To Have And To Hold

Pretty Mind, Pretty Heart, Pretty Soul...Part II

Chapter Seven: Pretty Mind, Pretty Heart, Pretty Soul...Part II

TINK

While I was at Mystic Fire, Beast got called out on one of the patrols to help remove some fallen trees blocking one of the main paths into a forest not far from here. Part of me was glad I wasn’t here for that—I was still having nightmares about Auntie almost dying from the fallen trees in the Forest of The Vines. Finally, after a few hours, my big guy linked me, asking me to meet him at his mom’s house.

Bursting through the door of Beast’s childhood home, I was a woman on a mission. Still over the moon about everyone loving my Tink-style wedding outfit, I was in a good mood, which had me desiring some bang-bang El-Destructo time with my big guy...

“I’m here, my huge hunk of testosterone!” I loudly called out, anxious and excited to see him, “Where are you?”

“Be right there,” Beast solemnly replied, instantly worrying me. I knew that tone in his voice—my big guy was missing his mom again and my instincts are telling me—he’s in her old room...

That’s been happening more lately—Beast missing his mom worse than normal—especially when we talk about the wedding. Which I totally get—I know exactly how he feels. I wish my parents were here too. I wish they were all here. But Beast and Larissa, well, the two of them always had a special bond—again, understandable—she was an awesome lady. Always smiling and happy, just like my big guy is—his beautiful heart identical to hers...

I was hurrying down the hallway when, just as I expected, Beast came out of his mom’s room, slowly shutting the door behind him. I put a big smile on my face, affectionately greeting him, “Hey, big guy. You okay?”

Flashing me that sweet grin of his that I adore more than life, he walked towards me, “I am now.”

“Get ready to lift, o’hunka-hunka love of mine—I need to feel those arms of indestructible steel around me while you perform the miracle of making your girthy-girl’s feet rise with ease from the ground,” I sarcastically instructed, playfully flailing my arms up and waving my hands back and forth to make him laugh like he always does when I do that, jumping up into his arms and smiling as we came face to face, “That’s better! I’ve missed you and those puppy dog eyes of yours like crazy this afternoon, Roly.”

“Missed you too, Clemmie,” Beast sweetly breathed out, pecking me on the lips, “Fitting went okay?”

“Actually, it went awesome,” I honestly admitted, “I let the girls see my outfit today. They all loved it—even made me feel pretty.”

I swear no one will ever love me like him—his tone all lovey-dovey in his reply, “You’re always pretty, Clemmie. I’m excited to see your Tink-style outfit—my wedding surprise.”

There it is! The answer I have been looking for! Man, to be so smart, I’m so stupid sometimes! I can’t believe, especially after Auntie told me about her vision—which I wasn’t sure I could pull off—that I didn’t remember! On every special occasion, Larissa would have a secret surprise for Beast—something he never expected, but always loved!

Now that I realized what was bothering my Roly, I was going to figure out how to make that vision of Auntie’s work, because for my big guy, I would do anything—the question was, should we let Beast in on it a little to make him feel better?

Leaning forward, I planted a soft kiss on his lips to distract him while I linked Auntie...

Auntie, I’ve got a question, I rushed out in a ramble, My big guy missing Larissa like crazy. Thinking about dropping a hint about—you know—the vision thing? But I think it might be better coming from you.

I think that’s an excellent idea, Tink. Plus, it makes my mission a little easier. I’m at the door now, sweet girl, Auntie immediately linked back, just before I heard her knock.

Breaking away from his lips, I eagerly told him, “Auntie’s here. Wants to see you for a minute about something.”

Beast set me down, his smile bright as he opened the door and greeted Auntie, leaning down to kiss her cheek before inviting her in. She asked if we could all sit on the couch before gently informing Beast, “So, my gentle giant, I had an interesting vision today—your mother came to see me.”

My big guy’s jaw dropped, “Mom came to you in a vision?”

Auntie smiled brightly, extending out her hands, “She did. Perhaps I should show you and Tink part of our conversation. Allow Larissa to explain the reason for her visit.”

I looked over, grinning at Beast, who was beaming ear to ear now, both of us nodding at one another before placing our hands in Auntie’s and closing our eyes...

Larissa appeared, looking just like I remembered, wearing her favorite white dress with tiny blue flowers—her large, round face, dark hair and eyes that somehow always looked so bright, like Beast’s, and her pretty smile—so warm and full of heart—as Larissa’s soft voice echoed out in our minds, “I can’t let my love bug’s big day go without one of my surprises, Tatiana, so thank you for doing this for me. Beast is missing me, much like I’m missing him—terribly. You may want to tell him that I have a surprise planned at some point, as my sweet Beast’s heart seems to be hurting more and more the closer his wedding day gets. And if you do tell him, please give him a message for me.”

Her voice reflected every ounce of the love in their special bond as she slowly said, “I’m not as far away as he thinks I am—both his father and I are by Beast’s side, always—watching and so very proud of him. And let him know that I’m very excited, because after all this time, I have finally found a way to execute one of my surprises on a big occasion, just like I used to do. So, he must be patient and not ruin my long-awaited fun, please, because nothing makes my heart happier than to see my love bug’s face light up. Beast will know it when he sees my sign of love—a love I’ve carried for him always and will carry for him, forever—residing in his heart for eternity.”

Even I had tears in my eyes when they reopened, and my big guy—well, he was speechless, the huge lug swallowing hard before brokenly whispering, “Mom looked so pretty—I’ve missed her smile—thank you, Auntie.”

“Of course,” Auntie soothingly breathed out, “Now, why don’t you two go out to the garden for a few minutes so I can help Larissa in her fun and gather the necessary items that she asked me to use in her surprise, hmmm?”

Flashing us the cutest sheepish grin I’ve ever seen, Beast eagerly nodded, taking me by the hand before pulling me outside—straight to his mom’s favorite blue rose bush.

Peering up at him, I quietly asked, “Feel better, Roly?”

Beast stared at the flowers for a long time like he was hesitant to answer, making me nervous again before he finally spoke, curiously asking, “You already know about the surprise, don’t you? You had Auntie come here to tell me after you saw me coming out of mom’s room.”

The one thing I won’t do is lie to my Beast, timidly admitting, “Yeah, I do—and don’t ask for any hints or anything—like my outfit, you will know nothing until our big day. But seeing you sad is the worst feeling in the world, Roly. I had to figure out a way to make you feel better—so—I linked Auntie.”

Turning me to face him, Beast lifted me in the air again, murmuring out his mushy, “Thank you, Clemmie—I love you, all my heart, forever a lot. Just like mom, you’re pretty outside and inside—heart, mind, and soul.”

“Twenty-four words—you must be serious,” I slowly exhaled out in a half-breath, damn big guy bringing forth the mushy like only he could, “You do realize you are the one who makes me so pretty inside and makes me feel pretty all the time on the outside, right? None of that happens without that massive heart, mind, and soul of yours, my huge hunk of testosterone. One of the many reasons I love you—all my heart, forever a lot.”

Standing in front of his mother’s gorgeous blue roses, held in her son’s overwhelmingly powerful arms, Beast tenderly kissed my lips—not our usual passionate, mad-love, lustful lip lock—but a soft, heartfelt connection—the kind that intertwined my soul even further with his, which is shocking, considering how ingrained Beast already was in my heart and soul...

While I usually enjoyed hearing the smack of our lips parting, I kinda wasn’t ready this time—until my big guy said my favorite magical words, “When Auntie leaves, let’s make some Beast brownies—bang-bang style.”

Flashing him a wicked grin, I drawled out, “Now we’re talkin’! No surprise there! You have always known my love language, big guy!”

Beast laughed—and as soon as Auntie retrieved what she needed and left, my huge hunk of testosterone and I spent the rest of the afternoon feeding one another Beast brownies and most importantly, feeding our hearts and souls as we completely destroyed the kitchen.

While the fridge remained intact, once we moved our bang-bang, magic-finger loving, lustful lovemaking to Beast’s old room, the new pillow met with an unfortunate and untimely death—much to our satisfying pleasure. There is nothing my big guy and I love more than ticklish and tantalizing feathery fun—the sweet girl and gentle giant being anything but in dirty play that can only be done—Beast and Tink-style!

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

HORACIO

I was worried Tati was upset with me about her sisters showing up when she disappeared from the room right after they left, anxious as she told me that I should take a shower after my long day at work while she went to Larissa’s house to see Tink and Beast.

Fortunately, I learned upon her return that my Fairy Queen’s concern was for her beloved Beast, who was missing his mother a great deal as he and Tink planned their wedding, leading Tati to show him part of the vision she had of her at Mystic Fire today about his wedding surprise as a way to ease his mind.

Sitting outside with Tati and Aruna, I felt very lucky to be in the presence of their beauty—both women stunning and elegant in every way. I found myself captivated by them and their long flowing beige dresses with colorful accents—Aruna’s had pale pastel flowers while Tati’s contained bright soft swirls of bold red, blue, and purple.

“Horacio, are you not happy with dinner?” Aruna kindly asked, “You haven’t put anything on your plate yet.”

“My apologies, Aruna,” I delightedly replied, “I’m distracted by the two charming and gorgeous women I have all to myself this evening.”

“Thank you, Horacio,” Aruna affectionately returned, “You are always so kind—and good for my ego. I’m so grateful that you and Tati reside here in the wing with me. I so very much enjoy your company.”

Tati softly laughed, “I dare say Horacio enjoys it a great deal himself if he is willing to starve himself to gaze upon us.”

Aruna joined in Tati’s humor as my Fairy Queen leaned over to sweetly kiss me, murmuring afterwards, “Thank you for the sweet compliment, love. But eat before you get hangry, my King of Fury.”

I chuckled, digging into the large spread of goodness—salmon croquets, scalloped potatoes, green beans, and asparagus piled up on my plate in no time.

Jace, Nicholas, Alastor, Beast, and Carson came outside then with Nicholas chortling, “See? I told you salvation could be had here while the girls enjoy a Mystic Fire chat night.”

“Sorry, gentlemen,” I mockingly informed them, “I’ve already fed their egos—the ladies only want my company tonight—plus, there’s not enough food.”

“Horacio!” Aruna laughed out loud, “There’s a whole table full of food!”

“I know,” I slyly grinned, “You’ve seen me eat, Aruna. Adding five more—while more than likely being entertaining for you and Tati—could end up in a messy food battle.”

“Now, now, Horacio,” Alastor happily chided, leaning down to greet Tati, “You know what our stunning-as-always Winged Angel says—sharing is caring! Though I can’t blame you for wanting to keep these lovely ladies all to yourself.”

Shaking her head, Aruna continued in good humor as Nicholas reached her side, kissing her cheek. Jace did the same with Tati as the guys were told to sit down. More plates were brought out within minutes by her cook—and fortunately for everyone, it was soon followed by more food.

The two ladies seemed to enjoy all the attention bestowed upon them and the animated discussions during dinner. As his aunts and I had told him of his mother’s discomfort this afternoon, Jace voiced his concerns and asked Tati for an update, while privately checking in with me to make sure his mother was feeling better, which I readily assured him she was.

Afterwards, Jace relayed to me that Nicholas suggested we get Tati to take a few days off soon, hoping we would spend a long weekend with him and Constance at the lake house, which I also eagerly agreed to. Nicholas was right—it was something Tati and I both needed.

Finishing my dinner—and after my tiny love had finished nibbling on hers—I pulled Tati into my lap as we continued to talk with the others. Jace and I were both ecstatic when Tati eagerly agreed to spend a long weekend at the lake—and Beast—who appeared to be more relaxed and at ease—was ecstatic when my Fairy Queen requested that he come sit in her former seat beside me to talk about possibly coming by one afternoon to work on Constance’s new garden with them. It was amazing to me that the admittedly largest and most intimidating man in any pack—Tink’s seven-foot wonder, as she so lovingly called him—had a passion for delicate flowers...

*********

IGOR

Oralia was leaned up against me on the couch, looking beautiful in the new frock I had brought in for her—a deep red chiffon with high cuts to show off her silky long legs, fitted at the waist and a low-cut neckline that showed off her full bosom, much to my desirous delight. Her dark hair cascading down her bare shoulders and coal-dark eyes staring up at me full of desire—something we shared and would share more momentarily, as soon as we had our discussion with Maxim...

Peering up at me, she ran her hand across my closely shaven white hair, her warm expression and tone reflecting so much appreciation and adoration, I was already instructing Mona to find additional gifts for her, “I’ve never had a more beautiful dress, Igor, thank you. I find myself feeling very overwhelmed at the lengths you are going to in spoiling me.”

Leaning down, I kissed her tenderly, “Just a return of the spoils you have brought to my daily life and my bed from the day we met, my little Vixen. A woman as strong and vigilant as you has no room for feeling overwhelmed—enjoy the splendors of my love and adoration for you, Oralia. It brings me great joy to see you so happy.”

My guards brought Maxim in then, the confidence and determination on his face very pleasing to me as well—it appeared the boy had heeded my words...

After a short greeting, I told Maxim I had decided to bring him here instead of discussing things in his room as my area of the tunnels were more private. Oralia and I both had pleased, appreciative grins on our faces as her son kindly thanked me for our talk earlier and my generous offer to train him. I was looking forward to seeing what his feelings about that would be after our workout in the morning. And then, the young man informed me that there was one of the girls that visited him today that piqued his interest, intriguing both his mother and me...

In an upbeat tone, Oralia knowingly questioned, “Was it Vanessa? She seemed to be one that would be of your liking.”

“No, Mother, it wasn’t Vanessa,” Maxim politely returned before earnestly stating, “It was Anabelle.”

I let out in an exuberant roll of laughter, “Anabelle? Out of all those pretty girls, you have chosen Anabelle—the girl I have doing the housekeeping because she has no appealing, much less alluring luster to her at all? She is your favorite?”

Oralia joined in on my humored state, chortling, “Oh, don’t be surprised, Igor. Maxim has rarely shown any interest in girls at all, so it makes me very happy that he actually found someone who appeals to him, even if it is a maid. Tell me, my son—why Anabelle?”

I ordered Maxim, who obeyed my command, to not say a word as my guards went to retrieve Anabelle, the plain, ugly little thing arriving a few minutes later.

“It seems our Maxim has taken a shine to you, Anabelle,” I sternly stated, motioning for Maxim to speak after I coldly warned, “I want you to hear why, so you fully understand the good fortune my young warrior is bestowing upon you.”

“Anabelle, you’re not only pretty to me on the outside,” Maxim wholeheartedly declared, looking over at her fondly, “But, after spending time with you today, I found myself incredibly drawn to you because you also have a pretty mind, heart, and soul—” Returning his earnest gaze to me, he stated, “Those are the things that make Anabelle the most attractive and alluring to me.”

I nodded, cutting my eyes at the simple young girl, curtly informing her, “Believe me when I tell you, Anabelle, there are very few men who would look at you that way, especially here and especially the way you look standing before me now. If I were you, I would take very good care of Maxim—or you will answer severely for it. Do you understand me?”

“Y-Yes, Alpha Igor, I-I understand,” Anabelle almost inaudibly stuttered out, satisfying me with the fear in her tone, “Thank you—” Turning towards him, she sincerely continued, “Both of you for your kindness and generosity—especially you, Maxim. You’ve made me feel not only fortunate, but special—no one has ever said anything like that to me before, so thank you—again.”

“So be it, go—both of you. You will be staying with Maxim moving forward, Anabelle—I would suggest you thank him properly—and often. He always has the option to change his mind about you and choose one that is at least a little appealing to the eye on the outside,” I dismissed, sweeping my hand back and forth to shoo them out, watching as Maxim courteously took Anabelle’s hand while she smiled up at him appreciatively.

After they walked out, Oralia scoffed, “Honestly, that boy! All those gorgeous girls to pick from and he chooses the one with straight, dull hair and no beauty in her face at all—in a dirty shirt and jeans, no less! As he is an adult now, I’ve done all that I can, I’m afraid. Maxim needs to learn to stand on his own two feet. It’s time for me enjoy freedom in life once more, which makes me even more grateful to have you, my love.”

“Mmmmm,” I thoughtfully murmured, “I’m grateful for that too, my dear. But it does seem that Maxim is definitely not your typical Blood Horizon, which leads me to question, my beautiful vixen—where exactly did he come from? Its obvious Maxim is not yours and Kristoff’s biological son.”

Sighing heavily, Oralia revealed in amazement, “All these years and no one has ever questioned it—until you. Though, I’m not surprised that you figured it out despite the spell put in place by Kristoff’s witch friend—”

Pressing her body against mine, a proud smirk crossed her face as Oralia seductively exhaled out, “You are indeed the smartest and most intuitive man I’ve ever met, Igor, which is why I am about to tell you the truth about Maxim.”

Oralia explained the great lengths Kristoff went to in order to secure an infant son after theirs was stillborn. Though she tried to hide it, I saw the sadness in her expression as Oralia also spilled out the changes that occurred between she and Kristoff over the years that followed as he spent more and more time with Maxim—always attempting to strengthen their bond—while the bond between he and Oralia deteriorated because of his resentment over her inability to provide him any children that had his blood running through their veins.

To her knowledge, Kristoff stayed faithful—something I highly doubt knowing him, but allowed Oralia to continue to believe—stating that their intimacy suffered, especially as he became more driven in his Beta role, making time for Maxim during the day, but not returning home to his mate for the night until the wee hours of morning, yet again leading me to believe there were mistresses—something that was infuriating to me as the bastard neglected the perfect mate he had at home—fortunately, Oralia was mine now...

Kissing her tenderly, I huskily whispered, running my fingers along her cheek, my anger for the father reflecting in the words regarding his son, “Kristoff was an ignorant man who never realized how fortunate he was! Don’t you worry, Vixen, during our workout in the morning, I’ll make sure Maxim realizes how very lucky he is to have you for a mother and me as his mentor!”