier than for my grandmother’s ring to be placed on Vivian’s finger—well that and grandchildren sooner rather than later. I’ll need something to keep me busy when your father falters from time to time in this retirement of his.”

Father chuckled softly under his breath, smiling as he extended his hand out while Mother looked over at him, her eyes filled with deep devotion, softly setting her hand in his. As if my mother’s ring wasn’t enough, that highly unusual outward show of love left me completely speechless!

“Please don’t take this the wrong way, either of you!” I finally rambled out, “But I truly don’t know what to say—to any of this! You two don’t ever act this way, especially in front of me! You’re all—”

“Emotional and affectionate?” Father flatly finished, “Yes, I am aware of that, Alastor.”

His tone and eyes softening as they remained on Mother, he softly said, “It’s seems your Mother and I are having an off day. Don’t worry, it too is a momentary falter we share from time to time.”

A tear slowly dropped from her eye, which Mother quickly wiped away with her free hand before she quietly replied, “Just say you will make me incredibly happy to see it on Vivian’s hand soon, Alastor. And that you both will be home as often as possible so I can share some special moments with her as well—with all of you.”

“You know if you see this beautiful woman shed a tear, it means a great deal to her, Alastor,” Father stoically said, “She asks for very little, so I would appreciate you appeasing her now and agreeing to her request.”

Looking back down at the ring before returning my dazed eyes back to look at both of my parents, I thoughtfully replied, “I promise you will both see it on Vivvy’s finger very soon.” Turning my attention directly to my mother, I tenderly stated, “Your gift means more to me than you could ever know, Mother. Thank you not just for the ring—but everything. I love you very much, you know.”

Another tear began to fall, but didn’t make it far, however, as Mother brushed it away, stumbling over her words, “Yes—well—just remember about the grandchildren, if you will. And let’s get back to our dinner, shall we? Lorenzo, you’ve done well—continue with no discord please.”

“Of course, dear,” Father kindly returned, squeezing her hand before setting it back down on the table.

Shaking my head, I laughed softly, still trying to figure out if I was in a dream of some sort. Closing the top of the ring box, I placed it in my pocket, my mind already forming a plan—a plan to propose to my stunning and brilliant future Luna—my mate—my Vivvy.

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

AMELIA

My room was dark, much like both my heart for many years and my mind currently. Standing by my window, I saw the trio of trouble, Kristoff, Luscious, and Arturo giving their men last minute instructions before they sent them off to test our waters of revenge. I was surprised earlier this afternoon—when I placed a spell on the warriors that would allow them to block their knowledge of remembering our location should they fail in their mission—that not one of three would be joining this mission, but in truth, I knew why they didn’t want to go—they had felt the deadly wrath of The Council and their four large armies and until they knew for sure that we would have an upper hand, wanted no part of any consequence for the danger about to be inflicted.

Deviating my gaze to look up at the large full moon set against the clear black sky, I turned my thoughts to another troubling realization from this morning that seemed to dim the light of the beautiful view—the four intended hostages we planned to take. While the young man’s vision I brought before me was clear, the three women we had intended to take came across too vague for my liking, which meant the certainty of our success in kidnapping them may prove either difficult or worst case, impossible.

While I didn’t care about Kristoff and Luscious’ choices, I wanted—needed—to rip Constance away from Jace, thus completely ripping his heart to shreds in the process. But not before taunting him and dangling her life being in the balance to torture him before finally destroying him fully...

However, in the grand scheme of things, I knew I had to be willing to make a different choice, if necessary, and after initially fuming inside over that thought, I had come to accept it. Fate had, after all, assisted me so many times along the way when it came to tormenting Jace. If nothing else, I felt it prudent to discuss the young man’s kidnapping with my troublesome trio, as his vision was so clear, it may bode well to take him first then re-evaluate how we proceed.

Regardless of the order, there were many people who would pay for what they have done—and if all goes well tonight, an Alpha will lose his life...