To Have And To Hold

Heartfelt Reunions...

Chapter Eleven: Heartfelt Reunions...

TATIANA

A bright smile crossed Maxim’s face after Madeline’s sweet declaration, followed by a gracious thank you to his Alpha...

“Your father is the one who revealed the truth to me, Maxim,” I affectionately relayed, “I can assure you that both your parents are keeping an eye on you from above. Just as I know had Keegan known the truth, your father would have found you and brought you back to your true home.”

“The spell they placed on me made everyone believe that I was Kristoff and Oralia’s son,” Maxim dishearteningly reasoned, “Kept others that knew my real father from seeing the resemblance between us.”

After I confirmed that was the case, Maxim requested that I remove the spell that has been in place since his birth. I complied, taking hold of his body with my emerald aura, murmuring a second incantation, “Truths buried deep in order to call him their own. A newborn with no say, but now young Maxim is grown. Release him from the binds that conceal his true identity. So, we can all welcome him home, where he belongs for eternity.”

An orange light emitted from his chest immediately following my last word as Maxim watched—his green eyes horrified by the large mass that had unknowingly been holding him hostage—before I performed the same maneuver as I had with Ursula, destroying it with my powers.

Now able to see the resemblance to Keegan with the spell removed, Soren and Mahan took in sharp breaths while Lorenzo let out a loud gasp, our gazes rising to my beloved brother as he exclaimed in awe above us, “This whole time—I couldn’t see it—but now—it’s remarkable! You, my dear boy, are the spitting image of Keegan!”

“I, too, find myself shocked. Every time you and Tati would mention how much you favored Keegan, I never saw it, but I definitely see it now, young man,” Mahan warmly told him, “Your father was an incredible and highly respected warrior, Maxim. Well known to all as part of Mystic Fire’s four horsemen. Based on what I’ve heard, you have inherited a great deal from Keegan.”

Soren thoughtfully relayed afterwards, “I can readily tell you that there are few who were more formidable in battle than your father, my boy. And I can also see that you not only inherited Keegan’s good looks and talent, but his compassionate heart as well. I can most assuredly tell you—your father would be incredibly proud of the bravery you have shown. Not to mention what you chose to do today not only for yourself, but Ursula and Anabelle as well.”

Respectfully bowing his head, Maxim replied, “Thank you, Alphas. I appreciate the generosity, compassion, and respect you have all showed me and if you are willing, hope that you can tell me more about my father someday.”

“There is something else you should know, Maxim,” I gently stated, “You have a sister—Jade—who is three years older and, unfortunately, like you, also lost her mother following her birth.”

Yet again, I caught the young man off-guard, but this time, my news appeared to make him very happy as he breathlessly exhaled out in wonderment, “I have a sister?”

“You do, indeed,” Nicholas delightedly grinned, “One that has not only been made aware of your existence but has been informed of your arrival here and is anxiously waiting for you at Crescent Moon. Which is why—if my other Council members agree—I think Auntie should take you there now. As with Anabelle, we can speak with you there later.”

Looking at my sisters’ dear friend, Madeline graciously added, “After a bit of questioning, we are in hopes that you will come to Crescent Moon as well, Ursula. Not only for your protection, but so that you can reconnect with old friends.”

Ursula appeared quite anxious after hearing Madeline’s offer, nervously toying with the hem of her plain black cotton dress, remorsefully replying, “I appreciate your offer, Alpha. However, I must confess to you now that I assisted Igor in several ways, including reviving Arturo. And although I hope you believe that those acts were forced and will show mercy, I’m sure there will need to be charges of some sort brought forth for my role.”

I’ve always loved how the gold flakes in Mahan’s eyes gleam when he looks upon someone he greatly admires—something that I saw now as Ursula had obviously impressed him, “I think The Council can all agree, especially by your commendable and selfless actions today, as well as your honesty with us now, that no charges will need to be made against you, Ursula. Especially as we have two character witnesses who have already come forth to vouch for you.”

The doors to the courtroom swiftly opened behind us—my sisters rushing towards her with bright smiles—as Reina excitedly greeted, “Ursula! Oh, my sweet friend, it’s been so long!”

“Too long!” Persephone affectionately chimed in, “Which is why we insist that you come home with us to Crescent Moon. Reina and I both have rooms for you—though I hope you will prove my sister’s assumption wrong and visit mine first.”

“As you more than likely remember well, Ursula, Persephone loves to challenge me for favoritism!” Reina enthused, “I honestly don’t care whose house you go to first, as long as you agree to come home with us.”

A beautiful smile crossed Ursula’s face, tears of joy falling down her cheeks as my sisters reached her, all three women embracing one another tightly. After a little more prodding by my sisters and Maxim, who earnestly told the elder sorceress that he wished for her to join him at Crescent Moon as well, Ursula finally gave in, agreeing—at least temporarily—to come home with us.

My sisters stayed behind, waiting outside the courtroom once more while Ursula talked with The Council as Horacio and I readied to take an anxious Maxim back with us—but this time his nervousness was one of excited anticipation as I prepared to take him to my bench by the water, where Jade was eagerly awaiting a long overdue reunion with her little brother...

***********

JADE

Pacing back and forth in front of Auntie’s bench, I impatiently muttered, “What’s taking so long? Nicholas and Madeline said Maxim would be here soon. We’ve been waiting forever.”

“Take it easy, Red,” Zayn laughed out, “You really need to calm down. You’re going to scare the poor kid before you speak!”

“I’m not going to scare him!” I accusingly barked back, worriedly exhaling out after, “Am I? Do you really think I’m going to scare him, Zayn?”

While appreciative of it, it irritated me that Zayn was always so easy going and happy, standing up from Auntie’s bench to snatch me up into his arms, kissing me tenderly on the mouth, teasing me afterwards, “Maybe I should try some of my calming techniques to make sure you don’t, gorgeous.”

Auntie’s green light appeared beside us then, before she, Horacio, and Maxim materialized. I glanced at Horacio, who had a humored grin on his face as he looked at us, obviously privately linking Zayn as I soon heard my mate chuckle in his unknown response. I elbowed him hard, muttering under my breath, my eyes locked with Maxim’s, “Stop talking about me while I’m standing right next to you and meeting my brother!”

Maxim heard me, sheepishly grinning, “Hi, Jade. It’s nice to meet you. Guess you’re pretty nervous about this too, huh?”

Swallowing the lump in my throat that formed by not only his close resemblance to Father, but the identical tone of his voice, I anxiously greeted, “Hi, Maxim. Welcome home.” I took two steps towards him, cautiously asking, “Can I—hug you?”

“Sure,” Maxim sweetly returned before I rushed forward, embracing him tightly, earnestly spilling out, “I’ve been so worried about you! I’m so glad you chose to leave that place so quickly!”

Leaning back, I looked up at him, immediately noticing that his cheek was bruised, irritatingly blurting out, “What happened to your face? Who hit you?”

“Altercation in a workout, nothing to worry about,” Maxim kindly assured me, a bright smile on his face as he marveled, “We both have red hair, though mine’s darker, but our eyes—they’re the same green.”

Maxim was right and it was a fact that made me happier than I ever thought it would, knowing that we shared those traits. But I also wanted to know more about this ‘altercation’. I knew well enough to know that the bruise on his face was purposefully put there and I wanted to know by who, though I felt like I already knew the answer—Alpha Igor. My blood was already protectively boiling for my little brother, but I fought the urge to press further—at least for now—deciding to try to divert my anger with humor...

“You’re taller than me, but fortunately, not by much,” I grinned, playfully bantering, “Little brothers shouldn’t tower over their sisters—or be so bulky and full of muscles.”

“Promise I have no intention of ever hurting you, Jade,” Maxim returned, his tone so soft and genuinely heartfelt, it touched me all the way down to my soul.

“I’m afraid you couldn’t even if you tried,” I nervously replied, “It just so happens that your sister is part of the Rogue Eight. Even with all those muscles of yours, I think I can take you.”

Maxim stepped back slightly, stammering out in awe, “WOW! You are part of the—Rogue Eight?”

I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks—I have no idea why I said that. I sounded so conceited! —awkwardly replying, “Yeah, I’m a warrior—so, watch out—I’m known for kicking ass.” Why did I just say that? What the hell is wrong with me?

It didn’t matter to me seconds later—I made my little brother laugh—the sound of it completely melting my heart—a heart Maxim had instantly claimed a huge part of, as he returned, “While I think it’s awesome that my sister is a kick-ass warrior in Rogue Eight, I should warn you that I won that altercation today. I wouldn’t advise any little brother sneak attacks or anything.”

“Oh, I like you already! Nicely played, little brother!” Zayn chuckled, walking up behind me and extending his hand out, “It’s nice to meet you, Maxim. I’m Zayn, Jade’s mate and your new very willing partner for any planned torment that comes to your mind. I have a lifetime of experience in that department and trust me—you will need me in dealing with Red here!”

“No, he won’t,” I warningly chided through a sweet smile, “Not if you want to live to see our wedding day.”

“Oh, so you can get sibling torture advice from the Dark One, but you’re going to leave this kid defenseless?” Zayn mockingly scoffed, “No, no, no! Not on my watch! I’ve got your back, kid!”

“Thanks,” Maxim chuckled, “I definitely like you already—support in numbers, which is why you will need to tell me more about this ‘Dark One’.”

Everyone laughed out loud at our banter as Horacio, who had his arms around Auntie, lovingly holding her against him, chuckled, “Are you sure we have to leave? I’m rather enjoying myself, love.”

“Afraid so, Fury,” Auntie sweetly sighed out, “I promised Aruna that we would be at the hospital soon.”

Winking, Auntie hugged me, whispering in my ear, “Things are going well and I couldn’t be happier for you, Jade. Savor this precious moment, my darling.”

She hugged Zayn next, humorously advising him to behave himself, saving Maxim for last, embracing him tightly, “As I have advised your sister, enjoy your time with one another to hold in your memory forever, my darling Maxim.”

Maxim held onto her tightly, calling her Tatiana as he thanked her, which of course she corrected him, encouraging him to call her what we all did—my little brother looking deeply touched, kindly replying, “Thank you, Auntie. Please tell Anabelle that I’ll check on her soon.”

After agreeing to his request, Maxim watched Horacio take Auntie’s hand as they walked up the path towards the hospital. Turning to me, he disbelievingly asked, “Everyone I’ve met so far has been so warm and kind. It’s a lot different than what I’m used to—but, it’s nice.”

“We’re not perfect, but we try,” I quietly returned, “Want to sit at Auntie’s bench and talk for a while? I need to hear all about your life—everything.”

I instantly regretted my words, worried that it sounded like I was pressuring him, quickly backtracking, “Or whatever you feel comfortable telling me. Fun sister fact—I can be kinda pushy.” Zayn came up behind me, comfortingly wrapping his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close to his body for support.

Maxim laughed again, relieving my anxiousness, “Our whole stories could take some time, so I’ll tell you what, I’ll tell you a little of mine, if you tell me a little of yours. We’ve got plenty of time to learn all about one another, right?”

“Right,” I happily returned, “Sounds like we have the perfect plan, little brother!”

*********

TATIANA

Horacio and I walked into the hospital to find Gavin, Lorelei, and Remi sitting in the waiting room. Immediately jumping to their feet, the girls ran up to sweetly greet me, followed by Gavin, who hugged me tight, “Mother asked that Lorelei bring some clothes for Anabelle, so the girls wanted to wait out here to introduce themselves when Talon and Raven get finished up.”

“I think that is a wonderful idea,” I delightedly returned, looking up at Horacio, “You should probably stay out here, love. I shouldn’t be long.”

“Mother sounded pretty upset about Anabelle’s wounds,” Gavin solemnly stated, “She said her back was covered in marks and scars from Igor’s beatings.”

“Igor was quite vicious to Anabelle, Gavin, but fortunately, she is surrounded by sorceresses who are well versed in potions,” I confidently breathed out, “We’ll do everything we can to minimize any pain and permanent scarring, my darling.”

“I can’t imagine what Anabelle went through,” Lorelei sadly sighed out, “Hopefully, we can all help her heal inside and out.”

I grinned and acknowledged her heartfelt words with a nod, walking towards Anabelle’s room and cautiously going in to find Talon and Raven applying some salve to her back as Aruna tearfully watched from behind, her expression solemn as my dear friend turned towards me, privately linking, Raven and Talon wanted to put another coat of the potion on Anabelle’s back. What this poor girl has gone through is just heartbreaking, Tati! And she is the sweetest child!

Flashing her a knowing grin, I affectionately greeted, “Hello again, Anabelle. I see Talon and Raven have come up with some much-needed assistance for your wounds. I hope you don’t mind that I’ve dropped in. I wanted to take a look to see if I could be of any help.”

“Of course. You have all been so caring towards me, thank you,” Anabelle appreciatively returned as I came to stand beside Aruna. Both Talon and Raven looked over at me with downcast expressions as I saw the deeply embedded marks for myself, my own heart falling as they were much worse than the visions had portrayed.

The deep crisscrossing lines extended across almost her entire back from Anabelle’s shoulders to her waist. The older ones, while fading back to her porcelain skin tone, would be a permanent reminder of what Anabelle had been put through. But there were still so many that looked to be quite painful for her—different shades of bright and dulled reds covering her delicate skin.

While still taller than I was—as everyone typically was—like me, Anabelle was small and petite in comparison to everyone else in the room, about five foot-five and incredibly thin, undoubtedly due partially to her malnourished state.

“Anabelle was worried about staining Lorelei’s clothes, so I had her bring an old t-shirt and some jeans to ease her mind,” Aruna kindly relayed, as Talon and Raven finished up, “I’ve also invited Anabelle to stay in the wing with us for a while, Tati. I’ve enjoyed our talks tremendously and also think Anabelle will be more comfortable in the suite across the way from mine that has the large plush bed. And if she needs any additional medicine for her back, you and I can take care of it. That way, our Anabelle won’t have to stay here in the hospital.”

“Well, it appears great minds think alike,” I blissfully returned, “I was actually thinking the same thing, Aruna.”

Turning her head towards us, Anabelle worriedly said, “That really isn’t necessary. I’m sure I’ll be fine in one of the main house guest rooms until I come back to see Talon and Raven in the morning. I don’t want to be an imposition to you or Luna Aruna, Tatiana.”

“You could never be an imposition, my dear, and I insist,” Aruna dotingly returned, “Plus, I’ve already told Nicholas and he agrees that it would be very beneficial to have Tati near should you need assistance.”

Smiling at us, Anabelle shyly replied, “I will do what you and Alpha Nicholas think is best. Thank you both for your very gracious offer.”

Taking in a sharp breath as Talon applied one last coat to the worst wound, she slowly exhaled out, “Did things go well for Maxim and his sister? I hope their reunion was as wonderful as I envisioned.”

“It was—and still is,” I cheerily returned, “They are together by the lake now. Maxim asked me to tell you that he will check on you soon. And please, call me Auntie, if you would like.”

After Aruna and I helped Anabelle put the light yellow t-shirt on that Lorelei brought for her, Madeline peeked her head in, asking if she and Nicholas could come in to see Anabelle. As they came into the room, Talon and Raven excused themselves, politely reminding Anabelle that they wanted to see her in the morning to assess her back again...

As Anabelle cautiously put her feet on the ground to stand, Nicholas hurried his step, extending his arm out behind her in case she became unsteady, kindly stating, “I just wanted to welcome you again to Crescent Moon, Anabelle, and let you know that for now, all I want you to worry about is getting some rest. I believe my mother has had some food prepared for you and Maxim in her wing. Why don’t we sit out on her balcony where we can eat and get some fresh air? I’ll let Jade know to meet us there.”

Anabelle peered back at Aruna, who warmly smiled at her before approvingly nodding, encouraging the unsure young girl, who then returned her gaze to Nicholas, quietly agreeing. After taking a few steps forward, however, she paused at the end of the bed, her eyes on Aruna and me as we made our way towards the door.

Aruna wasn’t the only one who found herself enamored with Anabelle, as she sweetly positioned herself between us to walk out of the room. Aruna and I both took a hold of one of Anabelle’s small hands as we made our exit. As soon as we came into the waiting room, Gavin, Lorelei, and Remi introduced themselves. All three, as always, full of heart in their gracious greetings, which seemed to put Anabelle a little more at ease.

Jace, Constance, Carson, and Charlotte were waiting for us at the hospital entrance when we all stepped outside. My son and Goddess coming up to lovingly greet me before I made introductions, followed by Aruna introducing Anabelle to our other two loved ones, who waited their turn a short distance away. As she greeted them, Anabelle was smiling, seemingly appreciative of their jovial spirits, returning with great warmth in her replies.

Jade linked, telling us that she, Zayn, and Maxim would be arriving to the wing in a bit, still enjoying their conversation at the lake. Carson kindly invited Anabelle to dinner, which was being held outside this evening as well, if she felt up to it after getting some rest.

Before she could answer, however, we heard a small gasp escape from Anabelle’s lips, her head slowly turning towards the large pack of wolves that came running out of the forest a short distance away, leading Jace to assure her, “Don’t worry, Anabelle. That’s just a group of our border patrol returning from their shift.”

I watched as Anabelle’s jaw dropped, her eyes wide and stunned by the sight, leading me to gently ask, “Anabelle? Are you alright, my darling?”

I wasn’t prepared for what happened next—stunned myself as I didn’t see it coming—as Anabelle rasped out, “M—Mate.”