Chapter 40: Inseparable

Wyatt

I was more nervous for Bella’s Luna ceremony than I had been for my own Alpha initiation. Some of the nerves I was feeling were probably Bella’s anxiety being transmitted to me through the mating bond. But some of my nervousness was my own. Not because I had any reservations about presenting Bella to the pack, but because Byron and I had organized a surprise for her... and I wasn’t sure if she was actually going to like it.

Byron and I were dressed in our matching black tuxes, with blood red shirts underneath, to match Bella’s dress. Byron had gelled and styled his hair, but the best I could do was brush mine out and tie it back from the front so that it wouldn’t blow in my face during the outdoor ceremony. I tugged at my collar and checked my watch. I was beginning to wonder if the “surprise” was really going to show.

At just five minutes to the hour, I got the mind link that my special guest had arrived. I motioned to Byron and we hurried for the door. The Canadian royal alpha, known as “King” Louis Levesque was striding up the front steps, flanked on either sides by his body guards.

He took my hand in a hearty handshake and then used it as leverage to pull me in for a hug. “Son, I’m so grateful to you. I can’t thank you enough for giving me this opportunity.” he said warmly. Then he did the same to Byron. Finally he backed up, and straightened his coat. “Now tell me, which one is which? Wyatt? Byron?”

I pointed to myself. “I’m Wyatt, sir. My brother, Byron.”

“Don’t call me sir! Call me dad, or Louis if you must. We are about to be family now!”

I had to fight not to raise my eyebrows. I wasn’t sure exactly how sane this man was. After all, he had been known as “mad king Louis” for more than a decade. When I had made the call, he had assured me that he was very much recovered now, “and getting better every day.” The tall man winked at me with good humor in his eyes, and clasped his hands together eagerly. “So, please,” he almost whispered. “Where is my daughter? May I see her now?"

Byron cleared his throat awkwardly. “Yes sir. But we should warn you... she doesn’t know that you are here.”

We lead the way down the hall to the downstairs parlor where the girls were preparing themselves. I had already had a mind link from Daphne to inform me that Bella was all ready for the ceremony, and just waiting for the signal to move down to the garden. I licked my lips nervously and knocked on the door. “Bella, sweetheart?”

“Yes! Come in!”

I opened the door just wide enough to poke my head in. The sight of Bella made my heart stop. She had never looked more gorgeous... or more royal. She looked absolutely perfect. I was so beguiled by her that I lost my train of thought for a moment.

“Is it time?” She asked me innocently.

“In a moment. I... We...” I coughed into my hand. “Byron and I have a surprise for you, my love. Can you come out?”

“Oh? Okay...” She stood gracefully, and I noticed that despite the elegant dress, the fancy hair, even the jewelry we had bought for her... she was still barefoot. I smiled to myself and opened the door wide for her to pass through.

“Wyatt! Oh Byron! You look so handsome!” She beamed happily at me and then straightened Byron’s tie. Byron took her gently by the shoulders and turned her around.

“Bella... we would like to introduce you... to Louis Levesque. Your father.”

I saw her body go ridged with shock. Her eyes widened, and I saw her color fade beneath her make up.

Louis stepped forward, still tall and regal, although he was as thin as a flagpole and his face seemed to have aged well beyond his years from his prolonged battle with mental illness. “Eh, my child,” he breathed, stepping closer. “You are the very image of your mother... “ he reached forward and took a bit of her hair between his fingers. “I never thought I would see you again... and here you are... all grown up...so beautiful..even mated...” Tears shimmered in his eyes, and suddenly he grabbed her up and crushed her against him in a hug.

Poor Bella looked shocked; she didn’t know what to do. I shot a worried glance across to Byron. This was surely the most awkward family reunion ever. The king used her shoulders to set her back from him so he could look at her more closely. “Forgive me for intruding on your special day, Isabella. Your mates called me... and asked me to be here, to escort you down the aisle for the ceremony... which every father longs to do. Will you... will you allow me?”

Bella was staring hard at the king’s beard. She reached up a tentative hand and touched the wiry hairs. “I remember,” she whispered softly. “I remember you ticking my belly with your beard.”

“Yes! Yes that’s right!” The king’s eyes watered, and tears spilled down his hollow cheeks. “You used to come running and pull your shirt up and beg me to give you tickles. You would laugh and laugh and...”

“And pull your hair,” she finished softly.

“You do remember.”

She sighed and looked up into his wet, green eyes. “Yes... but its like a dream...”

“My child, I’m so sorry... I’m so sorry for all the years that you lost, for all the injustices you suffered. If I could turn back time, I swear I would make it right.” More tears coursed down his face and wet his beard. “But I assure you... the people responsible, they have been dealt with. Severely.”

She blinked, several times, hard. “Please don’t make me cry. My makeup will run.”

He held out his elbow. “May I walk with you, my daughter?”

She gave a wobbly smile, and slipped her hand through the crook of his arm. “I’d be honored.”

I let out a breath I didn’t know I had been holding, and shot a relieved look at Byron. Well that wasn’t so bad. Are you ready, brother?

I’ve been ready since the moment we found her.