Death and Howls Part Nine: The Willows Sway Once More!

Luna:

Darwin showered our boys in kisses, scarlet painted my cheeks. My breath hitched at how handsome he looked playing with the boys, pride glistening in my eyes. An abrupt knock interrupted the moment, an annoyed look stealing away his smile. The constant knocking on his door had him at the end of his rope, a soft smile from me relaxing his nerves. Being the commander and all had them coming at all hours, his fingers drummed on their bellies to relax him a bit further. Scooping up the twins, an eager Acer opened the door before he could inquire who was there. Smiling softly to myself, he was a key part of my plan today. However his loud mouth could ruin the surprise for me.

“How about we hit the town today and get treats for our ladies? I was thinking we could pick up that lunch that I promised! Where is your shirt?” He blabbered relentlessly, deep crimson flushing my cheeks at Dar's firmer chest and bigger arms. Cocking his brow, the training for his position had him exercising in the early morning. Early mornings weren’t Dar’s favorite things, Rose coming in behind him with Fae. Donning an ivory leaf gown, the queen’s crown glittered on her head. Pride glistened in my eyes, my heart knowing that she had found her happy ending.

“Aren’t you going out for a bit of fun?” Rose implied with a wink in Acer’s direction, Dar picking up on everyone’s suspicious behavior. “Isn’t his new uniform in?” Sweat beaded on my brow, a sly grin dancing across Dar’s lips. How rapid was his mind churning? His wits surely had placed everything together. Panicking internally, his loving gaze flitting over to me. Placing the twins into their cribs, a snap of his fingers summoned a shirt. Tugging it over his head, his hand rested icily on Acer’s shoulder. Shuddering, the mood shift had occurred rapidly.

“Whatever plan you have going on is ruining my day off so let’s get this over with.” He teased coolly, his annoyance showing in his increasing grip. “The early mornings are killing me enough as is. That being said, you guys lie rather poorly.” Using his magic to drag me over to him, my cheeks flushed a deeper crimson. Brushing his lips along the nape of my neck, my palms rubbed his chest in response. Showering me with his love for me, my heart began to flutter uncontrollably.

“Hunger burns within me for you.” He whispered huskily in my ear, my thighs rubbing together. “Get ready for some fun tonight after the kids go to bed.” A new shade of red colored my cheeks, Acer shooting him a stern look. Pecking my lips one last time, his footfalls thudded out of the cabin. Touching my lips, his warmth was still there. Getting stuck in a daze, Rose snapped her fingers in front of my face. Apologizing as I snapped back into reality, Melda making her way in woke me up a bit further. Fussing with her silky orange gown, respectful gazes met mine. Scooping up Fae, she rocked him back and forth. Melda's spirits had been high as of late, my heart aching for her grief in the moment.

“I opened the gate enough for your friends to show up on the train. They are as lovely as the two of you. Would you like to try on your wedding dress?” She gushed with a graceful spin, more sweat glistening on my skin. “Rose, let’s get our girl ready. I have the beautiful grandbabies under control.” Rose whisked me away to my bathroom, her steady hands preparing a bath while humming. Her outlook on life seemed brighter as of late despite the most recent laws splitting up the citizens in the capital. I rather enjoyed them, the outsiders laughing and smiling more in the market.

“Darwin is quite the catch. Never had I ever seen a father deliver his own children.” She commented nonchalantly while hanging up an emerald satin gown with a lacy silver train and corset. Smiling softly to myself, he had excelled in the medical classes of the academy.  Blushing at how well he delivered our children, Felina bounced in. Spinning around in a golden lace dress, she bowed in front of me. Babbling away, my mind raced over last night’s session of fun. Ever since having our twins, he has become more sensual. The images had me craving him had my palms gripping the sides of the tub in response. Climbing in, I needed to keep my composure together. Sinking under the water, any dirt and filth floated to the top. The requirement to breath had me bursting to the surface with a deep breath, Rose and Felina giggling to themselves. Felina bounced out to Melda, Rose holding out a towel for me to dry off. Climbing out after the quick dip, she kicked a stool into place. Drying off with a tender blush, the floor groaned as she spun on her heels to face away from me. Fluffing up my hair, my curls bounced to life. Dropping the corset top over my head, the silver ribbons in the front allowed me to tighten it myself. No trace of my pregnancy was present besides my sore breasts and maybe an inch or two on my hips, Rose seeming to have lucked out as well in the same manner. Tying on the tight skirt, the train waited for me. Spacing out for a second, the anxiety of the surprise weighed on me. Would he say yes? A hand on my shoulder had me snapping back to reality, a gentle smile meeting my nervous grin. Sitting me down on the stool, several hair tools flipped through her fingers. Babbling away, a memory took me back to one of my favorite moments with Dar. 

The willows danced around us, Dar’s sixteen year old body lay next to mine. The sweat from our activities glistened on his skin, my wolf often made me screw away my stress. Pulling me onto his chest, this spot was ours. Kissing the top of my head, he bore no shame in our actions. His loving gaze met mine, the bushes rustling had us popping to our feet. Scrambling around to get our clothes, his strong arm yanked me behind the closest bushes. Tugging on our clothes, my breath hitched at his firm chest glistening underneath his unbuttoned shirt. Buttoning up his pants, disappointment dimmed my eyes. Round two had been put on the table but an approaching Lottie and Boran had us scrambling back towards the castle. Boosting me into his room, a gruff grunt poured from his lips. Pinning me to the wall, his lips pressed against mine hungrily, a knock interrupting the moment. Huffing in annoyance, he had a short argument with the person before returning to me. The mood had been killed, his finger rising into the air.  What adventure did he have in mind?

“Let’s go flying.” He suggested with a big grin, his hand dragging me with him.  My flowing emerald dress floated with each step, his grin never fading. Seeing him like this melted my heart, his usual level of stress melting away. Dashing into Helios stables, his strong hands helped me on. Hopping on behind me, his arms curled around my waist. A gust of wind knocked the trees back upon Helios’ take off. Zooming through the sky, renewed freedom twinkled in his eyes. Searching for our other hiding spot, his face brightened at the sight of it. Trees blew back with our graceful landing, Helios lowering us down. Taking off to hunt, lights twinkling stole my breath away. Soft music played next to me, his hand resting on my hip. Dar's romantic side swept me away every time. The other one slid up to my shoulder, his arm yanking me close to his hips. Basking in the warmth of his aura, we twirled around the circle.  Gliding to a stop, his lips brushed against mine tenderly. Scarlet painted my cheeks, my body arching towards his. Entranced by his spell, nothing would make him love me any less.

“I brought you out here to discuss the future.” He gushed excitedly, his hand lowering to my flat stomach. “Forgive me for asking but I desire to have the biggest family in the land. What do you think?” Closing my eyes, the image of a slightly grayed haired version of him throwing a ball around with all of our wolf children had me blushing harder. Hovering my lips over his, his breath mixed with mine. 

“Of course. I wouldn’t want anything else.” I returned sweetly, his hand cupping my cheek. “Your wish is my command. On one condition, you let me propose to you. For once, I want to have the upper hand on you.” Pecking my lips feverishly, my wolf was crying out for more of him. Pausing for a moment, he shot me an adorable okay. Our desires whisked us away for a second time. 

A snap of Rosie’s fingers had me back in reality, a long breath drawing from my lips at the flawless silver eyeliner with a faded green shade on my eyelids. Rose had tamed my hair into a neat bun, a couple of my curls bouncing around. Painting my lips a rosy pink, my silver train hung off of her arms. Hesitation lingered in my eyes, my fingers digging at the satin. 

“Do you think he will say yes?” I choked out with tears swimming in my eyes, her bright smile meeting mine. “What if he says n-” Cupping my cheeks, her head shook in denial. Choosing her words carefully, her face brightened considerably. How did she become my damn cheerleader?

“He won’t. Do you know how many times I catch him watching you with all the love in the world between the training sessions? Don’t think that we can’t hear you when you two play?” She assured me in a sisterly tone, her steady fingers tying on my train. Sliding on a pair of shimmering silver heels, her dainty hands helped me to my feet. Guiding me out of the bathroom, Melda rose to her feet with a big grin. Missing my mother, the time apart wouldn’t be for long. Gushing over me, the emerald suits covering my sons had me thanking her quietly. A maid popped her head in, Rose spun over with a wink. Nodding a couple of times, her hands pressed together. Was it time already?

“Time to begin.” She sang with a twirl into the sky, her fingers curling around mine. Dragging me along, her heels barely touched the ground. Time stopped, a rather dashing Darwin tearing up at the sight of me in my gown. His arms clutching me close to his chest had me relieved, his heart beating as fast as mine. Please don't say no. I don't know if my heart could handle the rejection.

“So we skipped the proposal and went straight to the altar?” He teased with a flurry of kisses on the top of my head. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from my Luna.” The softness of his emerald suit soaked up my emotions, his fingers lifting up my chin. Cocking his brow, Acer mumbled a weak apology behind him. Melda cleared her throat, one wave of her hands ordering them to follow her into the willows. 

“It didn’t take long for him to crack so I got you this.” He continued with a hearty chuckle, a silver crescent moon necklace shimmering in his palm. “Let me put this on so the world is doubly sure you belong to me.” Sniffing his scent as he maneuvered the necklace into its proper place, the sounds of the crowd roared back into life. Stepping back the moon shimmered wonderfully in the afternoon light, his elbow waiting for mine. Not saying a word, I hooked it around his. Music swelled to life, every stride forward had my heart seconds from beating out of my chest. Stopping at the altar, our friends and family waved from the train. Avy and Somy sobbed into each other’s arms, pure joy lacing their tears. Lottie tried to play it cool between sniffles, Boran and my siblings bouncing up with excitement. Smiling softly to myself, Dar twirled me into place. Melda rose from her seat, Acer and Rose accepting the twins. A ball of golden flames flickered to life in her palms, her gown swishing as she took her place behind us. Pride glittered in her eyes, a faint glow sparkling to life.

“My heart swells for the couple in front of me. Their love shines true.” She announced with a big smile, her hands cupping ours over the golden flames. “Say your vows and two rings will appear. Us elves like to keep it simple.” Pressing her palms together with a wink, Dar cleared his throat. Eager to hear his words, they were sure to be a bit humorous but serious at the same time.

“From the first howl I fell for your spell, your love of adventure bringing us loads of trouble. Sorry mother and father.” He gushed avidly, his hands gripping mine tighter with the giggles. “Not one moon rise would be the same without you, your gentle heart carrying me through the darkness. I remember one fine evening where you promised me a big family. With that request, I vow to be your father and your husband. Please accept my love for our long life.” The flames rose higher, silent tears staining my cheeks. Melda urged me to speak, her hand rubbing my shoulder.  Wishing that my mother could do the same to me, my heart ached for her flurry of kisses to the top of my head.

“You stood by my side no matter what. God knows how many times we have saved each other.” I sobbed adorably, flashing him a loving smile. “No matter what, we made it through. Nothing can match your zealous love of adventure and your dreams. My wolf howls for you and will never stop. That family is as good as yours, so please let me be the mother and wife of your dreams.” The ball shot into the sky, sparkly ash shimmering like snow. Two rings floated into my palm, a silver band in the shape of a dragon representing him to a tea. An emerald encrusted silver band was in the shape of a wolf, a deep crimson burning my cheeks. Sliding them on together like we always did things, a silver dragon bounced around with a silver wolf over my head before shooting into the sky. Swinging him underneath me, my passionate kiss had his generals whistling away. Spinning me underneath him, time stopped the moment his lips pressed against mine sweetly. The cheers faded out, the petals seeming to freeze. Releasing me from his spell, it all came rushing back in. Acer rose to his feet, his fine silk orange suit looking fantastic on him. Asking everyone to go to the reception, he shot a wink in our direction. Making our way over to the train, the form began to glitch out. Avy and Somy swarmed us, Lottie and Boran hugging us from the other side. 

“The reception back at home will be in a month. Bring your friends if you must. Sorry we have to go.” Avy apologized sincerely, the whistle announcing their departure. Stepping back, tears rattled me to the core as they shot off into a portal. Dar buried me in a hug, his chin resting on my head. How on Earth did he know how to cheer me up in my darkest moments?

“We get to visit them for a week in a month so it isn’t a long goodbye.” He choked out between sobs, his jacket soaking in all of my emotion. “At least they could be here.” Glancing up at him with wet eyes, his thumb wiped my tears away. Knowing he was right, I held my head up high. Chuckling to himself at my broken tenacity, his arms refused to let me go. 

“You are officially mine now and I command that we feast and dance in the honor of your union. Although I did wish to say I do like we do at home!” I laughed desperately, his arms tossing me over his shoulder. “What are you doing?” A fit of laughter burst from his lips, his worn boots whisking me away to the reception. Mumbling the words I do into my ear, any sadness melted away. His ears were always open to my request, a bit of dread flashing in my head for a second. His eager look ripped me back into the moment.

“I do, too.” I whispered lovingly into his ear, the flames of our love burning bright.” I always do.”