The Luna Behind The Chains

Chapter 8 - Party Planning

Isabelle POV

I watched the king as he looked over the documents Preston handed over. I haven't seen many men over the course of my life but I can definitely say that this man is the most handsome man I have ever seen. He has the most beautiful almost jet black hair that is short but shaggy, as if he had been pushing his hands through it. His eyelashes were full and long, shaping his deep brown eyes that seemed sad, I believe in reaction to what he was reading. His face seemed to be in almost perfect proportion, his nose was just as straight as his jaw looked. And his mouth looked so kissable, full lips and soft… ugh where were these thoughts coming from. I realised I was probably staring and I didn't want to get told off for staring at the king but it was like I didn't have control. He seemed to have this pull about him that made it seem like I couldn't look away. I forced myself to look down.

“Isabelle, I'm going to ask you a few questions. Now it may be difficult but can you remember if your father ever spoke about sending you away once you turned of age?” The king directed his question at me once he finished reading the documents. As I thought about this I remember the last the time father came down to punish me.

Flashback**

1 week earlier

It's been a couple days since father came down. I hope he forgot about me. As soon as that thought entered my mind, the door at the top of the stairs slammed open. It was so sudden I thought I had a heart attack at how much the shock gave me. I stood in my usual spot, neck bared hoping he would go easy on me. The last visit almost killed me and my wolf was thoroughly knocked out. I know it will take at least a month, maybe more before she is able to come back to me. I heard him thump down the stairs. Oh no he's in a bad mood, and he also sounds drunk. Normal liquor can't affect wolves like they can humans or so Mrs Beltram explained to me the first time father was drunk and I hadn't understood why he was the way he was that night. But if brewed properly if you mix alcohol with wolvesbane it can make a concoction where it will knock your wolf out temporarily so as to allow the alcohol to take effect. I still don't fully understand it but I will never touch the stuff myself. He stumbled into the corridor and looked as if he was trying to focus on me.

“You” he slurred. “You're lucky no one knows you exist. They would love to get their hands on you. But, I'm lucky that they don't know. They don't even know what they're looking for, I have you right here little wolf. You are going nowhere. I keep sending them random others to throw them off.”

Flashback end**

The rest of the memory is fuzzy snippets of fists and pain. I recollect what father said to the king.

“I have no idea what he was on about sire but I'm not special. I'm just someone he blamed for his mate dying. That was the most he said to me though. Like he was trying to justify why he kept me in that cell. But I don't know.” I added to him.

“What he did to you was against everything our wolves allow us to do. Especially to your own pup. But thank you for telling me Isabelle. If you would like to leave, that is fine.” He says to me.

“I don't want to be alone, I wouldn't mind staying here if you need Preston and Alesha. I don't know anyone and I don't want to be mistaken as a trespasser or anything.” I responded.

“I wouldn't mind taking her to the pack kitchens if you all don't mind. I would like to plan a dinner for Isabelle's birthday party. She turns 18 tomorrow.” Alesha requests from the king and Alpha's.

“Not at all, an 18th birthday is a big one. It marks the first day you can find your mate.” The king says with a glint of something in his eyes. I couldn't tell if it was yearning or hope. But in the next second it was gone.

“I will link the kitchen to expect your arrival” Harry says.

“Would you like a big gathering or would you like to keep your birthday small?” Grant asks me.

“I would like to keep it small if you don't mind. Just whoever is in this room and maybe your Betas and Gammas if you'd like.” I say offering them all to join. Internally I hoped the king would join, I could just look at him all day and that would be the best gift he could ever give me. Jeez I sound like a creep. I scold myself and push that thought back.

“Thank you for inviting us, I'm sure once we have squared all information gathering here away, I'm sure myself and the Alphas would love to join, including my beta and Gamma.” The king replies.

“Ours too.” Both alphas say at once.

“The kitchens are awaiting your arrival. Our head cook Kiera will help you plan for tomorrow.” Alpha Harry lets us know.

“Thank you Alpha.” Alesha responds.

We both leave the office and the beta is waiting outside the door.

“Let me formally introduce myself, I am Beta Joshua. You can just call me Josh. Would you like me to show you to the kitchens?” Josh asks us both.

Alesha turns to me. “Yes please if you don't mind” I say to him.

“Right this way.” He says and we follow him through the packhouse.

The kitchen was enormous, and a lady was giving instructions to a team of cooks.

“Kiera, are you available?” Josh directs towards the lady that seemed to be in charge. She was around 5”7’ with beautiful auburn hair that was tied back and she looked to have a scarf around the front of her hair.

She smiled our way and I have to admit it was a beautiful smile. “Hi Alpha told me you two were coming down. I heard you would like to plan a birthday dinner? I would be honoured to cater it for you all with my team. I have given them instructions for dinner as lunch is set, so we can take the afternoon to plan if you would like.” She tells us.

“If you're sure. I don't want to put you out with more work.” I say to her, a little bewildered that a stranger would put themselves out for me.

“Of course I am sure! You only turn 18 once and I would like to make it extra special for you honey.” The way she looked into my eyes with as much sincerity as she had, touched me. I had tears in my eyes. I gulped and nodded.

“Thank you, I look forward to it.” I said.

We spent the rest of the afternoon together. Tasting a variety of amazing foods and cakes. I actually relaxed and enjoyed myself. We chose the food, a carrot soup for starters, steak for main and I chose a strawberry cake. They may seem basic but when you go years without proper meals this one seemed important to choose.

“Thank you for doing this for me. This is something that I will never forget. If I could do anything for you in the future just let me know.” I say to Kiera.

“Oh honey, it was nothing. I loved spending time with you. Oh also the alphas would like me to let you know that they would like to host your dinner party in the alpha suit as it's more private. They said they will discuss it more with you at dinner tonight.” She smiles then asks. “ Would it be okay to hug you? I know you have been through a lot and just didn't want to come at you with a hug.”

“Umm, yes sure, I would like that.” I say to her.

She then enveloped me in a hug, it was warm and safe. It was like a hug from my mum and all of a sudden I felt like I was 5 again.

“Come by the kitchen anytime, you are a pleasure to be around.” She says.

I nod and pull away thanking her again. Taking Alesha's arm we leave the kitchen.