To Have And To Hold

A Pleasant Surprise...Part I

Chapter Twelve: A Pleasant Surprise...Part I

ANABELLE

It was all so surreal to me, the amount of geniality and gentleness I had received from the very moment Ursula, Maxim, and I appeared at The Council—even more mindboggling was the fact that everyone seemed to be welcoming me with open arms to Crescent Moon, going out of their way to make me feel at home...

Privately, I thanked my mother and father for pushing me the way they did in the tunnels to remember the strength they had instilled in me—and for their sign of Maxim, who I would be grateful to for the rest of my life. Especially as had it not been for him, I wouldn’t be standing here right now, feeling so very much—at home...

I liked everyone I met thus far, especially Luna Aruna and Auntie. I was quite taken with them both, their sweet and loving spirits touching my heart. Lorelei and Remi were both so friendly and welcoming as well, and I especially enjoyed meeting Carson, who just introduced himself to me. He seems very fun-loving and has a goofy smile that made my own grin appear in response.

Carson had just invited me to dinner tonight, which I was about to kindly accept when I felt a hard shift in my body as a heavy scent of rosewood filled my senses, drawing my attention to the forest a short distance away as my wolf let out a loud, excited howl...

I found it difficult to breathe when I saw him—the large dark grey wolf that powerfully burst through the trees. Staring at him in awe, I was mesmerized—he was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life and had my wolf begging to be set free to run towards our—

“Anabelle? Are you alright, my darling?” Tatiana—Auntie—quietly broke through my shocking thoughts.

My enthralled eyes were still glued on him when the gorgeous wolf came to a halt mid-stride, his head jerking to the side as his large dark eyes zeroed in on me, leading me to instinctively breathed out, “M—Mate.”

I heard several shocked reactions afterwards, the first being from Carson, who was standing beside me, “Auntie! You didn’t say anything!”

“I would have, had I seen it coming,” Auntie exhaled out in wonder before curiously exclaiming, “Oh, my! Is that—Spiros?”

Her son, Jace sounded ecstatic in his shocked reaction, exhaling out, “Well, I’ll be damned! Nicholas! It is Spiros!”

Alpha Nicholas sounded overjoyed as well, replying, “It most certainly is, which makes me incredibly happy! Congratulations, Anabelle! Spiros is both a good friend and the best of men! He is incredibly kind and full of heart.”

Luna Aruna gently squeezed my hand—again, I was so drawn to her, the connection between us feeling so natural that I already felt a deep closeness to her—as she affectionately replied, “Nicholas is right, my dear. Spiros is an outstanding young man, Anabelle, always so very thoughtful and loving.”

“What a lovely name—Spiros!” I whispered out in my tranced state, unable to take my eyes away from his—the enamored look in them taking my breath away. No one had ever looked at me like that—no one.

“His parents, Sarene and Faizon, are very good friends of mine,” Auntie enthusiastically told me, “Oh, they are going to be so happy!”

“He’s a really good guy, Anabelle,” Carson sweetly told me, “This is awesome! Spiros had all but given up on finding a mate! I kept telling him we had to wait too and twenty-five wasn’t too old!”

Just then, Spiros darted towards some bushes, my eyes following him as Gavin laughingly informed us, “Spiros is shifting and changing into his clothes. He’s rambling a mile a minute in my head—very unlike him! I can barely keep up, but I can say that he’ll be here momentarily.”

Looking down at my ill-fitting t-shirt and jeans, I panicked slightly, “He’s coming up here and I look like a mess!”

I was surprised when all the girls immediately surrounded me, assuring me that I looked fine. The twins, Constance and Charlotte, were being so attentive, smoothing out my hair and tenderly telling me that I looked pretty, and Spiros wasn’t even going to care what I was wearing. But Constance and her sister were gorgeous—I was nothing like them—suddenly making me feel even more unappealing...

Auntie could see my growing anxiousness, calmly soothing, “Don’t fret, my darling, you look lovely. And judging by the look in Spiros’ eyes, he is already quite enamored with you, just as he should be.”

Taking in a deep breath, I exhaled it out slowly, trying to calm my nerves, but failing miserably, “Right, okay. I just—how did this happen? I’ve only just arrived here and I have already found a mate?”

“Welcome to Love Moon, Anabelle,” Carson chuckled, “As of late, it happens all the time. Step foot on Crescent Moon and—Poof! Mate! It’s pretty fun and quite addicting, truthfully. Auntie has been able to give me a heads-up the last few times. She almost let me down today, though. I could have potentially missed out on my favorite pastime!”

Between Carson and Horacio, who chuckled under his breath before wrapping his arms around Auntie to pull her tiny frame into his hulking body, sweetly comforting her, my anxiousness was eased slightly, replaced by humor as Auntie poutingly retorted, “I’m not perfect, Carson! Though I’m rather disappointed myself that I missed this one. I could have had Faizon and Sarene here.”

That thought made my nervousness return as I chuckled, “Definitely don’t think I’m ready to meet the parents yet. We’re not even sure how Spiros is going to feel about a rogue mate yet.”

I continued to be blown away by the kindness and generosity of everyone I’ve met today, as Alpha Nicholas assured me, “For the record, you are no longer a rogue. I’ve already started your paperwork to become a Crescent Moon. And trust me, Anabelle. Spiros will find himself feeling the same way I feel about his gift from the Moon Goddess—very fortunate.”

Alpha Nicholas’ admission sent me reeling—shock and gratitude coursing through me as I suddenly felt very overwhelmed, “You—you already started the paperwork? But you’ve only just met me. How could you already want me to be a Crescent Moon?”

“I pride myself in reading people,” Alpha Nicholas warmly returned, “and I could see from the very moment you appeared that you belonged here, Anabelle. And as you have found your mate not long after your arrival—I think we can both agree, I’m not wrong.”

My gaze slowly moved towards the bushes where Spiros was changing before returning to the group of people surrounding me. Every single one was supporting me and had accepted me without any reservation. And for the first time since Alpha Igor forced me into a nightmare that I thought there was no escaping from—I felt like me again. The happy, fulfilled me—and it was the most incredible feeling in the world, reflected in my tone as I tearfully replied, “Thank you, Alpha Nicholas—all of you—for everything.”

The all-consuming scent of rosewood hit me with a powerful force again, sending my wolf into a frenzied elation as I turned to see Spiros receiving congratulatory pats on the back by several of his fellow warriors, who watched with great joy as he sprinted towards me with the most beautiful bright smile on his face.

My breath caught in my chest as I took in my mate’s gorgeous human form. Spiros was the most handsome man I had ever seen—his oval face with a perfectly rounded chin containing the cutest dimples and gentle brown-eyed gaze—I was completely mesmerized by him.

He had a red t-shirt in his hands, quickly throwing it on mid-run, but not before I saw every amazing line on his firm chest and ribbed abdomen. I laughed softly under my breath when his head popped up out of the shirt—brown, mussed curls flying all about—his longer hair falling just behind his ears. My gaze once more found his big, twinkling brown eyes that were staring straight into mine. Eyes that bore into my soul, filling it and my heart with exhilaration and happiness.

After his hard run, Spiros sounded a bit winded as he looked around greeting in his low, deep baritone, “Hello, everyone.”

“I won’t bother with a prolonged I told you so speech, Spiros,” Carson mockingly said, “But what I will say is you are a lucky guy—got yourself a total sweetheart in this petite beauty! Congrats, man!”

My breath weighed heavily in my chest again as his enchanting gaze connected with mine, sweeting replying, “I can already see that, Carson, and thank you! I’m just sorry I was in wolf form when we first laid eyes on one another. My apologies, Anabelle—”

Leaning forward, leaving mere inches between us, I was hit with another strong burst of his amazing scent as Spiros cheerfully whispered, “I’m also sorry that I got a bit excited and impatient. I already asked Gavin your name while I was changing.”

My throat was so dry, my words not only came out bashfully, but cracked, as I replied, “They told me your name too. It’s—it’s nice to meet you, Spiros.”

“You’re so pretty and here I am looking like a sweaty mess!” he laughed out, “Forgive me for that too. I just finished a very long patrol shift.” He paused slightly before blithely adding, “With all these apologies, I’m suddenly realizing I have a lot to make up for already.”

“You have nothing to make up for,” I wholeheartedly responded, the strength in my voice returning, but remaining soft, “I’m a bit of a mess myself. Besides, I appreciate dedication and hard work. I try to set that standard for myself too. And I’m flattered—that you were excited to meet me.”

A broad smile crossed Spiros’ face again, my eyes shyly diverting to the ground momentarily before returning to their new favorite spot—his gaze. Alpha Nicholas also congratulated Spiros before Luna Aruna thoughtfully invited him to join us in her wing for our little get-together.

Directly after, Auntie suggested that Spiros shower in one of the guest rooms, humorously informing him that if he went home, Spiros’ mother may follow him back, which may make it more difficult for him to get to know me better. He amusingly agreed, kindly thanking them both before Auntie flicked her hand and brought us all to Luna Aruna’s beautiful home...

Luna Aruna showed Spiros the guest room he could use before we walked out onto her balcony with the Alphas, Auntie, Horacio, and I sitting down at the round table. Luna made sure I sat down beside her, patting my hand again as she saw my anxious gaze staring at the doorway awaiting Spiros’ return. That feeling was quickly relieved, however, when he suddenly appeared—carrying a small brightly colored pillow in his hand.

Spiros placed his hand gently on my arm, the feel of his touch upon my skin sending waves of warmth all through me as he politely asked, “Is it alright if I place this pillow behind Anabelle’s back to make her a little more comfortable, Luna?”

“Absolutely! How very thoughtful, Spiros, thank you!” Luna Aruna appreciatively replied, winking at me.

“You don’t have to go to all that trouble, really, I’m fine,” I earnestly protested, as he gently placed it behind my back.

Dipping his head down, Spiros whispered in my ear, “It’s no trouble and it’s not just for you. It puts me at ease knowing you’re comfortable. I’ll be right back, pretty lady.”

“Thank you,” I affectionately returned, watching as he jogged back into the house, peering between Luna and Auntie after he disappeared inside, sheepishly whispering, “He keeps calling me pretty.”

“Because you are, dear,” Aruna fondly murmured under her breath, “You and Spiros are rightfully deserved gifts for one another, Anabelle. It makes my heart happy to see two such beautiful souls brought together. However, I won’t be fully content until I see you eat a little something for me—eat a lot and I’ll be both content and overjoyed!”

I laughed, allowing my eyes to momentarily leave the doorway to make a plate of food. There was more food on the table than I’ve ever seen—all different kinds of fruits, breads, cheeses, and meats piled high. Luna and Auntie were both encouraging me to try different things, every single morsel put on my plate looking delicious as everyone dug in, cordially carrying on conversations that held such positivity and fun—and there was so much love between them. While I was anxious for Spiros’ return, I was enjoying every second of my time with them.

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

JILLIAN

Laying in the middle of my bed, I was writing in my journal, spilling all my inner thoughts on paper—a gift and suggestion from Luna Alta, who felt it would be beneficial to my healing process, which turned out to be very true—surprised when I heard the knock on my door, knowing everyone’s busy schedule for the day.

Opening it, I was greeted by a huge bouquet of colorful flowers in a dark blue vase as the sweet sound of Mattias’ voice echoed out, his expression humored as he peeked around from behind them, “I think Edgar is still over the moon about Mrs. Dottie’s arrival to Howling Wind. Grandmother’s garden is bound to take a hit with all the bouquets he makes for you two and Auntie. At this rate, she’s going to stop me from asking him for flowers for you for life, Jillie.”

I softly laughed, taking the vase from his hands to set them down on the small table in front of my window, admiring them, “I hope not. They’re always so beautiful.” Turning back towards him, I beamed, “Thank you.”

“Of course,” Mattias grinned, walking in and shutting the door behind him, “How’s your day going?”

While I heard him, I was momentarily distracted looking at my handsome blonde-haired mate. Standing before me in a tight black t-shirt and light colored blue jeans, I couldn't help but think that Mattias’ new workout regimen was definitely paying off as I admired his bulkier chest and the lines of his gorgeous firm biceps, finally replying in an enamored tone, “Good. I was just doing some journaling.”

Lifting an eyebrow at him afterwards, I perplexingly stated, “I thought you and Guntur were supposed to be with Umar right now.”

“Before you say it, no, I didn’t pretend to forget something in my room to sneak up here again. Umar succeeded in frying our brains early, gave us a reprieve,” Mattias innocently grinned, “Loa brought Guntur to Moon Stone for a visit with Celimine, which means you have me all to yourself for the rest of the afternoon—if you want me, of course.”

While he meant his last words one way, in my mind, they had a different meaning. My time at Howling Wind with people, especially Mattias, who had shown such care and love for me, had completely changed my outlook on my future and my life.

I wrote about that and many other wonderful things about Howling Wind in my journal. Between that and what I have written about my past, my present, and what I want in my future, the more I have realized what I am missing out on, allowing my past to dictate my present, stopping me from enjoying now what my beautiful future holds...

Walking over to my bed, I closed my journal, pulling a small, folded piece of paper out of the front of it before returning to my mate, weaving my arms around Mattias’ neck as he brought his around my waist. Kissing him tenderly, I brought my note up between us, affectionately replying afterwards, “I have a gift for you too.”

Chuckling, Mattias slowly reached up to take the note from my hand, “What is this?”

“A special letter to add to your collection,” I softly replied, encouraging him, “Read it out loud, please.”

“Your wish is my command, Jillie,” he slowly drawled out in a curious tone before opening my letter and reciting, “My dearest Mattias, the first time I saw you, the Moon Goddess gifted me with the whispered call, ‘mate’. But at the same time, my heart and soul whispered, that’s the one. The one to give you hope, the one to give you something to fight for. The one who will bring true meaning and purpose to your life. I will never take any of that for granted, Mattias. My heart and my soul are forever yours. I will stand by your side and believe in you always.”

Pausing for a moment, Mattias’ voice cracked slightly, devotedly continuing, “And while it’s taken me longer than it should to realize it, I’m ready to embrace my present and future with you. You are my true meaning and purpose in life. I’m no longer willing to allow the past to control my life, my Alpha. This is our time, hand in hand always, our love for one another forever, all the way into eternity. All my love, Jillie.”

His piercing blue eyes reaching my soul in his adoring gaze, Mattias lovingly grinned, holding the paper up, “This is my new favorite letter, Jillie—thank you.”

Our second kiss was initiated by him then, a deeper kiss that reflected a love that I cherished—and would treasure always. Reluctantly breaking away from our embrace, I leaned back slightly, lightly running my fingers through his blonde hair, desire filling my tone as I breathlessly whispered against his lips, “So, how would you like to spend our afternoon? A walk by the brook? Stroll through the wildflower field? Or maybe—we just stay here—and lock the door.”

I giggled when Mattias’ eyes grew wide at my final sensually spoken suggestion. A smile full of desire and anticipation crossed his face as he pressed me harder into his sturdy frame, charmingly replying, “Only if you are sure—and it’s okay if you change your mind. I want to spend our afternoon right here, as close as I can get to you, Jillie. I’ll always choose having you in my arms—in our own world, just you and me.”

Grazing my lips across his, I rasped out, “Good answer”, crashing my lips on his afterwards. Picking my feet up off the ground, Mattias took the necessary steps backwards towards the door while I wrapped my legs around his waist.

Our mouths refusing to relent from the building tension of deeply seeded want and need, I reached down, fumbling around until I locked the door. It took several attempts and maneuvers to accomplish the feat, humoring us both, which resulted in vibrations of our comical moment rippling through our passionate kiss.

Thrusting us forward again, Mattias quickly made it to the edge of my bed. Reaching down, I lifted my pink t-shirt up, pulling off and tossing it to the floor as he gently lowered me down to the surface. I felt my journal beneath me, reaching back to shove it to the side.

But in the midst of our heated embrace, I was a bit more forceful in the action than I had intended, sending it sailing off the bed, both of us breathlessly laughing as we turned our heads in unison towards the loud sound as it dropped on the floor.

I was still giggling when I returned my gaze to Mattias, who was no longer laughing. Instead, he was staring down at me with the most beautiful adoring gaze, touching me in ways only he could—four little words sincerely whispered just for me, “I love you, Jillie.”

The beauty of the first-time making love with Mattias was something I would never forget. For me, everything else was erased—in my heart and in my mind, it was the first-time for me. Every touch, every kiss he placed upon my skin was so soft and tender. Even with his overwhelming desirous needs to solidify our connection, Mattias was so gentle and caring in every move he made, making sure that I never doubted that what was happening between us was a reflection of our love.

I savored every moment of it and returned every soft and tender touch with one of my own, our bodies feeling like they were perfectly made for one another when we fully joined together as one, our moans of pleasured bliss softly echoing out in the room.

My desire was heightened when Mattias began kissing the spot on my neck reserved only for him, sent over the edge as he growled out our deepest desire, “I don’t think I can stop, Jillie. I need to mark you—to make you ALL MINE! Please—oh, I want it—I need it—more than anything!”

Arching my back, I lowered my mouth down to his neck, feeling my own incisors elongating—my wolf driving me to complete our connection—as I softly moaned out against his skin, “Yes—oh, I want to mark you too, Mattias! Now! Please!”

I’ve never felt more vigor in my beloved, sweet mate than I did in that moment, his teeth sinking into my marking spot just as I sank mine into his, both of us reaching a cosmic euphoria, our hearts and souls aligning perfectly with one another as we reached earth shifting climaxes both physically and emotionally.

Our bond and connection as mates was solidified, as well as our love. A moment so beautiful and perfect—the moment I felt completely and utterly whole in the arms of the man who represented my present and my future—my Mattias’ mark that represented our shared love was now my most prized possession...