To Have And To Hold

The Heartbreak of Deception...Part I

Chapter Three: The Heartbreak Of Deception...Part I

TATIANA

We had enjoyed a wonderful lunch, deciding to take make it a picnic by the brook—Nicholas’ idea. I was still in awe of Mystic Fire’s breathtaking restoration. I always loved it here and Horacio had come to be quite taken with it himself—another source of joy brought to his heart, which made me very happy.

After we finished, Horacio was readying to take his leave to return to Spirit Walker for some afternoon duties while I continued mine with Tink and Constance’s dresses, when Carson suddenly linked...

Uh, I thought you guys may want to know there was something left on Auntie’s bench, he reluctantly told us, as we all curiously glanced around at one another, Lottie and I found it when we came down here for lunch. Looks like it may be from Arturo.

Letting out a long, harrowed breath, I informed Carson that I was bringing he and Charlotte to Mystic Fire. Directly after, they appeared before us, both looking highly concerned as I saw three black roses in Carson’s hand—and a note.

“What the hell are those dead-looking flowers for and how did they end up on Auntie’s bench?” Tink irritatingly seethed, walking over to him just as I took the steps necessary towards Carson, reaching out for the items he was holding.

With great anxiousness, Carson placed everything in my hand while everyone gathered around. Looking down at the note, I read out loud, “Guess who has returned from the dead?”

Opening the folded paper, I drawled out in a knowing tone, “But you, Horacio, and Jillian won’t, b***h. The bride and groom will go first—your blood to be spilled soon, bringing true meaning to until death do you part—if I allow your wedding to take place. My regards to all the soon-to-be dearly departed—Arturo.”

“That son of a b***h!” Horacio harshly spat, “When we find him, I’m going to—”

I was running my fingers over the words when my green doors flew open with such a powerful force that everything instantly went black—Horacio’s reactive rant silenced, replaced with a voice that desperately called out to me...

Plans have not yet been finalized as Igor continues to gather additional men and train them to battle together, so you have time. Unfortunately, he has chained me to his side—a spell placed on my amulet by one of the many sorceresses he keeps on-hand so I can do the dirty work that she has no desire to do. But there is a young man—raised a Blood Horizon—whose heart isn’t anything like the rest of them. It’s pure and has never belonged among them.

I think he will want to be set free and as I’m old and being forced to live a life that I’ve never wanted, I’m going to help him if he chooses the right road. Please do not immediately strike when I appear, Tatiana, and show mercy to Maxim. While he has been raised as Kristoff and Oralia’s son, I have sensed wrongdoing was inflicted upon him at birth, but the visions are not clear due to a spell I can feel was put in place. I will show you his face and mine so you will know us if we appear before you. If your powers are as I anticipate, you will find the answers the boy deserves and break the spell that holds him captive.

Your sisters know me well as I resided with them as part of The Chosen—my name is Ursula and like them, I have never meant any harm. Send them my love and regards. And please tell them I’m glad they have been given happiness following their escape from the life of lies we were unknowingly leading—something I wish I had been fortunate enough to be gifted with as well.

Both their faces appeared in paused images—Ursula’s first—she looked to be between the ages of my sisters with beautiful silvery white hair and kind brown eyes. Her long oval face and area around her thin lips reflecting years of sorrow and pain in their deep wrinkles. Without even knowing her, I felt her words were truthful and sincere.

And then I saw the face of Maxim, the young man who was supposedly Kristoff and Oralia’s son—but there was something oddly familiar about him—features in his face that I knew—his eyes held such thoughtfulness and as Ursula described—pureness of heart...

He had dark red hair and beautiful green eyes, but I kept going back to the handsome, rugged features of his face—a longer forehead and high cheekbones, his straight-edged nose and squared-off chin—sent one name to my mind—the young man was the spitting image of Keegan.

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

MAXIM

I found myself at Ursula’s door and had just knocked on it when I heard Igor’s deep voice irritatingly call out, “Maxim? What are you doing here? And why did you leave Raphaela like that? You upset her!”

I looked up to see not only Igor, but Ursula coming around the corner not far behind him, worriedly looking at me before her gaze fell upon the Rogue Alpha. She could see my distress, immediately mouthing out, “What happened?” I nervously looked down at the ground as Igor turned to see her behind him, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a large pendant of some sort.

“I’m sorry I left Raphaela the way I did,” I anxiously replied, as they reached me, “She basically threw herself at me as soon as she shut your door. It just made me feel—uncomfortable.”

Somehow, Ursula seemed to understand what was going on, knowingly stating in a respectful tone, “While I’m sure you had good intentions, I don’t think Maxim is ready for Raphaela’s fun and games, Igor. He is dealing with an overwhelming amount of change in his life, which is why he has ended up here at my door—I have been lending him an ear as Maxim navigates through the aftermath of his father’s death.”

“I appreciate your support and kindness towards Maxim, Ursula,” Igor coolly replied, overtly playing with the amulet in his hand, “but I will ask that you remember your place and stay out of my business. If Maxim has any issues, he needs to be discussing them with me instead of showing up at your door.”

“Of course. I have only been trying to help the poor boy, not overstep any boundaries,” Ursula nodded, staring at the amulet in Igor’s hands before peering back up at him as she covertly sent me a message, “If I may ask, please just go easy on him. Maxim is a very amiable young man and still has much to learn about life. He should be allowed to choose the roads laid out before him when he is ready.”

Holding up his hand, Igor slowly rubbed his thumb over the smooth yellow stone, curtly replying, “Remember your place here, Ursula. I will deal with Maxim as I see fit.” Pulling on my arm with his other hand, he coldly muttered under his breath, “Come with me, Maxim.”

I quickly followed him as we walked away from Ursula’s room, turning my head to slightly nod at her in acknowledgement as she watched us with a fearful look in her eyes, invoking a great sense of unease.

“Please don’t be mad at Ursula,” I nervously murmured after we rounded the corner, attempting to make sure I didn’t get her in trouble, “She listens while I ramble on about my dad, just lets me vent, you know? Stuff I don’t want to bother you or Mother about.”

I couldn’t read Igor’s expression—but soon enough, I heard his displeasure with me in his stern tone as Igor stated, “Ursula is right—you do have a great deal to learn about life. I see a lot of potential in you, young Maxim, but you need to toughen up. It’s high time you started acting like a man instead of a naive little boy. So, here is my first life lesson for you—a man does not grieve death for this long—not even of those closest to us. It’s fine to still miss your father, but it’s also time for you to stop being consumed by it and move on. Otherwise, you appear weak. It should be a motivation, not a detriment. By now, you should be consumed by anger for those who wronged you by removing him from your life and driven to right that wrong.”

His tone full of his domineering arrogance, Igor sighed out, “I’m rather surprised, knowing Kristoff, that he coddled you the way he did, instead of pushing you to meet that potential. I’ve watched you in your workouts. While there are things you need to work on in technique, if you were my son, you would already be on the battlefield. That’s where the real lessons are learned. In our world, it’s do or die, Maxim. On that point, I disagree highly with Ursula—you need to be thrust into that world. I have no room here for wolves who don’t have strong fortitude.”

My eyes on the ground, I inaudibly murmured, “Yes, sir.”

His head held high, Igor informed me, “And as far as your mother, while I apologize if I have made you feel uncomfortable in any way, but I won’t apologize for laying claim on her. From the moment I met her, I saw the formidable, beautiful woman Oralia is and we shared an instant connection with one another. Another life lesson for you—do not glorify the whole mate thing—women are made for our pleasure and enjoyment. A reward for the hard work we do as men.”

Sighing heavily, Igor devoutly informed me, “You must take what you want in this life, Maxim. People, especially women, need to know that we, as men, are in control. I was hoping you would utilize my gift of Raphaela to satisfy your urges and rejuvenate the vigor inside you—to erase your stress and despair so I wouldn’t be forced to have such a harsh discussion with you. All the girls here know their role, so I will offer an olive branch to you now—if Raphaela doesn’t quench your thirst, then pick one that will, and she will be yours. You need to change your mindset, Maxim, and it needs to be done quickly. I have plans for you and I’m not a patient man. Are we understood?”

I could see so many similarities between Alpha Roman and Igor—and they were ones I hated. His words did bring forth anger—towards him. But I also knew I had to tread carefully with Igor, again, quietly replying, “Yes, sir.”

His next words sent chills down my spine as Igor proudly boasted, “That’s a good lad. More than anything, I want things to be well between us, Maxim. In fact, I have decided to take you under my wing—train you myself. We will begin workouts in the morning. I show no mercy, but after our discussion now and with your strength and intellect, it shouldn’t take long to get you where you need to be. Again, I see greatness within you, which is why I am extending this courtesy. Plus, I know it will make your mother very happy. Especially as she has relayed to me her concerns about your ability to join our army, as you have a penchant to wear your heart on your sleeve. That ends now—again, it’s time to grow up, Maxim—to be the real man I see inside you.”

I felt betrayed by my mother as I listened to Igor’s words and like what I saw in Ursula’s gaze—fearful of him, remaining silent in my thoughts as he firmly ordered, “Go to your room now and stay there. I will have several of our finer girls take care of you for the remainder of the day. They will make sure all your needs are met and bring you dinner this evening. I’ll also send someone to clean your room, as I know young men tend to be a bit messy. Get your mind in order and ready yourself for tomorrow.”

Igor appeared to become humored then, laughing out softly, “With all the pretty girls I have on hand, there should be at least one that appeals to you and fills you with desire. Just tell me who she is when we visit later this evening and I will have her return afterwards to stay with you—to be yours for as little or as long as you want. You’re young—it’s not shameful to enjoy a little variety.”

Feeling the need to appease him, I half-heartedly laughed before agreeing to his terms and quickly making my way back to my room. My back fell against the door after I shut it, my head tilting up into the air, devastated as I lamented over being stuck in a world I didn’t want to be in—and in my mind, that sealed my decision...

After our workout in the morning, I was going to accept Ursula’s offer—I was going to leave this place—this life—I was going to start over and be the man I wanted to be—and that was a man that was nothing like those I was surrounded by now!

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

TATIANA

I was flabbergasted. It was—impossible. Wasn’t it? Maxim was seventeen, meaning he was born after Kira had passed. Yet, while it was a darker shade, he had red hair and green eyes like Kira—and like Jade. But Keegan had been with no one else since—

And that’s when it played out—the truth—a secret Keegan had hidden from everyone. My old friend had found solace in another. A rogue by the name of Evangeline, who, while appearing quite different in her sweet, round face had red hair and green eyes just as his beloved mate did.

Keegan met Evangeline during a search for another rogue wanted by The Council. At first, he was drawn to her because of his longing for Kira—telling her so from the very beginning. Their relationship started as a compassionate friendship, both suffering the loss of their mates. But over time during their many visits together in the dead of night, it became more. Like Horacio and I in the beginning, they had chosen one another and fell in love.

Keegan had begged Evangeline to come home with him to Mystic Fire several times, but the young woman refused because of the criminal past of her family and dead mate, choosing to live in solitude deep in the forest after they were killed in battle following a kidnapping attempt on the daughter of an Alpha of a small pack. She had no desire to follow their path and despised the many criminal acts they committed. Paths and acts that Evangeline ignored when they returned home because she loved them and thought somehow, she could save their souls with the goodness she carried in her heart. Something that I could see was now being carried on—by her son...

Feeling that she would be viewed as conniving she-wolf that was taking advantage of Keegan’s kind heart, Evangeline feared he would constantly have to defend her, causing a rift between him and his closest loved ones because of her past. So, instead, she pleaded for Keegan to keep their relationship between them. Keegan reluctantly agreed but wasn’t giving up on convincing Evangeline that no one would hold what others in her family did against her.

However, unbeknownst to Keegan, Evangeline became pregnant and panicked, worried that Keegan would feel obligated to demand she come to Mystic Fire. She made the decision to flee—leaving her home and disappearing from Keegan’s life—going on the run while their child grew inside her, never staying in one place because she knew that he would search for her. And Keegan did search for her, but when he found Evangeline, it was too late...

Evangeline had gone into labor, managing to find a rogue doctor on the outskirts of a small, abandoned village not too far from the borders of Blood Horizon. Unfortunately, by then, the stress of her circumstances and what turned out to be a difficult pregnancy had taken its toll on her.

I saw the minute Maxim was born, the doctor placing him in his mother’s arms, tears of happiness flooding her face, but breath had become increasingly difficult for her as her body betrayed Evangeline’s will to live for her newborn son. The moment her eyes closed while holding the precious baby boy, his mother took her last breath, unwillingly leaving him abandoned and alone.

It was then that I saw Kristoff’s role in what played out—Oralia too had a difficult labor that ended in death—their son stillborn, laying lifeless in his father’s arms, while his mother lay unconscious in their bed. Kristoff had a rare moment of panic as it had taken a long time for Oralia to become pregnant and they had been told that because of her difficult pregnancy, this would be their only child. As he held the baby in his arms, Kristoff was unwilling—unwilling to not have what he wanted most in this world—a son.

After handing the doctor a large pouch of money to keep his silence and backup his lie, Kristoff wrapped the child up in a blanket before sneaking out of Blood Horizon in the dead of night. He didn’t know where he was going but was determined to find an answer to his devastating blow. After going into the forest and questioning several rogues, Kristoff was elated when he hit a stroke of luck, finding himself at the home of the physician who helped Evangeline. She had just passed, and the doctor was wondering what he was going to do with the infant left behind.

Both saw it as a sign that Kristoff found his way there at that precise moment, exchanging the babies soon after Kristoff’s arrival. To insure the doctor’s silence, a large pouch of money was also given, along with a deadly threat should he reveal what truly happened, which is what worked against my Keegan when he found his way there two days later...

When Keegan arrived at the doctor’s door following his extensive search, he was told that Evangeline and his infant child died, buried in a makeshift cemetery not far from there. My dear friend was crushed, reeling from the loss of not only the woman he had come to love, but feeling betrayed over the loss of a son that he never knew existed. It broke my heart to see the pain he suffered—pain that he kept deep inside him, never revealing his secret to anyone...

It’s true, Tati, Maxim is my son, Keegan called out to me, and if anyone can save him and bring him home where he has always belonged, it’s you. I’m doing everything I can to push him towards the road to the life he deserves—to my little gem, my Jade—so both my children can finally be together. I’m sorry to put this burden on you. I take all the blame for the life of misery he is enduring now. I should have worked harder to find the truth then instead of accepting the word of that treacherous rogue. Maxim needs to know the truth. He and Jade need each other, Tati. For me, please—bring my boy home to Crescent Moon. My love to you always, my old friend—and thank you for everything you have already done, especially for my Jade—my precious little gem.

I came to in my Horacio’s arms. He was cradling me on the ground as everyone else was anxiously hovered around us. He had seen and heard everything I did through our connection, his blue eyes devastated as my love stared down at me with a sympathetic, yet worried gaze, exhaling out heavily, “Are you alright?”

“Physically, I’m fine,” I lovingly assured him, “But inside, I’m heartbroken, Horacio.” Not wanting to alert everyone just yet, I looked over at Nicholas and Madeline, calmly stating, “We need to bring The Council and my sisters to Mystic Fire for a private meeting—now.”