To Have And To Hold

Pretty Mind, Pretty Heart, Pretty Soul...Part I

Chapter Six: Pretty Mind, Pretty Heart, Pretty Soul...Part I

MAXIM

I couldn’t believe the number of girls Igor sent to my room—each of them vying so hard for my favoritism. Fawning over me and seductively running their hands across my chest and abdomen—each touch uncomfortable and repulsive to me as they delivered various food and drink to my room. A few even tried their best to feed me and much to my dismay, coax me into getting in bed wiht them...

Bracing myself as my door opened yet again, I was surprised when a petite brown-haired girl silently walked in, refusing to look at me at all as she hurriedly walked towards my bed, pulling the covers up. Her head dropped towards the ground, I couldn’t even see her face, only her small curvy frame.

"There’s no need to make it,” I kindly told her, “I’m just going to mess it up in a few hours.”

Still keeping her head down low, the girl quietly murmured, “Alpha Igor said he wants everything kept neat and in order in here. If I don’t do everything the way he likes, there’s a consequence. I’ve had a few and want to stay out of trouble today, so please—just let me do my job. My back still hurts from the last time I disappointed him.”

I could hear the overwhelming fear and pain in her voice as she despairingly admitted, “He makes me take my shirt off, so the lash marks go deep, that way it takes a while to heal and leaves a permanent reminder of his lesson. At least it was only two still since I’m learning how Alpha Igor likes things done, but he said the number will start increasing as I’m eighteen and an adult now—I’ve have had enough time to adjust to my new life. Some of us aren’t as lucky as you to be one of the Alpha’s favorites.”

My heart broke for her, standing up as I forlornly admitted, “I don’t know that being one of his favorites is all that lucky. You’re the first person Igor has sent in here today that I actually want to talk to. Tell me—what is this new life?”

“Alpha Igor—he—he killed my parents when my father refused to join him,” she brokenly replied, vigorously smoothing out the bedcover, “but he kept me alive—brought me here to help take care of his ‘special’ girls and whoever else he chooses. I keep their rooms spotless, gather their wash, press their clothes, fix their hair and makeup—plus help cook and clean as needed—the Alpha said being a maid was perfect for a plain girl like me.”

Though my jaw tightened, I hid my fury, pleasantly returning, “I see—I’m Maxim, by the way.”

Standing up tall, she pushed her hair back behind her ears, allowing me to see her thin rounded face and huge brown eyes that were dulled, reflecting her fear and misery, yet still contained great strength and fortitude. I could even see a great deal of kindness remained, despite the new life Igor was forcing her to endure, “I’m Anabelle—and I know who you are, Maxim—I’ve been the one helping all the girls get ready for their visits with you today.”

Anabelle’s tone softened, regretfully admitting, “I probably shouldn’t have said all that—bad day with all the pretentious princesses, I guess. I’m sorry if I sounded offensive in any way, I just don’t like people who look down on others simply because of their stature or looks. I hope you won’t tell Alpha Igor. Not that it matters—he seems to love delivering punishment and will always find a way to justify it in his mind.”

Walking towards Anabelle, I kindly returned, “You haven’t offended me. It’s understandable, knowing what you’ve been put through. I’m sorry—for what happened to your parents—and for what you are going through now.”

“Thank you,” Anabelle quietly replied, “You weren’t what I was expecting. You seem really nice. Guess that’s why all the girls want you to choose them so badly. If you want to know more about any of them, you can ask me. I’ll be happy to fill you in on their real personalities.”

“None of them interest me, but Igor is pretty adamant that I choose someone,” I honestly told her, “Why don’t I choose you? It might stop the punishments and keep you safe. I like talking to you and won’t expect—you know—anything physical. You seem really nice too, Anabelle, and it would be nice to have a friend.”

Chortling, Anabelle looked down, guffawing, “So, you’ve had all these pretty girls coming in here in revealing dresses and you are going to pick the plain girl who is wearing a stained white shirt and dirty blue jeans? Not that it wouldn’t be satisfying to see all those conceited princesses’ faces, but Alpha Igor will more than likely be highly displeased—and think you have no taste at all. He might even refuse and force you to choose one of his elite girls or pick one for you himself.”

“Won’t know if we don’t try, right?” I grinned, “I’ll tell him when we visit later that I choose you.”

Silently staring at me for a long moment, Anabelle’s large brown eyes glazed over, inaudibly murmuring, “Are you sure that you really want to do that? Choose me?”

“Positive,” I steadfastly returned, “You’re the first genuine girl to come in here, Anabelle. Igor wants me to choose someone to just use and have s*x with, but that’s not what I want. You would be doing me a favor, truthfully. Like I said—it would be nice to have a friend.”

“My feelings won’t be hurt if you change your mind,” Anabelle sincerely replied, “But if it’s what you really want, count me in—and I know the risk I’m taking, so if Alpha Igor ends up punishing me for your insane choice, don’t feel bad. I’m choosing to do this. And thank you, Maxim—for being so kind to me—I think you are the only genuine person in this underground prison.”

***********

BADRU

Darting through the trees at a furious pace, dirt was flying into the air as the paws of my massive black wolf slammed against the ground beneath me—my only thought being getting home to my Luminara, who had just returned from her day at Mystic Fire.

I had been away from home all day as well, leaving at dawn with a group of twelve men—including Cassius and his five sons, Corazon, Callan, Apollo, Ayberk, and Tarkek—on an excursion into a remote area of our Moon Stone Territory in our continued search for Igor. While I was glad Madeline kept Luminara busy all day, my wolf and I were anxious to have her in our sights again, especially as we continued to come up empty handed when it came to finding the vile ex-Delta of Moon Stone.

I nodded towards our large patrol of wolves at the border as we raced past them. Mahan and I had tripled the number of warrior wolves in our patrols in order to protect not only our people, but Luminara and the beloved children she carried inside her, should Igor contemplate another attack on our land.

Shifting back into my human form, I anxiously awaited my men to change behind the bushes close to the main house. I started laughing as Cassius loudly complained, “Perhaps you could speak to our beloved Fairy Queen about enabling us to shift like you do, Badru. I also have a daughter I need to keep an eye on, you know! Guntur is here visiting Celimine as we speak, which means I’m missing out on making our Beta-boy a nervous wreck! The wife just said they went for a walk. They’re undoubtedly snogging somewhere around here, but after last time, Aysu won’t allow us to bust them in wolf-form anymore.”

Callan chuckled right after, “Man, you should have seen Guntur’s face! He jumped so bad, he almost fell in the brook. It was priceless stuff! I don’t know why Mom and Celimine got so bent out of shape about it. We are just toughening the future Beta up! Now they’ve got our mates rushing us home, so only Dad and Tarkek can torment him.”

“And Tarkek’s of no use,” Corazon bellowed out, “Sis has our baby brother wrapped around her little finger and on her side now.”

“Look, I like Guntur, alright?” Tarkek argued back, “He’s been good to Celimine and loves her like she deserves. Although it’s taken some of the pressure off me, I feel sorry for the guy and what you’re putting him through. You guys are way too hard on him.”

Their banter had my entire group in good humor as they came walking out of the bushes in their human form with Apollo and Ayberk playfully bouncing off their littlest brother, but before I could say anything, my lovely wife’s voice called out, “Tarkek is right, you know. Which is why I’ve already warned Guntur of your return.”

All attention turned to my stunning mate, who was wearing one of my favorite purple dresses Auntie made for her. Her beautiful growing belly beginning to make the descent more difficult, Luminara was slowly walking down the hill towards me—our protection detail keeping a respectful distance—while I was racing up to her as Cassius lightheartedly warned, “Just you wait, Badru. You’ll understand when you hold that little girl of yours in your arms. Your whole perspective will change, my friend! And you will definitely appreciate the help of her brother!”

“Which means I will have to keep a close eye on you both, much like my protection detail is keeping a close eye on me—sometimes too close, thanks to my father’s and mate’s overprotective nature,” Luminara lightly admonished as I reached her. Swiftly bringing her into my arms, I placed a tender kiss on her lips as the babies kicked their greetings against my stomach—a feeling I relished with every occurrence.

Leaning back, I softly countered, “Neither Mahan nor I are taking any chances with you, my love. How did things go at Mystic Fire?”

I had come to find Luminara’s pregnancy pout very endearing, smiling as it crossed her face now, “I’d rather not talk about it. Everyone looked lovely—except for me. Auntie keeps having to let my dress out. I’m going to go through another whole bolt of material before Madeline’s wedding if the children don’t stop their love of bread and pastries.”

I couldn’t stop the chuckle that passed through my lips as I kissed her again, lovingly assuring her afterwards, “You, my lovely are going to outshine the bride!”

Luminara grinned, tilting her head forward to set against mine, “You're a good liar. Thank you. I may even forgive you for having my every move followed currently.”

Walking up to the side, Cassius wholeheartedly declared, “Badru isn't lying, Luminara. There is nothing more beautiful than a pregnant woman. That’s one of the reasons I ended up with six children. Well, that and I love and adore my Aysu much like Badru rightfully loves and adores you, which is also why he is protecting you like he is. I would lose a great deal of respect for our Beta if he left you vulnerable to an attack.”

I thanked Cassius for backing me up and both he and our exhausted men for their hard work as they each made their way home before motioning for our detail to go inside, sweeping my beloved Luminara up into my arms, the gold flakes in her eyes shimmering in her humored state as she squealed, “Badru! Put me down, silly! I’m too heavy for you to be doing that!”

“I think not, gorgeous! For your information, you still feel as light as a feather in my arms,” I huskily replied, grinning afterwards, “We are going straight to the kitchen to grab you a blueberry scone or two to pacify our children for a bit and then I’m carrying you to our room to remind you of how beautiful you are and will always be in my eyes and how very much I will always love you.”

Nuzzling her head into my neck, Luminara amorously breathed out, “I already know that my love—and am so very happy that you, my dear Badru, are mine!”

**********

HORACIO

Worried about Tati, I finished my work quickly, able to leave Spirit Walker earlier than expected, but was suddenly regretting the choice I made to have Reina bring me back to Crescent Moon. Alerted when I made my unusual request, she showed up in our room with Persephone, both concerned about Tati as well.

After telling them about the tea she made to help ease her pain, I told the sisters that I was just wanting to allow Tati to rest a little more as Reina snatched up the empty cup, she and Persephone attempting to decipher the contents while I went over to the bed to snatch Tati up into my arms—hoping she wouldn’t be too irritated with me when she woke...

After placing a gentle kiss on her soft sweet lips, I dropped my head down to whisper in her ear, “We have guests, Sleeping Beauty—please remember that your mate loves you, so don’t be mad at me.”

“Horacio?” Tati drowsily murmured, her eyes remaining closed, “What time is it? Did Raven bring you over?”

Walking over to the bed, Reina sweetly stated, “Actually, I brought our Horacio back to Crescent Moon, Tati. How are you feeling, Sister? And why didn’t you let Persephone and I know about your pain? We would have helped you with the potion.”

Tati’s eyes slowly fluttered open, appearing as despairing as the long sigh she let out, staring at my guilty expression for a moment before looking over at her sisters, “Because the pain wasn’t unbearable, Reina. That was our agreement, remember? Plus, I didn’t want to bother either of you during your day at the lake with Ronan and Artem. I’m quite capable in my own right with potions, you know. There are two very handsome young men who are living proof of my vast talent—something that The Power of Three each inherited from our mother.”

I saw my always chilly Fairy Queen shiver a little, immediately wrapping her up in my embrace, earnestly muttering under my breath, “Sorry, love. Really, I am.”

“Don’t you dare be sorry, my sweet Horacio,” Reina affectionately cooed, “I rather like the fact that we finally have someone tattling on our stubborn and fiercely independent littlest sister—one of the many reasons you are very dear to my heart, my love!”

Walking around the bed, Reina sat down on the other side of Tati, worriedly inquiring, “Obviously, you used valerian root to allow you rest, Tati. Did you use enough of the special ginger, magnesium, eucalyptus, and chamomile additives before adding your little dose of fairy green to your tea?”

“And euphorbia cactus extract?” Persephone chimed in, walking over with the cup, dipping her first finger in before bringing it back out and rubbing something between it and her thumb, smelling it, “And what is this black grain?”

“I added a dash of cat’s claw, thunder vine, and a bit of turmeric, Sister,” Tati kindly explained, “and all the other things mentioned, of course. Which is probably why I’m feeling much better now, with the exception of needing some love and attention from my sisters—there’s nothing like a good hug to make one feel good as new.”

Sitting up, Tati turned, throwing one arm around each of her sisters’ necks, her chin coming to rest on their shoulders as she breathed out, “Thank you for coming to check on me and for your concern, but I promise you both, I’m fine.”

The sisters returned her embrace with Persephone lovingly whispering, “Always using that sweet charm of yours to calm your mother hen and obtain instant forgiveness. Nice touch with the cat’s claw and thunder vine, by the way, my beautiful little fairy.”

“Yes, very nice touch, Sister,” Reina sweetly concurred, “but we will be keeping a close eye on you. I’m much too excited to see you walk down the aisle to our dear Horacio and will go to any lengths necessary to make sure our littlest sister is well—and her wedding is perfect!”

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

GUNTUR

Celimine and I had gone down by a brook not far from her house, where sitting together soon turned into what it always did—my beautiful mate lying on top of me as we lost ourselves in one another, heatedly kissing until we could barely breathe while it was safe—when her father and brothers were well outside the Moon Stone borders.

Thankfully, I got a heads-up of their return this time. Luminara had just kindly linked to tell me that they had returned from their search for Igor. Last time, I received no pre-warning—fortunate that we had reeled it back in—standing and in a soft embrace when her father and brothers came bursting out of the forest in their wolf forms.

All of them—except Tarkek, who looked remorseful—were barking and snarling loudly as they landed hard at my feet, making me jump so hard that I almost tumbled sideways into the water. I can still see the triumphant grins on their muzzles...

Reluctantly breaking away from our passionate kiss, I ran my hand through her long black hair, panting out, “Celimine, I love this—and I love you, but we’ve got to stop. Your dad will kill me if he catches us here like this!”

Licking her lips—knowing that it enticed me every time she did it—Celimine amorously blew across my lips, “But I’ve missed you, Guntur. You’ve been working so hard in your Beta training, which I am very proud of you for. But it’s been five whole days since we’ve been together, and you got here so late!”

“I’m sorry about that. Between this Igor search and heavy training, Dad’s been putting me and Mattias through the ringer—honestly, I think part of it is payback for our error in judgement at the Forest of The Vines,” I sighed out in frustration, “Sometimes, though, I think they’re all against us, especially your father and brothers!”

My tone turning hopeful, I curiously inquired, “Any chance your mom will be able to talk your dad into letting you come to Howling Wind for a few days again soon? Alpha Soren is letting me move into my suite at the main house next week—soon to be our suite, I hope. Mom’s struggling with me leaving the house, but it will be nice for us to have some privacy where I don’t have to worry about being, you know—threatened or killed for loving you?”

“I’m working on it and can’t wait to see our suite and have a little privacy with my handsome mate,” Celimine smirked, pressing her body down harder into mine as she pushed herself forward slightly, causing the rounded neckline of her pretty burgundy dress to lower slightly— my eyes immediately drawn to the gorgeous cleavage now exposed from her tricky little stunt.

“Oh, that’s so unfair!” I breathlessly exclaimed, staring at her plump, flawless porcelain skin, “How is it you can go from completely proper to my own beautiful temptress in the blink of an eye? Seriously, Babes, do you want me to die? I’ve already come close once, remember? If it hadn’t been for Auntie’s healing powers, I’d still have a dent in my head—or worse!”

Giggling, she lowered her lips to my neck, slowly grazing across my skin, murmuring softly, “You know I love it when you call me Babes.”

“I know, you temptress, I know,” I defeatedly sighed, “I’m a torn man, gorgeous, and you’re not helping. You have the prettiest, sweetest mind, heart and soul of anyone I know—on top of that, you’re smart, polished, and, well, perfect in every way—I have no idea how I got so lucky. But right now, all those incredible qualities are contained within the body of a to-die-for goddess, who is currently making it very difficult for me not to be caught in a very compromising position by your overprotective father. You have no idea how bad I want to mark you.”

Placing one slow, tantalizing kiss on my neck, she blew across my skin, “Oh, I think I do, but I will show you mercy and stop—if you call me Babes one more time.”

“I love you, Babes,” I devoutly declared, “I can’t wait to mark you and make you completely mine forever, Celimine. I want you by my side, in our suite at Howling Wind—permanently and always.”

“I want that too, Guntur,” she sweetly returned, pushing herself forward again to allow my lips access to the top of her breasts, where I placed a tender kiss before the warmth of her body left me as Celimine stood up, extending out her hand to help me to my feet.

The instant I was on my feet again, her arms were wrapping around my neck, beaming up at me as Celimine friskily stated, “I love you too, Love O’Mine! And warning—Tarkek just linked that he and Dad are on their way here.”

“Have I mentioned how much I have come to appreciate the fact that you convinced your youngest brother to be on our side now?” I slowly breathed out, “Maybe we can suggest Tarkek come to Howling Wind too—he might find his mate there.”

“I’m afraid he won’t be able to take any time off until Igor is found,” Celimine sadly replied, straightening the top of her dress, “But I like that thought.”

Reaching down to take her hand in mine, I kissed , comfortingly replying, “With all of us looking, hopefully something will turn up soon. For now, lets start heading back so we can run into Tarkek and your dad. I still don’t trust being near water around him.”