The One

Luka Bodolf Weylyn Ethelwulf

 Luka's eyes darted from his mother to his father, uncertainty clouding his features until he instinctively turned back to his mother, the innocence of his puppy eyes pleading for her approval.

"Luka, of course you can. He's your father, and you don't need to give me those puppy eyes because it won't work on me, baby boy. Do you want Mummy to come with you?" she asked, her heart aching slightly.

"No need, Mummy. It's a boys' outing," he stated proudly.

She gasped at her son's bold declaration, a laugh bubbling up as she caught the cheeky glint in his eyes. She exchanged amused glances with her parents, who also chuckled softly at their grandson's spunky nature. Luka smirked at his grandparents, declaring with a teasing tone, "And no old people too, just me and Daddy," prompting gasps of mock indignation and laughter from them.

William dramatically pressed a hand to his heart, exclaiming, "Excuse me, young man, I'm old but I'm gold!" with a cheeky grin, causing Luka to snicker at his grandpa.

Beau and Accalia watched the little boy with love shining in their eyes, their hearts warming to see him engaging with the Randale family. With a gentle nudge, Accalia urged Luka to approach them, and with newfound courage, he ventured closer, extending his small hand.

"Hi, I'm Luka. Mummy often talks about you two, my other grandpa Beau and grandma Accalia, and how she misses you dearly," he stated, his voice small but earnest.

"Yes, baby boy, I'm your grandpa Beau. You can call me grandpapa," said Beau, reaching out to shake Luka's hand, while Accalia's heart melted as she enveloped him in a warm embrace.

"I'm Accalia, your grandmama," she said softly, kissing the top of his head.

In a playful, exaggerated tone, Beau added, "I feel left out! You hugged your grandmama but not your grandpapa. Oh, I'm so sad!"

Luka cooed at his grandpapa, extending his arms, "Aww, come here, let me hug you too," and he wrapped his arms around both Beau and Accalia, spreading warmth and laughter throughout the room.

Everybody was captivated by Luka's charm, as he became the light in the dim haze following their earlier arguments. Karol observed her boy's interactions with pride swelling in her chest, grateful for his sweet manners. Meanwhile, Christian watched his family, his thoughts weaving between the joy of this moment and the desperate need to reconcile with his mate.

"Told you two that you'd like the surprise," William declared, his tone light, yet it caught Karol by surprise. She turned to her father, her tone rising slightly along with one eyebrow, questioning, "What surprise?! Did you plan this?"

"For the revelation part, we did not, but for introducing Luka to Beau and Accalia, yes," he replied calmly.

Anna stood and approached her visibly upset daughter as William did the same. "We planned to introduce Luka to Beau and Accalia during a dinner date tonight at our house," she revealed gently.

"...."

"We wouldn't do anything to jeopardise our relationship with you, darling. We all know how you'll react," he assured.

"...."

"So, that's why we invited just Beau and Accalia over to tell them everything about Luka," Anna said, wrapping her arms around her daughter, who was sobbing silently between her parents.

"Thank you, Mummy, Daddy, for always being there for me," she whispered, overwhelmed by gratitude.

"Hush now, little one. We are here. Always," William comforted her.

"We're here too," Accalia added warmly, lowering Luka back down as he promptly rushed to his mother, hugging her tightly around the waist.

"Mummy, don't cry," he urged.

She swept him up in her arms, using the gentle touch of her son to dry her tears as she made a quiet excuse, "I'm not crying, baby boy. It's just that dust suddenly got in my eyes."

Christian stood silently, his heart heavy as he wrestled with a torrent of emotions. One part of him longed to step forward, to wrap his arms around his mate and offer the comfort she so clearly needed. Another part, however, seethed with guilt and self-loathing, wishing he could erase the tears that had spill down her cheeks, the pain that she had endured alone. The third part of him yearned to draw both his mate and their son into an embrace, to envelop them in his scent, to solidify their bond. Yet he recognised that to act on any of these impulses at that moment would risk shattering the fragile peace that hung in the air.

Without warning, Beo bowed his head towards Karol and spoke, "I would like to apologise on behalf of my foolish son for his thoughtless actions."

Karol shook her head fiercely, her voice steady amidst the turmoil. "No, please don't blame him or anyone else. It's been five years now. I've forgiven him for his wrongdoings. Besides, because of him, I have my world with me right now—my baby boy. My precious Luka. My everything."

"May I know your full name, son?" Beo asked gently.

"Of course, Mummy. I can tell Grandpapa my full name!" Luka piped up, his little face lighting up. "My name is Luka Bodolf Weylyn Ethelwulf!"

"Ethelwulf?" Christian echoed, his eyes widening with excitement and a hint of hope. He glanced between his son and mate, eager for connection.

"Yes," she replied, her expression softening. "He carries your last name. I'm not so cruel as to sever ties completely. One day, Luka will ask about his father, and I want him to know you."

"Thank you, thank you so much for not cutting ties with me," Christian said, stepping closer, his heart swelling with gratitude.

Yet her voice turned icy, breaking the moment's warmth. "Don't thank me; this is for Luka's sake, not yours. I'm sorry, but we won't be here for long. I'll let you both take turns playing with Luka before we head back home."

"It's okay, don't be sorry," Christian replied softly, his heart aching. "Instead, we should be thanking you for bringing Luka here to introduce him to us. We will certainly find time to visit you both often."

"Luka, darling, Mummy wants to go now. Do you want to follow me or stay with your father?" she asked, her voice softening.

"Will you be okay, Mummy, without me around for a few hours?" Luka asked, his innocent voice filled with concern.

"Of course I will, my brave baby boy! I'm strong; I can handle anything," she assured him with a smile, trying to mask her own fears.

"Oh yes, Mummy is strong," Luka declared with pride, his little fists clenched. "You were super strong that time against the bad guy! But if any bad guy comes and disturbs you, don't forget to call me, okay? I'm stronger than you now, Mummy. I hate seeing you hurt; that red colour doesn't suit you."

His worried expression radiated outwards, a protective aura that infused the room, causing Arlo to appear and snarl instinctively.